Upcoming Events

Lamakaan is set to celebrate the cinematic genius of Akira Kurosawa with a film festival this March 2025.

Born on March 23, 1910, Kurosawa's contributions to world cinema are unparalleled, with iconic works such as "Seven Samurai" and "Rashomon" showcasing his masterful storytelling and visual artistry. The festival promises a cinematic journey through the diverse genres and themes Kurosawa explored while hosting discussion post-film screening to delve deeper into his filmmaking techniques and lasting impact on global cinema.

The festival will showcase some of Kurosawa's most iconic works, offering film enthusiasts a rare opportunity to experience the masterful storytelling and visual artistry that has made Kurosawa a legend in the world of cinema.

Film Title: MADADAYO | 1993 | 134 Mins | Japan | Japanese with English Subtitles

About the film: Madadayo is a 1993 Japanese drama film directed by Akira Kurosawa, marking his final work as a filmmaker. The story is based on the life of Hyakken Uchida, a retired professor and writer, who is deeply loved and respected by his former students. Set in post-World War II Japan, the film portrays Uchida's life as he faces the challenges of aging, loss, and rebuilding after the war. Despite hardships, Uchida maintains his humor and optimism, celebrating his birthdays with his students in a ritual where they ask if he is ready to die, to which he joyfully responds, "Not yet!" (Madadayo in Japanese). The film is a poignant reflection on resilience, gratitude, and the enduring bonds between teacher and students.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

The play,Shishe Ki Kahani,adapted by Swapan Mondal and directed by Mukul Ahmed, is based on Tennessee Williams' "The Glass Menagerie". It is a memory play narrated by Alik, who reflects on his life with his overbearing mother,Sunanda and his fragile sister,Sumi.

Shudrka Hyderabad invites Mukul & Ghetto Tigers to present The Confluence of Tragedy, a multilingual production, as part of the celebration of World Theatre Day. It consists of 6 short plays - 3 Greek tragedies and 3 from Shakespeare.

'Expressive Arts Therapy - Witnessing Emotions'
An activity based workshop to welcome and witness emotions from a no shame, no blame place, with curiosity and compassion. In a safe space, participants will connect with their bodies, embody their emotions, feel the feelings that were repressed and had no place to exist. Participants will share their stories, act as compassionate listeners to other people's stories, gently co-create safety and a community to enable this individual yet collective experience.
All the art supplies will be provided by the facilitator.

TechKnow Foundation is organizing a crucial Summer Camp Meeting & E-Suraksha Planning Session to discuss and finalize key strategies for our upcoming summer initiatives. This meeting will focus on structuring the summer camp activities, ensuring effective engagement for students, and incorporating cyber safety awareness sessions under Project E-Suraksha.

Agenda:
✅ Discussion on summer camp structure, activities, and timeline
✅ Finalizing session topics for E-Suraksha awareness
✅ Assigning responsibilities to volunteers and coordinators
✅ Planning outreach to government schools and permissions
✅ Resource allocation and materials preparation
✅ Addressing challenges and brainstorming solutions

This is our quarterly movie meet. We wish to share some important videos about rock climbing as an activity amongst our members. This include movie clips, technical climbing and a discussion about climbing, trekking and adventure.

Yogi bear and Storyboard Productions present an original play ‘P T A’. Written and Directed by Jonas David and Chandani Agarwal.

This April, Lamakaan, will host a film festival dedicated to Majid Majidi's masterpieces every Wednesday.

Majid Majidi, a celebrated Iranian filmmaker, is renowned for his poignant storytelling and visually stunning films that explore themes of humanity, resilience, and cultural identity. His works, such as Children of Heaven and The Color of Paradise, have garnered international acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination.

It's a fantastic opportunity for cinephiles to immerse themselves in the artistry of one of Iran's most influential directors.

Film Title: CHILDREN OF HEAVEN | 1997 | 88 Mins | Iran | Farsi with English Subtitles

About the film Children of Heaven is a heartwarming Iranian family drama directed by Majid Majidi. The film follows the story of siblings Ali and Zahra from a struggling family in Tehran. After Ali accidentally loses Zahra's only pair of shoes, the two devise a plan to share Ali's sneakers to attend school, leading to a series of touching and adventurous moments. The film beautifully explores themes of poverty, resilience, and sibling love.
This critically acclaimed film was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film and remains one of Iran's most celebrated cinematic works.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

Meeting to decide action plan about HCU forest land occupation and brutality on protesting students

STICK TOGETHER
Director: Felix Maria Bühler | Year: 2023 | Duration: 91 min

This documentary follows the tireless commitment of young climate activists, offering an intimate perspective on climate protests. Instead of interviews, it immerses viewers in the activists' journey through various protest actions, exploring the boundaries of personal commitment and dedication to ideals.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r_4sWoKXDI&t=3s

All are Welcome!

