All posts by wellnmed@gmail.com

Sound of Buddha’s teachings to see light of the day soon

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Varanasi :

Good days are ahead for Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon after attaining enlightment. The UP Tourism department is planning to launch a sound and light show in the backdrop of Dhamekha Stupa. The Archaeological Survey of India too has given its nod in principle to the project.

In 2002-03, Union ministry of tourism had sanctioned Rs 352 lakh for a project based on Lord Buddha’s life that was to come up at the proposed Buddha Theme Park. Indian Tourism Development Corporation (ITDC) was assigned the project and in 2003-04, the fund for the light and sound show too was sanctioned. Sources claimed that despite floating repeated tenders, ITDC failed to attract bidders. A team of ITDC experts visited Buddha Theme Park in May 2011. However, the project continued to linger on.

In 2013, Union tourism minister Subodhkant Sahay and deputy secretary Vishal Gagan held a meeting with officials of ITDC and UP Tourism in Varanasi to discuss the delay in the project. Later, the ministry withdrew the funds from ITDC and returned it to the state government so that it could materialise the project.

After ITDC had delayed the project by decade, the UP Tourism department decided to shift the site to Dhamekha Stupa. Regional tourism officer Ravindra Mishra said that ASI had in principle agreed to allow the show near Dhamekha Stupa.

On the call of the ASI, Indian Institute of Technology, Banaras Hindu University (IIT-BHU) experts conducted a study to know the affect of sound and light show on the monuments including Dhamekha Stupa. Initially the team provided a brief report making it clear that there would be no harm to Sarnath monuments from this project.

Mishra said that the ASI demanded detailed study, so the IIT-BHU report was being revised and would be ready in a day or two. The UP Tourism headquarters would forward it to the Union government, through state government. As per the rough estimate prepared by the electricity division of Rajkiya Nirman Nigam (RNN), the cost of the new sound and light show project at Sarnath could go up to Rs 8 crore, said sources.

Officials of UP Tourism stopped pursuing the issue. Mishra said that the district administration and the tourism department had decided to go for fresh project. This time, officials also decided to change the venue and start the sound and light show near Dhamekha Stupa as this site is visited by pilgrims and tourists coming to Sarnath. The project will be forwarded to the state government to ensure that it is sanctioned in the current financial year, he added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / Rajeev Dishit, TNN / August 05th, 2014

Colourful tableaux mark ‘Dadhijkando’ fair

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Allahabad :

The glitzy ‘Dadhijkando’ fair, first in the series of six held on every weekend, started with the display of best of Indian culture and tradition by around two dozens socio-religious tableaux at Salori here on Saturday.

The fair, traditionally organised from the sixth day of Janmashtami, were started with tableaux based on the several episodes from the life of Lord Krishna.

The first in the series was Lord Krishna and Baldau sitting atop an elephant followed by tableau procession which started late in the evening and was continued till going into press.

The procession after passing through Chandpur-Salori, Teliarganj, Rasoolabad was scheduled to conclude at the same place. The localities through which tableaux passed were decked up with colourful lighting patterns and cut-out of Lord Krishna.

Earlier, the procession started with president of Salori Mela Committee Brahma Prakash along with local leaders and administrative officials offering worship at Salori temple.

As per the tradition of depicting socio-economic state of affairs along with that depicting life sketch of Lord Krishna, tableaux on ‘corruption’ were also taken out. Similarly, tableaux ‘Kraishna-Baldau’, ‘Kalia-Mardan’, ‘Raas-leela’ were highly appreciated by visitors. The decked up tableaux were also given cash prize and shield by the organizing committee on the basis of the lightings and topic selected.

On Sunday, Sulemsarai would host the Dadhikando fair. The sixth-day ‘Shasti’ celebrations was also held at Kunj Bihari Lal Agarwal Athithi Bhawan where tableaux depicting the Lord Krishna and devotional programmes were held.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / TNN / August 24th, 2014

Tributes paid to Shehnai maestro

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All

Varanasi:

Rich tributes were paid to Shehnai maestro Bharat Ratna Late Ustad Bismmillah Khan on his 8th death anniversary observed at Dargah-e-Fatman on Thursday.

A music lover and a fan of Ustad, Narendra Gupta from Delhi, paid tributes to him by reading Sunderkand of Ramcharitmanas and Hanuman Chalisa beside his grave. Gupta visits the city every year on birth and death anniversary of Ustad. Some music lovers also paid a musical tribute to him on the occasion.

