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Never too old to learn or teach

By
Dr Tania Saili Bakshi
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Aanya's Brush Calligraphy online course

Dateline Delhi: Vacations begin as the plains of India simmer under a hot sun. If you have no plans of being on a detox from internet then how about learning something new online from the comfort of your space?

15-year-old Aanya Jaina is armed with her brush pens, pencils and ink to teach you the nuances of a visual art related to writing i.e. an online Calligraphy workshop. The workshop is customized for fourteen years old and above, three day workshop: 3rd, 6th, 7th of June and the cost includes calligraphy kit-pen and guide sheets.

In the hour long workshop Aanya will help you trace and learn Brush Calligraphy, a set of skills and techniques that help you inscribe words with integrity, harmony and rhythm.

Aanya Jaina practising her art

Grade 10th student, Aanya has been polishing her skills of hand learning beautiful symbols and alphabets since the age of ten.  Her first brush with the art came when she was at a book fair. She tells me, “At the age of ten I purchased a book on calligraphy knowing nothing about it. Post going through the book I officially started following YouTube tutorials and Instagram calligraphers.”

While her peer group was busy upgrading their wardrobes, cosmetic and book collection, Aanya was working on her personalized stationery to master Calligraphy. From an oblique holder, Nikko-G nib and Sumi ink for Copperplate and Spencerian calligraphy and Devanagari Auto pens for Devanagari script she has it all and plenty more.

Over a period of five years, Aanya has gone on to learn Brush Calligraphy, Copperplate Calligraphy, Spencerian and Devanagari. Today she designs cards, posters, letters, nametags etc. She further adds, “What started as a hobby, is now my passion. Calligraphy isn’t just an art of beautiful writing but a feeling that makes me relax and create beauty.’ A word of advice from the young lady, “Calligraphy has nothing to do with bad handwriting. It is a beginner’s workshop. Calligraphy is a form of expression, like a fingerprint or a voice, unique for each person. The keynotes for any beginner being: ‘patience and practice.”

So what are you waiting for? Sign up for this beginner’s guide into the world of Calligraphy!

Crafting a future

By
Dr Tania Saili Bakshi
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0
A glimpse of whats in store at the Trust

Dateline Dehradun:  Vishwajeet Sanjay Pokhriyal Memorial Trust, Vasant Vihar, Dehradun  began as a small initiative by Abha Pokhriyal on the 15th of August, 2021. Started in the fond memory of her husband and son whom she lost to Covid early last year. Helped by family and volunteers this self-help group of women from the weaker section of the society has turned the tide.

Vishwajeet Sanjay Pokhriyal Memorial Trust is your one-stop shop for anything that you may fancy. Priced anywhere between 500/- to 2000/- rupees there are hand knitted stoles, caps, ponchos, sweaters, cardigan, baby suits that bring warmth to the soul or hand-painted runners, mats, napkins that add more than just colour to your home decor. Embroidery bags, sari bags, suits to Macrame coasters, purses, sling bags, key chains all made with love.

Volunteers at the Trust

Volunteers as young as ten year old to the eldest being in her forties are personally trained for weeks on end. The raw material for the same is made readily available by the Trust. Once they master the art of either knitting, sewing, painting or macrame the team hands over raw material and assignments to deliver. All this for a nominal monthly income.

Today Abha has little time in hand for anything else. Immersed in working closely with her talented team she tells me, “past few months have been busy but in a good way. Our customers have been very encouraging and we have repeat orders for most of the items.”

‘Future plans?’ I ask. Abha replies, “I would like to expand slowly and run similar centers in Himachal Pradesh and in the interiors of Uttarakhand. We want to reach out to womenfolk and help each other. Seeing the enthusiastic response of our clients, we are also thinking on the lines of going online real soon.”

To order call: +91 75368 07471

Or drop in at: 369- Indira Nagar Colony , Post Office New Forest, Dehradun, 248006, Uttarakhand

A comprehensive book on Uttarakhand recipes

By
Dr Tania Saili Bakshi
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The Heavenly Abode: A collection of Garhwali Cuisine

Dateline Mussoorie: If you looking for a recipe book on Garhwali cuisine then ‘The Heavenly Abode: A Culinary Trail into the Foods of Uttarakhand’ by Notion Press has all that you are looking for.

