Tag: mumbai

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Watch

Watch: ‘The Government Inspector’

The brilliant play about a small money-laundering town and an official arriving to investigate is on at the NCPA tonight.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

If you like humour and intrigue, you cannot miss this play.

The Government Inspector, an NCPA Production in collaboration with Akvarious Production, is on tonight. A group of dysfunctional actors comes together to play a group of small town money-grabbing officials. They get the shock of their lives when they learn that a government inspector is being dispatched to investigate their town and all its local dealings. Gogol’s classic is an energetic comedy of manners, taken one step further by not only satirising corruption in a small town, but also the theatre process itself.

The play has been adapted and directed by Akarsh Khurana, and stars Adhir Bhat, Hussain Dalal, Adhaar Khurana, Dilshad Edibam Khurana and others. The play is on at 7 pm tonight at the NCPA.

(Picture courtesy ncpamumbai.com)

Categories
Autism

When less is more and more is less

It took a child on the Autism spectrum to explain life’s true meaning, help evaluate my close association with autism.
Kamini Lakhaniby Kamini Lakhani | saiconnections01@gmail.com

Part 5 of the Autism Diaries – When a 9-year-old explains life to you.

A few years ago, I was working with this student who was around 9 years old at that time. We had spent a wonderful hour together and I had managed to test out some very important hypotheses with him. In that relaxed state of mind, I mumbled, mostly to myself, “You know, in your case, less is more.” I glanced over at him and asked, “Do you know what that means?” not expecting an answer. He answered, “Yes, less is more, and sometimes more is less.” I almost jumped out of my skin! A simple truth, but spoken so sincerely and almost philosophically! Needless to say, I will never forget this statement or the wisdom that it was spoken with.

Since then, I’ve applied the ‘less is more’ philosophy to many aspects of my life. So, recently, Bill Nason (Author of ‘The Autism Discussion Page’) put up a very interesting question on Facebook. He addressed ‘veteran’ parents (with older kids/adults on the Autism Spectrum) about what they would like to share with parents with newly diagnosed kids. There were interesting recommendations, all spoken through experience, and hence all valid.

I did not answer immediately, as I had a hundred thoughts running through my mind. If I had a chance to redo my innings with autism- what would my top 3 recommendations be? What would I do differently?

1. I would take more care of myself when the diagnosis came in. 

The diagnosis of autism is a deadly one. It takes so much from a parent, who, at that point of time, is devastated. I remember crying myself to sleep and waking up crying. This went on for a few days…till there were no tears left. Yet, in that frame of mind, one only wants to help the child and do whatever it takes to somehow ‘throw this diagnosis off’.

I recommend that all parents book themselves for a few sessions with a counsellor or a Mental Health Professional. Work on yourself, strengthen yourself first. You don’t need the guilt. Hand holding is required through one’s own grief too.

And then, get ready for the marathon.

2. Make sure you continue to spend quality time with your other children, too.

If there is one thing that I would definitely redo, it would be spending more time with my daughter. Sometimes, I feel I was so overwhelmed with Mohit’s diagnosis, that I was not a 100 per cent A child on the autism spectrumpresent with my daughter, Tanya. To date, she says that I love Mohit more. Much as I try to explain that I don’t love him more, that he needs me more, it doesn’t quite sink in.

Parents who are working with the RDI (Relationship Development) Programme under the guidance of a consultant are far luckier. The consultant is trained to look at their daily schedules and make valid suggestions with regards to spending time with their other children and leading a more balanced life.

3. Be selective with therapies. 

One size does NOT fit all. Don’t jump on to the band wagon of speech, special ed, OT etc. These are all helpful therapies, but they are more useful with better understanding of your child and what he or she really needs. Take help from an expert who will help you understand Autism better, somebody who will take an objective look at your situation and make the right and useful recommendations. A customised programme is required, not a trial and error program.

There are several permutations and combinations that will apply to your child. There are the Core Deficits and then there are the Co-occurring Conditions. The co occurring conditions are different for every child on the Spectrum, hence you may see this diversity in people on the Spectrum. (See rdiconnect.com for more information)

I was not aware of this at that time and hence I tried everything that the Western World had to offer. Definitely, I could have been more selective. I should have studied more and tried less.

