Mumbai Diary: Friday Dossier

Pic/Shadab Khan

Ready for some vitamin sea?

Citizens make the most of a breezy evening on Carter Road promenade in Bandra.

What's masculinity?

A still from the film A real Man would never... by Harkat Studios, commissioned for the conference

Generations-old stereotypes perpe-tuated by society have drawn up rigid definitions of masculinity. An initiative by Goethe-Institut in India and Bangladesh aims to take a re-look at these ideas of masculinity through different perspectives - stereotypes and role models, as well as individual ideas. Titled M3: Man, Male, Masculine, the digital conference will delve into topics such as masculinity and power, masculinity in the media and performing masculinity through discussions, films, stand-up comedy and other engagements, starting today. "We strongly believe in a culture of equality, and masculinity is an important part of that conversation," shared Amruta Nemivant, senior programme manager, Gallery MMB and Cultural Programmes, programme department, Goethe-Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai. Head to @goetheinstitut_india on Instagram to register and tune in.

Lit up for a cause

Every year, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CSMT) and the Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai headquarters are lit up in bright colours to mark the International Childhood Cancer Awareness Month. This year, too, in an initiative by NGO Access Life Assistance Foundation, the two structures were lit up in shades of gold over the past two days to draw attention towards the cause. "It is very important that people are made aware about early detection and treatment as childhood cancer has the highest survival rate," Ankit Dave, co-founder of the NGO, explained to this diarist.

Designs on the country

September 2 marked the 92nd anniversary of the Indian Institute of Architects. The institute, which was conceived at the Dean's Cottage of the Sir JJ College of Architecture as a students' association in 1917, evolved into a professional association in 1929. Commenting on this milestone, professor Mustansir Dalvi, a faculty at the college and chairperson of the board of studies in architecture at Mumbai University, said, "At the time of the institute's formation, most architects in the city were graduates from the school.

Sir JJ College of Architecture. Pic Courtesy/Prangali Mathure, college website

There were strong alumni ties with the school in the fraternity and a great harmony between academics and practice. Principal architects at some of the biggest firms in the city were teaching in the school. It was therefore inevitable that when an association of architects had to emerge, it would emerge out of the student body of the school. The institute went on to become a very important factor of consolidation for the community of architects in the city and the country at large." He added that most architects in the city are affiliated with the institute and that it has continued to serve as a forum for discussing common problems, making friends and talking all-things-architecture.

Bond with the best

Ruskin Bond. Pic Courtesy/Facebook

It's been a year since bibliophiles like us had the chance to soak in the excitement of lit fests and the best part, interact with our favourite authors. However, in good news for all Ruskin Bond fans in the house, the 87-year-old author is set to make a rare live appearance, online of course, on September 5 evening, for a read-along session of his stories. He recently shared a video from his book-filled room in Landour, inviting readers to join in. We know digital fatigue is real, but not when you're bonding with the best, right?

For the last-mile kid

An illustration by Rajiv Eipe from Puchku Seeks a Song

Ten years ago, Pratham Books kicked off a storytelling campaign to reach the last-mile child, the ones who don't have access to story books in their mother tongue. Titled One Day, One Story, it is celebrated on International Literacy Day (September 8).Priya Desai, senior manager, market-ing and communications, shared that in the past decade, the reach of the campaign has grown exponentially: "Every year, we pick two books and our volunteers host storytelling sessions." Like last year, the initiative has gone online this time, with two books - Satya, Watch Out!, written by Yamini Vijayan and illustrated by Vishnu M Nair, and Puchku Seeks a Song, written by Deepanjana Pal and illustrated by Rajiv Eipe - in focus. Give it a shot?