Uttarakhand hill-state known for its picturesque towns, cooler climes, spirituality is also making its way onto the world food map.  ‘The Heavenly Abode’ is the latest collection of over fifty recipes handpicked by two women who have spent most of their lifetime in the hills they call home.

The launch of The Heavenly Abode: Pic Courtesy Joydeep Das

The 84 pages well-researched book has been co-authored by Smriti Hari and Ashu Jain both residents of Mussoorie with a common passion for food. The photographs accompanying these mouth-watering recipes by Joydeep Das are a visual treat. The book was recently released by senior BJP leader Dr Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank.

 

Telling us more about their latest entity Smriti Hari says, “I am baker and food-enthusiastic. I have spent most of my life in the hills. I learnt the cuisine and wanted to share and promote it through-out the world.”

From flavoursome delicacies such as Kandali ka saag, Roth, Kafuli, Jakhiya Aloo, Jahngoore ki kheer, Pahadi Naamak, Paapdi this comprehensive food-guide has recipes of beverages, condiments; finger-foods; meals; desserts including snippets of the health benefits of these food items. Uttarakhandi cuisine though traditionally grain and cereal based is made up of simple ingredient that retains its nutritional qualities and flavour which is also one of its many USPs.

This joint effort by Smriti and Ashu took close to two years of research. Ashu Jain adds, “I have a café that serves Uttarakhand cuisine. I was born and raised in a neighbourhood which cooked and shared their local food with us. I worked hard on this project and finally through our book we will be able to share these recipes with the world.”

The Heavenly Abode is available online on Amazon and Flipkart.

Phalguni Dasgupta to exhibit latest collection at VoW Cafe

By
Dr Tania Saili Bakshi
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Phalguni Dasgupta's Exhibit Poster

“I see the world with my eyes and interpret it with my insight. Whatever has thrilled me, whatever I have treasured in life, I try to share it with my viewers. I am ruled by emotions, instinct and beliefs and if my work evokes the same in my viewers, I am more than gratified.” 

: PHALGUNI DASGUPTA 

Dateline Dehradun: VoW Café-Gallery-Studio honours itself with yet another painting exhibition by none other than world renowned Phalguni Dasgupta from 22nd of May onwards.

Known as ‘The Wizard of Watercolour,’ Phalguni Dasgupta’s artwork is inspired by Nature and his surroundings.  This will be the talented artist’s first exhibition after a gap of six years. The artist will be showcasing close to a dozen artworks that will be on display for a month at the Vow Cafe. 

Phalguni’s watercolour collection entitled ‘Colour of Civilization’ a journey through India’s cosmic life and unbounded nature will bring alive vast mountains, oceans, flora, fauna and cosmic life, a constant focus in his collection. 

Jayati Sengupta

Talking about his collection Phalguni says, “The theme is my attempt to reach out to people across the boundaries of land and ocean, colour and civilization.” The artist dedicated his upcoming exhibition to his late sister Jayati Sengupta who had been his guide and mentor.

Phalguni Dasgupta was born in Bangladesh in 1934. He came to India after the partition and pursued a career in arts. His first exhibition was held in 1957. Since then, his numerous exhibitions all over the world has received many awards and accolades. His forte remains his technique of using salt on pigment to achieve startling effects.  

The last exhibition by Phalguni Dasgupta was held in 2016 in Dehradun and he returns to the city after a gap of six years to display his latest art-work at VoW Café-Gallery-Studio coming 22nd of May onwards.

A must-do on your itinerary one summer evening! Mark your calendar!

Venue: VoW cafe, Sahastradhara Road

Date: 22nd May, 2022

Duration: Month long exhibit

Cine Talkies ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ flagged off in Mumbai

By
Dr Tania Saili Bakshi
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Sanskar Bharti, a well-known organisation working towards the promotion of Indian art and culture worldwide along with the Academy of Theatre Arts, Mumbai University, and IGNCA celebrated 75 years of Independence and the contribution of Indian cinema towards it.

