#Michaelhoulgate

[thxnews]

British Council Delhi Celebrates LGBT+ Community with a Vibrant Art Exhibition

  Inclusive Celebration at British Council Delhi

NEW DELHI - The British Council Delhi hosted a vibrant celebration on Wednesday evening, honoring the achievements of grassroots champions in India's LGBT+ community. The event, held at the British Council building, saw the participation of esteemed organizations such as InsideOut Delhi and the Humsafar Trust, alongside members of the LGBT+ community and supporters from all walks of life.  

Art Exhibition by Howard Hodgkin and Charles Correa

One of the highlights of the evening was an art exhibition featuring the works of acclaimed British queer artist, Howard Hodgkin. Hodgkin collaborated with renowned Indian architect Charles Correa to create a striking black and white mural that graces the facade of the British Council building, making it an iconic symbol of diversity and inclusion.  

A Series of Events Across India

This celebration is part of a series of events organized by the UK in India network throughout June. Similar receptions are planned in Mumbai, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chennai, and Jodhpur. The United Kingdom remains steadfast in its commitment to championing LGBT+ rights globally and ensuring protection against discrimination for everyone, everywhere.  

Proud Support from the British High Commission

Expressing her pride in joining the celebration, Christina Scott, Acting British High Commissioner to India, stated, "I feel extremely proud to join so many like-minded people from across this wonderful city in celebrating the LGBT+ community. The UK believes that everyone, everywhere should be free to love whom they love and express themselves openly without fear of facing discrimination. Today, we celebrate love and pay tribute to everyone working to ensure full, equal, meaningful participation for all, across all walks of life."  

British Council's Commitment to Inclusion

Michael Houlgate, Deputy Director of the British Council India, emphasized the organization's dedication to diversity and inclusion. He said, "The British Council believes in the importance of diversity and inclusion. Our commitment is reflected in our celebration of Pride Month and through our work in English, education, and the arts. We are committed to creating empowering platforms for the LGBTQIA+ community to express themselves authentically and stand together in support of love and equality."  

UK's Support for LGBT+ Organizations and Collaborations

The British High Commission in New Delhi has been a longstanding supporter of the Humsafar Trust in India, demonstrating the UK's dedication to championing grassroots LGBT+ organizations and human rights defenders worldwide. Furthermore, the UK actively engages in international collaborations on LGBT+ rights, including serving as co-chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) and the European LGBTI Focal Points Network (EFPN) in 2019. In addition, the UK fosters connections between British and Indian institutions and lawmakers to exchange best practices, particularly in improving workplace inclusion for LGBT+ employees.  

Promoting Inclusivity: Raising the Pride Flag

Notably, the British High Commission in New Delhi raised the Pride Flag for the first time in 2020 and continues this tradition annually to mark IDAHOBIT (International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia). This year, the flag flew proudly on May 17, reaffirming the UK's commitment to promoting inclusivity and combating discrimination.  

About the British High Commission in New Delhi

The British High Commission in New Delhi serves as a dedicated hub for fostering strong bilateral relations between the United Kingdom and India. The Commission actively engages in various initiatives, including supporting organizations that promote LGBT+ rights and working towards creating an inclusive environment for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.   Sources: THX News & British High Commission New Delhi. Read the full article

[dinshaw8]

TDF Ghar We #Karachiites are #foodies!  So, when we received a circular for a #Bohri food night, we jumped at it, on the roof of TDF “Ghar” (“house” in Urdu)- super dinner, pleasant weather, outstanding view of Quaid-e-Azam’s Mausoleum, typical Parsi loudness and laughter, great service by our Bohri hosts & excellent value for money! However, what was just as interesting was #TDFGhar- one of the old, pre-partition houses in the old city of #Karachi, wonderfully restored by TDF.  Quoting from TDF’s history – “TDF Ghar was built in 1920-30’s.  This house was initially owned by a Hindu woman, Haribai Motiram, which she sold in April 1948 to Hajiani Hanifabai for her daughter Aisha Bai Dawood in June 1948 as a residence. In April 1961 the House was donated to #TheDawoodFoundation.  In 1965, #AhmedDawood established Hanifa Hajiani Haji Gani Vocational Training Center for Women.  The training center used to enroll over 150 students per batch and train them in typing, cooking, sewing, painting, hand & machinery embroidery and English language.  TDF Ghar is open to all to promote informal learning spaces in Karachi.  TDF Ghar is based on a self-sustainability business model- revenues generated from rentals and tickets is re-invested in the upkeep and development of the Ghar.” With a small café on premises, we experienced families, youngsters & groups socially interacting with each other; playing board games; reading; using the library.  It was an amazing experience.  It was surreal finding such an oasis in bustling Karachi! Kudos to The Dawood Foundation for yet another public service to the citizens of Karachi … and Pakistan! (https://dinshawavari.com/2019/08/30/ohthe-clean-clean-not-streets-of-karachi/) (https://www.dawoodfoundation.org/tdf-ghar/)   #thedawoodfoundationghar @karachi_biennale @goetheinstitut_pakistan #goetheinstitutekarachi #alliancefrancaise @tdf.studio @DawoodTdf #Dawoodfoundation #sabrinadawood #karachitourism #karachipublicspaces #jamshednusserwanji #jamshedquarters @pkBritish #britishcouncillibarary @MichaelHoulgate #Michaelhoulgate #karachifoodies #foodiesofkarachi #hotelsinlahore #hotelsinkarachi #hotelsinislamabad #hotelsinmultan (at Beach Luxury Hotel Karachi) https://www.instagram.com/p/B94iZE3HnBO/?igshid=nc1gg6v0drli

[dinshaw8]

“Mangroves: Custodians of the Coast” (A film by The Dawood Foundation)

March 11, 2020

I was invited by the British Council on a documentary on the ‘Mangroves of Sindh’, directed by Anam Abbas & sponsored by the Dawood Foundation- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AE5V221BvUg, alongwith a group of school children.

One of the greatest advantages of the Mangrove ecosystem are their intricate roots- they slow water flow thus protecting shorelines during storms by…