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Book Review: On Philosophising, Philosophers, Philosophy and New Vistas in Applied Philosophy, by Dr. Sharmila Jayant Virkar

A little bit of context before you begin reading this book review. I have recently enrolled for an MA in Philosophy at the University of Mumbai. Philosophy is something I have been getting interested in, over the past few years, as those of you who have been reading my blogs and Instagram posts would know. During the pandemic, I thought long and hard about what I wanted to do next, and this is what I eventually came up with. It has been a challenge, getting back into academics as a student at this age, especially in a subject I have no academic background in. However, it has also been very exciting, especially thanks to my wonderful classmates (who, surprisingly, are of all age-groups, including some quite near my own) and my teachers, who have been very supportive and understanding. How well I will do is something that remains to be seen, but so far, I am enjoying this new journey and look forward to where it leads. Now that you know the background , you probably get an idea of how
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Navaratri Day 8: A Golu which tells us a story

Finally catching up with my Navaratri posts, here is the celebration at Fine Arts, Chembur. The Bommai Kolu is just as grand as ever, the 15 steps towering over everyone!




There are three additional steps this time, added on the side! 






Here are a few glimpses of the beautiful toys that adorn this golu.








But the most interesting thing here is the side decoration, which depicts a story through hand crafted dolls. This time, the story is  - Shankuntalam!



I will let the display tell its own story....

Birth of Shakuntala

Shakuntala is raised by Kanva Rishi

Shakuntala meets Dushyanta

Shakuntala and Dushyanta are married

Kanva Rishi decides that Shakuntala be sent to Dushyanta's palace

Shakuntala loses the ring given by Dushyanta

At Dushyanta's court. he does not remember Shakuntala, till the fisherman produces the ring

Bharata - the one  who gave his name to  the country
That't it, as far as Golus this year are concerned. I will hopefully have something more to write for the last couple of days of the festival, so stay tuned!

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Location: The Fine Art Society, Chembur (E), Postal Colony, Kurla East, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400071, India

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