Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Muzaffar Ali to get Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leaders, Records, All
Renowned filmmaker Muzaffar Ali. / File photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar
Renowned filmmaker Muzaffar Ali. / File photo: Shiv Kumar Pushpakar

Noted filmmaker Muzaffar Ali, who had directed the Bollywood classic “Umrao Jaan”, has been selected for Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award for his outstanding contribution towards the promotion of communal harmony, peace and goodwill.

It carries a citation and cash award of Rs 5 lakh.

The decision to honour the 69-year-old film maker, social worker and sufi poet was taken at a meeting of the Advisory Committee of the Rajiv Gandhi National Sadbhavana Award yesterday.

Born in Lucknow, Ali also directed over one-and-a-half dozen movies including “Gaman” and “Khizan”. He was awarded Padma Shri in 2005.

This will be the 22nd edition of the Sadbhavana award, which will be presented at a special ceremony at Jawahar Bhavan on August 20, the birthday of late Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi.

Congress president Sonia Gandhi has been presenting the award ever since it was constituted.

It was instituted to commemorate the contribution made by him to promote peace, communal harmony and fight against violence.

Recipients of the award include Mother Teresa, K.R. Narayanan, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Lata Mangeshkar, Sunil Dutt, Dilip Kumar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Maulana Wahiduddin Khan.

Others who got it were Jagan Nath Kaul, Mohd Yunus, Hiteswar Saikia and Subhadra Joshi (jointly), Kapila Vatsyayan, Teesta Setalvad and Harsh Mander (jointly), S N Subbarao, Swami Agnivesh and Madari Moideen (jointly), Nirmala Deshpande, Hem Dutta, N Radhakrishnan, Gautam Bhai, SPIC MACAY and D R Mehta.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> CinemaPlus / PTI / New Delhi – August 01st, 2014

Inauguration of Janeshwar Mishra Park: Kathak ballet to mark celebrations

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Green Initiatives / Environment, Nature, Travel

Lucknow :

A Kathak ballet in Sanskrit will be staged during the inauguration of Janeshwar Mishra Park on Tuesday.Chief of Sanskrit Sansthan, Shankar Suhail, said a Delhi-based kathak dance group headed by Neelakshi Rai will present the story of Amrapali, a courtesan in ancient India.

He added that it will be a delight for the audience because very few ballets in Sanskrit have been staged. On Wednesday, Shivram Sharma and his troupe from Varanasi will stage Sanskrit play, Dootvaakyam. “Dr Sharma is known to pick people from diverse walks of life and teach them Sanskrit language. The students pass their test only when they are able to act in a Sanskrit play,” said Suhail. Vandana Mishra of Faizabad will present a kajri recital on Wednesday evening.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / August 04th, 2014

Urdu reflects love and affection: Uttar Pradesh CM Akhilesh Yadav

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Historical Links / Pre-Independence
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav during the prize distribution ceremony of Urdu Academy at Chief Minister House in Lucknow on Monday (Photo: PTI)
Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav during the prize distribution ceremony of Urdu Academy at Chief Minister House in Lucknow on Monday (Photo: PTI)

Lucknow:

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav today said that Urdu has always connected hearts and when the language is used, it reflects love and affection. Speaking on the occasion of a book prize distribution ceremony of Uttar Pradesh Urdu Academy at his official residence, Yadav said a message of love and brotherhood would reach the society through this event.

Emphasising on importance of languages for the mutual understanding among masses, the Chief Minister said Hindi and Urdu were being used to take the society forward. He said it was the intention of the SP government that both the languages get promoted and compete with English. Referring to the efforts made by the SP government to promote Indian languages, he said the government has started felicitating Hindi, Urdu and Sanskrit scholars.

source: http://www.deccanchronicle.com / Deccan Chronicle / Home> Nation> Politics / Press Trust of India / August 05th, 2014

NBRI organizes workshop for physically disabled

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Inspiration / Positive News and Features

Lucknow :

National Botanical Research Institute on Thursday organized one-day training programm on “Dry Flower Technology” at NC Chaturvedi School for Hearing Impaired, TilakNagar in Aishbagh. About 30 students and teachers of the school participated in the programme. The programme was meant to help students with physical or mental disability in developing, self confidence, reinforce to their creativity, small entrepreneurship and an effort to change their disability into ability so that they can earn some money and become self-dependent.

