Indian folk artist killed in Nepal
By IANS
Kathmandu : An Indian folk artist was gunned down early Sunday in a frontier village of Nepal during a folk play performance.
Phani Lal Yadav, a 35-year-old folk artist from Bihar's Madhubani district, was shot in Baseriya village in Saptari, one of the most violent districts in Nepal in recent times where in the past one month at least 20 people have been killed by armed groups.
He brews tea – and stories – at his stall
By Azera Rahman, IANS
New Delhi : Pouring endless cups of tea for customers, Laxman Rao looks like any other tea vendor on a busy road of the capital. But looks can be deceptive and Rao proves that. This tea vendor has authored 18 books till date!
Sitting on a low stool at his tea stall near ITO in Delhi, 53-year-old Rao spoke of how he came to run his own publishing house, Bharatiya Sahitya Kala Prakashan.
"I have been writing short stories, plays and books for 28 or 29 years," Rao smiled and said, as he poured tea into one of the small glasses to a customer.
Giant images at Liverpool of Beatles in Indian ashram
By Prasun Sonwalkar, IANS
Liverpool : If you visit Liverpool as it revels in the status of the European Capital of Culture during 2008, chances are that you will be greeted by large, blown-up images of the Beatles in Rishikesh at the local John Lennon Airport (JLA).
The northwestern port city of Liverpool is better known the world over as the place where the Beatles came together in the late 1950s. The iconic group of the flower power 1960s generation had close interaction with Indian spiritual leader Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
Gulzarbagh station to be named Azeemabad in honour of Shad Azeemabadi
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
Patna: The Gulzarbagh railway station near Patna will be renamed Azimabad in honour of famous Urdu poet Shad Azeemabadi. This was announced to a delegation of Muslim leaders by Railway Minister Mr. Lalu Prasad Yadav.
Shad Azimabadi [1846-1927] was a famous Urdu poet who lived in Patna. He also wrote in Arabic and Persian language.
EU ‘culture weeks’ in Delhi from Wednesday
By IANS
New Delhi : From an exhibition of nature photographs to camera phones, from a fusion music concert to film shows, Delhiites will have an opportunity to delve into the world of European art and culture for 10 days from Wednesday.
The European Commission, in collaboration with the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), has organised a series of daily events on paintings, sculptures, films and performing arts as part of the EU Cultural Weeks.
Indian designers show the art of being crystalline
By IANS
New Delhi : Five top Indian designers are partnering Swarovski to use crystals not only in their clothing line, but also in shoes, jewellery and interiors, in an indication of what would be in vogue in the upcoming spring-summer season.
The designers - Tarun Tahiliani, J.J. Valaya, Manish Arora, Rohit Bal and Suneet Verma - used the crystals in a variety of media to showcase their creative brilliance on the theme 'Art of Being' at a press conference here Tuesday.
Kids juggle, trapeze to inspire smiles
By Timira Gupta, IANS
Panaji : They are kids who once stood at car windows and begged with tears in their eyes. Now they walk on stilts, juggle and do acrobatics for a theatrical street performance, an attempt to bring a little fantasy to life and to inspire all to smile.
They are part of the 'Laboratory of Smiles', a group of 25 underprivileged children trained by an Italian theatre troupe, Teatro Per Caso, for a performance that is touring the three cities of Mumbai, Pune and Panaji this month.
Tyeb Mehta to triumph at online auction
By Uma Nair, IANS
New York : Tyeb Mehta's untitled work of an androgynous falling figure is set to triumph at Saffronart's winter online auction of modern India art works.
The auction, which will take place Dec 5-6 on www.saffronart.com, is the 19th in the series by leading online modern art auctioneer Saffronart and features 110 works by 36 artists.
Tyeb Mehta's untitled work of 2000, a soft green and grey toned acrylic on canvas, is estimated at a hefty $400,000-$600,000. However, a sumptuous set of14 makes F.N. Souza the most coveted artist at the auction.
11th century Cambodian temple to be renovated by India
By Devirupa Mitra, IANS
New Delhi : An 11th century temple in Cambodia, located near its border with Thailand and the subject of lingering tension between the two Southeast Asian countries, will now be renovated by India.
The Preah Vihear temple has been in the limelight this year over Cambodia's bid to get a Unesco world heritage status for it, but was objected to by Thailand.
Kerala cultural centre opens school in Kashmir
By Sanu George, IANS
Kozhikode (Kerala) : With teachers from Kerala, a Muslim cultural centre here has set up a school in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district where hundreds of needy children in the violence-hit region are provided education.
The Sunni Cultural Centre (Markazus Saquafati Sunniyya) has been running the school in Rajouri district of Jammu for a year. It also sponsors some 500 school children in Kashmir Valley.
Hearing impaired speak volumes through Kangra paintings
By IANS
New Delhi : The magic that they weave through their paintings overpowers all their handicaps. Fine and delicate, the miniature Kangra paintings by a group of hearing impaired youth exhibited in the capital Sunday were a treat for the onlookers.
Aimed at encouraging the young artists and reinstating their confidence that their handicap cannot prevent them from achieving their dreams, the exhibition was organised by Canadian high commissioner David Malone at the Canada House here.
Tibetans to express pain through theatre
By IANS
Dharamsala : An independent group sympathetic to refugees from Tibet is organising a five-day theatre workshop and performance here this week in a theatre movement called the 'theatre of the oppressed', to help refugees express their emotions through acting.
The group, Friends of Tibet, has asked two experienced Indian theatre activists -- Jaya Aiyer and Ishtiaq -- to train young Tibetan refugees and their Indian sympathisers in this kind of theatre.
World record-breaking puja performed in Jaipur
By IANS
Jaipur : Over 5,000 people, including 3,510 priests, participated in a massive 'bhumi puja' ceremony for a condo homes project here Saturday, simultaneously breaking the ground with shovels, to set a Guinness world record for such an event.
Kim Lacey from Guinness World Records, who had flown down from London to adjudicate, witnessed the event. "This is truly amazing. I have never seen such an event before. Yes, it has certainly set a world record," she said.
Pakistani spices curry favour with Indians
By Sahil Makkar, IANS
New Delhi : From chikan to the kitchen, the allure of Pakistan never fails to capture. As is evident from the long queues outside Pakistani stalls at the Trade Fair here with Indians stocking up on spices just as they buy the famed embroidered fabric for their wardrobes.
The aroma of Pakistani quorma and Sindhi biryani is wafting all the way across the border to the India International Trade Fair (IITF), which started Thursday and goes on till Nov 27. The tagline, 'The Original Pakistani Meal Express For India', aims to attract and it does.
Muslim families make stoves for Hindu festival
By Imran Khan, IANS
Patna : Many Muslim families in Bihar are currently busy making 'chulhas', or earthen stoves, used to prepare the holy offering for the Chhath festival of the Hindus, in yet another example of communal amity in India.
Mohammad Nizam, along with his wife and children, has made the special stoves for Hindu devotees who use it during the four-day Chhath that began Wednesday. His family is one of a dozen Muslim families engaged in making earthen chulhas in Patna and elsewhere.
Pakistan theme tops fiction and non-fiction bestsellers list
By IANS
New Delhi : There are no new surprises in the bestsellers list this week but Pakistan theme tops both fiction and non-fiction lists. "Deception: Pakistan, The United States and The Global Nuclear" which traces the journey of Pakistan's nuclear bomb climbs to the top of the non-fiction list. Pakistan-born Harvard Law School graduate turned journalist-writer Mohsin Hamid's "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" is at the top in the fiction list.
The top 10 non-fiction and fiction bestsellers this week are:
Non-fiction:
Artists highlight urban disparity in India
By IANS
New Delhi : Artists from India and abroad are here to use their paintbrushes to raise awareness about rising inequality in urban India, and at least one is driving home the point by comparing pigeons and rag pickers.
Stephan Prakash Eicher, one of the artists from Creative Conscience, has done a painting called "Finding a Foothold", drawing a contrast between the pigeons and the mass of young rag pickers who are a common sight in all towns.
Bright and ethnic, Pakistan pavilion has it all
By IANS
New Delhi : The Pakistan pavilion at the Indian International Trade Fair (IITF) is a clash of contrasts. On one hand are stalls flooded with white onyx stone sculptures and on the other are multi-hued, bright and shimmering fabrics.
As one enters the pavilion, Clevedon, one of the participating companies dealing with onyx stone sculptures in Pakistan, welcomes you with its pristine white sculptures.
