A vision for a new way of living for women who are ready to kiss themselves awake. Rewrite your Fairy tale and create your own happily ever after. A feature by columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International
In The Queendom Within, Heidi Hauer lays out a practical and explorative plan for women to reclaim their energy, rediscover who they are, decide what they want and take tangible steps towards it – with or without a romantic partner by their side.
It’s for women who despite their own successes, confidence and fulfilment in many parts of their life, can’t quite shake the idea that their ‘real life’ won’t truly begin until a loving parnter arrives.
“At some point I realised that my life was massively off track from what I had dreamed of. I had ticked off many goals but was still on auto-pilot, waiting for someone to kiss me awake. I needed a Plan B. I had to take matters into my own hands. It was time to become my own saviour, and create the life I was waiting to build with ‘him’. In short, I had to let go of the fantasy of being whisked away to a magical Kingdom and instead start proactively building something more authentic – my Queendom from within.”Heidi said.
The Queendom Within is as much a guided program, as it is a memoir and companion for all women who have ever felt that they or their life is not enough without a partner by their side.
Its 28 practical exercises are conveniently split into four key chapters, designed to support you to reconnect with yourself – and have plenty of fun while doing so!
We all have moments in life that feel like a crossroads. You may have that sinking feeling that you’re in the wrong life – whether you feel trapped in a bad relationship, friendship or in a dead-end job – and secretly you hope for Mr Right to come along and sort everything out. This book will help you find your way back to your truest self.
Part 1
Rediscover and define in detail who you are and what you REALLY want
Part 2
Practice authentic living and feeling good within your skin. You’ll take the awareness gained in Part I and channel it into inspired action.
Part 3
Understand how your relationships and environments are influencing you, and where you can better put your true self out into the world.
Part 4
Connect with your boundaries as a tool for expressing and protecting your authentic truth. Prepare to put people-pleasing firmly to rest!
Meet the Author
Heidi Hauer is a Leadership & Holistic Health Coach for women who are ready to bring health and happiness on the road to professional success. Qualifications in nutrition and coaching complement her background in corporate leadership.
Heidi guides her clients to step into their power, find that highly sought-after work/life balance and reach for deeper levels of personal fulfilment – in and outside of work. The Queendom Within is her first book.
With its meteoric rise to bestseller status, Masala Lab has captivated readers across generations, and now returns as an irresistible collector’s edition, adorned with ingenious additions, illustrations, infographics, and charts: it’s the collector’s edition you know your kitchen-laboratory needs…reports Asian Lite News
Reading should be practiced throughout one’s life. Good literature may teach you, illuminate you, and guide you. Learn about the most recent Penguin Random House’s publications, as well as the highlights from September to November 2023. PAIN by Shweta Singh Kirti No human is unacquainted with the concept of pain. It is an inescapable universal experience. Shweta Kirti’s pain has been, unfortunately, very public because of the death of her thirty-four-year-old brother, the Bollywood actor Sushant Singh Rajput. What she learned, however, is that while pain is inevitable, suffering is optional. It is pain that can teach us how to rise above suffering and the limits we create for ourselves with our attachment to material goals like money, fame, success, and relationships. In this book, Shweta shares her learnings so that no one is alone on this hard but necessary odyssey. Synthesizing science, spirituality, and philosophy, Pain: A Portal to Enlightenment is an invitation to embark on a transformative journey to find inner peace and fulfillment no matter what life throws at you. Another Sort of Freedom by Gurcharan Das
It is a funny, moving, and honest memoir of a man’s struggle to break free from expectations. Gurcharan Das was born in Lyallpur, Punjab, during World War II, when Hitler, Churchill, and Hirohito were bashing everyone around. His mother noted in her diary, ‘This is a restless baby.’ By age two he had become ‘a difficult child’, and by three she was calling him a ‘troublemaker’. He discovered one day that he could run, and he has been running ever since.
Candid, witty, and wry, the memoir is filled with moments of deep introspection at every turn alongside wise observations on the author’s encounters with history on four continents. This is Gurcharan Das as you have never seen him before.
Muslim Politics in India by Hamid Dalwai
Hamid Dalwai has been called a Muslim modernizer who relentlessly worked towards promoting reason and justice among Muslims. Historian Ram Guha writes, ‘[He] worked tirelessly to get Muslims to shed their social and religious prejudices. The pursuit of gender equality was of pre-eminent importance to him, and he waged a long battle against triple talaq.’
