Intolerance regarding arrival of Umar Khalid

Umar Khalid at JNU, Source: IndiaToday

On May 22nd the city of Kolkata witnessed yet another exhibition of “intolerance” (quite a raging word these days) as around thirty men blocked BB Ganguly Street and staged a protest against Umar Khalid’s arrival in the city. The purpose of Khalid's visit was for a panel discussion organized by the Bastar Solidarity Network, a group that has been protesting against the atrocities on tribal people in Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. The protest was organized by a group called Hindu Samhati and later joined by ABVP and BJP Yuva Morcha. As these people threatened to “kick out” Umar and labelled him as an ‘anti-national’ or ‘pro-Pakistani’ yet again. I wonder who are these people to pronounce judgments when the court itself granted permission to Umar to travel to Kolkata. Some people even conjectured why doesn’t this boy go and complete his Ph.D. instead of protesting against every wrong-doing of the present government. Perhaps this is what the saffron government wants, too.

Since the past few months, the fascist government has primarily been bent on shaming and defacing the biggest educational institutions of the country namely JNU, HCU, UOH and our very own JU. Any layman can well understand that the purpose of this continual and recurrent method of attacking universities. It is of course in order to resist any kind of opposition this government might face in their vehement attempts of ‘moral policing’ over the society and carrying out other atrocities in every part of the country, that it is trying with every force (often assisted by the media) to silence the voice of the youth and the educated lot who alone can unmask a party that has mostly uneducated individuals at the helm of affairs.

Source: The Hindu

The whole problem probably brewed in the JNU campus (though there are innumerable earlier instances in other institutions and places) on February 9th of this year when a radical leftist students organization called Democratic Students Union (DSU) held a cultural event to protest the ‘ judicial killing’ of Afzal Guru and support the fights of the Kashmiris. Reportedly some Kashmiri pro-separationists (who may or may not belong to JNU) raised slogans like “Bharat ki Barbadi tak Kashmir ki Aadi tak jung rahegi jung rahegi”; “Bharat ke solah tukde honge Insha'Allah Insha'Allah” which soon rented the air and echoed in every television set and overshadowed the goodwill and purpose of the event and Umar’s slogans of “Manuvad se azaadi; Bhrashtachar se azaadi”. This led to the alleged arrest of JNUSU President Kanhaiya Kumar and seven other students including Umar Khalid and Anirban Bhattacharya and branding of a prestigious institution as ‘a hub of anti-national activities’; the point of propaganda of the fascist rulers often being that the institutions like JNU and JU financed by the national exchequer are wasting the country’s resources and harboring pro-separatism and pro-Pakistani feelings. The whole nation, specially the student community, seethed in anger ensuing the arrest of the students, the barbaric campus violence, and the tension-filled atmosphere that pervaded the campus for a considerable length of time.

The various incidents taking place across the country makes us question: "How can these problems brew altogether in four different institutes and that too, within such a short span of time? Is this really coincidental or a planned manoeuvre of the fascist government to suppress the most threatening class of society -the educated youth or the intelligentsia? (a Déjà vu feeling, resembles the British Raj, doesn’t it?) The question that torments my mind and perhaps many such minds is this “How do you define an anti-national?” and who decides if a person is anti-national? Does protesting against an atrocious government make me an anti-national or unpatriotic (nation and government are two distinctly different terms)? Or does retaliating against the ruling party goons in my campus or seeking justice against molestation of a girl makes me the “spoiled brat revolutionists” (“biplobi Jadavpur”)? Or does supporting the movements for securing human rights for Kashmiris or nullification of the AFSPA in Kashmir make me a pro-Pakistani? But let’s forget all these silly revolutions and protests and sit in peace in front of the television sets believing in all the unadulterated and unalloyed news shown, waiting for our “achhe din” to come, agreed?

-Utsa Ghosh

Keep Calm and Walk the Streets .

Kolkata. Summer. Scorching heat . Traffic. Chaotic streets.
Continuous and unnecessary honks. Sweaty stinks. Crowded transport.
What do these pictorial imageries sketch out in your mind?

