The Drama School Mumbai (DSM) transitioned to virtual theatre training during the pandemic with its Ekalavya online initiative, attracting nearly 3,000 students in three months. The course, named after a dedicated learner from the Mahabharata, emphasizes self-driven learning and has expanded the school's teaching capabilities. Despite initial challenges, DSM's community, including faculty and alumni, adapted to the new format, which focused on individual growth. The virtual program, while not as immersive as physical training, has opened up new possibilities for blended learning in theatre, offering greater accessibility and scalability. Jehan Manekshaw, DSM founder and recipient of the Sangeet Natak Akademi's Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar, highlights the importance of theatre in providing a space for people during times of anxiety.

Arunava Sinha's translation of 'Khwabnama,' originally a Bengali novel by Akhtaruzzaman Elias, is reviewed. The novel is a political piece set in 1940s Bengal, depicting the Tebhaga peasant rebellion and the life of Tamiz, a fisherman-farmer. It explores themes of poverty, injustice, and various social struggles, with elements of magical realism. The review notes that the book's pace picks up midway and may be tiresome for non-Bangladeshi readers, lacking in magical realism, but Sinha's translation is commended for its authenticity and nuance.

The article discusses the intersection of fashion and faith, highlighting how religious symbols and colors are used to express beliefs and make statements, as seen during the US Capitol insurrection. It explores the changing connotations of colors like saffron and green in India, and the use of headgear and facial hair as religious markers. The web series 'Aashram' is cited to illustrate the importance of fashion in expressing faith, while the article also touches on the impact of secular laws and growing Islamophobia on religious fashion choices.

T.M. Krishna's 'The Edict Project', inspired by Emperor Ashoka's rock edicts, brings to light the historical interplay between music and architecture. The article explores this relationship, citing examples from ancient Greece, medieval Europe, and ancient India, where structures were designed with acoustic considerations. It references Goethe's view of music as 'liquid architecture' and discusses the synesthetic experiences that arise from the fusion of music and architecture. Modern examples include the song 'Let it go' from 'Frozen', and the Access Contemporary Music company's architecture-inspired compositions in Chicago.

The article discusses the changes in India's political landscape over the past eight years, highlighting the increase in religious hatred and sectarianism. Despite this, the author remains optimistic about the resilience of India's pluralistic and syncretic traditions. The article suggests that India's diversity is deeply rooted and evident in various aspects of its culture, such as festivals, tales of saints and mystics, food, crafts, and the spirit of its people. The author emphasizes that artists play a crucial role in keeping these traditions alive, serving as a reminder of the country's tightly interwoven cultural heritage.