Lamakaan

Aditya Undru is a neuroscientist and science communicator at CSIR-CCMB. He will talk about his work on how prolonged exposure to mild hypoxia, or low oxygen conditions, can help protect the brain. He will share insights into how the brain naturally adapts to these low oxygen levels, becoming better equipped to handle stress and potential damage. His research explores these protective mechanisms and their potential to lead to new treatments for various neurological conditions, offering hope for improving brain health and resilience. Join the discussion to learn more about these fascinating insights and their implications for brain health.

Sri Siddhartha School is planning to host a Graduation Ceremony to commemorate 10 years of its journey with Teach For India. This milestone celebrates a decade of dedication, perseverance, and meaningful collaboration between the school community and the fellowship.

The ceremony aims to recognize the efforts of students, teachers, and staff who have stood strong through challenges, embraced growth, and continued progressing year after year.

The Aspire Leaders Program (formerly at Harvard) is a fully funded leadership development program for low-income, first-generation college students worldwide. It offers mentorship, networking, and training through Harvard case studies, skill-building workshops, and global peer collaboration. The program empowers students with leadership, career, and professional growth opportunities.

So, I am the Community leader of Hyderabad and I am looking forward to hosting an all-alumni meetup in Hyderabad, a close gathering of close to 10-15 people.

Synopsis:

In a world driven by endless desires, a man finds himself caught in a relentless chase—for success, for wealth, for greatness. But in his pursuit, he forgets to ask the most important question: Why? With no clear destination, he runs blindly, only to find himself in a place where emotions fade and humanity slips away. He becomes a lifeless puppet, lost among others just like him—trapped in a world where dreams have turned into delusions.

But all is not lost. There is a way out—hidden, difficult, yet possible.
This is the story of that journey—of breaking free from the illusion and rediscovering what it truly means to be alive.
Written by suraj meshram directed by Ali Ahmed

Are you curious about the Palestinian condition, but too intimidated/ unaware about what's really going on? Are you someone who adores fiction and can really grasp an issue through reading stories and relying on your imagination? We've got something for you!

The White Library, whose title is inspired by a fictitious story in a book called Invisible Library by Lawrence Liang, has been running book clubs both general and specific since 2019 with its host, Manasa Tantravahi.

Last year, we ran an online experimental reading group that read Palestinian fiction exclusively (between July - December 2024). We're back with a new chapter of the club (with a fresh reading list!! and with a name name: 'Imagining Palestine'!) and taking it offline.

What is 'Imagining Palestine' about? It's a limited discussion series slash book club that reads Palestinian fiction exclusively, now in its second run. As your host, Manasa will be talking about how to close read the novels/ short story collections that we select to read, what themes and elements to look out for, and supplementing our discussions with material surrounding each other. It's intended to be a guided, sensitive and a no-judgement space to learn about and discuss the situation, through reading novels exclusively. And don't worry about reading slow (or if you're just getting out of a slump!): the club will read no more than a book a month!

*THIS session is the introductory one, where we discuss reading lists, and the structure of the club. So feel free to join in!

Contact The White Library at +91-9650628070 and/ or m.tantravahi@gmail.com for more details on the club! See you!

Hyderabad Bookworms' Movie of the Month meetup - April 2025

Meet your fellow bookworms, as we enjoy a movie adapted from a book or a play, share thoughts, compare with source material, and discuss its cultural relevance.

This event is organised once a month, movie is chosen based on poll on our discord server. (dm for the link to the server!)

movies can be in any language, as long as supplied with subtitles, preferably under two hours, so that there is enough time for some sweet discussion!

instagram: @hyderabadbookworms

For many decades, urban sprawl has been a phenomenon. The risk with this is exponential, causing the loss of flora and fauna in the respective geographies.
The net impact is rising temperatures, draughts, unpredictable rainfall, heavy snowfall or no snowfall and dangerous disease spread.
Further governments are giving permissions recklessly to many diverse projects.
This event would feature very sincere environmentalists who contributed to bringing out the information, alarming the public and governments with clarity from Hyderabad.
We discuss the hot issues that led to the immense damage to biodiversity, the creation of heat islands, ecosystem destruction, and solutions for achieving sustainable civilization.

All are Welcome!

On the occasion of the 155th birth anniversary of Lenin, the great teacher of the world proletariat, join us for a talk and discussion on “The Relevance of Lenin in the 21st Century” on Tuesday, 22 April, 2025 at 7pm at Lamakaan, Banjara Hills.