Presenting, British Prime Minister Shri Govardhan Brown
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS
London : Wearing marigold garlands around his neck and a bright vermillion teeka on the forehead, Britain's prime minister was anointed Govardhan Brown Wednesday by a large crowd of cheering Asians celebrating Diwali in the heart of the British establishment.
"From today, you are an honorary member of the Hindu community, as Govardhan Brown," said Ramesh Kallidai, general secretary of the Hindu Forum UK, to a beaming Gordon Brown inside a packed hall in the House of Commons, the British lower house of parliament.
Battle for Jinnah House will hot up now
By Quaid Najmi, IANS
Mumbai : The stage is set for a battle royale between the Indian government and Dina Wadia, daughter of Pakistan's founder Muhammad Ali Jinnah, over Jinnah House when the Bombay High Court resumes next week after the Diwali vacation.
Dina, mother of leading industrialist Nusli Wadia, has claimed to be the rightful heir to the sprawling green and white three-storey colonial building, facing the Arabian Sea, in what is one of the most expensive pieces of real estate in the country.
Bands from Saarc countries to hold musical extravaganza
By IANS
New Delhi : Want a musical treat from eight different countries? Then a visit to the three-day musical extravaganza in the heart of the national capital in which bands from South Asian Association for Regional Association (Saarc) countries will be performing is an absolute must.
Fusion bands from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Maldives, Bhutan and Afghanistan will treat people to different flavours of music from Nov 30 to Dec 2 at the Central Park in Connaught Place.
Culture bars Asian women from councils in Britain
By Prasun Sonwalkar, IANS
London : Councils in Britain are said to be dominated by councillors who are "pale, male and stale", but women from the Indian sub-continent face several cultural barriers in their families and communities before they can enter local government, according to a new study.
Several men with roots in the Indian sub-continent have been elected councillors in various parts of Britain. Some like Harjit Gill (Gloucester) have gone on to become mayors, but there are too few women councillors from the Asian community.
Trinidad and Tobago celebrates Diwali in style
By Paras Ramoutar
Port-of-Spain(IANS) : Four days after Trinidad and Tobago's general elections, some 1.3 million people in this oil-rich Caribbean nation celebrated Diwali with fervour and merriment.
All thought the pre-Diwali celebrations here were stymied because of the hectic election campaign drawn over a five-week period.
However, putting aside political divisions, the cosmopolitan society here comprising some 1.3 million Hindus, Christians and Muslims, all came together to celebrate Diwali. Since 1966, Diwali has been celebrated as a national holiday here.
Diyas, sky lanterns – going smoke free this Diwali
By IANS
New Delhi : Wary of adding to the smog and haze this smoky Diwali? Well, the one way to light up Diwali night without adding to pollution levels is using earthen diyas with wax and a sky lantern, says a senior scientist at the Central Pollution Control Board.
"Every bit of fireworks, including the little sparkler, adds to air pollution. They are bound to, as they contain compounds of phosphorus, sulphur and potassium, and all these are pollutants," said the scientist, who did not want to be identified.
Mexican archaeologists begin search for Aztec king’s tomb
By IANS
Mexico City : A team of archaeologists has begun exploring a site in the heart of the Mexican capital that might lead to the first discovery of a tomb of an Aztec king, according to Spanish news agency EFE.
Mexico's National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) said in a communiqué that a 12-tonne monolith dedicated to Tlaltecuhtli, the Aztec earth goddess, was removed from the site Tuesday.
Scientists hope to uncover the tomb of King Ahuizotl, who reigned from 1486-1502.
No Diwali for residents of Giridih
Giridih (Jharkhand) (IANS) : There will be no fireworks here on Diwali night Friday as residents are too scared to celebrate the festival because of the terror unleashed by Maoist rebels.
The killing of 18 civilians, including Anup Marandi, son of former Jharkhand chief minister Babulal Marandi, by Maoist rebels in Chilkhari village of Giridih district last month is still fresh in their minds.
Indians are more culturally aware: Pakistani ghazal singer
By Shweta Thakur, IANS
New Delhi : Pakistani ghazal singer Tahira Syed says she loves performing in India because the audiences here are more appreciative of serious music than those back home. But she laments that cultural exchanges between the two countries had had little effect on their governments.
"The Indian audience is more sophisticated, culturally aware and has more knowledge of serious music while in Pakistan only those who have been watching television know me," Syed told IANS in an interview.
Federalism festival unfolds India’s flavours
By IANS
New Delhi : Delicacies from across the country, colourful handicrafts from various states, spell binding musical performances, intellectual discussions... the lush green lawns near the India Gate hosting the Federalism arts festival was abuzz with activities Monday.
Celebrating the 4th International Conference on Federalism being held in the capital, the five-day parallel 'Sanjha Safar' arts festival started Sunday.
Artists to showcase their craft and sell them too!
By IANS
New Delhi : Bypassing the art galleries and museums, an art trade fair in the capital has brought together 40 artists from across the country to showcase their work as well as sell them to their clients directly.
Conceived by Adishwar Puri, the two-day All India Art Trade Fair, which started Friday, will give a platform to emerging as well as veteran artists to display their work as well as give customers an opportunity to interact with the artists.
‘The Secret’ and ‘Shantaram’ back on bestseller lists
By IANS
New Delhi : Rhonda Byrne's "The Secret" is back as non-fiction bestseller and so is old favourite "Shantaram" by Gregory David Roberts, which once again makes it to the top of the fiction list.
The top 10 non-fiction and fiction bestsellers this week are:
Non-Fiction
1. "The Secret"
Author : Rhonda Byrne
Publisher : Atria Books
Price : Rs.550.00
2. "The River of Lost Footsteps: Histories of Burma"
Author : Thant Myint-U
Publisher : Faber and Faber
Price : Rs.495.00
3. "The Age of Turbulence: Adventures in A New World"
Author : Alan Greenspan
Indian contemporary art at Christie’s Hong Kong auction
By Uma Nair, IANS
Hong Kong : Christie's forthcoming Asian contemporary art sale, which is to take place here Nov 25, will offer 327 spectacular and highly-coveted works by some of the most celebrated artists of the region, including notable Indian artists.
Voluminous dance: 600 kg of artistic vitality in Cuba
By DPA
Havana : Ana Julia moves across the stage almost in a trance. She jumps, folds, turns to the music to end in perfect splits.
Nothing unusual for a dancer, except that this one - a member of the Cuban company Danza Voluminosa (Voluminous Dance) - weighs over 100 kg and her age is close to 40.
Among them, the eight members of the group created a decade ago by dancer and choreographer Juan Miguel Mas weigh a total of "over 600 kg," as they themselves admit in laughter.
Goa firm launches print-on-demand option for authors
By Frederick Noronha, IANS
Panaji : A firm here has launched a cheap and hassle-free online publishing service which allows people to create their books themselves and on their own terms.
CinnamonTeal Print & Publishing Services have started what they claim is India's first Print-On-Demand (POD) service.
This service allows authors to publish their books, one copy at a time, thus eliminating upfront publishing costs and the need for maintaining a large inventory of books.
National Manuscripts Mission to be enlarged
By IANS
New Delhi : With only a few months left for the National Manuscripts Mission, it will be "evolved and enlarged", says the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, which recently took over the direct control of the programme from the culture ministry.
The mission was started in 2003, with IGNCA as the nodal agency, but operating relatively in an autonomous fashion directly under the culture ministry. But, with just six months left in its mandate, NMM director Sudha Gopalkrishnan had resigned following differences over direct supervision by IGNCA.
Protestors prevent officials from entering Posco site
By IANS
Bhubaneswar : Hundreds of protestors in Orissa Thursday prevented the police and officials from entering the site of a proposed mega steel plant of Posco-India, a subsidiary of Pohang Iron and Steel Co.
The protestors prevented the team of officials, led by district police chief B.K. Sharma, from entering the proposed Posco plant site at Balitutha village in Jagatsinghpur district, some 120 km from state capital Bhubaneswar. Two groups, one opposing the project and the other supporting it, organised rallies near the site Thursday.
ATUJ hails notification of Urdu as 2nd official language in Jharkhand
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
Ranchi : The Anjuman Taraqqui-e-Urdu Jharkhand (ATUJ) has welcomed the notification issued by the State government by order of the...
Chandrasekaran, Anam in running for Guardian award
By IANS
London : Indian origin journalist-writer Rajiv Chandrasekaran's award-winning book on US hostilities in Iraq has been shortlisted for this year's Guardian First Book award worth 10,000 pounds.