Dalwai’s Muslim Politics in India is arguably the most perceptive analysis of Muslim politics to appear in post-independence India. It retains the same freshness and relevance that it had when it was first published some three decades back. First published in 1968, an enlarged edition was later published under the title Muslim Politics in Secular India by Hind Pocket Books, Delhi, in 1972.
This translation, the first of its kind, is a product of numerous meetings that Hamid Dalwai had with noted poet Dilip Chitre, during which the latter made extensive notes and rendered them into articles in English. It combines his most evocative and fiery essays and emerges as a fine voice of reason relevant to our contemporary times.
The Perfect 10 by Yasmin Karachiwala
The brains behind the beauty of some of India’s biggest celebrities, Bollywood’s fitness instructor extraordinaire, Yasmin Karachiwala is all set to launch her upcoming release, PERFECT 10: 10-Minute Workouts You Can Do Anywhere. Yasmin is widely credited with bringing Pilates to India. Her list of certifications includes BASI (Body Arts and Science International) Certified Pilates Instructor, Balanced Body Comprehensive Master Instructor, and Balanced Body MOTR Master Instructor, among others. Her multidisciplinary approach to fitness includes weight training, HIIT, cardio, functional training, Pilates, and more, and can be accessed at the Yasmin Karachiwala Body Image (YKBI) chain of studios located both in India and internationally.
The Illustrated Masala Lab: Beautiful New Edition of the Bestselling Book on the Science of Indian Cooking by Krish Ashok
With its meteoric rise to bestseller status, Masala Lab has captivated readers across generations, and now returns as an irresistible collector’s edition, adorned with ingenious additions, illustrations, infographics, and charts: it’s the collector’s edition you know your kitchen-laboratory needs. Ever wondered why your grandmother threw a teabag into the pressure cooker while boiling chickpeas, or why she measured using the knuckle of her index finger? Why does a counterintuitive pinch of salt make your kheer more intensely flavourful? What is the Maillard reaction, and what does it have to do with fenugreek? What does your high-school chemistry knowledge, or what you remember of it, have to do with perfectly browning your onions? In this special edition, Meghna Menon’s vibrant illustrations effortlessly complement Krish Ashok’s light-hearted approach to the demystification of culinary science, making it the perfect vehicle to absorb the exhaustive testing, groundbreaking research, and scientific rigor that went into the making of this revolutionary book.
The Art of Habits by Gauranga Das
As the final book in the three-volume series (after The Art of Resilience and The Art of Focus), The Art of Habits presents forty simple stories filled with deep revelations. What will enthrall the readers is the engaging narration, the dynamics of the situations that manifest, and the deep learnings from such episodes. While The Art of Resilience presented ingredients for the reader to inculcate resilience in challenging situations manifested at the beginning of the pandemic, The Art of Focus inspired the resilient heart to develop a focused mind during the multiple COVID waves. Now, The Art of Habits provides ideas for the focused reader to cultivate conducive and sustainable habits to adapt to the paradigm shift created by the pandemic, instilling in the reader a resolute mindset to handle multiple such unexpected transformative events in the future.
Memoirs of Valmiki Rao by Lindsay Pereira
A second novel from Lindsay Pereira, whose debut novel Gods and Ends was critically acclaimed and shortlisted for the JCB Prize for Literature and the Tata Lit Live award.
Set in Parel, THE MEMOIRS OF VALMIKI RAO is a contemporary retelling of the Ramayana, set against a Mumbai burning post the demolition of the Babri Masjid. Lindsay continues to write the Bombay novel and gives a view of the decrepit lives of those in suburban Mumbai.
This story may end with sadness, but the author wants you to remember that it started with love. This is the story of Rameshwar Shinde and Ravinarayan Kumar, a young woman called Janaki, and the neighbours they live with, in the shadows of towers. It is a story of families torn apart by bigotry, an unmissable retelling of the epic Ramayana set at a time when blood mixed with the grime of Mumbai’s streets. A tale more pertinent than ever, in a country once again teetering on the edge.
Restless Lives by Harish Bhat
The modern age is characterized by speed, impersonality, and absurdity. It is easy to get caught up in the rush and forget the small, everyday things that string together to build the everyday.
Restless Lives offers an oasis of quiet contemplation. In this beautiful poetry collection, author Harish Bhat contemplates various aspects that make up daily life. At times pleasing, at others disturbing, the lines within these pages promise to give pause, inspire, and stir emotion. This is Harish Bhat as you have never seen him before.