It pretty much resembles the rigid structure that frames the streets of Kolkata . Such an enclosure (almost on a daily basis) becomes enough to cut short one's temper any time, anywhere. And then along with such displeasures ,there are bitter expressions on display, in every face around you that serves as a rotten tomato on top . Amidst such a predicament , what majorly becomes important is to stay pacified and travel the streets of Kolkata . It has however become a daily practice to run hither and thither in order to catch a bus from the invisible stoppages, which apparently exist anywhere on the whole stretch of the road . 

Then as you board the bus ,the usual tone of the conductor will always guide you to only one direction "Pechon dikey (always go backwards)" and to that people understand the opposite and stubbornly block the door. As your eyes searchingly examine for a vacant seat, first there are little children with the thinnest of butts occupying one fourth of the seat while their parents can provide the same on their laps.

Secondly probably you're trying to fit into the little space on the wide seat while the not so fat lady sits with her haunches far apart, taking a relaxation nap like that of in an arm chair .

Thirdly, what's the most illegal thing to carry on a bus? No not a gun , but a school bag. May God have mercy upon you if your zippers anyhow scrapes off a skin or wrongly blocks the aisle! Fourthly you dare be an injured person asking for the seat for the handicapped, first pass the body scrutinisation, the injury will be spotted and finally you'll be obliged with your seat . 

Needless to say, to have 50+ passengers amassed in a metal can, on a hot day will enhance issues, that need to be calmly endured. What's the situation outside? The auto­rickshaw and the cab trying to over­take each other and they almost hit it. But do they have the slightest realisation of not having done that, do they care about the rest being held up at no fault of theirs? Of course not ,because suddenly they become the sole owners of the road, they stop , take out their heads and your ears are washed with such holy uncomplimentary words . In your mind you've already banged their heads and slit their throats but in reality you're helpless, because this stays unalterable unless another chaos ascends . This is how , majority of our mornings do not kick off well.

On the other footpath while you might be standing in front of a shop, a person will smartly spit or probably beautify it more for you, by spitting out the gutka at just an inch distance away from your feet. Following which, with added reluctance he will stare at your exasperation being oblivious . One wouldn't even darley wish to become a victim of stupefication by trying to make them understand the futility of such insensibility .

You think you alone walk the roads with few terms and conditions? You're mistaking, the rickshawalas surpass your conditions every time! Their fares ar conditioned with every changing weather . Today is too hot , five rupees add on , today is stormy so no passenger, ten rupees extra, the roads are being dug up and too much of dust so eight rupees extra and extra and extra and oh my god if it pours down, empty almost half of your wallet . Seems, we are in more distress ! “দাদা খুচরো দেবেন ! / খুচরো আছে তো ?/ খুচরো নেই তাহলে হবে না " ("Please carry change"). This problem is already enough understood without any mention only . This heads as the Mother of all hitch.

Lastly, the tolerance level is catapulted with the vexatious demands of the police officials. Men ride down the roads without helmets, cars parked anywhere and everywhere, absence of road dividers and the many violations which we all are acquainted of, yet inessentially charges are triggered towards them who all are already adhering to the rules just for the sake of a spot fine! Of course not all the time it is whole heartedly paid and owing to many disagreements there's a legal outbreak but that comes as secondary . What shouldn't happen is what we agree upon, that is the unnecessary trouble shootings on the streets.
 

We are practically exposed to one of such quotidian occurrences as we step on the streets and we should almost feel used to it .If you get into the spirit to fight back then you must realise it's nearly every now and then you'll find yourself in middle of an argument , because there's no end to idiocy and oblivion outside . Politeness, decency , etiquettes,  respectability degrade once you're counterfeited with obscenities . There's no point in becoming judgemental towards the day-­to-­day unendurable happenings, you're helpless about it as scarcely any will respect your judgement to accept their guilt. Instead you'll burn red at the nasty response which you do not remotely deserve . You're at the wrong place, with the wrong people at the wrong time. Do not follow the footsteps of responding with a curse or kicking a can . Sometimes it's just an innocent mistake for which one is disgraced irrationally . Hold up to yourself by not latching to the unpolished mouth . Be a calm citizen, that works in the best possible way . There's already ample bitterness put on display at every step . Stand high as a polished personality in between the steps . Remember, the streets are filled with idiots ,that's why bliss comes with ignorance.

