ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE!

Enthusiasts recently got together to revive an art that Gujarat boasts of – Theatre. The day was 27th March that has been celebrated as the World Theatre Day since 1961 by the International Theatre Institute (ITI).

In the olden days, theatre was the only source of entertainment for the rural public. A makeshift stage and a curtain, a couple of artists and the entire village would buzz with enthusiasm. While for the city audience, it always has been a curio. Today, the scenario has changed. People have become the slaves of other forms of media. To preserve the Gujarati theatre, we need to know how rich and varied its history in Gujarat has been.

THE START OF GUJARATI THEATRE

The theatre art is more than 155 years old in Gujarat. The Gujarati play Rustom, Jabuli and Sorab, which is based on the popular dramatic tale of Shah Nama, is considered as the beginning of Gujarati theatre. It was staged at the Grant Road Theatre of Bombay on October 29, 1853.

The theatre did not have original plays needed to have an identity of its own. This compelled the famous Gujarati poet, Umashankar Joshi to make a scornful comment. In 1953, when the centenary of Gujarati theatre was celebrated, he said, “this is a wedding procession without the groom.”

There have been very less changes in the Gujarati theatre. However, the Parsi dramatic companies laid the modern Gujarati theatre’s foundation in the late 1980s. These theatre companies brought western techniques and themes as well as music to form a renewed vernacular theatre. In the modern Gujarati theatre, issues like bride price, witches, women’s health, alcoholism, vaccination etc. are raised.

COMPETITIONS KEEP THE THEATRE THROBBING

Due to the onset of mainstream media like the television and films, theatre took a backseat. Few actors and fewer experiments take place in this form of art. Also, the performers who start out anxious to do something different lose no time in joining the mainstream at the first opportunity. The writers and directors associated with such movements do not happen to be so closely associated with theatre that they can be relied upon to continue to provide challenging plays.

A ray of hope in the dark future of the theatre art is the intercollegiate and other competitions. They have always been the source of emerging, new talents. The Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan (Bombay) and the former Bombay State Competitions held between 1950 and 1960 provided the majority of the works that served as the foundations of the Gujarati theatre.

THE STARS OF GUJARATI THEATRE

These competitions provided most of the projects to the professional Gujarati theatre. And many personalities were born out of such programs who infused life into the art. Pravin Joshi, Vijay Dutt and Kanti Madia were launched in the 1953 competition. In the same way, some of the intercollegiate competitions organized by the Indian National Theatre in 1975-78 gave break to the talents like Mahendra Joshi, Paresh Raval, Mukesh Raval, Siddharth Randeria, Homi Wadia, Sameer Khakhar, Nikita Shah, Sujata Mehta, Daisy Rani and Latesh Shah.
Competitions held in the late eighties and early nineties have produced Prakash Kapadia and Mihir Bhuta (writers), Rajesh Joshi (director), Piyush-Taufik (music directors), Manoj Joshi, Tushar Joshi, Jamnadas Majithia, Bakul Thakkar, Shefali Shetty and Sejal Shah (performers) who went on to prove their abilities on the professional stage.

Senior and popular artistes like Jaya Bachchan and Shatrughan Sinha also ventured in the famous Gujarati theatre production house named the Sanjay Goradia Production.
The new Gujarati theatre has got some of the finest actors like Deena Gandhi-Pathak, Anasuya Sutaria, Nalini Mehta, Jashvant Thakkar, Dhananjay Thakkar, Krinalal, Khasrani, Kailash Pandya, Markand Bhatt, Urmila Bhatt, Pranasukh Nayak, Jyoti Vaidya and many others. One of the most versatile Gujarati actresses is Sarita Joshi, who has dominated the new Gujarati theatre for the longest time. One more talented Gujarati dancer and actress is Mallika Sarabhai, who made her name for the role of Draupadi in the world famous playwright Peter Brooke’s ‘Mahabharata’.

Among others, the audience has loved the performances of actors like Siddharth Randeria, Feroz Bhagat, Dilip Joshi, Tiku Talsania, Padmarani and Apara Mehta in the Gujarati theatres.

FORESEEABLE FUTURE

In the 21st century, films and TV have taken over the field of entertainment. But the Gujarati theatre has not lost its charm yet. Though the flow of the plays has slowed down and changes have to be made to match with the tastes of the audiences, the Gujarati theatre has survived along with the new style.

