SoCultures October 2018
SoCultures is a global digital magazine. It's about connecting the world with cultural stories and collaborations.
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
So<br />
CULTURES<br />
oCTobER <strong>2018</strong><br />
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
Editorial<br />
Welcome to october!<br />
Let’s spark up this month with praise, glory and glowing health as it’s the picturemonth<br />
of the year. The sweet <strong>October</strong> has maple tress which illuminate like<br />
yellow lamps with its autumn leaves before your window, on the roads or in the<br />
picture frames. So, let’s fill it with praise, happiness and abundance! Happy<br />
<strong>October</strong>!<br />
The “<strong>SoCultures</strong>” aspires to be a global multimedia and multidisciplinary company with<br />
the cultures of the world as its core theme. And with an equally beautiful goal- tending to<br />
the universe - cultivate, nurture and grow and connect the world with the inspiring<br />
stories.<br />
While the world is also coping up with conflicts in all the spheres and competition at<br />
times, taking its toll on the human psyche and life, we all have responsibility to<br />
contribute in our own individual capacity to make the world a beautiful place. <strong>SoCultures</strong><br />
global magazine has stories of our ancient wisdom, cultures and heritage as well as the<br />
contemporary cultural trends of the world over. We aspire to emphasis on goodness and<br />
knowledge about each other’s cultures, multicultural collaborations, solutions and<br />
appreciations between different countries.<br />
This issue, the cover story is on France. We explore it though the richness of its heritage,<br />
cultures, businesses, economy and educational aspects.<br />
<strong>SoCultures</strong> had the privilege to speak to Dr Bertrand de Hartingh, Cultural Councillor,<br />
Payal S Kanwar, General Secretary, IFCCI and know the French government‘s schemes,<br />
policies, initiatives as access will happen only after awareness.<br />
<strong>SoCultures</strong> Digital Magazine first issue is also very proud to be showcasing the cultural<br />
icons from different parts of the world. Anu Shreshtha, ace fashion designer from Nepal,<br />
Diljeet Titus, vintage car collector and heritage connoisseur, Shiv Nadar - great<br />
philanthropist and a business tycoon, celebrated author Amish Tripathi, the legendary<br />
photographer from Italy Gianni Berengo Gardin, and many more interesting and inspiring<br />
personalities.<br />
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
Editor: Rakhee Kaushik<br />
Website & magazine Design<br />
Email: soculturesstory@gmail.com<br />
Anunay<br />
Marketing Rachit K.<br />
Advertizing<br />
Sagarika and Shrey<br />
Socultures9@gmail.com<br />
For any inquiries, please visit soculturesstory@gmail.com<br />
Founder <strong>SoCultures</strong> Media & Events<br />
Rakhee Kaushik<br />
While the publishers have made every effort to ensure the accuracy of<br />
all the information published in this magazine, they will not be held<br />
responsible for any errors therein. All rights reserved. Reproduction in<br />
whole or part is prohibited.<br />
Contents:<br />
France as our cover story<br />
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
Fabulously France! Explore the beautiful France, no wonder it’s a<br />
much sought after destination… Page 8<br />
Cultures do Matter Dr. Bertrand de Hartingh, Counsellor for<br />
Cooperation & Cultural Affairs, Director, IFI, The French Institute in<br />
India… Page 11<br />
France in India The friendship continues… Page 21<br />
Baroque Story Magnificent and ostentatious architecture… Page 28<br />
Bonjour India<br />
Some glimpses of cultural fest of France and India<br />
Page 35<br />
Indo-French Business Relations Read interview with Ms Payal S.<br />
Kanwar, Secretary-General, IFCCI … Page 41<br />
Sun! Sky! Golden Leaves! Amazing climate of France…Page 46<br />
Culture & Cause The remarkable contribution to arts and Cultures by<br />
iconic the Louis Vuitton Foundation… Page 50<br />
Wine Tales Here all roads lead to the vineyards… Page 58<br />
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
culture curators<br />
Read stories of people from around the<br />
globe who continue to inspire us –<br />
India<br />
Celebrating Words Amish Tripathi is brining mythology in mainstream<br />
…Page 68<br />
A Vintage Affair Meet Diljeet Titus, Founder and Managing<br />
Director, the Titus & Co, The Titus Museum and an avid vintage cars<br />
collector… Page 73<br />
Building Future The visionary Shiv Nadar is building the future of<br />
India… Page 89<br />
Italy<br />
FaceBook Museum An innovative way of appreciating arts… Page 93<br />
Timeless Captures we are lucky to have Gianni Berengo Gardin in our<br />
times… Page 98<br />
Nepal<br />
Fashion Dairies from Nepal Anu Shrestha has beautiful designs and<br />
dresses for you… Page 103<br />
Musically Yours Kunti Moktan is a world renowned folk singer…<br />
Page113<br />
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Poland<br />
World of Words Olga Tokarczuk rules the world with her words and<br />
stories… Page 116<br />
Symphony Inspiration of Violin Listen to the rich graceful tones of<br />
violin strings played by Krysztof Jakowicz… Page 121<br />
Sri Lanka<br />
Winning the Hearts Musically Marians is a musical band from Sri<br />
Lanka… Page 125<br />
Culture Café<br />
<strong>SoCultures</strong> had a chit-chat over a cup of coffee with the people from<br />
around the world to discuss cultures, and the so much more that<br />
matters in the world… Page 129<br />
<strong>SoCultures</strong> Interview Series<br />
Interview with Mahatma Gandhi<br />
In this section, we will be interviewing the people who changed or will<br />
change the world for good or bad with their personalities and works no<br />
matter they are from the past, present or the future… Page 135<br />
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
INDIA & FRANCE<br />
India & France<br />
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India & France<br />
French Republic! République Française! A beautiful place known for<br />
buzzing art scenes, literary and cultural vibes set in Europe. Indeed France<br />
is fabulous.<br />
o<br />
But why this name, France? It’s got an interesting tale … There is a Latin<br />
word - Francia. The word France has origins from there, and the Latin word<br />
means land of the Franks or Frank land. And the ancient name of France is<br />
Gaul. Now who were Franks? Long long time ago there were a lots of<br />
barbarian tribes who wanted to take over the reign of Gaul (France). After<br />
the fall of Roman Empire the fights become fierce…And the people who<br />
emerged the winners were Franks, a Germanic tribe.<br />
France has always played a significant role in international affairs, with<br />
former colonies in every corner of the globe., and also as the geographic,<br />
economic, and linguistic bridge joining northern and southern Europe<br />
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A fairytale land<br />
If one is in search of the abundance of happiness…to see the abundance of<br />
God’s art in nature, rivers, greenery. France delights with its fairy-tale<br />
castles, soaring cathedrals, the panoramic rural heartland, picturesque<br />
vineyards and happy peace loving people preserving traditional businesses<br />
of organic agriculture farming or cheese making going about their daily life.<br />
Rich in diversity in vivid cultural, economic, intellectual life, from the<br />
boulevards of Paris to the fashionable seaside resorts of the Côte d'Azur<br />
(The French Riviera), France offers some of the most beautiful stunning<br />
views of the world.<br />
The boulevards of Paris<br />
From the bustling markets and glamorous corridors of fashion houses to<br />
slender tall beautiful models strutting around in designer’s clothes and busy<br />
iconic designers busy creating the fashion trends of the season, famous<br />
masterpieces of art at the Louvre Museum. Paris is not only famous for the<br />
iconic Eiffel Tower - it’s iconic structure and design which has made it a<br />
global cultural icon, but the city has so much to offer to all the creative<br />
people and cultural aficionados. Paris is also known as The City of Light<br />
(La Ville Lumière). It played an instrumental role during the Age of<br />
Enlightenment and was amongst a few first European countries to adopt gas<br />
street lighting.<br />
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Though list is long, these places are major tourist attraction-<br />
Eiffel Tower<br />
Louvre Museum<br />
Palace of Versailles<br />
Loire Valley<br />
Mont-Saint-Michel<br />
Provence<br />
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India & France<br />
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Dr. Bertrand de Hartingh, Counsellor for Cooperation & Cultural affairs, Director of the French Institute in India
<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
India & France<br />
Cultures do matter!<br />
And it’s magnificent when the countries join hands to create bigger and broader<br />
narratives together. “It’s different cultures that make the world go round at the end<br />
of the day.” Samantha Fox.<br />
<strong>SoCultures</strong> had the privilege to interview Dr. Bertrand de Hartingh, Counsellor for<br />
Cooperation & Cultural affairs, Director of the French Institute in India, and<br />
discussed in details the cultures, the collaborations, and opportunities for both the<br />
countries. It was absolutely fantastic to know and understand the different<br />
perspectives of different cultures in context of skills, creativity, knowledge,<br />
education and of course, cultural impacts.<br />
“Cultures do matter indeed. Nobody without his or her culture can contribute to a<br />
healthy planet. It’s not about only existing; it’s about living…living a life with<br />
creative meaningful scripts. The cultures are the magnificent pillars of the<br />
evolution of society, the important catalysts to a robust economy.<br />
France has always believed in its cultural creativity plus constant innovation to be<br />
in sync with the changing times. The French know very well that the cultures not<br />
only add savoir-faire to the image of a country but also add immense boost to the<br />
expansion of the economy of a country,” says Dr. Bertrand.<br />
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India & France<br />
No wonder the late Prime Minister of India, a visionary and a powerful orator Shri<br />
Atal Bihari Vajpayee had said that empowering the individual means empowering<br />
the nation. And empowerment is best served through rapid economic growth with<br />
rapid social change. France is known for its cultural legacy as well as its innovative<br />
preservation of its gracious heritage and what’s really incredible is maintaining it<br />
in the contemporary context with great success. The French tourism attracted<br />
approximately 3.6% of the total GDP in 2017 and is expected to rise by 4.0% of<br />
total GDP in 2028.<br />
Of Course, France is also talked about for the incredible fashion trends, declared<br />
by its some of its world-famous illustrious fashion houses every fashion season,<br />
green splendid vineyards, palaces with grand architecture as well as for the cool<br />
café culture of Paris too, which sometimes act as the best place to solve all the<br />
world's problems.<br />
A very pleasant personality, Dr Bertrand is full of knowledge and keen to be a<br />
great friend with India. He is very serious on implementing the French government<br />
initiatives for maintaining the cordial relationship with India. He says with a sweet<br />
smile, “Yes, we are foreigners but friendly foreigners.”<br />
Dr. Bertrand with the H.H. Ambassador of France<br />
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AFTrivendum inauguration by Dr Bertrand de Hartingh<br />
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We discussed cultures ---<br />
Creating the Paths and cultures<br />
How cultures can be more useful to the society and economy of a country?<br />
“Culture is at the heart of any life related project or a society project. The role of<br />
the artists, musicians, and writers all creative people is very important. They are<br />
managers who manage the creative sides of human beings. They connect people<br />
and cultures beautifully. We are entering into a new era where we are constantly<br />
getting updated. No one likes to be stuck in one box and remain there forever. We<br />
change jobs, places, exchange information and are generally completely open<br />
minded. We are not that bothered about challenges, oppositions and obstacles as<br />
we chart out our paths and that’s the way we use our education, rights. In<br />
democracy, everyone has the right to access information and opportunities.<br />
And yes, if you don’t know how to access the information or don’t intend to utilize<br />
the existing opportunities, then you are doomed and deprived. All industries in<br />
France are about creative skills as well. We have hundreds of training centers,<br />
learning centers where people are trained to pursue the career they are good at and<br />
passionate about. For instance say, Comics! We have very high value for the<br />
cartoonists. They use designs, art and stories to express themselves .In India, there<br />
is tremendous talent, intelligent, incredible minds but
<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
India & France<br />
We hardly consider the creative talents of youngsters. India produces a very large<br />
chunk of engineering graduates but only two percent engineers get highly placed<br />
jobs.”<br />
Explore! Explore! Explore!<br />
How to create a balance between the past and the future?<br />
“Explore and recognize your skills, give them a chance and seek the opportunities.<br />
When we talk of the past it’s with lots of respect. The key is to not reject the past,<br />
but create it again, innovate and view in the contemporary context. The<br />
management wisdom of Mahabharata and Ramayana is unparallel.”<br />
Why spotlight on cultures is important?<br />
“In France, we constantly innovate and experiment with our past, our heritage and<br />
cultures. We have industries for books writing to comics to degree courses in video<br />
games, performing art industry, designing industry, music-visual art industry, book<br />
industry, designing. Everyone knows about the success of Marble comics. In<br />
France, only eighty to ninety thousands engineers are made and all of them get<br />
jobs.”<br />
The youngsters who wish to come to these institutes, training centers, or business<br />
administration’s degrees can contact at Campus France<br />
https://www.campusfrance.org/en and http://www.ifindia.in/<br />
Bonjour India –<br />
How Bonjour India is strengthening the Indo-French friendship?<br />
“It celebrates Indo-French friendship. Bonjour India came back with a bang in<br />
2009 in India and by 2013 it grew into bigger and better version with its third<br />
edition in 2017-<strong>2018</strong>. Bonjour India is a four-month long programme and<br />
provides a Indo-French partnership platform for enduring partnerships with<br />
writers, artists, photographers, etc of both the countries and feature performances<br />
and shows.<br />
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An extraordinary exchange event between the two countries, it’s about coming<br />
together of both the countries to create, innovate and partner towards a progressive<br />
and sustainable future. The events were organized all over India in over thirty<br />
cities across twenty states and territories. It saw exuberant synergy of friendship<br />
with all the cultural and educational dialogues with performances, debates,<br />
seminars and exhibitions and other innovative initiatives.”<br />
Art in public spaces<br />
How can art and cultures become a more powerful impact-driven movement?<br />
“We are coordinating with the culture ministry of France to organize a seminar in 2019 about<br />
how to develop together policy, strategy, association to make use of public spaces to display art.<br />
For many in India feel that going to the art exhibitions, museums is not for them It’s not their<br />
taste. That’s why we organize Bonjour<br />
India exhibitions in outside spaces too.<br />
Delhi scene is changing and in other cities<br />
as well. People are appreciating arts and<br />
cultures. And public display of arts will<br />
bring people together.<br />
We are not the best but we work<br />
innovatively. Definitely we are entering<br />
into a new era.. The initiative will ensure<br />
that people are not deprived of education,<br />
culture.”<br />
Heritage<br />
Indo French Heritage<br />
“France is one of the most sought after<br />
countries in tourism…people find its<br />
cultural ambience and stories intriguing and<br />
heritage fascinating. And we have several<br />
ways to preserve our legacy. Like there is<br />
lottery based crowd funding,<br />
government, corporate initiatives to<br />
revive heritage structures. But India,<br />
in comparison is not making those<br />
much needed big efforts. Indo-<br />
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French heritage initiative is reviving<br />
India & France<br />
Chandan Nagar in West Bengal, through crowd funding, we together develop<br />
solutions, once developed, it can be transformed into a beautiful property and it can<br />
transform your lives as tourists will throng the place to admire, to visit the bygone<br />
eras., to stay in the heritage properties.<br />
We wish to replicate the same model in other parts of India also. We are involving<br />
students who we advise to watch, listen, learn and say, “Oh! It’s a simple<br />
model…we can implement everywhere.” Dr Bertrand is very optimistic about<br />
several solutions to save our heritage.<br />
Some steps taken in this direction -<br />
o A two-layer contest was conducted for mobilizing students (8-12 and 13-16<br />
year-olds) from eighty schools, raising the awareness of the young public in<br />
India.<br />
o A collaborative project between Indian and French schools of architecture,<br />
involving Chandan Nagar inhabitants, where students work on a case-study<br />
to restore one of the city’s heritage buildings, the Registry Building;<br />
o A crowd-funding campaign which hopes to trigger many more similar<br />
initiatives and lead to the complete restoration of Chandan Nagar, making it<br />
a template to be replicated elsewhere in India<br />
http://www.ifindia.in/know-your-indo-french-heritage<br />
Textile Revivals:<br />
As textiles are rich with traditions, history and heritage…<br />
“Lots of traditional skills are vanishing and sadly, some are close to become<br />
extinct. The textile always exists with new opportunities with patterns,<br />
trends and techniques; we are also promoting Meghalaya fibre based new<br />
fabric called Ramie. The hand-crafted Ramie (fiber crop used for fabric<br />
production) is crated with Darjeeling rice paper, along with Eri silk yarn<br />
from Jharkhand. Ramie was grown for the first time in Meghalaya last year.<br />
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India & France<br />
To celebrate the introduction of Ramie in India, the French government,<br />
under the aegis of Bonjour India, collaborated with the government of<br />
Meghalaya and Hemant Sagar of the Indo-French fashion house “Lecoanet<br />
Hemant” to realize this project with fashion designers.<br />
We have brilliant designers, digital technologies, social media and<br />
everything leads to better transformation, changes .Many textile skills are<br />
perishing because children are no more interested in them. There should be a<br />
balance between past and future. Those who cannot go to big fashion<br />
institutes in India are welcome to study in France.”<br />
Culture is a happy life!<br />
We have to connect with the world not only with the internet but also in skills,<br />
technologies etc. And we need to give people access to the information.<br />
ACCSESS! AWARENESS! ASSESS! The Mantra for the global citizen…<br />
Dr Bertrand’s message to the youth - “Today’s world is open and connected, but<br />
don’t depend on others. Do what you like to do…Take your own path.”<br />
And <strong>SoCultures</strong> also believe in his words - RIGHT INFO! RIGHT CONTENT!<br />
RIGHT BRIDGE!<br />
Some of the important links to know more about French Government’s<br />
initiatives…France aims to up the number of students in French institutions from<br />
4,000 to 10,000 by the year 2020. More and more courses are taught in English and<br />
tuition is free for students studying in the French medium in state universities. Also<br />
Campus France offices in various Indian cities can help you through the entire<br />
procedure, from helping you find universities all the way to applications and<br />
advice with accommodation in France.<br />
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Campus France http://www.inde.campusfrance.org/en/<br />
CampusFrance is the product of the merger of AgenceEduFrance and two<br />
other key vehicles for university and scientific mobility, CROUS and EGIDE<br />
The creation of CampusFrance will enhance the international visibility of<br />
French educational institutions, improve France's ability to attract the best<br />
foreign students by guaranteeing them a successful academic itinerary and<br />
strengthen its tools for organizing university and research partnerships.<br />
Campus France Delhi<br />
Alliance Française de Delhi - 72, KK Birla Marg, Lodi Estate, New Delh110003<br />
Email: newdelhi@india-campusfrance.org 011 - 43048128<br />
They also have offices in Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chandigarh, Chennai,<br />
Hyderabad, Indore, Mumbai, and Pune.<br />
The French Institute / IFI (Institutfrançais India)<br />
http://www.ifindia.in/<br />
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The French Institute / IFI (INSTITUT FRANCAIS INDIA) is a section of the<br />
Embassy of France responsible for connecting and implementing Indo-<br />
French human exchanges. .IFI performs numerous functions: from<br />
promoting academic and scientific exchange between higher institutes of<br />
learning and research to enabling student mobility, and promoting the<br />
French language. It also foster links between artists, scientists, NGOs,<br />
professors, enterprises, film professionals, publishers and more. We support<br />
partnerships in research and innovation, capacity-building and interactions<br />
with civil society, vocational studies, as well as artistic and cultural<br />
partnerships in performance, books, film, fashion, design and more. We<br />
support and organize forums and debates that bring together innovators and<br />
thinkers from both countries<br />
Doctor APJ Abdul Kalam Road, Aurangzeb Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110011<br />
Contact: 011 3041 0000<br />
The Franco Indian Education Trust<br />
It will be funded by the Indian industry and French companies in India to<br />
offer educational scholarships and merit-based financial support to Indian<br />
students.
