Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

GLOBAL: ARTS & CULTURE : MUSIC & SINGING RECORD : Indian student Suchetha Satish in Dubai sets Guinness World Record for Singing in 140 Languages at concert

Suchetha Satish performed for 9 hours straight, all from memory, as prelude to COP28.

An Indian expat in Dubai has set a new Guinness World Record for the most languages sung in a concert by singing in 140 languages – for nine hours at a stretch, all from memory.

Suchetha Satish had performed her ‘Concert for Climate’ on November 24, 2023 at the Indian Consulate Auditorium in Dubai as a prelude to COP28 UN climate conference, which concluded in December in Dubai.

The Guinness World Records officially announced the success of her attempt on their website on January 3. She was presented the Records certificate by the Consul General of India in Dubai, Satish Kumar Sivan, who congratulated her. Though Satish could have sung in 150 languages, she preferred to sing in 140 as a tribute to the 140 heads of states invited to COP28.

Message of preservation

She told Gulf News: “I’m delighted and humbled by the fact that the Record has been reported and applauded by media across India and rest of the world. And more importantly the Concert for Climate and the message for climate preservation has spread far and wide, which really justifies the whole effort. We have to do everything possible to make this world a better place to live in.”

She tries to emulate her role model Shreya Ghoshal in rendering the songs “perfectly”.

Award-winning music composer M Jayachandran, who was present at Satish’s concert, said: “It was so heartening to see her smile as she was journeying through these songs. I felt so proud to be there. Suchetha is indeed an extra-ordinary artist. She sang the songs with total dedication, understanding the inner meanings of each word she was singing and at the same time not compromising on the musicality or nativity of each song.”

The first-year digital media student at Middlesex University Dubai – who also learns carnatic, hindustani and western vocals from teachers Asha Menon, Jerry Amaldev and Hanna Nielazina – aims to become an accomplished international performer and playback singer.

source/content: gulfnews.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: REPUBLIC DAY : Tri-services Women Contingent, C-295 Transport Aircraft to make Debut at Republic Day parade

A total of 51 aircraft comprising 29 fighters and eight transport aircraft of IAF, 13 helicopters and one heritage aircraft will participate in this year’s Republic Day flypast.

A 144 personnel tri-service women contingent would be participating in Republic Day Parade this time for the first time with 48 personnel from each service. Also the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) latest induction, the C-295 medium transport aircraft will make debut over kartavya path during the Republic Day flypast this year.

“A total of 48 Agniveervayu Women would be part of this contingent. Flight Lieutenant Shrishti Verma would be marching as supernumerary Officer of the (tri-service) contingent,” said Wg Cdr Manish Sharma briefing the media on IAF’s participation in the Republic Day parade this year.

A total of 51 aircraft comprising 29 fighters and eight transport aircraft of IAF, 13 helicopters and one heritage aircraft will participate in this year’s Republic Day flypast. This includes four helicopters of the Army and one P-8i maritime patrol aircraft of the Navy which will fly in two separate formations.

A C-295 aircraft flanked by two C-130 aircraft in echelon, will fly as the Arjan formation during Republic Day fly past, said IAF Spokesperson Wg Cdr Ashish Moghe.

The IAF induced the first C-295 in September last year, which will replace the legacy HS-748 Avro transport aircraft in service.

The IAF marching contingent of 144 personnel will be led by Squadron Leader Rashmi Thakur with Squadron Leader Sumita Yadav, Squadron Leader Pratiti Alhuwalia and Flight Lieutenant Kirti Rohil as supernumerary Officers. They will be marching to the tune ‘Sound Barrier’ played by 72 lAF musicians and three drum majors. The band will be led by Sergeant CA Daniel.

For the Beating Retreat ceremony on January 29 at Vijay Chowk, the IAF Band comprising of 121 musicians would be participating in the event. The band will be led by Warrant Officer Ashok Kumar. 

