21/022015

21/02/15; 01:25:

The book launch this evening was an exhilarating success! I was woken up close to mid-day, with my to-be co-host for the evening banging on the door of my room. She demanded that I wake up and we set working on the script for the evening’s programme. A quick bath and some lunch later, we were all seated in NC-2 (aka F-103—they’ve renamed everything in the academic block- which were earlier numbers to letters and everything in the residential areas – which were earlier letters to numbers—I do not know what prompted the change). The whole 2012 Batch was present. The agenda of the meeting was the Social Internships that we are required to undertake in May-June. The meeting was chaired by the IPM chair- the meeting discussed some nuances of the placements for social internships- specifically the right to choose to opt in or to choose to opt out of the process. Those who choose to opt out of the placement process on campus shall source their own internships, through an array of personal contacts or otherwise. While we talked stipends and vacancies, my room-mate had some serious concerns about the geographical location of the internships- of course, her opening her query with ‘I understand that stipends are subject to market risk ’, did not help her case too much. Once the meeting was at a close, we settled at a table in the mess, working on our script for later in the day.

We were done quickly enough, writing a few lines, to fit into the schedule that we had prepared earlier. We then got printouts, got dressed and got ourselves on a bus that was arranged for the express purpose of transporting us to the venue- Brilliant Convention Centre. It took us little over an hour to get to the venue. We were there by 5:30. We milled about, settling our stuff into our ‘green room’- it was almost as large as the hall where the event was to be held – and, there was a dance floor, DJ and food all set out, for us to enjoy! (as and when our performances were over). We checked out the sound system, the stage, the backstage area and the various strategically placed standees that had images from the book, book reviews and pictures depicting a myriad of intense emotions on them.

The invite for the Book Launch stated 6:30 p.m. as appropriate arrival time and most guests were present and socialising by 7 p.m. At 7:15, we set the ball rolling, with a soothing Carnatic Music piece. The event was then officially started with invoking the blessings of the Lord- with Puloma’s rendition of the Ganesh Vandana. Keeping in tune with the auspicious setting, we went ahead and had the formal launching of the book- replete with cutting of red ribbon. This was followed by a reading of an excerpt from the book- one that dealt with corruption in modern day Indore- the police force and the judiciary. A skit depicting an award ceremony for the most corrupt department in the country followed. An excerpt that delved into the charm of 18th century Jaisalmer was then read out, setting the mood for a medley of songs. The songs expressed the feelings of the common man trapped in a corrupt society; the songs are a call to humanity, an appeal for reform. This was followed by a lengthy excerpt from the book. A critical review of the book was then followed by a skit highlighting the plight of today’s society – what with rape and honour killings. An excerpt about the sensuous Banjara dancers then set the stage for a tremendously energetic dance performance which was also centred around corruption. A book reading by the author himself and then a panel discussion brought the show to a close. The book was made available at publisher’s price and the author was around, signing copies.

We received a lot of compliments on the successful execution of our performances. We then enjoyed good food and a DJ party that had been put in place especially for us- the performers!
We left the venue a little before 11 p.m., singing the whole way back to campus! It was indeed a delightful evening! And, one filled with learning and opportunities.