They were disappointed to see that the grave of Ustad could not take a shape of a maqbara yet, and a music academy after his name also seemed to be a distant dream. A series of promises were made by the government after the death of Shehnai maestro but none of them have been fulfilled yet.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / TNN / August 22nd, 2014

Tabla and sarangi make up Bhatkhande Vrind band

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

The mellifluous notes of tabla, violin, sarangi and an array of other instruments fill the air of the classroom in Bhatkhande Music Institute Deemed University. Budding musicians and singers, during rehearsal, warmly welcome you to the incubation centre of an emphatic classical band called Bhatkhande Vrind.

In a corner, first-year students Alok Kumar Jaiswal and Chhatrapati are practicing to get a hold of the tanpura, while Saurabh and Devanand are putting in their best on the tabla.

The excitement is palpable. These students know that they will get a chance to perform as professional artistes. Parvez, a first-year student of masters of performing arts, taking a break from his flute, says, “The very thought that Bhatkhande is reviving its classical band is a wonderful feeling”.

“In addition to regular classes, being a part of Bhatkhande Vrind is a golden opportunity to learn stage management and how to establish a connection with the live audience,” says Raniththri Ishanka, a student from Sri Lanka.

“The band comprising not less than 35 students will focus on classical music while all instruments and singing will be based on raagas,” says Kamlesh Dubey, a senior faculty member at Bhatkhande Music Institute and in charge of the formation of the band.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India Home> City> Lucknow / by Uzma Talha, TNN / August 24th, 2014

‘Ballia independence’ commemorated

Historical Links / Pre-Independence

Varanasi :

In order to commemorate the historic event when ‘Baghi Ballia’ had declared Independence from British rule in 1942, hundreds of local residents assembled at the district jail on Tuesday. The gate of jail was opened for a while. A procession was taken out across the town.

On August 19, 1942, thousands of people of Ballia proceeded to jail to free their leaders imprisoned during Quit India movement. They were armed with guns, lathis and spears. The gate of the jail was opened and the political prisoners were freed. It was the historic victory of Ballia. People had taken control of the town and they declared ‘Independence’ for Ballia on August 20, 1942. A government headed by Chittu Pandey was formed. Every year, on August 19, people carry out procession from the district jail and hold meeting at Bapu Bhawan to celebrate the victory.

People uprising in Ballia began soon after the arrest of Congress leaders taking part in Quit India movement. On August 10, 1942, all the schools were closed and people continued to take out processions. On August 13, Bilthara Road railway station was attacked and the building was burnt. On August 16, Rasra treasury was attacked and two days later the police station at Bairia was attacked. The station officer had removed the Tricolour, which the freedom fighters hoisted on August 15. At least 20 persons were killed and several others injured in police firing.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / TNN / August 19th, 2014

Calligraphy fans come from Jaipur, Japan to hone skills

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, World Opinion

Allahabad :

In a bid to revive the glory of dying art of calligraphy, youngsters from Jaipur to Japan have assembled here to receive training of the art from Hyderabad-based artist Mohammad Nayeem Sabri. Majority of them do not are experts in Urdu, still they want to carry forward the legacy of this art.

On Friday, TOI spoke to trainees and trainer in the ongoing workshop at Allahabad Museum.

Harpeet Kaur Chabra, a Sanskrit calligrapher, came to know about the training workshop from social site, Facebook in Jaipur. She contacted Allahabad Museum and sought permission to attend the workshop.

“I am a professional dealing with Sanskrit manuscripts and not well acquainted with Urdu language so I decided to participate in the week-long training sessions,” Chabra said.

Asuka from Japan, who was researching on Urdu, joined the workshop to carry the dying art to her country.

“Calligraphy is a medium of expression practiced in English, Urdu and Arabic and others languages. Since I am researching on Urdu, I decided to join the workshop to hone my skills,” Asuka said. Hamidia Girl’s Degree College (HGDC) principal Rehana Tareeq invited her to join the diploma course in calligraphy in her college also.

HGDC student Farheen Kausar and 15 others have decided to join the workshop.

“We are from fine art background, so we decided to learn the difficult form of art. We have added innovations to it by using brush strokes in calligraphy,” Farheen added.

Calligraphist Mohammad Nayeem Sabri (86), who had dedicated his life to the art after getting relieved from 48 years of service as engineer in Hyderabad, said: “There are couple of girls who can make it big in the art of calligraphy if they practice under the guidance of experts.”

“The art is found on nearly every monument in India and even in English there is a immense scope. The calligraphy at Qutab Minar, Taj Mahal had attracted tourists worldwide. At present, this art is passing through a poor phase so I hope government will look into it.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Vinod Khanal, TNN / August 23rd, 2014

Postal department to release postage stamps on music maestros

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Allahabad :

Yesteryears’ classical music maestros, who gave new dimensions to Indian music would now hog the limelight through postage stamps. For collector’s delight, the postal department has decided to release stamps of eight legendary vocalists and instrumentalists who captivated the audience worldwide through their talents.