More than a century after the world’s first proletarian revolution and the formation of the socialist state of Soviet Union, what relevance does Lenin, the leader of that revolution, hold for us? Today, when the forces of reaction are dominant across the world, it is the task of progressive forces to seriously review the challenges, rectify the mistakes, and rebuild the revolutionary movement. Lenin’s struggles against such forces of reaction of his time led to his epochal and far-reaching contributions to the theory of Marxism. He qualitatively added to Marxist philosophy, political economy, theory of State and Party, and answered the burning questions of his time such as the National Question, the Agrarian Question, the relationship between art and ideology. Join us as we revisit these contributions of Lenin’s, and understand how to resolve the challenges that lay before us today.

This Thursday, delve into the intriguing world of espionage and politics by discussing The Chief Minister and the Spy by A.S. Dulat. The former RAW chief's book offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex relationship between intelligence operations and political leadership, focusing on Dulat's interactions with former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and historical insights, the book sheds light on pivotal moments in Kashmir's history, including the abrogation of Article 370.

The discussion promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the delicate balance between governance, loyalty, and the shadowy world of intelligence. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with a narrative intertwining personal bonds and national politics.

All are Welcome!

Please join us for an evening of Hindustani Classical Music featuring solo harmonium performance by Shri Rahul Deshpande. He will be accompanied on Tabla by Shri Shrikant Bhatlavande. The event will be held at Lamakaan on Friday 25th April 7:30 pm. This is a free event and all are welcome.

About the Artists:
Rahul Deshpande is a Harmonium Player in the Hindustani Classical genre, performing as an Accompanist and a Solo Harmonium Player. He is a disciple of Late Smt. Ranjana Godse and Late Pt. Appasaheb Jalgaonkar, and has rendered solo performances across India and live on Social Media, and accompanied many stalwarts in India and Americas. He is also currently pursuing vocal music training under the tutelage of Pt. Vajendra Ashrit.

Shrikant Bhatlavande is an accomplished Tabla Player and performs as both Accompanist and Soloist. He is a disciple of his Father Late Pt. Nandakumar (senior disciple of Ustaad Sheik Dawood Saheb) and Late Pt. Suresh Bhai Gaitonde, Mumbai. He has accompanied many great musicians and given solo performances.

Chehre


Remember the song, "Kitaabein bohot si padhi hongi tumne..." from the superhit movie Baazigar? Am sure, you must have! Both this meetup as well as the title are inspired by this evergreen song - evergreen, especially for the 90s kids.

Join us for this immersive and transformative event - 'Chehre', where real people like you and I are treated as books, unknown yet feel a close association with, because end of the day, all our experiences are different, yet so similar! In this one-of-a-kind library, you `borrow` individuals for insightful tête-à-tête, in-depth engagement that uncovers the layers of their life narratives. This event is designed to promote understanding, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the diversity of human experiences and celebrate the art of storytelling.

Are you ready to share those otherwise uncomfortable experiences, wondering whether to share or not, and bottling up, as a result.

Here, nobody knows the other - that way a safe space to just speak up your mind, let your thoughts flow, views and gain perspectives...Vent out, rant out...anything that makes you feel lighter!

Cheers!!

Fluid art has been misunderstood for a long time, it's time to fix it. Like all art forms, Fluid art has techniques, fluid art has methods, fluid art has composition, and most importantly, it is an ART. Join this masterclass to burst some myths about fluid art and always getting amazing results.

When? 26th April, 3:30-5:30pm
Where? Lamakaan
Registration fee: Rs700 (all the materials will be provided)

Only 10 slots are available for this workshop, so hurry up and register.
WhatsApp: 6290176108
Instagram: minion.crafts

Prepare yourself for an evening filled with unending laughter as Team Natyaved presents Hasikaran, an energetic compilation of four uproarious short plays! Each play offers its unique blend of chaos, charm, and humor—ranging from uncomfortable first dates to surprising turns of events. Whether you appreciate clever humor, physical comedy, or sheer absurdity, there is something to amuse everyone. Settle in, unwind, and get ready to enjoy a delightful journey of comedic narratives that will have you laughing heartily!

Canvas and Convos is Hyderabad’s first ever student friendly art workshop at just ₹548. All the sip and paint workshops or art workshops charge around ₹999 per head limiting the experience to only well to do. Here we are dedicated towards letting everyone experience and learn the joy and skill of painting.

The content is about the ETERNAL PLATONIC LOVE STORY of two legends, Amrita Pritam, the poetess in Punjabi and the Janpith awardee and the famous painter and the poet Imroz.

This session is the perfect introduction to hand-building techniques, allowing you to develop your sculpting skills while enjoying the meditative joy of working with clay. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience, this workshop offers a fantastic opportunity to explore your creativity, create a unique masterpiece, and take home a personalized piece of art. This workshop could be your first step into the world of ceramics, setting the foundation for your future as a professional artist. Welcome and Embark on your journey to becoming a professional ceramic artist with our hands-on pottery workshop!