<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
https://www.bonjour-india.in/events/know-your-indo-french-heritage/<br />
The STEAM school program will bring hundred participants from India<br />
and France. The projects will be designed and viable projects will receive<br />
incubation support.<br />
https://steam.makersasylum.com/school<br />
.<br />
AFD https://www.afd.fr<br />
AFD is been active in India since 2008 and working on developing<br />
actions for sustainable development and the fight against climate change.<br />
Promote sustainable and integrated urban development, encourage energy<br />
efficiency and renewable energy development, conserve the country’s<br />
biodiversity and natural resources. AFD’s financing is also a vehicle for<br />
sharing France’s expertise and technical, innovative solutions. AFD<br />
benefits from a close partnership with the European Union for this<br />
purpose in the context of fund delegations<br />
There is so much more to our friendships and <strong>SoCultures</strong> wishes all the<br />
best to the collaborative solutions for growth and cultural bonding.<br />
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India & France<br />
Some glimpses of France in India…….<br />
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
India & France<br />
These pictures are taken from the website of French Embassy<br />
H.H. Mr Alexandre Ziegler,<br />
Ambassador of France to India<br />
Yoga Day at the French Embassy<br />
21 st June, <strong>2018</strong>, New Delhi<br />
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India & France<br />
Visit of Ms. Madhuri , Physics Teacher from Mahadevi Birla<br />
World Academy, Kolkata, India to France<br />
Roland Garros Final at the French Embassy<br />
New Delhi<br />
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
India & France<br />
French school in India: Ambassador Ziegler visits Lycée Français International de<br />
Delhi (French International School in Delhi<br />
Book Launch: 'The Honey Hunter' by author Karthika<br />
Naïr and illustrator Joëlle Jolivet<br />
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India & France<br />
Indian film producers scout locations in<br />
scenic Occitanie<br />
Film actress Kalki Koechlin conferred “Knight of<br />
the Order of Arts and Letters”<br />
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India & France<br />
FIFA France vs Uruguay FIFA World Cup First Quarterfinal match livescreening<br />
at the French Embassy New Delhi, 6 July <strong>2018</strong><br />
French Ambassador meets Young Leaders from Bangalore. They<br />
have been selected by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs under<br />
the “Young Leaders’ program”<br />
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India & France<br />
Ambassador Ziegler pays a courtesy call to Karnataka’s new Chief Minister Shri H.D.<br />
Kumaraswamy.and they discussed the strong French presence in the state where more<br />
than 150 French companies are already established & the future collaborations<br />
French Ambassador today met Dr K Sivan, Chairman of the<br />
ISRO - Indian Space Research Organisation in Bengaluru<br />
These pictures are taken from the website of French Embassy<br />
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India & France<br />
THE bARoQUE<br />
SToRY<br />
Versailles_Chapel : By Diliff - Own work, CC BY 2.5, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=999715<br />
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India & France<br />
THE BAROQUE STORY<br />
France & Baroque Architecture<br />
Versilles palace : By Marc Vassal - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=93888<br />
France is known to appreciate and preserve its historical heritage of<br />
castles, cathedrals, abbeys and more but is also a heaven for contemporary<br />
experimental, conceptual projects with objective to explore original<br />
conventional school of thought and develop ingenious, cutting-edge design<br />
tools and methodologies in architecture.<br />
Architects have a boundless imagination when it comes to building sites<br />
that add value to their regions personalities which also showcase the<br />
history, heritage, rural elements, and its communities.<br />
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These sensibilities come alive dominantly to create masterpieces like<br />
Versailles Palace, other magnificent French palaces, Church of Saint-Étiennedu-Mont,<br />
Château de Maisons in Maisons-Laffitte etc developed with Baroque<br />
architecture.<br />
The deft, skilled and artistic use of different materials, The ostentatious<br />
interiors, artistic elaborated details everywhere, and intricate gardens, ornate<br />
and elaborated expressions, combining different arts to create stunning effects<br />
and pictures of architectural marvels etc symbolize when we think of French<br />
Baroque Architecture.<br />
Baroque Story:<br />
In France, the Baroque period is seen between the seventeenth and eighteenth<br />
centuries, mainly during the reigns of Louis XIII, Louis XIV and Louis XV. The<br />
Baroque sometimes called French classicism was a time in history that came after<br />
the Renaissance, originated around the seventeenth century from Italy.<br />
The word baroque came from the Portuguese word Barroco, used to describe pearls<br />
not yet entirely formed and those of irregular shapes not so perfect. It was more a<br />
negative term mostly used by those who found it ostentatious and excess. Now,<br />
baroque has quite a vast canvass.<br />
The French Baroque spelled the power and majesty of the Kings of France. During<br />
the expansion from Italy to Europe, it kept combining classical elements,<br />
especially, colossal orders of columns, and avoiding the exuberant decoration that<br />
appeared on facades and interiors in Spain, Germany and Central Europe It was<br />
used less frequently on churches, and more often in the design of royal palaces and<br />
country residences also in the architecture of the house with the formal gardens<br />
around it.<br />
Baroque architecture is<br />
‘Wow’ Architecture of magnificence, power and opulence and in vogue<br />
even after over three hundred years.<br />
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Symmetry rules!<br />
With a general layout of three wings, in which more hierarchy was given to<br />
the one in the middle and a secondary role to the ones on each side.<br />
<br />
Classical order in the composition of the exteriors is prevalent and<br />
dominant. The rhythmical and abundant use of columns also as a mode of<br />
decoration is there.<br />
Curved lines in construction create synergies of uniform flow, dynamism<br />
and interesting perspectives.<br />
<br />
Abundance of art pieces, highly ornamental architectural elements like<br />
moldings in walls and ceilings, wood carvings, brass applications and<br />
mirrors used in the interiors.<br />
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Lourve<br />
La colonnade du Louvre à Paris By Nitot - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=193768<br />
The Luxembourg Palace : By Rafesmar - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=43115133<br />
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Architects and their masterpieces<br />
The most important showcase of the French Baroque was the Palace of<br />
Versailles, though with the evolving times there were contemporary designs<br />
embodying creative spirit and beliefs.<br />
o Salomon de Brosse (1571-1626) was the one of the first French architects to<br />
adopt the style which started new narratives in designs for royal residences,<br />
with pavilions on the corners, lateral wings, and a grand central entrance<br />
surmounted by a cupola. It’s more dominant in the construction of the Palais<br />
du Luxembourg he built for the mother of Louis XIII, Marie de<br />
Medici between 1615 and 1624.<br />
o François Mansart, a progressive visionary who stressed upon<br />
perfectionism and introduced the full Baroque to France continuity between<br />
the French Renaissance style and the new style. He used the sloping<br />
Mansard roof so effectively that it took his name especially in his<br />
design for the Château de Maisons in Maisons-Laffitte, (1630–51),<br />
o Louis Le Vau was another central figure.<br />
o Exemplified by the Church of Saint-Étienne-du-Mont by Claude Guérin<br />
(1606–21) , the architecture is visible in the Prix de Rome, Saint-<br />
Sulpice and Saint-Eustache .<br />
o The cupola or dome over the central nave, originally from the Italian<br />
Baroque was major innovation of French Baroque religious architecture.<br />
o The residential building style known as the Hôtel Particulier was best<br />
described as less beautiful than palaces and more beautiful than simple<br />
residences.<br />
”<br />
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Versailles_Palace interiors : By Eric Pouhier [CC BY-SA 2.5 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.5)], from Wikimedia<br />
Commons<br />
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INDIA &<br />
FRANCE<br />
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Artists from Bonjour India, in collaboration with a not for profit organization, have brought<br />
cheer to the otherwise drab place, ISBT, Chandigarh. https://www.bonjour-india.in<br />
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Choreographer Eric Languet feels like he has experienced the full “weight of joy” when he<br />
sits down to answer questions about his new contemporary dance production. It’s been a full<br />
day of grueling rehearsals for “Weight Of Joy”, , which had a premier in Chennai as part of<br />
Bonjour India 2017-18, 18, a four-month long celebration of Indo-French partnership.<br />
https://www.bonjour-india.in<br />
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The Future Tour consisted in a series of thematic<br />
rendezvous between scientists, academics, companies and<br />
students from India and France.<br />
https://www.bonjour-india.in<br />
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The STEAM Fabrikarium, a hackathon was held at Andheri, Mumbai aimed<br />
at enhancing the lives of persons with disability. The event was the<br />
collaboration with My Human Kit from France, and under the umbrella of<br />
Bonjour India 2017–<strong>2018</strong>. https://www.bonjour-india.in<br />
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The magnificent show of the Transe Express: Celestial Carillon at People Plaza was a feast to the<br />
eyes. The event was organized as part of Bonjour India festival 2017-18, by Alliance Francaise<br />
Hyderabad and Krishnakriti Foundation along with the support of Telangana Government. It was<br />
inaugurated by Tourism Minister A. Chandu Lal, Tourism Secretary B. Venkatesham, along with<br />
Bonjour India. https://www.bonjour-india.in<br />
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Indo-French business relationships<br />
How IFCCI is strengthening ning the business relations between the two countries India and<br />
France.<br />
Ms. Payal S Kanwar, Secretary General, Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry<br />
(IFCCI, is overlooking all operations of India's most active bilateral chamber of commerce.<br />
The Indo-French Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a not for profit bilateral business<br />
Chamber set up in 1077, which fosters and promotes mutually beneficial relations between India<br />
and France through channels of trade and industry<br />
It offers wide range of services from corporate events to publications, advisory services for<br />
French companies, employment services and advocacy for engaging with the Governments of<br />
France and India.<br />
<strong>SoCultures</strong> interviewed Ms Payal S Kanwar, Secretary General, IFCCI and asked the questions<br />
about the India France business relations, cultural and economic ties, new opportunities between<br />
the two countries and the activities of the bilateral Chamber since its establishment in 1977.<br />
What are the main endeavours and objectives of the IFCCI in India? Can you please let<br />
us know more about the organization?<br />
IFCCI was created in<br />
1977 with the objective to<br />
strengthen Indo-French<br />
business relationships and<br />
is one of the leading<br />
bilateral chambers in<br />
India. Today, the<br />
organization has four<br />
offices operating out of<br />
New Delhi, Mumbai,<br />
Chennai and Bengaluru as<br />
well as<br />
two<br />
representations in Pune<br />
and<br />
Chandigarh.<br />
Together, IFCCI boasts of more than six hundred active member companies in India and<br />
France.<br />
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The chamber is also a member of CCI France International, the network of the French<br />
Chambers of Commerce and Industry Abroad, which comprises of one hundred and<br />
twenty French Chambers & companies across the world. It is the largest private network<br />
of French companies in the world. Taking advantage of this large network, we reach out<br />
to and connect with companies to promote and facilitate collaborations in India.<br />
We offer various services to our members including networking events, business support,<br />
advocacy, employment services.Recently, in March <strong>2018</strong>, IFCCI played a role in the state<br />
visit of the President of France – H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron to India where we co-<br />
organized the prestigious bilateral economic event, ‘The Indo-French Economic<br />
Partnership Signing Ceremony’, along with the French Embassy in India. The event<br />
welcomed more than two hundred and fifty delegates wherein major agreements worth<br />
$16 billion were signed between French and Indian companies.<br />
How can we develop better economic and commercial relations between India and<br />
France?<br />
Historically, India and France<br />
share very strong relations,<br />
since the signing of the<br />
strategic partnership in 1998.<br />
And have been working<br />
together in<br />
areas such as<br />
defense, aerospace, security,<br />
climate change and energy. The<br />
alliance between the two<br />
countries is built on trust and<br />
respect. Trade relations have<br />
progressed over the years, with<br />
more than one thousands active subsidiaries of French companies across twenty Indian<br />
cities, and these numbers are only set to grow in the coming times.<br />
However, it is my opinion that bilateral trade between the two countries has immense<br />
scope for further growth, in certain key sectors such as Smart cities. At IFCCI, we offer<br />
such advocacy services, which help companies, tap into these core sectors.<br />
How can people from Tier II and Ties III towns of India have access to the conferences<br />
and workshops?<br />
Since 2017, IFCCI has considerably grown its team to meet its business ambitions and<br />
has started expanding into new areas with representation in Chandigarh and Pune. Based<br />
on opportunities, we will further expand into Tier II and Tier III cities.<br />
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Moreover, we are also moving into the digital space to ease access for our members<br />
across India and France.<br />
India & France<br />
What are the publications which can help people to understand better the IFCCI’s<br />
initiatives, policies and opportunities?<br />
IFCCI publishes a wide range of communication material including the Activity report,<br />
Members’ Directory, monthly newsletters “France-Inde Express”, Quarterly magazine<br />
“La Lettre” etc. Most of these publications are available on our website in digital version.<br />
As India is fast growing economy, how can we bring in more investments and business<br />
proposals for India?<br />
There are a number of initiatives that have been taken in order to bring in more<br />
investments and business proposals for India. We have recently started organizing road<br />
shows in France, which highlights the business landscape of India. Moreover, when our<br />
colleagues travel to France, they organize various meetings with the potential French<br />
investors to talk the local business climate and also about “Ease of doing Business” in<br />
India. We are also initiating digital education for French companies. In the coming few<br />
days, IFCCI will be co-organizing organizing an event at the Indian Embassy in France on “Brand<br />
Protection & Trademark”.<br />
Recently IFCCI turned forty. Any new initiatives or amendments in the services, schemes<br />
of the organization since it started.<br />
IFCCI has grown rapidly over the<br />
last eight years and we have<br />
multiplied our team by four in areas<br />
of business services, employment<br />
services, communications etc. We<br />
were building our services between<br />
the years 2010 to 2017 and now, we<br />
are strengthening our foundation with<br />
the recent launch of sixteen-sector<br />
committees. The Sector Committees<br />
aim to create dialogue between<br />
companies belonging to the same sector and increase business prospects.<br />
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Can we associate more with women-centric or rural development projects which can help<br />
to the people living in underprivileged status?<br />
With the recent launch of our CSR committee, many French companies are committed to<br />
take action towards sustainability and social development. IFCCI works through its CSR<br />
committee for all social activities.<br />
Any schemes, initiatives to support Indian startup scenes as “Make in India”, “Ease of<br />
Business” etc initiatives are creating huge number of entrepreneurs across India.<br />
The Indian government’s flagship initiatives such as Make in India, Digital India, Skill<br />
India, etc., have been whole-heartedly adopted by French companies. Alstom is working<br />
on several metro projects including projects in Chennai, Kochi and Lucknow. Renault is<br />
one of the leading auto manufacturers in India and there are dozens of other smaller<br />
French companies that are successfully manufacturing in India. Apart from these, about<br />
twenty five researches and development (R&D) centers have been set up by French<br />
