Jyoshna - From Nothingness To Empowerment Jyoshna La Trobe

In this podcast Shailaja speaks about her background in India, her creative exploration into sexuality, queerness and social activism. She also speaks about her experience 'coming out' to her parents, and her use of film and music as a tool for activism. Having been to L.V Prasad Film and TV Academy in Chennai she has wrote, directed and acted in her own  short film called 'Memories of a Machine' (2016) which went viral as well as her feature film called 'Naanu Ladies'  (2021) to be released this year. Her film song 'Vote Haaki' is an ironic look at Indian politics, a black comedy of sorts.  Shailaja speaks about the musical influences in her life such as A.R Rehaman and Illayaraja and ends with a beautiful song 'Aaj Jane Ki Zid' by Faridha Khanum.  Link to Memories ofa Machine: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=NyudLUzDSl0&feature=youtu.be, Link to Naan Ladies Trailer: https://youtu.be/JYiL6DGGJ5Q. Link to `Vote Haaki: https://youtu.be/lHWnFfcnBQc

Amita and I discuss her experience as her mothers model, and about the painting itself. She also touches on her Jacqueline Fahey's involvement in movements for social change and justice, her feminism and her career. Lastly Amita talks about her own musical interests, her experience of samadhi and ends with a beautiful song in Te Reo. 

Kapil's stories are quite humorous coming from someone who knew nothing about Baba previously to going to India. Kapil was there in 1970 just after Baba gave Baba Nam kevalam kiirtan. Heres a short excerpt from a casual conversation we had about kiirtan and Kapil's spiritual experiences in those very early days with Baba.Kapil will be coming to the Kiirtan Academy Monthlies to give a talk in the new year so he can give more details then. I leave you with the song 'We are not Alone' from Unity Hours IV. https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/track/we-are-not-alone

This week has been an incredible week in NZ for women's empowerment. First we had the Topp Twins Tribute Concert on the7th Nov then the Black Ferns win over England at the Rugby Women's World Cup on Saturday. Women are showing themselves as the vanguards of the revolution in all spheres of life, may it roll on! I finish with the song 'Sing a song Holiday' for all of those incredibly hard working women out there. This song is available on the album Unity Hours IV, here: https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/album/unity-hours-iv

In this podcast I interview Didi Ananda Arpana on this very significant day of 'Kiirtan Divas'. On October 8th in 1970 Shrii Shrii Anandamurtiji gave the universal mantra Baba Nam Kevalam so that everyone could experience bliss and the feeling of being sheltered within the divine.  Didiji shares her experience strengths and hope and then I end with a devotional song from Unity Hours IV and Baba Nam Kevalam. To check out Unity Hours IV, Click here: https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/album/unity-hours-iv

Moving can be an adventure as well as a challenge. I reflect on my move from the northern to the southern hemispheres and Sam Teliandis Sukhadeva from the city of Melbourne to the countryside of Queensland, Australia. I end with a new song/kiirtan in the making.  To check out the new album Unity Hours IV, click here: https://jyoshna.bandcamp.com/album/unity-hours-IV