The shortlist includes Tahnima Anam's "A Golden Age' about the birth of modern-day Bangladesh.
Chandrasekaran's book is titled "Imperial Life in the Emerald City: Inside Iraq's Green Zone". The book has already scooped this year's Samuel Johnson prize. Chair of judges Lady Helena Kennedy described the book as "up there with the greatest reportage of the last 50 years".
Loot of India’s antiquities goes unchecked
Theft of antiquities is robbing India's history and heritage; even Tajmahal was under threat at one time. Read this article from Syed Ali Mujtaba.
By Syed Ali Mujtaba, TwoCircles.net
An ancient idol of Lord Sabranath was stolen from a Jain temple in Kurdi village of Baghpat district in UP. Unidentified men entered the temple and took away the idol. The idol was never recovered.
An ancient idol of Lord Sabranath was stolen from a Jain temple in Kurdi village of Baghpat district in UP. Unidentified men entered the temple and took away the idol. The idol was never recovered.
Ancient pilgrimages in Bhaderwah, Kishtwar tell a willful tale of neglect
By Eff Ahmed,NAK
Jammu : The mainstay of state economy is tourism but ancient pilgrimages like Kailash Yatra, Machail Yatra and Reushira Devi Yatra in mountainous Bhaderwah and Kishtwar tell a tale of willful neglect.
Sources told News Agency of Kashmir that those at the helm of affairs have not done enough to develop these places of tourist pilgrimages with required infrastructure to attract pilgrims.
New officers for Bihar Urdu Academy
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
Patna: Bihar government today appointed two new vice chairmen and four new members to the Bihar Urdu Academy.
Dr. Ghayasuddin Rai and Dr. Abdul Wahid Ansari are appointed as two Vice Chairman of the Urdu Academy. Shahzad Anwar Ansari is appointed Secretary.
Also, four new members nominated are Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, director of Khuda Bakhsh Oriental Public Library; SM Ashraf Farid, Editor of Qaumi Tanzeem; Dr. Syed Shahbaz, Editor, Roznama Rashtriya Sahara and Md. Irshad, editor of Daily Pindar.
Self-publish your book and save your time
By Azera Rahman, IANS
New Delhi : Gone are the days when the time gap between writing a book and actually seeing it on the stands could be a couple of months to years, depending on the publisher. Now many authors are simply cutting short the process and self-publishing their book.
Debutant author Navin Pangti said since he was not eager to wait for long, he went ahead and published his book himself.
Sufi poet Rumi is Islam’s smiling face: American scholar
By IANS
Patna : Sufi poet Jalaluddin Rumi, a 13th century mystic, scholar and poet, is Islam's smiling face, noted American scholar Nevit Ergin said here Tuesday.
"Jalaluddin Rumi's message of love, tolerance, devotion and compassion made him the most popular face of Sufi poetry in the Western world. He is Islam's smiling face," he said.
Diwali celebrated in Johannesburg
By IANS
Johannesburg : There was dance, song and lots of feasting over the weekend here as South Africans from diverse backgrounds came together to celebrate Diwali, the Indian festival of lights.
The Newtown Diwali Festival 2007, hosted Saturday by the city of Johannesburg, showcased Indian song, music and dance, according to the festival website. Famous Indo-fusion bands Strings and Skins and Friends as well as the Johannesburg-based classical music and dance group Saptaswara performed at the event.
Alliance Francaise kicks off golden jubilee celebration
By IANS
New Delhi : Alliance Française de Delhi, where thousands of students go to learn proficiency in the French language, Monday kicked off its week-long golden jubilee celebration with a dance performance and a show by noted cartoonist Sudhir Tailang.
Eminent Hindi poet Shail Chaturvedi dead
By IANS
Mumbai : Shail Chaturvedi, eminent Hindi poet, humorist, lyricist and Bollywood character actor, passed away here early Monday morning.
He was 71 and is survived by his wife Daya and three sons, Vishal, Vihan and Vivek.
Suffering renal failure and other ailments, Chaturvedi breathed his last at his Malad home, north-west Mumbai, around midnight, his nephew, Akash Chaturvedi told IANS.
Tips on decorating with holiday souvenirs
By DPA
Berlin : Most holidays abroad involve returning home with a souvenir or small present like a flower-decorated vase from Mexico, a statue of Buddha from Thailand or the ever popular model flamenco dancers from Andalusia.
But not every souvenir immediately fits into the surroundings at home, says Berlin-based interior decorator Sam Bohr. "Anything is possible," says Bohr. But he warns against combining too many different styles and cultures.
Ravi Varma painting fetches half a million pounds
By Dipankar De Sarkar, IANS
London : A historic 19th century painting by Raja Ravi Varma has been sold for 520,000 pounds (about $1 million) at a London auction of Indian art, but more than two dozen modern Indian paintings remained unsold.
London auctioneer Bonhams estimated Ravi Varma's 1880 painting of a meeting between Indian royals and British officials at between 50,000 and 70,000 pounds but it sold for ten times the asking price Thursday.
Shimla toasts 175 years of historic Barnes Court
By IANS
Shimla : A European exterior with a 'pahari' (mountainous) soul! That is how the historic Barnes Court, a neo-Tudor timber framed building that now serves as the Himachal Pradesh governor's residence, was described on its completion of 175 years this week.
Governor V.S. Kokje hosted the city's elite to celebrate the occasion Thursday and recalled the sprawling building's history.
Barnes Court was first occupied by the then British commander-in-chief of the Indian Army, Sir Edward Barnes, in 1832 and gets its name from him.
Meghalaya sets world guitar ensemble record
By Syed Zarir Hussain, IANS
Shillong : Meghalaya, India's northeastern state, Friday set a world record for the largest ever guitar ensemble, overtaking the existing Guinness Book of World Records held by Kansas city in the US for such an ensemble, organisers said.
"A total of 1,730 guitarists strummed in unison to create history. We are simply ecstatic over this show that went off without a glitch," Aiban Mawkhrow, general secretary of the Meghalaya Tourism Development Forum, that organised the event, told IANS.
BIG FM launches station in Visakhapatnam
By IANS
Visakhapatnam : BIG 92.7 FM, one of India's leading FM radio networks, Thursday launched its station in Andhra Pradesh's coastal city of Visakhapatnam.
This is 35th station of BIG 92.7 FM in the country and the third in Andhra Pradesh after Hyderabad and Tirupati.
The FM station here was launched with kids from Public and Police Association for street children (PAPA) releasing 927 balloons in air. The network had PAPA children's as the chief guests for the function.
Artistic depiction of millennium development goals
By IANS
New Delhi : It's a painting on wood of a traditional Rajasthani haveli, instantly recognisable by those familiar with the miniature school of Indian art. But there's a difference - a depiction of the world on top of the house.
Unique exhibition cast in stainless steel
By IANS
New Delhi : Steel is generally perceived as a metal meant for industry rather than sculpture, but a unique exhibition in the capital will strive to change that by showcasing life-sized and larger than life figurines -- all made of pure stainless steel.
Saptarishi, as the exhibition is called, will see the works of seven artistes from across the country who have been working for this show for the past three months.
Meghalaya to strum Friday for world record
By Syed Zarir Hussain, IANS
Shillong : Bob Dylan's classic number "Knocking on Heaven's Door" will reverberate in the hills of this picture-postcard capital of Meghalaya Friday with more than 2,000 guitarists performing a record-breaking strumming session to top the current Guinness Book of World Records guitar ensemble.
Delhi celebrates Italian language week
By IANS
New Delhi : Italian Language Week is being celebrated in the capital, as in other parts of the world, through film screenings, photography exhibitions and lectures under the theme "Italian Language and the Sea".
Organised by the Italian Cultural Institute, the celebrations began Monday and will stress on the intermingling of cultures through the chosen theme.
"It is a week-long celebration in the world at different Italian institutes and embassies," Patrizia Raveggi, director of the cultural institute here, said late Tuesday.
Tribal youth set to regale Delhi
By IANS
New Delhi : As many as 180 tribal youth from three states - Bihar, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh - will be in the capital Thursday to participate and showcase their multi-hued talent in a five-day tribal youth cultural exchange programme.
Hailing from six districts of Kanker, Jamui, Dantewara, Kaimur, Giridih, Gumia of the three states, these youth who are students of schools and colleges or affiliated to youth clubs and mahila mandals (women rights group), have been selected after competing with others in their respective districts.
