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Understanding Election Manifesto.

Understanding Election Manifesto.
November 15, 2018 7:30 pm Thursday

The Election season is here and with this season we see the political parties releasing poll manifestoes. These manifestoes promise stars and loaded with goodies and freebies. There are guidelines by the Election Commission of India on the concept of poll manifesto e.g. Election manifesto – concept and relevance A manifesto is generally defined as a published declaration of the intentions, motives or views of an individual, group, political party or government whosoever issues it. A manifesto usually comprises a previously published opinion or public consensus and/or promotes a new idea with prescriptive notions for carrying out changes for future. Oxford dictionary defines manifesto as a public declaration of the policy and aims of a group such as a political party. Thus an election manifesto is a published document containing a declaration of the ideology, intentions, views, policies and programmes of a political party. The Election Manifestos are generally drafted by the Political Parties keeping an eye on forthcoming elections and are generally published and well publicized.

As already stated above, the election manifesto normally contains the declared ideology of the political Party concerned in general and its policies and programmes for the Country/State and people at large. It, therefore, serves as a reference document or benchmark for the public at large for what a political party stands for. By comparing the ideologies, policies and programmes of the political parties, the electors can decide which party they should vote for to meet their expectations and aspirations.

How do the citizens look at the poll manifestoes? How the trends of poll manifestoes changed over the years in the country?

Join us for a discussion to talk about these broader issues related to poll manifestoes

Guest Speakers: (1) Prof Kancha Illiah: Kancha Ilaiah, who now refers to himself symbolically as Kancha Ilaiah Shepherd, is an Indian political theorist, writer and activist for Dalit rights. He writes in both English and Telugu.

Among Ilaiah’s official appointments have been: Director, Centre for Study of Social Exclusion and Inclusive Policy (CSSEIP) at Maulana Azad National Urdu University, Hyderabad Member of National Research Committee constituted by the Ministry of Social Justice, New Delhi Member – Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi

(2) G. Ramulu: Ramulu is CPM Telangana State Secretariat member.

ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

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Forensic Science Investigation.

Forensic Science Investigation
November 13, 2018 7:30 pm Tuesday
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‘Forensic Science Investigation: Har science ka thoda thoda, criminals ki kamar toda’

In this discussion Dr GV Rao, Former Chief Staff Scientist, DNA Fingerprinting Lab, CDFD, Govt of India will talk on the science of Forensic science and its path breaking contribution in solving some most difficult crime stories.

Forensic science is the application of science to criminal and civil laws, mainly—on the criminal side—during criminal investigation, as governed by the legal standards of admissible evidence and criminal procedure.

Forensic scientists collect, preserve, and analyze scientific evidence during the course of an investigation. While some forensic scientists travel to the scene of the crime to collect the evidence themselves, others occupy a laboratory role, performing analysis on objects brought to them by other individuals.

About Dr GV Rao: Dr G V Rao was a Scientist, is an Advocate, also an passionate Consumer Protection Campaigner, Leads Civil Society movement at Alwal & RTI Activist was the first Chief Scientist of Laboratory of DNA Testing appointed by Government of India at CDFD. He graduated from Osmania University, Hyderabad. Further he was a Gold medalist in M.Sc. in Criminology and Forensic Science from Central University of Sagar, Madhya Pradesh

He joined the illustrious laboratory, CCMB, Hyderabad for his Ph D in “Forensic Aspects of DNA Testing” and was awarded Ph D in 1993. His passion for knowledge made him to do a Post doctoral Fellowship in DNA Testing. He is the only person in India, till dated to hold a Doctoral and Post doctoral degree in DNA testing.

Dr Rao has been the first Indian Forensic Expert to have examined and reported DNA cases from all over India, USA, UK, Canada, New Zealand, Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh. His contribution of new technology in Species identification in wildlife poaching cases got the famous film star Mr Salman Khan convicted and you are well aware of. This work in forensic wildlife was awarded as the best paper in the Conference of the International Association of Forensic Academy, New York in 1999.