companies and are currently operational in India. With regards to the Skill India<br />
programme, Air Liquide, Danone, L’Oréal, Michelin, Renault, Safran, Schneider<br />
Electric, etc., are already training thousands of Indians and providing technical skills that<br />
are required by Indian industries.<br />
India is an attractive destination for French entrepreneurs and many of them have forayed<br />
into the market to set up their business.<br />
In addition, within our Start-up committee we will soon be starting a mentorship program<br />
for such entrepreneurs.<br />
Any messages for the young generation in India who wish to make it big?<br />
Basically, keep going and preserving and never giving up. There are no boundaries in the<br />
world today.<br />
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sun! sky! Golden leaves!<br />
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The picturesque France has dreamy sky too.<br />
The light blue clear sky with white fluffy clouds, golden leaves and occasional<br />
brushes of strong-cold mistral (a strong, cold north-westerly wind that blows<br />
through the Rhône valley and southern France ), one looks around in awe of such<br />
unparallel picturesque dreamy view and simply falls in love with France.<br />
France enjoy four distinct seasons. It’s generally temperate but can be divided into<br />
four climatic areas. The oceanic climate of western France brings average rainfall,<br />
Central and Eastern France’s continental climate harbours cold winters and hot<br />
summers.<br />
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South Eastern France welcomes hot dry summers as it falls under the<br />
Mediterranean climate with rainfall from <strong>October</strong> to April and ample sunshine rest<br />
of the year. The heavy rainfall and three to six months snow make mountains of<br />
France more gorgeous. Usually areas above 600-800 meters altitude have mountain<br />
climate.<br />
The early morning mist is generally surrounded by the miles of countryside and<br />
vineyards. And when its summers, it’s warm though the heat gets respite with<br />
occasional thunderstorms.<br />
The winters arrive…and the air starts getting cooler with those chilly tinges. But<br />
the cold waves are generally mild and damp. The winters touch six degrees at<br />
times and summers temperatures will be like 25 degrees to 26 degrees.<br />
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The time of golden season when golden leaves start falling from the trees and<br />
acorns crunching under the feet, it’s evident that it’s spring to autumn time.<br />
When you are travelling through dreamy visions of countryside…you wish to go<br />
slow, feel the weather explore the views and absorb all its beauty.<br />
Well, cycling through the varied landscapes, exploring the pleasant chateaux and<br />
vineyards driving slowly in a car is not a bad idea. Or if you really wish to touch<br />
the bright blue sky, take the balloon ride.. Take the route of your choice and enjoy<br />
the wines and winds....<br />
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Ideat_IB FOG_5253.jpg© Iwan Baan / Fondation Louis Vuitton<br />
IB.jpg© Iwan Baan / Fondation Louis Vuitton<br />
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CULTURE & CAUSE<br />
The Foundation Louis Vuitton is a new benchmark by the LVMH group to<br />
epitomize the support for art, culture and heritage.<br />
Bernard Arnault commissioned American architect Frank Gehry to design the<br />
Foundation Louis Vuitton and the results are beyond expectations.<br />
Reads the quote on the website of foundation, “We wanted to present Paris with an<br />
extraordinary space for art and culture, and demonstrate daring innovations and<br />
emotions by entrusting Frank Gehry, with the construction of an iconic building for<br />
the 21st century. Frank Gehry is Canadian-born American<br />
Photo grotto (2).jpg© Iwan Baan / Fondation Louis Vuitton<br />
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architect, residing in Los Angeles. Bernard Arnault, a French business magnate, an<br />
investor, and art collector and the Chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world's<br />
largest luxury-goods company has marked a new phase in the philanthropic<br />
efforts of the LVMH group and its houses with the Foundation Louis Vuitton.<br />
This gesture epitomizes the support for art, culture and heritage they have been<br />
providing for nearly twenty-five years.<br />
It symbolizes culture and purpose perfectly. The extraordinary architecture,<br />
fantastic location and clever use of aesthetic designs and materials all contribute to<br />
what makes famous Foundation building such an influence on creativity.<br />
It rises up at the edge of the Jardin d'Acclimatationin the Bois de Boulogne. It’s<br />
magnificent to see where its curves and lines play with impeccable transparency.<br />
The building itself is the architectural marvel infused with creative expressions and<br />
art-inspired designs.<br />
The Foundation Louis Vuitton marks a new phase and a new step in the<br />
philanthropic efforts of the LVMH group with its renewed ambition to establish<br />
strong roots in western Paris and to develop as an institution of reference over<br />
time.<br />
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Frank Gehry Bernard Arnault François Hollande ©2014 Rindoff Charriau.jpg
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Rooted in the heart of Greater Paris, in the Bois de Boulogne, where Paris meets<br />
Neuilly-sur-Seine this private cultural initiative, was born of a shared passion<br />
aspired to become part of the Île-de-France literally means "Island of France"<br />
cultural landscape and rekindle cultural conversations.<br />
Among several objectives of the foundation, some prominent ones are to promote<br />
openness and dialogue with artists, intellectuals and the public.<br />
Introduce the multi-dimensional cultural experience to the visitors that informs,<br />
exhibits and showcases the works of the 20th and 21st centuries in an exceptional<br />
space.<br />
Not only exhibiting artists’ avant garde works, but also presenting them in an<br />
ingenious, vibrant architecture designed by Frank Gehry helping the artists and<br />
visitors to foster creative dialogues.<br />
_FaçadeNord_nuit_FOG 4674.jpg© Iwan Baan / Fondation Louis Vuitton<br />
The Foundation’s artistic programmes: The foundation Louis Vuitton presents<br />
a year-long international programme of events embracing the history and diversity<br />
of linguistic and artistic creation of the 20 th and 21 st centuries.<br />
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From the collection - themed and monographic exhibitions and multi-disciplinary<br />
events will be at the forefront of the foundation’s offerings.<br />
The auditorium:<br />
Located in the hearts of the foundation Louis Vuitton, the auditorium is the space<br />
dedicated to meetings between artists from all discipline involved in contemporary<br />
creation. Conceived as a space of emulation, transmission, and musical creation,<br />
the auditorium invites musicians and creative artists to be featured in a multifarious<br />
season reflecting the diversity and vitality of the musical and art world of today.<br />
We are sharing the speech of Dr Bernard Arnault, which explains well why the<br />
Foundation Louis Vuitton is a dream comes true for artists, cultural fraternity,<br />
visitors and everyone who love artistic and cultural inspirations.<br />
A Dream Come True by Bernard Arnault.<br />
The Foundation Louis Vuitton opens an exciting new cultural chapter for Paris. It<br />
brings the city a new space devoted to art, especially contemporary art! And, above<br />
all, it’s a place for meaningful exchanges between artists and visitors from Paris,<br />
from France, and from the entire world. By encouraging spontaneous dialogue, the<br />
new Foundation seeks to inspire both emotion and contemplation.<br />
This is a distinctive cultural initiative because the Foundation is private. It has been<br />
made possible thanks to the corporate patronage of LVMH and the Group’s<br />
companies, notably Louis Vuitton, reflecting the values shared by all the people of<br />
LVMH and its shareholders.<br />
The Foundation transcends the ephemeral present by creating optimistic<br />
momentum and embodying a passion for artistic freedom. It is very much a dream<br />
come true.<br />
Indeed, the houses of the LVMH Group — Louis Vuitton in particular, have<br />
always thrived thanks to the excellence of their creations, and have thus long<br />
contributed to an art de vivre steeped in the humanist tradition.<br />
Their success is deeply rooted in our artistic and cultural heritage. For many years,<br />
I have sought to share this success with artists, creative talents, thinkers, and the<br />
general public, especially young people. Since 1991, when Jean-Paul Claverie<br />
joined us, LVMH has become one of France’s leading patrons of the arts,<br />
providing extensive support for cultural heritage programs and youth outreach<br />
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initiatives, as well as humanitarian actions. We very early began exploring the idea<br />
of a foundation, an institution that would tangibly express our commitment to art<br />
and culture. We have never wavered from this course and now, in the autumn of<br />
2014, we have sailed to our destination, making this dream a reality.<br />
Following fruitful collaborations in the 1980s with artists such as Sol Le Witt,<br />
César and Olivier Debré, Louis Vuitton initiated a stimulating dialogue between<br />
the visual arts and the brand’s own creativity. Bob Wilson, Olafur Eliasson, and<br />
Ugo Rondinone decorated Christmas display windows, while Marc Jacobs asked<br />
Stephen Sprouse, Takashi Murakami, Richard Prince, and Yayoi Kusama to work<br />
directly on creations for Louis Vuitton. The result was a fresh and vibrant new<br />
vision of Louis Vuitton.<br />
LVMH’s many years of corporate patronage and Louis Vuitton’s collaborations<br />
with artists resonate powerfully with my personal passion for artistic creation. This<br />
passion is what fueled my decision to build the Foundation Louis Vuitton, bringing<br />
Paris a place that not only pays tribute to artists, but at the same time inspires them<br />
in a virtuous circle of creativity.<br />
Frank Gehry is one of the greatest architects of our times, and I knew he would<br />
meet the challenge of designing an amazing monument of 21st century<br />
architecture.<br />
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Photo officielleCPjuin_clairiere_IB FOG 2917.jpg© Iwan Baan / Fondation Louis Vuitton
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He proved a true visionary, embracing the values of excellence and unyielding<br />
professionalism, which have always defined Louis Vuitton. His building is a<br />
veritable masterpiece and is itself the subject of the exhibition on the ground floor<br />
of the Foundation, designed especially for the opening by Frédéric Migayrouto<br />
offer insights into this remarkable work.<br />
This exhibit inspires an enriching dialogue with the retrospective of Frank Gehry’s<br />
work currently taking place, with our encouragement, at the Centre Pompidou in<br />
Paris. Frank Gehry’s building is in fact the first artistic statement by the<br />
Foundation, initiating an approach to artistic creativity that debuts with the public<br />
opening and will progressively affirm its vocation.<br />
The Foundation will devote itself above all to evolving trends in art and to<br />
contemporary creation. At the same time, it will propose a sense of historical<br />
perspective, notably vis-à-vis20th century modern art. This will allow visitors to<br />
become more familiar with and approach newer creations. Indeed, looking at the<br />
past may be the best way to become more receptive to the most unexpected ideas.<br />
The Foundation Louis Vuitton invites us to see works and creations that have been<br />
collected or commissioned for their relevance to specific preferences and clearly<br />
expressed approaches.<br />
Throughout autumn 2014 and in subsequent months, the Foundation will propose a<br />
diverse array of activities:<br />
— The permanent collection, comprising works belonging to the Foundation or<br />
from my personal collection, will be displayed to emphasize the main identifying<br />
lines in a continuum from modern art to contemporary creativity. The collection<br />
will make a distinctive impression on visitors centered on a fundamental criterion,<br />
namely the ability to convey distinct viewpoints, whether transient or enduring,<br />
through individual works of art.<br />
— Temporary exhibitions will be organized in conjunction with other public and<br />
private institutions, as well as private collections, with direct participation by the<br />
artists themselves.<br />
— The Foundation will also welcome music, beginning with an inaugural<br />
performance by pianist Lang Lang and continuing with pioneering electronic band<br />
Kraftwerk in the Auditorium, a true jewel-box where canvases commissioned from<br />
Ellsworth Kelly are hung. Tarek Atoui and Dominique Gonzalez-Foerster have<br />
been invited as well for performances in other spaces in the building. The modular<br />
design of Auditorium makes this an ideal venue for novel experiences and artistic<br />
encounters. The Foundation will of course welcome young audiences, as LVMH<br />
has done for years through our educational programs.<br />
For the opening exhibition, the Foundation Louis Vuitton invites visitors on a<br />
“voyage of creativity” through a discovery of the architecture and emblematic<br />
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works from the permanent collection, including creations by Frank Gehry to<br />
Gerhard Richter via Thomas Schütte, Pierre Huyghe, Christian Boltanski,<br />
Ellsworth Kelly, OlafurEliasson, Sarah Morris, AdriánVillar Rojas, Bertrand<br />
Lavier, Taryn Simon, and many others. Each of them has contributed<br />
to the dynamics of our approach. I could never fully express our gratitude for their<br />
help in realizing the artistic endeavor led by Suzanne Pagé, with her widelyrecognized<br />
experience and inventiveness, supported by the engagement of her<br />
entire team.<br />
I would like to thank each of our visitors for the personal spirit of discovery that<br />
has drawn them here. My most sincere hope is that we are able to share the<br />
enthusiasm that has motivated all those who helped make this extraordinary project<br />
a reality.<br />
I am reminded of something Picasso once said that might well have served as our<br />
inspiration throughout this project: “Art wipes the soul clean of the dust of<br />
everyday life. A cleansed soul restores enthusiasm, and enthusiasm is what we and<br />
future generations need most.”<br />
Bernard Arnault<br />
President of the Foundation Louis Vuitton<br />
Speech of Mr. Bernard Arnault is taken from https://www.fondationlouisvuitton.fr<br />
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WINE TALES<br />
Stories from vineyards of France<br />
Let’s push open the doors of some<br />
exquisite wine château in France.<br />
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India & France<br />
All roads lead to the vineyards…<br />
Chateau Roubine By Michal Osmenda from Brussels, Belgium - 2008 Chateau Roubine Inspire Cru Classé, CC BY 2.0,<br />
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26358335<br />
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Apart from its dreamy and psychedelic<br />
landscape, France is also known for<br />
producing the finest and exotic wines in<br />
the world crafted with unbridled passion<br />
in privileged climates and variety of soils.<br />
Developed with the exceptional grape<br />
verities with rich aromas from the drier,<br />
lighter to the most opulent and full<br />
bodied, these wines are the French pride<br />
that is intimately linked to the<br />
local terroir and traditions.<br />
The northern vineyards probably produce<br />
fine verities of white wines and the<br />
Chateau de Pitray : By Anonymous circa 1900-1910 - Own work<br />
(Private post-card collection), Public Domain,<br />
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=65994059<br />
red wines mostly are from the Burgundy southward. Did you know that red<br />
Bordeaux wines are generally blends of Merlot and Cabernet? Southern France<br />
also produces many red blends, primarily in the Languedoc region, where blends<br />
of grapes like Syrah, Grenache, and Mourvèdre are common<br />
Chateu pepe clement : By Kassander der Minoer, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=5220502<br />
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India & France<br />
Leaves red baordeaux By davitydave - Flickr: IMG_0584.JPG, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=19366171<br />
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India & France<br />
This culturally rich mecca of exotic wines is enriched with natural tapestry of<br />
greenery, countryside, lakes, and splendid chateaux, pretty pebbled roads to<br />
romantic old-fashioned café cultures. And they seem to whisper hundreds and<br />
thousands years old stories of diversity, contrast, flavours and textures.<br />
Let’s push open the doors of some exquisite wine château in France. They are<br />
gorgeous from Bordeaux Jura, Bourgogne, and Alsace to Languedoc. Here one can<br />
enjoy simple pleasures of life in most eccentric styles. Taste a Sauternes wine<br />
while perched in a 200-year-old cedar tree, now that’s the beauty of life.<br />
The winegrowers open up their vineyards eclectic art-student haunts to the<br />
exquisite gourmet eateries for wine tastings, wine courses and numerous cultural<br />
and gourmet discoveries, and also offer workshops etc.<br />
Château Pape Clément<br />
This vineyard has some interesting history. One of the oldest vineyards of<br />
Bordeaux, it got its name from Pope Clement V. It was one of the firsts in the<br />
France to plant vines in row. It offers some of the most relished tastes in wine –<br />