The release being commemorative and a one-time release has been eagerly awaited by the city philatelists here. The maestros who had ruled the music world and made their presence felt in overseas also, ranges from that of early 20th century to the past few years.They include Bharat Ratna and three time Grammy award winner Pandit Ravishankar who introduced sitar to the world, Bharat Ratna Bhimsen Joshi who ruled the music arena for over six decades with his ‘khayal’ style of singing and Padma Vibhushan, Kumar Gandharva, famous for his unique vocal style and his innovative genius.

Among the list are sitar maestro Ustad Vilayat Khan who recorded his first performance at the age of eight and gave his last concert at the age of 75 years. Similarly, Ali Akbar Khan, Pandit Mallikarjun Mansur, classical singer of the `khayal’ style and Padma Vibhushan awardee Gangubai Hangal also of the `khayal’ genre and Padma Vibhushan Awardee and DK Pattama, renowned Carnatic musician and a playback singerfor film songs would also figure in the stamps to be released soon by the postal department.

Director, postal services, KK Yadav said, “Gauging from the response the people, specially the young collectors have shown over the stamps of yesteryears’ actors, we are convinced that the collection of the stamps of the musicians which will be released in a limited number across the country will be sold out within couple of days. The stamps release is proposed on September 3.”

Harish, a registered stamp collector said they are eagerly awaiting the collection of stamps of musicians to be released in the month of September.”It will be a valuable collection for us as it would be the first of its kind stamps on Indian music in the past few years,” he added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Vinod Khanal, TNN / August 23rd, 2014

Jhansi soldier won Victoria Cross

Amazing Feats, Records, All, World Opinion

The 7th Light Cavalry, based in Babina in Jhansi was one of the unit that participated in the World War I.

As per records, the unit fought in two theatres of the war. It fought in France in European theatre and later in Middle East.

It won three battle honours in Persia, Marv and Afghanistan.

Not only this, one of the soldier of the unit, Lance Daffadar Gobind Singh was awarded Victoria Cross, the highest gallantry award during WW1 for his role in Battle of Cambrai

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / TNN / July 28th, 2014

‘Baghi Ballia’ awaits befitting memorial for martyrs of 1942

Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

Varanasi :

Ballia, which had overthrown Britishers, declaring Independence in 1942, is yet to see the completion of ‘Shaheed Smarak’ (Martyr Memorial) in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives. However, local natives carry out procession from the district jail and hold meeting at the Town Hall every year on August 19 to mark the anniversary of ‘Ballia’s freedom’.

“To remember the historical moment every year on August 19, people assemble at the gate of district jail and carry out a procession across the town. The procession culminates at Bapu Bhawan, Town Hall where a public meeting is held,” said Chittaranjan Singh, a native of Ballia. “But Baghi Ballia, which fought bravely against the British rule, is today helpless in preserving the memory of its martyrs,” lamented Singh, adding that the half-built memorial at Basantpur, about 8km from the town, is facing utter neglect.

The Martyr Memorial was conceived in 1992 during the Golden Jubilee celebration of Quit India movement of 1942. The then Prime Minister PV Narsimha Rao while addressing a function at Jaiprakash Nagar, the birthplace of Jaiprakash Narayan, on August 19, 1992 had announced that a Rs 1 crore would be made available by the government for construction of Shaheed Smarak at Ballia. HRD ministry had nominated former PM Chandra Shekhar as the president of the trust.

The trust would be a centre for perpetuating the memory of martyrs and freedom fighters. It would carry on constructive activities beneficial to the surviving freedom fighters and their dependents. It aims at collecting, preserving, publishing and distributing records, plans, books, writings, lectures, letters, correspondence, teachings and messages of the martyrs and freedom fighters together with their autobiographies, biographies, anecdotes and reminiscence highlighting their feelings and sentiments against British tyranny and strong determination for the Independence of the country. It also aims to set up, maintain and run museum where various relics, objects of veneration photographs, paintings, sketches, articles and things connected with the history of struggle for Independence have to be preserved.