But not only have the sets, lights and other technical departments gone poor, but also the standard of direction and acting is quite low. The Government academies are indifferent to this matter. Also, the talented artists on the Gujarati stage are not willing to face strife in order to chase a vision of theatre for their artistic satisfaction.

So much is the strength of the Gujarati theatre that it is said that a Gujarati play named ‘Harishchandra’ influenced the father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi very much.

The Gujarati theatre has inspired thinking of the people, created social awareness and national spirit during the pre-independence days. Gujarati people’s love to patronize their mother-tongue plays has marked the place of Gujarati theatre in the World theatres through its colorful representation of the plays. May this art see hundreds of such World Theatre Days!

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NO NUKES IS GOOD NUKES!

THE NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION STANDS ON THE BORDER BETWEEN HUMANITY’S GREATEST HOPES AND ITS DEEPEST FEARS FOR THE FUTURE.

One of the biggest debates that the entire world has gotten into is: ‘Should nuclear energy be used for power generation?’ People have diverse opinions. Some see nuclear power as an important technology that emits no carbon dioxide while producing huge amounts of reliable electricity. While others perceive it as an inherently dangerous technology that poses a threat to any community located near a nuclear power plant. In either case, today, nuclear power is a fact of life for many parts of the developed world.

The nuclear reactors are designed and built to the highest standards of the engineering profession. It has the perceived ability to handle nearly anything that nature or mankind can dish out. However, these perceptions of ultimate safety are left to questions and doubts after the recent Japan crisis.

To be a part of this debate, it is necessary to understand how this cycle actually works and what risks it may lead to for the entire humanity.

WHAT IS NUCLEAR MELTDOWN?
Nuclear meltdown occurs due to overheating of a nuclear reactor core, resulting in melting of the core and escape of radiation. In such a situation, huge amount of thermal energy and radiation are released because of an uncontrolled chain reaction in a nuclear power reactor. Nuclear meltdown, fallout or blasts further lead to a nuclear crisis.

What is Radiation?
Radiation may be defined as energy travelling through space or a medium. There are two distinct types of radiation; ionizing and non-ionizing. All forms of ionizing radiation have sufficient energy that may destabilize molecules within cells and lead to tissue damage. Alpha particles, beta particles, gamma rays, X-ray radiation and neutrons may all be accelerated to an energy high enough to ionize an atom. This ionization can result in an increased probability of cancer.

On the other hand, non-ionizing radiation is essential to life, but excessive exposures can cause tissue damage. Radio waves and visible light are the examples of non-ionizing radiation.

THE PROBLEMS
All radiations, when exposed to in an excess are bad. But actually, some types of radiations are unavoidable, like the cosmic one which originates from the stars. The Sun too, radiates cosmic energy produced by nuclear reactions on its surface, consisting of short wavelength emissions of electrons and neutrons.

The nuclear crisis and the radiation emitted by such a crisis is, however, hazardous as it even has the power to alter DNA in the cells of human and animal bodies. Particles, or energy waves originating from the radioactive source, can penetrate the body and damage vital cellular machinery. The greatest concern is when it damages DNA, preventing it from making new proteins to keep the cell alive. Worse yet, it may begin to copy itself abnormally turning the cell into a cancer cell. To sum up:

• Burns are the most immediate harmful effect as a lot of Kinetic Energy is released
• Permanent damage of tissues
• Sunburn, melanoma or different types of cancers are caused by overexposure to nuclear radiations
• It can permanently alter the gene structure and introduce hereditary problems
• Food, water and soil are exposed to radioactive contamination
• There is a subsequent effect on agriculture and food cultivation
• The surrounding environment gets damaged
• In the longer run, the ozone layer gets depleted
• Changes in the climate – Nuclear winter is a possible occurrence (This effect is caused by the absorption of sunlight when large amount of dust is injected into the atmosphere by the widespread burning of cities and petroleum stocks destroyed in a nuclear blast)

PREVIOUS MAJOR EXPLOSIONS
Before the 2011 Japan Nuclear Crisis, the world had faced two such nuclear disasters.
A partial meltdown had occurred in Pennsylvania, near Harrisburg, United States on March 28, 1979. It is called the Three Mile Island accident. The disaster began with failures in the non-nuclear secondary system, followed by a stuck-open pilot-operated relief valve (PORV) in the primary system, which allowed large amounts of nuclear reactor coolant to escape. The incident was rated a five on the seven-point International Nuclear Event Scale.
The worst was yet to follow on April 26, 1986 at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine. The Chernobyl disaster is the only nuclear disaster that has been ranked seventh on the scale. There was a sudden power output surge, and when an emergency shutdown was attempted, a more extreme point in power output occurred, which led to a reactor vessel burst and a series of explosions. This event exposed the graphite moderator of the reactor to air, causing it to ignite.