This is where I feel the ‘less is more’ concept really works!

Here is something that really resonates with me-

“Parents have therapists come in their home and tell them what to do.

They give their power away.

Parents need to focus on healing and empowering themselves. They must shift their beliefs  about autism. Once the parent knows who they are….the child will respond.”

– Lori Sheyew

Do you know who you are?

And what resonates with you?

Less is more… or more is less?

At SAI Connections, we follow the RDI technique, which not only helps children on autism spectrum but their parents as well. Feel free to send questions on your mind to saiconnections01@gmail.com and I will be glad to help.

Kamini Lakhani is the founder of SAI Connections. She is a Behaviour Analyst, an RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) Consultant, Supervisor and Trainer responsible for RDI professional training in India and the Middle East. She is the mother of an adult on the Autism Spectrum. She is also a member of Forum for Autism.

Next: The one thing that makes you stronger with time…and it’s not experience.

(Pictures courtesy www.fwdlife.in, www.dnaindia.com. Images are used for representational purpose only)

Categories
Hum log

Studying the humans of Bombay

The ‘Humans of Bombay’ Facebook page started a year ago, to roaring success – turns out, everyone loves to hear Mumbai’s stories.
by Ritika Bhandari Parekh

This is one of the more interesting pages on social media currently, presenting micro-stories of people in Mumbai. Styled on the lines of the famous ‘Humans of New York’ page, the ‘Humans of Bombay’ page currently has 1,80,868 likes and is gaining popularity with each passing day.

Karishma MehtaThe page was conceived by Karishma Mehta (22), a Mumbai resident. Today, she says that what started off as an experiment in capturing visual stories “slowly became a part of her routine” where she continues to soar higher with each passing stranger’s tale.

With her team of photographers and a few social media interns, Karishma traverses Mumbai – she calls it Bombay – be it the town area or the suburbs. She recommends Maldives to her fellow travelers and believes all kinds of people stay everywhere.

In a chat with The Metrognome, the creative young person talks about her inspirations, how writing will always be her long-term activity, and what drives her to work on the ‘Humans of Bombay’ (HOB) page. Here are a few excerpts from the interview:

Tell us a little bit about yourself.

I grew up in Bombay and went to school till the 10th grade at Bombay Scottish School, Mahim. For my 11th and 12th  grades, I studied at The International School Bangalore (TISB). Three years later, I graduated as an Economics Major from the University of Nottingham, England. Once I came back, we started positive thinking classes. I take positivity and affirmation classes under the venture called Knoq. I wished to evolve my interests into digital magazines with written stories, photo stories and video stories.

As a part of a photo stories, I started the ‘Humans of Bombay’ page.

Since you take positive thinking classes, how do you stay positive and upbeat in a stressful city like Mumbai? Do you have a stress buster?

It’s about being positive about anything that surrounds you, whether it is a difficult situation and making the most out of that circumstance. It’s about being open to new experiences, new things and new people because life just keeps surprising you. So you should just step out and allow that to happen. I don’t really have a stress buster, I don’t get stressed that easily. At the end of the day, I unwind by listening to good music, chilling and doing my own thing. I make sure I don’t get over stressed about anything at any point. If it is getting too much, I take a step back. I also work out at the gym, hang out with friends, read a book.

‘HOB’ must keep you on your toes. Any beauty regime you follow after the day’s work?

Absolutely none. I am very casual when I go out to shoot, I just wear my jeans or leggings. The idea is not to stick out because at the end of the day, I am a human of Bombay too. I need to be a bit dressed down to make the people feel connected to me.

How do you zero in on your subject for ‘HOB’?

I think over time you just pick the vibe of people and also at times, you have to take your chance. You know somebody that looks interesting, if they have a tattoo or a cool haircut – you just approach them because that is a striking feature. And more often, people are very willing to have their picture taken. A few obviously, say ‘no’, but in general people are very adaptive to share their story.

When you approach the subject, how do you break the ice?

We ask them general questions like what they do, or how old they are or where they have studied, or where they were born and brought up. This makes them a little comfortable and then you go into deeper conversations. Generally, we approach people who are sitting alone or are idle – because then they have the time to talk for 10 to 15 minutes. So you pick your subjects accordingly.

