Page 65 - Tehelka Issue 8&9

• Tollywood’s Reddy theStack TECHNOLOGY RULES

to deal with abusers A RAy of Hope; AutHoR OR FOOLS THE MASSES?
The book Why I Am Not Going to Buy a Computer
By Chandra Sankurathri; Westland argues beautifully and strongly for a life less
technological
TV presenter-turned-actress Sri Reddy’s On June 23, 1985, Dr Chandrasekhar Sankurathri’s world was torn
protest against the exploitation of women in apart — his wife, son and daughter were on the ill-fated Kanishka, In the present era ruled by technological ad-
the Tollywood has finally paid off. The Tel- Air India Flight AI 182, which exploded en route, killing vances, almost none can think of living without a
angana government has decided to form all 329 people on board. What can a man do in the smartphone or a computer. But slowly a handful
a special cell to look into complaints of face of unimaginable tragedy? How does one find the of people across the globe are considering tak-
sexual exploitation. After a meeting • Some legal relief will to live again? Dr Chandra Sankurathri’s life is a ing small breaks from the latest smart devices.
with representatives of Tollywood, for Salman Khan testament to the human spirit. The power of the mind, American novelist, poet and farmer Wendell
Minister for Cinematography T Actor Salman Khan — was the depth of the heart. Channelling his grief into Berry is one of them.
In the first essay of his book “Why I Am Not
social endeavours, Dr Chandra returned to Kakinada
Srinivas Yadav announced that the convicted by the Mumbai in Andhra Pradesh and started a school, and then an Going To Buy A Computer”, Berry has given solid
special cell will be created in the Film Sessions Court in 2015 for the eye hospital, for rural people. “A Ray of Hope” is the reasons for not owning the device. One is, he
Development Corporation. The decision hit-and-run case in which one inspiring journey of one man’s decision to dedicate would hate that his work be dependent on strip-
came amid a huge row over complaints of sex- person had died while four his life to a higher purpose. To rise above his anger, mined coal. Owning a computer would threaten
ual exploitation made by actress Sri Reddy, who others were injured — has got pain and sorrow, to bring joy and hope to all who cross his path. the place of his wife who held the position of his
hit headlines with strip protest and received the bailable warrant issued -------------------------------------------------------------------------- only assistant as she diligently typed and edited
support from women’s organisations. Sri Reddy against him earlier, cancelled. his work for years, he argued. Moreover, he does
had said that she was forced to have sex by a top Earlier, the Bollywood star Not BoRN iN tHe uSA not want to delude himself
had got bail in over a five-year
Telugu producer’s son. Movie Artistes’ Associa- jail sentence for killing rare By Nikita Goel and Sonal Malhotra; Fingerprint by thinking that a comput-
er, as opposed to pen and
tion (MAA) had dismissed Sri Reddy’s allega- antelopes. Khan, one of the Got your I-20 and wondering where to begin? Well, here’s a dossier paper method, would make
tions as a “cheap publicity stunt” and declared world’s highest-paid actors, with almost everything you need to know! Beginning with the gen- his writing any better.
that she will not be given MAA membership was convicted in the 20-year- eral courtesies, mannerisms and American language and slang, this Berry intelligently argues
under any circumstance. The actress, in reaction, old case on April 5 and spent book walks you through the American laws; offers you a glimpse of how a life lived slowly is
had questioned the legality of the ‘ban’ against two nights in Jodhpur Cen- how life would be as a student in America; briefs you about how to more practical and enjoy-
her. “On what basis will they ban me? They have tral Jail before being released stay safe and secure; advises you on how to deal with able. He says computers
on bail and sureties totalling
no right to do so. As a woman, I have the right 100,000. He cannot leave the US banks and manage your finances; and guides are “expected to become as
to protest and to speak my mind. How dare they India without court permis- you through your job search as an international common as TV sets in ‘the
future’ does not impress or
ban me and threaten other artistes?” she has sion. The 52-year-old actor student. As you begin preparing for your departure, it matter to me” for he does
brings for you essential ticketing and packing advice
asked. The Tollywood ‘Me Too’ campaigner had denied shooting dead as well as a checklist of recommended items that you not see them advancing,
Sri Reddy had also been reportedly asked two black bucks on a hunting must carry with you. An ultimate guide that would even a bit, anything that
to vacate her flat in the Humayun Nagar trip while filming a movie in help you prepare for a comfortable departure, “Not matters -- peace, economic
area of Hyderabad. October 1998. Born in the USA” will take you from planning, commu- justice, ecological health and so on.
nicating and executing every bit of the process. In the second essay of the Penguin’s book
---------------------------------------------------------- — titled Feminism, the Body and the Machine —
Berry expands on his previous arguments. He
DeeNDAyAl upADHyAyA gives an eloquent and reasoned, yet provocative,
Artistes shouldn’t By Shakti Nath Bakshi; Rupa pitch on how technological progress, or even
• NONE CAN AVOID AGEING meAsure knowledge The ideals and values that Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya propa- the modern economic system that props it up,
may not always be very positive, since it may be
FASHIONISTA HEIDI KLUM, 44, IS FINE WITH GETTING OLDER gated and practised, which led to the growth of the Bharatiya Jana dehumanising us.
At 44, supermodel Heidi Klum is not search- they gAin’ Sangh and later to the birth of the BJP, have been well-laid out Providing an interesting perspective on tech-
ing for the fountain of youth and is trying in this book. Being thoroughly in sync with the ways of the RSS, nology and its consequences, the book serves as
to embrace ageing. The fashionista says she he dedicated his life to serve the nation through the Sangh. This a guide to people who fear technology by don’t
does not believe in holding onto the past and book not only traces his journey as one of the primary leaders who know why. Berry highlights how it affects us as
is fine with getting older. “My nose would instilled the sense of nationality in the country, but parents, as a society and as evolving human
grow like Pinocchio’s if I said that I didn’t feel also as one who condemned exploitation by the State. beings. However, it does not mean that Berry
some pressure about ageing, as I am con- While much has been discussed and written on Pandit completely against the idea of technology. He’s
stantly asked about it. I’m in the public eye, Deendayal Upadhyaya, it is not easily accessible to all. is only wary of the brainwashing consumerism
and there’s more scrutiny because of that. I This book is an attempt to make his contributions ac- and centralization that comes with it. He jots
can look at photos of when I was 24, and of cessible to the general readers for their understand- down his points clearly as to why he personally
course I am going to look different now at 44 ing of his personality and principles. Dr Shiv Shakti doesn’t have a computer and prompts the reader
and having had four children - but, again, it’s Nath Bakshi has a PhD in history from Jawaharlal to consider and respect his idea. All the read-
about being comfortable with yourself and Nehru University, is currently the National Convenor ers may not agree with everything written in the
what you see in the mirror. We are all going to Pandit Jasraj of BJP Journals and Publication Department and is book. But his writing definitely makes one more
• Age rage Klum isn’t afraid of mirror age, so I’m trying to embrace that.” (In an interview) also Executive Editor of Kamal Sandesh. conscious of the use of technology.

Tehelka / 15 may 2018 64 www.Tehelka.com Tehelka / 15 may 2018 65 www.Tehelka.com

64 VanityFair.indd 2 02/05/18 5:50 PM 65 Stack&BookReview.indd 3 02/05/18 5:50 PM