In the first of many to the lead up a two-day seminar, Cine Talkies: Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav was flagged off in Mumbai today.

Arjun Ram Meghwal, Union Minister of State for Culture and Parliamentary Affairs, inaugurated the event in the presence of a galaxy of key dignitaries namely Padma Shri Awardee Asha Parekh, Renowned writer-director Padma Shri Chandraparaksh Dwivedi, Mr Sachinand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, Dr Suhas Pednekar, VC, Mumbai University & President Sanskar Bharti along with Shri Vasudev Kamanth among others.

Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal said, “We should not forget the sacrifices of the freedom heroes, and the films that have played an immense role in keeping the same zeal and memory alive over the years.” He further added, “I appreciate Sanskar Bharti for creating a platform to celebrate the 75 years of Independence. This is truly going to bring light to our country’s beautiful Independence journey, today surely is the ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.”

The Encyclopaedia on Bharatiya Cinema was launched along with the Cine Talkies Souvenir which marks its first-ever conclave on the contribution of the Indian film industry to the Indian freedom struggle.
 Congratulating Cine Talkies, Padmashri Awardee Shrimati Asha Parekh said “I congratulate Sanskar Bharti for adopting this beautiful conceptualisation and making it into a grand celebration. Our country is a diversified collaboration of language, art, cultures, society, and most important folk art. Sanskar Bharti is doing a commendable job in creating awareness among the common man of our country.”

A conversant presentation on film makers who were a part of the freedom struggle was presented by Dr. Pradeep Kenchanaru. Followed by a panel discussion moderated by Mr. Rakesh Mittal on Dada Saheb Phalke’s motivation, vision and art with Mr. Paresh Mokashi, Mr. Kamal Swaroop, and Mr. M.K Raghvendra. The second-panel discussion was moderated by Ms. Runa Ashish Bhutda, with keynote speakers: Mr. A.K Raveendran, Mr. Manoj Muntashir, and Mr. Subodh Bhave, talking about ‘Patriotism as a driving force for Indian Cinema.’

Anurag Verma, associated with Himalayan University and Sanskar Bharati Uttarakhand felt that along with better film subjects; better techniques and treatment for film production was the need of the hour. He reiterated the fact that in the near future Sanskar Bharti would organize workshops across the country to work on these lines.

Manvee Nautiyal, Representative of Sanskar Bharti Uttarakhand and Himalayan University expressed her concern about independent film makers. She felt that their contribution should not be forgotten and be recognised across different platforms.  Adding that films that showcase our rich heritage, bravery and real heroes of our country should be encouraged.

Uttarkashi libraries more than just stores of books

By
Dr Tania Saili Bakshi
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0

Dateline Uttarkashi: If you happen to be in Uttarkashi anytime soon then do look up the Government District Library, Uttarkashi. Founded in 1964 this iconic building got a recent makeover and technical overhaul adding to its appeal.

Boasting of over forty-five thousand books ranging from Hindi literature to English literature, Gazetteers, Research papers by various scholars. Motivational, History, Social, Cultural, Competitive guides, Novels, Poetry the library is a heaven for those who enjoy the magic of the written word.

With two employees manning it round the clock, the Government District Library has three well-equipped branches in the district one at Chinyalisaur, Badkot and one in Bhatwadi as well.

Librarian since 1998, the Government District Library has been under the watchful eyes and supervision of Shri Akila Bhatt who tells me, “With the recent technical overhaul, archiving and new subscriptions added to the list, the number of daily readers and visitors has gone up tremendously.” He further adds, “We have people from across age groups, both men and women who come in on a daily basis to spend time here.”  A sure-short sign that this store of books and knowledge is making an impact by catering to the needs of the community at large.

With over eight hundred registered members in Uttarkashi alone, these libraries cater to over hundred daily readers, research scholars and young students who visit its archives while going through daily newspapers, periodicals and magazines in its naturally lit corridors.

With a generous donation of books form Raja Raj Mohan Roy Foundation, Kolkata, Valley of Words Trust, Dehradun, the library is well-stocked and up-to-date.