Performing Classical Dance (Bharatnatyam)

Aditya Undru is a neuroscientist and science communicator at CSIR-CCMB. He will talk about his work on how prolonged exposure to mild hypoxia, or low oxygen conditions, can help protect the brain. He will share insights into how the brain naturally adapts to these low oxygen levels, becoming better equipped to handle stress and potential damage. His research explores these protective mechanisms and their potential to lead to new treatments for various neurological conditions, offering hope for improving brain health and resilience. Join the discussion to learn more about these fascinating insights and their implications for brain health.

Sri Siddhartha School is planning to host a Graduation Ceremony to commemorate 10 years of its journey with Teach For India. This milestone celebrates a decade of dedication, perseverance, and meaningful collaboration between the school community and the fellowship.

The ceremony aims to recognize the efforts of students, teachers, and staff who have stood strong through challenges, embraced growth, and continued progressing year after year.

The Aspire Leaders Program (formerly at Harvard) is a fully funded leadership development program for low-income, first-generation college students worldwide. It offers mentorship, networking, and training through Harvard case studies, skill-building workshops, and global peer collaboration. The program empowers students with leadership, career, and professional growth opportunities.

So, I am the Community leader of Hyderabad and I am looking forward to hosting an all-alumni meetup in Hyderabad, a close gathering of close to 10-15 people.

Synopsis:

In a world driven by endless desires, a man finds himself caught in a relentless chase—for success, for wealth, for greatness. But in his pursuit, he forgets to ask the most important question: Why? With no clear destination, he runs blindly, only to find himself in a place where emotions fade and humanity slips away. He becomes a lifeless puppet, lost among others just like him—trapped in a world where dreams have turned into delusions.

But all is not lost. There is a way out—hidden, difficult, yet possible.
This is the story of that journey—of breaking free from the illusion and rediscovering what it truly means to be alive.
Written by suraj meshram directed by Ali Ahmed

Are you curious about the Palestinian condition, but too intimidated/ unaware about what's really going on? Are you someone who adores fiction and can really grasp an issue through reading stories and relying on your imagination? We've got something for you!

The White Library, whose title is inspired by a fictitious story in a book called Invisible Library by Lawrence Liang, has been running book clubs both general and specific since 2019 with its host, Manasa Tantravahi.

Last year, we ran an online experimental reading group that read Palestinian fiction exclusively (between July - December 2024). We're back with a new chapter of the club (with a fresh reading list!! and with a name name: 'Imagining Palestine'!) and taking it offline.

What is 'Imagining Palestine' about? It's a limited discussion series slash book club that reads Palestinian fiction exclusively, now in its second run. As your host, Manasa will be talking about how to close read the novels/ short story collections that we select to read, what themes and elements to look out for, and supplementing our discussions with material surrounding each other. It's intended to be a guided, sensitive and a no-judgement space to learn about and discuss the situation, through reading novels exclusively. And don't worry about reading slow (or if you're just getting out of a slump!): the club will read no more than a book a month!

*THIS session is the introductory one, where we discuss reading lists, and the structure of the club. So feel free to join in!

Contact The White Library at +91-9650628070 and/ or m.tantravahi@gmail.com for more details on the club! See you!

Hyderabad Bookworms' Movie of the Month meetup - April 2025

Meet your fellow bookworms, as we enjoy a movie adapted from a book or a play, share thoughts, compare with source material, and discuss its cultural relevance.

This event is organised once a month, movie is chosen based on poll on our discord server. (dm for the link to the server!)

movies can be in any language, as long as supplied with subtitles, preferably under two hours, so that there is enough time for some sweet discussion!

instagram: @hyderabadbookworms

For many decades, urban sprawl has been a phenomenon. The risk with this is exponential, causing the loss of flora and fauna in the respective geographies.
The net impact is rising temperatures, draughts, unpredictable rainfall, heavy snowfall or no snowfall and dangerous disease spread.
Further governments are giving permissions recklessly to many diverse projects.
This event would feature very sincere environmentalists who contributed to bringing out the information, alarming the public and governments with clarity from Hyderabad.
We discuss the hot issues that led to the immense damage to biodiversity, the creation of heat islands, ecosystem destruction, and solutions for achieving sustainable civilization.

All are Welcome!

On the occasion of the 155th birth anniversary of Lenin, the great teacher of the world proletariat, join us for a talk and discussion on “The Relevance of Lenin in the 21st Century” on Tuesday, 22 April, 2025 at 7pm at Lamakaan, Banjara Hills.

More than a century after the world’s first proletarian revolution and the formation of the socialist state of Soviet Union, what relevance does Lenin, the leader of that revolution, hold for us? Today, when the forces of reaction are dominant across the world, it is the task of progressive forces to seriously review the challenges, rectify the mistakes, and rebuild the revolutionary movement. Lenin’s struggles against such forces of reaction of his time led to his epochal and far-reaching contributions to the theory of Marxism. He qualitatively added to Marxist philosophy, political economy, theory of State and Party, and answered the burning questions of his time such as the National Question, the Agrarian Question, the relationship between art and ideology. Join us as we revisit these contributions of Lenin’s, and understand how to resolve the challenges that lay before us today.

