Note From President Shernaz Vakil
TEA WITH MR. MUKHERJEE!
RCB has a very close relationship with the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS museum).
Ever since Rtn. Manoj Israni of our Club supported the illumination of the masterpiece of architect George Wittet, CSMVS has transitioned from darkness into being the highlight of culture in the city. The credit of course goes to its passionate Director General Sabyasachi Mukherjee. It is his commitment and passion to bring art, tradition and culture to the forefront that has led to the transformation of a publicly owned organisation into one that is privately sponsored and supported by the cultural elite of the city.
It was to support our rich cultural heritage of textile that the Urban Heritage Committee headed by Rtn. Priyasri Patodia of our Club decided to support the Textile Museum.
Last Tuesday afternoon, a group of curious Rotarians went to the Textile gallery to experience, first-hand, the joy of visiting history and immersing ourselves in our ancient Indian heritage.
What an educative afternoon it was!
The curators had evolved a wonderful story of how textiles were an integral part of our being, and our companions through the journey of life.
Of how, from birth, cloth becomes our second skin and journeys with us through all our special times often linked with tradition, and treasured as heirlooms.
We were delighted to see the Zabla of Jamsetji Tata and the bejewelled brocade sherwani of a young boy from the early 20th century. Then, the wedding patolas and temple saris from Tamil Nadu and the Paithanis influenced by the Ajanta frescoes took our breath away.
A journey through time, as we stood delighted at the craftsmanship and diversity of our textiles, influenced by the region, society, and aesthetics of the era.
Walking back to have tea with the DG, we found a new love for our country’s ancient heritage and traditions.
Then to tea with Mr. Mukherjee!
Mr. Mukherjee, as always, spoke of how important culture and heritage were important to keep society grounded to a
more meaningful way of living.
How a society bereft of culture and immersed in materialism, is unsustainable.
We went away pleased we could play a small part in keeping our city conscious of its heritage and ancient culture!
— President Shernaz Vakil