In the first session Dr AK Dwivedi, senior principal scientist introduced them with the technique and its significance. Dr Kamla Kulshreshtha, principal scientist, NBRI addressed the students and expressed best wishes to them for the work they have done for their betterment. A demonstration to make the greeting cards, three dimensional paper weights and decorative items was given to them in the session ‘learning by doing’. A number of items are made by the enthusiastic students and were kept in the college for their own future programmes and demonstrations.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Time of India / Home> City> Lucknow / by Arunav Sinha, TNN / July 31st, 2014

Lucknow unites for safety of women

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

Lucknow :

A campaign titled, ‘Save women safe women’ has been initiated by citizens of the city to sensitize people on women’s safety measures and to take a pledge to run a regular civil society movement.

Anupma Foundation and Rann-Samar Foundation will get people from all walks of life together so that a healthy viable ambience is adopted. A seminar-cum-group discussion was held on Friday in which activist, educationists, police officials and members of judiciary participated.

Abha Singh, advocate and president of Rann-Samar Foundation said, “There needs to be a certain kind of fear among the male members of the society that no one is above law and anyone who has the audacity to mess with law will be booked.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / August 02nd, 2014

Wooden wonders

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Historical Links / Pre-Independence
Mughal carving, as the name suggests, is a tradition that traces back to Persia and was aimed at royal palaces. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu
Mughal carving, as the name suggests, is a tradition that traces back to Persia and was aimed at royal palaces. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu

Hapur-based Sardar Hussain lends freshness to Mughal wood carving.

Surrounded by eager participants who show off their handiwork, Sardar Hussain has a beatific smile on his weather-beaten, bearded face as he patiently explains the nuances to the youngsters at one of the intensives at the recent SPIC MACAY’s International Convention. That the shilpa guru is the fourth generation craftsman who has mastered the Mughal technique of wood carving and is the recipient of many a National and international recognition (UNESCO Seal Of Excellence Award) for his craft sits easy on his fragile shoulders.

Mughal carving, as the name suggests, is a tradition that traces back to Persia and was aimed at royal palaces. So, the work itself is a smooth marriage of intricate floral patterns on a grand scale. Sardar Hussain’s family began small but over generations, things have changed. He came into prominence when he was conferred the National Award for making wooden blocks in 1981. He says, “Traditionally, we made blocks but soon we realised that it was not a perennial source of income. So, I reinvented the craft by exploring and expanding the vocabulary during the Golden Age Exhibit at the Festival of India in 1985. I manufactured a wooden box and a round block. I used that block as a lid. I tried a similar thing with square boxes and blocks. What I also did is to use brass inlay on the carved works. And viola! a new craft was born.”

Sardar Hussain has a beatific smile on his weather-beaten, bearded face as he patiently explains the nuances to the youngsters at one of the intensives at the recent SPIC MACAY’s International Convention. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu
Sardar Hussain has a beatific smile on his weather-beaten, bearded face as he patiently explains the nuances to the youngsters at one of the intensives at the recent SPIC MACAY’s International Convention. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu

Today, Sardar Hussain runs a thriving export business called Sajawat Handicrafts in his hometown in Chhipiwara, Hapur District of Uttar Pradesh. He is assisted by his sons, both also National Award winners. And among their clients are Fab India and CCI. Says Hussain, “We work with designers from these outlets and create articles according to their requirements. That way we are sure of our work reaching customers.” Taking about the craft itself, he says, “The most important aspect here is the finish. The end product is a reflection of your skill and unless that is in places, the piece falls flat.” The wood used is mostly sheesham but the artisan also uses mango wood these days. “The advantage of mango wood is that its texture allows for it t be painted in different colours.”