But how do you coax the strangers to reveal their most intimate experiences?

We keep building the conversation and we tell them the focus, which is the concept of ‘HOB’. The page strives to make people feel more connected. So today if you share your story, there will be people around you who are going through the same thing. So you build a community where you don’t feel alone at any point in time. You feel that there are others with you. And that’s the basic idea of ‘HOB’ – to make one person feel connected to the next person.

How do you deal with the flak you receive for some images or experiences on HOB page?

If there are extreme comments, we delete them. But if it’s a healthy argument, where even if one doesn’t exactly agree with what the person is saying but the argument is fine, then we let it pass.

When did you know that HOB was going to be the thing for you?

It became a routine, a part of life. So now when I don’t shoot, I feel a void. The concept really clicked and I love doing it, which is what pushes me and I like to shoot people I don’t know.

If not working for HOB or positive thinking classes, what would you have been doing?

I see myself writing. I will write all my life – whether it is for ‘HOB’ or something else. I will do something people-oriented and something to do with writing and bringing stories to people.

If HOB were to meet you (as a subject), what would you say?

I have no idea. I would be terrified. It would be like, ‘I don’t want to do this’. I don’t like being in front of the camera, I like being behind it.

Categories
Watch

Watch: The Merry Widow – Lehár

Don’t miss this opera screening from The Metropolitan Opera of New York; stars brilliant actress Renée Fleming in the lead role.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

The great Renée Fleming stars as the beguiling femme fatale who captivates Paris in Lehár’s enchanting opera, seen in a new staging by Broadway director and choreographer Susan Stroman (The Producers, Oklahoma!, Contact). In an art-nouveau setting, it features a scintillating climax with singing and dancing grisettes at the legendary Maxim’s. Nathan Gunn and Kelli O’Hara co-star and Andrew Davis conducts.

The basis of the story, concerning a rich widow, and her countrymen’s attempt to keep her money in the principality by finding her the right husband – comes from an 1861 comedy play, L’attaché d’ambassade by Henri Meilhac. The operetta was first performed at the Theater an der Wien in Vienna on 30 December 1905 with Mizzi Günther as Hanna, Louis Treumann (de) as Danilo, Siegmund Natzler as Baron Zeta and Annie Wünsch as Valencienne. It was Lehár’s first major success, becoming internationally the best-known operetta of its era. Lehár subsequently made changes for productions in London in 1907 (two new numbers), and Berlin in the 1920s, but the definitive version is basically that of the original production.

The Merry Widow is on at the NCPA from today, February 2 to Wednesday, February 4, at 6 pm.

(Picture courtesy www.nromusic.com)

Categories
Become

The journalist who uses art to highlight society

Mamta Chitnis Sen uses her skills as a journalist with a painter’s keen observation to highlight contemporary issues affecting society.
by The Editors | editor@themetrognome.in

Mamta Chitnis Sen is one of a growing tribe of Mumbai’s talented multitaskers – she is a journalist by day and a painter by night, and she travels the country extensively working on both her journalistic assignments and such art-related tasks as restoration of colonial buildings and documenting their history. She recently had a showing of her works describing Sawantwadi’s women-in-waiting, which opened to a very good response and brought many accolades for her.

In a chat with The Metrognome, Mamta talks about how she started dabbling with art, her inspirations, how she makes time for her pursuits, and what’s next. Excerpts from the interview:

You have had a long career in news reporting and feature journalism. When did you decide to dabble in art as well?

MamtaI have always been inclined towards art since childhood. In fact, in the course of working with several publications, I even penned several articles related to art and artists but it was only in the year 2008 during my stint with a political party as its office bearer that I had an opportunity to organise an art exhibition. The motive was to connect the common grassroots worker to the elite art circuit and bridge the gap between the two.

Have you ever watched a political rally? It is so colourful and vibrant, just like a canvas littered with colours and shades of all hues. Similarly, the banners and posters which are on display during election campaigns also speak a language of their own.

My hunt for artists to duplicate any form of social issue on canvas ended up blank since I discovered that a majority of artists were more interested in painting safe subjects such as that related to spirituality, meditation etc., than paint on any socio-political issues. Finally in 2010, after running around in circles, I decided to learn art formally and paint what I thought. So I joined the Sir JJ School of Fine Art to study paintings and drawing and since then it has been a great journey.

