humanityashore.com

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“In politics if you want anything said, ask a man. If you want anything done, ask a woman”~ Margaret Thatcher,-Former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom and British politician (b: 1925-)

~The history of women’s activism in Sri Lanka is yet to be told. Male bias and male domination have silenced and erased women from the “official” histories in the same way as it has been done all over the world. But the memory of women’s activism remains in the stories that our grandmothers and other elders share with us and in the sub-texts of the official narratives of men and power.

In this year celebrating the 25 years of activism of the Women and Media Collective, we bring to you this exhibition of collective struggle by many women and women’s groups in an attempt to recover a small part of that untold and unwritten history. These stories and many more have yet to be heard in full.~

Women and Media Collective celebrated its silver jubilee recently. An anniversary exhibition “Changing Minds” by and about women was held on October 8th to 11th 2009 at Lionel Wendt and Harold Peiris Galleries in Colombo. The exhibition featured Women’s Activism, Women Photographers, Women Artists and Short Videos.

7 photographers, 16 women artists, and 7 mobile phone videographers took part in “Changing Minds”. Women and Media Collective created a space for women photographers to exhibit their work. The photos both monochrome and colour show a range of ways in which women change minds of others an others change minds of women.

Options, the English language magazine of the Women and Media Collective uniquely features women artists on its covers from 1994 to 2005. This was consciously done to profile women artists at a time when there was a little recognition of their contribution to visual culture. Some among them are part of this exhibition.

One minute mobile phone videos were shot on the theme: Changing Minds: Women and Changing Perspectives.

Participating Photographers:

Anushka Fernando, Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapthipillai, Nuzreth Jalaldeen, Sharni Jayawardena, Jayachithra Velaudaan, Sepali Kottegoda and Vidarshani Perera.

Participating Artists:

Ayodya Gunaratna, Chamari Thapaswerage, Christine Ruth, Hemamali Henakaarachchi, Manori Jayasinghe, Muditha Askin, Nilanthi Weerasekara, Nilu Kottegoda, Niluka Weerasinghe, Padma Rajapaksa, Priyanthi Anusha, Pubudu Chandima, Sajeewani Hewawitharana, Sameera Macan Marker, Vasuki Jeyashanker, and Yamuna Kumari Munasinghe.

Participating Mobile Phone Videographers:

Charith Jayathilake, Palitha Attanayake, Waruna Perera, Deva Priya Halathuduwa, Feroza Niyaz Shabeer, Shirani Weerasinghe and Diyodi Menon.

Members of WMC and guests lighted the oil lamp at the colourful inaugural ceremony:

Indrani Iriyagolla

Ashoka Lankathilake, Western Provincial Council member – Chief guest

Dr.Neela Gunasekera, Director, National Committee on Women

Mangala Randeniya, Assistant Director of Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment

Sarvam Kailasapathy

Chandragutha Thenuwara

Chandrika, Westren Provincial Council Member

Jezima Ismail

Professor Swarna Jeyaweera

Dr. Anita Nesiah

Tulin Abeysekera

Rev.Sister Emmaculate

Audry Ruberra

Sumika Perera

Damayanthi Kottegoda

Nimalaka Fernando

Stella Philip

Kumudini Samuel

Dr.Sepali Kottegoda

The Executive Director of Women and Media Collective Kumudini Samuel

The Women and Media Collective is a women’s organisation which aims to bring about change based on feminist principles for a society free from violence which would pave the way for a balanced representation of women in decision-making and governance, and advocate for non-discriminatory laws and policies.

Photographs by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapthipillai on display at the exhibition marking the 25th anniversary of WMC

Showcasing the milestones of Women and Media Collective

Women and Media Collective was formed in 1984 by a group of Sri Lankan feminists interested in exploring in conceptual and practical issues of concern to women in Sri Lanka

Sanjeewani Hewawitharana paints ad makes objects using techniques labled “female work” such as lace making and crocheting

Yamuna Kumari Munasinghe paints what she observes when traveling to Colombo form the suburb of Panadura

Women and media Collective conducts research and work with more than 75 women’s groups from all over the country

Women and Media Collective publishes Options (English, Sol (Tamil) and Aya (Sinhala)

“Untitled” by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapthipillai

“Thaappaattam” by Jayachithra Velaudan

Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapthipillai is a self-taught photojournalist

A creation of the Pacific and Asian Women’s Forum -Women’s Creativity Workshop held in December 1985
___________________________________________
HumanityAshore.org ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“This is my life. It is my one time to be me. I want to experience every good thing” ~ Maya Angelou- Poet, dancer,film producer, television producer, playwright, author and actress. (b: 1928-)

“City of Lahore is currently on alert. You are our honourable guests. We have to protect the foreigners, especially women” said one of the Elite Punjab Police Officers, while giving escort to the convoy of visiting South Asian women journalists.