Hasan, who currently lives in Bangalore maintains that her relationship to Delhi and history is that of an enthusiast, that the layers of history in the Capital and the crassness of the city make for an interesting combination that comes together in Alif who feels a “warm, intimate hatred” for the place he has never left and is likely to never leave…writes Sukant Deepak
It may explore the varied social and political tensions engulfing contemporary India. At multiple levels, it forces the reader to encounter her/his own biases and barbarity, but surprisingly the same is executed with almost heartbreaking delicacy, of prose that punctuates, characters you want to shake up in this powerful biography of our times. The tenderness in author Anjum Hasan’s ‘History’s Angel’ (Bloomsbury Publishing) is in fact sometimes more ‘brutal’ than what is in the background, what is engulfing the characters under the ‘history’ they stand beneath.
But Hasan says it is important to remember that literature remains one of the last spaces where one can breathe, perhaps even smile, though novelists are not above getting shouty.
“I needed to create a character like Alif who is sympathetic and who can, however morosely and privately he does it, take the long view. As in the scene where a potential landlord is railing at him and his wife — he still wishes he could comfort the man for his sense of loss, his genuinely painful delusions about the great purity of the Indian past,” she tells.
The story revolves around Alif Mohammad, a middle-aged, mild-mannered history teacher, living in contemporary Delhi, at a time in India’s history when Muslims are seen as either hapless victims or live threats. Though his life’s passion is the history he teaches, the present is pressing down on him: his wife is set on a bigger house and a better car while trying to ace her MBA exams; his teenage son wants to quit school to get rich; his supercilious colleagues are suspicious of his perorations; and his old friend Ganesh has just reconnected with a childhood sweetheart with whom Alif was always rather enamored himself.
And then the unthinkable happens. While Alif is leading a school field trip, a student goads him and, in a fit of anger, Alif twists his ear. His job is suddenly on the line, and Alif finds his life rapidly descending into chaos. Meanwhile, his home city, too, darkens under the spreading shadow of violence.
Now that is the easy/convenient reading of Hasan’s latest work. But Hasan could also have been Amit/Sukhwinder.
“I’m delighted you think so. It is a vindication of the novel to see Alif as an every man, at least an Indian every man,” the author asserts.
Considering the protagonist is both a historian and someone caught in a difficult historical moment, she believed the play between those two things would be great material for a novel. It was also about exploring what innocence means — when we say regular folk is suffering or ordinary people have been brainwashed.
“I am not sure there is anything like absolute innocence in adults, at least not anyone with a modicum of education. What is the point of being educated if we let ourselves go down so easily? And so the novel is partly set in a school.”
Hasan, who currently lives in Bangalore maintains that her relationship to Delhi and history is that of an enthusiast, that the layers of history in the Capital and the crassness of the city make for an interesting combination that comes together in Alif who feels a “warm, intimate hatred” for the place he has never left and is likely to never leave.
“I was also curious what it might be like to live in and feel at home in the walled city yet shrink from the stereotypes about grand Muslim culture often associated with it,” she adds.
Alif does not really ‘act’ despite what happens to him constantly. One wonders if his inertia in fact his way of ‘acting’, and is he symbolic of the middle-class liberals?
“Yes, he is often ducking out or shuffling off, or keeping mum when we expect him to take a stand. Except, I would say, in that one critical scene when his father flies off the handle. Is this diffidence, even moral laziness, true of Indian middle-class liberals in general? Perhaps. When public life is humming along smoothly and everyone has their place in the sun, it seems fine to retreat into a life of the mind. But what if things are breaking down fast all around you? Is there a price to pay for doing nothing? Not sure, but I was trying to ask the question…”
Someone who is a novelist, short-story writer, poet, and editor, insists that all of them do not come together in one work, and with difficulty in one person.
Currently working on a non-fiction book on Shillong, the town she grew up in, the author, whose process is about trying to stick with writing every day adds, “In the next work, I have borrowed some things from fiction writing like character and plot, but essentially it is an attempt to write a past and present history of a fascinatingly, if unevenly and partially cosmopolitan city.”
The Book Club meetings feature dynamic workshops that push the boundaries of literary exploration…reports Asian Lite News
Following the acclaimed debut early this year, the House of Wisdom (HoW) is launching the second edition of its quarterly Book Club series from September to November, during which three influential and widespread titles will be discussed to raise awareness of the environmental sustainability issues. The new edition will provide a platform for discussion and interaction on the impact of the environmental changes on our lives, and what actions we should take to maintain a clean and sustainable environment.
