The term Sunaparanta is of Buddhist origins. Once again, my shallow etymological knowledge came back to haunt me. Though, as merely a sampler of places, I wasnt expected to be any more knowledgeable. I knew very well that Goa, where this arts center is located, is essentially Konkan -coated-in-Portuguesea dual trait that now persists in its cultural gene pool. More so, even Sunaparantas location within Goa, Altinho, has a name that translates to highfrom Portuguese. So, maybe, I shouldnt have been all that surprised at a Pali peculiarity in an otherwise Goan universe.
And even betterpost my sojourn, I used this as an opportunity to take on some strictly-amateur scholarly research on the term. I learned two Pali words, as per the Theravada branch of Buddhism, came together to form Sunaparanta Suna (a place) in the region of Aparanta (where a bunch of fierce and violent people once lived). Perhaps, this means that Sunaparanta is a place of fierce art. Or, maybe, its founders just found the name enticing. Whatever be the case, there are plenty of programmes to keep you engaged at Sunaparanta
Sensorium An apt name for their annual arts festival, since art is all about captivating the senses. And this year, that is being done with the theme The End is Only the Beginning--an effort to look at lifes final days as a fresh gateway. Sensorium is currently on till March 1. Its other key ingredient displays from Indias seven top galleries. That being said, this isnt some hoity-toity art exhibition but a hushed, unpretentious affair.
Shanghvi Salons This is one programme Sunaparanta is particularly proud of and theres no reason to doubt why. Their chief curator, Siddharth Dhanvant Shanghvi, invites creative geniuses that include the likes of Sudarshan Shetty, Jaya Bachchan, William Dalrymple and Sooni Taraporevala and indulges them in a debate leaning on the highbrow. Expect Shanghvi to unearth their creative processes and influences. The Salons are also an essential part of Sensorium, so its a double bonus if you go to Sunaparanta now.
Film for Thought This programme hit home for me, as it sends me flying back to my film school days when top-notch cinema was shown to us in middling screening halls. I do not know how Sunaparantas screening facilities are, but I do admire its film selectionthe past three showcased were Ang Lees Eat Drink Man Woman, Barbra Streisands The Prince of Tides and, a personal favourite, Andrew Niccols The Truman Show.
Film for Thought takes place (almost) every Wednesday at 630pm in the outdoor amphitheatre.
The exhibition Let us not drift away from Sunaparantas most ostensible functionan exhibition space. This is what took me there. Sooni Taraporevalas Home in the City, which included stills showcasing the proverbial journey from Bombay to Mumbai, could be seen nicely sequenced along many grey-walled galleries. Before this, they had on display, Longing, a video art show, and before that, Where the Flowers Still Grow, ace photographer, Bharat Sikkas photo series.
In Stages Are you between the ages of 12 and 16 Then In Stages is a great way to channel your preteen/teenage angst into creative energy. Write scripts, indulge in improvisation and learn to work from text, dance and movement, with the guidance of able instructors and facilitators. Sessions every Saturday, 3.45pm to 6.30pm (do check for seat availability).
CONTACT 91-832-2421311 sgcfa.org