THE JAPAN NUCLEAR CRISIS
Japan is struggling with the triple whammy of an earthquake, tsunami and nuclear crisis. The later one is the outcome of the first two disasters. The two power plants at Fukushima – Daiichi and Daini were the victims.

Due to the powerful quake and tsunami, the nuclear reactor’s emergency cooling power system had failed at the Fukushima plant. Since then, efforts were made to cool the reactor by circulating water by steam power, instead of electricity. But an attempt to lower the temperature inside the vessel that houses the reactor did not work well. The plant had a partial nuclear meltdown, followed by the leak of radiation.

The Fukushima plant’s building was destroyed by a blast and around 170,000 people were evacuated from a 12-mile radius. Large scale efforts were made by the operators to keep the temperatures down in a series of nuclear plant reactors. But all were in vain, as a second hydrogen explosion occurred at the Fukushima plant. As if this were not enough, dangerous levels of radiation leaked and a fire rocked the plant after a third explosion took place.

IS INDIA NUCLEAR READY?
Are we ready? All the countries of the world are struggling to find an answer to this question when Japan is still struggling to get out of the emergency.

We at India are power-starved, with an energy deficit of around 12%. Rapid establishment of nuclear plants to fuel the economic growth has already started. We currently have 22 plants across the country. And at least six more are on the way. India’s Tarapur has one reactor which is a boiling water reactor, the same kind used in Fukushima.

The Government is busy reviewing the safety norms but environmentalists, social activists and commentators remain unconvinced. The nuclear industry of India is wrapped up in secrecy and it does not share information about its inner working with the public. This creates doubts and questions over corruption and skimping of nuclear safety norms.
On the other hand, Indian engineers will take time to grasp new and unfamiliar technologies – a dangerous situation in case of a disaster. Study reports increase the tension as they have raised the uneasy issue that some nuclear plants are situated on seismic zones and near coastal areas, posing a high risk in the event of an earthquake or tsunami.

More than two years ago, the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) produced a 132-page document, which provides guidelines on how to deal with a nuclear emergency. The document talks of the need to have clearly defined evacuation plans for population living in close proximity to nuclear facilities, ensuring these communities are aware of the threats and that drills be held regularly. It mentions the need of trained staff and other necessities. But, one cannot be sure whether all these is simply on paper or on ground as well.
However, the nuclea establishment in India has assured that our systems are robust. In India, a nuclear plant cannot be built within a radius of 400 kilometers of a seismic zone. Also, diesel power backups for our nuclear power plants, particularly in tsunami prone areas, have been constructed at high altitudes to avoid flooding by tsunami. But, looking at Japan, maybe we need further reassurance.

India goes by the phrase, ‘everything will be alright on the night.’ It assumes that rule-bending fixing shall do and ‘we’ll manage.’ But it’s high time, this will no longer work.

FUTURE OF NUCLEAR POWER GENERATION
The Japan crisis has sent shockwaves through nuclear planning agencies around the world. Policy makers are asking for reviews of safety regulations, public is expressing concern, and it appears likely that some of the planned construction will be curtailed.

But on the other hand, there are issues like climate change that are strongly supported by nuclear power generation. This has triggered a debate as to should this mode of energy generation be used in the future or not.

In an Australian book (2010), Why vs. Why: Nuclear Power, Barry Brook and Ian Lowe have very well debated this topic and articulated seven points for and against the use of nuclear power. Brook puts forward seven reasons why people should say “yes” to nuclear power.

• Because renewable energy and energy efficiency won’t solve the energy and climate crisis
• Because nuclear fuel is virtually unlimited and packs a huge energy punch
• Because new technology solves the ‘nuclear waste’ problem
• Because nuclear power is the safest energy option
• Because advanced nuclear power will strengthen global security
• Because nuclear power’s true costs are lower than either fossil fuels or renewable
• Because nuclear power can lead the ‘clean energy’ revolution

Lowe argues that there are seven reasons why people should say “no” to nuclear power.
• Because it is not a fast enough response to climate change
• Because it is too expensive
• Because the need for base load electricity is exaggerated
• Because the problem of waste remains unresolved
• Because it will increase the risk of nuclear war
• Because there are safety concerns
• Because there are better alternatives

In the end, many people remain torn on the subject of nuclear power. They can see the amazing possibilities and destructive capabilities of the technology. However, the Japan crisis should get people thinking about some important issues. If we want to use a powerful energy source like nuclear power, we need to be able to deal with the powerful responsibilities and consequences that come along with it. Humanity’s greatest hopes and deepest fears truly lie in the Nuclear Power Generation!

