1st edition Theme
#undertheraintree
GENESIS
Starting with play readings, theatre presentations, ghazals under the moonlight, and mehfils , our programmes have consciously evolved in substance and scope, leading up to the
Under the Raintree women's cultural festival.
Hope
It all began with a book of verses and art, that we called SHE. It was a unique synergy of women who have contributed their individual creativity. We released the book on March 8, 2015. Our guests of honour were professional women who have achieved success in diverse fields. Read more about this event here.
Dream
The flow of beautiful energy led us to take up SHE as a collective project to help women and children in need. The #SHECollectiveHub event in March, 2016 was a morning of art, poetry and affirmation. Read more about this event here.
Share
In January 2017, #SHECollectiveHub invited people to join in a peaceful affirmation of women’s right to be in public spaces. This was in response to the molestation of women in Bengaluru on New Year’s Eve, and the chorus of confusing voices that followed.
#WomenInThePark at the Cubbon Park Bandstand became an exuberant celebration of solidarity, with games and books, spontaneous poetry recitals and sharing of experiences.
From police offers to women taxi drivers to professionals and students to stay-at-home moms, it was a forum that brought together women and (some men) from various walks of life. Read more about it here.
Nourish
To commemorate International Women's Day, #SHECollectiveHub & the online magazine TheGoodCity.in jointly initiated a poetry & short story contest on the topics: A strong woman: be one, raise one, Being brave makes her beautiful & She’s determined to rise – who can hold a woman down?
The contest received overwhelming response in two weeks, from writers as young as 16 and as old as 85. They were published on the online magazine, The Good City and readers chose the winners.
Engage
Equally meaningful was the The International Women’s Day Creative Contest prize distribution event with frank and meaningful speeches by the guests of honour: Ms. Latha Reddy, former Indian Ambassador & Deputy National Security Advisor of India, Ms. Prathibha Prahlad, eminent dancer & Founder director, Delhi International Arts Festival, Ms. Shan Re, noted artist and Ms. Shalini Prabhu, Director HR, Priyafil Group.