Incidentally Dr Rao was mentioned as SCIENTIST OF REPUTE IN DNA TESTING by the Supreme Court of India while disposing of the famous Matoo case.

Some cases where his knowledge, expertise and skill in DNA Testing had been appreciated by Hon Supreme Court of India were:

Naina Sahni or the Tandoor case (New Delhi), Actress Prathyusha rape and murder case (Hyderabad, A.P.), Swami Shraddananda (Bangalore, Karnataka), Swaminarayan Ashram (Nadiad, Gujarat), Jharkhand Mukthi Morcha (JMM) Case, (New Delhi), where former Prime Minister Mr P V Narasimha Rao was main accused. Chattisinghpora False encounter Case (Jammu & Kashmir), Beanth Singh Assassination Case (Punjab) etc. Ayesha Meera Case (Vijayawada., AP), Aarushi Case (Delhi).

ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

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Boys Who Like Girls

Boys Who Like Girls – Screening.
November 11, 2018 7:00 pm Sunday
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A 68 – minute documentary titled ‘Boys Who Like Girls’ directed by Finnish filmmaker Inka Achte would be screened for the audience. The screening would be followed by an interaction with the gathered crowd. During the interaction, Harish Sadani and his team at Men Against Violence & Abuse – MAVA would deliberate on the prevailing toxic masculinity and male entitlement to privilege and power, which is at the core of gender discrimination and violence in society. Through powerful compelling stories of MAVAs work among adolescent boys and young men in interrogating Masculinity as depicted in the film, Harish and Altamash will stimulate the gathered audience on the various tools and methodologies used to engage boys and young men on gender issues. Citing examples of the organization’s journey in the past 25 years, insights would be provided on the out-of-the box methods used by the organization to reach out to young men and how these could be adapted by others including individuals wanting to work on Masculinities. The gathered crowd would be then stimulated on specifically discussing steps which every man and woman could take to engage men and boys into healthy conversations on contemporary gender topics and help promote gender equality and diversity.

Organizer
Men Against Violence & Abuse (MAVA)

Men Against Violence & Abuse, based in Mumbai, has been working since 1993 among Men and Boys to help stop and prevent gender-based violence against women using out-of-the box methods. MAVA’s notable work has been recognized by Ashoka Changemakers, US and also Harvard University’s South Asia Institute. MAVA has been organizing periodic screenings of films on gender and related issues. Last year we had organized a One Day Workshop with film-screenings at Lamakaan that received wide appreciation.

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Lamakaan Organic Bazaar.

Lamakaan Organic Bazaar
Exhibition

November 04, 2018 10:30am to 01:30pm Sunday.

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On this Sunday morning through afternoon come and explore wide range of Organic Fruits, veggies & groceries Homemade Breads and other baked goods; Organic Lunch, Handicrafts and Handlooms, Handmade Jewelry, Terrace Gardening Corner, Creative Design Spaces. Every Sunday 10:30am – 1.30pm For details: 9642731329. Entry Free. All are Welcome
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Alternative Futures: India Unshackled.

Alternative Futures: India Unshackled.

October 27, 2018 7:00 pm Saturday
Book Release-cum-Discussion

‘Alternative Futures: India Unshackled’ Editors – Ashish Kothari and K. J. Joy Publisher – AuthorsUpFront

A remarkable, first-ever collection of 35 essays on India’s future, by a diverse set of authors – activists, researchers, media practitioners, those who have influenced policies and those working at the grassroots. This book brings together scenarios of an India that is politically and socially egalitarian, radically democratic, economically sustainable and equitable, and socio-culturally diverse and harmonious.

Alternative Futures: India Unshackled covers a wide range of issues, organized under four sections. It explores ecological futures including environmental governance, biodiversity conservation, water and energy. Next, it envisions political futures including those of democracy and power, law, ideology, and India’s role in the globe. A number of essays then look at economic futures, including agriculture, pastoralism, industry, crafts, villages and cities, localization, markets, transportation and technology. Finally, it explores socio-cultural futures, encompassing languages, learning and education, knowledge, health, sexuality and gender, and marginalized sections like dalits, adivasis, and religious minorities.

