July 2024
More than halfway across the year!
Artwork of the Month:
Asoka, who by the white stucco of his fame made spotless the universe, by Abanindranath Tagore
This artwork is a religious painting by the esteemed artist Abanindranath Tagore. As a visual embodiment of its title, the painting captures the essence of the Emperor Asoka’s transformative journey and his subsequent influence on the spread of Buddhism.
In the artwork, a solitary figure believed to be Emperor Asoka, is depicted sitting on a rocky outcrop, draped in fine garments and donning a traditional headgear. He appears contemplative, peering across a vast, hazy landscape that extends into an atmospheric blend of warm and cool tones. The misty backdrop suggests a spiritual or metaphysical haze, with a sense of immensity and transcendence. A pagoda-like structure pierces the fog at a distance, possibly symbolizing the reach and impact of Asoka’s spiritual convictions. This piece, steeped in religious and historical significance, conveys a serene yet profound narrative of Asoka’s commitment to peace and Buddhism.
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Queer-e-Mehfil
It was heartwarming seeing so many queer artists perform at the Mehfil. You folks truly made it a night to remember. More than thirty artists attended the Mehfil and filled the room with music, dance, and poetry. We are very grateful to everyone who showed up and participated and we hope to keep hosting events like these!
Though critics may bow to art, and I am its own true lover,
It is not art, but heart, which wins the wide world over.
-
Ella Wheeler Wilcox
Upcoming Events
Film Screening
Thanks to your amazing response to our events this month, we will be hosting queer meetups on the first Saturday of every month in Pune! Text us on WhatsApp at +91 9904991122 to be added to a group chat with more information about these meetups!
We will be screening Happy Together, on the 6th of July at 6 pm! It’s a film by one of the most beloved directors in cinema, Wong Kar-wai. This film follows the story of Yiu (played by Tony Leung) and Po (played by Leslie Cheung) a gay couple from Hong Kong with a tumultuous relationship marked by frequent separations and reconciliations. The screening will be followed by a discussion session about the film!
It’s a free event but you are required to register for it beforehand! You can do so through
this link!
Clean-up Drive in Pune
In a collaborative effort with Ecoforce, we are organizing a clean-up drive on Sunday, 21 July 2024, at 08:00 AM! The meeting point is Vetal Tekdi Parking Lot. Gloves will be provided! Just bring your enthusiasm and a love for our planet. See you there! Let's make a difference together. πΏπ
Workshop - Faculty Development Program
Narendra Barhate is the Founder of SEED Infotech Ltd. With a profound background in engineering and a fervour for yoga, meditation, and neuroscience, Narendra possesses a distinctive blend of skills to guide individuals on their paths of self-discovery and personal development. Narendra is particularly adept at applying neuroscience principles to various aspects of life.
He facilitated two workshops that ARISA organized. The topics covered ranged from brain facts and myths, the amygdala and stress mechanisms, stress coping techniques, to brain health maintenance, and effective learning processes including working and long-term memory.
- A Faculty Development Program for Faculties of IMLD (Institute of Management and Leadership Development) of Bharati Vidyapeeth, Pune was held on 5th June and was attended by 25 Faculties.
- A Faculty Development Program for Faculties of Jnana Prabodhini Prashala, Pune, the school for Gifted Students was held on 8th June. It was attended by 45 teachers and the Principal.
