Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

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

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

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

AMU Professor Gets SAARC Best Law Teacher Award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, Leaders, Records, All

Eminent academician Faizan Mustafa, who is senior vice-president of city-based NGO Rural Litigation Entitlement Kendra, has been conferred with this year’s prestigious SAARC Best Law Teacher Award.

In a unanimous decision the high-powered jury conferred this award on Mustafa, according to a press statement released by the NGO here today.

The award which carries Rs 1 lakh in cash, a citation and a plaque would be given to Mustafa by the Union Law Minister in Delhi on September 6, in the presence of eminent professors of law, judges and eminent lawyers, it said.

Earlier awardees include leading jurists N R Madhav Menon, Ranbir Singh, G V Ajjappa, V S Mani, Prof. Laxminath and Prof. Mizanur Rehman of Bangladesh’s Dhaka University.

Mustafa is Aligarh Muslim University’s Law Faculty member and is widely respected for his passion for teaching. He introduced several courses such as Intellectual Property Rights, International Human Rights Law and Tourism Laws at AMU.

At NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad where he is presently working as Vice-Chancellor, he designed and taught new courses like Diversity Management Law, Comparative Strict Liability Law, Multiculturalism & Minority Rights.

He is the only academic who has been nominated as member of the National Legal Services Authority, which is headed by the Chief Justice of India.

He is member of several Executive Councils, Academic Councils and General Councils of various universities. He has been member of several search committees for the appointment of Vice-Chancellors.

Noted rights activist Avadhash Kaushal who heads the NGO has suggested that the Uttarakhand government should utilise the services of Mustafa in planning the proposed National Law University of Uttarakhand.

source: http://www.outlookindia.com / Outlook / Home> News / Dehradun – August 19th, 2014

Diver got a bravery award, but little after that

Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features

Agra :

Shanshah Khan received the President’s Award for Bravery at the tender age of 11 for his attempt to rescue four children drowning in the Yamuna.

However, Shanshah, now 18, lives in penury and says he cannot eat the certificate and trophy, and wishes that the President had given him some scholarships for his studies. “I am managing my studies of my own. It is sad that the government remembered to give me an award but forgot that I cannot eat and drink the certificate and trophies. I would have been thankful to the President if she had given me some scholarships for studies,” Shanshah told TOI.

The youth lives in a small hutment on the bank of the Yamuna with his family of nine members and hardly has space to keep the award. His father, Bissa Khan, is also working as a diver and has rescued several people.

Of the four children rescued by Shanshah in 2007, two were rescued alive while two died due to breathlessness. He received more than a dozen bravery awards, medals and certificates for his bravery from local NGOs and the district administration. He received the President’s bravery award in 2009 from then President, Pratibha Patil, at Rashtrapati Bhawan which he has kept in a big suitcase gifted to him by an NGO.

Youngest among his four brothers, Shanshah is a hero in his locality. His friends used to tease him that one day he would rescue a girl drowning in the river and she will be his heroine, forever. Married just six months back, Khan is happy these days because of his high school result. He has just passed Class X from CBSE and managed to get 7.2 CGPA. He wants to pursue his studies further.

However, Bissa said poverty snatched his son’s dreams of becoming an engineer. “My son wanted to be an engineer but I was unable to send him to a proper school. I am proud of what he has done and is doing in life. We do not want medals, but a little help and respect from people.”

Bissa has to look after a big family of nine persons and is struggling to manage even two square meals per day. “People do not give me anything for rescuing them. I also don’t ask for anything. May be their lives were not valuable for anyone, but mine is, for my family. Even police and the district administration do not give the divers anything for their acts of bravery, apart from felicitation on Independence and Republic day,” he added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Agra / TNN / August 12th, 2014

Knot that unties all differences

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Lucknow :

At a time when Rakshabandhan is being used to drive its propaganda to counter ‘Love Jihad’, many Hindu and Muslim families in Lucknow displayed the real spirit of the festival in which irrespective of religion they vowed to stand by each other through thick and thin.

“Celebrating Rakshabandhan is not about upholding Hindu culture or protect religion; instead, it’s about spreading harmony and peace among all,” said Dhananjay Verma, who despite a hectic schedule makes it a point to be in Lucknow to meet his sister Naghma on Rakshabandhan. “For the past 35 years, there has not been a single Rakshabandhan when I have not met Nagma,” he added with a smile.

Naghma, is equally happy celebrating 35 years of the unique sibling bond. “I have been tying rakhi to Dhananjay Bhaiyya’s wrist when I was not even aware of the importance of this festival. I am truly blessed to have a brother like him,” she said.

Rafia and Ashish who were friends since childhood celebrated the 12th year of their sibling bond. “We both know each other from very early days. He is always there to help me out whenever I need him. This day is very special to me as I spend quality time with my brother who is not related to me by blood but by heart,” said Rafia.

Similar is the bonding between Nancy Kashyap and Rizwan Khan and Anirudh Bajpai and Samreen Zaidi.

City-based historian Yogesh Pravin narrates one of the most beautiful examples of Hindu-Muslim amity of Rani Karnavati of Chittor sending a rakhi to Mughal Emperor Humayun when she was threatened by Bahadur Shah of Mewar. Humayun acted as a responsible brother and abandoned an ongoing military campaign to ride to her rescue.

Muslim brothers taking pledge to protect their Hindu sisters and vice-versa is common in Lucknow known for its Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb.

“In my family, I have grown up seeing the brotherly love of my maternal uncle, poet Krishna Bihari Noor, for Aziz Darab Bano Wafa, also a poet, whom he considered his beloved sister.”