In line with theme of the 75th Republic Day Parade-2024 “Samridh Bharat Sashakt Bharat”, the theme of the IAF tableau is “Bharatiya Vayu Sena: Saksham, Sashakt, Atmanirbhar”, said Wg Cdr Sharma. Flight Lieutenant Ananya Sharma and Flying Officer Asma Sheikh, both Su- 30 pilots, would be present on the tableau, he added.

On the tableau, Wg Cdr Sharma said the IAF has been at the forefront of rendering humanitarian aid, both within and across borders. In Operation Kaveri launched on April 24, 2023 to evacuate Indian nationals from strife-torn Sudan, the IAF’s C-130J aircraft were used extensively towards rescuing 3,862 Indians from the country, he noted. “The rear element of the tableau depicts one specific sortie of this mission during which an IAF C-130 extricated Indian nationals from Wadi Sayyidna in Sudan under extremely adverse conditions at night.”

The middle section of the tableau depicts Tejas and SU-30 fighters flying over the Indian Ocean Region which depicts the ever-expanding reach of the lAF- over land, as well as over the sea, he added.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

Why an Indian Princess’s memorial in Ayodhya is a big draw for South Korean tourists

South Korea has a special connection with Uttar Pradesh’s Ayodhya, the birthplace of Lord Ram. No, it has nothing to do with Lord Ram.

Every year, hundreds of South Koreans visit the holy city of Ayodhya to pay tribute to Queen Huh Hwang-ok. It is believed that several South Koreans have their ancestral roots in Ayodhya.

Who was Queen Huh Hwang-ok?

Legend has it that Queen Huh Hwang-ok, also known as Princess Suriratna, was the princess of Ayodhya before she went to South Korea and married King Kim Suro of Karak Clan in 48 AD.

As per a research paper by Dr Uday Dokras, “Ancient Korean text Samguk Yusa chronicles King Suro’s wife to have been a princess of a distant kingdom called Ayuta, which people relate to be the holy city of present-day Ayodhya.”

Queen Huh Hwang-ok has a memorial in Ayodhya

The South Korean queen’s memorial was first inaugurated in 2001 in Ayodhya.

In 2015, PM Narendra Modi and former South Korean President Moon Jae-in signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) during the PM’s visit to South Korea for expansion of the memorial.

Later, the memorial was beautified to honour the queen’s legacy, and the memorial park was inaugurated in 2022.

According to UP tourism’s official website, around 60 lakh people of the Karak clan consider Ayodhya as their maternal home.

In 2019, commemorative Rs 25 and Rs 5 postage stamps for the queen were also issued by India. 

From Ayodhya to South Korea by boat

As per the UP government website, it is believed that Princess Suriratna reached Korea on a boat. She was only 16 when she got married.

She is believed to be the first queen of King Suro of Geumgwan Gaya.

According to some Chinese-language texts, the then King of Ayodhya was ordered by god to send his 16-year-old daughter to South Korea to marry King Kim Suro in a dream, says a BBC report.

The same publication mentioned that the king and queen had ten sons, adding that they both lived over 150 years.

Back in 2020, the then South Korean Ambassador to India, Shin Bong-kil, told ANI, “Ayodhya has important relations with Korea.” 

Shin Bong-kil mentioned that in Korea’s ancient history book, it’s written that a princess from Ayodhya married a Korean king, adding that in archaeological findings from Kim Suro’s tomb, artefacts belonging to Ayodhya have been discovered.

Where is Queen Huh Hwang-ok’s memorial?

  • The memorial park portrays the journey of Princess Suriratna from Ayodhya to Korea.
  • The legend is inscribed on a stone structure that was shipped from South Korea.
  • The park has been built on the bank of the Sarayu River, on a reported budget of Rs 21 crore.
  • The south-east corner of the memorial features a statue of Queen Huh Hwang-ok.
  • The north-east corner has a statue of King Kim Suro.
  • The princess’s sea journey has been recreated at the memorial with the help of a pond and footbridge.
  • The park also features an egg made of granite. It is believed that Princess Suriratna took a golden egg along during her journey to Korea.