They escorted us from the Allama Iqbal International Airport to Sunfort Hotel when we reached Lahore. They continued to escort us to Hotel Avari, Pearl Continental Hotel, Chief Minister of Punjab’s official residence, Governor’s official residence, and Peeru’s Café which is situated little away from the city. The Elite Punjab Police escort was provided upto the airport till we departed.

The Elite Force officers have provided maximum protection to all of us during our stay in Lahore from October 8th 2009 to October 13th 2009. Nearly 200 women journalists from South Asian countries participated in the first Regional Conference of South Asian Women in Media (SAWM).

The Elite Police Officers were seen outside the Sunfort hotel where the delegates from eight South Asian countries (Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) stayed. They were put on duty on each floor of Sunfort Hotel, which is situated in the central.

I sat in the front seat of the first vehicle in order to capture the moments, while being on the move in a convoy day and night. It was a different experience as a foreigner in Pakistan.

A wave of recent attacks rocked Pakistan in October 2009.

A suicide car bomb in the northwestern city of Peshawar killed 53 people on October 9th 2009.Pakistan Army Headquarters was attacked on October 10th 2009 in city of Rawalpindi, 14 others and 9 militants were killed in this attack.

A suicide car bomb explodes near an army vehicle in a market in the northwest Shangla district, killing 41, including six security officers o October 12th 2009. Federal security building in Lahore was stormed by militants and,seven people including police and attackers were killed on October 15th 2009.

Eight people died in a separate incident at Lahore’s Manawan police training academy on October 15th 2009. And a police commando training centre near the airport at Bedian was attacked on October 15th 2009.

Lahore is the second largest city in Pakistan, which witnessed the worst violence in the recent past.

“Please be careful, do not go anywhere alone” texts messages sent to my mobile by my friends from SAMS 6 (South Asian Media School) in the other cities of Pakistan.

“Where are you?, we heard that there had been a few attacks in Pakistan. Please take care” these are texts messages which were sent from my relatives and friends in Sri Lanka and abroad.

The Elite Force was created on the order of the then Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif in 1997–1998. The Elite Punjab Police is also known as the “Elite Force” or “Police Commandos”. It is a branch of Punjab Police, which specializes in counter-terrorist operations, and VIP security duties. Their motto is Allahu Akbar(disambiguation).

Khudah Hafeez-This is an Urdu/Farsi language phrase which means goodbye. It literally means ‘God Protect’). Jazakallah KhairKhair-This is a popular phrase that people use to thank others. It literally means ‘May Allah grant you goodness’. These phrases came from the Elite Punjab Police officers, when I bid good bye…..!

Elite Punjab Police officers at Sunfort Hotel in Lahore

Protection was provided for 24 hours

A crow drinks water on the street of Lahore

They are trained in fore arms, personal combat, and reconnaissance missions

Near the Liberty Market Roundabout

Members of the Elite Punjab Police are trained for six months at the Elite Training Center in Badian, Lahore

More scenes of security precautions as we passed several busy thoroughfares of Lahore:

The Police have found themselves increasingly in the front line in several recent attacks

Punjab Province is home to about half of Pakistan’s 175 million people and its major industries

The Punjab Police played a significant part in handling the refugee crisis of 1947-48

The Elite is a specially trained force which assists the District Police

Checkpoint on the way

Entering the High Security Zone

Shady trees have an inviting presence in the steamy daytime Lahore weather

Lahore is often referred to as the cultural heart of Pakistan

Lahore if the fifth largest city in South Asia, and 26th largest city in the world

Elite Police Academy is situated in Lahore

The Elite Police are trained in the use of a range of weapons

The Elite Police was formed as a counterterrorism unit, but over time its duties expanded to VIP escort.