Today, Sardar Hussain’s oeuvre includes jewellery boxes, pen stands, brightly hued hand mirrors, bangle boxes, wall hangings, photo frames and of course, blocks. Though he does workshops off and on, he feels “What is needed today is for the youngsters to take to a craft with sustained interest. And keep at it till they perfect it. That is somehow lacking today.”

And yes, the wizened craftsman has kept pace with technology, thanks to his children. His entrepreneurial venture is accessible on the Internet (sajawathandicraft.com) and he can be contacted at sajawat.handictaft@gmail.com

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review / by Savitha Gautam / New Delhi – July 31st, 2014

Kanwariyas paints Meerut saffron

Arts, Culture & Entertainment

Meerut :

With each passing day, the number of kanwariyas entering the city is on the rise. One can see the saffron-clad pilgrims walking along the national highway 58 (NH 58) towards their destination with women and children also being a part of this religious walk.

Kapil Saini, for instance, is carrying a 20 kg Kanwar and is determined to take it all the way from Haridwar to Hapur covering a distance of 180 km on foot. Similarly, 69-year-old, Gayatri Devi defies the limitation of age and is carrying Kanwar for the first time. She is accompanied by her son Vimal Prajapati. “We were blessed with a baby after almost six years. We had promised to Lord Shiva that we would go to this pilgrimage to pay him gratitude”, says Vimal.

According to ADM SK Dubey till now around seven to eight lakh devotees entered the city who are on their way to Bulandshahr and other cities.

Meanwhile, the administration is keeping strict vigil over each and every activity. Special watch is being maintained on the routes that pass through Muslim dominated areas.

Meerut, SSP, Onkar Singh said, “Since the Kanwar season coincides with Ramzan — holy month of Muslims — our forces are on a high alert especially in the areas that have sizable number of Muslim populations.”

In addition, all auto rickshaws and three-wheelers have been instructed not to ply on the road designated for Kanwariyas. The order was put in force from 6:00am on Monday and will stay put till the eveing July 25, 2014, the day devotees shall offer holy water on Shiva in different temples.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Meerut / by Sandeep Rai, TNN / July 21st, 2014

Girl from Sangam city grabs headlines in US

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Inspiration / Positive News and Features, World Opinion

Allahabad :

A girl born in Allahabad and now studying at the University of California, Berkeley, has made the city proud by winning the ‘price money question’ of $ 64000 (approx Rs 38 lakhs) by asking former US secretary of state Hillary Clinton, “If you don’t represent women in politics in America as future president, who will?”

Daughter of an ex-faculty member of Allahabad University, Vrinda Agarwal’s family moved to Sacramento, California some time back. Vrinda, a junior studying political science at UC Berkeley, is the founder and CEO of 100 strong (onehundredstrong.org), which works to empower underprivileged high school women by providing them with mentors and leadership training.

She won the ‘price money question’ at an event called ‘Everyone’s Mind’, organized recently at the Clinton Global Initiative University conference at Arizona State University, Tempa, US. Vrinda has done her early schooling in the city.

Such was the impression of Vrinda’s priced question that former US president Bill Clinton and Hillary Clinton shared the stage with her and assured her all help in future. Her question elicited a standing ovation from the jam-packed hall, Hillary Clinton’s answer reverberated across the country, grabbing front page spaces across the entire American print media and prime time news bytes on all TV channels.

Vrinda assured Hillary that she was prepared to proudly run her presidential campaign to which Clinton replied, “I appreciate the sentiment. I’m obviously thinking about all kinds of decisions.”

