Mumbai Diary: Thursday Dossier

Pic/Sayyed Sameer Abedi

Balancing Act

A cyclist wrestles with an unreliable umbrella while trying to protect his belongings during a rainy spell in Chembur.

Calling out enablers

Call that Out is a brand-new Instagram handle that was created to highlight media organisations that continue to employ and empower those accused of sexual abuse. The idea, said its creator (who requested to remain anonymous for reasons of personal safety), was born from her own sexual abuse at the hands of an industry peer. "Although a lot of people sympathised with me at the time, I was asked to repeatedly let it go because of the imbalanced power dynamic. More shockingly, while I was branded a troublemaker and denied projects, my abuser continued to prosper professionally. This account is a step towards bringing much-needed change in the industry and refusing to accept that staying silent must be the norm," she said. The handle is inviting submissions via email at teamcallthatout@gmail.com. The account is focusing on the news, ads, films and music spaces.

Vaccinations for all

To raise awareness about the importance of vaccination against COVID-19 among those with intellectual disabilities, Yash Charitable Trust is conducting a free interactive session. "Many of our team members have complicated medical backgrounds and co-morbidities. Misinformation about the vaccine has led to a lot of confusion and fear. Our worry is that without taking the vaccine, our population will be further marginalised in terms of education, employment and general wellbeing. The goal of our session is to address these myths and fears and to give families an opportunity to ask specific questions related to their concerns," said Nicole Kapadia, a senior counsellor and programme manager. "The webinar will focus on the different vaccines available and why the vaccine is necessary for prevention. Sometimes people in this population cannot make decisions on their own, and often have families make decisions for them, therefore family education is imperative. Lastly, centres providing the vaccine should be aware of the needs of this population to ensure that receiving the vaccine is a safe and comfortable experience," said Dr Aditi Bandopadyay (in pic), a physician who will conduct the talk.

Good sign for translations

Starting August 15, New India Foundation is inviting applications for the first round of NIF Translation Fellowship of 2022 to promote regional languages and the culture of translation. "It aims to encourage greater interest in the development of ideas and evolution of thinking in Indian languages during and after the anti-colonial struggle. By introducing these writings to the larger English-reading public, the programme hopes to acquaint them with the rich tradition of thinking in India. These potential proposals can showcase non-fictional writing that is influential in various linguistic/regional universes and /or which intervene in ongoing contemporary debates," said Suhas Palshikar, a language expert committee member.

Fur a good time

Pet parents eager to give their furry pals a makeover without risking a visit to the groomers, can now organise pampering sessions from the comfort of their homes. Flying Fur, a mobile pet grooming service, will send over a mobile salon, equipped with hot and cold running water, heat and air for rapid drying, a full-sized tub, and an adjustable grooming table. The salon provides a safe and healthy atmosphere that is devoid of crates or cages. Available services include haircuts and massages. Call 9911126262 to book a slot.

Kalanagar's artistic facelift

There's a new installation coming up at the Kalanagar traffic island. Conceptualised by St+art India Foundation, in collaboration with JSW Group, it will be built near one of the entrances into the Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC). For a more inclusive process, they've invited artists to submit their design proposals that reflect BKC as a symbol of Mumbai's ever-growing cosmopolitanism. Another crucial element of the project will be to build on the idea of sustainability, which is why the installation will be crafted from reused steel and other sustainably sourced materials. Additionally, the broad themes of the project are urban development and contemporary narratives, and iconic elements of Mumbai such as mangroves and forts. Artists can also devise themes that are relevant to the neighbourhood. "This project aims to connect with the art community, especially emerging artists. We also hope to build on the urban contemporary heritage of the city through the direct participation of its creative minds," shared Giulia Ambrogi (in pic), curator at St+art.