Manmohan’s daughter exposes ‘systemic’ torture in US prisons
By Parveen Chopra, IANS
New York : The US-based daughter of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has co-authored a book which gives substantial evidence that torture and abuse of prisoners in US detention centres abroad were widespread and systemic and not confined to Abu Ghraib in Iraq.
The book "Administration of Torture: A Documentary Record from Washington to Abu Ghraib and Beyond" has been co-authored by Manmohan's daughter Amrit Singh, an attorney who works for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
China’s earliest household registers deciphered from Qin bamboo slips
By Xinhua
Changsha : China's earliest household registers have been deciphered from a bunch of Qin dynasty (221 BC-207 BC) bamboo slips excavated from Liye, in Hunan province in Central China.
"According to the registers, slaves and maids were listed as their masters' household members by the population management system in China's first united empire of Qin," said Yun Chae Sok, a Korean scholar, who specialises in reading Qin bamboo manuscripts.
BJP wants de-recognition of Champaner Word Heritage Site
Saffron brigade’s bid to de-recognise a unique world heritage site representing pluralistic traditions
By Rupa Abdi, TwoCircles.net
Estonian team reaches Kashmir through Silk Route
By IANS
Srinagar : Retracing the steps of travellers in the age of yore, a five-member team from Estonia arrived here Tuesday through the fabled Silk Route.
The team started from Siam in China 45 days ago and have been through parts of Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan, the first lot of travellers to use the historic route since 1947.
"Iraq was originally in our travel plan but because of the situation there, we bypassed it, moving through Turkey and Syria which also formed an integral part of the Silk Route," said Aigar, a member of the group.
New age authors talk contemporary India’s mind
By Azera Rahman, IANS
New Delhi : Their books reflect a young and contemporary India's thoughts. Debutant authors Shubham Basu's "Glian" and Soma Das' "Sumthing Of A Mocktail" are their own experiences woven around fiction.
Basu's "Glian" revolves around the central character Dev and his love for nature. In a bid to embrace nature and bond with it, Dev sets off on a tour with three of his friends to the fictitious Panida National Park.
When asked why he chose nature as the subject of his book, Basu said it was close to his heart.
Rahman’s small screen debut – for a cause
By IANS
Mumbai : Composer A.R. Rahman is all set for the small screen debut. He has joined hands with the United Nations and production house Endemol for "Mission Ustad" - an "enlightening" musical show on to-be-launched Hindi entertainment channel 9X.
The show aims at spreading the essence of the UN's Millennium Development Goals (MDG) and Rahman will feature along with some of the best entertainers of the country.
Jodhpur to host folk, international music festival
By IANS
Jodhpur : The desert city of Jodhpur will reverberate with vibrant folk music and contemporary world music at the Rajasthan International Folk Festival (RIFF), starting Oct 25.
The festival will feature more than 150 artists from Rajasthan, other states of India, and many parts of the world, offering an unique opportunity to hear some of the most talented folk musicians working alongside with the world's finest classical and fusion artistes.
IAF Jammu celebrates Durga Puja
By News Agency of Kashmir
Jammu : With religious fervour and gaiety Indian Air Force (IAF) for 28th consecutive year celebrated Durga Puja at Satwari Air Force Station, which culminated today with Sindoor Puja and immersion of Goddess Durga.
Sources told NAK that to mark the occasion a cultural programme by Air warriors and their families was presented.
Group Captain Vishwanath Prakash, who was the chief guest on the occasion, congratulated the artists for their excellent performance.
A Malayalam film on Gujarat riots
By IANS
Kozhikode (Kerala) : National award winning director T.V. Chandran Monday began filming here his latest venture "Vilapangalku Appuram" based on the aftermath of the 2002 Gujarat riots.
The lead actors are: Suhasini, who returns to Malayalam films after a long gap, Biju Menon and Thilakan.
Producer of the film Aryadan Shoukat has written the story of the film.
Speaking to IANS, Shoukat said the story revolves around Sahira, a Muslim woman who flees Gujarat soon after the riots and arrives in Kozhikode.
Tibetan refugees burn Hu Jintao’s effigy on Dussehra
By IANS
Dharamsala : Tibetan refugees here burnt an effigy of Chinese President Hu Jintao instead of Hindu mythological demon king Ravan on the occasion of Dussehra.
Activists of the Students For Free Tibet Movement dragged an effigy of Hu wrapped in the Chinese national flag through the streets of this Himachal Pradesh hill town late Sunday. They then set it ablaze and Hu's cracker-filled image was soon engulfed in flames.
The activists also shouted anti-Chinese slogans protesting alleged human rights violations in Tibet.
Dussehra torchlights, fireworks lit up Mysore sky
By IANS
Mysore : Mysore, the cultural capital of Karnataka, celebrated Dussehra Sunday with a torchlight parade and a dazzling display of fireworks marking the grand finale of the festivities at the royal grounds after sundown.
An estimated half a million people, including hordes of Indian and foreign tourists, who descended on this city of palaces, were treated to a spectacle of lights at the Bannimantap grounds after the jumboo savari or grand elephant procession entered the venue to the sounds of trumpets and drum beats by cultural troupes and folk artistes.
Kashmiri Pandits celebrate Dussehra after two decades
By IANS
Srinagar : A towering effigy of demon king Ravana was set afire followed by bursting of crackers as Kashmiri Pandits celebrated the popular festival of Dussehra in this summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir after a gap of full 20 years.
The Kashmiri Pandit Sagharsh Samiti (KPSS), an organization of the Kashmiri Pandits, this year restarted the celebration of the popular festival in Kashmir as per the "age-old tradition".
The celebrations were held at the Sher-e-Kashmir Cricket Stadium here.
Delhi celebrates Dussehra with fervour, excitement
By IANS
New Delhi : A sea of enthusiastic spectators broke into a loud applause as the towering effigy of demon king Ravana crackled in the fire at the Ramlila grounds in the capital Sunday.
People, both young and old alike, jostled, pushed and pulled to get a better view of the effigy-burning and clapped with fervour. This was, after all, the moment everyone waited for in celebration of Dussehra, one of the most popular Hindu festivals.
Bengal bids tearful adieu to goddess Durga
By IANS
Kolkata : Five-days of celebrations of Durga Puja finally ended as West Bengal bid a tearful adieu to the goddess and her children Sunday, marking another yearlong wait for her autumnal homecoming.
However, the frenzied immersion ceremony of the idols of Durga, complete with elaborate processions, dance, beating of drums and lusty cheers by youngsters, saw Bengal making most of the carnival.
Grand Dussehra pageantry dazzles Mysore
By IANS
Mysore : Mysore hosted its famed Dussehra pageantry Sunday with thousands of people, including tourists, crowding roads to have a glimpse of the Jamboo Savari or elephant procession that commenced from the royal palace in this cultural capital of Karnataka.
The annual event, marking the 10th day of the Dussehra festival, drew an estimated 500,000 people, including thousands of domestic and foreign tourists to the grand finale that culminates in a torchlight parade and fireworks after sunset at the Bannimantap grounds across the city of palaces.
Tiny tots in Kerala write their first alphabets
By IANS
Thiruvananthapuram : Elders held the hands of small children and helped them trace out their first alphabets on plates of rice grains as Kerala celebrated the festival of 'Vidyarambham' or initiation into world of letters Sunday.
The function on Vijayadashami Day was held in temples by cultural organisations, clubs, schools and even media establishments across the state.
‘Porcupine man’ pierces 6,146 needles during Durga Puja
By Sujit Chakraborty, IANS
Agartala : Pharmacy shop owner Dilip Bharadwaj, 51, from Assam stunned Durga Puja revellers here by piercing more than 6,000 disposable needles into his body.
On Saturday night, Bharadwaj, who runs a pharmacy shop in southern Assam's Silchar town, pierced 6,146 needles into his body as thousands of curious onlookers looked on amazed.
Gujarat in festive mood, politics can wait
By Rajeev Khanna, IANS
Ahmedabad : It was not long ago that the Gujarat assembly election schedule was eagerly awaited here, but as soon as the announcement was made the state seems to have put politics aside and picked up dandiyas as the festival season has overshadowed poll preparations.
People and party workers alike are engrossed with the Navaratri festivities that will culminate on Dussehra Sunday, only to pave the way for Diwali next month. Politics will pick up only a week after the festival of lights.