Each month, the HoW Book Club has selected a “Book of the Month,” which is readily available to the public at HoW. Members are encouraged to embark on a literary odyssey, delving into the chosen book with enthusiasm and curiosity. At the end of the month, the Book Club meets to discuss the selected pieces, transforming the month’s reading into a communal and immersive experience.
The Book Club meetings feature dynamic workshops that push the boundaries of literary exploration. Beyond exchanging ideas, participants are invited to embark on a creative journey through the world of non-fiction, refining their writing prowess along the way. These workshops, led by accomplished Dr. Nezar Andary, an Associate Professor, filmmaker, and cultural programmer, are designed to enhance participants’ writing skills while igniting their imaginative storytelling abilities. HoW invites interested community members to register via the following link https://linktr.ee/houseofwisdom.
Environmental Protection
For September, the House of Wisdom Book Club delves into Rachel Carson’s ‘Silent Spring,’ a ground-breaking work that has served as a catalyst for raising ecological awareness. The author warns about the catastrophic consequences of widespread pesticide use, particularly DDT, on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. The book’s findings raised public awareness of the significant risks that pollution poses to environmental sustainability. It remains a cornerstone of the modern environmental movement, calling for responsible coexistence between humanity and nature.
Identity vs. Nature
Throughout October, the Book Club will highlight Ursula K. Le Guin’s ‘A Wizard of Earthsea,’ a fantasy masterpiece that transcends generations. Le Guin’s enchanting narrative invites readers to embark on a journey through the mythical archipelago of Earthsea, unravelling the complexities of power, identity, and the delicate balance of nature. With its innovative and unusual narrative style, this wonderful novel of exciting and interesting adventures received wide acclaim and spread throughout the world.
Exploring the Boundaries of Identity
The November Book Club proceeds with the quest for thought-provoking literature and takes readers on a captivating journey into the mystical Sahara Desert with our selected book, ‘The Bleeding of the Stone’ by Ibrahim Al-Koni. This mesmerising novel delves deep into the harsh and enigmatic world of the desert, where the lives of nomadic Tuareg tribesmen intersect with the unforgiving landscape. The novel delves further into the themes of tradition, spirituality, and the enduring connection between humans and nature.
Nurturing a passion for written word
Marwa Al Aqroubi, Executive Director of House of Wisdom, highlighted the significance of book clubs in nurturing a passion for the written word, saying, “Bringing all people together through the power of knowledge and culture is always at the heart of what we do at House of Wisdom. This is achieved through book clubs which are not just gatherings, but also a testament to our commitment to cultivating the culture of reading and promoting intellectual dialogue. In these clubs, diverse minds converge, share ideas, and explore worlds within the pages of books.”
She added: “Through these initiatives, we connect various cultures, generations, and backgrounds to one another, and thus enrich our community with treasures of literature. We rather promote HoW as a beacon of knowledge and culture, as well as a platform for addressing issues of interest like sustainability and environment.”
The Book Club series is an engaging initiative that has made a profound impact on the community by bringing enthusiasts and bookworms together. The series, which was held in March, April and May of this year, captured the minds of avid readers and knowledge seekers in Sharjah through ‘Invisible Cities’ by Italo Calvino, ‘Siddhartha’ by Hermann Hesse and the English translation of ‘Gilgamesh’ by Sophus Helle.
The book highlights the growing significance of cities as urban centres that keep up with accelerating changes related to digital advancement and artificial intelligence…reports Asian Lite News
In the presence of H.E. Abdullah Al Saleh, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Economy in the UAE, the Lebanese Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates organised a signing ceremony to launch the latest book of Dr. Nidal Abou Zaki, Founder and Managing Director of Orient Planet Group, titled ‘Smart Cities in the Arab World and their Socio-Economic Impact.’
The launch of the new book was held at Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, in the presence of distinguished guests – including Maha Al Gargawi, Executive Director of Business Advocacy at Dubai Chambers, and Charles Jeha, President of the Lebanese Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates, among other dignitaries and businessmen.