 ABOUT THE AUTHOR 


 
 Shreya Basak, a first year student pursuing Journalism and Mass communication in Shri Shikshayatan College, Kolkata. This core team member of ExPRESS Magazine is a brilliant dancer for whom all of life is a vibrant stage!

Calcutta Tales

“Bengalis love to celebrate their language, their culture, their politics, their fierce attachment to a city that has been famously dying for more than a century. They resent with equal ferocity the reflex stereotyping that labels any civic dysfunction anywhere in the world ‘another Calcutta”

-Bharati Mukherjee, author.

On a sweat mongering, part frenzied and part hung-over late afternoon, my friend made me read a letter that went part viral on the internet a couple of weeks back. This letter was addressed to my city- my poked at, my made-fun-of, my overly applauded, my unnecessarily embellished, my most of often than not misconstrued city.

This letter rambled on about my city being a ‘lazy boy’s arm chair’, my city being a dream drowning pit, my city being an ambition thwarting dysfunctional mechanism, my city being an obstacle towards spreading out one’s wings and aiming for the sky.

This letter devastatingly hit home with a lot of phrases, which even though you’d try to turn a blind eye towards, you embarrassingly can’t. But what it also did was, set a fire through my body, each word singeing through my layers of epidermis, travelling through my bustling veins and making their way in to my frail little easily shaken heart.

That night I sat up late, not unlike most nights, and all I could think about was that piece of rambling that had invaded my thoughts, that had merrily walked in with a mattress in hand and squatted at the pavement without giving two hoots about the occupant in question.

If you engage in conversation with a lot of corporate enthusiasts, people with ambition in their souls, people who want to go that extra mile, about my city, you will hear them say “ Kolkatay kissu hoy na.” I can’t help but agree. Kolkatay shotti kichu hoy na.

And hobei ba ki kore? If we’re too busy serving ourselves, who’ll serve the city?

Politicians are abused day in and day out, officials are trashed for their lack of professionalism, the city is trashed because of its lack of progress and modernism. And the people who are doing this trashing are either busy packing their bags to be whisked away by a better working, smoother operating, more efficient metropolis or are too trapped in the monotonous wiring of their own devise which they don’t even try to set themselves free of.

In the midst of these people, my city suffers. It slowly rots from the inside, its roots running out of necessary nourishment to keep thriving, its heritage stuck in shambles yet decked up in strange hues of blue and white that makes the city appear to be plague infested in the most glamorous of manners. Paradoxes of life?

But my city is so much more. My city is not defined by these people, my city will not be defiled by these thoughts.

My city is meticulously holding on to the bus poles for your life as the early morning breeze assures you like a pampering thamma that you’ll be perfectly fine.

My city is late evening alleys where the harmonium melody from one window syncs in obliviously with the ghungur laden beats heard from another door.

My city is tirelessly searching for corners and cafes to shyly and slyly hold the hands of your significant other, a little scared a little heroic.

My city is aimlessly romanticising the70s over cups and cups of cha (liquar na dudh?) with your equally jobless friends, simultaneously devising revolutionary ideologies fit to bring down regimes with nothing but your words.

My city is fighting for your rights, sometimes a little to passionately for your own good, but fighting on nonetheless despite all the degrading brandings that grace your stance.

My city is being scolded by your mother for catching a cold but smothered with affections, both at the same go without missing a beat.

My city is not for the ones who want to fly alone.

My city is for those impractical idiots who want to set sail together against the tide of dreadful extinction, art in one hand, food in the other and a whole lot of soul for farming the seeds of a culture which instead of just being made up of legends, is a legend on its own.

My city is a tram ride, not meant to hurriedly reach one’s destination, but for the chaotic, mind boggling journey, the ridiculously passionate passengers and the utterly soul churning, impeccable view!

[On the 7th and 8th of May, a few impractical idiots are organising an inherently Calcuttan event titled Tram Tales, because unlike the many who’ve flown away to find a “better home”, they’ve decided to restore the essence of  the only home we know. The main objective behind it is to save our trams, a part of our wonderful heritage that is slowly dying down. In a first of its kind of event, the CTC has given team Tram Tales the permission to use the sprawling Gariahat Tram depot where the trams inside will be turned into hubs of Music, Theatre, Films, Graffiti, Adda and so much more! To know more about the event check out the event page Tram Tales and be there without fail on the days mentioned above.]