Its recent overhaul both exterior and technical was carried out by its previous District Magistrate Mayur Dixit in the year 2020-2021 in order for the students to make full use of its potential and prepare themselves for upcoming competitive exams in the future.

A comprehensive guide on Uttarakhand’s avian delights

By
Dr Tania Saili Bakshi
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0

Dateline Nainital Mussoorie: Ever found yourself wondering about the name of a particular bird you saw on your visit to Uttarakhand? Uttarakhand kay Pakshi/Birds of Uttarakhand has all your answers to the State’s varied avian delights.

Recently launched on Amazon, this comprehensive guide is available in both Hindi and English. It took a dedicated team a little over three years to compile four hundred bird fifty species of birds found exclusively here. Authored by Nainital based Aneel Bisht the two hundred and forty eight pages book has been published by Leafbird Foundation.

What makes the guide even more endearing is the fact that it is illustrated with close to six hundred hand-painted birds by ten voluntary artists of Uttarakhand.

Bela Negi fills me up about the project from Mumbai,  “I have done the Hindi translation, producing, designing etc of the book and feature as a co-author. All the work was done on a voluntary basis and all profits from the book go back to the Leafbird Foundation.”

For the past seven years and counting, the Trust has been working in remote villages of Uttarakhand tackling migration.  In trying to develop livelihood opportunities for the villagers and in creating an awareness about the environment, the trust held a few birding camps for the locals.  The villagers made a demand to have a bird guide in Hindi and what started as a booklet developed into a full-fledged book in English and Hindi – the first of its kind for Uttarakhand.

Bela further adds, “I would describe it as a book by amateurs for amateurs, where we have kept the language as non-technical as possible and made it user friendly. We are especially excited about the Hindi version as that will allow the villagers to become bird guides.  Also it will be a handy guide for tourists traveling into the mountains.”

In the coming days, the Trust plans to work on a comprehensive guide on the flora fauna of the hillstate as well, another collectors item I am sure.

Adding Gandhi ji’s visit to Uttarakhand’s tourism map

By
Dr Tania Saili Bakshi
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0

Dateline Srinagar: With the sole initiative of creating a new tourism circuit in Uttarakhand, Centre for Mountain Tourism and Hospitality Studies, Hemvati Nandan Bahuguna Garhwal University made a documentary film entitled ‘Uttarakhand me Gandhi paryatan Path,‘ retracing Bapu’s footprints across the hill state.

The twenty-three minute documentary retraces the route taken by Mahatma Gandhi when he visited the hill state of Uttarakhand over six times in the early 1920’s. It also incorporates Bapu’s love and affection for the hills, the river Ganges, Uttarakhand’s scenic and therapeutical affect, Bapu’s speeches and concerns  on his visits to Uttarakhand.

With technical help from Dharohar Films, Chandrashekhar Chauhan has directed the documentary. The theme song of  ‘Uttarakhand me Gandhi paryatan Path,‘ is based on Gandhi ji’s favourite bhajan ‘Vaishnav Jan To,‘ sung in Garhwali by Dr Sanjay Pandey and his wife, Dr Lata Pandey.

Recreating history and a tourism circuit based on Gandhi’s visits, the team highlighted cities and towns that he had a strong connect with. From Haridwar to Gurukul Kangri, Rishikesh, Dehradun, Mussoorie, Nainital, Bhamwali, Almora, Chanoda, Kausani and Bageshwar, the team retraced Mahatma Gandhi’s footsteps interlacing visuals with information and history.

With a talented and abled-team the research, co-ordination and production of the documentary was carried out by Dr Sarvesh Uniyal. The visuals were interlaced with interviews with Prof Himanshu Bodai and Prof Renu Shukla, while Harish Bhatt, Chandrashekhar Chauhan and Mahesh Painuly brought alive the scenic beauty of Uttarakhand on the screen.

Launching the documentary Adjunct Professor Dataram Purohit said, “The documentary not only adds historical value to a place with potential for tourism, it changes a beautiful landscape into a sacred geographical entity.”

 

Overwhelming response for 2022 PFC-VoW book awards

By
Dr Tania Saili Bakshi
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0

Dateline Mussoorie: Forty odd publishers. Over Four Hundred books. Keeping its date with tradition the Valley of Words, Literature Festival received an overwhelming response for its 2022 PFC-VoW book awards given under eight categories.

