Author: shubhangi

Art has the uncanny knack of packing in aesthetic punch in the story narration. Ritika Seth points out that throughout history, across the world, free thinkers have always found a way to express themselves. Sometimes to raise awareness on a social cause, other times to stir up public sentiments. Sand art during the Ganesh festival has often found expression in the cause. Indian sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik from Odisha created world’s tallest sandcastle at Puri beach. In 2014, the Indian government honoured him with Padma Shri Art has time and again been used to narrate stories inspired from the history…

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Padatik, a theatre group in tandem with the Fatehpuria Theatre explored and evocatively brought out the celebrated feminist writer’s six short stories through ‘Kaagaz Ke Gubbare’. Shoma A. Chatterji says the experience went beyond the accepted realms of literature and theatre. A scene from the play ‘Kaagaz ke Gubbare’ Ismat Chughtai — for those who have read her works, directly or through word-of-mouth or stories – elicits respect as a radical and talented writer of Urdu fiction. Though she would never have liked to be bracketed as a “woman” writer, she really was one. Her writings have a universal…

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Without mincing words, Bharat Dogra lists all the measures that need to be taken for better conservation of forests and the environment and suggests that the experience of local communities should be harnessed in the process. Planting of more broad leaf species like the Oak in the Himalayan forest areas and villages will contribute to restore mixed species and also improve soil and water conservation significantly Perhaps the most important conservation task today is to protect whatever remains of our natural forests and resources. Where forests have been degraded badly, conducive conditions for regeneration need to be created so…

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A slice of Rajasthani heritage ‘Dharohar’, the heritage show comprising folk dances curated from all regions of Rajasthan is a veritable feast showcasing the essence and ethos of Rajasthani culture. The visual treat comes alive from a wide spectrum of folk arts and music from ignited minds of the organisers who have made it a tourist’s delight. The festivity which has enjoyed a pride of place in the hearts of eminent artists and heritage lovers, has fallen on tough times and needs funds for its revival. Bagore ki Haveli at Neem Chowk gets ready for the show Evenings are a…

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National Flag designer who died unsung On India’s 75th year of Independence, who do we thank? It is Pingali Venkayya (2 August 1876 – 4 July 1963), who designed the Swaraj Flag, later modified into the Tricolour Flag of India. He painted India with the vibrant colours of saffron, white and green on the canvas of courage, sacrifice, patriotism, and renunciation. Multi-faceted Pingali was a lecturer, author, geologist, educationalist, agriculturist, polyglot, teacher, linguist, freedom fighter, staunch Gandhian and devoted Congress party member. Born into a Telugu Brahmin family in Bhatlapenumarru, now in AP after high school in Madras, he graduated…

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Hero of Hyderabad annexation Havildar (Hav.) Bachittar Singh was born on 10 January 1917 in Lopo village of Punjab as the only child of Sardar Rur Singh. He was educated only up to 8th class but he excelled in swimming and wrestling. Right from his young age he was a nationalist and always wanted to join the army. He joined the army and was enrolled in the Sikh Regiment on 10 January 1937. After completing basic military training, he served his battalion in Africa and Greece. He participated in the Second World War also and saw combat in South Africa.…

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Pioneer who left his mark His crisp signature line: Namaskar! Me Pradeep Bhide. Aajchya thalak batmya (Today’s headlines) on Mumbai Doordarshan Kendra in his easy familiar style resonated with generations of viewers. 5’8” Pradeep Bhide was a well-known news presenter on Marathi television. The exemplary voice artiste pioneered the art of reading bulletins and hosting shows. He shaped the Kendra’s newscast since its formative years, having joined in 1974 two years after the channel’s inception on 2 October 1972, well before its name was changed to DD Sahyadri and served it for more than 40 years.  A Science graduate, he did…

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Pioneering construction tycoon Pallonji Shapoorji Mistry who inherited his father’s construction behemoth Shapoorji Pallonji Constructions (SP Constructions) at the age of 18 was born on 1 June 1929 to Shapoorji Pallonji Mistry in a traditional Parsi family that had its roots in Bombay. He completed his school and college education in Mumbai (then Bombay) before plunging headlong into the construction business. During his 65-year-old association with the company, Pallonji embarked on a business expansion drive that witnessed the company spreading into overseas markets as well. The 156-year-old firm registered an exponential increase in its business turnover with Pallonji’s father being instrumental…

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Voice of wintry afternoons Bhupinder Singh nee Bhupi was an Indian guitarist, who sang ghazals, bhajans and Bollywood songs.  Guitar in hand, a cigarette on his lips, this 5’8” handsome, jovial man was happy-go-lucky, but if something got on his wrong side, he would swear in earthy Punjabi.  A limited-edition he was a master of soulful singing in a brooding voice, creating magic. Gifted with an original, rich voice, his oeuvre was eclectic, drawing inspiration from Western music and Indian classical idioms.  A multi-faceted composer, he understood lyrics and never took liberties with poetic sentiment. The mainstay of his film music output…

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Counter-terrorism expert Lance Naik (L/Nk) Mohan Nath Goswami was born in Lalkuan in Nainital District in Uttarakhand. His father had served in the Assam Rifles. Mohan volunteered to serve in the Parachute Regiment in 2002. He joined the elite 9 Para, the Special Forces (SF) unit of the army trained specifically for quick engagements in mountain areas. He gained reputation as one of the toughest soldiers. In August 2015, he was posted in Kashmir as part of counter-terrorism operations. On 23 August, he participated in the operation in Khurmur region of Handwara in which three Lashkar-e Taiba operatives were killed. …

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