Aug 17 2024 to Aug 17 2024 11:30 a.m.

EVENT HAS ENDED

Where

Bangalore International Centre

7 4th Main Rd, Stage 2, Domlur 560071

Event Description

‘Preserve Alleppey Society’ is a women’s group that has spearheaded conservation efforts and heritage walks for over two decades in the historic port town of Alleppey, Kerala. Their book titled The Alleppey Story, follows the trails of trade routes, culture, and architecture, and finds memories that have been undisturbed for hundreds of years, about a one-bustling metropolis and trade emporium that has begun to fade into the background of modern-day Kerala. It is an archive of living history, an account of the extraordinary lives and events this town has witnessed. This session brings us the women behind the cause and eminent author Dr. Manu Pillai in a deep dive into the fascinating discoveries about Alleppey, Travancore and modern Kerala history. 

Speakers

Manu Pillai Writer & Historian

Manu S Pillai is the author of the award-winning The Ivory Throne: Chronicles of the House of Travancore (2015), Rebel Sultans: The Deccan from Khilji to Shivaji (2018), The Courtesan, the Mahatma & the Italian Brahmin: Tales from Indian History (2019), and most recently, False Allies: India’s Maharajahs in the Age of Ravi Varma (2021). Formerly Chief of Staff to Dr. Shashi Tharoor MP, he has in the past worked at the House of Lords in Britain, and with the BBC on their “Incarnations” history series. Written over six years and researched on three continents, Manu’s first book, The Ivory Throne won the 2017 Sahitya Akademi Yuva Puraskar. For three years, he also wrote a weekly column for Mint Lounge. His other writings have appeared in The Hindu, Open Magazine, the Times of India, Hindustan Times, The New Statesman, and other publications. Manu is an alumnus of Fergusson College, Pune, and holds a PhD in history from King’s College London.

Rani John Secretary, Preserve Alleppey Society

Rani John is a founder of The Preserve Alleppey Society set up in 2000. She graduated in History from Stella Maris College, Chennai. She has been a resident of Alleppey since her marriage in 1974. She recognised the unique aspects of the place and the underlying history which was getting buried over time. Rani John was instrumental in crafting the Walking Tour of Alleppey which brought in visitors who would otherwise only do cruises on the backwaters. In 2018, the Society was awarded the Silver Medal for the Best Urban Neighbourhood Operator at the Indian Responsible Tourism Awards. The Society organised the first garbage collection in Alleppey 2001 among other projects. The combined knowledge of PAS and the research team enabled the archival project that led to the publishing of The Alleppey Story covering the history, architecture and culture of the town. It is the first of its kind and will remain a document of the town and a legacy worth preserving.