Cabernet Sauvignon to Merlot. So, when you look at a French wine label, check<br />
the labels to determine which grapes are in the bottle. A foodie from heart will find<br />
ways to enjoy grape-based products by combining them with local culinary<br />
delicacies.<br />
Address: Château pape Clement, 216 Avenue, Dr Nancel Penard, 33600, Pessac,<br />
France<br />
Château Roubine<br />
Now Roubine is stream in English. And the Château and gardens are influenced by<br />
the Roubine. Chateau Roubine is in Provance…a place known for high spirited<br />
but simple cuisine and home to almost fourteen hundred years old wine estates.<br />
Provance is luminous, welcoming as well as artistic also. Apart from its wine<br />
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routes, one can explore Sainte-Victoire Mountain (which was painted by the<br />
famous French painter, Cézanne), and the Roman amphitheatre of Fréjus, seaside<br />
to mountains and scenic villages perched up high. Summers are so romantic with<br />
terrific choices of exotic wines. Hold a glass of Rosé champagne or a Coteaux<br />
Champenois wine enjoy the easy breeze of mild climate of Provence. Listen to the<br />
rustling whispers coming through the green pine trees from the mineral-rich soil of<br />
this ancestral vineyard and crystal clear waters of stream….The Château and<br />
vineyard are built between the sea and the Verdon river.<br />
Address: Roubine, 4216 Route de Draguignan, 83510 Lorgues, France.<br />
Cahteau Clement<br />
https://www.lindasmithdavis.com<br />
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India & France<br />
Chateu de Pitray : By William Ellison - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0,<br />
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=35368065<br />
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India & France<br />
Château de Pitray<br />
Château de Pitray is located some one hour away from Bordeaux and this<br />
beautiful place finds its origins in 15 th century and is located in the pristinely<br />
beautiful wine area of Saint Emillion. The name Pitray is “pic rey” or pic du Roy<br />
which means a royal house. The family of the countess of Segur and the Earl of<br />
Pitray were the owners in 1624.<br />
Spread in over 74 acres of vines, it produces 2, 40,000 bottles of wine per year<br />
mostly created with the grape varieties of Merlot and Cabernet.<br />
Address: Château de Pitray, 33350 Gardegan-et-Tourtirac, France<br />
Château Lafite Rothschild<br />
Its spread over hundred hectares of vines in the Medoc region, in the pretty little<br />
village of Pauillac. Château Lafite Rothschild is indeed one of the most renowned<br />
properties in the Medoc. It’s found at the northern tip of the Pauillac appellation.<br />
Its proud owners are Baron Eric de Rothschild and Lafite Rothschild. The wines<br />
produced are of exquisite qualities with most prominent varieties are of Cabernet<br />
Sauvignon and Merlot. The admirable consistency and quality have also been<br />
responsible for some truly brilliant wines often vying for the title of “Wine of the<br />
Vintage”, and undoubtedly it’s not an exaggeration.<br />
Address: Château Lafite Rothschild, 33250 Pauillac, France<br />
Latife Rothschild : By David Perez - Own work, CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=31160702<br />
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India & France<br />
Ltife Rothschild label :<br />
By Michael Case - Own work, PubliDomaihttps://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=881051<br />
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Culture Curators<br />
India<br />
Amish Tripathi<br />
AMISH TRIPATHI<br />
Whose writings are a blend of myths and history and read like a<br />
thriller.<br />
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Culture Curators<br />
India<br />
Amish Tripathi<br />
He is said to be India’s Tolkien and Asia’s Paulo Cohelo, his words celebrate the<br />
life. They have kind of returned the faith in what you already know but do not<br />
believe in it or not sure of if you believe in it….<br />
We are talking about the celebrated writer Amish Tripathi, whose writings are a<br />
blend of myths and history and read like a thriller. No wonder they have churned<br />
out million in profits having sold over close to four million copies in the print<br />
worldwide. After all who wouldn’t like a perfect mix of religion, spirituality,<br />
history and thriller?<br />
What’s really so great about his work that its creating very contemporary and<br />
relevant bestselling works of fiction derived from the centuries-old mythological<br />
tales .<br />
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And this former banker is showered with many laurels and praises and is talked<br />
about extensively by all - from the visionaries, celebrities and literary figures,<br />
renowned people from the cultural fields…to any normal college going book<br />
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lover. His books made film director Shekher Kapur called him, “India’s first<br />
literary pop star” and the spiritual guru and speaker Deepak Chopra hails Amish’s<br />
books as “archetypal and stirring.”<br />
His words also appeal to all the book lovers as it has tools to reflect on various<br />
aspects of life…religious, spiritual, profound philosophies…in a brilliant crackling<br />
story telling. The books are giving a greater understanding and appreciation of life.<br />
Not only it’s the Indians but they are very well received by the world over. His<br />
books have been translated into nineteen Indian and International languages.<br />
His six books “The Immortals of Meluha” (2010), “The Secret of the Nagas”<br />
(2011), and “The Oath of the Vayuputras” (2013) all parts of the “Shiva Trilogy”,<br />
and “Ram- Scion of Ikshvaku”, “Sita- Warrior of Mithila” (parts of the Ram<br />
Chandra series) and “Immortal India- Young Country, Timeless Civilization” (first<br />
non-fiction book published in 2017)…They all are striking the chord with the<br />
readers and breaking many records in sales.<br />
An atheist during his college days, he says he "returned to faith" while writing his<br />
first book. Pondering over the success of his books, Amish said to BBC<br />
(www.bbc.com ) in an interview,<br />
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“I believe in religious symbols and rituals. I do what gives me peace. I visit a<br />
Shiva temple every Monday. Most devotees pour milk over the Shiva lingam, I<br />
don't do that. I buy milk and give it to a beggar because that gives me peace. But I<br />
don't judge others who pour milk on the lingam."<br />
Apart from winning bthe hearts of people who love his writings, he is also<br />
conferred many awards - Distinguished Alumnus Award (IIM – Calcutta) 2017,<br />
Icon of the Year Award 2017, Raymond Crossword Book Award 2016, Dainik<br />
Bhaskar Literature Award 2016, Pride of India Award (Literature) 2014 & 2015<br />
and many other very notable laurels.<br />
He went on to beg the hundred most influential celebrities in India (in 2012, 2013,<br />
2014, 2015 & 2017) listed in Forbes Magazine most influential celebrities in India,<br />
GQ most fifty and also recipient of an Eisenhower Fellow, a prestigious American<br />
programme for outstanding leaders from around the world A graduate of IIM-<br />
Calcutta, Amish worked for fourteen years in the financial services industry before<br />
a writer full time.<br />
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Culture Curators<br />
India<br />
Diljeet Titus<br />
Vintage love is like striking a friendship with the majestic class and glorious style.<br />
As well put by Kelly Wearstler, an American designer-<br />
“I love history... everything is inspired by history, so that's why I love vintage and<br />
antiques.”<br />
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Also by Alessandro Michele, “Vintage is my vocabulary... like the notes of a<br />
musician.”<br />
Diljeet Titus, 52, is the Founder and Managing Partner of Titus & Co., a<br />
recognized star export house in legal services. The company’s client list includes<br />
more than 59 Fortune 500 Global Corporations and the likes of Raytheon, USA,<br />
US Exim Bank, USA, Chevron Texaco, Brown Forman Corporation etc<br />
He is also General Secretary, Heritage Motoring Club of India, a widely respected<br />
vintage items collector, connoisseur and careful restorer.<br />
Always full of appreciation and fondness for the exclusive things, he had<br />
developed the fascination for classic cars during his childhood only. Now his<br />
collection has an envious, covetous assemblage of vintage cars. He remembers his<br />
love affair with cars.<br />
“I usually work from home and office when I am engaged in restoration work on<br />
my classic cars at our farm in Mehrauli. I am married to Anurita Titus who is my<br />
childhood sweetheart (I promised her marriage when she was 14 and I was 15!)<br />
and have two daughters - Shekinah and Diyasannah.”<br />
He is a very much family person, “All four of us enjoy our cars and Anurita plays<br />
an important role in selecting colours to paint our cars as her sense of aesthetics is<br />
better than mine! She has been extremely supportive of my passion and mostly<br />
tolerant of my absence and time spent with professional restorers.”<br />
1930 Stutz Series M - 1<br />
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1927 Rolls Royce<br />
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1947 Buick, Super Eight, Series 50, Model 51, Convertible<br />
I grew up with cars…<br />
“I have had a long-standing inte rest in Vintage & Classic cars. As a kid I grew up<br />
with Ambassadors, Fiats and Standard Heralds around at home. My grandparents<br />
owned classic cars Chevrolets and Austins. We visited them during our vacations<br />
which meant trips to Simla, Manali and Mussoorie. So classic cars to me<br />
symbolize freedom! Also, as a kid, I remember keenly watching out for classic cars<br />
in Hindi and Hollywood movies for that “edge of the seat excitement”!<br />
I began driving my grandfather’s car inside our compound when I was just eleven.<br />
Since I could not drive on the roads, I spent the next seven years cleaning our cars<br />
at home and standing around workshops whenever our cars were sent for servicing<br />
or repairs. But I soon got bored of the Ambassadors and Fiats – there were so many<br />
to see! Classic cars like Packards, Cadillacs, Buick, Rolls-Royce, Bentley and<br />
Jaguar were more appealing because they stood out from the crowd.”<br />
The Titus home-office, a sprawling three-storey bungalow in New Delhi, is almost<br />
like a museum. The difference is that instead of being locked up, the articles here<br />
are used and enjoyed daily.<br />
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1930 Stutz Series M - 7<br />
Titus has close to one hundred cars that he has collected over the past fifteen years.<br />
He bought his first vintage car, a 1947 Austin A40, in his hometown Jabalpur,<br />
India. Also many of his possessions of cars are ones which were once the prides of<br />
the Maharajas of India, who were always known for splurging on luxurious cars<br />
and artifacts. The acquisitions materialize only after thorough researches and<br />
restoration. It’s not only the fascination for vintage and old but also for the<br />
admiration and reverence for exquisite rare works of art ‘n’ crafts, for their extra<br />
unique substance and character. And it’s also about giving a great deal of care and<br />
thought to restoration of these vintage items.<br />
Says Diljeet Titus about his car collection, “My mother Veena Titus says that as a<br />
boy of five years, I used to plant little toy cars in our garden, in the hope that they<br />
would yield trees full of cars. Probably that dream never left me. I started<br />
collecting cars in 1999 with disposable income available having setting up my own<br />
law firm in 1997 (I worked in a law firm from 1989 until early 1997). In 2003, I<br />
set up “The Titus Museum”. I now own seventy two classics (acquired over the<br />
past ten years) including several historic Packards, Cadillacs, Buicks, Chevrolets,<br />
Dodges, a Pierce Arrow, a Willys-Knight, the only Stutz in the Country, an Auburn<br />
Boattail Speedster, two Rolls-Royce, two Mercedes Benz , two Bugatti cars and<br />
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the extremely rare Minerva Type AL. Also on display at my museum are vintage<br />
motorcycles, horse carriages, auto parts, books, manuals, posters and related<br />
automobilia.<br />
While during my initial years of collecting I bought almost every vintage or classic<br />
that came my way, I have been more focused over the past two years. Collecting<br />
cars are like collecting precious art and make a great investment hobby. Over these<br />
two years I have bought cars only if they were rare, custom built, had low mileage<br />
and documented provenance.”<br />
Well, the conscientious connoisseur is extremely particular about the originality<br />
and source of the vintage things; he collects and verifies it by all means. There is a<br />
set of four chairs from four different royal houses, to start with. They date back to<br />
the Delhi Durbar of 1911, and it took Titus ten years to procure them. These<br />
include gilded furniture that belonged to the royal Maratha Holkars, solid silver<br />
chairs from the royal family of Kapurthala (two such chairs are at the Buckingham<br />
Palace in London) and extremely rare Dutch chairs of 17th century vintage. Titus’s<br />
collection also includes rare Royal Dalton tableware, Lalique and Wedgwood<br />
pieces and antique Venetian mirrors. He has a bevy of vintage motorcars and bikes<br />
too.<br />
And it’s his private museum, “The Titus Museum of Transportation &<br />
Collectibles” which exhibits not only rare books, or a fragile Osler chair but also a<br />
purpose driven endevour to preserve the heritage history and legacy for us and for<br />
the new young generations. He talks about his legacy, “My museum pays homage<br />
to these extra-ordinary automobiles of yesteryears… These coveted proud collector<br />
cars of today. Collecting classic cars allows me to savour the glamour and finesse<br />
of these timeless treasures. These beauties have always been part royalty and part<br />
art. The celebration and reservation of these mechanical works of art, to keep our<br />
heritage alive is my endeavour.”<br />
My world of classic cars<br />
Diljeet Titus has much to talk about his magnificent collection of cars and we<br />
are all ears.<br />
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1933 Minerva, Type AL, Seven Passenger Limousine<br />
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1930 Stutz Series<br />
1939 Dodge, Seven Passenger Convertible<br />
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1933 Minerva, Type AL, Seven Passenger Limousine - II<br />
1935 Buick, Series 90, Model 90L, Seven Passenger _Purdah_ Limousine, USA<br />
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Take the road…<br />
India’s love affair with automobiles is over a hundred years old. The first<br />
automobile to be brought into India was by Mr. Forster in 1897-98 in Mumbai. Mr.<br />
Jamsetji Tata was the first Indian to import a car in 1901. In the years that<br />
followed, the Maharajas, Rajas, Ranas, Jams, Nawabs, Mirs and Nizams in India<br />
acquired some of the finest cars in the world. All the great marques like Rolls –<br />
Royce, Mercedes, Minerva, Cadillac, Packard, and Arrow etc were well<br />
represented among many others and all a glorious part of automotive history.<br />
The epitome of luxury, elegance and comfort, limousine, coupes, cabriolets,<br />
landaulettes, tourers, convertibles and speedsters, became the enthralling new<br />
passion of the fabled Maharajas. The cars were used for purposes as varied as<br />
ceremonial processions, weddings, hunting, and tours of the state and by women in<br />
veil or ‘purdah’. They were the symbols of prosperity, power and prestige.<br />
Let’s appreciate the artistry, sagacity of this nostalgic, epic beauty of cars, which<br />
contains a wealth of details to classic cars, from the veteran and vintage.<br />
1. 1927 Rolls-Royce, Twenty, Series K, Barker Tourer, GRJ-1, W8E<br />
Previously owned by the Nawab of Sachin, Maharashtra, later owned by Ramesh<br />
Thakkar and then by Mr. Balaji Rao of Shri Venkateshwara Hatcheries Pune.<br />
2. 1930 Stutz Series M, 4 Passenger Speedster, Dual Cowl, LeBaron<br />
First owned by Captain His Highness Maharawal Sir Ranjitsinhji Mansinhji<br />
K.C.S.I. of Baria, Gujarat, it’s a prize winning car at the 2 nd Edition of the Cartier<br />
‘Travel with Style’ Concours d’Elegance 2011 Show in March 2011, held at New<br />
Delhi. The 1930 Stutz also drove Michael Schumacher at the First Indian Grand<br />
Prix F1 held on <strong>October</strong> 30, 2011 at the Buddh International Circuit, India. This<br />
Stutz is the only surviving Stutz in India and has won the second runner-up in<br />
Motor Cars of the Raj Class at the 68 th Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance on<br />
26.08.<strong>2018</strong>.<br />
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3. 1933 Minerva, Type AL, Seven Passenger Laundalette de Ville<br />
This exquisite car was the prized possession of Raja Mohammed Amir Ahmed<br />
Khan, Mahmudabad, U.P. Thirty Three Type AL’s were produced and only nine of<br />
these exquisite cars are known to exist today, with the largest and most expensive<br />
Minerva chassis. All AL chassis featured gold-plated instrument bezels, switches<br />
and trim. The King of Belgium owns three and five are owned by collectors in the<br />
USA. This collector’s dream is one of the two produced with variable<br />
convertibility. This car has been painstakingly restored to Concours standards by<br />
Mr. Manvendra Singh Barwani of Classic Cars, Indore and proudly won the Best<br />
of Show at the Cartier Concours D’Elegance held in 2015 at Delhi.<br />
4. 1934 Rolls Royce 20/25 7 Passenger Sedan (Coach Built By Kellner,<br />
France).<br />
A proud collection of Maharaja Sayajirao Gaekwad III of Baroda, this is a glorious<br />