His world’s the stage and his students are the Players
By Azera Rahman, IANS
New Delhi : He calls himself the 'white-bearded-specy-balding man'. But for his students he is simply Keval -- the man who revived Players, the dramatics society of Kirori Mal College under Delhi University (DU), in 1981 and is the force behind the thriving theatre scene of the campus ever since.
Stolen 525-year-old map found in Sydney
By DPA
Sydney : After a journey around the world, a stolen map from 1482 based on the work of the ancient astronomer and geographer Ptolemy has been recovered in a Sydney art gallery.
The find was reported Saturday in the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper.
The map, known as the Ulm Ptolemy World Map, illustrates what was known about the world in the late 15th century. Spain's National Library, which owns the map, describes it as "perhaps the most famous and highly sought after of 15th-century world maps, and certainly the most decorative".
Gurgaon school to hold art festival for craftsmen, students
By IANS
Gurgaon : A school here will organise an art festival in which folk artistes and craftsmen will be invited to exhibit their work and conduct workshops for the students.
Lok Kala Parv festival will be the third of its kind to be organised by the Heritage School in Gurgaon Oct 22-27.
The festival will be inaugurated by Kiran Seth, a founder member of SpicMacay, an organisation that promotes Indian art forms among the youth.
Vibrant arts of Kashmir enchant Delhiites
By IANS
New Delhi : The reverberating voices of singers rendering soulful Sufiana songs and graceful movements of women in bright-hued kaftans performing varied folk dances - all this and more were part of the Jammu and Kashmir cultural festival here that left audiences mesmerised.
The two-day fest showcased the rich and colourful traditions of Jammu and Kashmir Wednesday and Thursday, with pretty girls dressed in the most vibrant outfits dancing to melodious folk tunes and men playing soulful and foot-tapping music.
Vidya Bhavan Australia showcases World Culture Concert
By Neena Bhandari, IANS
Sydney : From Scottish Highland dances to Marinera, the national dance of Peru; Spanish Flamenco to Kuchipudi and Bharatnatyam, Sydneysiders enjoyed a feast of diverse performing arts at the annual World Culture Concert (WCC), an initiative of the Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan Australia.
The riveting performances from 14 countries over four hours Thursday enthralled an audience of 800 people at the Sydney Town Hall.
Play on Pakistan opens in New York as Benazir returns
By Parveen Chopra, IANS
New York : The day former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto returned home after eight years of exile to a tumultuous welcome and bomb blasts, a play opened here about Pakistan's Machiavellian politics.
Titled "The Leopard and the Fox", the play is inspired by British novelist, historian and political activist Tariq Ali's 1985 BBC teleplay by the same name.
Ramlila goes hi-tech in Chandigarh
By IANS
Chandigarh : In keeping with the times Ramlila, the popular dance-drama based on the life and times of mythological hero Lord Ram, has undergone a makeover.
A Ramlila in Sector 17 here has not only gone hi-tech on the stage but also has hired a publicity firm to make it better known. The Ramlila is performed on three adjoining stages. It enables the organisers to show a scene on one stage and move to the next stage without any halt for a set change, with audiovisual modes and special effects pepping up the show.
Phool walon ki sair will begin 25th October
By TwoCircles.net staff reporter
New Delhi: The festival “Phool Walon Ki Sair” jointly celebrated by all communities of India and representing age old communal harmony of India will be celebrated this year from 25th to 27th October in Mehrauli.
New Delhi: The festival “Phool Walon Ki Sair” jointly celebrated by all communities of India and representing age old communal harmony of India will be celebrated this year from 25th to 27th October in Mehrauli.
Italian experts to explore parts of ancient Patliputra
By IANS
Patna : A three-member Italian archaeologist team, in a joint collaboration with the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), will explore the undiscovered parts of the ancient Patliputra, near moder-day Patna.
"Our thrust will be to study, explore and identify new sites related to ancient Patliputra," Giovenni Veradi, an internationally acclaimed archaeologist, told IANS here Thursday.
"The team will seek financial assistance from Italian government to go ahead with its joint collaboration and to explore the sites," he said.
Kuchipudi dance enthrals IBSA delegates
By Fakir Hassen, IANS
Johannesburg : Politicians and delegates at the India-Brazil-South Africa Summit (IBSA) here were treated to an enthralling performance of India's traditional kuchipudi dance by Swathy Somanath.
The programme, put together by the South African Ministry of Arts and Culture headed by Pallo Jordan, also included Brazilian guitar quartet Maogani and several South African musicians and dancers.
For over 200 delegates of the summit, the programme came as welcome relief from a long day of business and political negotiations.
Durga worshipped here as tribal goddess
By IANS
Ranchi : In Jharkhand the demon-slaying goddess Durga is worshipped as a tribal deity that protects devotees from snakes.
Known as the embodiment of feminine and creative energy, the goddess is venerated as Vishari Devi in the Navagarh village block of Dhanbad district, around 240 km from here. The goddess is worshipped for nine days during the Navratri festival which is on now.
The puja was started by the erstwhile rulers of Navagarh more than 100 years ago.
Bengal soaks in festive spirit as Durga Puja begins
By IANS
Kolkata : Durga Puja, the five-day autumn carnival of the Bengalis, began with wild enthusiasm Wednesday with West Bengal decking up with bright lights and giant marquees to greet a surge of humanity flocking to savour the best of Indian craftsmanship and culture.
The festivities began with Mahashashthi celebrations as goddess Durga, who arrives with children Laxmi, Saraswati, Kartik and Ganesha, was invoked, setting the mood for five days of unalloyed revelry and socialization.
2,000-year-old tomb frescos found in east China
Jinan, (Xinhua) Chinese heritage workers said Tuesday they have discovered well-preserved frescos in a tomb dating back to 2,000 years in east China's Shandong province.
The frescos painted with blue, green, black and red colours were found on the walls of a tomb at an old residential yard in Dongping county, south-western Shandong, when a real estate company was excavating the foundation for a planned shopping mall.
Hyderabad’s Charminar ‘crying’ for preservation
By Prashant K. Nanda, IANS
Hyderabad : It's breathtaking, majestic and historic but the 400-year-old Charminar, the iconic symbol of Hyderabad, is slowly becoming a victim of errant tourists and street vendors.
Cement plasters are peeling, the intricate granite work on the Minar corners are chipping off, and the graffiti on the walls by tourists have marred its once splendid visage. The area around it has become a dumping ground, littered with food packets and used water bottles.
4,000-year-old treasure trove found in Uttar Pradesh
By Sharat Pradhan, IANS
Lucknow : A treasure trove of copper artefacts discovered by an Uttar Pradesh villager while tilling his land has been found to be at least 4,000 years old.
The discovery was made in Udaipurwa village of Auraiya district in central Uttar Pradesh last month. The farmer who found the artefacts tried to hide them but his neighbours found out and told the police. The district administration informed the state archaeology department, which rushed a team to the site, about 250 km from here.
Enright’s weepie novel proves Booker bookmakers wrong again
By Prasun Sonwalkar, IANS
London : In the end, the bookies got it wrong for the fifth year in succession and the Man Booker prize lived up to its reputation of producing surprise results as Anne Enright emerged the winner of this year's edition of the prestigious prize Tuesday night for her brooding novel, 'The Gathering'.
Enright’s weepie novel proves Booker bookmakers wrong again
By Prasun Sonwalkar, IANS
London : In the end, the bookies got it wrong for the fifth year in succession and the Man Booker prize lived up to its reputation of producing surprise results as Anne Enright emerged the winner of this year's edition of the prestigious prize Tuesday night for her brooding novel, 'The Gathering'.
Emperor Akbar’s birth anniversary celebrated in Taj city
By Indo-Asian News Service
Agra: Lovers of history and heritage in this city of Taj Mahal Monday celebrated Mughal emperor Akbar's birth anniversay, recalling his humane values that are more relevant in the present context of fundamentalist terror and growing intolerance.
Akbar's experiments in governance, his ideas relating to coexistence and mutual tolerance of different religious communities, and recognition of talents as nine jewels have to be seen as part of a rich legacy he left behind, they said.
Gunter Grass: a literary giant turns 80
By Mike Swanson
Berlin, (DPA) For some, Gunter Grass is a towering literary figure, a magnificent storyteller, who in the words of the Swedish Academy's Nobel Prize committee "has done mankind a genuine service".