Matsara is a gripping social drama on jealousy.

Shudrka Hyderabad presents " I DON’T MOVE...I DON’T SCREAM based on Franca Rame's Lo Stupro ( The Rape). The play accounts the brutality, humiliation and soul shattering pain of a woman who was raped.
Adaptation, Light and Direction: Swapan Mondal

Our Telugu play, DORA, is based on the timeless character of Don Quixote with the concept of Oggu Katha, weaving together themes of fantastical journeys and power of narrative.
Adaptation, Design and Direction: Swapan Mondal

Genral body meeting of tmcda Hyderabad

"Be Zubani se Zuban tak: Urdu Shayerat Ka Fikri Safar"

The Centre for Development Policy and Practice, in collaboration with the Digital Empowerment Foundation & A CODE, is proud to present another captivating edition of Bazm-e-Sukhan.

Join us on Wednesday, 9th April 2025, at Lamakaan, Hyderabad, for an enriching evening "Be Zubani se Zuban tak: Urdu Shayerat Ka Fikri Safar"

Event Details:
📅 Date: Wednesday, 9th April 2025
🕡 Time: 6:00 PM
📍 Venue: Lamakaan, Hyderabad

This April, Lamakaan, will host a film festival dedicated to Majid Majidi's masterpieces every Wednesday.

Majid Majidi, a celebrated Iranian filmmaker, is renowned for his poignant storytelling and visually stunning films that explore themes of humanity, resilience, and cultural identity. His works, such as Children of Heaven and The Color of Paradise, have garnered international acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination.

It's a fantastic opportunity for cinephiles to immerse themselves in the artistry of one of Iran's most influential directors.

Film Title: THE COLOR OF PARADISE | 1999 | 90 Mins | Iran | Farsi with English Subtitles

About the film: The Color of Paradise (originally titled Rang-e Khoda) is a 1999 Iranian film directed by Majid Majidi. The story revolves around Mohammad, a blind boy who is released from his special school in Tehran for summer vacation. His father, Hashem, feels burdened by Mohammad's blindness and tries to hide it, fearing societal judgment and its impact on his plans to remarry.
As the story unfolds, Mohammad finds joy in the natural world and displays a unique connection to it, while his father struggles with his own shame and aspirations. The film explores themes of love, faith, and the human spirit, offering a poignant look at the challenges and beauty of life.


Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

Just like life, art is made of layers—memories, emotions, and moments preserved in time. Life in Layers is a hands-on resin jewelry workshop where you’ll learn to transform dried flowers, beads, stickers, and other elements into unique, wearable art. Whether it's a keepsake from a loved one or a creative expression of your own, this workshop will guide you in capturing beauty forever using UV resin.

Madhubani Art Workshop with Trishna Patnaik

India has a rich tradition of folk arts. The custodians of which are the many tribes that live in the interiors of various states. Madhubani or Mithila painting is a folk art form, originated from Mithila region of Bihar.

The paintings are traditionally based on mythological, folk themes and pastoral symbols. The designs announce the occasion of the celebration and solicit good fortune and divine blessings.

Participate in the Madhubani Art Workshop, get a chance to appreciate the art form and create your very own Madhubani Art masterpiece with acrylic colours on cartridge sheets.

Date: 10th April, 2025 (Thursday)
Timings: 5 to 7 pm
Age Group: Teens and Adults
Fees: 950 INR per person including Art Material

Venue: Lamakaan, Hyderabad

Takeaway: One Complete Painting (A3 size)

For registrations please contact Trishna Patnaik on 9867982075.

Registrations will be on a first come first serve basis.

Gond Art Workshop with Trishna Patnaik

India has a rich tradition of folk arts. The custodians of which are the many tribes that live in the interiors of various states. The Gonds, are the largest Adivasi Community in India and are Dravidian's whose origin can be traced to the pre-Aryan era. They are mainly found in Madhya Pradesh and its surrounding States. The word Gond comes from the Dravidian expression kond , meaning green mountain . In the Gond belief system, besides Bara Deo (Great God), every hill, river, lake, tree, and rock is inhabited by a spirit and therefore sacred. Gond paintings are fascinating, where the artists express their faiths and beliefs, world view, their visual expression and sense of identity, both as a collective, and as individuals. The motifs are further associated with the rich repertoire of the community and strongly show the interactions with the cosmic, natural and social worlds of humans at multiple levels and contexts. Participate in the Gond Painting Workshop, get a chance to appreciate the art form and create you very own Gond Art masterpiece on cartridge sheets with acrylic colours.