How do you balance your journalism career with your artistic pursuits?

Journalism surely does take a lot of my time (she is currently Executive Editor of Dignity Dialogue and has worked with Mid Day, The Sunday Guardian, Society, and Sunday Observer) but it is what I enjoy, I love being a journalist. Similarly, I also love painting and manage to devote my 100 per cent to both. I never compromise on any of the two. I believe that if you love doing something, you can always find time for it, whatever the circumstances. While I work on my journalism assignments during the day, I paint at night – mostly post midnight, till the wee hours of dawn. This is the time when the phone doesn’t ring, and since everyone is in deep slumber, there is silence around and in silence one can think and paint at ease.

Tell us about the art collective you founded. How did this come about? 

It’s called ‘Canvas Clan- A congregation of artists from all walks of life’ and was first founded along with students of the Art Class (Hobby) of Sir JJ School of Art, Mumbai in 2010. The idea was Art Nelson Mandelaconceptualised during a class field painting trip to Khandala. It initially kick-started with an exhibition of art works with 22 students from various age groups and different professional backgrounds, namely furniture designers, software engineers, writers, entrepreneurs, etc. It was aimed at being a guiding force of light to encourage art lovers and art practitioners to seek academic excellence in understanding and promotion of art through art workshops, art studies and public exhibitions.

I must say that also it was because of the efforts of the Dean of Sir JJ School of Art, Prof Vishwanath Sable who encouraged us that the collective came into existence. ‘Canvas Clan’ also played a key role in exhibiting unique works in celebration of the Centenary Year celebrations of Bihar State in the year 2011, and was invited to showcase works that highlighted the confluence of past and present progress of Bihar through a series of paintings.

What are the other initiatives in art that you are currently involved in?

I am currently involved in documenting and researching history of JJ School of Art and its allied branches pre- and post-1857, when the Institute was first founded. The first part of my study was the existence of a state-of-the art Pottery Department at the Institute’s campus grounds constructed by the British. The building used to house ceramic samples from European countries, traces of which are still found at the Dean’s bungalow within the campus. Between 1873 and 1875, the Pottery Department grew to such fame and glory, that it even threatened the sales of the famed Wedgewood Company in London. The building was later torn down in 1926 following the terrible plague which led to the decline of pottery students frequenting the campus premises, affecting the production and sale of ceramic products.

I also collect artefacts which most people throw away. Another art project which I am working on is beautification of the Rajbaris (palaces) located in interiors of West Bengal. Most of these Rajbaris and the mansions surrounding them are hundreds of years old and either in derelict condition, abandoned or neglected. I helped in the beautification of the house of the late Ishaan Chandra Sen, the zamindar of Guptipara in November last year. The beautification was done with involvement of children belonging to the families.  This initiative was aimed more to give them a sense of belonging of their roots and identify them with their past and culture.

Apart from this, I am also involved as a Social Network Officer for World Citizen Artists (a forum of international artists, musicians and writers founded in Paris in 2013). WCA works to address social issues across the globe through art and creativity.

Can you describe the process of putting up your first exhibition? What are the costs involved in putting up an exhibition?

My first exhibition was at Main Hall, at Sir JJ School of Art. Though we were saved from the cost of footing the price of the venue, we had to pool in money for framing, banners, food for guests etc. But ideally the cost to set up an exhibition is almost Rs 1,00,000 and upwards in Mumbai, which includes rent, framing, catalogue printing, publicity material etc.

How many exhibitions have you had so far? Where?

I have participated in seven exhibitions so far, five in Mumbai, and one in Hyderabad, and Kolkata.

What has been the most interesting/thought provoking moment in your journey as an artist?

There have been several and it is difficult to pin point any one. But the most interesting moment was when someone actually bought three of my works together in one go!

What are your future plans?

I want to set up my own artists and writers’ residency some day. The residency would not only provide space to those from the unorganised sector (especially women) to unleash their creative side, but also help them in seeking an alternative career in art.

A word of advice you would give to artistes just starting out to explore their creativity?

Do not hesitate in believing in yourself. Seek who you are. You may be surprised at what you are capable of!