INSTA

Queen Huh Hwang-ok’s Tamil connection 

There is another theory about the queen by Dr Kannan Narayan, a retired professor and former Scientific Advisor and Coordinator of Korea Institute of Ocean Science and Technology.

In his theory, based on Chinese legends, Kannan Narayan stated that the queen’s name points to the South Indian kingdom of Pandya – the Pandyas of Madurai, says a Deccan Herald report.

He added that the twin fish symbol seen on the walls of Ayodhya possibly dates back to a time when it was a part of the United Provinces. He mentioned that it was also the national symbol of the Pandya Dynasty.

The retired professor said that it’s a possibility that the queen left the port of Athiyuthu from Tamil Nadu and not Ayodhya and the same has been modified over time to ‘Ayutha’.

source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)

Ayodhya to get world’s largest ‘solar powered street lights line’ , set Guinness record

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision to transform Ayodhya into a solar city is about to get a boost through establishment of the world’s largest ‘solar powered street lights line’, with the installation of 470 solar street lights over an area of 10.2 km city between Guptar Ghat and Nirmali Kund.

The unique feat will also see Ayodhya find entry into the the Guinness Book of World Records once again, with the earlier one taking place during Deepotsav with the lighting of the highest number of earthen lamps.

Under the guidance of CM Adityanath, the Uttar Pradesh New and Renewable Energy Development Agency (UPNEDA) has already completed approximately 70 per cent of the installation work, while the remaining 160 solar street lights will be installed before January 22.

Ayodhya UPNEDA project officer Praveen Nath Pandey said here on Tuesday that by January 22, a world record will be set in the temple city with the installation of 470 solar street lights in a 10.2 km stretch from Lakshman Ghat to Guptar Ghat, extending up to Nirmali Kund.

He added that under the project, 310 solar lights have been installed from Lakshman Ghat to Guptar Ghat, while work is ongoing to install 160 solar-powered street lights in the stretch between Guptar Ghat and Nirmali Kund, covering a distance of 1.85 km. All these solar-powered street lights are LED-based, operating at 4.4 watts, and equipped with smart technology. Through their installation, the 10.2 km stretch from Lakshman Ghat to Nirmali Kund will be illuminated with a radiant glow.

The world record that the state government aims to break through a solar energy-powered project is currently registered in the name of Malham of Saudi Arabia, where 468 solar-powered lights were installed over a stretch of 9.7 km in 2021. Now, the Yogi government is gearing up to surpass this record in Ayodhya by installing 470 solar-powered lights in an area spanning 10.2 km.

Earlier, Ayodhya got listed in the Guinness Book of World Records during Diwali in 2023, when 25,000 volunteers from Avadh University lit 22.23 lakh lamps together at the ghats of river Sarayu.

Discussions are underway between the local administration, officials of UPNEDA, and representatives of the Guinness Book of World Records in this context.

source/content: thestatesman.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: REGIONAL – SOUTH ASIA: BJP president releases Commemorative Stamp on 200 years of Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka

The stamp, released at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, was received by the Governor of Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Senthil Thondaman.


Bharatiya Janata Party President J.P. Nadda on Saturday released a commemorative stamp on 200 years of arrival of Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka.

“Our National President shared his experience of working for the Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka as the Health Minister and acknowledged the hardships faced by them in the past. He also elaborated on the need to recognise their agony and the Government of India’s commitment to extending support to the brothers and sisters of Indian origin Tamils living in Sri Lanka during the last 9 years and the years to follow,” BJP’s Tamil Nadu unit chief K. Annamalai said in a statement.

Mr. Annamalai said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always considered Sri Lanka, “our civilisational twin” and has been instrumental in supporting the country with humanitarian and financial aid during its times of distress.

“He has also been thoughtful in reinstating the dignified lives of the Indian Origin Tamils in Sri Lanka,” he said.

The release of the commemorative stamp has strengthened this commitment of unwavering support to the Indian-origin Tamils living in Sri Lanka, the statement said.

The stamp was released at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi and was received by the Governor of Eastern Province of Sri Lanka, Senthil Thondaman.