The book highlights the growing significance of cities as urban centres that keep up with accelerating changes related to digital advancement and artificial intelligence. It also sheds light on successful Arab smart city models and experiences. The book delves into the future of Arab smart cities, underlining extraordinary experiences, technology, and tactics applied in labour and infrastructure systems. It also looks at some of the ambitious efforts being made across the Arab world to construct new cities based on the notion of smart cities.
H.E. Abdulla Al Saleh said: “The book’s release coincides with the Arab region’s accelerating pace of smart transformation, particularly in the GCC countries and the growing reliance on technologies and its applications to advance economic and social development. The UAE has made tremendous progress in comprehensive digital transformation, making qualitative leaps in the information technology and digital transformation sectors to consolidate its leading position, further shaping the future based on advanced technology supported by artificial intelligence and smart cities, and lay the foundations of a knowledge economy that achieves development. A sustainable and smart city has the potential to ensure societal well-being.”
Charles Jeha, President of the Lebanese Business Council in Dubai and Northern Emirates, said: “The book highlights smart transformation projects and experiences in prominent Arab cities. It examines the challenges and opportunities that Arab cities face as they strive to become smart and sustainable cities. Among the Arab world, the UAE model is one of the most successful in terms of smart transformation. It is regarded as one of the top countries in terms of implementing smart practises in different facets of daily life.”
Dr. Abou Zaki said: “While writing this book, I placed a strong emphasis on highlighting the intricate connections between technology, society, and the economy. I underscored the significance of harnessing the power of data, artificial intelligence, and sustainable approaches in the creation of smart cities, as we now live in a new phase of digital transformation. We are witnessing a major shift towards transforming entire cities into smart, sustainable ones based on the latest ICT technologies. The book further emphasises the importance of cooperation and partnerships among governments, institutions, and society in accomplishing these objectives.”
“Smart cities are key drivers of long-term sustainable growth. They help in increasing resource efficiency by leveraging latest digital technologies and advanced data analytics to deliver high-quality services that boost economic growth, environmental sustainability, and quality of life. I believe that this book will offer motivation and will inspire collaborative efforts towards the creation of smart cities and the promotion of economic and social development in our society,” Dr. Abou Zaki added.
The signing ceremony served as an ideal forum to discuss the relevance of smart transformation and city development in the Arab world. The book is expected to be internationally appreciated and to serve as a roadmap for initiatives in the region to construct smart and sustainable cities. The event also allowed attendees and others interested in this sector to share ideas and skills on how to achieve sustainable and smart development across the Arab world.
Dr. Abou Zaki published his first book, ‘The Future Gulf – Economic Challenges and Opportunities in the Post Oil Era,’ in 2018, in which he provided a comprehensive analysis of economy of the Gulf Cooperation Council since the beginning of the oil era, the stages of economic development, and its implications across the region. He further gave an insight on current economic variables, results of which can be seen in the transition to a more diverse and balanced economy, which offers the private sector a stronger role in job creation, economic stimulus and technical advancement towards a knowledge economy.
Convening in the Hotel Excelsior on Lido di Venezia, the Book Adaptation Rights Market is part of the Venice Production Bridge, which stages a range of unique initiatives to advance the development and production of film…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai-based publisher, The Dreamwork Collective, has been selected to take part in the 8th edition of the Book Adaptation Rights Market, to be staged next month as part of the 80th Venice International Film Festival. One of just 34 international publishing houses and literary agencies chosen for the exclusive invitation-only event, The Dreamwork Collective will have the opportunity to represent the UAE and present its entire catalogue of books for adaptation to the film industry.
Convening in the Hotel Excelsior on Lido di Venezia, the Book Adaptation Rights Market is part of the Venice Production Bridge, which stages a range of unique initiatives to advance the development and production of film. The Market provides publishers with a dedicated platform to conduct one-on-one meetings with the producers registered to the Venice International Film Festival, to discuss the adaptation of novels, dramas, children’s literature, short stories, comics, graphic novels, essays, and biographies.
As an independent publisher with a focus on authors in the Middle East and North Africa regions, The Dreamwork Collective has established a reputation for championing voices often neglected by the mainstream. The invitation to the Venice Book Adaptation Rights Market is a first among publishers across the region and recognizes the diverse voices and powerful stories backed by the all-female team.
CEO and Founder of The Dreamwork Collective, Kira Jean, said, “We are honoured to be among the select few publishers to receive Gold Accreditation and to present our titles for adaption to the film industry. It is a huge step towards introducing the powerful stories we publish in the Emirates to the screen, and we are thrilled to represent the region’s best writing talent as we meet renowned filmmakers and producers at this year’s Venice International Film Festival.”
