Small Talk

Patrons of peace
Sending out the message of inspiring bravery by crossing barriers of religion,ethnicity,and nationality was the concept behind the recently held South Asian Youth Camp organised by the Pune based NGO Center For Youth Development and Activities. The five-day camp saw students from various South Asian countries such as Bangladesh,Afghanistan,Nepal,Bhutan and Maldives coming forward to participate. Mohan Singh Rajpal,mayor of the city said that the citizens should live in harmony without discriminating on the grounds of culture,religion and state. The camp,which is going on till February 5 at the Azam Campus features a total of 53 participants from different countries. Shamimul Islam,a student from Bangladesh who is attending the camp says,“It is in the interest of the people to have such kind of programs. Contacts and bonds like these really help in building stronger bonds between nations.” The camp will feature various activities such as film and documentary making,interactive visits to various institutions like MIT,and NFAI amongst others. Sachin Patil of Nav Maharashtra Abhiyan from Sangli who is attending the camp feels that it is the culture and tradition of countries,which binds people together,and to understand the cultural values of different countries he is participating in the camp.

Epic renderings
Katyar Kaljat Ghusali the popular musical play of the 60’s and late 70’s in Maharashtra,is undergoing a revival of sorts when actor Rahul Deshpande Mahesh Kale along with director Subodh Bhave will recreate the magic of the yesteryears tomorrow at the Yashwantrao Chavan Hall. “The play went into oblivion in spite of being a commercially hit because of many reasons,and that is a reason why we are re-enacting the same to preserve the rich culture associated with it,” says Rahul Deshpande grandson of veteran classical vocalist Vasantrao Deshpande. The play was written by playwright Purushotam Darvekar and depicts the clash of Gharanas for their musical supremacy and commitment. Mahesh Kale director of the play says,“I am doing this play in order to pay tribute to my master Pandit Jitendra Abhisekhi. As far as our expectations are concerned we expect nothing from audiences but their wholehearted support in revitalising the same.”