Lahore, the capital city of the Pakistani province of Punjab bustles with activity:

Held in a busy Lahore traffic tie up at “Kalma Chowk” on Ferozpur road

A welcome note at the main entrance of Avari Hotel in Lahore

Pigeons in the lawn of Avari Hotel

“Think Pink”-Bridal fashion Studio in Liberty Market

Mohamed Khan drives us throughout the city. He wears an embroidered handcrafted hat.

Time to rest on the parked donkey cart

The total population of Lahore in 2009 is 10,000,000

Journey through Liberty Roundabout

Lahore has very rich Mughal heritage, and it is it is often called the “Garden of Mughals”

Lollywood-Pakistan’s film industry headquarters is based in Lahore

Newspaper seller on a busy street in Lahore

Decorated wooden lorry, another vivid characteristic of the City of Lahore.

Milk carrier in an early morning busy street in Lahore

A store front in Lahore

Police presence is widely prevalent in the city. Routine patrol takes place in the city and suburbs

Baby on board in a convoy

Ensuring safety of the convoy of women journalists

“I am concerned about my safety due to the recent attacks in Pakistan. I daily pray for permanent peace for our country” said a whole sale nut dealer Mohamed Iliyas in Liberty Market

The Province of Punjab is considered to be having the best trained and equipped police force in Pakistan

Traveling on top of a bus

Protection to the women journalists convoy during night time travel

Night view of Liberty Roundabout

Toyota pickup truck is the vehicle of choice for many of the security personnel as well as militants in this region

Birds hover over Liberty Market

My Love N Care store in Liberty Market

Triple riding kids on busy Lahore highway as a decorated tuk-tuk passes by with several passengers

An array of shopping choices at Liberty Market

Dates store in Anaarkali Market

“Work as if you were living in the early days of a better nation” Alasdair Gray (b. 1934) Scottish writer

Bangles store in Anaarkali Market

Liberty market on a week day
____________________________________________
HumanityAshore.org ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“Kantha Shasti” is observed in the Tamil month of “Aippasi”, which falls either in October or November on the new moon. Hindus all around the world fast for six days for Lord Murugan. “Kantha Shasti Kavasam” a special hymn is sung at houses and temples during this period.

It’s believed that Lord Murugan defeated the demon Soorapathman and his army with the “Vel” (lance) given to him by his mother. Lord Murugan fought for six days, and on the last day he liberated “Devas” from “Asuras”.

“Sooran Poor” is held to celebrate the victory on the sixth day at dusk. The temple courtyard and backyard are made to look like a battle field. Idols of Lord Murugan and Sooran are taken out of the temple to have the battle and the celebration.

This year Kantha Shasti was observed from October 18th to October 23rd. Devotees of Lord Murugan have a fast for six days during these days. It’s unlike any other fast; devotees do not have any meals except a glass of fresh milk and fruits in the night.

It’s called “Upavaasam” (total fast). The seventh day is known as “Paaranai”, on October 24th 2009.

Devotees, who have fasted for six days wake up at dawn, have a head shower, go and pray at the temple, cook and have a vegetarian meal before the sun rises.

The devotees who observed the fast are not supposed to witness “Sooran Poor”, because it is considered inauspicious to witness a killing of Sooran after fasting.

Devotional songs dedicated to Lord Murugan by T.M.Sountharararajan are being played at a Hindu House in Bambalapitty:

Muruga nee vara venndum ~

Senthoor Kanthaiya ~

Ullam uruguthaiya ~

“Sooran Poor” was elegantly observed at Ponnambalavaneswarar Temple, Kochchikade, Colombo, on Oct 23rd:

The fast is spent on meditations, prayers and reflections

A pure mind in a pure body is a sublime combination and conducive to realizing the divine

Beautifully decorated Arumugaswamy comes out of the temple at dusk

The pointed edge of the Vel denotes the sharpness of intellect while the centre represents vastness and lower part signifying depth of knowledge.