The annual Book Adaptation Rights Market places a spotlight on a different literary genre each year and the 2023 edition will be dedicated to publications for children and young adults. Among the titles to be presented by The Dreamwork Collective is The Secret Life of Dubai’s Street Cats, by Bashayer Arif. A touching and triumphant story for cat lovers of all ages, the book has sold over 90,000 copies worldwide. Also featuring in the publisher’s children’s literature catalogue is Just Jessica, by author and Paralympian Jessica Smith, who draws on her own life experiences to tell the story of a schoolgirl who is slightly different from her friends.
Renowned among publishers worldwide as one of the top three annual gatherings in the field, the Venice Book Adaptation Rights Market has provided a platform for the sale of numerous adaptations to both cinema and television in its previous seven editions. The Dreamwork Collective will be among 12 publishers and literary agencies participating in the event for the first time this year.
But because of the vagaries of life, sometimes a decision needs to be made despite the possibility of it failing, yet it is still important to make such decisions. What should one’s attitude be in such a situation…writes Kavya Dubey
Failure is an inevitable part of life, and oftentimes surer and more impactful than success.
In his book ‘Why We Fail And How to Rise Above Failure’ (Wisdom Tree; Rs 325), former diplomat Amit Dasgupta is an empath in tough times, and a companion for the times ahead.
The fact is that our perception of success and failure is defined by what we consider as our purpose, but what matters more, according to Dasgupta, is “the ability to do what we are passionately driven by, irrespective of the outcome.”
In an email interview he added: “It reflects the essence of equanimity. You don’t pick up the cricket bat to bat like Tendulkar. You pick it up because it is where your passion lies.”
He went on to say, “Once you start placing ‘value’ on your efforts, you get overwhelmed by externally imposed perceptions of success or failure.”
Making a more stone-cold reference to what success is now understood as, Dasgupta said: “In today’s world, success is valued in terms of material gains and yardsticks of economic prosperity. Van Gogh didn’t paint in order to become a millionaire by selling his paintings. He painted because it was what drove him.
“His painting ‘Starry Night’, which is considered a masterpiece (‘success’, in other words), had disappointed him because, in his view, it didn’t capture what he had in mind. ‘Success’ and ‘failure’ are part of the scheme of things. They happen. The idea is to not get overwhelmed by either.”
But because of the vagaries of life, sometimes a decision needs to be made despite the possibility of it failing, yet it is still important to make such decisions. What should one’s attitude be in such a situation?
The author pointed out: “Nobody does anything in order to fail. When you are driven by passion, it is all that matters. You give your best. You then learn to define ‘success’ or ‘failure’ on your terms. What we often tend to do is to define these along lines other people expect of us. We start to constantly seek validation of our efforts from others.
“This translates into an externally imposed pressure, which often has terrible consequences and ends badly. As the existentialist philosopher Sartre reminded us, hell is other people.”
He concluded by adding: “Taking control of how we see ourselves and what the meaning of our life is, can be a transformational experience. And, it is well within our powers to achieve this. It is then that success and failure disappears and only action remains.”
Stressing that even those unfamiliar with Bihar’s wonders will feel connected to the living ecosystem it represents, she adds that the aim is to make the museum a captivating and inclusive space that invites everyone to be a part of this enriching journey…writes Sukant Deepak
While the first edition of Bihar Museum Biennale (BMB) began as a virtual one in 2021, raising crucial concerns about museums: display, content, merchandising, scenography and technology challenges, the forthcoming BMB II, scheduled to open on August 7, aims to explore future possibilities, turning museums into dynamic spaces for engaging people of all ages.
“The goal of the museum biennale is to transform the museum into a vibrant, interactive and experiential space. We don’t want visitors to simply observe objects and artifacts of the past; we want them to gain insight into the present and their origins through direct exchanges with art objects. We want the Bihar Museum as well as the biennale to create an ecosystem where people share experiences and emotions,” Alka Pande, Chief Curator and Artistic Producer of BMB, tells.
Conceived by Anjani Kumar Singh, the Director General of Bihar Museum in Patna considering Bihar has been at the forefront of museums in post-independent India, Pande recalls the conversation when she suggested a major event related to the concerns of museums.
“I simply loved the idea and we decided to do the BMB, which is arguably is the first museum biennale in the world,” says the recipient of the Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters.
