1. FESTIVALS: Prabodhini
Ekadashi, also known as
Devotthan Ekadashi, the 11th day of Kartik Shukla Paksha falls on November 13 this year. It is
believed that Vishnu sleeps on Shayani
Ekadashi and wakes on
Prabodhini Ekadashi, thus giving this day the name "Prabodhini
Ekadashi" ("awakening eleventh"). The end of Chaturmas, when
marriages are prohibited, signifies the beginning of the Hindu wedding season. A
fast is observed on Prabodhini Ekadashi and the ritual marriage of the Tulsi plant is performed with god Vishnu, who
is regarded as the husband of Tulsi. In Maharashtra, Prabodhini Ekadashi is linked with the
god Vithoba - a form of Vishnu. Varkari pilgrims throng the Pandharpur temple of Vithoba on this day. In Gujarat, more than 800,000 pilgrims perform the
32-km Parikrama of Mount Girnar over a two-day period. This is performed
as a gesture of thanksgiving to the gods, who are believed to have assembled on
the mountain. In Pushkar, Rajasthan, the Pushkar
Fair or Pushkar mela
commences on this day and continues till Kartik Poornima). This fair is held in
the honour of Brahma,
whose temple stands at Pushkar.
2. RSS ABKM MEETS IN KOCHI: The annual baithak of Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal
of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh was held at the Bhaskareeyam Convention Centre
adjacent to Madhav Niwas, the Kerala RSS headquarters, at Elamakkara in Kochi
on 25, 26 and 27 October. The baithak was inaugurated by Sarsanghchalak Mohan
Bhagwat. This was the first time the meet was held in Kerala.
The ABKM passed 2 resolutions and also discussed
the Madhava Gadgil panel report in detail, environmental issues in general and eco-system
of Western Ghats in particular. It felt that this generation does have the
responsibility to reverse the current unhealthy trend of ostentatious lifestyle
and follow the Bharatiya model of environmental friendly development, so that future
generations can live in peace.
On Communal and Targeted
Violence Bill, the ABKM felt that the introduction of this bill in Parliament
should be opposed by all right thinking people. It is biased and anti-Hindu. It
divides the society into majority and minority and it is anti-constitutional.
It will damage the social fabric of the country. Instead of preventing communal
violence, it will lead to further division.
RSS has expanded its
organisational growth since the ABKM biathak of October, 2012. Shakha
activities have started in 2500 new places. Now, 6000 places are having either
weekly or monthly shakhas. More than 50,000 villages are having RSS presence in
the forms daily, weekly or occasional shakhas. Total number of contact places
is 75,000. Answering a question about RSS’s
involvement in electoral politics, Bhaiyyaji Joshi said that RSS is not a
political party but it believes that every voter is responsible and should to
vote. RSS will like to have 100 % polling. RSS will actively campaign for the
enrollment of voters in the voters’ list. Answering a question on government’s
reported move to use the wealth of temples to face the economic crisis, Bhaiyyaji
said that RSS does not endorse it; government should not do it.
The
meet strongly condemned the serial bomb blasts in Patna on 27th
October. It saw it as a blatant attempt to terrorise and scare nationalist
forces. ABKM expressed the confidence that the spirit and resolve of
nationalist forces will remain undaunted despite such cowardly terrorising acts.
Resolution 1: Growing Jehadi Radicalization in
Southern States of Bharat
The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari
Mandal expresses grave concern over the growing radicalization of Jehadi forces
especially in the Southern states of Bharat. Although separatist and
secessionist activities exist all over Bharat, its menacing portents in recent times especially
in Southern Bharat in terms of their penetration among Muslim youth; terror
training and export modules; attacks on Hindu activists; and active connivance
with anti national Maoists and international Jehadi elements pose an
unprecedented challenge to the national security. The lackadaisical
attitude of successive state governments turning a blind eye to these nefarious
forces has become more worrying factor to all patriotic minds.
