Mumbai Diary: Monday Dossier

Pic/Atul Kamble

Temporary Respite

A man catches a quick nap at the desolate Lokmanya Tilak railway terminus over the weekend.

For art's sake

To expand practices in the arts and encourage learning, the India Foundation for the Arts is inviting applications for workshops, residencies and seminars. For artists working in music, dance, movement, theatre and more, a budget of R3,00,000 has been allotted for their proposals. "Workshops, seminars and residencies have always been nurturing and challenging spaces for artistes to demand more from themselves and their peers. During the pandemic, we must be responsive to our limitations to create new ways of thinking about our collective approach towards learning. We are eager to hear the views of practitioners in this regard as well," Arundhati Ghosh, its executive director, shared.

They are thinking of us

This illustration by Charlie Mackesy features characters from The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse.

With every passing day, individuals [celebrities and common folk] as well as smaller groups from across the globe continue to show their solidarity with India through different initiatives. Joining this growing band is popular British artist, illustrator and author Charlie Mackesy who created a beautiful illustration to share his concern for India.

Pic/David Loftus

When this diarist reached out to his office to seek permission to use it here, while Mackesy was unavailable, his team gave us the nod in a jiffy. He is the author of the bestselling book, The Boy, the Mole, the Fox and the Horse (2019). Mackesy's words and illustrations have brought comfort and have been shared online worldwide, in cafés, libraries, prisons, hospital wards and as NHS hospital computer screensavers. To view them, you can visit @charliemackesy on Instagram.

A lighter note

The Mumbai Police's recent Melody of Safety series of puns themed on pop stars, which saw gems such as Go GAGA - But At Home! and Stay BTS Don't Venture Out went viral on social media last week.

The account called on responsible followers to share their versions, which were subsequently published in a second volume. This time, Mumbaikars are being asked to Don't Go Out in LINKIN PARK and being given the example of Ed, Shee Ran Home. Share your punny side with them at @mumbaipolice on Instagram.

Cycle of help

With the sheer number of restrictions in place these days, it may not be possible for senior citizens and those who are ailing or isolated to get access to essentials around the clock. But a growing group of volunteers in the city is gearing up to help in this time of need with their cycles. Named Relief Riders, this team comprising roughly 45 volunteers, is catering medicines and essential goods for free, to the elderly as well as to vulnerable citizens. Zarik Nabi, who initiated this, shared, "The idea was first implemented in Bengaluru; I have extended the service to Mumbai as well. We're essentially helping with delivery in Colaba, Bandra West, Khar West, and Borivali. Our services are available from 7 am to 11 am. " To volunteer or seek support, call 8591441671.

Buying clothes for a worthy cause

Bombay Closet Cleanse, a Bandra-based thrift store, has joined hands with actor Shriya Pilgaonkar (in pic), to conduct a sale with a difference on May 8. Shoppers can not only nab items from Pilgaonkar's closet, but also do so for a cause - 100 per cent of the proceeds will be donated to Mukul Madhav Foundation, an NGO working for emergency Covid-19 relief. Sana Khan, its founder, said, "We started out as a charity garage sale, and giving back has always been the foundation of what we do. Shriya was kind enough to donate beautiful pieces, including custom hand-painted Vans shoes, pink co-ords from Appapop, and a Ritu Kumar anarkali dress." If you're in the mood for retail therapy, head to @BombayClosetCleanse on Instagram.