Introductory and concluding essays tie these diverse visions together. Most essays include both futuristic scenarios and present initiatives that demonstrate the possibility of such futures. t a time when India faces increasing polarization along parochial, physical and mental boundaries, these essays provide a breath of fresh air and hope in the grounded possibilities for an alternative, decentralized, eco-culturally centred future. The essays range from the dreamy-eyed to the hard-headed, from the provocative to the gently persuasive.

EDITORS: ASHISH KOTHARI coordinates the Alternatives programme of Kalpavriksh, has taught at Indian Institute of Public Administration, and chairs the Board of Greenpeace India.

K. J. JOY is Senior Fellow with Society for Promoting Participative Ecosystem Management (SOPPECOM), Pune and has been an activist-researcher for more than 30 years.

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YAAD-E-RAFTAGAAN
October 26, 2018 7:00 pm Friday.

Anjuman-e-Qalamkaran-e-Deccan,Hyderabad Present… “YAAD-E-RAFTAGAAN… ALLAMA HYRATH BUDAUNI”a memoir of Ustaad-ul-Asatiza Hazrath Allama Hyrath Budauni… on 26th October Friday, 7pm at LAMAKAAN,cultural center,Rd.no 1, Banjara Hills,Hyderabad…after Adabi Ijlas Mushaira will follow in which 10 renowned poets will participate…..

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#Metoo Movement

#Metoo Movement

October 25, 2018 7:30 pm Thursday.

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In the past few weeks, we have seen an increasing conversation around sexual harassment, owing to the huge number of women who have come forward with their own stories of exploitation. The viral hash tag #metoo has thrust the issue of sexual violence onto a global stage and Indian women are also joining in. While survivors from all walks of lives are speaking about their experiences and demanding justice, organizations have responded by removing people, against whom these allegations have been made, from their positions, pending investigation. However, the movement has also faced criticism from a number of people for its back falls. The movement has helped de-stigmatize the act of surviving sexual assault, primarily by bringing out the breadth and impact of it. It is still imperative to expand the conversation to speak to the needs of a broader spectrum of survivors. It is also essential to hold the perpetrators accountable and have a long term, sustainable strategy in place to disrupt the system that allows for sexual violence.

While the movement did make the issue of sexual violence an important topic, it is important to discuss the issues being brought out and the future of the movement itself. We invite the victims, allies and all those who care about the movement, to join a conversation on what the movement in India is doing and what is the possible future for it.

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AgricultureCrisis &FarmersIssues.

AgricultureCrisis &FarmersIssues

October 23, 2018 7:30 pm Tuesday

Lamakaan invites Nirmala, a social activist, currently working with farmers to give us an insight into policies that are less inclusive of small and marginal land holding farmers. On October 23, Lamakaan wants to throw light on the key issues plaguing agriculture, crippling the farmers and the shameful politics around it.

She says, ‘Each of us (the non-farming folks) have our plates full of food at the cost of farmers. It is time to raise our voice in solidarity, march in solidarity. Agricultural crisis is no longer the crisis of the farmer alone, it is a national crisis.’

Recently the central government declared the MSP for 22 mandated crops. Firstly, the declared MSP is not in line with recommendations of the Swaminathan committee of weighted average cost of production + 50%. Farmers had a short-lived smile on their face with the announcement. What is the point of declaring an MSP, when the government has expressed no intention of opening up procurement centres.

In August and September this year, farmers sold green gram (moong dal) anywhere from ₹3,900 to ₹5,300 per quintal in the open market. The MSP for moong was declared ₹6,975 per quintal, but no procurement centre was opened. Unable to hold on to their produce, many small and marginal farmers dumped moong in market yards bearing losses. Some medium and large farmers believed that the centres would open and held on to their produce. As more and more moong reached markets, the price stumbled further, procurement centres were not opened and farmers finally realized that it was not worth the wait.