Date: 11th April, 2025 (Friday)
Timings: 5 to 7 pm
Age Group: Teens and Adults
Fees: 950 INR per person including Art Material

Venue:Lamakaan, Hyderabad

Takeaway: One Complete Painting (A3 size)

For registrations please contact Trishna Patnaik on 9867982075.

Registrations will be on a first come first serve basis.

Join me for the launch of ‘My Encounter with Identity Crisis’, a book that navigates the complexities of self-discovery and personal transformation. Through engaging discussions and reflections, we’ll explore themes of identity, purpose, and embracing change. Be part of this special event as I unveil the stories within the pages and celebrate the journey of finding oneself

Read-a-Kitaab - Book Lovers Monthly Meetup

9th April, 2025 marked 5 full years of Gulfisha Fatima, in jail, unjustly charged under UAPA. What an absolute travesty, due to incarceration of a brave, young, fearless muslim woman.

A Campaign week from 9th to 16th April is being organized to read Gufisha's poignant and powerful prison poetry!

⁠Guls' poems are here: https://shorturl.at/gwvz5

A book named THIMMIRIBILLALU-THODAPAASAALU written by sarath & Metla. It is from a publication named OKA established by katta siddhardha and viveka.

This April, Lamakaan, will host a film festival dedicated to Majid Majidi's masterpieces every Wednesday.

Majid Majidi, a celebrated Iranian filmmaker, is renowned for his poignant storytelling and visually stunning films that explore themes of humanity, resilience, and cultural identity. His works, such as Children of Heaven and The Color of Paradise, have garnered international acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination.

It's a fantastic opportunity for cinephiles to immerse themselves in the artistry of one of Iran's most influential directors.

Film Title: BARAN | 2001 | 94 Mins | Iran | Farsi with English Subtitles

About the film: Baran is a poignant Iranian film directed by Majid Majidi, set against the backdrop of Afghan refugees living on the outskirts of Tehran. The story revolves around Lateef, a 17-year-old worker at a construction site, and Rahmat, a young Afghan worker who is later revealed to be a girl named Baran in disguise.
Initially, Lateef resents Rahmat for taking over his lighter duties, but his attitude changes when he discovers her secret. His growing affection for Baran transforms him into a compassionate and selfless individual. The film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities Afghan refugees face.
When government inspectors crack down on illegal workers, Baran and her family are forced to leave. Deeply moved by her struggles, Lateef goes to great lengths to help her, even at the cost of his own well-being. The film is a touching tale of unspoken love and humanity, beautifully capturing the complexities of life and relationships.


Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!

2024 documentary film ‘No other land’ is made by Palestinian-Israeli collective of four activists. The filmmakers describe this film as an act of resistance against the Israeli occupation of Palestine. The film shows the forced displacement of Palestinian people by Israeli military in a village called Masafar Yatta in occupied West Bank. In the day time, Israeli bulldozers demolish the homes while the residents continue to rebuild their homes in the night. The young Palestinian activist Basel starts a film collective with Jewish-Israeli journalist Yuval Abraham and two co-directors. From the summer of 2019, they start recording every brutality of soldiers in their handheld cameras. Using old home videos and voice-overs, Basel explains the atrocities on their community has been going on since long time. Although the documentary was completed in October 2023, the filmmakers have ended it with disturbing images of the violence of Israeli settlers in Masafar Yatta during the Israeli attack on Gaza.

We are screening this movie in solidarity with the indomitable spirit of Palestinian people who are fighting for their liberation from the settler colonial project of Zionist Israel. The screening will be followed by a discussion about the movie and the Palestinian resistance in general.

Entry is Free

Aditya Undru is a neuroscientist and science communicator at CSIR-CCMB. He will talk about his work on how prolonged exposure to mild hypoxia, or low oxygen conditions, can help protect the brain. He will share insights into how the brain naturally adapts to these low oxygen levels, becoming better equipped to handle stress and potential damage. His research explores these protective mechanisms and their potential to lead to new treatments for various neurological conditions, offering hope for improving brain health and resilience. Join the discussion to learn more about these fascinating insights and their implications for brain health.

Sri Siddhartha School is planning to host a Graduation Ceremony to commemorate 10 years of its journey with Teach For India. This milestone celebrates a decade of dedication, perseverance, and meaningful collaboration between the school community and the fellowship.

The ceremony aims to recognize the efforts of students, teachers, and staff who have stood strong through challenges, embraced growth, and continued progressing year after year.

The Aspire Leaders Program (formerly at Harvard) is a fully funded leadership development program for low-income, first-generation college students worldwide. It offers mentorship, networking, and training through Harvard case studies, skill-building workshops, and global peer collaboration. The program empowers students with leadership, career, and professional growth opportunities.

So, I am the Community leader of Hyderabad and I am looking forward to hosting an all-alumni meetup in Hyderabad, a close gathering of close to 10-15 people.