For others, he is a self-appointed moralist for post-war Germany, a righteous polemicist who attacked his fellow countrymen for their collective amnesia of Nazism while at the same time failing to own up to his own lapses in recalling the past.
Contemporary art is flavour of October auctions
By Uma Nair
London, (IANS) As back-to-back sales by Christie's and Sotheby's this month show, contemporary art at high-profile auctions is changing the complexion of interest in art.
"Contemporary art is becoming a global language; the interest is massive," Francis Outred, head of evening auctions and private sales at Sotheby's, told IANS.
"We've seen a generational change that is certainly here to stay," Outred said, adding that new "masterpieces are created all the time.
Doris Lessing wins Nobel literature prize
By Xinhua
Stockholm : British writer Doris Lessing won the 2007 Nobel Prize in literature, the Swedish Academy announced Thursday.
The Academy cited Lessing as "that epicist of the female experience who with skepticism, fire and visionary power has subjected a divided civilization to scrutiny."
This was the fourth of the prestigious Nobel prizes handed out this year, with awards in chemistry, physics and medicine given away in the past three days.
Copyright jinx on Hogwarts Castle pandal
By IANS
Kolkata/New Delhi : Last year, they made a replica of Swami Vivekananda's residence, before that it was the Titanic. But a Kolkata puja committee seems to have hit a bad spell this year with their Hogwarts Castle pandal attracting a Rs.2 million fine for copyright violations.
Just when they were getting into the swing of the Durga Puja magic under a giant marquee modelled on the Harry Potter's school, the FD Block Puja committee in Salt Lake got a rude shock when they received a summons from the Delhi High Court that the decorators must appear in court Friday.
Indian-origin author short-listed for Canadian literary prize
Toronto, Oct 10 (IANS) A Canadian author of Indian origin is among five novelists who have been short-listed for this year's prestigious Scotiabank Giller Prize.
M.G. Vassanji, who has won the Giller Prize twice before -- in 1994 and again in 2003 -- has been short-listed for his work "The Assassin's Song", which chronicles the clash of modernity and tradition in India.
New York’s Diwali mela expected to draw thousands
By Parveen Chopra
New York, Oct 10 (IANS) A Diwali fair will be celebrated in Manhattan Oct 14 complete with fireworks, Indian food, music and dance. A high point of the city's cultural calendar, it is expected to be thronged by thousands of people.
A tradition with the Indian-American community, the Deepavali Festival at the southernmost edge of Manhattan has spectacular fireworks lasting 20 minutes on the waterfront at South Street Seaport, a popular mall and entertainment arena.
Abu Dhabi to have Louvre museum branch
Paris, Oct 10 (IANS) The French National Assembly has approved a project to build a branch of the famous Louvre museum in Abu Dhabi under a 30-year cultural agreement between the UAE and France.
The project entails development of the museum, designed by French architect Jean Nouvel on Al Sadiyat island off Abu Dhabi. It is expected to be opened in 2012, WAM news agency said.
The agreement allows the Abu Dhabi Louvre to borrow masterpieces from major French museums, including the Louvre, to be displayed for 6-18 months.
Fair, fireworks to kick off Diwali festivities in New York
By Parveen Chopra
New York, Oct 10 (IANS) An important date in the city calendar and a tradition with the Indian-American community, the Deepavali Festival at the southernmost edge of Manhattan is scheduled for Oct 14 and will be complete with fireworks, a mela (fair), Indian food, music and dance.
Spectacular fireworks lasting 20 minutes on the waterfront is the highlight of the festival at South Street Seaport, a popular mall and entertainment arena.
The festival, now in its 20th year, is organised by the Association of Indians in America (AIA) New York chapter.
Tiananmen massacre painting to be auction highlight
By Hazel Parry and Simon Parry
Hong Kong, Oct 10 (DPA) It has been hidden away for more than 10 years because of its politically charged content - but when it goes to auction Friday, a masterpiece in Chinese contemporary art depicting the Tiananmen Square massacre is expected to fetch $4 million or more.
Yue Minjun's "Execution", a painting which adapts a 19th century Manet classic to echo the 1989 massacre, was spirited out of mainland China by late Hong Kong dealer Manfred Schoeni and sold in 1996 under strict conditions for just $32,000.
Focus Russian cultural programme on young Indians: Karan Singh
By RIA Novosti
Moscow : President of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Karan Singh, has suggested that Russian cultural programme in India should focus on young Indians.
During a meeting with the Russian Culture Minister Alexander Sokolov, Singh - who is now in the Russian capital - said the programme "The Year of Russia in India" should include performances by the Bolshoi Theatre and modern Russian jazz orchestras.
Sokolov assured Singh that the programme would be "extensive".
Trafalgar Square to light up for Diwali in London
By IANS
London : Trafalgar Square, London's favourite point of assembly, will light up with Diwali lights for this year's celebrations of the festival of lights.
Organised by the Mayor of London and the Diwali in London Committee, and sponsored by Tilda Basmati, the free event Oct. 28 will be open to all and will see the cemented square transformed by magical light displays, floating lanterns, and music and dance performances.
Ancient tomb of young lovers discovered in Turkey
By Xinhua
Ankara : Turkish archaeologists have discovered the tomb of a young couple locked in an embrace during excavations in the southeastern part of the country.
The tomb of the couple was found at Hakemi Use in the Bismil district of Diyarbakir province and archaeologists stated that the couple, who presumably died some 8,000 years ago, are likely to set a record as the oldest embracing couple in archaeological history, Today's Zaman reported.
Contemporary Indian art goes to Frieze art fair
By IANS
New Delhi : The Khoj artists association based in Delhi will soon rub shoulders with 151 art galleries from across the world to showcase contemporary Indian art at the well-known Frieze art fair in London, Oct 11-14.
The Frieze art fair, an annual affair which takes place every October at the Regent Park, London, will offer a palette of works of over 1,000 artists from across the globe for visitors to see and buy.
Germany to showcase world’s oldest ivory figurine
By DPA
Heidenheim(Germany) : World's oldest intact figurine is to go on public show for the first time at the end of this month, exhibition organizers in Germany said Monday.
The four-centimetre tall depiction of a mammoth is the work of an unknown Stone Age carver 30,000 to 40,000 years ago.
Other sculptures from the period, such as a horse and a lion-man, also exist, but are damaged, with their legs broken off. They date from about the same time as ancient European cave paintings.
Frankfurt Book Fair: the world’s biggest deal in publishing
By DPA
Frankfurt : When the world's biggest annual trade fair devoted to books begins Oct 10 in the German city of Frankfurt, a fresh crop of up-and-coming writers will be introduced to publishers from round the globe.
This year, 7,300 exhibitors from 110 nations will attend the Frankfurt Book Fair, hoping to sell foreign rights for everything from school textbooks and calendars to poetry anthologies.
Deals on translation and re-publishing rights as well as printing contracts and bulk book sales are negotiated during the fair.
Che Guevara – Idealism or revolutionary marketing?
By DPA
Havana : Ernesto "Che" Guevara lived fast, died young and left, if not a good-looking corpse, at least one full of mysticism.
But the Argentine-born guerrilla fighter also left a legacy of ideals against injustice in Latin America and beyond, which turned him into a global icon, albeit one full of controversy. He remains a symbol 40 years after his death.
Kipling’s bungalow in Mumbai to be made heritage museum
By IANS
Mumbai : A century-old wood and stone bungalow nestles in the sprawling campus of the famed J.J. School of Art here but it has long fallen into disuse, with pigeons nesting inside. It is the place where legendary writer and poet Rudyard Kipling, the first Englishman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907, once lived. Thanks to the Maharashtra government, the bungalow will now be converted into an art museum.
Jagjit Singh: a musical demiurge
By Sreeram Chaulia, IANS
With the release of the Gujarati ghazal album "Jeevan Maran Chhe Ek", Jagjit Singh has reasserted his position as a living musical genius of the entire Indian subcontinent. Multitudes of his fans across India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, for whom Gujarati is like Greek or Latin, are seeking out lexical aids to decipher the deep philosophical lyrics of Mareez, which Jagjit has rendered in simultaneously sombre and uplifting moods.
In the wall’s shadow: museum of Palestinian detainees
By DPA
Abu Dis (West Bank) : Jesus Christ was the first political detainee in Palestine, maintains a new West Bank museum which focuses on Palestinian detainees and is located on the premises of Al Quds University in Abu Dis, east of Jerusalem.