Known for rebellious nature, people of Ballia took active part in Quit India movement of August 9,1942. According to district records, the news of the arrest of Congress leaders reached Ballia the same day, and the next day all the schools were closed. Local natives and students took out procession on August 11 and 12. They demanded closure of the courts. This was stopped by 100 armed constables and in the ensuing lathi-charge many were badly wounded. On August 13, the Bilthara Road Railway Station was attacked and the building burnt. The currency notes found in the safes were also were burnt. The water pump and the water tank were smashed. A goods train was looted and the engine was smashed and seed stores, police stations and post offices attacked. On August 16, the Rasra treasury was attacked and two days later, the police station at Bairia was re-attacked as the station officer had removed the Tricolour which the freedom fighters hoisted there on August 15, after gaining control of the place. The infuriated mob of about 25,000 people raided the police station and numerous attempts were made to re-hoist the flag. Men and women of all ages as well as children took part in the raid. The police responded with a volley of shots, resulting in the death of around 20 persons and injuries to over a hundred.

Undeterred by firing, the deaths and the injuries, people maintained pressure to gain control of the police station as they were determined to capture the police officer and others responsible for the firing but at dead of night, when it was raining, the police staff slipped away and the thana was captured the next morning. By this time, the freedom fighters had gained control of many other places in the district including the tehsil headquarters of Bansdih, the police station and the seed store. The indiscriminate firing at the Bairia police station and at other places compelled the people to take up arms.

On August 19, 50,000 persons armed with guns, lathis, spears proceeded towards the jail to free their leaders and other participants. The gate of the jail was opened. This marked the first victory of the freedom struggle. It was a symbol in this small and economically backward district of Ballia of the downfall of the British Raj. After their release, the leaders addressed a huge gathering at the town.

On August 20, a police van went round the town firing at passersby indiscriminately, contrary to the assurance given to the leaders. In the absence of planned programme, many administrative centres remained to be captured but they had already ceased to function properly. The freedom fighters constituted separate panchayats for different localities for carrying out the civil administration and Congress volunteers were appointed for the defence of the city. By now, the people had acquired complete control of the city and they declared ‘Independence’ for Ballia on August 20, 1942, and a popular government was formed with Chittu Pandey as its first head.

During the night of August 22-23, military forces entered Ballia and popular government was overthrown. Then the horrors of the British police and military were let loose upon the people. All leaders of the revolution, young and old, were arrested, beaten and tortured. The sacrifices of the people earned the reputation of ‘Revolutionary Ballia’ during the Quit India movement of 1942. The conquest of Ballia by the freedom fighters attracted the attention of the British Parliament also.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Varanasi / TNN / August 09th, 2014

Vodafone celebrated Independence Day in Lucknow with Delights Kite Festival 2014

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Science & Technology, World Opinion

Lucknow :

Vodafone India, one of India’s leading telecommunications service providers, commemorated the 68th Independence Day with ‘Delights Kite Festival 2014’ in Lucknow. The one-of-its-kind festival is very popular among the residents of Lucknow. The festival is known for its innovative collection of kites, flown by enthusiasts beaming with sense of pride and free-spirited joy.

One of the special attractions for this year’s festival is the participation of international kite flyers — Mehul Pathak, Andang and Ide. They enthralled the crowd with their kite flying skills and made the event even more memorable. They have participated in numerous international kite shows across the globe. In all, 300 number of people participated in the Delights Kite Festival 2014.

Navneet Sehgal, principal secretary information graced the occasion as the Chief Guest. Appreciating the initiative, he said, “It is a great concept by Vodafone to celebrate Independence Day with the people of Lucknow. I had a wonderful time being part of the celebrations and witnessing the sky full of colours.”

Speaking about the Delights Kite Festival, Pankaj Thapliyal, Business Head, UP East, Vodafone India said, “We at Vodafone are always looking at opportunities to delight our customers with a unique and differentiated experience. It was our endeavour to celebrate the 68th Independence Day in a memorable way with the residents of Lucknow. We decided to celebrate the freedom of expression by making the sky full of colours creating a great spectacle. I am sure people had a good time with their friends and family on this special occasion.”

The gathered crowd witnessed kites of innovative shapes and designs being flown around. Innovative kites like Sponge Bob, 3D Nimo Fish, Pilot Kite 8 sq mtr, Box Kite, Ring kite-10 mtr, Aero Snow, 200ft King Cobra kite, Lobster Kite, Octopus Kite, 3D Parafoil Bee Kite, Long Japanese Girl Kite, Fan Kite, Ring Kite, Opera Mask Kite and 3d Boat Kite were flown.

To ensure a fun filled day for the visitors, various exciting competitions like kite cutting, innovative kite making and kite painting were organised. Over 10,000 people attended the festival.

Vodafone India is a 100 per cent fully owned subsidiary of the Vodafone Group with operations across the country serving over 170 million customers. Commencing operations in 2007, Vodafone in its long-term commitment to India, has built a robust business in a highly competitive and price sensitive market.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / Priyanka Singh, TNN / August 20th, 2014