Citygritty 8212; Pune

After the WallIt's been 10 years since the Berlin Wall was destroyed, thus formally eliminating the cultural and economic borders between...

After the Wall
It8217;s been 10 years since the Berlin Wall was destroyed, thus formally eliminating the cultural and economic borders between East and West Germany. In collaboration with the Film and Television Institute of India FTII, Max Mueller Bhavan will screen six documentary films focussing on Germany in Upheaval. Well-known German documentary film-maker, Helga Reidemeister, presents the films, which will be held at the National Film Archive of India NFAI auditorium, from March 21 to 26, 6.00 p.m. onwards.

On the same occasion, an exhibition of photographs, entitled Lights from the Underground, by Zayd Paris, will be held in the foyer. There will be a formal inauguration at the NFAI on the morning of March 21, where both Reidemeister and Paris will be present. Reidemeister will also conduct a three-day seminar at the FTII for the students and professors. For people interested in German history, this occasion is not to be missed.

The mind balm
The mentally disabled live in a twilight zone 8211; not able to effectively communicate their needs to a society that does not seem to care. And who would understand their specific problems better than their parents. Manas Parivar, a city-based organisation comprising mainly parents of such children, has been addressing issues that concern their children, such as parent counselling and sibling support.

On March 21, it will organise a one-day seminar along with Bahishaal Shikshan, University of Pune, that will be open to all. Says Surekha Kothawale of Manas Parivar, 8220;We found that there were many others, besides parents of mentally disabled children, who were interested in the welfare of the mentally disabled. Dr. Pramod Jog will speak on the causes of cerebral palsy, Dr. Suhas Luktuke on stress management in the family of the mentally disabled while the last section will involve an open discussion.8221; The seminar will be held between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the University of Pune8217;s Sant Gadge Maharaj Hall.

Wishing well
Making wishes come true is not that easy, as the Make-a-Wish Foundation has realised. But undaunted by the minor snags that they have had to face, the Foundation has made the wishes of 60 cancer-afflicted children come true since June 1998, but there are still 20 pending.

And since the Foundation does not accept direct donations, they have organised an exhibition-cum-sale of various utility items like T-shirts, leather goods, coasters, office equipment and the like. The two-day exhibition will start on March 19 at the Fortune Art Gallery and on March 20 at the Nehru Memorial Hall. Apart from the funds, the Foundation is also on the lookout for volunteers who would be able to identify the wishes of these afflicted children. Those interested may call Anil Bora at 381380.