SAJAforum

MUMBAI ATTACKS: PBS documentary "Secrets of the Dead" airs at Columbia University

[MUMBAI ATTACKS FULL COVERAGE: SAJAforum closely tracked the Mumbai attacks of November 2008. We posted more than 30 stories (see full and press coverage of our coverage) and hosted 50+ speakers/experts/witnesses in 15+ hours of BlogTalkRadio webcasts.]

 

(from left) Director Victoria Pitt, executive producer Jared Lipworth, foreign policy analyst Mira Kamdar and Al-Jazeera English journalist Todd Baer in a post-screening round table discussion. Photo by Miranda Lin.

On Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2009, Australian filmmaker Victoria Pitt, debuted her latest documentary at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.  An audience of approximately 80 people sipped chai, helped themselves to kathi rolls and gathered to watch.  “Mumbai Massacre” is the title of her episode for WNET-13’s “Secrets of the Dead,” a PBS documentary series which uses forensic science and modern technology to examine iconic moments in history.

The title sequence opens with images reminiscent of a Marilyn Manson video.  The first words spoken echo a recurring theme throughout the episode: "You never know what a human being is made of, until they're placed in stress."  Layered over ambient sound and accompanied by a haunting piano melody, survivors of that fateful day in November 2008 when terrorists rampaged through Mumbai testify to the thoughts that raced through their heads. But instead of sounding jumbled and random, their narrative seamlessly flows into a living stream of consciousness that surrounded the attacks.

NONPROFITS: Sakhi Celebrates 20th Anniversary

This report on the 20th anniversary celebrations of  Sakhi for South Asian Women was written by new SAJAforum contributors Maia Efrem & Jehangir Irani, with photos by Irani.

Jehangir Irani is a former pilot in the U.S. Air Force.  He served three tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.  He’s now a broadcast student at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism - ji2168[at]columbia.edu

Maia Efrem, 24, is a writer for the Russian Jewish Institute.  She is a master’s student at the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism - me2383[at]columbia.edu

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Clad in a gold and burgundy churidar kurta, filmmaker Mira Nair (right) took center stage in Manhattan's Prince George Ballroom, promising, "...only dinner. Appetizers included and excellent conversation," to one lucky bidder.  She jokingly added, "and maybe, depending on how tantalizing the conversation is, it can go places."  Nair, who agreed to be auctioned off for a charity fundraiser, was one of almost three hundred people in attendance on Friday, Oct. 2, at Sakhi for South Asian Women's 20th anniversary gala. Minutes later, Sotheby's auctioneer Maarten ten Holder went to work, generating a winning bid of $5,000 for the dinner date with Nair. [Nair's new movie, “Amelia,” starring Hilary Swank, Richard Gere, and Ewan McGregor, opens on October 23.]

Sakhi, meaning "woman friend" in several South Asian languages, is a non-profit organization, founded 20 years ago by five South Asian women.  Its modest roots trace back to no particular location, rather various apartments in New York, where volunteers fielded phone calls from women in distress.  "Our call volume has tripled over the last 7 years," said executive director Purvi Shah.  "I think our community based approach is successful and our community trusts us as a resource," she added.

DJ Rekha, a pioneer in New York's "Basement Bhangra" scene, provided the soundtrack to the night's festivities.  Years ago, Rekha was one of three women participating in Sakhi's first internship program.  "Through the years I've done many events with Sakhi,"she said.  "In fact, it was one of my jobs as an intern.  I did their first fundraising event; I organized it."

The evening began with a reception at the World Monument Funds Gallery, adjacent to the ballroom.  Inside, traditional South Asian hors d'oeuvres (think samosas and shrimp patya), catered by acclaimed restaurant Devi, awaited arriving guests.  The food complemented Rekha's music, which provided a chill, laid back vibe for guests to peruse the items in the auction.  Artist Gazala Chinwalla donated one of her paintings for auction.  Having two relatives who were victims of domestic abuse motivated her to do it.  Sakhi's supportive network also helped both of her family members end their abusive relationships.  "Even in these tough economic times, it is inspiring to see the community make protecting our women a priority," said Roopa Unnikrishnan, a former board chair of Sakhi and a NY-based executive. "It is great to see that the 20th anniversary brought out our existing supporters as well as a whole new generation of people who believe in the cause."