Mesmerizing Kathak performance by young students

NEW DELHI, Aug 21: It was an awesome Kathak performance by the students of Guru Kundan Lal Gangani Sangeet Kala Kendra here. The students, with age group ranging from 10 years to 24 years, mesmerized the audience with their performances and assured the people that Kathak heritage of India is intact thanks to the dedication of their Gurus -- Ravi Kumar Gangani and Vandana Kaul.

The Chief Guest, the Information and Broadcasting Minister, Mr Manish Tewari, Special Guest and noted social worker, Mrs Naaznin Shafa Tewari, and Guest of Honour and internationally renowned journalist, Mr Deepak Arora, lit the traditional lamp to symbolize knowledge and to ensure it is constantly gained.

In his inaugural speech, Minister Manish Tewari congratulated Guru Ravi Kumar Gangani and Guru Vandana Kaul for propagating India’s rich cultural heritage for which the country is known the world over.

Later, Mrs Naaznin Shafa Tewari and Mr Deepak Arora presented awards to the performers and encouraged them with their words of wisdom.

Guru Vandana Kaul, a noted Kathak exponent, said the show was organized with the objective of providing a platform for the young students to showcase their talent.

While some of the young performers were from schools such as Modern school, Vasant Valley, GD Goenka, Sanskriti, Shriram School and Carmel Convent, the more senior students like Heena Rajani is a final Year MBBS student in VMMC and Safdurjung Hospital and Ridhima Budhwar is working as a commodity manager in the Ameriprise Financial Inc., Gurgaon.

These students have continued their “Riyaaz” (practice) and considered dance to be the best form of recreation for them.

The program opened with a Jugalbandi by 10-year-old Deveshi Modi of Shriram School, Noida, and Ria Gupta of Sanskriti School, whose coordination and precision in dance was well beyond their age.

Then was the Chaugalbandi performed by Samia Jain, Mansi Lakhotia, Simran Sharma and Rhea Kothari who captivated everyone’s attention by their enthralling performance.

There was also a beautiful performance on Radha Krishan's "Dandia Raas" by 12 young children ranging from 4 years to 8 years.

The last piece “Panchrang” performed by the senior disciples – Heena Rajani, Ridhima Budhwar, Ananya Dalmia, Mahima Singhee, Ragini Khanna, Paavni Sethi and Simran Sharma deserves special mention.

The piece was aptly titled Panchrang as it beautifully illustrated the five essentials of Kathak including devotional Stuti invoking the Panchdeva, bhajan depicting Draupadi Cheer Haran, the poised Thaats, the more technical Taraana and the Thumri, performed beautifully with meaningful mudras and bhavas.

Story telling is one of the most beautiful aspects of kathak, and the young performers did full justice to it. They demonstrated technical perfection and even more impressively were able to create an emotional connection with the audience that left the audience yearning for more.

Their dance was embellished by extraordinary wing support by their teachers, Guru Ravi Kumar Gangani, who prepared all the compositions and music, and Guru Vandana Kaul, who had skillfully choreographed the dances.

 

In summary, the performances were a perfect mix of grace, technique and bhavas.

In the age of fusion, this program stood out, as it portrayed Kathak, in its pure form. The young dancers’ devotion towards the art form demonstrated that modernization has not diluted our invaluable cultural heritage.

 

It may be mentioned that Guru Shri Ravi Kumar Gangani taught kathak for about 25 years in Sangeet Bhawan, New Delhi before he founded his own school of dance and music, “Guru Kundan Lal Gangani Sangeet Kala Kendra”, in the year 2000 which he named after his revered Guru Kundan Lal Gangani where he continues to provide formal training in Kathak.

He has trained more than 500 students, many of whom are now well known in the field, like Ms Vandana Kaul, who commenced her training at the age of 14 years. Within a few years she charmed the world with her exceptional performances in India and abroad and became a National Scholarship holder.

Vandana Kaul has been awarded the title of “Shringar Mani” in the Swami Haridas Sangeet Sammelan, Mumbai and the Indira Gandhi Priyadarshini Award in 2003 among numerous others. But she considers her best reward to be the precious remark by the Kathak Queen Sitara Devi, who once said that she sees a reflection of her own young days in Vandana Kaul. She has been on the panel of ICCR as an ‘outstanding performer’ and is among ‘A grade’ artists of Doordarshan. She has been associated with her Guru’s organisation and has been teaching Kathak since 15 years and striving to keep Kathak of Jaipur Gharaana alive.

Apart from being an amazing dancer, Vandana Kaul is a beautiful human being who spends majority of her earnings in providing food and shelter to street animals.