The emergence of ‘Popular
Front of India' (PFI) and its front organizations in Kerala consequent to the
ban on SIMI should be seen in this context. It’s formation as a coordinated
effort between organizations like 'Karnataka for Dignity'(KFD), 'Manitha Neethi
Pasarai' ( MNP ) in Tamilnadu and 'Natioanal Development Front' ( NDF ) in
Kerala, under the purported aim of 'promotion of democracy and social justice'
is nothing but a camouflage to perpetuate hard-line
ideologies. Large scale brainwashing and weapon’s training of Muslim
youth; export of such terror elements in other parts of Bharat as revealed by
recent designated NIA court's verdict in the 'Kashmir recruitment case'; the
penetration in Police and govt machinery; admission by Kerala Government to the
state High Court about the links with Hizb ul Mujahideen, Lashkar- e Tyaba and
Al-Qaida clearly reveal the real face and agenda of these outfits. Their
attempts to develop a political face with a pan Indian presence should be
nipped in bud.
These radical forces are
turning Kerala into a hotbed of anti social and anti national activities. While
the Northern Kerala is becoming safe hideout and training ground for terror
elements, the coastal and other areas of strategic importance are witnessing
mass purchases of lands by these elements at an exorbitant price supported by
rackets of counterfeit currency and gold smuggling. Planned allurement of Hindu
boys and girls, rampant distribution of hate literature proclaiming Jehad,
poisonous propaganda through certain media elements and disproportionate growth
of Muslim population especially in North Kerala are putting the state on a
ticking time bomb.
The blatant support from
political elements as evident from the presence of political leaders including
Ministers in the family function of Abdul Naseer Madani, a notorious criminal
accused in many terrorist acts including 1998 Coimbatore bomb blast case;
refusal by Kerala government to hand over Marad massacre investigation to CBI
etc., have emboldened these forces to such an extent as to hatch plans to
assassinate nationalist Hindu leaders in Kerala. The present U.D.F.
government in Kerala remains a mute spectator to all such anti-national
activities.
These tentacles of terror
have engulfed the adjoining states of Tamilnadu and Karnataka
too. In Tamilnadu, attacks on Hindu activists and their offices,
vandalizing of Hindu festivals, violent demonstration on American
Consulate, recent gruesome killings of state level functionaries of Hindu Munnani
and BJP and armed encounter with the Police at Puttur in Andhra Pradesh, are
the testimonies of their increasing grip over the State. Unfortunately, they
are being completely overlooked as a result of the competitive minority
appeasement by both the ruling and opposition political parties of the state.
Areas of coastal Karnataka like Bhatkal town have become a storehouse of
weapons, bomb training and terror export. These forces are planning to target
Hindu religious places like Tirupati, Madurai, Shabarimalai in many parts of
Southern Bharat.
The ABKM demands that the
Union and the concerned state governments undertake extensive investigation by
the Central agencies about the nature of clandestine activities of these
radical groups, their links and source of funding both within and outside the
country and take firm measures including a ban on organization like PFI, to put
an end to these forces. It also appeals to all patriotic forces including media
to be vigilant about such elements and prevail upon the political parties and
governments to act firmly against these antinational activities.
Resolution 2: Need for
Effective Management of Our Land Borders
The Akhil Bharatiya Karyakari Mandal wishes to
draw the attention of the nation to the conditions prevailing along Bharat's
land borders and the conditions of the people living in villages along the
borders. Bharat shares borders with 8 countries. It is a matter of regret that
Bharat faces border disputes with most of these countries.
The ABKM underscores the need for strengthening
border infrastructure along all the land borders. Studies have revealed that
border infrastructure is utterly inadequate in many border areas.
The ABKM regrets to note that the 4057 km long
most sensitive Bharat-Tibet border happens to be the most neglected one. In
many sectors, carpeted roads end 50-60 km short of the borders, causing immense
difficulties to the people living in border villages. Transport facilities are
meagre; several villages have a bus service once a week only. Schools have no
proper buildings; hospitals don't exist; electricity is erratic or
non-existent; telecommunications facility too is unavailable for many villages.