beauty. The chassis was ordered from Rolls-Royce by the Maharaja of Baroda on<br />
July 27, 1934. Rolls-Royce records show that chassis GAE3 was delivered on<br />
August 20, 1934 for shipping to “Kellner for Baroda – Paris Show”. GAE3 was<br />
shipped on August 25, 1934 for Boulogne, near Paris, where Kellner had their<br />
coach building facilities. GAE3 received an elegant Oxford blue body with dark<br />
cherry red leather interior, but the car wasn’t shipped out to the Maharaja<br />
immediately. It remained in Paris till it starred at the Kellner stand at the Salon de<br />
Paris in <strong>October</strong> 1934. It went back to Kellner for a final touch-up and then the car<br />
left for India in 1935. This car was later acquired by Mrs. Mumtaz Madhwani, the<br />
Bollywood actress in 1978, who passed it on to me in 2007. This is the only known<br />
Rolls Royce in India with coachwork by Kellner, France.<br />
5. 1935 Buick, Series 90, Model 90L, Seven Passenger “Purdah”<br />
Limousine, USA<br />
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1935 Auburn, Boat Tail Speedster 851<br />
From the great collection of Raja Saheb, Ayodhya who was also a great patron of<br />
Begum Akhtar, this car was later acquired for the collection of Bal Angre. Only<br />
191 of these seven passenger limousines were produced in 1935. Its artistry is<br />
unique with Coach built by Fisher, a US based company, Buick was often chosen<br />
as the popular car for many movies of that era. A 1935 Series 90 was used for the<br />
movie “Desirable” that featured George Brent and Jean Muir. This car was<br />
exhibited at the Cartier Concours Show in 2008, Mumbai.<br />
6. 1936 PIERCE ARROW, MODEL 1601, SEDAN<br />
This 1936 Model 1601 features coachwork by Pierce Arrow, New York. It is<br />
powered by 385 cubic-inches, nine main bearing, and Pierce-Arrow in-line eight-
<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
cylinder motor that produce 150 horsepower. Its mechanical features include a<br />
Warner overdrive, free-wheeling, synchromesh transmission and automatic choke.<br />
Beginning in 1901, Pierce-Arrow became known as the car of Presidents when<br />
William H. Taft became the first president to use an automobile for official<br />
occasions. This practice continued until the last Pierces were ordered in 1935.<br />
Pierce Arrow also supplied cars to royal families of Japan, Greece, Saudi Arabia<br />
and Belgium. In 1914, Pierce-Arrow introduced its patented integral fender<br />
headlamps as an option which became the most recognized design cue for Pierce-<br />
Arrows for the rest of the company's history. The all-new 1936 models were billed<br />
as the 'world's safest car' based on the welded and riveted frame comprised of two<br />
box side beams, five cross-members and a center x-brace. They featured thirty<br />
major improvements and according to Pierce-Arrow 'set new standards of what a<br />
fine car should like, how it should drive. The innovate Pierce-Arrow styling for<br />
1936 was aerodynamic and modern looking yet would be the firm's last new design<br />
ever built. This 44,000 original-mile Sedan was once owned by a business family<br />
in Pune and later owned by Mr. Ramesh Thakker before Mr. Diljeet Titus acquired<br />
it. This car has been painstakingly restored to Concours standards by Mr.<br />
Manvendra Singh Barwani of Classic Cars, Indore.<br />
7.1935 Auburn, Boat Tail Speedster 851<br />
The Auburn Boattail Speedster was owned by a nobleman in the<br />
StateofTamilNadu. This masterpiece is powered by a Lycoming straight-eight of<br />
4559cc displacement; the engine develops an impressive 115 bhp at 3600 rpm.<br />
Between 1935 and 1936, a total of 147 Speedsters were made. Canadian antique<br />
toys expert John Sanders discovered this car being used as<br />
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1957 Chevrolet BelAir<br />
Cadillac, Coupe de Ville, Series 62 1952<br />
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a wedding car in the town of Madurai. In 1988 eminent automotive historian<br />
Maharaj Manvendra Singh of Barwani acquired and rebodied the Auburn from<br />
whom I acquired it later. This is the only Auburn Boat Tail speedster in India and<br />
is registered with the Auburn Cord Duesenberg Club as a rebodied Full Classic.<br />
8. 1938 Buick Series 90, Model 90l, Seven Passenger Limousine<br />
This 1938 Buick 90L eight passenger Limousine was previously owned by the<br />
Maharaja of Travancore His Highness "Padmanabha Dasa" Sri Chithira Thirunal<br />
Balarama Varma Maharaja, who ordered this car from McLaughlin, a Canadian<br />
manufacturer of automobiles headquartered Canada. H.H. Chithira Thirunal<br />
Balarama Varma was the last ruling maharaja of the princely state of Travancore,<br />
in southern India and the state of Travencore flourished in growth multidimensionally.<br />
The car also came fitted with a siren, a red light and a blue light on the fenders (red<br />
to signal that the Maharaja was travelling in the car, blue to signal that his wife, the<br />
Maharani was travelling!). The car originally used Mohair for the interiors.<br />
Maharaja customized the interiors of this car.<br />
While restoring this Buick over the years I had at one time thought of restoring this<br />
1938 Buick 90L to the Canada factory specification but thought it is best to retain<br />
its original custom features, including the Mohair upholstery. So, the Siren and the<br />
flag rod along with the other custom features still remain. The Maharaja’s<br />
descendants have another 38 Buick 90L in their palace, which still has the original<br />
Mohair upholstery on it. This car has been painstakingly restored to Concours<br />
standards by Mr. Manvendra Singh Barwani of Classic Cars, Indore and was the<br />
Best of Class Winner in the Limousine Class at the Cartier Concours D’Elegance<br />
held in February 2013 at Mumbai.<br />
9. 1939 Dodge, Seven Passenger Convertible<br />
This extraordinary car once graced the car collection of the Maharaja of Palitana of<br />
Gujarat. This Dodge was custom-built for the Maharaja by T J Edwards, Adelaide<br />
and was used extensively for state processions and touring. This car was exhibited<br />
at the Cartier Concours d’ Elegance, Delhi 2015.<br />
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10. 1952 Cadillac, Coupe de Ville, Series 62, USA<br />
Previously owned by the Maharaja of Barwani and then by the Maharaja of Tehri<br />
Garhwal. This Series 62 was Cadillac’s Golden Anniversary model and was<br />
characterized by a distinct, higher rear deck lid contour. At the rear, all models<br />
adopted a new Cadillac trademark, a through—bumper dual exhaust system. New<br />
standards included self-winding clocks, dual-range hydramatic drive and four<br />
barrel carburetion. The 5422CC V8 engine produced 190 h.p. and is a pleasure to<br />
drive with its power steering. Cadillac had the most powerful car in the American<br />
industry in 1952. This model was referred to as 6237 DX.<br />
12. 1957 Chevrolet Bel Air, Sedan, USA<br />
The Chevy four door sedan was previously owned by the Maharaja of Tehri<br />
Garhwal. The ultimate ‘classic’ has a 4500 cc silk and dynamite V8 engine.<br />
Chevy’s marketing called it ‘sweet, smooth and sassy’. This car produces 165 bhp<br />
and can still top a speed of 145 kmph. No wonder when the ads boasted, “The road<br />
is not built that can make it breathe hard”. The 57 Chevy has gold anodized trim<br />
and is one of the most desirable collector cars produced in North America. This<br />
Car was exhibited at the Cartier Concours Show, 2011, Delhi.<br />
13. 1959 Cadillac Sedan de Ville, USA<br />
HH Maharaja Gaj Singh of Jodhpur, Rajasthan was the original owner of this<br />
prestigious model of car. This car is a four door sedan with a 6500 cc V8 engine<br />
developing 325 horse power, standard features in 1959 included automatic<br />
transmission and power-steering, brakes, windows and locking. Also standard was<br />
an air conditioner, tape player and radio. No single automotive design better<br />
characterizes the industry’s late Fifties flamboyance than the 1959 Cadillac, which<br />
incorporated totally new styling. Large tail fins (this car featured the tallest tail fins<br />
in world production car history), twin bullet tail lamps, a distinctive roofline, new<br />
jewel-like grille patterns and matching deck latch lid beauty panels personified<br />
these cars. This Car was exhibited at the Cartier Concours Show, 2008, Mumbai.<br />
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Culture Curators<br />
India<br />
Shiv Nadar<br />
A visionary and a crusader, philanthropist and an educationist Shiv Nadar believes<br />
in creating impact not only in technologies and innovations but also<br />
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in the lives of a common person too..His daring forays in different endeavours are<br />
based on his conviction of playing a pioneering role in businesses and philanthropy<br />
in India and across the globe<br />
As they say, “All glory comes from daring to begin.” All the great people inspire<br />
with their actions and visions...When Gandhiji said in one of his public address,<br />
“My life is my message”, it came as a realistic, practical and true inspiration for the<br />
world. We are fortunate that we have such iconic people amongst us whose life is a<br />
message and inspiration and Shiv Nadar is one of them.<br />
He has played a crucial role as a leader to encourage leadership,<br />
innovations…human values so that the society thrives and rejuvenates,<br />
Shiv Nadar, is the Founder & Chairman, HCL and Shiv Nadar Foundation. His<br />
wife, Kiran Nadar, herself is an internationally renowned bridge player, art<br />
collector, philanthropist, and an avid art collector, has established the iconic the<br />
Kiran Nadar Museum of Art.<br />
HCL<br />
Scholastically gifted:<br />
It was the times of India awakening... when India was getting shaped under<br />
Jawahar Lal Nehru’s “Tryst with Destiny” and those were also the times when<br />
Shiv Nadar was born and raised in Mofussil, Tamil Nadu. Being born in a small<br />
village during the transitional times, Shiv Nadar tackled well with some very basic<br />
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circumstances as well as the new arising opportunities in a growing developing<br />
economy of a free India.<br />
Soon, the resilient and resolute Shiv Nadar had acquired his graduation degree. He<br />
had started envisioning the future not only for himself but also for his counterparts<br />
as well. He arrived in Chennai, all of 21.<br />
A visionary who dreamt of changing the world: It was 1976, when talented<br />
eight young men left DCM to create HCL in a small room (much akin to a start up<br />
scene in India now) in Delhi to make calculators and microprocessors. The initial<br />
setup was in a small room but the vision was huge, it took over the world by<br />
storm..It compelled and influenced the ways, the world functioned. HCL proved to<br />
be a revolutionary invention - the first 8-bit microprocessor-based computer in<br />
1978, the first Relational Database Management System in 1983 before some of its<br />
global peers, client- server architecture in 1984, and world’s first fine-grained<br />
multi-processor UNIX installation in 1989, among others.<br />
Shri Manmohan Singh, previous prime minister of India was presented with a memento by the<br />
Chairman,IIT Kharagpur and Shri Shiv Nadar at the Diamond Jublee Celebrations at the 57 th Annual<br />
celebrations of IIT, Kharagpur, India<br />
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HCL’s R&D unit is currently a top IT services company in India and a global<br />
leader in Engineering & R&D Services with a game changing business model.<br />
HCL, from implementing and managing the infrastructure backbone of one of<br />
India financial institutions – the National Stock Exchange to creating largest<br />
distribution network with Nokia, has many trailblazing achievements and there’s<br />
no looking back. HCL has evolved into an over $8.5 billion global enterprise with<br />
over 125,000 professionals from 140 diverse nationalities, who operate from 41<br />
countries, including over 500 points of presence in India.<br />
Then came HCL Healthcare and in 1994, Nadar established what he believed was<br />
closest to his heart – the philanthropic Shiv Nadar Foundation. Now Shiv Nadar<br />
schools and Universities are building the future generations of the nation.<br />
Accolades and awards:<br />
His well deserved contribution to the society has been hailed and praised world<br />
over. After all we need such iconic people whose life itself is a message to the<br />
world. Honoured with Padma Bhushan from the President of India in 2008, the<br />
BNP Paribas Grand Prize for Individual Philanthropy in 2013, the AIMA<br />
Managing India Corporate Citizen Award, the ICSI Lifetime Achievement Award<br />
for excellence in Corporate Governance and the Golden Peacock Award for Social<br />
Leadership in 2014. He was also named the Outstanding Philanthropist of the Year<br />
in 2015 by Forbes. In the year 2016, Shiv Nadar was named as the most generous<br />
Indian by the Hurun India Philanthropy List 2016, acknowledging him in the<br />
ranking of the most generous individuals from India.<br />
Shiv Nadar often says that he is a product of education. He is restless, passionate<br />
and a creative institution builder who also likes to quote Andy Grove by stating<br />
“Only the Paranoid Survive”.<br />
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Facebook Museum<br />
ITALIAN MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART<br />
“Italian museum of contemporary art” is a museum on Facebook which has all the<br />
features of any other museum. It showcases works, it has exhibition halls (albums)<br />
and its audience is hundreds of thousands of followers. There are no architectural<br />
barriers, bulletproof glasses, church or stadium lighting that interferes with the<br />
look and feel of the art work, rows of tourists, tickets with stratospheric cost”, says<br />
Valter Maritano, administrator at Italian Museum of Contemporary Art, a<br />
Facebook Museum.<br />
Italian Museum of Contemporary Art/ The drinker: Suzanne Valadon painted by Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec<br />
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> is impressed with the concept of a “Facebook-Museum” and curious<br />
too and so asks a few questions to understand it better.<br />
What exactly is a Facebook-Museum and how the idea came into existence?<br />
Just like any real museum, it displays works, it has exhibition halls and loyal<br />
audience and it’s on the Facebook. The idea of a Facebook-Museum came simply<br />
from the fact that it did not exist. It’s not that there are no sites or groups or pages<br />
which do not promote any art or exceptional art but a real museum like experience<br />
was not there on the web.<br />
What do we expect from the FB-Museum how it’s different in its features? Please<br />
elaborate.<br />
It’s phenomenal and has everything which you will find in a physical museum.<br />
Our main objective is to spread joy and pleasure of art! The Facebook’s<br />
algorithms and tools are powerful and its features have tremendous reach and can<br />
give exceptional results.<br />
So the objective of the FB-Museum is to keep the art works alive in the memories<br />
of people and always available to view with a click. The aim is also to initiate the<br />
healthy dialogues around the exhibited works of art. Not merely putting them up as<br />
an object but as a constant source of discussion, knowledge and inspiration. Afterall,<br />
they are masterpieces<br />
The traditional museums have always been there its not only seeing that of a<br />
museum website? What are the advantages of a website-museum?<br />
Though it’s a very broad subject, we can talk of a few major differences - Firstly,<br />
we have to think in the digital format, when we talk of a FB-Museum. There exists<br />
an exorbitant amount of information on the net. There are infinite works which are<br />
already posted every second, in an unorganized way on the web.<br />
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Italian Museum of Contemporary Art Francesco Scaramuzza, The meeting of Dante and Virgil with the great poets, Encaustic decoration of<br />
the north wall of the Sala Dante in the Palatina Library (Palazzo della Pilotta, Parma).<br />
Italian Museum of Contemporary Art Herbert James Draper Pot pourri 1897oil<br />
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Italian Museum of Contemporary Art Estaque, the harbor in oil George Braque 1906; France<br />
o way on the web. The FB-Museum has a very important role to play here, it<br />
acts as a curator of the exhibitions with sole purpose of making them organic<br />
and present with right information to an eager , wide audience out there<br />
o Secondly, the "museum set-up" is very easy to understand..It’s almost like<br />
setting up a facebook page. And the curated, organized art works are<br />
presented in its very real actual form.. All the paraphernalia like architectural<br />
barriers, bulletproof glass, church or stadium lighting that at times change<br />
the look and feel of the works. Also other factors like walls colored in a<br />
dissonant way compared to the work of art, oversized gigantism, tourist<br />
files, stratospheric cost tickets .don’t exists on a FB-Museum. Art is for all!<br />
o Another aspect, which is interesting is that the users and observers can share,<br />
like, dislike, comment and discuss the work with either their friends or with<br />
other people. The interpretation of any work, either a book or an art work,<br />
given by the readers is also very important. On the website or FB Museum,<br />
one can criticize, confront, discuss which might open up a new interpretive<br />
canons not traversed by the "professional critics."<br />
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> is all for the power of arts, its visual appeal and amazing role to ass<br />
value and creativity to any society. Traditional or modern, either ways, it’s great to<br />
