Art Vibes

An educationist and member of the National Sahitya Akademi,Rana’s women are strong and their pain is the basis of her work. “Nature chooses you to be a writer; had I not been a writer,I would be nothing else. It is a constant struggle,but I believe a prerequisite to be a good writer is to be a voracious reader first,’’ she says. She read out one of her stories at the event,emphasising the fact that her women don’t crumble or bend. Her writing,adds Rana,is not only an attempt to help move things forward,but act as a catalyst for change too. “Writing is a lonely,tough process,but it gives me complete joy and breaks all silences,’’ she adds. The event also saw the release of Chapbook Poetry 2010,which comprises verses by local poets.

Eminent Hindi writer Ashok Vajpeyi’s talk was an engrossing mix of humour,pathos,satire and plain intellect. Vajpeyi began writing poetry when he was only nine,and like many others,started badly. “I didn’t begin writing with a thought to be a poet,’’ he smiles,talking about the many influences,internal and external,which have made him the writer he is today. “Many writers have huge aspirations about their writing bringing about change,but not me. But I do trust we can find a solution through thoughts and words,’’he adds.

Vajpeyi asserts the fact that it’s tough to be human,but in the same breath,adds that no matter how dark and difficult it is,you can and must be human and humane. Literature,adds Vajpeyi,helps you understand this. “I wanted to explore a way of life and in the course of it,had to deal with many people and situations I couldn’t relate to and it’s literature that taught me not to be intimidated or influenced. In literature,we even fight Gods with courage,so don’t stop challenging life and people and I as a writer and keep the dream of changing alive,” he remarks.

Moving from powerful words to moves that are a perfect blend of tradition and technique,Bharatanatyam dancer,choreographer and writer Leela Samson’s serene,vibrant and dignified style was fully appreciated by the audience at the Tagore Theatre on Sunday evening. Samson directs Kalakshetra,the oldest institution of performing arts in India at Chennai,where she spent years imbibing the nuances of Bharatanatyam and related arts. “I still sometimes don’t believe I’m back at Kalakshetra; it’s a scary,but fulfilling feeling. We have now been taken over by the Ministry of Culture and the institute is amazing in its scope and representation of art,with dance being its strength,’’ she says. Samson says offering alternatives to children is essential,including creative elements as part of the curriculum. “More attention needs to be given to alternative education and it must be made trendy and exciting,with both parents and schools joining hands for the initiative,” says the dancer.