Market places are far off, forcing villagers to crossover to the other side for
their shopping needs.
The ABKM emphasises that people living in the
border villages are also our border guards just like the soldiers guarding our
borders. Apathy of the Governments to the plight of these people is dangerous
to border security.
Lack of infrastructure in these areas is
leading to lack of employment opportunities and creating livelihood problems,
resulting in migration. Occupation of pasture lands by China in these areas is
further aggravating the problems of the villagers.
People living in villages along Indo-Pak border
and the LoC have been facing constant threat to their lives from continuous
shelling from Pakistan army. Loss of property, livestock and occasionally the
lives of people is a norm there. They receive meagre or no compensation for
these losses. At many places people of the border villages are compelled to
live in camps for years on. Even those in villages face severe problems. Their
movements to their agricultural lands are restricted due to fencing, land
mines, etc.
Bharat-Nepal, Bharat-Myanmar and
Bharat-Bangladesh borders have become safe havens for illegal trade, fake
currency, smuggling of weapons, trafficking in human and drugs etc. Terrorists
and anti-national forces use these borders to slip over into neighbouring
countries. Bharat-Bangladesh border has remained porous leading to continued
large scale infiltration and smuggling of live stock, including cows and its
progeny. Mushrooming of illegal Madrasas, Mosques and settlements on both sides
of Bharat-Nepal Border has emerged as a serious threat to both the country.
In view of the prevailing situation, the ABKM
calls upon the Government of Bharat to:
1. Give top priority to building basic
infrastructure like roads, rail network, electricity, water supply, schools,
hospitals etc. along the borders.
2. In border areas constitute Village Defence
Committees and give appropriate training and incentives to people in border
villages and make them stake holders in border security and management
3. Constitute an independent border management
authority to manage the affairs of all borders.
4. Complete the fencing along Bharat-Bangladesh
border and strengthen border security by effective deployment of forces along
all other borders.
5.
Provide proper compensation to the people who have lost access to their
lands due to fencing, land mining, etc.
6. Develop ancient religious and other potential
tourist sites along the borders. Encourage border tourism which will benefit
the people living in border areas, while at the same time countrymen at large
develop emotional attachment with the borders.
7. Create a mechanism for effective operational coordination between
military and para-military forces engaged in border security.
8. Develop a mechanism for dialogue and co-operation between the people
on the borders and the armed forces.
The ABKM opines that the greatest challenge is the defeatist mindset of
the Government of Bharat. It is unfortunate that our leadership fails to
display its firm commitment to protecting every inch of our territory. The ABKM
demands that the Government and its officials stop parroting that our borders
are "not demarcated fully". It is untrue. Bharat's boundaries are well defined.
Tragically, our leadership lacks courage to assert this historic truth.
The ABKM cautions the countrymen to not assume that the border security
is the responsibility of the Government and the armed forces alone. Patriotic
countrymen should constantly keep a vigil on the situation along our borders
and be ready at anytime to safeguard them.
3. SWAMI VIVEKANANDA'S 150TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY
CELEBRATED IN SEOUL: The Vedanta
Society of Korea celebrated Swami Vivekananda's 150th birth anniversary on
October 20th. The function showcased various facets of Bharatiya culture,
including dance, music, yoga, tourism and food.
The event, 'Vivek 150',
included Vivekananda Yoga Olympiad, a speech contest, and an exhibition on
Swami Vivekananda's life and message, which were organised at Sookmyung
University. The event was supported by the Indian Cultural Centre (ICC) Seoul,
the Indian Chamber of Commerce of Korea (ICCK) and Sookmyung Women's University
of Korea. The programme started with ceremonial lighting of lamp and offering
floral tributes to Swami Vivekananda, followed by a documentary on his
teachings and message to the world.
In his address, Swami
Medhasananda, chairman of the Vedanta Society of Japan, said that Swami
Vivekananda had taught the world that in essence all religions advocated
service to mankind which is the most effective form of worship.