In its sixth year running, the literary festival has grown in leaps and bounds creating new milestones along the way. The 2022 PFC-VoW Book Awards are being given to eight authors under the following categories: English Fiction, English Non-Fiction, Hindi Fiction, Hindi Non-fiction, Translation from regional languages into Hindi, Translation from regional languages into English, Writing for Young Adults and Picture/Children Books.

The longlist of close to twenty books in each category were dispatched to an esteemed jury settled all over the country and abroad. The jury has the uphill task of selecting ‘five best’ shortlisted books by mid-June. The final winner under each of the eight categories will then be announced at the grand finale to be held in November in Dehradun from 11 -13 November.

Together with its knowledge partner, the National Digital Library of India, the Valley of Words team plans to announce the shortlist during the four weekends of National Reading Month, starting June 19 in honour of   P N Panicker, the father of the Library and Literacy Movement in Kerala.

Talking about this year’s longlist, Festival Director Dr Sanjeev Chopra said, ‘I am overwhelmed by the response – we have some of the finest authors from across genres and across languages- almost every book which has been reviewed and discussed in the calendar year 2021 finds its place in the nominations. The Indian publishing industry certainly deserves a bouquet for all the offerings it has placed before the reading public.”

Our esteemed Jury consists of people who have left an indelible mark in their chosen field:

Prof Garima Srivastava: Hindi Fiction

Professor at JNU, eminent writer of Hindi. Has worked in many languages i.e. Hindi, Bengali.

Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed: English Non-Fiction

Professor Emeritus, eminent political scientist and historian, winner of the PFC VoW Book Award 2021

Menaka Raman: Young Adults

Former advertising copywriter, communications consultant and columnist, winner of the PFC VoW Book Award 2021  

Padmaja Ghorpade: Translations from regional languages into Hindi

Retired associate professor, Founder & President – ‘Parikrama’ Trust, eminent author, winner of the PFC VoW Book Award 2021  

Paro Anand: Picture/Children Books

Author of children books, young adults including novels, short stories and plays, winner of PFC VoW Book Award 2021

Rajeev Sharma: Hindi Non-Fiction

Poet, globe trotter, wildlife photographer, an administrator, winner of the PFC VoW Book Award 2021

Ranjita Biswas: Translations from regional languages into English

Well-known author, independent journalist and award winning translator of fiction from Assamese, winner of the PFC VoW Book Award 2021

Dr Surekha Dangwal: English Fiction

Academic, author and Vice Chancellor of the Doon University, Dehradun

Stay tuned to this page for more updates

Weekend Pop-Up Shops at Cafe Commune

By
Dr. Tania Saili Bakshi
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Dateline Dehradun: Making the most of the Covid lull Café Commune is stepping forward to host over a dozen local artists from Dehradun this Easter weekend.

With something for every age group, the colourful mix of Pop-up shops will showcase creations by local artists from the valley. As Co-owner Bhavna Bist fills us in, “We at Café Commune have always collaborated with artists to provide them with a platform to showcase their art. The Outdoor Pop-Up Shops is an effort to encourage and promote local artists and their handmade products this coming weekend.”

The two day event will be held in the garden of the Café on the 16th-17th of April from 1400hrs to 2200hrs. (2:00 -10:00 p.m.). The event will showcase trendy utility items, fashion clothing & accessories, décor pieces, souvenirs, stationery, art, planters, homemade pickles and the likes, Macrame art among others.

In the two and a half years Café Commune has supported umpteen community events be it their Community Bookshelf, Community Wall, events tailored around artists from Dehradun.

The on-going dot mandala exhibit by Rahul Khanduri a young graffiti & mandala artist beautiful collection has been well-received by those who come visiting the Cafe (up until this weekend) including a Burger making Workshop for young children have been completely sold out. With interactive sessions such as story-telling, baking, craft activities, youth interactive workshops listed for almost every weekend, the café has been able to stand out amongst its peers.

So do mark your calendar for this weekend and be a part of this community event.

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