The evening ended with a poignant speech by Vandana Kaul’s disciple, Heena, on behalf of all the dancers, expressing gratitude and appreciation for their teacher, who they consider a friend, a guide and a Guru, which reflected the true Guru-Shishya bond.

Canara Bank conducts Hindi Orientation for Senior Executives

BANGALORE, Aug 28: Under the aegeis of Hindi Month, Canara Bank Head Office conducted Hindi Orientation Programme for its Senior level Executives at its Head Office here on Wednesday. The Chief Guest on the occasion was Mrs Poonam Juneja, Joint Secretary, Department of Official Language, Union Home Ministry.

The Chairman and Managing Director of the Bank, Mr Rajeev Kishore Dubey, welcomed the Guest of Honour and in his address said that Canara Bank has always endeavoured to ensure compliance of GOI guidelines be it Hindi or any other aspects of Banking.

He mentioned in brief the highlights of OL implementation in the Bank. He mentioned that he believed in leading by example and ensured that he personally carries out work in Hindi which motivates people down the line. He exhorted all the Senior Executives present to do the same to encourage and motivate the staff. He also thanked Govt. of India, MOH, Dept. of OL for having given the convenorship of Town Official language Implementation Committee (Banks), Bangalore to Canara Bank.

Bank has the distinction of starting TOLIC website at its very first meeting held in July 2013. The participants at the meet were the CGMs, GMs and DGMs of Head office. Mr Ashok Kumar Gupta, Executive Director, Mr V S Krishna Kumar, Executive Director, and Mr Pradyuman Singh Rawat, Executive Director, were also present on the occasion.

Mrs Poonam Juneja appreciated the Bank's efforts in implementation of OL in the Bank. She said that for the Banks, use of Hindi is not for compliance alone but for building a strong bond with its customers for which Hindi as well as the Regional Languages play a vital role. Overall development of the economy is possible by inclusive growth and this is possible when Bankers take decisions for the common
man in his own Language. Hindi as well as the Regional Languages play an important role in effective financial inclusion.

She also congratulated the Bank for bringing out a website for TOLIC (Banks), Bangalore and expressed confidence that the TOLIC will function effectively under the dynamic leadership of Sri R K Dubey, CMD of the Bank.

Earlier, Mrs Sulekha Mohan, AGM (OL), Canara bank, introduced the Guest of Honour and welcomed the gathering. Mr A K Gupta thanked the Chief Guest and all present on the occasion.

US couple married 65 years die 11 hours apart

DAYTON (Ohio), Aug 27: Relatives of a couple who died at a nursing home 11 hours apart on the same day said their love story's ending reflects their devotion over 65 years of marriage. Harold and Ruth Knapke died in their shared room on Aug 11, days before their 66th anniversary, The Dayton Daily ews reported.

Their daughters said they believe their father willed himself to stay by his wife's side despite failing health until they could take the next step in their journey together. He went first - his children saw it as his "final act of love" - and she followed.

"We believe he wanted to accompany her out of this life and into the next one, and he did," daughter Margaret Knapke said.

The couple had known each other as children and began their courtship as pen pals while Harold, known as "Doc," served in the Army during World War II. Ruth would later joke: "I let him chase me until I caught him!"

Her husband became a teacher, coach and athletic director at Fort Recovery Schools, the newspaper said. They raised six children while looking after each other with a devotion that didn't seem to diminish.

A photo taken this summer shows him lying in a bed, arm stretched through a guardrail to hold her hand, as she leans in to press the top of her head to his.

When she was ailing, he blessed her each night with holy water, daughter Pat Simon said.

The Knapkes had a joint funeral Mass, with granddaughters carrying Ruth's casket and grandsons carrying Harold's casket. The cemetery procession stopped at the farm house where the couple had lived, and the current owners surprised the family by flying a flag at half-staff to honor the longtime loves.

"It is really just a love story," said Carol Romie, another daughter. "They were so committed and loyal and dedicated, they weren't going to go anywhere without the other one."

Special wing to take Indian Govt messages to social media

NEW DELHI, Aug 8: The government would have a specialised department to take its message to Youtube, Facebook, Twitter and other social media sites after the union cabinet approved an Information and Broadcasting Ministry's proposal to create a 'New Media Wing.'

Information & Broadcasting Minister Manish Tewari has said that the cabinet has given approval for setting up of the new media wing and added it will be done entirely through the ministry's resources.

Tewari said the Research Reference and Training Division (RRTD) of the Ministry would be restructured through an executive order and young officers of the Ministry would be deputed in the new wing.

"This will be a new mechanism. It will have an opt-in and opt-out option. Those who have their own capacity for dissemination of information can continue to do so.