Following in the footsteps of his uncle, Yogesh Pravin, besides getting a rakhi tied by his sister Manju makes it a point that his foster sister Nusrat Nauheed (retired librarian at Amir-ud-daula library) ties the silken thread on his wrist every year without a miss.

Besides, there are also many Muslim families in the city who celebrate Rakshanbandhan with the same fervour as celebrated in Hindu families.

“My entire family celebrates the festival with enthusiasm. I think being Indians we should respect all religions and their festivals. No matter which religion you belong to we should all rejoice in every festival,” said Sumaira Rizvi.

Seconding his sister’s thoughts, Ali Faiz said “I enjoy this festival to its fullest with all my sisters and cousins.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / August 11th, 2014

Kakori martyr’s abode eclipsed

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence, Records, All

When the country is looking forward to have a National War Memorial, an old house in Varanasi, the abode of Kakori train robbery case hero Rajendra Lahiri, still waits for attention of authorities.

Located on the main road leading to Dashashwamedh Ghat in Varanasi, the house owned by Lahiri family, which should have been conserved as a memorial of the great Bengali revolutionary, has passed through several hands after being sold for commercial gains. The ground floor of the two-storey building houses shops, while the upper floor still wears an old look with brick construction without plaster. The house is in possession of trader Dilip Tulsiyani, who purchased it from one Nirvanchand Chatterjee.

At present most people, except some old timers and people of Bangiya Samaj, are not even aware about the history and importance of this place which witnessed the revolutionary activities of Hindustan Republic Association.

After winning the election from Varanasi, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had crossed the house while going to take part in Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat but the historic place failed to catch his attention as it was eclipsed by shops on ground floor and in neighbourhood.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Binay Singh, TNN / August 14th, 2014

Ram Singh band plays requiem to past glory

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Records, All

Lucknow:

Formed by captain Ram Singh, a favourite of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the State Band of Uttar Pradesh has the distinction of having played the National Anthem at the Red Fort on August 15, 1947 as the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru unfurled the Tricolour. The proud band is fading slowly into oblivion, with no recruitments in the past 30 years and its strength reduced from 56 in 1948 to 21 at present.

Still playing at all government events, the band leads the Republic Day and Independence Day parades, besides all functions where it is required as a protocol. On Friday, the band will present a special show at the Patel Pratima Park in Hazratganj.

“Government has made no recruitments for the band since 1975. They induct PAC jawans but there is no provision whatsoever to even allow those who want to join the band to switch over from regular police force duties,” says a member of the band on condition of anonymity. “We can’t talk to the press without the permission of our bosses,” he said.

Commandant 35th Battalion Luv Kumar, who took charge of the post on Thursday, said the band needs immediate attention. “I will take up the issue with the department and I am sure our seniors will take it up with the government,” he said.

For the band members, there is every reason to believe the government is probably not even aware of the prevailing situation. “During Mayawati (2007-2012)’s regime, one of us, who got a chance to interact with P L Punia, the then principal secretary to chief minister, took up the issue on a personal basis. The government reacted promptly and sanctioned funds required to replace all instruments with brand new ones,” says another band member.

Prior to that, the band had trumpets and bugles which had holes and the main drum had a number of patches on it to keep it intact. “We have new equipment but not as many members to play. Once we retire, in the next few years, this historical band will stop playing unless steps are taken to save it,” said the band member.

The state band, which was later declared the Band for 35th Battalion of Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) once the force came into being, last made headlines when it was adjudged Best Police Band of the country at the First All India Police Band Competition held at Lucknow in 1999. But that was last that the Band members today remember to have celebrated.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Pervez Iqbal Siddiqui, TNN / August 15th, 2014

West UP birds like Red-headed falcon now ‘endangered’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, World Opinion

Meerut :

The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) in its updated ‘Red list’ has featured three birds of UP West – the red-headed falcon, the woolly-necked stork and the Himalayan griffon. The last of these migrates to West UP in winter.

These birds have been added to the list of endangered species recently released on IUCN website. The list is based on the studies jointly conducted by the Bombay Natural History Society and Bird Life International, based in UK.

Rajat Bhargava, ornithologist and senior scientist, BNHS, said, “The inclusion in the list means these birds have now entered the threatened zone. Out of these three birds, the Himalayan griffon is an occasional visitor during winter.”

This year, 172 birds from India are in the endangered list, seven more than the 165 listed last year. “The main reason for the dwindling population of these birds is the shrinking grasslands and wetlands, the natural habitats of these species. Industrial activity and use of chemicals in agricultural processes also threaten these birds”, Bhargava said.

The Himalayan griffon, a species in vulture, has been hit by the use of the anti-inflammatory drug diclofenac, administered to livestock, on which the vultures feed. The increased number of crows and stray dogs, that also feed on carcasses, threaten the vultures.

Birdlife International is the official agency responsible for preparing the IUCN Red List of globally threatened birds. This was earlier done once in three years. The list is now revised every year.

Caption: Woolly-necked stork is seen during winters in cultivation and marshy areas of Meerut. It feeds on lizards, frogs, crabs and large insects.

Caption: Red-headed falcon prefers open country with wide cultivated plain along with groups of trees, groves and villages, and avoids dense forest. Pairs usually hunt in concert by driving prey (small birds, rodents and lizards) out from leafy branches.

Caption: Himalayan griffon is among the largest birds, a species of vulture, and perches on rocks and makes a rattling sound when descending on a carcass. They feed on old carcasses, sometimes waiting for a couple of days near a dead animal.

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