- (L to R) Distinguished Guests Daniella Mendonca, Dr. Sarita Vichore, Mr. Utkarsh Patel and R Balaji
On the 13th of March, 2024 the Rotaract Club of DGMC orchestrated a profoundly enlightening event, Shades and Spectrum II, with a central focus on “Hidden Histories: Unearthing LGBTQ+ Narratives in Ancient Text” at Bajaj Hall, Malad (W).
The launch of the club’s quarterly newsletter, “The Bridge: Volume 3,” in the presence of college Principal, Dr. Amee Vora and dignitaries from the Rotary Club of Bombay Airport, Rtn. Pragna Mehta & Rtn. Yogini Sheth, marked a significant milestone. Rtn. Rahul Patel, the Youth Director was duly recognized and felicitated for his noteworthy contributions to RCDGMC’s Success.
Dr. Amee Vora delivered a speech reaffirming the institution’s unwavering support for initiatives promoting equality and inclusivity. The subsequent panel discussion, featuring distinguished speakers from various walks of life. Mr. Utkarsh Patel, a luminary in the realm of mytho-fiction, R Balaji, a visionary challenging societal norms and championing gender inclusion and lastly, Daniella Mendonca, a leading figure in intersex advocacy and inclusivity, shared their remarkable insights. The panel was moderated by Dr. Sarita Vichore, Director at Durgadevi Saraf Global Business School, bringing her wealth of academic and industry experience.
Panelists explored diverse instances from ancient Indian texts like the Mahabharata and Ramayana. These narratives challenge conventional notions and highlight the inherent diversity of human experiences, transcending temporal and cultural boundaries. By delving into the depths of historical texts, we not only reclaim lost stories but also validate the existence and contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. The event saw many participants join both online and offline from different walks of life spread across different age groups. Collaborating with the Qknit Foundation as the organization partner amplifies the impact of such endeavors. This year, the event was streamed internationally on platforms like Zoom & YouTube and the involvement of representatives from different parts of the world underscores the global relevance of LGBTQ+ narratives in ancient texts.