4. THE CLEANEST VILLAGE OF ASIA: Do you know the cleanest
village in Asia is in Bharat? It is at a distance of around 90 km from
Shillong, and the road leading up to it has some of the most panoramic and
breathtaking views in the country. Till over a decade ago Mawlynnog was
practically unknown to tourists until *Discover India* Magazine accorded it the
cleanest village status in 2005. Nestled in the pristine East Khasi Hills of
Meghalaya the residents of this picturesque village along the Indo-Bangla
border have learnt to live at harmony with mother Nature and might very well
become an example that urban folk should emulate. As one walks around the
narrow zig-zagging paths of the village one is astounded by the clean well
maintained black tarmac and the spotless frontyards and sidewalks of the bamboo
stilt houses. There are stylish bamboo dustbins everywhere and separate compost
pits in various pockets of the village for organic and inorganic wastes.
Polythene use is completely banned and so is smoking. There are public toilets
which the villagers themselves maintain and everyone takes part in the ritual
weeding, sweeping and cleaning of the gardens and roads which happens every
evening. Even the children are taught from an early age to keep their
surroundings clean and they don’t hesitate to pick up the odd piece of garbage
on the road and put it in the bin.
The
village is well supplied with an efficient localized water supply and
sanitation system. Just outside the village on the passing river the amazing
living roots bridge is situated which speaks out for the ingenuity of the
people. It is over 200 years old and was constructed by tying the roots of two
banyan trees and maneuvering them to get entangled in such a way as to create a
passage over the stream. The sky view tower on the eastern side of the village
is a tall structure built on the support of a tree with bamboos and gives a
wonderful view of the Bangladesh plains. For the discerning traveler there are
many unmapped trails that one can explore around the village full of little
waterfalls and sacred forests abounding in flora and fauna. The guest houses in
the village are basic tree houses built on top of stilts that almost jut out
into the adjacent forest, staying in them is an experience in itself. There is
a lot that urban society could learn from Mawlynnong and its environmentally
conscious citizens.
The
self sustaining models though rudimentary have very strong foundations and have
more to do with behaviour and customs that the peoples have adhered to and
upheld. With the increasing influx of tourists the challenge for Mawlynnog is
to maintain its culture and also educate outsiders with their ways. Do you
think modern cities in Bharat can replicate what the citizens of Mawlynnong
have done? With better technology and infrastructural support Bharatiya cities
can certainly take Mawlunnong’s concepts forward and create self-sustaining
environment systems with minimal damage to the eco systems. All we need are
more responsible and conscientious citizens who will take up the cause of the
environment.
Mawlynnong
can be reached by road and it is roughly a three hour drive from Meghalaya’s
capital, Shillong.
5. 'MADHAV NETRA PEDHI': a pioneer organisation of Nagpur, started in early 90’s in
memory of second Sarsanghchalak of RSS,
Madhav S. Golwalkar popularly known as Guruji, has within short time set
a good example of Eye Bank with technological expertises, compassion and public
education. Various social service organisations came together and formed an
umbrella organisation ' Saksham ' which will work with handicapped people like
blind, deaf and mute, slow learners, cerebral pulsey victims and lame persons. Sewa
International, US supports such service to needy people.
6. RSS SARSANGHCHALAK MEETS JUSTICE KRISHNA IYER: RSS Sarsanghchalak Sri Mohan Bhagwat visited on
October 21st, Justice VR Krishna Iyer at his residence in Kochi -
Kerala. This was the outcome of the correspondence they had couple of months
before. Sri Bhagwat, in his letter, had expressed his wish to meet Justice
Krishna Iyer when he visits Kochi.
Sri Krishna Iyer told Bhagwat
that he had invited the wrath of some people due the support he extended to
Narendra Modi. But, he does not care. He likes to see and support honest
people. Sri Modi came to see him some time back. Sri Bhagwat told Sri Krishna
Iyer that honesty is a precious commodity these days. We, in Sangh, keep on meeting
honest people. It is they who influence the social consciousness.