(Pictures courtesy Mamta Chitnis Sen)

Categories
Autism

When they look right into your soul

People on the Autism spectrum have a keener sense than ‘neuro typical’ people do, and are, surprisingly, more intuitive too.
Kamini Lakhaniby Kamini Lakhani | saiconnections01@gmail.com

Part 4 of the Autism Diaries – When my son gave me the solution to something I was struggling with for years

A child on the autism spectrum may be more clued in to the world than you think.

It was my routine ‘work hour’ with Mohit, my son. It’s a time that I enjoy – a time that spells relaxation for me, as I need to slow down and be aware of the guiding happening between us. So, we had just finished cooking something and I noticed that Mohit went and brought his iPad and started playing a memory game on it. He took his time and I realised that this was what he did to just chill and regroup. I thought of how important a tool this was for him. He realised when he had had enough and more importantly, he knew what he needed to do to prepare himself for the next interaction.

Soon after, I was working with another student. We were building on coordination by playing drums. Whenever he found the interaction overwhelming, he would get up and pace around. I realised why he was doing what he was doing. All I needed to do was to give him his space and he came back to engage with me whenever he was ready.

In both the above cases, the boys knew when to take a break. They knew how much their system could take. They seemed to be minutely aware about this. I thought about myself: I mostly overshoot. I don’t have as keen a sense as they do.

Case in point – I was in a yoga class and my teacher asked me to do a certain asana which involved raising my head while I was lying on my back. I found it a little uncomfortable around my neck. Sensing my discomfort, she asked me to put my head down as soon as I felt the need. Well, I did not feel the need for two minutes! Believe me, this is a very long time to hold an asana. As soon as I put my head down, I felt a nerve pull. That was it! I was uncomfortable all evening and the next day as well. Somehow, I managed with ointments and painkillers. The following day was even worse, so I finally cancelled two appointments and went to see my doctor.

They’re more aware than we realise

Now, I’m going to make a point that is a little controversial. At some level, I feel people on the Autism spectrum are more ‘aware’ than we give them credit for. They perceive in a different way and A child on the autism spectrumsense things that you and I may not be able to sense. This, somehow, does not make sense to my ‘scientific’ brain – but it is something that I feel deep within. In living with Mohit, I know it to be the truth. Couple this with the fact that they all love unconditionally. I feel that I’m living and interacting with highly spiritual and advanced beings. Yet, there are deficits in terms of expression of feelings and ‘behaviours’ that may not be appropriate.

Below is something that I am going use to substantiate what I’m trying to say.

Some of you may have heard of Suzy Miller. She refers to autism as ‘awesomism’. Take a look at the following excerpt from her that is titled, ‘10 things your children want you to know’:

  1. Our behaviors rarely mean what you think they mean. Awesomism changing the world.
  2. We experience so much more than meets the eye.
  3. We feel our way through life, instead of think our way through.
  4. What you say matters very little to us, unless it matches how you feel.
  5. We are right brained, creative and connected to something bigger.
  6. We are communicating long before we talk.
  7. We constantly reflect the inner life of those around us – even you!
  8. The best way to connect with us is by being present.
  9. We are showing the world what no longer serves humanity.
  10. We are different but we are not disordered.

Once you understand and apply this awareness, our life together becomes an awesome gift to be shared. To get more information about Suzy Miller and her work, please visit her website.

So, this evening, as I was chatting with Mohit, here’s what I told him.

“Let’s make a pact, buddy! Just be yourself and reveal these higher truths to me. As a trade off, I’ll teach you about communication, understanding of relationships and figuring the appropriate cues of this world.” He looked at me very deeply as I said this. As if he was looking deep into my soul.

Do you have questions related to autism spectrum? Feel free to drop me an email at saiconnections01@gmail.com and I will be glad to help.

Kamini Lakhani is the founder of SAI Connections. She is a Behaviour Analyst, an RDI (Relationship Development Intervention) Consultant, Supervisor and Trainer responsible for RDI professional training in India and the Middle East. She is the mother of an adult on the Autism Spectrum. She is also a member of Forum for Autism.

Next: When a child on autism spectrum understands the deeper meaning of life better than us.

(Pictures courtesy www.autism-india.org, topnews.ae. Images are used for representational purpose only)

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