Arumugaswamy is decorated with variety of fresh flowers, rides a goat and carried by men wearing red head bands, while another sets of men carries a Vel (lance) and walk along with the parade

Lord Siva represents both death and destroys, and reproduction which follows destruction

Devotees enthralled in youthfulness, compassion and valour as symbolised by Lord Muruga

Lord Murugan, the word is derived from ‘Murugu,’ in Tamil means honey, beauty, fragrance and eternal youth

Devotees witnessing the ceremony

A colourful parade in the temple compound

The battle between Lord Murugan and Sooran takes place

Musicians accompany the procession

Sooran changed his faces while battling with Lord Murugan

Lord Murugan grants all kinds of excellence and the bliss of salvation to his devotees

Vel, which symbolises the spear of victory

Festivals inspire us to live a virtuous life

Vertivel garland is made of natural roots. It is offered to Lord Murugan at the end of the Kantha Shasti fasting, and it is auspicious to keep it till the next Kantha Shasti fasting

“Viratham” means solemn vow

The famous ‘VetriVel’ chanting that takes place on the Shasti day is associated with the victory of Lord Murugan over demon Soorapathman

The ‘Param Porul’ has neither birth nor death

Lord Murugan bestows beauty, greatness, true knowledge and salvation upon those who praise and worship him

The festival is being observed by the devotees every year to mark the victory of good over evil

A God has neither “Aathi” (Beginning) or “Antham” (End)

Moreover women observes Kantha Shasti Viratham

‘ Soorasamharam’ or annihilation of ‘Asuras,’ which was celebrated with religious fervour

The popular belief is that Lord Murugan killed Soorapathman with his ‘Vel’ and this divine act is known as Soorasamharam

A fiery battle took place between Lord Murugan and Soorapathman

Finally, Lord Murugan pierced the body of Surapathman with his Vel (lance). And, suddenly demon Soorapathman transformed into a huge mango tree. But Lord Murugan cut the tree vertically into two pieces with His Vel.

The two pieces transformed into a peacock and cock. Lord Murugan took the peacock as his divine vehicle and the cock was given a place on his banner.
____________________________________________
HumanityAshore.org ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com

By Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

The first regional Conference of SAWM (South Asian Women in Media) was held at Avari Hotel in Lahore on October 10th and 11th 2009. The theme of the conference was “Women in Media- Challenges, opportunities and Partnership”.

Nearly 200 women journalists from eight South Asian countries- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka participated in the two regional conference. It was the largest gathering of women journalists from the region.

Award Winning Actress and Independent Filmmaker Nandita Das travelled with the Indian Women Journalists delegation, and crossed the Wagha border on foot for the first time, which is situated between the two countries- India and Pakistan. They were greeted at the border with garlands made of roses, and treated with hot tea and cold drinks by the Pakistani Border Police at the Wagha border. Wagha border is often called the “Berlin Wall of Asia”.

Pakistani media swarmed around the delegation, especially Nandita Das.

I had an opportunity to talk to Nandita Das briefly amidst her tight schedule, just before the inauguration.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to expand beyond your national boundary” and “it’s easier to find solutions when we come together,” Nandita Das says. Having faith in one’s own conviction is what is needed to overcome challenges she adds.

[Nandita Das speaks to Dushiyanthini K-03:03 mts]

Nandita Das addressing the gathering in Lahore

Nandita Das delivered the key note address on “The Politics of Identity,” on October 10th 2009 in Lahore.

[Nandita Das on politics of identity-25:13 mts]

Sharing her “own dilemma and confusions” of identities, Nandita Das says the most bothersome identity is that are thrust on us to feel either proud or ashamed of ourselves but we had no part in choosing. An ideal identity is that of a “citizen of the world,” Nandita Das says.

____________________________________________
HumanityAshore.org ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com

by Dushiyanthini Kanagasabapathipillai

“Music is expression of harmony in sound;
Love is the expression of harmony in life”-Stephen Gaskin

Sain Zahoor Ahmad is a leading Sufi singer in Pakistan. He performed at Peeru’s Café in Lahore on October 10th 2009 in front of the 200 visiting female journalist delegates (South Asian Women in Media) from eight South Asian countries- Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka.

It was a surprise treat for us, given by SAFMA (South Asian Free Media Association). The concert began at night and went on till late night, chilled by dew.

We were welcome with fresh Red rose at the main entrance. We heard the sounds of tunes were being set, and the rehearsal, as we walked into the open air on the passage surrounded by green grass on either side.