Dr. Bhagwat said that, he has
been wishing to meet Sri Krishna Iyer since long time; but, it is materialised
only now. He added that Sri Krishna Iyer is a fatherly figure for all, a true
Judge in Words and spirit. He embodies all the noble values in social life,
which is fast diminishing. I found him very honest, committed to truth,
fearless, sincere and well intentioned.
When it was mentioned that
Justice Krishna Iyer turns 99 next month, Mohan Bhagwat told that according to
Bharatiya tradition complete life is 120 years. He wished Sri Krishna Iyer such
a long life. Sri Bhagwat told Krishna Iyer that coming years would witness good
happenings. Society is undergoing lot of changes. He sought Sri Krishna Iyer’s
blessings for all good happenings. Sri
Krishna Iyer said that Bhagwat’s visit was a great experience.
7. VOLUNTEERS SWUNG INTO ACTION IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE CYCLONE
HIT ODISHA, ANDHRA: As the cyclone Phaline struck the coast of Orissa and Andhra Pradesh on
the evening of October 12, it was Sangh Volunteers who under the banner of Utkal
Bipanna Sahayata Samiti (UBSS) spontaneously came out of their homes to extend
a hand of support and love to the people in distress. The cyclone with a gale
speed of 200 km per hour and heavy rains ravaged Ganjam and affected 11
districts—bringing distruction everywhere. At places like Paikabasa in Mayurbhanj
district, 5,000 people were evacuated saving them from devastating flood. In
rescue, relief or cleaning up of roads for communication, the Sangh Volunteers
were on the forefront.
Spread
over 5 critically affected districts, the Volunteers served cooked food to more
than 4,000 people. Durgadevi and Dhabasila in Balasore district, Aryapalli, Gopalpur
of Ganjam district were the places where swayamsevaks really did outstanding
work. The Sangh Volunteers managed to take more than 5,000 people to safety
before the deadly cyclone could strike. They also provided shelter to about
7,000 people. More than 16 roads were cleared by these volunteers in these
localities.
8. SEWA LASER SHOW IN COLUMBUS, OH: Sewa International USA successfully hosted laser
documentary “Laser Light Magic” on life of Swami Vivekananda at Columbus, which
was very well received by audience including kids and teens.
This also introduced the SEWA
to the Columbus Community with a bang. Around 500 people witnessed the show in
the Grand Capitol theatre at Riffe center in heart of Columbus downtown. Sewa got whole hearted support from Jain
Temple, Gurudwara, other temples and also from cultural associations like
Gujrati mandal, Maharastra Mandal, Malayalee Association etc. Many established
individuals, Vedanta scholars also supported the event.
9. HINDU COUPLES CELEBRATE KARWA CHAUTH IN
PAKISTAN: Dozens of Hindus celebrated
the Bharatiya festival of Karwa Chauth in Pakistan's largest city Karachi with
traditional fervour and gaiety. Hindu couples gathered at the Laxmi Narayan
Mandir near the Netty Jetty bridge to celebrate the occasion on 22nd
October.
Rani, who broke her fast on
the footsteps of the mandir which overlooks the Netty Jetty waters said: "Given
the sort of situation we are facing in Karachi these days basically everyday is
Karwa Chauth for us women no matter which religion they belong too. Things are
so uncertain we just keep on praying that our husbands return home safely after
work," Rani said.
10. BHARAT'S TOP 4 IT FIRMS BUILD RS. 56,000
CRORE CASH CHEST, INFOSYS LEADS: TCS,
Infosys, Wipro and HCL Technologies -- have seen their combined cash chest
swell to a whopping $9 billion (Rs. 56,000 crore) as their businesses continue
to generate profitable growth despite turbulent macroeconomic scenario. This
marks an increase of about $1 billion since the beginning of current fiscal in
the four companies' cumulative cash position, which includes cash, cash
equivalents, bank deposits and disposable financial investments.
