*note: these images are property of Imnasenla Jamir and may not be used without her permission. As you can see….we have permission

Mizo village

Lunglei airport

Lunglei

Dry flower bokeh

Bamboo home

Aizawl at night

Mizo women

*note: these images are property of Imnasenla Jamir and may not be used without her permission. As you can see….we have permission

Andro Village

The valley in the afternoon

Tapioca Leaves

Manipuri Indigenous Woman from Andro Village

Loktak Lake

Keeping strict vigil over the Loktak lake

Dusk in the valley

cute Manipuri girl

Basket weaving

Loktak Lake

Woman – an epitome of courage, determination and perseverance. She plays myriad roles and shoulders numerous responsibilities including her struggle for realization of her basic rights and entitlements not only for her, but for her family and the community at large. She is not just moving ahead but marching ahead with remarkable zeal and gusto on the path of empowerment. Her continuous strife to achieve what she aspires is truly inspiring.

We salute the everlasting spirit of womanhood!

The International Women’s Day was organized under the aegis of New Concept and Jaishankar Memorial Centre and celebrated at Darshan on March 10, 2012. Although it was not marked on the March 8, the official day (as it coincided with Holi), the change in date and day did not impact the essence or purpose of this celebration; on the contrary the celebration witnessed enthusiastic participation from all our colleagues in Darshan, D&E offices, Gender Resource Centre, Jasola. The celebration was centered on three core themes – connecting girls, learning from our struggles and inspiring futures.

The celebration began with a song – ‘yeh honsla kaise jhuke’ highlighting the never say die attitude of women who are fighting against the social and political evils across the world. Followed by the song, a presentation was made on the origin of International Women’s Day and how women in different parts of the world connected together to demand their civil and political rights. In progression to this the initiatives taken by UN to create a women friendly society and the steps taken by Indian Govt. in terms of formulation and enactment of various policies and legislations were put forth. The gaps in existent policy and legislative framework and corresponding struggle of women to bridge the gaps were brought out by sharing real life examples from communities with which JMC works. The examples ranged from pressing the local authorities to provide basic amenities – water, public toilets and education to availing social security benefits. After this, women at New Concept shared the moving stories of women inspiring futures including legendary freedom fighters like Mai Bhago, Queen of Kittur Chennamma; visionaries like Maathai Wangari and indeed the most important woman in everyone’s life – the mother. A special segment of the day was dedicated to depict the resistance of women in Kashmir and North-eastern states against the atrocities of militants under the pretext of Armed Special Forces Act, 1958 and a very short documentary was screened on civil rights activist Irom Sharmila’s battle against atrocities of the armed forces under AFSPA in Manipur.

In a bid to motivate everyone to do their best in making the world a better and safer place for women, a documentary called ‘Humming Bird’ was shown. The celebration ended on a breathtakingly beautiful note when Anjali presented a contemporary dance, which left everyone speechless and of course breathless.

The event concluded with a suggestion that the women, along with men, at New Concept meet once in a month/two months to discuss the issues and concerns of women today, contemporizing the essays on women in The Review, a magazine that used to be published by New Concept in the 1990s.

On this note, we can proudly say that this celebration was not the end but a beginning towards joining hands to achieve women empowerment.

What made this celebration special was the collective planning and the implementation of individual responsibility taken up by each person. As a result, the event was organized, almost, with no hitches and thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated by all.

When our actions change,
our world changes.
When our world changes
for the better, the year
becomes truly new.

We have received positive response to the calendar and share some of it here with you.

Dear New Concept,
What struck me– was the weaving together of the idea of harmony & oneness through words used very succinctly, simply and illustrations which made it come alive.
Unlike many other calendars/publications–it is subtle– it allows you to think & meander & does not throw the message in your face. I feel it shows the thought and the care behind creating it–what we want to say to the world at this point of time.
Cheers
Sujata Raghavan
Documentation Team, New Concept Information Systems

Dear Team,
Thank you very much for remembering us and sharing your calendar.
It created a new reference for the calendars- not just shape and size, but for the art work and the thoughts expressed. Yes, it is beautifully bilingual and well designed
Have a great day ahead.
Warm regards,
G. Sreenivasa Rao
Clinton Health Access

Dear Raghavan/Uma,
As usual an excellent product from New Concept. This year there are some very obvious changes viz, localized variants (English – Tamil), wall hanging instead of the desk top etc., It does give a refreshing feel. And as always, great to having it in your desk err… wall!
Many thanks for sending one to me.
Regards
T.R.Gopalakrishnan,
Partner – Kalyanasundaram & Associates

Dear Mr Raghavan,
Thank you very much for the lovely New Year calendar. A very Happy New Year to you and to your colleagues. Please convey my greetings to Maya also.
Regards
Rama Narayanan
M S Swaminathan Research Foundation

Dear Sudha,
Thank you for the lovely calendar. It was a pleasant surprise to see it on my desk, as I returned from a field trip. The conceptualisation is really cool.
With warm regards,
Anita Victor
National Coordinator – HIV and AIDS
World Vision India

Dear sir,
I must thank you so much for sending me a beautiful and very specialy designed calendar. I particularly liked the wordings and paintings in each page, both in Tamil English language. I am sure i will cherish this through out the year 2012.
Thanks & Regards,
Satheesh
Statistical Consultant