End Of Year Report, 2007-2008

Anoushka Shankar on Contemporary Music














Siddharth Varadarajan on Kashmir

Sumanta Banerjee on 'Chairman Mao in India'

The year began with Sumanta Banerjee’s opinions on ‘Chairman Mao in India’ interspersed with those of Chair Abhishek. All that could excite Vijay Shankar about the CBI was the ad hominem attacks on him by the media. Soli Sorabjee helped Stephanians develop a clear perspective on judicial activism by whispering his comments into our ears. Jean Dreze’s analysis of the NREGA was an eye-opener for many. Siddharth Varadarajan reminded us of the hellish state of the ‘Paradise on Earth’.

Coming to international issues, the IDG mistimed Parthasarathy’s talk on Pakistan- it was held when Mrs. Bhutto was optimistic about the upcoming elections. The Chinese Ambassador came face to face with Majnu Ka Tila in a highly volatile Sino-Tibetan debate. Swami Agnivesh was calm but unsparing in his criticism of religious dogma as opposed to ‘Proactive Social Spirituality’. S.N.Balagangadhara (and co.)’s attempt to redefine religion in India met with a confused appreciation.

All those hoping for musical treats by Advaita and Amjad Ali Khan had to satisfy themselves with ‘informal discussions’ on music with intermittent demonstrations. Madan Lal stunned many admirers of Indian cricket with a frank assessment of the problems and unique features of the same. Siddhartha Basu provided an insight into what goes on behind the television screen. That talk also provided an upset of sorts with Akash actually failing to ask a question during the course of the session. Dr. Jitendra Mohan made the complex ‘Science of Happiness’ seem entertaining. A couple of pleasant evenings were spent with Ajit Ninan and Sarnath Banerjee with discussions on cartoons and graphic novels respectively.

Dr. Roma Chatterji’s wonderful presentation of the ‘9/11 Impact’ on folk art of Bengal made those present feel pity for those who were not. Anoushka Shankar addressed an avid and mostly male audience on fusion music and the country Africa.