Synopsis:

In a world driven by endless desires, a man finds himself caught in a relentless chase—for success, for wealth, for greatness. But in his pursuit, he forgets to ask the most important question: Why? With no clear destination, he runs blindly, only to find himself in a place where emotions fade and humanity slips away. He becomes a lifeless puppet, lost among others just like him—trapped in a world where dreams have turned into delusions.

But all is not lost. There is a way out—hidden, difficult, yet possible.
This is the story of that journey—of breaking free from the illusion and rediscovering what it truly means to be alive.
Written by suraj meshram directed by Ali Ahmed

Are you curious about the Palestinian condition, but too intimidated/ unaware about what's really going on? Are you someone who adores fiction and can really grasp an issue through reading stories and relying on your imagination? We've got something for you!

The White Library, whose title is inspired by a fictitious story in a book called Invisible Library by Lawrence Liang, has been running book clubs both general and specific since 2019 with its host, Manasa Tantravahi.

Last year, we ran an online experimental reading group that read Palestinian fiction exclusively (between July - December 2024). We're back with a new chapter of the club (with a fresh reading list!! and with a name name: 'Imagining Palestine'!) and taking it offline.

What is 'Imagining Palestine' about? It's a limited discussion series slash book club that reads Palestinian fiction exclusively, now in its second run. As your host, Manasa will be talking about how to close read the novels/ short story collections that we select to read, what themes and elements to look out for, and supplementing our discussions with material surrounding each other. It's intended to be a guided, sensitive and a no-judgement space to learn about and discuss the situation, through reading novels exclusively. And don't worry about reading slow (or if you're just getting out of a slump!): the club will read no more than a book a month!

*THIS session is the introductory one, where we discuss reading lists, and the structure of the club. So feel free to join in!

Contact The White Library at +91-9650628070 and/ or m.tantravahi@gmail.com for more details on the club! See you!

Hyderabad Bookworms' Movie of the Month meetup - April 2025

Meet your fellow bookworms, as we enjoy a movie adapted from a book or a play, share thoughts, compare with source material, and discuss its cultural relevance.

This event is organised once a month, movie is chosen based on poll on our discord server. (dm for the link to the server!)

movies can be in any language, as long as supplied with subtitles, preferably under two hours, so that there is enough time for some sweet discussion!

instagram: @hyderabadbookworms

For many decades, urban sprawl has been a phenomenon. The risk with this is exponential, causing the loss of flora and fauna in the respective geographies.
The net impact is rising temperatures, draughts, unpredictable rainfall, heavy snowfall or no snowfall and dangerous disease spread.
Further governments are giving permissions recklessly to many diverse projects.
This event would feature very sincere environmentalists who contributed to bringing out the information, alarming the public and governments with clarity from Hyderabad.
We discuss the hot issues that led to the immense damage to biodiversity, the creation of heat islands, ecosystem destruction, and solutions for achieving sustainable civilization.

All are Welcome!

On the occasion of the 155th birth anniversary of Lenin, the great teacher of the world proletariat, join us for a talk and discussion on “The Relevance of Lenin in the 21st Century” on Tuesday, 22 April, 2025 at 7pm at Lamakaan, Banjara Hills.

More than a century after the world’s first proletarian revolution and the formation of the socialist state of Soviet Union, what relevance does Lenin, the leader of that revolution, hold for us? Today, when the forces of reaction are dominant across the world, it is the task of progressive forces to seriously review the challenges, rectify the mistakes, and rebuild the revolutionary movement. Lenin’s struggles against such forces of reaction of his time led to his epochal and far-reaching contributions to the theory of Marxism. He qualitatively added to Marxist philosophy, political economy, theory of State and Party, and answered the burning questions of his time such as the National Question, the Agrarian Question, the relationship between art and ideology. Join us as we revisit these contributions of Lenin’s, and understand how to resolve the challenges that lay before us today.

This April, Lamakaan, will host a film festival dedicated to Majid Majidi's masterpieces every Wednesday.

Majid Majidi, a celebrated Iranian filmmaker, is renowned for his poignant storytelling and visually stunning films that explore themes of humanity, resilience, and cultural identity. His works, such as Children of Heaven and The Color of Paradise, have garnered international acclaim, including an Academy Award nomination.

It's a fantastic opportunity for cinephiles to immerse themselves in the artistry of one of Iran's most influential directors.

Film Title: THE WILLOW TREE | 2005 | 96 Mins | Iran | Farsi with English Subtitles

About the film: The film revolves around Youssef, a blind university professor who miraculously regains sight. As he adjusts to his new reality, he faces unexpected challenges and temptations, navigating the complexities of life, love, and identity. It’s a heartfelt exploration of human nature and the consequences of transformation.

Screening followed by Discussion. All are Welcome. Entry is Free & Open to all!