FOLKLORES AND MYTHS
• There would be an ‘acid rain’ or a ‘nuclear rain’
• We should all have KI pills (Fact: KI stands for potassium iodide, and the pills are distributed to individuals who reside within a 10-mile radius of nuclear power plants)
• Stay inside and keep the doors and windows shut
• There is an itchy feel and burning sensation, we can feel the spread of radiation

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Better Infrastructure can lead us to sustainability of Growth

How do you define the term ‘Infrastructure Development’?
Infrastructure is actually the key element of development. It has a large connotation that includes urban planning as one of its element. Roads, water supply, solid waste management are some of the major issues of infrastructure development. However, ports, airports, highways, industries etc. are other mega issues related to the term. We can say that infrastructure is directly proportional to development, better the infrastructure, more the development in any said state. India is growing at a fast rate due to its manpower, but to sustain this growth, we will need better infrastructure.

What are the main elements that support the overall infrastructure development?
For any city, roads, water supply, electricity and solid waste management are the most important elements. However, landscaping is the decorative element of infrastructure development. The other essentials like the trees, footpaths and cleanliness are the areas where we highly lag behind. Probably this is the only difference between the developing and the developed countries. We need to learn the management skills of the public land and other properties and change the mindsets of the people on a larger scale.

How does CEPT play its part?
CEPT is basically an educational institute. So, due to the need of the hour, we offer various educational programs in the fields related to infrastructure. This includes transportation, industrial development, urban planning etc. In addition to this, CEPT has been declared the ‘Anchor Institute’ in the field of infrastructure. It’s a three tier process, funded by the Government of Gujarat. We identify nodal institutes and the availability of manpower. The teachers of various colleges are trained. Also, uneducated people who wish to work in the field of construction are trained for their livelihood. Because, after all, without them infrastructure cannot be possible. It is believed that in future 70% of the manpower will be absorbed in the field of infrastructure. There are tie-ups with NGOs and also foreign universities for the sharing of knowhow.

What are your views on the heritage of Ahmedabad and Gujarat as a whole?
Ahmedabad itself is a huge heritage. Talking about Gujarat, its heritage and climate are very much similar to that of Rajasthan. But the economy of Gujarat is related to trade and commerce. While that of Rajasthan and places like Kerala are tourism oriented. I strongly believe that heritage and tourism go hand-in-hand. If we have a grand legacy and heritage, but there is no one to appreciate and admire, it does not make sense. Gujarat emphasizes on trade more and so tourism is sidelined. People too, are not much bothered; they travel to almost entire India and even abroad but do not care to see their own Gujarat.

Do you think that restoration damages the originality of the heritage?
Restoration has a set guideline and standard procedures. Unless and until, those are not followed, one cannot even touch the monuments. Also, it is a matter of pride that India is an expert on the world level in this field. Countries like China and Bhutan depend on the Indian experts for the restoration of their heritage. However, the problem here too, is the limited availability of resources and the available resources are being pulled in every possible direction. The economy is growing and gradually importance is being given to culture and heritage.

What are the trends coming up in the field of infrastructure?
Public-Private partnership is the recent trend. Initially, the Governmental budget was not enough to cater to all the necessary developments. The need was much more than the supply. Also, people believed that since they have gained independence, they need to pay taxes and tolls for the public services that they use. On the other hand, private parties have huge funds. So the Government shifted from ‘Control’ to ‘Encouragement’ and joined hands with the private players.

How do you foresee Gujarat in 2020?
Gujarat will be termed as an Urban State by 2020. It has already achieved the status of 35-40% of its people living in the urban areas. This is the ‘Urban Age’ wherein most of the parts of the world have more than 50% of its population living in the urban areas.
Gujarat is a progressive state. It will have enough of land and power, but water supply can be an issue to be tackled in 2020. Also, instead of focusing on the industrial development, Gujarat will move to the next phase that will involve IT and other trade related services.

(Prof. Utpal Sharma, Dean, Faculty of Planning & Public Policy, CEPT University)

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