"This is the Via Dolorosa," says head of trustees Abdelaziz Abdul-Baki, as he points to a miniature stone bridge in the frontcourt, which leads across a field of cacti.
Kipling’s bungalow to be made heritage museum
By IANS
Mumbai : A century-old wood and stone bungalow nestles in the sprawling campus of the famed J.J. School of Art here, but it has long fallen into disuse, with pigeons nesting inside. It is the place where legendary writer and poet Rudyard Kipling, the first Englishman to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1907, once lived. Thanks to the Maharashtra state government, the bungalow will now be converted into an art museum.
Play on Zulfikar Ali Bhutto on New York stage
By IANS
Washington/Lahore : As former Pakistan prime minister Benazir Bhutto prepares to return home, a play on her father who was president and later prime minister of the country and his execution is to be staged in New York next week.
Alter Ego, an off-Broadway company of South Asian professionals, is staging the play "The Leopard and the Fox" based on her father Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, his trial on murder charges and his execution in 1979 which was widely perceived as judicial murder.
‘The Secret’, ‘The Reluctant Fundamentalist’ top bestseller lists
By IANS
New Delhi : Rhonda Byrne's phenomenally successful inspirational book, "The Secret", is being lapped up by readers here as well, as is Mohsin Hamid's "The Reluctant Fundamentalist" that continues as fiction favourite this week too.
The top 10 in the non-fiction and fiction categories are:
Non-Fiction
1. "The Secret"
Author : Rhonda Byrne
Publisher : Atria Books
Price : Rs.550.00
2. "The Kaoboys of R&AW : Down Memory Lane"
Author : B. Raman
Publisher : Lancer
Price : Rs.795.00
German author Walter Kempowski dies
By DPA
Berlin : One of Germany's most important contemporary authors, Walter Kempowski, died early Friday at the age of 78, his publisher said.
Kempowski, who established himself as a bestselling author and chronicler of the German middle class, had been suffering from intestinal cancer.
He is best known for his series of novels called German Chronicles and the monumental Echolot (Echo Sounder), a collection of documents on the reality of life during World War II.
Rare Leonardo da Vinci painting recovered in Scotland
By DPA
London : A rare painting by Leonardo da Vinci that was feared lost forever after it was stolen in 2003 has been recovered in Glasgow, Scotland, the police said.
The masterpiece, "Madonna with the Yarnwinder", was at the centre of a worldwide search after it was stolen from a private castle in August 2003, with the FBI putting the painting on its list of 10 most wanted pieces of stolen artwork.
It is estimated to be worth at least 30 million pounds ($60 million).
Write more cookery books in Hindi: Sheila Dikshit
By IANS
New Delhi : More cookery books should be written in Hindi to enable these reach a wider audience, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit suggested Thursday.
"I am very happy that authors are trying to teach the art of cooking, not only cooking but cooking good and healthy food to live a healthy life," Dikshit said here at the lunch of "Everyday Healthy Cooking" by debutant author Meenakshi Kumari.
Spanish artist Pablo Palazuelo dead
By IANS
Madrid : Spanish painter and sculptor Pablo Palazuelo died Wednesday in Madrid at the age of 90.
Immediately after the news of his death, Spanish Culture Minister Cesar Antonio Molina said Palazuelo was "one of the most important figures in abstract art of the second half of the 20th century" and that his death constitutes "a great loss for the world", Spanish news agency EFE reported.
Palazuelo, born Oct 6, 1916, studied architecture in Madrid and later at Oxford before deciding to fully devote himself to painting in 1939.
Vanishing Indian crafts to be revived via classrooms
By Prashant K. Nanda, IANS
New Delhi : High school students will soon have the option to stay away from classes for short spells and do painting, learn pottery and pick up the fine nuances of natural fibre weaving as part of efforts of the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) to revive dying Indian crafts.
In line with the National Curriculum Framework (NFC), the NCERT and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) have decided to introduce a subject on Indian crafts in Classes 11 and 12 from the next academic session.
Two Picassos up for sale at Sotheby’s
By IANS
New York : Sotheby's evening sale of impressionist and modern art on Nov 7 will feature two spectacular works by Pablo Picasso. The finest sculpture by the artist to ever appear at auction, Tête de femme (Dora Maar) and La Lampe, an important work from 1931 that comes directly from the artist's family, will go under the hammer.
Madhya Pradesh wants study to retrace Ram’s route
By IANS
Bhopal : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has announced a special research fellowship to retrace Ram Path --Hindu god Ram's route through the state when the Ramayana hero was in exile.
The move follows an exhibition during the Bharatiya Janata Party's national executive meet here to show the places in the state through which Lord Ram passed, according to the Ramayana.
Red FM heading for ban for Gorkha slur
By IANS
New Delhi : The broadcast tribunal will decide Thursday on a seven-day ban imposed by the information and broadcasting ministry on the Delhi-based Red FM radio station for airing an allegedly racist remark against the Gorkhas after Darjeeling boy Prashant Tamang was crowned 'Indian Idol' at a TV show last week.
M.F. Husain comes ‘home’ on Gandhi’s birth anniversary
By IANS
New Delhi : Artist M.F. Husain, who lives in self-exile in London to keep away from his critics in the Hindutva brigade, came "home" in a special way on Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary Tuesday with his admirers here gushingly greeting him via a video-conference call.
"I am very happy to see that there are people who love me and my work. I want to come back to my country and I will soon come back to meet all my well-wishers," an overwhelmed Husain said.
On Gandhi Jayanti, people remember the Mahatma
By IANS
New Delhi : With Mahatma Gandhi's favourite bhajan "Raghupati Raghava Raja Ram" playing in the backdrop, and the path leading to the memorial laid with flowers, hundreds of people, both old and young, thronged Raj Ghat Tuesday to commemorate the 138th birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation.
The scene at Raj Ghat, even amid the flocks of people, was soothing to the senses.
For most it might have been the umpteenth visit to Raj Ghat. But there were many, especially among the younger lot, for whom this was their first visit.
Indian arts, culture celebrated in South Africa festival
By Fakir Hassen, IANS
Johannesburg : A standing ovation for renowned ghatam (clay pot) percussionist Vikku Vinayakram ended a series of public performances, including theatre, music and dance, that were part of a nine-week long festival of Indian culture organised by the Indian mission here.
Last Mughal emperor’s private prayer book unveiled in London
By IANS
London : India's last Mughal emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar's personal prayer book in exquisite Arabic and Persian calligraphy -- containing hymns meant for use only by the royalty -- was unveiled at a function at the Nehru Centre here.
India's acting high commissioner, Ashok Mukherjee, said in his inaugural address Sunday: "I have had the rare privilege of holding and browsing through this magnificent illustration of calligraphy and indeed a priceless piece of Mughal history. It is a milestone reminder of India's rich heritage."
Egypt’s miracle vegetable goes global
By DPA
Cairo : The ancient Egyptians swore by it for its aphrodisiac qualities. Five thousand years later, the Japanese and South Koreans are making it into green tea, tofu and even ice cream. This is molokia, a green vegetable of the jute or mallow family, which is one of Egypt's most traditional dishes.
Perhaps its reputation as an Old Kingdom viagra stems from its amazing growth in under hot conditions, such as in the Nile delta in summer, it can grow up to 25 cm per day.
‘Mela’ to spread Gandhian values in the capital
By IANS
New Delhi : Dance, drama, puppet shows, films, uninterrupted spinning of khadi and many more events will be organised in the capital beginning Sunday to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on Oct 2.
The three-day 'Gandhi Jayanti Mela' is being organised at Pragati Maidan here by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD).
Delhi mayor Arti Mehra Saturday said, the event aims to spread the message of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation, among the masses, which will inform people about its relevance in the contemporary world.
Manish Malhotra joins hands with Nerolac Paints
New Delhi, Sep 29 (IANS) Fashion designer Manish Malhotra, known for using an aesthetic blend of colours in his collections, has now joined hands with Kansai Nerolac Paints Ltd. to launch 'Colour Styles of 07-08'.
An endeavour to precisely chart colour trends in India and understand the logic of colour transition, Colour Styles 07-08 gives a glimpse into how colours and moods are strongly linked with each other.
"It is good to see that a paint company is now exploring the emotional aspects of consumers while connecting with them," Malhotra said at the launch here Friday evening.
Azadi Express rolls on, celebrating India’s freedom struggle
New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) Blazing in the colours of the tricolour, Azadi Express, a mobile train exhibition capturing defining moments in India's freedom struggle, including the first war of independence in 1857, began its journey Friday to different parts of the country.