Others can utilise this department for taking their message to the social media platforms," Tewari said.

He said the officials will have latest gadgets, including smartphones, to keep in touch with the latest developents on the social media.

Official sources said the RRTD would be renamed as the Bureau of New and Concurrent media and will be headed by an officer of Joint secretary level.

Sources said the new wing would work to create content, track and analyze trends, act as an early warning system and also on providing proper response on the new media.

An official release from the cabinet said the New Media Wing would address the communication and dissemination requirements of the government on social media platforms.

The proposal for establishment of New Media Wing has been drawn on the basis of the experience of the initiative undertaken by the Ministry recently, on a pilot basis to position itself on the social media platforms, the statement said.

Howzatt! Celebrates Ladies in Style…

 

GURGAON, July 31:

It was a Tuesday evening at Howzatt that came in a like a breath of fresh air for women wishing to beat the stress blues of a hectic working week waiting ahead.

Howzatt! at Galaxy Hotel Shopping and Spa created a relaxed space for their Lady clientele replete with pulsating music, unlimited supply of cooling, refreshing fresh beverages, delectable hors d’ouevres and an idyllic setting for fun!

The evening began with the guests being ushered in to India’s first micro-brewery Howzatt known for its superb styles of craft beer.

The cricket themed sports bar set the tempo for an evening of style and sophisticated fun.

 

The guests, an ideal mix of celebrities, artists, corporate honchos and the stylish crème-de-la crème enjoyed a selection of fabulous cocktails and crisp, refreshing beers.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Pradipta Narain Biswas, General Manager, Galaxy Hotel Shopping Spa said:

“Our aim is to create Howzatt as a haven of fun and relaxation for the mature individuals who would like to enjoy intelligent nightlife in a secure environment.

Our Ladies’ Nights are an effort towards providing women a space where they can be themselves in a glamorous and perfect setting and experience an evening of pure joy.”

DJ Anna, spun throbbing house music setting the stage for the Ladies to let their hair down and sway in gay abandon.

Indeed, the evening was quite a soiree in a friendly and inspiring environment that drew comments like “unforgettable’, “truly enjoyable” and most of all…. “I shall be coming back again!” from the elite guests.

Kolkata's Presidency College offers 'Love' as a subject

KOLKATA, Aug 4: The Sociology department of Presidency University would be offering a subject called 'Love' for students of other department to study. This is part of a new initiative launched by the University to offer interdisciplinary courses to its students.

From the current session, science students can get a taste of liberal arts and those delving into humanities can take up a science subject at Presidency University, a varsity professor said.

"This is the first such initiative in the country. In the traditional Indian university education system, honours students are required to take up two pass subjects... We have replaced the pass subjects," professor Somak Raychaudhury, head of Presidency University's physics department said.

Raychaudhury said the decision to juxtapose the two branches was taken as students do not take pass subjects seriously.

"So, instead of forcing pass subjects on students, we decided to break them up and have a list of 10 papers. All the honours students are required to take up 10 papers. While the science students are needed to take at least two arts papers, it is vice versa for students of humanities," the professor added.

For example, the physics department is introducing a course, 'Physics of Everyday Life', under which students, irrespective of the stream they are majoring in, will be taught how things like camera work.

"The course is open to everybody. An English literature student can take it up. Similarly, sociology department is offering a subject called 'Love' that students from other department can study," the professor said.

Prayers at Kedarnath temple to begin in September

DEHRADUN, Aug 2: Regular prayers at Kedarnath shrine, suspended for over a month since the June calamity in Uttarakhand, will be resumed on September 11.

The decision was taken here today at a meeting held by Chief Minister Vijay Bahuguna with the Rawal (head priest) of the Himalayan shrine, representatives of Shankaracharya Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, officials engaged in the clean-up exercise at Kedarnath and senior ministers, officials said.

The auspicious date of September 11 for resumption of prayers at the shrine was decided after taking approval of the religious leaders who attended the meeting, they said.

However, before prayers begin at the shrine, its premises will be purged and purified as per Vedic rituals, they said. The decision follows completion of the clean-up exercise within the interiors of the famed temple, they said.

Though areas close to the temple bore the brunt of the natural calamity, its interiors had remained almost unharmed.

Prayers at the shrine had come to a halt ever since the massive deluge struck on June 16-17, causing massive damage to life and property especially in Rudraprayag, Chamoli, Uttarkashi and Pithoragarh districts which were the worst hit.

Though prayers will start at the shrine from 11th September, the Char dham yatra will not be resumed before September 30, which is the deadline set by the state government for road restoration work in Kedar ghati, an onerous task considering vagaries of the weather which often hamper efforts to restore connectivity.