Mumbai Diary: Monday Dossier

Pic/Nimesh Dave

Bored to distraction

A young boy and his furry friend relax on the sand while a man scrolls on his phone at Versova Beach

Warm reunion

The comic strip featuring Phantom. Pic Courtesy/Instagram

There is a certain nostalgia in black and white comic strips. For writer and illustrator Alok Sharma, the latest acquisition of a Sy Barry-inked strip of The Phantom is a throwback to his childhood years. The strip, featuring the Phantom and his nephew, Rex, tells the story of Baronkhan, and was among the first strips he had read, said Sharma over a phone call from Hyderabad, where he is attending the ongoing Comic Con. "I decided to collect original comic book art almost a decade ago. I got in touch with Sy Barry [the legendary Phantom artist] and among the few strips available with him was this one. The strip broke my heart, this was Rex's final goodbye to The Phantom family. I just had to get it," shared Sharma.

Inclusivity at your fingertips

One of the children who co-authored the book demonstrates a writing tool

Too many cooks might spoil the broth, but too many authors might just spark a revolution. 16 non-verbal children turned co-authors along with their parents, and editor Padma Jyothi, to put together Talking Fingers Volume 2. It dives into the lives of individuals on the autism spectrum.

The book consists of 26 chapters designed around questions answered by the children using Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) devices. "People believe that our kids cannot comprehend or express. This book stands as a testament to what they can achieve when given a right platform," Monalisa Saxena (right), a parent, shared.

Celebrating with a difference

Lt General HS Kahlon (centre) shares the stage with the felicitated soldiers

Amidst the celebrations of Republic Day, Shanmukhananda Fine Arts Society felicitated 38 former soldiers who had sacrificed their limbs in the line of duty. "The felicitation was done by Lieutenant General HS Kahlon, General Officer Commanding, Maharashtra, Gujarat and Goa.

A performance by differently-abled artistes. Pics/Anurag Ahire

It will extend to 37 more soldiers who will be honoured at the rehabilitation centre at Khadki in Pune this March," said Dr V Shankar, president of the association. The evening concluded with performances by differently-abled dancers who, Shankar told this diarist, were show-stoppers.

Building a caste-free world

A new library that will house literature with a focus on anti-caste sensibilities is in the works in Nagpur. Named Library of Emancipation, this project is a pilot by Panther's Paw Publication, shared founder Yogesh Maitreya (inset). For raising the amount needed to build the library, the publication is aiming to sell 155 bundles of four books each at R2,096. "The idea is to provide people with books that help them understand the facets of equality, liberty and fraternity. Expect fiction, non-fiction and academic works that explore the possibility of escaping oppression," Maitreya told this diarist. While the books will primarily be in English, the publishers will also try to curate Marathi literature. He added, "The project will be housed in the publication's office in Nagpur. Over time, we will perhaps establish [more such libraries] across Maharashtra." Those interested can head to @pantherspawpublication for more details.

Exhibiting history

The Cama and Albless Hospital was designed by Khan Bahadur Muncherji Murzban. Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons

Starting tomorrow, the halls of Claude Batley Gallery at the Sir JJ College of Architecture will host a unique tribute to one of the city's forgotten architects. "The exhibition will showcase photographs of buildings, some of the drawings, and the legacy of architect Khan Bahadur Muncherji Murzban," said professor Mustansir Dalvi (inset).

The curation was collated by students of the institute over a period of five months. "The intention was to bring to light a person who deserves a central place in the history of Mumbai's architecture," he said.