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

 

Navamita Chandra is a student of Psychology from Loreto college, Kolkata. This passionate day-dreamer, vintage music maniac and devoted writer is also a reputed theatrician from The Dramatically Correct!

PRESENTING 'THE THIRD MASK'

The Third Mask

Numerous inspirations. One passion. Similar devotions. Unparalleled euphoria, and that little bit of talent. These were the essential ingredients that spiced up this drama troupe. The Third Mask are a family of individuals, with lofty aspirations, who hold the firm belief that pure expression is not only the result of sheer mimicry, but a culmination of the inner fire of passion and devotion towards one's art. Be it acting, Be it direction, Be it lights, Be it music. All of these together define histrionics and theatre in the strictest sense of the terms. Be it the limelight or the spotlight, they seek their euphoria on that stage. This 27th April watch them perform at the National Theatre Exchange! Before that let's know about them more as they talk about themselves in this interview with ExPress Magazine...




Tell us about the background of The Third Mask.How did you guys come together to form this group? 


-TTM - The Third Mask was a very abstract idea that was contemplated by three friends during a second language period two years back at Don Bosco School, Park Circus. Having witnessed a tremendous impact a good play could trigger, the three of us (Prithwi Banerjee, Soumyadeep Saha & Yudhajit Roy) decided to revel in this ineffable feeling called Theatre. It took us two months after our ICSE examinations to gather like minded people who gradually became a family. It is humbling that they had faith in us when others were just skeptical.

Prithwi Banerjee in C.H.U.P

 Being a bunch of youngsters in school, how do you all manage your academics & theatre simultaneously?

 -On a very honest note, we too are probably searching for the same answer. And then it strikes us. We don’t really feel the paucity of time in the academic field only because we’re still doing what we love. That might require you to sacrifice some nights of sleep or face the indispensable parental heat at home, but you can’t really let go of your breathing space. Theatre, apart from all its beautiful side effects, gives us that extra bit of energy that is more than enough for even the Science students out here to face the H.C. Verma duels.

 'The Third Mask'. What's the story behind this name for your group?

- Thinking of a suitable name was an ordeal. Even rummaging through the Oxford dictionary was not of much help. Our sole objective was to stand out and in Dramatics , all of us are acquainted only with two masks displaying contradictory emotions and it was then that we realised that nobody thought of a third mask for theatre. Hence, the name TTM- The Third Mask.

Tell us about your latest plays. What have you been recently working on? 

 -Being just over a year old, TTM has staged plays that have stunned the audience and at the same time, made expectations grow much higher. We’ve staged our debut production twice, with a wonderful feedback each time. ‘C.H.U.P’. (a tri-lingual dark comedy) was the most memorable journey ever. Then came ‘Mannequin’ - a production that we hardly thought we could execute when we faced the script first. This satire has to be the toughest project the team has thought of. We then went on to stage ‘Monocrisy‘ and now, the biggest platform awaits us at the National Theatre Exchange, where we perform ‘Au Revoir’. 

 As a theatre group, who are your inspirations?

 -There are countless inspirations. I think it would take the entire page if I were to name the individuals who inspired us but I think that the impact a few dialogues and expressions could have on the audience always stir us to hone our skills. I believe that the devotion towards the stage is more inspiring than anything else.


 Which genre of theatre interests your group more?

 -The very basis behind the name of this troupe suggests that we are too dynamic and restless when it comes to sticking to a genre. From tragedies to brutal satires and censor board-disturbing comedies, this team has lived it all. Needless to say, we’re totally unafraid to continue with our daring themes, no matter how anti-national they call us.

Few years from now where do you see The Third Mask?


 -TTM has always been solace for us. We never considered making a career out of it but some things should never end. Despite the fact that we will be taking different roads in a year we will not stop doing what we love. We intend to recruit more number of youngsters who share the same love for Dramatics so that they can continue with the group even if some of us are unable to. If everything proceeds according to our plans then I believe that TTM -The Third Mask will be doing shows nationwide.

The theatre culture of our country has always been very rich but there was a receding interest of the youth in theatre. Now when we see so many young theatre artists coming forward, what do you feel about the future of theatre in the next ten years?