The train, flagged off by Human Resource Development Minister Arjun Singh from the Safdarjang railway station here, would first arrive in Porbandar, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, father of the nation, on his 138th birth anniversary Oct 2.
Delhi University students’ cultural fest a runaway hit
New Delhi, Sep 28 (IANS) Some are still studying while others are now working. But as they huffed and puffed over an art exhibition and a film festival, it was evident that the Delhi University students and alumni were bound by a common thread - Curves and Shades.
An organisation that promotes art and culture among students, Curves and Shades was formed by a handful of enthusiastic students of the varsity four years ago. Since then they have been organising a cultural festival every year - the third concluded Thursday evening.
Indian artist shortlisted for Artes Mundi Prize
By Uma Nair
Cardiff, Sep 28 (IANS) India's N.S. Harsha is among nine artists shortlisted for the third Artes Mundi Prize. The prize looks for works that debate many of today's big issues.
Man's destruction of the environment, AIDS' destruction of man and the problems of marginalized societies are just three of the issues reflected upon by the contenders.
Artes Mundi, Wales' international contemporary arts initiative, announced Thursday the names of the nine artists shortlisted for the prestigious award.
‘Azadi Express’ to showcase 150 years’ of Indian history
By IANS
New Delhi : Photos, books, cards, cutouts, and video clips on the 1857 war of independence, the emergence of Mahatma Gandhi, the Jallianwala Bagh incident, the Bhoodan movement, patriotic literature and many more memorabilia will be on display on a special train to be launched Friday to "take Indians on a journey through time".
A musical tribute to the Father of the Nation
By IANS
New Delhi : A new music album 'Remembering Mahatma Gandhi' was launched here Thursday by Dr. Karan Singh, MP and president of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) to honour the father of the nation on the occasion of his birth anniversary on Oct 2.
The United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) announced in May that Oct 2 will also be observed as the International Day of Non-Violence.
Film on Monica Ali’s novel too hot for Prince Charles
By Prasun Sonwalkar
London, Sep 27 (IANS) "Brick Lane", a film based on the controversial novel by the same name by Booker short-listed, Bangladesh-origin writer Monica Ali, has proved too hot for the royal family. Prince Charles has pulled out of attending its screening to avoid the possibility of protests proving an embarrassment.
A Royal Gala screening was scheduled for Oct 29 as part of the annual Royal Film Performance but it has now been scrapped. The film adaptation of the book had faced protests in July last year from some residents of Brick Lane in London.
Handicrafts, folk art fair kicks off in capital
By IANS
New Delhi : 'Shilpotsav', a fortnight-long handicrafts and folk art fair with more than 200 artisans from all over the country participating, kicked off at the capital's Dilli Haat Wednesday.
"This festival is to showcase the skills of those who are poor but want to work and earn their living," Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Meira Kumar said while inaugurating the fair.
The participating artisans have been provided concessional finance, skill enhancement and training to help them develop marketing links.
Nizam’s jewels bedazzle Delhi
By IANS
New Delhi : Subtlety is certainly not the royalty's cup of tea! When it comes to the Nizam's jewels, it's all about bedazzling size - be it the 184.75-carat Jacob diamond, the seven-stringed Satlada pearl necklace or chunky emerald studded armbands.
In possession of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), 173 pieces of precious and exquisite jewellery pieces from the 18th-20th centuries that once belonged to the Nizams of Hyderabad are being exhibited at the National Museum.
The collection will be on show for two months.
New York museum to honour Indian designer
By IANS
New Delhi : Indian accessories designer Meera Mahadevia will be felicitated by the famous Newark Museum in New York for her 21 years of hard work and creativity.
On Oct 3, as a part of The India Celebration Week, a preview of Meera's accessories and garments will be hosted by the museum and displayed in the Museum Rotunda and the Education Shop in New York for exclusive shopping.
Spanish writer Odon Betanzos dies
By IANS
Huelva (Spain) : Spanish writer Odon Betanzos has died in New York, the head of the author's foundation told Spanish news agency EFE. He was 82.
Antonio Ramirez said Betanzos died Monday morning at a hospital following a combination of a variety of ailments in recent years.
Among his works were anthologies like "Santidad y guerreria", "Hombre de luz", "La mano universal", "Poemas el hombre y las desolaciones" and "De ese Dios de las totalidades" as well as the novel "Dios dado de alto" about the Spanish Civil War.
Sotheby’s to auction 13th century Magna Carta copy
By IANS
New York : A copy of the Magna Carta, the royal document revered as the birth certificate of freedom, will be presented for sale by Sotheby's here in December. The copy is dated 1297.
The Magna Carta is the charter that enshrined the rights of man into English law, and inspired the passion for liberty that flowered in the US in the 18th century and continues around the world. It is considered the most famous single document in existence.
Coke launches book to celebrate 60 Indian luminaries
By Arun Kumar
New York, Sep 26 (IANS) From freedom fighters Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru to business leaders J.R.D. Tata and Narayana Murthy to singer Kishore Kumar, a new book celebrates 60 extraordinary Indians who have shaped modern India.
"India Extraordinaire, 60 Years, 60 Luminaries" - a special edition of the noted Limca Book of Records was launched here Tuesday by Coca-Cola India to celebrate 60 years of India's independence as part of the IncredibleIndia@60 show.
Corporate giants reach out to underprivileged kids
New Delhi, Sep 25 (IANS) Magic shows, movies and a whole lot of goodies. Children from humble backgrounds across the capital Tuesday had a field day as two corporate giants, PVR and Nirulas, on two separate occasions, entertained them - and promised them something even bigger: education.
British group faces strong hostility in Lucknow
Lucknow, Sep 25 (IANS) The proposed visit by a 42-member British group to the historic Residency to pay homage to their kin who died during the 1857 Indian war of independence (referred to by the British as sepoy mutiny) may be abandoned as the Britons got a hostile reception on arriving here.
Protests were staged by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliated organisations well before their arrival and spilled over to the Lucknow railway station, where the visitors arrived by a train from Gwalior Monday evening.
New Yorkers sample Indian song and dance – and cricket cheer too
By Parveen Chopra
New York, Sep 25 (IANS) Spoilt for choice, New Yorkers are getting their fill of India's culture, fashion and food at multiple city venues thanks to the Incredible India@60 festival.
Bryant Park in the heart of Manhattan is now a convenient arena to begin experiencing India.
It's Monday, day two of the five-day event. The programme opens with a performance by Langa and Maniar folk singers from Rajasthan at noon. Among the 200 onlookers were Kamraj and Jayanti, a young couple from Puducherry, who happen to just walk in.
New discovery in Tutankhamun tomb in Egypt
By Xinhua
Cairo : An Egyptian archaeological mission has discovered some 20 intact clay pots sealed with cartouche of boy pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Upper Egypt, the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) said.
Egyptian Culture Minister Farouq Hosni made the announcement Monday, saying the discovery was unearthed by an Egyptian team under the leadership of SCA secretary general Zahi Hawas, according to a press release of the Egyptian antiquities body.
New discovery in Tutankhamun tomb in Egypt
Cairo, Sep 25 (Xinhua) An Egyptian archaeological mission has discovered some 20 intact clay pots sealed with cartouche of boy pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor, Upper Egypt, the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) said.
Egyptian Culture Minister Farouq Hosni made the announcement Monday, saying the discovery was unearthed by an Egyptian team under the leadership of SCA secretary general Zahi Hawas, according to a press release of the Egyptian antiquities body.
Cultural feast, not speeches, excite space meet delegates
Hyderabad, Sep 25 (IANS) A glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of India, complete with dance and music, evoked more excitement among foreign delegates at the ongoing 58th International Astronautical Congress than the speeches on space.
The delegates were treated to a cultural feast at the inaugural ceremony of the five-day Congress at the majestic Hyderabad International Convention Centre (HICC) near Hitec City here.
Dutch architect designs Russia-shaped island
Moscow, Sep 25 (RIA Novosti) Dutch architect Erick van Egeraat has designed a Russia-shaped luxury island to be created in the Black Sea near Sochi by 2014, when the city hosts the Winter Olympics, according to his Moscow office.
"At an investment forum in Sochi on Sep 21, Erick van Egeraat presented an architectural design of his project, Federation Island," the architect's spokesman said Monday. "It derives its name from the planned shape of the coastline, which will resemble Russia's boundaries."