11. ANDAMAN & NICOBAR,
LAKSHADWEEP DECLARED NEW ‘HOPE SPOT’: Andaman
& Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands have been named as the new "hope
spots" by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and
oceanographer Sylvia Earle of Mission Blue, an organization involved in the
study of oceans. A hope spot is an area of ocean that merits special protection
because of its wildlife and significant underwater habitats. The two islands
are the first spots in Bharat and part of 31 new hope spots across the world
added to the existing 19 spots. "What we've done here is identify a number
of critical areas that represent a real hope to restore the health of our
imperilled ocean," IUCN quoted Sylvia as saying.
Andaman & Nicobar have
556 islets with unique flora and fauna. There are around 270 species and
sub-species of birds in these two islands of which around 106 have been
declared endemic. The Andaman Wood Pigeon, Andaman Padauk and Dugong have been
declared the state bird, the state tree and the state animal respectively.
12. CHAMUNDESHWARI RATHOTSAVA DRAWS LARGE CROWDS:
Chamundi Hills, which witnessed a
large crowd during the Dasara festivities, came alive again as the
Chamundeshwari Rathotsava was held on October 17. Witnessed by thousands of
devotees from Mysore and surrounding areas, the hill shrine was packed with
people since the crack of dawn. The archaks built up the momentum by chanting
hymns and conducting special pujas. The scion of the royal family Srikantadutta
Narasimharaja Wadiyar and his wife, Pramoda Devi Wadiyar, participated in the
chariot festival. The idol of the Goddess, which was adorned with jewels and
flowers, was placed inside the ratha pulled by devotees around the temple.
13. BHARATIYAS ARE OUT-EDUCATING AMERICANS:
BARACK OBAMA — Billions of people
from countries like Bharat and China are striving hard to
"out-educate" Americans in mathematics and technology, President
Barack Obama has said while stressing on education reforms to prepare Americans
for a global economy where "jobs can go anywhere."
"Now you
have got billions of people from Beijing to Bangalore to Moscow, all of whom
are competing with you directly. And they are — those countries are working
every day to out-educate and out-compete us," Obama said in his remarks to
students at the Pathways in Technology Early College High School in Brooklyn on
October 25.
"And every
year brings more research showing them pulling ahead, especially in some of the
subject matter that this school specialises in — math and science and
technology. So we have got a choice to make," he said. He said if the
workforce is not educated enough, it will be left behind and find it hard to
get a job that pays a living wage.
14. BHARATIYA-AMERICAN APPOINTED TO TOP
DIPLOMATIC POST: The US Senate has
confirmed Bharatiya-American woman administrator Nisha Desai Biswal as the
assistant secretary of state for South and Central Asia, making her the first
person from the community to hold the top diplomatic position. Biswal, who is
currently the assistant administrator for Asia at the US Agency for
International Development (USAID), will replace incumbent Robert Blake to head
the key bureau in the state department. President Barack Obama nominated her
for the position on July 18.
15. BHARAT TO LAY 14 STRATEGIC RAILWAY LINES NEAR
CHINA, PAK BORDER: As part of
preparations to meet challenges from China and Pakistan, Bharat is planning to
lay 14 strategic railway lines close to borders with these two countries to
help in easier and faster movement of troops. The railway lines are besides 73
roads being constructed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China,
sources said in Delhi. Out of the 14 planned railway lines, survey has been
completed for 12, they said.
The railway lines have been
planned in Jammu and Kashmir, Arunachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and Rajasthan. Of
the 73 roads with a total length of 3812 km, laying of 61 roads covering 3,404
km have been assigned to Border Roads Organisation (BRO), the sources said.
The infrastructure
development is being carried out as China has made strides in this regard and Bharat
is lagging much behind.
16. SHRI VISHWA NIKETAN: Pravas: Shri Ravikumar, sah samyojak Vishwa Vibhag will
start his tour to Malaysia, Hong Kong and Singapore after Diwali. Visitors: Shri Sukdeo – New Zealand.