 -There are two sides to all the young artists coming forth and forming ‘troupes’ in the recent times. There are some who are really honest about it and that’s what matters. These troupes work very hard day and night and give in their utmost deal of toil to make things happen and live up to the true elements of theatre and the stage. It is beautiful to have such people coming up and trying to beautify this age-long art in their own innovative ways. But then there are some who take refuge to this field only to apparently publicize their PR skills. When it comes to matter within, you won’t find an iota of it, and that’s what is disheartening. The will to do something should be accompanied by the right reason. All in all, ten years from now, this city will see a different era of theatre, for sure.

Share one of your most memorable moments with us.

 -The memory of the first production of TTM will be etched in our hearts. I remember that we got a standing ovation from an auditorium teeming with people. Basking in the appreciation for the first time on the stage after toiling for several days and conquering the fear of failing was in fact heartening. The first experience is always very special.

 If people are interested in joining your group, how can they do so?

 -We’ve just been done with the first phase of our recruitment procedures. TTM is welcome to one and all who share the same love for drama, with dedication at its prime bulletin. We’re always open to people who do their bit to contribute to this art. A simple procedure of recruitment following an interaction session is all a person needs to get through to join this family.

How does it feel to be able to perform at the National Theatre Exchange?

 -It feels great to perform at The National Theatre Exchange being held on 27th April with veteran groups like M.A.D and Amygo Productions. Currently this is the biggest platform we have achieved. We intend to be back with a stand alone production next year. That will be the biggest project of this group. We don't want to reveal much about it but we are sure that it is bound to make an impression. Touchwood!

Finally, what would be your message to our readers?

 -We’re too young to deliver any message as much, but we wouldn’t mind sharing a sentiment. As a team of students with lofty aspirations in the educational field, what made us come together was the strong will to do what we love, and what made us stand out was our honesty towards it. You still have people squinting at those daring few who happen to take up theatre as their profession, and that’s what we intend to alter. These intellectual practical guys are no more than a frustrated lot who never gathered the guts to lend a ear to their likings. What we have to do first is lend a deaf ear to these people generating negative vibes. Theatre has no obstacle in path but the pessimistic human mind. And your life is beautiful and short to listen to these fellows, so do as your heart says and have the maturity to know where to draw the line.







Special thanks to Prithwi Banerjee



Interview by 
Jaismita Alexander.
Co-founder: ExPress Magazine

Invigorate 2.0

A group of students from Dr. Sudhir Chandra Sur Degree Engineering college constituting the auto expo group The Invigorate conducted their most awaited event Invigorate 2.0 with an inauguration ceremony on the 12th of April in their college premises to provide technical and educational experience for budding engineers. The college is one of the three automobile colleges in Eastern India and is the first of its kind to host an event of such grandeur where demonstrations and marketing strategies were provided by personnels, wholly on student's initiative.  Invigorate 2.0 commenced with a few words from Mr. S. Bhattacharya, the Principal who welcomed everyone including the company representatives and students and declared the event officially open. The Head of Department of the Automobile Department, Mr. Syed Abdul Nafis and the Adminstrative officer, Mr. Ritayan Chatterjee were delighted, enthralled and thankful to all those who had made it to the event withstanding the atrocious conditions of the roads and the remoteness of the locality.

The SBK group

Invigorate 2.0 amazed the crowd with the fastest accelerating bike ever - Kawasaki H2.  The bikers of Kawasaki were the first to be introduced to the crowd and exchanged a few words of gratitude and emphasised on the importance of safety and biking morales. It escalated to the introduction of companies and officials who came up and introduced the specialities of their bikes and the new launches. It started with Honda who had an entire range from scooters to outroading bikes. Rajesh Pandey from Bajaj, the company procuring 55 percent of the fastest sports bikes in India urged the audience to make way for the most awarded bike of the year - Pulsar RS200 and also showcased Avenger Cruise 220 and Pulsar 220F. Next on the list to take the audience by the cheek was Yamaha, one of the most popular sporting names of the country who had RM and R1M along with R15's special edition on display to treat your eyes. The other companies like the Austrian beast KTM, Suzuki from Japan, European legend Benelli interacted with the crowd and TVS overwhelmed the crowd with their new launch Victor Plus. Even the Royal Enfield, a name captivating every household had their new launch Himalayan, a special bike made for outroading on display. The company which has completed a whopping seventy years in four wheelers had their travelling bike, absolutely stunning with its features and pretty affordable when it comes to your pocket- Mojo on the display. Mojo along with their exclusive range belongs to none other than the Mahindra group.BP Roadies held an exquisitive and exclusive range of accessories from helmets to jackets. The South Korean bike Hyosung powered by DSK also had great bikes to treat your eyes.