see art taking center stage in our lives.<br />
Italian Museum of Contemporary Art The Admiring Glance, Auguste Toulmouche1868, Style: Academicism, Media: oil, canvas,<br />
Location: Private Collection<br />
Dimensions: 59 x 45 cm<br />
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Culture Curators<br />
: Paolo Monti [CC BY-SA 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0)], via Wikimedia Commons<br />
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Culture Curators<br />
Italy<br />
Gianni Berengo Gardin<br />
"If you cut me open, I would bleed black and white. When I began taking photos,<br />
films were in black and white, TV was in black and white and 99% of the great<br />
photographers I admired worked in black and white."<br />
— Gianni Berengo Gardin<br />
Creativity has a heart! A heart filled with sensitivity, aesthetic values,<br />
perspectives...and poetry...<br />
"They surprise us, get excited, and put us in intimacy with his subjects: they are photographs of #gianniberengogardin", they say from Palazzo<br />
delle Esposizioni. How many exhibitions of the master have you seen? @GianniBerengoGardinFanpage<br />
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..Fashion, art, music, books…architecture, food and life in general have hearts and<br />
stories to share and we are lucky to have Gianni Berengo Gardin in our times. The<br />
mesmerizing thought-provoking frames captured of daily lives by this iconic<br />
Italian photographer with much sensitivity have won photography’s highest<br />
international plaudits.<br />
Naples boys on a tram : By Gianni Berengo Gardin - Old photo, Public Domain,<br />
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=63923822<br />
Undoubtedly considered one of the most important photographers in Italy in the<br />
latter part of the 20th century, Gianni Berengo Gardin, is the ace photographer<br />
from Italy. Sometimes he is dubbed as the Italian Henri Cartier-Bresson for his<br />
lyrical, poetic photography. The camera of Gardin has captured more than half a<br />
century pictures documenting cultures aspects of Italy largely. The iconic pictures<br />
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portray particularly Venice of 1950s and 1960s, though his captures convey a very<br />
global attitude as he has travelled extensively the entire world.<br />
His subjects also vary from gypsies, the country sides Olivetti factory workers,<br />
protests of 1960’s and 70’s, street life, privileged street scenes to odd, ironic or<br />
bizarre encounters in both town and the country. In1968, when he brought alive the<br />
situations of several psychiatric asylums with his pictures, it created a historic<br />
uproar everywhere and helped accelerating the closure of such institutions in Italy,<br />
A man takes some rest sitting under the shade of yellow leaves of a teak tree…<br />
could be a normal scene for a passerby, no big deal about this humble man taking<br />
rest and enjoying the little pleasures of life but it could be the subject of a painting<br />
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of an artist or a photographer’s next picture. The creativity absorbs the<br />
consciousness, beauty and the psyche of their subjects and it’s in abundance in<br />
Gardin’s pictures.<br />
World press : Did you like the world press photo winner? What do you say? @GianniBerengoGardinFanpage<br />
Gardin Earth day: Happy #Earthday, #earthday or #earthday! #Gianniberengogardin<br />
@GianniBerengoGardinFanpage<br />
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Gianni Berengo Gardin, born in 1930, is an Italian photographer.<br />
His first photograph was published in 1954 and he started his career with a<br />
magazine edited by Mario Pannunzio . The magazine encouraged photographic<br />
aestheticism.<br />
The editor especially admired His "rare talent for capturing simultaneous actions<br />
and static objects within the same frame.” And there was no looking back for him.<br />
Later his work profile included all the big names…Touring Club Italiano, Institute<br />
Geografico De Agostini, Alfa Romeo, Olivetti. His photographs always covered<br />
interesting topics like the process of designing buildings, working life of<br />
employees. Gardin’s works convey powerful expressions of empathy as it’s said<br />
about him that his empathy is part nature, part nurture.<br />
Today, his oeuvre comprises an astounding list - two hundred and fifty books,<br />
staggering numbers of numerous prestigious prizes like the “World Press Photo<br />
award” and most importantly finding a place in the minds, souls and hearts of not<br />
only that of cultivated classes but all the people who love creativity. He is a<br />
household name.<br />
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Culture Curators<br />
Nepal<br />
tiago-rosado-754544-unsplash<br />
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Culture Curators<br />
Nepal<br />
Anu Shrestha<br />
Nepal is the land of mystiques and mythologies and It also acquires the top most<br />
place of the world; the world highest peak - Mount Everest. Nepal’s clouds, peaks,<br />
temples, hills, rituals, the people, life in general always remain in the realms of our<br />
imagination. People are kind and talented, proud of their lives…proud of their<br />
cuisine, arts and fashion. And this fashion designer from Nepal is creating a buzz<br />
about her brand and designs. Her brand “Kallisto” is making world talk about it.<br />
Meet Anu Shrestha, the founder of “Kallisto”, the clothing brand.<br />
The versatile designer: This Kathmandu based fashion and textile designer was<br />
born to a Newari family. Anu Shrestha was always in awe of the patterns, art,<br />
forms…and colours. She has spent years learning, honing her craft of hand<br />
painting on silk. Now the love and passion for creativity, patterns, fabrics and<br />
paints have transcended into the solid expressions - a brand called Kallisto.<br />
She infuses life into myriad colours slowly turning them into pieces of art. Her<br />
designs are known for the intricate details and bold strokes.<br />
Anu is also well aware of the issues that plague the society - the employment, the<br />
environment, and women empowerment, fair trade. She has developed her brand as<br />
ethical and sustainable brand also she works with the home based groups of<br />
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Anu Shrestha<br />
women workers that brings in a unique individuality and fellow feeling in the<br />
designs. Anu is also well aware of the issues that plague the society - the<br />
employment, the environment, and women empowerment, fair trade. She has<br />
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developed her brand as ethical and sustainable brand also she works with the home<br />
based groups of women workers that brings in a unique individuality and fellow<br />
feeling in the designs.<br />
Anu finds the inspiration for her designs everywhere - in all the small big stories<br />
scattered around the daily lives, fresh air, love, music, friends, and family. She<br />
puts across, “Yes, all are my fashion icons…everything inspires me, also I am<br />
fascinated by the effect nature has on fashion.”<br />
Completely against the unethical practices in the fashions, her big plans are all<br />
about fulfilling the purposes through her brand.<br />
<strong>SoCultures</strong> got in touch with the designer to know more about her vision, her brand<br />
Kallisto and her views on cultural bonding…<br />
‘Kallisto’ offers exclusive handcrafted sarees, ponchos, kaftans, fabrics and shirts<br />
as well as silk and cashmere accessories (scarves and shawls).<br />
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She is happy that people now are getting brand conscious and aware about the<br />
styles. The designer feels that a shirt, a hand painted scarf and a tailored coat<br />
should always be there in a stylish woman’s wardrobe.<br />
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Talented designer is eyeing the international markets too. The local feel and<br />
characters of her hand made designs will appeal to the diverse tastes<br />
<strong>SoCultures</strong> in a tète à tète with the talented designer…<br />
Tell us about you and your journey, the story behind creating the innovative brand.<br />
“Living in this beautiful city Kathmandu, surrounded by the fascinating arts and<br />
crafts and delightful colours, my inclination was always towards art and crafts<br />
rather that fashion. I was always interested in intricate and meticulous details.<br />
Later, it took the form of fashion. Fashion allows individuals to create and craft<br />
images of their souls, allows them to express their identity.<br />
It has been almost two decades that I have been associated with the fashion<br />
industry. I have worked as a freelancer, lead design teams, collaborated with<br />
international designers and now I have launched my own design house, Kallisto<br />
Designs. I have specialized in hand painting in pure silk, producing silk and<br />
cashmere garments with meticulous detailing. It was a combination of good luck<br />
and good timing but most of all - hard work, enthusiasm, support from family and<br />
friends, specially my husband, who has been a guiding force. There is so much still<br />
to acquire and achieve.<br />
Besides my regular production team, I work with a group of home based women<br />
workers and I believe in ethical sustainable slow fashion works.<br />
I established Kallisto Designs with the vision of promoting exquisite Nepalese<br />
crafts worldwide. My eye for detail and unique individually hand painted design<br />
perspective makes my collection elegant and stylish. My collection is an<br />
amalgamation of culture, tradition, style, texture, colour and stimulating<br />
silhouette.”<br />
What do you think we can increase cultural collaborations and appreciations<br />
between Nepal and other countries? Would you like to talk about the challenges?<br />
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“Initiatives such as yours play a vital role in creating cultural bonds between<br />
nations. Print media, digital marketing, cultural exchange programs, cultural visits<br />
and fashion shows are also an effective way to create awareness.<br />
Culture is one of the most powerful forces in our world. How we see our world and<br />
how we express ourselves is outcome of our awareness. The cultural differences<br />
among groups may consist of ethnic heritage, values, traditions, languages, history<br />
and attitudes. Any of these cultural features can become barriers to working<br />
together, unless they become part of the mutual relationship. The collaborations, in<br />
fact, will probably be challenging.<br />
As people from different cultural groups work together, values differ. When we<br />
don't understand each other, we sometimes react in ways that make the<br />
collaborations ineffective. Often we are not aware that cultural differences are the<br />
roots of miscommunication.<br />
Well, tell us about your brand and its future expansions plans?<br />
‘Kallisto’ is all about individuality and style, bringing art into fashion. My<br />
endeavor is to create ‘Kallisto’ (most beautiful in Greek) handcrafted products to<br />
enhance your style and bring out the primal you. Kallisto offers exquisite hand<br />
painted silk clothing (sarees, scarves, ponchos, kaftans, garments and fabrics ) as<br />
well as silk and cashmere accessories (scarves and shawls). From start to finish,<br />
every ‘Kallisto’ piece is precisely and meticulously created. Pieces are individually<br />
hand painted and stitched with exceptional attention to details, making every piece<br />
unique and distinctive. Each and every piece is proudly, MADE IN NEPAL!<br />
As I mentioned earlier, there is so much still to acquire and achieve. Everyday is a<br />
learning experience for me. Presently, I am designing my new showroom in<br />
Kathmandu and working on my online website as well.<br />
How do you think you are contributing to the social causes with your venture?<br />
My brand cares for the environment, being sustainable and eco- friendly is part of<br />
our ethics as well as a big challenge. It takes a lot of dedication, commitment and<br />
patience to set up a reliable framework – something assumingly challenging.<br />
Moreover, Silk is a highly renewable resource with less impact on the<br />
environment than many other fabrics. The silk worms feed on mulberry leaves,<br />
which don't require the use of pesticides or fertilizers to grow.<br />
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From start to finish, every ‘Kallisto’ piece is precisely and meticulously hand-dyed<br />
and hand-painted using eco-friendly and azo-free dyes. Crepe silk, Georgette and<br />
Satin fabrics are extensively used in the collection.<br />
Kallisto Designs has been working towards strengthening the livelihoods of<br />
artisans and craft producers in Nepal. I firmly believe that supporting local<br />
artisans, craft producers are the most ethical and sustainable way to improve<br />
people’s lives.<br />
Fashion mantra for contemporary women? The fashion trends for Nepal in <strong>2018</strong>?<br />
Oh! Let me say, Joy of dressing is an art!!!<br />
Nepalese fashion trends are extremely influenced by Indian and Western<br />
fashion. Being a fashion designer and specializing in hand painting, I love to play<br />
with fresh energising colour palettes. I generally convince my clients to try<br />
something different - be it colour, design or silhouette.<br />
“Fashion is not necessarily about labels. It's not about brands. It's about something<br />
else that comes from within you.”<br />
We wish you, Anu to add more colours, designs and aestheticism to the fashion<br />
cultures of Nepal.<br />
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culture curators<br />
nepal<br />
kunti mohan<br />
Musically yours…<br />
valentino-funghi-146040-unsplash<br />
“Music is the greatest communication in the world. Even if people don't understand<br />
the language that you're singing in, they still know good music when they hear it.”<br />
Lou Rawls.<br />
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And it’s indeed true…the lyrics don’t matter when you flow with the beats and<br />
simply enjoy the music and precisely for this reason people who don’t understand<br />
Nepali language still love the music of Kunti Moktan.<br />
Kunti Moktan Rabina Karki - OwBy Pn work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=51496070<br />
Kunti Mohan is a Nepali singer. And her famous music albums though are many<br />
still a few names are Kahile Kahi, Mayalu Lai, Mero Man, Kriti which head the<br />
popularity charts.<br />
Today her name is reaffirmed as one of the main musical proponent of the country,<br />
thanks to the the diversity of styles and universal call of her music. Apart from<br />
singing, she plays the harmonium too with the same dexterity. Some of her most<br />
popular benchmark songs are Khutta Tandai Gara, Choli Ramro Palpali<br />
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Dhakako, Sunkai Bhau Chha, Bhanchan Kohi Jindagi Yo, Mathi Mathi Sailungey<br />
Ma and Dali Dali Ma.<br />
Musical Journey<br />
It was the lush green city all covered up with the tea gardens, the picturesque<br />
Margaret's Hope Tea Estate of Moktan in the Darjeeling district, India where the<br />
Kunti Mohan was born. Even in her early growing up age when other girls would<br />
just be happy playing with dolls, Kunti would be listening and singing to the<br />
music. The foundation of her musical journey had started taking shape. Soon she<br />
joined St Xavier’s High School in Dilaram, India Later she decided to pursue the<br />
musical career and changed her country to Kathmandu, Nepal<br />
With music career blossoming and she married Sila Bahadur Moktan, who is also a<br />
musician and lyricist<br />
She is a classically trained and sings folk and modern singer. Kunti started singing<br />
from an early age. She was studying in class eighth; she passed the vocal test at All<br />
India Radio station in Kurseong and recorded her first song with All India Radio at<br />
the age of 15 and second song for Radio Nepal at the age of 18 in 1980.<br />
from Nepal. Both Kunti and her husband Shila Bahadur Moktan initially learnt<br />
music from Jagdish Chandra Rai in Sonada. The couple is blessed with two<br />
beautiful daughters Shital Moktan and Shubani Moktan and as the family is<br />
completely dedicated to the music, songs and lyrics, both also chose music.<br />
Those were the days<br />
After winning laurels at her home ground, she received colossal success at<br />
foreign soil too. Kunti Moktan has performed in about twenty countries, including<br />
India, United States, Japan, UK, Hong Kong, Germany, Switzerland and South<br />
Korea. Her melodious voice along with the relentless efforts to reverberate<br />
Nepalese music with new zeal has fetched numerous awards.<br />
Undoubtedly her voice is going to be a delight to the ears for ages.<br />
Cultures Curators<br />
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Poland<br />
Meet Olga Tokarczuk…<br />
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Sign up<br />
She is a word maverick, a powerful storyteller and also an activist, and an<br />
intellectual.<br />
She is Olga Tokarczuk. She writes literary fiction and is a proud recipient of<br />
prestigious <strong>2018</strong> Man Booker International Prize.<br />
It was 29 January 1962 when this Polish writer was born in Poland. She completed<br />
her studies at the university of Warsaw and lives in Walbrzych.<br />
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Olga Tokarczuk By Unknown - archive of Wydawnictwo Literackie, CC BY-SA 3.0,<br />
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1398537
<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
Her writings have a knack to portray through words the uncommon insight of<br />
human psyche. At the age fifty six years, she has traversed both the territories with<br />
aplomb- receiving the critical recognition as well as commercial success with her<br />
books churning out millions in sale.<br />