Shri Suhanthan, Gopakumar – Sri Lanka.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: You must understand the whole of life, not just one little part of it.
That is why you must read, that is why you must look at the skies, that is why
you must sing and dance and write poems and suffer, and understand, for all
that is life. – J Krishnamurthy
JAI SHREE RAM
FOR THE LOVE OF ALL THINGS COLOURFUL
Divya Kaushik
Australia-born photographer
Robyn Beeche is known across London and England for her iconic fashion
pictures. She gave up everything to spend her life in Vrindavan, documenting
its living culture. She tells Divya Kaushik that she is working on a book on
the raas lila tradition
For someone working as per
the catwalk calenders, coordinating schedules with the world-known makeup
artistes and fashion photographers, the decision of leading life in a small
Indian town might be not be an easy one. But for Robyn Beeche it was simple.
She knew her aim is not to get lost in the “snap snap” of the “money-making”
world but to add value to her photography. Her idea of photography is not just
clicking images but it is reflecting the culture of the place and an experience
through her photographs.
The first visit to Vrindavan
in 1985 was the life-changing event for this Autsralia-born photographer, who
became famous in London for her iconic 80s images. “I had met Rajeev Sethi in
England in 1982 during the Festival of India. When I came here he suggested
that I should not go anywhere else but Vrindavan since it was the occasion of
Holi.
So there I was in the middle
of Barsana, colours splashing in the air like a toddler throwing paint randomly
on a white sheet of paper. For me that is what photography is, an experience
narrated through colours against the white backdrop,” shared Robyn, who since
1985 has been based in Vrindavan, chronicling life and Indian culture through
her images, books and other documentaries. Documentary film, A life Exposed, by
Australian director Lesley Branagan and award-winning cinematographer Bonnie
Elliot, shows how India’s rich visual content paradoxically provides Robyn the
chance to nourish her main themes (illusion, transformation) in a culture where
they occur spontaneously as religious expression and are not constructed. “My
journey has been surprisingly positive and it is a daunting thing to have your
life up on the screen. Leslie has done a great job by sharing my life and it
has been an enriching experience for me. The documentary will help sharing my
life with people and inspire them positively to value their own culture and
history. India is changing fast and since I have been based here for long now
even I have noticed that change. I believe that change is good but that change
should not make us forget about our cultural practices and traditions. Generation
ahead should have documents and archives to look up to and I am contributing
towards that. Through my photographs, books and films I want to reach out to
larger people so that traditions do not become history with no reference to it.
Also I liked the way the director has portrayed my life and the way she has
captured the intensity and depth of my work. Many people who saw the
documentary said that they never knew how my world changed while shifting
between the two contrasting worlds and cultures,” said Robyn.
Her journey as a photographer
started when she was 27, as an assistant to a photographer. Within two and a
half years she learnt the tricks of the trade and then moved to England to work
with the photographer who used to work extensively with countries like Japan
and India.
“It was very interesting, the
way he used to convey the essence of the country through his pictures. I learnt
a lot from him and after he left I was on my own doing several collaborations
and busy in the world of fashion photography,” said Robyn. Even while she was
in England, doing a job which many would envy, she never really enjoyed the
materialistic world and that can be one of the reasons that today she is liking
her quite life in Vrindavan. She has an opportunity to be a part of festivities
like Gopa Ashtami, Holi and Phool Lila.
“I have never been bored.
There are so many things to keep me motivated here. I keep doing pilgrimages
for documenting and photography and have been to Kumbh. To record the living
culture that exists in Vrindavan is a fulfilling experience. I have no diary
dates to follow, whenever I want I can rush to the temples and capture the most
vivid things. Apart from exhibiting my works at festivals and galleries like
IGNCA (Indira Gandhi National Center for Arts) I also write books. I wrote a
book Celebrating Krishna and I am doing a book on raaslila tradition,” she
informed. – The Pioneer, October 28,
2013.
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