Talk to Pande about the fact that that Bihar Museum is perhaps the best public museum created in post-independent India and she says the vision is to create a museum that goes beyond lofty ideas and high art.
Stressing that even those unfamiliar with Bihar’s wonders will feel connected to the living ecosystem it represents, she adds that the aim is to make the museum a captivating and inclusive space that invites everyone to be a part of this enriching journey.
Considering the fact that museums have traditionally been perceived as spaces of antiquities, the curator says the team’s vision at BMB is to reimagine them as dynamic and experiential institutions and envision future museums as laboratories of ideas, places that generate knowledge systems, and foster cultural exchange.
“At BMB, we strive to create a space where culture comes alive, and meaningful dialogues between objects and viewers occur,” says this consultant art advisor and curator of the Visual Arts Gallery at the India Habitat Centre in the national capital.
Instead of being static repositories of artifacts, they aim to transform museums into immersive experiences. Through interactive exhibits, multimedia presentations, and engaging activities, the effort is to precipitate visitors to actively participate in the journey of discovery.
“We believe that museums should be more than just a place to observe; they should be catalysts for learning and inspiration,” adds Pande, whose major fields of interest are gender identity and sexuality, and traditional arts.
Mention the sorry state of most public museums in the country — lacking interesting programming, and displays and a certain aversion to involving the community at large unlike their counterparts abroad, and she opines that in order to reverse the same, increased financial support from the government and private donors is crucial and that investing in training and development for museum professionals can also elevate the quality of exhibits and programs.
“Furthermore, streamlining administrative processes and adopting a more progressive approach to museum management can foster a culture of innovation and community involvement. By recognising the potential of museums as educational and cultural hubs, India can take significant strides towards enhancing its public museums and providing enriching experiences for its citizens and visitors alike.”
This edition offers programming, featuring not only Indian museums and independent artists but also contributions from various countries, including Nepal, Russia, Israel, Costa Rica and Panama.
“We have joined hands with Indian museums — The CSMVS is showcasing a rich tapestry of Tanjore art paintings and Salar Jung Museum is highlighting the culture of Telangana through contemporary artworks. In addition, we have the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art as our knowledge partner, with whom we have designed an outreach plan that aims to enhance the scope of public accessibility to art and museum culture through the tool of engagement and interaction,” says the art curator and writer, who is currently working on a set of 14 books portraying the history of India’s rich visual culture through 108 portraits.
“These books take an incisive look into India’s rich cultural repository of cultural identity, heritage and craftsmanship through the lens of craft, objects, architecture, dance, indigenous art, vernacular etc.,” she concludes.
A visually captivating story that takes readers on a journey of a day from sunny to stormy and then rainy – unfolding over pages of compelling and bold sketches that will surely grip the young reader’s imagination and heart…reports Asian Lite News
Young children are often very creative and hence constantly seeking new ways to engage their boundless imagination. Picture books play a vital role in this process, taking them on a journey that is both visually and emotionally captivating – transporting them to extraordinary places, igniting unforgettable memories, and imparting valuable lessons with engaging artwork that complements a child’s active curiosity and imagination. Encouraging the ever-curious child to explore the world of words and pictures, these books can be essential tools in encouraging your young ones to express themselves freely and creatively, be it through sketches, stories, or both!
The Parag Honour List, an initiative by Tata Trusts offers a curated collection of engaging picture books for young readers. From whimsical tales of animals in the woods to shared experiences of going to school, these must-read picture books are emotive and explorative – unlocking for young readers a world of new ideas, emotions, and possibilities through the power of visual storytelling.
An engaging wordless picture book that beautifully captures countless stories surrounding a momentous event in every young child’s life: their first day of school. With delightful and immersive illustrations, this enchanting book vividly portrays the experience of stepping into the unknown on that memorable day. Being wordless, it is accessible to several kinds of readers, particularly younger ones, who can experience the essence of school life through these moving illustrations.
This is Where We Live
A visually captivating story that takes readers on a journey of a day from sunny to stormy and then rainy – unfolding over pages of compelling and bold sketches that will surely grip the young reader’s imagination and heart. Instantly relatable, the book evokes memories of any child’s days in the sun, storm, and rain – encouraging them to connect with their experiences through art. Buzzed with beauty and creativity, this picture book might even compel young readers to embrace their inner artist, pick up a pencil and create their own sketches as they explore the wonders of the natural world with this book.
