Latest news with #MadrasLiterarySociety
Time of India
07-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
A celebration of friendship and Madras through art & craft!
Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai and the Madras Literary Society, organised this event in association with Chennai Times. On Sunday, against the backdrop of the Marina , a group of enthusiastic art lovers gathered to celebrate two kinds of bonds — friendship and our beloved city. That it happened on the premises of the Museum of Possibilities, a space that echoes with stories of strength and inclusion, made the event all the more special. Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai and the Madras Literary Society, organised this event in association with Chennai Times. Armed with that day's special edition of Chennai Times , which included material for a DIY friendship band, these enthusiasts took part in activities that brought out their love for their friends and the city. In addition to the bands, participants also wrote postcards expressing their love for the city, which they stamped with a repository of rubber stamps inspired by Madras, got their hands painted with their favourite landmark in the city, and even created a Madras zine capturing their fond memories of Madras. 'This is the fourth year we are holding an event marking both Madras Day and Friendship Day. This year's event was puttogether by Aysha and Nakshatra. From Madras-themed friendship bracelets to miniature art and Madras repository, this event was a heartfelt celebration of friendship, connection, and inclusion,' shared historian and founder of Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai, Thirupurasundari Sevvel. 1 . The special Friendship Day edition of Chennai Times carried a little surprise as part of the #BandWithTIMS campaign. 2 . Tucked inside was a bright, DIY friendship band — once carefully cut out, it was ready to be made, worn, and kept as a memento. 3 . At the event, friends tied these bands on each other's wrists, reliving the charm of old-school tradition. 4 . The air was filled with good cheer as friends helped one another tie the bands and proudly pose with their handmade creations.
The Hindu
15-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Sign language as art: Dialogue on sign language and accessibility in the arts
The recently concluded photo and art exhibition, Anaivarum - Echoes of Heritage: A Celebration of Past & Inclusivity by Madras Photo Bloggers, and jointly organised by the British Council, Nam Veedu Nam Oor Nam Kadhai, and the Madras Literary Society, held a panel discussion titled Sign Language as Art, focussing upon the importance of using sign language and the need for greater inclusivity in the arts. The panel discussion featured deaf artiste Swetha Kulkarni (artist and photographer), Haseena S (deaf stage performer), and Dinesh RP (deaf filmmaker), who discussed their experiences and the importance of representing deaf voices and perspectives. The discussion was moderated by Srivatsan Sankaran, founder of Madras Photo Bloggers and the Deaf Artist NFT Collective. Swetha emphasised the importance of empowerment and positivity through her work, 'I dont feel negative when someone gives me a negative comment, I feel it encourages me to do even better.' Haseena spoke about her practice of using sign language, body language and facial expressions to showcase her emotions in her performances, 'From childhood, I have been practising the songs by using the sign language in front of the mirror. I know that this song is something which everyone enjoys. So, I want even a deaf person to enjoy and have the same feeling,' says Haseena. 'Deaf people are highly unique. They have their own skills, their own ideas, and they know how to write. I have been focussing on different stories, and converting them into sign language is how I want to support the community,' says Dinesh while talking about the strength and unique skills of the deaf community. Dinesh also highlighted the lack of awareness and accessibility within the film industry. As a solution, he mentioned the need for more balanced representation of sign language interpreters on screen, suggesting a 50/50 split with the actor, rather than the imbalance where hearing individuals dominate the screen. The panellists elucidated on the difference between Indian Sign Language (ISL), British Sign Language (BSL), and American Sign Language (ASL), which are not mutually intelligible. Even though there is a mutual sign language used during specific times, like airline safety, most communication relies on country-specific sign language. 'Through our collaboration with Madras Literary Society, we are proud to celebrate differently abled artists whose visual language turns lived experience into powerful art and cultural storytelling. This event embodies our commitment to championing inclusion, expanding access, and making our libraries vibrant, welcoming spaces — where every voice is heard and every form of expression is seen and valued,' said Viji Thiyagarajan, director, Libraries South Asia, British Council. The panel discussion was followed by a jamming session by a range of artistes showcasing their talents through dance, mime performances, all interpreted in sign language. The Hindu is the media partner for the event