This Thursday, delve into the intriguing world of espionage and politics by discussing The Chief Minister and the Spy by A.S. Dulat. The former RAW chief's book offers a fascinating glimpse into the complex relationship between intelligence operations and political leadership, focusing on Dulat's interactions with former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and historical insights, the book sheds light on pivotal moments in Kashmir's history, including the abrogation of Article 370.

The discussion promises to be a thought-provoking exploration of the delicate balance between governance, loyalty, and the shadowy world of intelligence. Don't miss this opportunity to engage with a narrative intertwining personal bonds and national politics.

All are Welcome!

Please join us for an evening of Hindustani Classical Music featuring solo harmonium performance by Shri Rahul Deshpande. He will be accompanied on Tabla by Shri Shrikant Bhatlavande. The event will be held at Lamakaan on Friday 25th April 7:30 pm. This is a free event and all are welcome.

About the Artists:
Rahul Deshpande is a Harmonium Player in the Hindustani Classical genre, performing as an Accompanist and a Solo Harmonium Player. He is a disciple of Late Smt. Ranjana Godse and Late Pt. Appasaheb Jalgaonkar, and has rendered solo performances across India and live on Social Media, and accompanied many stalwarts in India and Americas. He is also currently pursuing vocal music training under the tutelage of Pt. Vajendra Ashrit.

Shrikant Bhatlavande is an accomplished Tabla Player and performs as both Accompanist and Soloist. He is a disciple of his Father Late Pt. Nandakumar (senior disciple of Ustaad Sheik Dawood Saheb) and Late Pt. Suresh Bhai Gaitonde, Mumbai. He has accompanied many great musicians and given solo performances.

Chehre


Remember the song, "Kitaabein bohot si padhi hongi tumne..." from the superhit movie Baazigar? Am sure, you must have! Both this meetup as well as the title are inspired by this evergreen song - evergreen, especially for the 90s kids.

Join us for this immersive and transformative event - 'Chehre', where real people like you and I are treated as books, unknown yet feel a close association with, because end of the day, all our experiences are different, yet so similar! In this one-of-a-kind library, you `borrow` individuals for insightful tête-à-tête, in-depth engagement that uncovers the layers of their life narratives. This event is designed to promote understanding, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate the diversity of human experiences and celebrate the art of storytelling.

Are you ready to share those otherwise uncomfortable experiences, wondering whether to share or not, and bottling up, as a result.

Here, nobody knows the other - that way a safe space to just speak up your mind, let your thoughts flow, views and gain perspectives...Vent out, rant out...anything that makes you feel lighter!

Cheers!!

Fluid art has been misunderstood for a long time, it's time to fix it. Like all art forms, Fluid art has techniques, fluid art has methods, fluid art has composition, and most importantly, it is an ART. Join this masterclass to burst some myths about fluid art and always getting amazing results.

When? 26th April, 3:30-5:30pm
Where? Lamakaan
Registration fee: Rs700 (all the materials will be provided)

Only 10 slots are available for this workshop, so hurry up and register.
WhatsApp: 6290176108
Instagram: minion.crafts

Prepare yourself for an evening filled with unending laughter as Team Natyaved presents Hasikaran, an energetic compilation of four uproarious short plays! Each play offers its unique blend of chaos, charm, and humor—ranging from uncomfortable first dates to surprising turns of events. Whether you appreciate clever humor, physical comedy, or sheer absurdity, there is something to amuse everyone. Settle in, unwind, and get ready to enjoy a delightful journey of comedic narratives that will have you laughing heartily!

Canvas and Convos is Hyderabad’s first ever student friendly art workshop at just ₹548. All the sip and paint workshops or art workshops charge around ₹999 per head limiting the experience to only well to do. Here we are dedicated towards letting everyone experience and learn the joy and skill of painting.

The content is about the ETERNAL PLATONIC LOVE STORY of two legends, Amrita Pritam, the poetess in Punjabi and the Janpith awardee and the famous painter and the poet Imroz.

This session is the perfect introduction to hand-building techniques, allowing you to develop your sculpting skills while enjoying the meditative joy of working with clay. Whether you're a complete beginner or have some experience, this workshop offers a fantastic opportunity to explore your creativity, create a unique masterpiece, and take home a personalized piece of art. This workshop could be your first step into the world of ceramics, setting the foundation for your future as a professional artist. Welcome and Embark on your journey to becoming a professional ceramic artist with our hands-on pottery workshop!