யாழ்பாடினி

'Immigration Nation: The secret history of us', a must-watch documentary series for those interested in the nation-building of Australia and, of course, those living in Australia. The documentary depicts this nation's transformation from the least multicultural society to one of the most diverse. It is shocking to have been exposed to Australia's immigration history, which shaped by racist policies and colour politics. The heartbreaking deportation story of Nancy is something we eyewitness these days as well. I believe that Australia is still facing the consequences of its ugly past in different forms.

'Behind the beautiful forevers' is gripping non-fiction, based on Katherine Boo's investigation on the heartbreaking events that took place in the lives of Annawadians between 2007 and 2011. Annawadi is a slum that is closer to Mumbai's international airport. The powerful narrative depicts the vicious connection between poverty, corruption, injustice, inequality and the life, desires, dreams, hopes and death of Annawadians amidst tragedies. On one side is the author's braveness in reporting and on the other side couple of questions that left me wondering- What does give us the right to judge these people's lives? How do sharing their stories and have them exposed to the glares of the outsiders make a change in their lives?! Behind the beautiful forevers by Katherine Boo - a must-read.

I deliberately chose the research essay topic for my final assessment of this semester on understanding Sustainability and Sustainable Development in the context of Indigenous Cultures.  To start with, I wanted to learn and understand the Aboriginal way of life and their worldview from Aboriginal people instead of learning from a third person who writes a report on her/his research subjects within a conventional academic framework.  My quest led to Uncle Max's 'My People's Dreaming'. Reading left me with admiration, respect and connectedness. This book brings out the richness of the Aboriginal way of life, their way of sustaining the environment, and glimpses at how the invasion of Europeans changed their lives forever. The book is full of meaningful narratives and beautiful pictures. I wish the Australian government could introduce this kind of texts to school children so that would be with better outcomes than merely delivering annual speeches on the Sorry Day!  ...