Prof. S. A. Nafis, honorable HOD of Automobile Dept of DSCSDEC

Prof. S. Bhattacharya, Principal

Mr Ritayan Chatterjee. Administrative Officer

There was a small session on the importance of riding safely in this era where road accidents, mainly overspeeding take three hundred lives per day. An official member from Honda adviced remaining within the range of 45 km/h to 55km/h as this range not only was safe but highly economical as it provides the maximum mileage.

Mr Akash Sinha, active Invigorate team member

Member of the SBK

The inauguration ceremony came to a close with the students delivering a thanking speech to the entire faculty for their tremendous help and support. A special mention to their professor Supriya Dhara was made as he is the one who spearheaded the entire event and without whom, it's no exaggeration to say, this event would have been impossible. Talking to the man himself, this event was his dream as a teacher and a biker. He believes in exploring the new always and wanted this event to bring the students closer to their big futures by giving them a glimpse of what they are meant to be. He gave all his credits to the entire team of students for pulling this event off so successfully. Satyajit Mall, one of the core team members at Invigorate shared with Express magazine, "I am more than happy that the outcome of this event has come so good.Its the first  time that all biking  companies  that market  their products in kolkata  were under the same room displaying  their  products and this is also the first  time that SBK and BFR has been associated  with a  college  event. Stay tuned. We are coming back with more next year. "

SBK Group

Speaking to Mr. Vivek Sharma representing Triumph exclaimed how glad he was to be a part of this event and how it would be a big boost to the company. Being a part of the group called Rider's Assosciation of Triumph, for him biking is his passion. He believes in spending his life in more of riding and exploring far flung areas of the country. Almost all companies we spoke to were extremely overwhelmed to be present at this event and claimed it to bring them good branding and a lot of advantage. The Kawasaki biking community, in an exclusive exchange of words with us, thrust importance upon the uses of their gear - helmets, gloves and the like for maintaining their safety as well as pedestrians. They believe in riding to refresh and also take active part in charity programmes. On being asked about the demand of bikes in the Indian market, Mr. Arnab was indeed happy to exclaim that it's going up steadily and the youth plays a major role in it. Mr. Abhijit from Mahindra explained to us how this event had exclusively aided them in their ventures as today's India's demand in bikes is chiefly attributed to the youth. Mr. Rahul from DSK Benelli thought the students of the Invigorate group had done an excellent job and provided them with learning opportunities to come and connect with the youth.

Yamaha YZR R1

Kawasaki Ninja H2, the fastest bike on earth

Hero Moto Corp & Bajaj hosted a quiz respectively where they gave out prizes and accolades to the winners on general knowledge about bikes. Mahindra provided tokens of appreciation to the Principal, Mr. S. Bhattacharya and Supriya Dhara, the man behind Invigorate 2.0 and its success. The Managing Director of JIS Group Mr. Taranjit Singh and Mr. Saurabh Bose of KTM made guest appearances and took a stroll to have a look at the bikes, accompanied by the principal, professors and students. Honda and Royal Enfield towards the end had another surprise for the audience who had the patience to stay bearing the scorching heat - free  test drives were offered within the college premises. Riddhiban Mukherjee, a bike enthusiast present told Express Magazine,"I'm glad I came here in spite of the heat cause it has been all worth it. This is for the first time such an event has happened in Kolkata and especially it's free and open to all. The best bikes have been showcased on one platform and as a rider I am overwhelmed. This event was a great success. We would be looking forward to it next year. "

Here are a few glimpses of the event...

The Harley Davidson Street 750

DSK Hyosung GT 650R

DSK Benelli TNT 600 GT

 

Triumph Daytona 675 R

Suzuki Hayabusa

Suzuki GSX-S1000

Yamaha YZR R3

- An ExPress Magazine Coverage
Text by Gargi Ghoshal
Picture courtesy- Souvanik Seal