“There is so much inequality around the world, including America, for women which we see in public education, where women have lower graduation rates in poor areas; or in corporate America, where women earn less than men; and even in politics, in which women are significantly underrepresented,” said Vrinda, via e-mail.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / by Rajiv Mani, TNN / May 21st, 2014

Sangam city’s Ekka Daud races with tradition

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Sports

Allahabad :

This may be similar to the famous bull run of Spain, large crowds of onlookers coming on the roads, risking themselves but the only difference being that in place of bulls, one witnesses horse-carts, running in full speed towards them. It is the famous ‘Ghehre Bazi’ (ghehre means steps and bazi means bet) or Ekka Daud (horse-cart race) which takes place in the city on every Monday of Shrawan month.

Having a history of around 200 years, the race was traditionally started by panda’s of the city who continued to patronize the practice for years. If was only around 1940s that the zamindars of Allahabad and neighbouring areas also started participating in this unique race.

Although, there is no cash prize but the applauds of the spectators and the appreciation for saais (horse’s keeper) comes as unexplainable satisfaction. However, this ‘showcase race’ gives a platform for practicing to horse cart owners to prepare for two important competitive races, each of 14 kilometres held in October-November and attended by horse owners from Lucknow, Kanpur, Mirzapur, Pratapgarh etc. One of these races is held from Hanumanganj to Alopidevi Chungi and second from Sahason crossing to Phaphamau market. Throwing light on ‘ekka daud’ of Allahabad, which has all the potential of being a major tourist attraction, Badre Alam informed that this race is unique in many ways, prominent being the norm that only those horses can participate which are not been used for any commercial activity. The racing horses can only canter (movement of horse wherein it moves in fast steps and not gallop).

“For the purpose, Sindhi horses (those belonging to Sindh province of Pakistan) are best as they have the inborn talent of moving fast on sand and not gallop,” said Alam, who has participated in over 30 races and has won 10 of these. We get these horses from the famous animal fair of Barmer, he added.

The cart of this unique race is equally special as it is specially manufactured in Delhi. The huge wooden wheel and the riding platform is made of shisham wood and best ball bearings are used to give it needed speed. “Two persons sits on a cart, one handling the horse through strings and the one in rear part, navigates the cart by informing about the location of other competitors,” explains Alam, a zamindar of Katra. The race is unique in a way that it gives an example of Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb as it is held to stress the importance of Monday of the holy month of Shrawan in which Hindus and Muslims participate enthusiastically. “Shiva signifies sakti (power) and horse too denotes power, thus this race is held during this month,” said Alam.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Allahabad / TNN / July 18th, 2014

Taj city plan to get HOHO

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economy, Travel

Agra :

The city will have its own air-conditioned Hop On Hop Off (HOHO) bus service akin to Delhi very soon. With an aim to popularize city’s monuments apart from the Taj Mahal and the Agra Fort, the UP tourism department plans to connect all such places of interest through this bus service.

A discussion in this regard was held during a high-level meeting in Lucknow on Monday and the Agra regional office was asked to prepare a proposal in this regard. The next meeting of the tourism department is scheduled to be held in Agra on July 20.

Regional tourist officer Dinesh Kumar said there were “several other monuments worth a visit”. He said that the proposed bus service would aim to prevent tourists from leaving the city after visiting the Taj and the Agra Fort. “Easy access to such monuments will tempt tourists to stay in the city for a longer time,” he said.

Mehtab Bagh, Sikandara and Itimad-ud-Daulah are some of the sites the HOHO bus service is likely to make a stop, he added

In Delhi, under the HOHO bus service, tours are conducted in specially designed buses which ply along a route, wherein tourists can board or alight at any of the pick-up or drop points. The route covers all major tourist destinations in Delhi, while monuments’ tickets and guides have been made available to the tourists on the bus itself.

In another decision, the UP tourism department will construct two of the three proposed parking lots in the vicinity of the Taj Mahal, while the other one will be built by the Agra Development Authority.

Directions were also issued to complete the ongoing land-scraping work at Shah Jahan garden, located in front of the Taj, by July-end. Moreover, officials were asked to build an interpretation centre at Fatehpur Sikri in accordance with the Mughal architecture.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> City> Agra / by Aditya Dev, TNN / July 08th, 2014