[Reader-list] A Suggestion for Arundhati

[Partha Dasgupta]

Dear Arka,

This mail reeks more of anger than of logic, and just as you choose whom to
take or not take funds from, IFA too has the right to choose.

In any case, let put that aside and look at reality. Let's look at someone
in a dusty kurta pajama walking into a corporate office and asking for
funding. He probably won't make it past the guard at the entrance. Getting
funds needs both presentation and articulation - whether in 'page 3' parties
or otherwise. Besides, where else would you find the people to put in the
money?

As for "big-brand name artists" - well, if I buy clothes, not really into
brands. However, when I buy medicines, or consumer items, am very careful of
the brand and the guarantee. That's a vital purchase and I'd like to be sure
of what i'm investing. Don't have the money to dabble in arts - but if I
did, would rather put it on a 'safe bet'.

That aside, whether the Tata's or the Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited,
there are two sides to every coin. Just as in all of us, some things we do
are good, and some downright selfish - that is the nature of the beast
called mankind. We can either focus all our energies on one view - or open
both our eyes.

Rgds, Partha
....................................

On Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 2:00 PM, Logos Theatre <logos.theword at gmail.com>wrote:

> Dear Arundhati,
>        As expected, you haven't responded to my mail in response to yours.
> Perhaps you are too busy helping the arts by attending Bangalore Times Page
> Three parties. Anyway, since you came forward to gave me some unsolicited
> suggestions, I will take this opportunity to return the favour. Here is a
> list of companies I have drawn up, that the IFA can approach for funding so
> that it can keep up its exemplary service to the arts:
>
>
>   1. Dow Chemicals
>   2. Vedanta Aluminium (they'll perhaps fund an interesting academic
>   initiative to 'document' tribal practices, especially of the Dongria
> Kondhs)
>   3. Exxon
>   4. The Salim Group, Indonesia (I'm sure they'll give you money to try and
>   engage with the 'real' issues in Nandigram.)
>   5. POSCO
>   6. Enron
>   7. Sardar Sarovar Narmada Nigam Limited
>   8. GCM Resources (google phoolbari)
>
> I'm sure the money you manage to get from these corporations (who,
> doubtless, will have faith in the work that IFA is doing for the arts) will
> help you fund many, many more projects that 'study systemic issues' in this
> or that branch of art and send big-brand name artists on their way to ever
> more first world destinations. Much more importantly, it will keep those
> international flight tickets flowing in for the selfless IFA employees who
> subject themselves to the unspeakable horrors of visiting far-flung places
> like Japan, Brazil, Moscow, Vienna, Washington, London and where not, all
> for the sake of the arts in India.
>
> Warm regards,
> Arka
>
>
> --
> Logos Theatre
>          In the beginning was the word
> No. 126,
> 3rd Main Road,
> Jayamahal Extension,
> Bangalore 560046
> --------------------------------------------------------
> If it be now, 'tis not to come;
> if it be not to come, it will be now;
> if it be not now, yet it will come: the readiness is all.
> Since no man has aught of what he leaves, what is't to leave betimes?
> Let be.
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-- 
Partha Dasgupta
+919811047132