Olga Tokarczuk is undeniably one brilliant and outstanding author of her times,<br />
admired by critics as well as readers.<br />
Tokarczuk muses, 'To me writing novels is telling fairy tales to oneself, moved to<br />
maturity.”<br />
Tokarczuk is loved by the book readers in her country, Poland. Her readers respect<br />
her for good taste, knowledge, literary talent, philosophical depth and the knack for<br />
storytelling.<br />
Olga By Mariusz Kubik, http://www.mariuszkubik.pl - own work, http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Kmarius, CC BY 2.5,<br />
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Her eight novels and two short story collections are bestsellers bagging her Polish<br />
Publishers' Association and Kościelski Awards, The Readers' Choice of the Nike<br />
Award four times and many times nomination for the Nike Literary Award. Not<br />
only in Poland, she is considered an authority on philosophy and arcane knowledge<br />
outside country too. Infact, she is the most critically acclaimed and most translated<br />
Polish writers, with titles like “House of Day”, “House of Night” and “Primeval<br />
and Other Tales.”<br />
Her short story “The Ugliest Woman in the World” opens with uncertainty.<br />
Tokarczuk’s strength lies in showing her ugly protagonist as comfortable in her<br />
own skin. And her man wonders shouldn’t such a repulsive creature be clobbering<br />
about and sulking and lamenting their fate? He is affronted by her sanguinity. But<br />
does he really love her?<br />
The book was included in the Best European Fiction 2011 anthology, an annual<br />
anthology of stories from across Europe, published by Dalkey Archive Press.<br />
And the hall of fame kept getting bigger - more awards, honours followed…<br />
Tokarczuk’s work is an original, exhilarating piece of literary fiction; it confronts<br />
the subjectivity of human experiences through an artistic lens. “International<br />
Dublin Literary Award”, “Medal for Merit to Culture – Gloria Artis”, and other<br />
highly prestigious awards among many others followed.<br />
Two movies are made based on her books – one is<br />
Pokot (Spoor), a 2017 Polish crime film, (based on the book, "Drive Your Plough<br />
Over the Bones of the Dead"). In the novel, she toys with the genre of suspense<br />
and addressing the behavior angle between humans and animals.<br />
Set in the scenic surroundings of mountains, it is about an elderly woman, Janina<br />
Duszejko, turns witness to a violent and mysterious death of several hunters.<br />
Interesting, isn’t it?<br />
Her winning novel at Booker Prize is a kaleidoscopic account of travel and human<br />
anatomy set over several titles. “Flights”, the book is not a travel book but a study<br />
of psychology of travel. The book’s title is based on the name of a sect which<br />
believed that continuous moving helped redeem the soul and keep away the dark<br />
evils.<br />
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The Chair of Judges Lisa Appignanesi applauded the book for<br />
‘exploring matters close to the contemporary and human predicament’<br />
and critic Adam Mars-Jones described Tokarczuk’s prose as a ‘articulate<br />
and radiant medium in which recital crystals grow to a perfect size<br />
attaining its epitome not disturbing the structure.<br />
Olga’s books whisper quietly to us that perhaps we should put down our<br />
smart phones, our readily available entertainment, and explore and<br />
expand the beauty of books and stories that are innovative and<br />
imaginative in style, that tackle subjects and themes relevant to the<br />
world we live in.<br />
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Cultures Curators<br />
Poland<br />
Krzysztof Jakowicz<br />
Symphony Inspiration<br />
It’s a pleasure to see the growing audience eager to watch a classical Concert, an<br />
opera, or a 1970s Soviet Films Panorama or attend the seminars on literary and<br />
cultural exchange of ideas.<br />
Krysztof Jakowicz is a violinist and pedagogue born on September 30 1939 in<br />
Palmiry, Poland. He always liked the rich graceful tones of violin strings. The<br />
soothing, exciting, fulfilling and often challenging notes from this stringed<br />
instrument have always been very special for Jakowicz.<br />
Music became the love of his life. After graduating from the High School of Music<br />
in Wrocław, he decided to study violin under the supervision of Tadeusz Wroński<br />
in the years 1958-63 at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music from where he<br />
graduated with honours.<br />
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https://www.polskieradio.pl<br />
http://olehkrysa-competition.com<br />
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He wanted to learn everything about violin and decided to study more about violin<br />
to finely hone his skills. From 1965 to 1966, he continued his studies at the Indiana<br />
University Bloomington in the United, guided by Josef Gingold and Janos Starker.<br />
The confidence stemmed from mastering the violin would deeply breathe the joy<br />
and exhilaration in his performances.<br />
And so started new beginnings of his musical journey…the solid foundation was<br />
reaping its rewards. He now had plenty of work - live performances, concerts, and<br />
a very active concert life performing as a soloist or with orchestra to Japan,<br />
Europe, Austria, France to many international cultural tours as a concertmaster<br />
under the baton of accomplished artists like Riccardo Chailly, Leopold Hager,<br />
Pinchas Steinberg etc. Appreciation was pouring in - the first success came in<br />
1959, when he won the first prize in Eugène Ysaÿe International competition. Soon<br />
followed by the third prize in the International Youth Festival music contest held at<br />
Vienna, He was continuously refining more his violin and entering into the golden<br />
league of violin artists. His name was becoming more prominent in Violin.<br />
https://www.koncertomania.pl<br />
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In 1962, he was awarded the third prize as well as the special prize at the Fourth<br />
International Henryk Wieniawski Violin completion held in Poland and later a<br />
special prize at George Enescu Festival in Bucharest. The Orpherus prize, the<br />
Diapason d’Or, an award given by French critics. Since 1966, he is running violin<br />
classes at the Fryderyk Chopin University of Music and is also a visiting scholar at<br />
the various universities, and a lecturer in France, Austria (Salzburg) and Japan. He<br />
also sits in the jury of several coveted international contests and is a laureate of the<br />
Ministry of Culture and National Heritage Prize for promoting Polish culture world<br />
over.<br />
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CULTURE CURATORS<br />
Sri Lanka<br />
Marians<br />
Music is a universal language which doesn’t require words. Music… Its rhythms,<br />
notes and expressions make way to everyone’s hearts. And we all have something<br />
to say about music. If Victor Hugo thinks, “Music expresses that which cannot be<br />
said and on which it is impossible to be silent.” Then Albert Einstein, who is<br />
known for his theory on the Relativity and other concept about energy, had some<br />
concepts about music too when he said, “If I were not a physicist, I would probably<br />
be a musician. I often think in music. I live my daydreams in music. I see my life<br />
in terms of music.”<br />
Sri Lanka is all ears to the enthralling music of Marians. Marians, is a musical<br />
band, groomed and nurtured under the leadership of Nalin Perera in the year came<br />
into existence in 1988.<br />
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Nalin’s name is special and well-known in the circles of creative communities and<br />
entertainment industries. As a musician and TV personality, Nalin has achieved a<br />
coveted place in his career. The dynamism coupled with acumen to assess the<br />
upcoming entertainment trends, solid education in audio visual, project<br />
management and overseas music industry expertise has added depth and finesse to<br />
whatever project he takes up.<br />
Nalin Perera<br />
And now the band Marians, under his leadership is reaching superb benchmarks<br />
every passing day. Indeed, Marians have striked the right chords with the music<br />
and masses.<br />
Music buffs from all over the world wait for their new album release. Infact, they<br />
have literally changed the way music scene functioned in Sri Lanka. Their music<br />
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was able to add more swag and life to the present music trends And also bring the<br />
spotlight on different music genres such as pop, semi-rock, and western classical as<br />
part of their oeuvre of music No wonder there is no looking back for the Marians<br />
with fans reveling in their good music, enjoying every bit of fun and melodies<br />
tunes and experiencing the pure joy of listening to the good music.<br />
The magic of Marians: What’s so special about band? What’s the magic of<br />
Marians, why people drool over their music? Yes, the magic potion seems is in<br />
creative DNA and passion for music in the band members. This nine-member band<br />
has released more than eight studio albums and is still actively touring around the<br />
world. They have released fifteen audio albums and five DVD productions so far<br />
and many more in the offing.<br />
Unplugged Music of Marians:<br />
https://www.marians.lk<br />
Marians rebranded their musical identity by being the first to introduce the concept<br />
of “Unplugged Music” in Sri Lanka in 2006 and created a storm amidst the music<br />
lovers of all age groups in Sri Lanka. They also become the only band to be<br />
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performing house-full unplugged concerts over the years. “Our music consists of<br />
varied styles. It ranges from classical to western. Our songs come in mainly the<br />
languages of Sinhala, Hindi and English. We always love to experiment and<br />
provide a unique experience to our fan base.” Nalin explained in an interview with<br />
a daily.<br />
Marians took a first step in launching their own recording studio in 1997 which has<br />
now been re-launched as Marians Studios equipped with state of the art multi-track<br />
recording facilities and hi-tech amenities for post production, dubbing etc<br />
All is in the name:<br />
Nalin Parera was the head prefect of the St.Mary’s college in around 1981and a<br />
member of the college band way back in 1988. The name Marians for the band was<br />
suggested by Brother Aloysius, the College Principal.<br />
Whatever music or instrument Marians pick up, it translates into magical beats and<br />
it’s heartening to see people liking them.<br />
In 1990 they released their first album; every music store in the country sold it. It<br />
was Marians “Sangeetha Naade”. Since then many more albums followed.<br />
They embarked on their very first tour to Dubai in 1993 later followed by more<br />
tours to USA, Canada, Italy, France, Australia, Austria, Singapore, Japan, South<br />
Korea, Bangladesh, Maldives, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Jordan and the United<br />
Kingdom.<br />
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https://www.marians.lk
<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
culture caFÉ<br />
Just living is not enough... one must have sunshine, flower freedom, and coffee!<br />
And of course, conversations! For lots of issues of the world can be solved over a<br />
cup of coffee.<br />
<strong>SoCultures</strong> had a chit-chat over a cup of coffee with the people from around<br />
the world to discuss cultures, and the so much more that matter in the world.<br />
Let’s brainstorm the issues and philosophies from the people around the world.<br />
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Gabriel Akpan<br />
Country: Calabar, Nigeria,<br />
A GG, a teacher, a lover of music, an actor<br />
Let’s Discuss the Culture? Your views?<br />
Culture is the way of life of people.<br />
Do you think in today’s globally<br />
connected scenario, cultures can be main<br />
agent to bring in the positivity and<br />
peace?<br />
Yes, it’s the belief that matters. I am<br />
sure that the positivity and faith in one’s<br />
culture and in others cultures can act as<br />
main reason to forge a strong bonding.<br />
And it’s easier now since we are more<br />
connected and informed these times.<br />
The biggest culture shock you ever<br />
lived?<br />
Oh, It could be a lapse from my side too<br />
that I didn’t know their culture but it’s<br />
Brazil.<br />
Tell us about your favourite film, book or art anything which fascinates you<br />
from your culture?<br />
I love reading Mr. E. N. Amaku. A great writer, he has turned out quite a<br />
prolific amount of work. Hid works have helped greatly in placing the Efik<br />
language in the lime-light and now it’s even studied up to university level.<br />
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Indeed, he has added great amount of<br />
heritage value to the language. He was<br />
honored with the Honorary Degree of<br />
Doctor of Letters by the University of<br />
Ibadan.<br />
Оксана Ахріменко<br />
Country: Kyiv, Ukraine<br />
She believes in respecting the world of another<br />
person. Оксана is a free artist and very rich<br />
mother.<br />
Let’s Discuss the Culture? What is your<br />
definition?<br />
Culture is like God, its God. It is within<br />
each person. Everyone is free to admit it<br />
to themselves the way they like to<br />
accept their God and adjust to it<br />
nuances.<br />
Do you think in today’s globally connected scenario, cultures can be main<br />
agent to bring in the positivity and peace?<br />
It’s the beauty of cultures that beauty will save the world. Everyone loves<br />
beauty… the inner beauty of souls as well as in appearances.<br />
The biggest culture shock you ever lived?<br />
Oh! It was the world of Harp and Cello and it changed my life completely.<br />
Tell us about your favourite film, book or art anything which fascinates you<br />
from your culture?<br />
I like to listening to the Harp, it just cleanses me rejuvenates me.<br />
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Ingvres Caesar Falcao<br />
Country: Montevideo, Uruguay<br />
He is a musician and produces divine compositions. He introduces himself as “The<br />
son of the earth, the brother of the wind, the grandson of the stars, the patient of the<br />
clinic”!!!<br />
Let’s Discuss the Culture? What is your definition?<br />
I am a homo sapiens.<br />
Do you think in today’s globally connected scenario, cultures can be main<br />
agent to bring in the positivity and peace?<br />
Unfortunately someone has brought us into existence (human race) and we<br />
are only marionette….puppets.<br />
The biggest culture shock you ever lived?<br />
The human race at this time is already in shock because now we are not<br />
really very kind and also we don’t like to use much of our brains. Mostly!<br />
Tell us about your favourite film, book or art anything which fascinates<br />
you from your culture?<br />
I am a composer and when I make my music...I make for everyone, all the<br />
people...black, white, red, Hindu, Christian...<br />
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> <strong>October</strong> <strong>2018</strong><br />
Emil Agayev<br />
Russia<br />
Mostly know me as an artist, but for me the term is much broader. I also do protolinguistic.<br />
What is it? This is the identification of the organics of word formation of human speech. The<br />
conceptualization of the alphabet as the first of speech, the creation of two and three-letter<br />
syllables, and the formation of<br />
the dictionary with the most<br />
complex interlacing.<br />
.In addition, I write poetry (in<br />
Russian).<br />
Let’s Discuss the Culture?<br />
What is your definition?<br />
The word "Cultūra /<br />
Culture”, in Latin, has four<br />
definitions.<br />
Cultivation - processing,<br />
care, Agriculture,<br />
.Education - training,<br />
Worship - reverence.<br />
The case is complex. It is<br />
of course four homonyms,<br />
because the meanings are<br />
different.<br />
In modern scenario, most<br />
likely means the third<br />
meaning.<br />
Do you think in today’s<br />
globally connected scenario, cultures can be main agent to bring in the<br />
positivity and peace?<br />
I will tell that, except culture we have no other means to make it.<br />
We can only do our job, educate and enlighten, and somehow it should<br />
bring up the best qualities in people<br />
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The biggest culture shock you ever lived?<br />
I've been through a lot of cultural shocks<br />
Tell us about your favourite film, book or art anything which fascinates you<br />
from your culture?<br />
Lots of inspiring works in arts, music, books – My some of the favourite<br />
books are “The legacy of Leonardo da Vinci” also "Rose of the world" by<br />
Daniel Andreev, "Ulysses", a novel by James Joyce, and many more.<br />
Dante and Shakespeare are also my favourite. The music of Mozart and<br />
Frank Zappa, the artworks of Joseph Beuys for his “social plastic” are<br />
great. There are subjects like the Greek philosophy, many scientists<br />
discovering the laws of the universe also very fascinating to study.<br />
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<strong>SoCultures</strong> Interviews Series<br />
Interview with Mahatma<br />
In this section, we will be interviewing the people who become famous for their<br />
path breaking, exemplary works and also those who got famous for their<br />
dangerous, negative works and which never vanished from the memories of<br />
people.<br />
These people who are there forever in the pages of history books and find mentions<br />
in discussions about the world in a college canteen, political seminars or literary<br />
fests are worth asking questions again set in the contemporary times. No matter<br />
what routes or decisions they took to reach their iconic status ---good or not-sogood<br />
but they definitely addressed the gauntlet of challenges and maneuvered their<br />