Zakir and His TablaDhaDhin Na
Author: Sandhya Rao, Illustrator: Proiti Roy | Publisher: JugnooPrakashan
A moving portrayal of valuable virtues like solidarity, love, and compassion, this bilingual picture book serves as a gentle guide for young readers, teaching them about the profound interconnectedness of all life. Using captivating imagery and powerful metaphors, this book presents a nuanced understanding of the world as a web of life where everyone needs to support each other – sparking their imagination around abstract philosophical concepts like the significance of harmony and unity in the world.
A thoroughly delightful introduction to the English alphabet, there is more than meets the eye with this enjoyable picture book that brings alive on paper the many lesser-known animals of India in their natural habitats. Placing content in context, the book effortlessly opens up children’s minds to the rich lives of diverse fauna that is thriving across our country through its memorable rhymes, vivid illustrations, and appealing color palette.
Tiger, Tiger, where are you?
A captivating hunt for a tiger lost in the woods, let your child’s imagination run wild (quite literally!) as they imagine the great outdoors with a lost tiger roaming the jungle. The watercolor illustration is gentle, soft, and warm – taking young readers on a picturesque visual journey through the woods. A gripping mystery riddled with clues, this book engages the young reader’s curiosity on where the tiger could be while also giving them a glimpse of pragmatic life skills on how to track wild fauna.
Given this, one may have doubts about the actuality of artificial intelligence, and second thoughts regarding how dependable that really is — especially with regard to creative pursuits…writes Kavya Dubey
Coming from a design background, Ashima Mathur, author of the children’s picture book, ‘The Magical Mission to Mars’, was more than inclined to combine resources at hand, including AI, to put together her book.
Thanks to her husband who works in the AI space, she was introduced to “the fascinating capabilities of generative AI tools.”
An intrigued Ashima decided to put these tools to use for a “fun project”. But it was her nephew Anay’s 10th birthday which was the catalyst for Ashima’s debut book.
“I created a video where Anay was hailed as the world’s best video game player by a news reporter. The sheer joy on Anay’s face was unforgettable. This experience, along with the fun I had during the process, made me realise how these technologies could create happiness for children. That’s when I decided to utilise this potential on a larger scale, leading to the creation of this book,” she said, in conversation.,
Ashima spoke of her reason for opting for a children’s book to present this experiment: “My background in design and a deep love for visual storytelling naturally directed me towards a children’s book. The medium provided a beautiful canvas to blend my capabilities with the intrigue of a narrative. The honest feedback from my two nephews during the drafting process was invaluable. There’s a unique satisfaction in bringing joy to children, and this book allowed me to accomplish that.”
But this accomplishment did not come without its fair share of challenges. Ashima used two AI tools in order to come up with this book — ChatGPT and Midjourney.
“ChatGPT’s plot suggestions lacked depth, so I ended up crafting my own. It also couldn’t maintain continuity over multiple chapters due to its context window limitations. Midjourney had a tendency to generate deformed images, needing rigorous review to ensure appropriateness for children.
“Achieving a perfect image required precision in prompts and constant retries and refinement. Overall, persistence and a clear vision were key to overcoming these challenges,” Ashima explained.
Given this, one may have doubts about the actuality of artificial intelligence, and second thoughts regarding how dependable that really is — especially with regard to creative pursuits.
Ashima opines that AI can be an invaluable tool in creative pursuits, however, one must “Picture it as a tireless, always-on-call assistant. It not only ramps up productivity but also gives new ideas when you least expect it!
AI, however, isn’t the master painter, but rather the brush – it lays down the initial strokes, but the finishing touches, the refined edits, especially for children’s stories, need a human hand.
“Despite these hurdles, working with AI is a game-changer, although the ultimate responsibility for the quality of the end product lies with the creator.”
Ashima concluded by noting: “Using AI in my work has been like unlocking a new level of productivity. It’s been very useful during brainstorming sessions, the writing process, and even when I’ve encountered the occasional writer’s block. However, the tools available today aren’t without their rough edges, particularly for unique tasks such as writing a book.
“Yet, I see them as temporary challenges. As technology advances and more specialised tools emerge, I believe we could be on the brink of an exciting revolution in the way we create.”
Ashima Mathur’s ‘The Magical Mission to Mars’ is indeed a one-of-a-kind attempt to create and illustrate a story by means of AI but, as she pointed out, AI is at best an aid and enhancement, not a replacement for human creativity.
