The London based members of Lady Shri Ram college’s alumni network’s UK chapter called ELSA-UK came together for a scintillating evening earlier in July 2015 at Nehru Centre– the cultural wing of the Indian High Commission in London.
A screening of the critically acclaimed film, Margarita with a Straw saw a strong gathering of over 100 guests, many of whom were alumna of the prestigious Delhi University College. The event was attended by Bollywood Director, Shonali Bose,through a skype Q&A session.
The High tea style networking event supported the issue of disability and dignity which the film addresses. The guests engaged in a meaningful discussion on the subject of disability and sexuality, queer relationships, sexual frustration and loss. Recognizing the need to make our society more inclusive and sensitive as well as the requirement of an infrastructure that takes into account the needs of the differently abled made topics of conversation and debate around the room.
The film screening was also attended by Malini – Shonali Bose’s cousin, who is also publicly acknowledged by the Director as an inspiration for this film. As the audience appreciatively clapped to the incredible performance by Kalki Koechlin and SayaniGupta-an Elsa herself along with other leading actors in the film, many acknowledged the very relevant message regarding aspirations and dreams of disabled that can often go unnoticed and need to be noticed on an equal platform.
Attendees of the event and alumni of Lady Shri Ram said that the Film is entertaining and socially relevant at the same time. It’s a sensitive portrayal of a sassy young woman who is differently-abled, who has aspirations, dreams and desires- she defines the eternal quest to seize the day. The determination, wit and courage of the character portrayed by Kalki, to be an independent woman and follow her dreams, undaunted by challenges posed by her environment are some of the values the alumna of Lady Shri Ram live by too. It was a great evening of meaningful cinema and conversations.
The ELSA UK chapter was introduced in 2014 and since then has hosted various events to bring together an eclectic group of LSR women from myriad backgrounds on one common platform. The group is next intending to host an event in the near future with the leading light of the corporate world, Naina Lal Kidwai-Chairperson HSBC India, Director, HSBC Asia Pacific – also an ELSA alumni herself.