way to reach the top. They showed incredible leadership skills and never deterred<br />
from their tasks and objectives despite criticism and judgments.<br />
Some left this world but became strong contender for eternal fame.<br />
This kind of interviews is actually like sitting in front of a crystal ball. You gaze at<br />
the ball intently - predicting, analyzing, judging and brooding all at the same time.<br />
Well…<strong>SoCultures</strong> thinks that in order to bring back the spotlight on these legends,<br />
we ask them questions again, intelligent, irrelevant, funny and prying questions in<br />
the context of today.<br />
Let’s interview Mahatma! Mahatma means great soul. Mahatma Gandhi is known<br />
for his non-violence ideologies and is respected as a role model the world over.<br />
We will address Mahatma Gandhi as M and Interviewer as S<br />
M<br />
S<br />
Pranam (folds his hands)<br />
Pranam!<br />
M Aapne mujh se baat karna chaha..bahut dhanyawaad..bataye, how can I help<br />
you?<br />
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S Oops! We will do translation of our interview from Hindi to English. How are<br />
you, Bapu? I am so happy to meet you in person.<br />
M Me too…I always like to meet people, no matter I know them before or not,<br />
friends with them or not…Nice to see you, my friend.<br />
Gandhi costume Wikimedia<br />
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Gandhi portrait Wikimedia<br />
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S<br />
May I call you Mahatma?<br />
M Hmm…Well! I don’t mind. But I would like to be called Bapu.<br />
S But how you got this title,<br />
Mahatma?<br />
M According to some authors,<br />
Rabindranath Tagore is said to have<br />
used this word as my name on March 6,<br />
1915. Some claim that while he was<br />
writing his autobiography then he used<br />
this title for me.<br />
There are lots of stories about me getting<br />
this title. A few people believe that I was<br />
https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1842<br />
97<br />
called ‘Mahatma’ in a small function organized by the royal physician of erstwhile<br />
Gondal State in Saurashtra Peninsula.<br />
(Waves at the people gathered outside, some volunteers of the ashram are taking<br />
care of various activities at ashram, some are<br />
there from some faraway rural areas that work<br />
on the Charkha (spin wheel) and produce<br />
Khadi. The volunteers are busy listening to their<br />
problems and trying to resolve them. )<br />
Gandhi_and_Bose_at_the_Indian_National_Congress,_1938<br />
Another story comes from Gurukul Kangari<br />
University located in Haridwar, India. And I<br />
had lots of respect for its teaching methods --Vedic education system, Indian<br />
philosophy, Indian culture, modern sciences and research. I told Ba that it’s the<br />
pilgrimage to education.<br />
You see, I used to visit this place quite often with Ba especially after I had come<br />
back from South Africa. More interestingly, during that time, the founder of<br />
Gurukal Kangri, Mahatma Munshi had conferred this title on me .Another version<br />
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is that I was first time called ‘Mahatma’ in a small function organized by the royal<br />
physician of erstwhile Gondal State in Saurashtra Peninsula.<br />
S That’s interesting! Why they called you Mahatma? Can we explain this title, the<br />
meaning of Mahatma?<br />
But let me add that this epithet 'Mahatma' later became a universally accepted<br />
synonym for Gandhi and you have been immortalized as 'Mahatma Gandhi' in the<br />
world history. Of course, Satyagraha and non-violence in the year 1906 became a<br />
powerful tool to fight the injustice of British against Indians and blacks in South<br />
Africa. It inspired leaders from Twentieth countries to lead civil rights movement.<br />
After all, Mahatma means a good soul.<br />
M (looks at me and then<br />
smiles shyly) I don’t know I<br />
was just doing my work. All I<br />
worked for and believed in,<br />
“Progress for all”, “Wellbeing<br />
for all” and “Universal uplift”<br />
(Pauses) Otherwise, to get<br />
better generalized meaning of<br />
this word, I was surfing the<br />
net and there I see this<br />
explanation for this word…Umm..wait let me check this blog I think its name is<br />
https://adipurusha.wordpress.com. Well, there is a good explanation, ‘Mahatma’ is<br />
nothing but a higher plateau of our self – achieved through one’s self-discipline,<br />
one’s devotion to a singular motive or vision, aided by self-belief that is more than<br />
self-confidence, and effective politics which is good ‘morally right’ inter-personal<br />
skills. There has to be a greater goal through which others can be benefited besides<br />
one’s own self. Altruistic people are selfless in the real sense, because they act<br />
keeping ‘selflessness’ as the center of their actions. Self-effacing or ‘self-sacrifice’<br />
can lead one to his higher self. Knowledge of own self can make one to be a<br />
Mahatma. Humility, self-endurance and ‘sincere and righteous’ public empathy<br />
can make one lead a life of a Mahatma.<br />
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S Oh! But you are also called Bapu?<br />
M Ha!Ha!Ha! Oh Yes, I actually keep forgetting my real name…but I am<br />
humbled by such great honours. I am so thankful to all. Dhanyawaad!<br />
S No, it’s your politeness. I think it’s nothing considering your selfless services<br />
for nation, for the entire world and your great wisdom. So, the titles became<br />
sobriquets to be used by near and dear ones– Mahatma! And Bapu! (Father of the<br />
Nation).<br />
S(chuckles) I know your real names…Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi…I think<br />
whole world knows about it.<br />
M Oh…Bapu! Well…It is a thought. I think Subhas Chandra Bose was the first to<br />
call me;the Father of India (seems amused). Though people gossip about the<br />
differences between the two of us, only differences of opinion we had, was on<br />
what is the best for India. We both wished best for the country.<br />
Early years<br />
S Let’s go back to the childhood…those years of growing up..<br />
M (seems lost in the old memories)…it’s so nostalgic to remember …it was a<br />
small, white-washed house in Porbandar, on the coast of Kathiawad in western<br />
India, where I was born on <strong>October</strong> 2, 1869. I remember my parents very fondly,<br />
Karamchand Gandhi and Putlibai. I also remember that when I was small, I was<br />
dark and small and looked no different from the millions of other children born in<br />
India.<br />
S Yet, this was no ordinary child. He was to fight and overcome a great empire<br />
that too without taking to arms, to set his country free.<br />
S<br />
Porbandar?<br />
M Porbandar is an old sea-port, coastal city in Gujarat, India overlooked by the<br />
distant Barda Hills. Even in ancient days ships from far off lands went there to<br />
trade.<br />
S And your family?<br />
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M (stands up and looks intently and lovingly at a family photograph)<br />
Well, let me tell you in detail. My Grandfather Uttamchand Gandhi, who belonged<br />
to a humble family of merchants, became the Dewan of Porbandar. He was<br />
succeeded by his son, Karamchand Gandhi popularly known as a Kaba Gandhi, my<br />
father. He had very little formal education, but his knowledge and experience made<br />
him a good administrator. He was brave and generous but he was also known for<br />
his bad temper.<br />
Putlibai, My mother’s name, she was deeply religious. Every day she worshipped<br />
at the temple. She was a lovable and strong-willed woman, widely respected for<br />
her wisdom and good sense. People often sought her advice on various matters.<br />
I was the youngest of the six children of Kaba Gandhi. The favourite child of the<br />
family (smiles) and was called 'Moniya' by parents and friends. I absolutely adored<br />
my mother. (Turns around and looks at the interviewer) I loved my father too, but<br />
was a little afraid of him.<br />
https://commons.wikimedia.org/<br />
w/index.php?curid=16<br />
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Putlibai_Gandhi.jpg">vi<br />
a Wikimedia Commons<br />
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S And of course lots of fights with siblings?<br />
M As a child, Moniya means me, seldom liked to stay at home. He would go<br />
home for his meals and then run away again to play outside. If one of his brothers<br />
teased him or playfully pulled his ears he would run home to complain to his<br />
mother. 'Why didn't you hit him back? She would ask.<br />
'How can you teach me to hit people? Why should I hit my brother? Why should I<br />
hit anyone? It would be Moniya’s prompt reply.<br />
S You always wanted to become Bapu or Mahatma even as a child?<br />
M I preferred living alone and would read books for hours..ahh …yes .. I<br />
remember that I liked people. However I had one friend, a very good friend. Uka!<br />
Uka was a sweeper-boy and an untouchable. One day Moniya was given some<br />
sweets. He offered sweets to Uka. Later my mother saw this and asked sternly,<br />
'Don't you know that high caste Hindu should never touch an untouchable? She<br />
asked<br />
sternly.<br />
'I find nothing wrong in touching Uka. He is not different from me, is he?<br />
She looked angrily and told Moniya (me) to go and have a bath and say his<br />
prayers.<br />
Marriage<br />
S So, when the marriage happened? I want to know about Ba.<br />
M<br />
(brightens up, smiles)<br />
I was only thirteen when was told that I will soon to be married. My parent had<br />
already chosen the bride, Kasturbai. We were about the same age. We married in<br />
1882.<br />
Kasturbai was a pretty and lively girl. We often played together. Many times, I<br />
tried to teach my wife, but she could never concentrate on books, though she was<br />
quick to learn the household work. But later on, she taught me so much about<br />
idealism and selfless devotion. Kasturba relentlessly stood by me through thick<br />
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and thin and campaigned with me for, social, civil rights and independence of<br />
India, welfare of people.<br />
S In fact, Ba inspired the women in India to join the Indian independence<br />
movement address the socio-political causes<br />
Education Further<br />
S You went to study law? You always wanted to be a lawyer?<br />
M I passed the matriculation examination of the University of Bombay in 1887<br />
and enrolled at the Samaldas College in Bhavnagar. In 1888, went to study law at<br />
the Inner Temple in London.<br />
Talking of my law school, I remember that while in England I had also got more<br />
inclined in religion and vegetarian movement. Most of my assumptions, faiths<br />
were taking shape after meeting members of the Theosophical Society.<br />
I was called to the bar in June 1891 and admitted as a barrister and the next day<br />
was formally enrolled in the High Court. (smiles again)<br />
South Africa<br />
S You were travelling in a train compartment in South Africa and now the world<br />
knows about “The first act of civil disobedience.”<br />
M Oh, Yes. I witnessed situations which I had no idea about previously like<br />
rampant discrimination for non-white people. And when I was removed from a<br />
first-class railway compartment and thrown off a train that was the moment of<br />
truth. From there on, I decided to fight injustice and defend my rights as an Indian<br />
and a man.<br />
South Africa became the crucible which forged my identity as a political activist.<br />
During my stay there, I initiated many campaigns satyagraha (truth-force), people<br />
with me staged peaceful marches and presented themselves for arrest in protest<br />
against unjust laws.<br />
In 1893, I joined Dada Abdulla & Co., an Indian firm in the Colony of Natal,<br />
South Africa. It was my official trip via train to Pietermaritzburg, Natal, when the<br />
gentleman asked me to get down. Apart from this incident, I remember my years<br />
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spent in South Africa as profound, spiritual and filled with lots of political<br />
experiences.<br />
S Bapu, you have created many movements, you were a leading figure in the<br />
negotiations, resorted to fasts to raise voice against injustices, visited many a<br />
troubled areas and advocated many persuasive methods of civil disobedience,<br />
civil rights movements which influenced leaders of civil rights movements around<br />
the world, What do you think are your achievements?<br />
M I think that I walk every day for 18 kms for the last forty years. Ha! Ha! (Starts<br />
laughing).<br />
S Oh, that’s indeed discipline; after all you need tremendous stamina, good health<br />
and will power to change the course of history.<br />
But let me just tell you a few of your achievements that tweaked the history of the<br />
world.<br />
Your civil disobedience movement which inspired thousands across the globe was<br />
itself a big inspiration. You were responsible for the Civil Rights movement in<br />
twelve countries across four continents. You fought against racial discrimination<br />
in South Africa, your Satyagraha campaign in SA led to the 1914 Indian Relief Act.<br />
You won the first battle of civil disobedience in India at Champaran where your<br />
organized protests and strikes to get farmers compensation and control against the<br />
landlords made the British landlords signed an agreement granting more rights to<br />
the farmers..Also you successfully led a non-violent tax revolt in Kheda in Gujarat.<br />
Then there was the popular Non-cooperation movement in early 1920s.<br />
(Interviewer looks in amazement) How could you do so mach Mahatma?<br />
M (shrugs) It was just the outcomes of my beliefs. I think. I find all the religions<br />
as equal and I also believe in trying to pursue and express the same eternal truths<br />
and wisdom. Well, I fiercely advocate non-violence and compassion also.<br />
S I am not done yet. In South Africa, you promoted football as the non-violent<br />
campaigns and helped establish three football clubs in Durban, Pretoria and<br />
Johannesburg..<br />
M<br />
(closes eyes and smiles) Dhanyawad! Thanks!<br />
S Why you always wore Dhoti or Loincloth? Bapu?<br />
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M You are very inquisitive. It’s a long story and old too. It was Ninety-five years<br />
ago on 22 nd September 1921; I decided to don a simple dhoti and shawl. This<br />
epoch-making decision was taken in Madurai. When I saw so many poor people of<br />
India and I had to work with them how could I do that? Wear expensive and<br />
different clothes? I stuck to this dress code even on my trips abroad and until this<br />
very last moment, I never regretted my decision. Well, I had written somewhere<br />
these lines about my choice<br />
On the way (from Madras – now Chennai - to Madurai by train) I saw in our<br />
compartment crowds that were wholly unconcerned with what had happened.<br />
Almost without exception they were bedecked in foreign fineries. I entered into<br />
conversation with some of them and pleaded for Khadi. …. They shook their heads<br />
as they said, 'We are too poor to buy Khadi and it is so dear.' I realized the<br />
substratum of truth behind the remark. I had my vest, cap and full dhoti on. When<br />
these uttered only partial truth, the millions of compulsorily naked men, save for<br />
their langoti four inches wide and nearly as many feet long, gave through their<br />
limbs the naked truth. What effective answer could I give them, if it was not to<br />
divest myself of every inch of clothing I decently could and thus to a still greater<br />
extent bring myself in line with ill-clad masses? And this I did the very next<br />
morning after the Madura meeting."<br />
Gandhiji with Tagore https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=4784730<br />
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https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=1654239<br />
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S Why Khadi? Why you always endorsed Khadi as the Swadeshi brand?<br />
M Hmm! Khadi has a very big vision.<br />
I wrote in Navajivan: “I do not want either my co-workers or readers to<br />
adopt the loincloth. But I do wish that they should thoroughly realize the<br />
meaning of the boycott of foreign cloth and put forth their best effort to get it<br />
boycotted, and to get khadi manufactured. I do wish that they may<br />
understand that swadeshi means everything.”<br />
S Do you know you are a fashion icon?<br />
M Gandhi caps are the latest fad, thanks to the much-celebrated social<br />
activist Anna Hazare who made it a nation-wide rage in recent times. They<br />
are now synonymous not just with politicians and dabbawallas<br />
but also with the youth and commoners.<br />
And someone told me that the round wired frames worn by me have inspired<br />
many fashion labels. Armani has a range of round rimmed glasses and more.<br />
He thinks they are “super trendy! Same goes for the dhoti pants. But yes,<br />
Khadi is the most amazing fabric ever.<br />
S Why round glasses?<br />
M The round glasses have since become popular, representing characters<br />
which have a soft demeanor and are physically weak but have strong<br />
personalities/intellect—Harry Potter, Clark Kent, and Velma are a few<br />
examples of this.<br />
During my time however, glasses were steel rimmed and built to last, and<br />
the lens was made of glass—it had to be ground on abrasive surface to fit the<br />
frame. This grinding required skill and fine tools. Round glasses without any<br />
drastic changes in curvature or sharp corners are easier to grind, which is<br />
why round or oval frames are popular instead of shapes with well defined<br />
corners for frames which use glass lenses.<br />
We take leave and express our thanks and gratefulness to Mahatma for doing<br />
so much for us.<br />
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So<br />
CULTURES<br />
oCTobER <strong>2018</strong><br />
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