Declaring MSP turned out to be an election stunt, with no results, or even genuine productive intentions behind it.

Even in cases where procurement centres were opened, like in the case of Karnataka, the government declared that it will only procure a small amount which meant that many farmers were left out and resorted to selling in open markets at low prices, paying exploitative commissions to traders, getting cheated in weighing etc.

To quote another instance, black gram which we buy at ₹80 to ₹90 per kilo in Hyderabad is sold by farmers at ₹25 per kilo in Narayanpet.

The event will discuss these issues in the context of the futility of only enhancing and increasing loan waivers. The aim of this discussion is to spread awareness of the angst of small and marginal land holding farmers, and the need to participate in the march for justice.

ALL ARE WELCOME!!!

 

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Storytelling Certificate course

Storytelling Certificate course.

16th, 17th, 18th and 20th October 2018, 10:30 PM to 5:00 PM.

Workshop for parents, grandparents, Storytellers, corporate professionals, educators.

Organizer

We are a few Storytellers from hyd, hosting geetanjali shetty of Mumbai to train us Storytellers, also open to other teachers, grandparents and parents in hyderabad.

 

 

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Urban Parallax Book Introduction, Kommuneity Weekend

Urban Parallax Book Introduction
October 14, 2018 11:30 am Sunday.

Urban Parallax, a slim, accessible book brings together over a dozen reflections on India’s urbanization from some of the most committed and passionate urbanists in contemporary India. Dr. Amita Bhide and Dr. Himanshu Burte (both from the Centre for Urban Policy and Governance, TISS, Mumbai) editors of the book will introduce the thinking behind the book. The meeting will be chaired by Dr. Sheela Prasad, University of Hyderabad.

Kommune, Bring Kommune to your city.
 October 13th Saturday & 14th Sunday, 2018 1:00 pm.

Kommune, Workshop + Story Slam.
October 13th Saturday 3:30 PM to 5:30 PM &

14th Sunday 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM 2018 1:00 pm.

Bring Kommune to your city: Through the years, we’ve had festivals, story slams, made memories and experiences throughout the country. But we’ve faltered—see, the Kommune team is based primarily in Mumbai, and we sometimes forget that the Kommuneity is nationwide. So we’ve decided to launch a city plan that has Kommune visiting different parts of the country, looking for stories and talent throughout. We’re also looking to start city chapters, tiny pockets of the Kommuneity who love the performing arts as much as we do and would like to volunteer with us. And Hyderabad, with your food, stories, and history, we couldn’t help but keep you on our list. So join us as we discuss bringing storytelling to a city seeped in them, the performing arts to a city that was defined the word ‘art’ for so many of us. Hyderabad, help us turn the Kommuneity into a beautiful revolution.

Kommuneity Weekend: Kommuneity – we’ve had workshops, and we’ve had story slams. Our workshops have you walking in with words and walking out with stories – stories you never knew existed, stories you never thought were worth sharing. Our story slams are what unique Sundays are made of, complete with tellers breaking down their walls and finding support in strangers who look a lot less strange by the end of the evening. Both events however, define the Kommuneity for us. So we decided to combine the two to give you a weekend with all things Kommune, a weekend you’ll want to repeat again and again. Welcome to the Hyderabad edition of the Kommuneity weekend, where we marry the beauty of learning with the promise of growing.

So Hyderabad, we come to you with a Saturday of learning in the workshop, followed by a Sunday of using everything you’ve learned in the story slam. The theme for this story slam is ‘Taste’ – from food to memories, tell us about your favourite taste. Tell us if sadness tastes like your mother’s food gone cold or if happiness tastes like a the rain after months of waiting. In a city that loves food, tell us a bit about your swaad.

Participants will receive complimentary writing material. After all, what’s a writer without a book? So join Kommune as they create, captivate, and collaborate at this Kommuneity weekend!

Artists for both: Anuj Gurwara & Roshan Abbas