Kutch is a unique district of Gujarat, which resonates with natural beauty, culture, cuisine and mineral wealth in abundance. ‘Flowers of the Sun: The People and Land of Kutch c.1740 – 2020’ written by Dr. Mariam Dossal (ex-Professor, Dept. of History, Mumbai University) traces the rich and fascinating history of Kutch spanning three centuries. It highlights the strong Sufi tradition of Kutch, the shared love of the land and the awareness that survival in the harsh environment requires cooperation and innovation, ‘mil and mithas’, friendship and sweetness.

The Nehru Centre Library is pleased to invite you to a discussion on the book on August, 2^nd 2025 at 4.00 pm. Dr. Yamini Dand Shah (Asst. Director & Asst. Prof. at Centre of Kachchh & Desert Studies) will be in conversation with Dr. Mariam Dossal. Dr Dossal will also share an interesting slide show of her journey in Kutch while writing the book.

Dr. Mariam Dossal, a historian of modern India focuses on urban and maritime history. She has authored and edited several books. Some of her major publications include ‘Imperial Designs and Indian Realities: The Planning of Bombay City c.1845-1875 (1991)’; ‘Theatre of Conflict, City of Hope: Mumbai 1660 to Present Times (2010)’ and others. She is a recipient of awards like Commonwealth Academic Staff Scholarship 1983-84, Indo-US. Visitorship (1993), The Rockefeller Foundation Award (1995) and Membership at the Institute of Advanced Study, Princeton (2002-3).

Dr. Yamini Dand Shah is the Assistant Director and Assistant Professor at Centre for Kachchh and Desert Studies- Somaiya School of Civilization Studies. She has been the curator at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival for 7 years, won the President’s Award for service to humanity, judged Tata Lit-Live and published research papers at international conferences. Her poetry book ‘Abstract Oralism’ is a culmination of seven years of research in Kachchh.

Do scan the QR Code to register yourself or send a mail at nehrucentrelibrary@gmail.com