Mumbai Diary: Monday Dossier

Poetic miles in Vietnam
A known name on the poetry circuit as the co-founder of The Poetry Club, Ankita Shah is set to explore her love for words and verses further. The 24-year-old is one of 16 artistes, including architects, illustrators, filmmakers and musicians from across the world, to be selected for a two-week trip to various parts of Vietnam.

Through the journey, she will collaborate with fellow travellers on various projects, including a documentary film, a photo-poetry series, and working with ethnic families in the region. The journey has been designed by Roadtrip Experience Project, a platform that invites creators from diverse worlds to explore and co-create with local communities.

"I plan to document the journey by penning a poem every day, which highlights my experience. I will also contribute towards different projects with my words," shared Shah.

Can I make it a large?
Water seems to be the drink of choice for actor Poonam Dhillon and Minister of Rural Development, and Women and Child Welfare Pankaja Munde at the inauguration of a movement on quality maternal care at a Lower Parel five-star over the weekend. Pic/Ashish Raje

The monk who bought a book
We spotted this warm photo that TV journalist and author of Democracy's XI, Rajdeep Sardesai posted on social media recently. The book has been receiving rave reviews for its pick of India's most inspiring and iconic cricketers of all time.

The journalist was in Dehradun for the Valley for Words literature festival, and chanced upon a Ladakhi fan who was keen to get a frame with the author. In his words, "books travel far and wide!"

Dental flautist
The journalist fraternity of the city was treated to a melodious evening over the weekend when Pandit Ronu Majumdar played soulful tunes at the Mumbai Press Club.

Pic/Atul Kamble

The maestro expressed his happiness over Indian classical music finding more acceptance among the masses. What was interesting was that Majumdar's dentist son Siddharth also played with him at the recital; something he has started doing only recently. With so much musical inspiration at home, it's easy to guess why.

Biking fun starts
'Tis the season to get on your bike and head to Goa. But with the fifth edition of the India Bike Week scheduled later this week, the sunshine state has become a mecca of sorts for biking enthusiasts from around the country.

To make things fun en route, the organisers are providing riders all assistance. As part of a tie-up with a road-trip app, information on road conditions, navigation, accommodation, food stops, fuel stations and points of interest will be provided. Sounds like a vrooming start.

Stories for kids, just a swipe away
Going by how children take to technology today, it wouldn't be wrong to say that they come wired with the skills to use it.

But does that mean having to settle for sub-standard content that's readily available for kids online? With the aim to make quality literature accessible to children, Pratham Books recently launched an initiative called PhoneStories, a series of four stories, specially designed for mobile devices, complete with an apt narration, subtitles and unique illustrations.

"There is an intrinsic value of a book in a child's hand. Our aim is to use technology as an adjunct to print," the not-for-profit publisher's chairperson Suzanne Singh told this diarist. The stories have been written by Sejal Mehta and are rooted in India's wildlife and forests.

"Sejal is deeply involved with wildlife protection and I have been a birder for many years. Animals are often over simplified in stories. We wanted to keep it real," says Rohan Chakravarty who has illustrated PhoneStories.