Save Backgarden - A DraftCraft Productions Film

DraftCraft is an India-based media-legal think tank that endeavours to research, document, film and advocate on behalf of the most ignored, under-reported, marginalised sections of society.

"Whether a swimming pool on South Mumbai's Backgarden has legal sanction or not isn't the important thing. What matters is that there should be proper public consultation in the regard. And, the interests of weaker segments should be safeguarded," feels DraftCraft founder Gajanan Khergamker. 

"'Save Backgarden' - A documentary produced by DraftCraft Productions - has been created only to put all the parties' perspectives in one place making it easier for anyone to understand the issue," he says.

It has been initiated by Gajanan Khergamker - an independent editor, legal counsel and filmmaker - with over three decades of experience. DraftCraft fetches legal aid to the deprived through activism and legal intervention. The think tank provides a platform for the affected through campaigns aimed to agitate and advocate for the underdog. 

Public dissent over the construction of a swimming pool in South Mumbai's 'Backgarden' and resistance by a section of the locals, even direct beneficiaries, made it a key issue for DraftCraft.

(Disclaimer: 'Save Backgarden' has been produced by DraftCraft Productions in public interest, in good faith and without prejudice. It can be copied or distributed freely. However, anyone doing so should use it 'as is' without any change and retain creative attributions)

Pongal Celebrations

Pongal Pongal is a four day festival which usually takes place from January 13 to 16 in the Gregorian calendar i.e., the last day of the Tamil month Maargazhi to the third day of Tamil month Thai.

The second of the four days i.e., first day of the Tamil month Thai is the second and main day of the festival and this day is known as Thai Pongal. This day coincides with Makara Sankranthi which is a winter harvest festival celebrated throughout India. The day marks the start of sun’s six-month long journey northwards or the Uttarayanam. This also represents the Indic solstice when the sun purportedly enters the 10th house of the Indian zodiac i.e. Makara or Capricorn.

It is one of the most important festivals celebrated by the Tamil people in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu, the Indian Union Territory of Puducherry, and Sri Lanka. In Tamil, the word Pongal means "overflowing" which signifies abundance and prosperity. On the day of Pongal, at the time of sun rise there is a symbolic ritual of boiling fresh milk in a new clay pots and when the milk boils over and bubbles out of the vessel, people shout "Pongalo Pongal!" 

They also say "Thai Pirandhal Vazhi Pirakkum" meaning "the commencement of Thai paves the way for new opportunities" is often quoted regarding the Pongal festival. Thai Pongal is mainly celebrated to convey the appreciation and thankfulness to the Sun as it act as the primary energy behind agriculture and a good harvest. It is the Surya Mangalyam. Tamilians decorate their homes with banana and mango leaves and embellish the floor with decorative patterns drawn using rice flour.

Organised the Colaba Marathon 2014...successfully!

The Colaba Marathon 2014 organised by Krishna Pawle of Aadhar Pratisthan focussed on two main issues: Swimming Pool Bhagao, Backgarden Bachao and the Voting Is My Birthright. For the first time, a Marathon was held to stress upon the common man's right to vote. "It's important for us not just to cast our votes but to vote for the right candidate. One who is deserving, educated and will work for the welfare of the people," said President Krishna Pawle.

The Colaba Marathon 2014 was attended by Marathi movie actress Manisha Kelkar, Marathi Superhit Movie 'Tingya' director Mangesh Hadavale and villian in Salman Khan's Superhit 'Jai Ho' Santosh Shukla as guests of honour.

Vidhan Sabha Speaker Dilip Valse Patil, Salman Khan, Madhuri Dixit, Juhi Chawla, Jackie Shroff, Chunkey Pandey, Mrunal Kulkarni, Mr Asia and Mr Universe Suhas Khamkar gave their best wishes for the historic cause as they could not attend the event.

Carrom Tournament Organised

Carrom (also known as Karrom) is a "strike and pocket" table game of Eastern origin similar to billiards and table shuffleboard. It is found throughout the East under different names though most non-eastern people know it by the East Asian name of Carroms (or Karrom). It is very popular in Nepal, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and surrounding areas. In South Asia, many clubs and cafés hold regular tournaments. Carrom is very commonly played within families and other functions. Different standards and rules exist in different areas. A popular variant of the game called Duboo is played mostly in Karachi the largest city of Pakistan.

Krishna Pawle organised, through Aadhar Pratisthan, a Carrom Tournament too.

Three Test Paper Distribution at BMC School

The three-test paper distribution done at BMC school was to help students who are deserving yet unable to buy costly books. The venture was lauded by one and all.