He was dressed in Black colour long Kurtha with Gold thread embroidered work all over the top of his Kurtha. Tightly bound matching Black colour turban added more elegance to his charming and spiritual face. He has a beard and a long untied hair.

Various colours of bead rings, and bead chains added more colour to his appearance. A pair of Black and Gold matching Khusay, Lahori traditional shoes was kept on the floor in front of him. He sits on a low level wooden stage which was covered with a piece of white cloth, and fresh flower petals sprinkled in two triangle shape. Another four instrumentalists accompanied him on the stage.

Sain Zahoor Ahmad slowly began to sing. The women journalists began to capture him.

Sain Zahoor Ahmad, at Peeru’s Cafe on Oct 10-I

He often sings at Dargahs (Sufi shrines and tombs). Sain performs at music festivals as well. He has adopted the folk instrument Ektara (ek-one, tar – string), in its three-stringed version called Tumbi as his main instrument. He indulges himself completely while singing. Sain Zahoor Ahmad is a passionate singer, whose earthy tone vibrates the vicinity.

Sain Zahoor Ahmad won the “Best BBC Voice of the Year 2006”. He was born in 1945 in Okara/ Sahiwal in Punjab Province. He was the youngest in the family, and started to sing at the age of five. He had dreamt of a hand beckoning him towards a shrine. He left home at the age of thirteen, roaming the Sufi shrines of Sind, Punjab and liberated Kashmir.

Eventually, Sain Zahoor Ahmad was walking past a small shrine in the south Punjab town of Uch Sharif which is known for its Sufi traditions. At the age of five, I dreamt of a hand rising up from a grave that directed me towards a shrine. I saw the same dream every night for three years. It made me restless and I could not sleep at night.

Once in a month of Ramazan I came across mystically and spiritually well reputed person Ustad Sain Ranuka Ali who lived at a shrine and used to play with Ektara. Someone waved at me with his hand, inviting me in, and I suddenly realised that it was this hand which I saw in my dream. There I met Ustad Sain Raunka Ali of Patiala.” said Sain Zahoor Ahmad, while tears filled his eyes, and his voice cracked through an Urdu speaking woman journalist.

His first lesson in the Sufi Kalams was under Ustad Sain Ranuka Ali. He mostly sings compositions of the major Sufi poets such as Bulleh Shah, Mullah Shah Badakshi, Muhammad Buksh and others. The Kalams are verses of poetry redolent with devotional love, which are sung with the passion and power needed to give listeners a chance of actually knowing the mystery of God.

Sain Zahoor Ahmad was invited to the All Pakistan Music Conference in 1989 where he performed on a stage for the first time in front of a big audience. About 2000 audience enjoyed his Sufi songs emotionally. He has given concerts in United Kingdom, Ireland , USA, Canada, UAE, Dubai, Norway, Europe, Denmark, Brussels, Belgium, Brazil, England, China, Japan, India, Britain, Malaysia and South Africa. He has acquired international recognition in the recent years. He cannot read or write, in order to memorise lyrics, he developed his own language of symbols. He draws dolls and sketches and interprets them with their postures.

“I devoted my heart and soul to music. Shukria (Thank you), Al-Hafeez (May Almighty Allah Bless You)” said gently Sain Zahoor Ahmad, when I bid Good Bye.

Here is more audio from Sain Zahoor Ahmad, performing at the Peeru’s Cafe in Lahore on Oct 10th:

II

III

IV

V

VI

Peeru’s Cafe is situated in a pleasant environment

Fresh flower petals are sprinkled

Sain Ahmed Zahoor is renowned for his magical voice

Sain Ahmed Zahoor cannot read or write, but he remembers the lyrics

He is greatly admired by music lovers arond the world

He performed for Pakistan television 35 years ago

His contribution to folk and Sufi music is enormous. Music lovers feel that he deserves “Pride of Performance”

A pair of colourful Khusay

Capturing the moments

He speaks pure Thait Punjabi

“Your love, passion and devotion are all consuming” says Sain Zahoor Ahmad

Once he starts reciting Sufi Kalam he forgets his physical being

Ghungroos (Anklet bells) add rhythm to the show

Music has no boundaries or borders

A young admirer at the concert

Sain Zahoor Ahmad’s songs made the audience to dance
____________________________________________
HumanityAshore.org ~ Email: dushi.pillai@gmail.com