The statement said that Mr. Thondaman acknowledged and thanked the BJP and the Indian government for recognising the hardships of the Indian-origin Tamils in Sri Lanka and the steadfast projects implemented by the Government of India in the estate regions of the country for the welfare of the Tamil community.

Announcing the release of the stamp on Friday, Mr. Annamalai had said that Prime Minister Modi has “earnestly undertaken several initiatives to ensure the welfare and development of the Indian Origin Tamil community in Sri Lanka” ever since he assumed office in 2014.

He said that the Modi government had sanctioned 14,000 houses in addition to setting up other facilities in areas where the Tamil population resides.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: FOOD & CUISINE: Three Indian Restaurants among the World’s Top 10 Legendary ones. They are…

hree Indian restaurants have made it to the list of top 10 legendary eateries in the world.

Taste Atlas, an experiential travel online guide, unveiled the list of restaurants that are “not just places to grab a meal, but destinations in their own right, comparable to the world’s most famous museums, galleries and monuments.”

Paragon in Kozhikode, Kerala, immensely popular for its biryani, occupied the 5th rank on the list. Lucknow’s famous Tunday Kababi, known for mouth-melting galouti kebabs, grabbed 6th spot.

“Paragon in Kozhikode, Kerala, is an emblem of the region’s rich gastronomic history, celebrated for its mastery of traditional Malabar cuisine,” Taste Atlas noted.

The travel guide called Tunday Kababi “a jewel in the crown of Lucknow’s culinary scene in India” that has “gained widespread acclaim for its Mughlai cuisine”. The star offering, the galouti kebab, is a culinary masterpiece featuring finely minced meat tenderised with raw papaya and an assortment of spices.

Another proud entry in the top legendary restaurants is Peter Cat, Kolkata, occupying the 10th spot. Found in 1975, the iconic eatery is best known for chelow kebabs.

Apart from these three Indian entries in the top 10, several other restaurants made it to the elaborate list of 100 legendary restaurants in the world. Murthal’s Amrik Sukhdev Dhaba grabbed the 16th spot while Mavalli Tiffin Rooms, Bengaluru, occupied 32nd rank. Also on the list is Karim’s, Delhi, occupying the 84th spot.

See the full list here:

How many of these Indian restaurants have you visited so far?

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source/content: indiatoday.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CRAFTS / MUSIC : ‘Largest Tabla Ensemble’ Guinness World Record set in Gwalior during the 99th International Tansen Samaroh (Festival), December 2023

Around 1,300 tabla players who performed at the 99th International Tansen Samaroh in Gwalior in Madhya Pradesh on Monday entered the Guinness World Records for achieving the “largest tabla ensemble”.

The Guinness World Records certificate was handed over to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, who said his government would henceforth observe December 25 as ‘Tabla Day’ to commemorate the feat and honour all musicians.

“The largest tabla ensemble was achieved by Department of Culture, Government of Madhya Pradesh (India), during 99th International Tansen Samaroh, in Gwalior, India on 25 December, 2023”, the certificate read.

Tabla players made this event the “Kumbh of music”, Ysadav said at the event.

Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary of the state Department of Culture, said three generations of tabla players participated in the event, with the youngest being four years old.

PTI ADU BNM BNM / This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.

source/content: theprint.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CULTURE: AMERICAN BEAUTY PAGEANT: Surgeries to Stilettos: Dr Piyali Roy Wins Mrs Universe USA 2024, Seattle November 2023.

Unapologetic in her evolution Dr Piyali Roy created an inspirational bench mark for other women to emulate from the multitudinal transformation she underwent in different spheres of life which led to her win at the Mrs Universe Curvy USA 2024 pageant, held at Seattle on the November 11, 2023.

Dr Piyali Roy is a beauty queen in its true sense, besides being a New York University trained dental surgeon, an author, international fashion model.

According to Piyali, her infectious smile, confidence and charm forayed her way into the top 3 of Mrs Universe Curvy USA 2024 after leaving everyone in awe of her creativity and reverence that she displayed while walking down the National Costume Round depicting Washington DC’s state flag and emblem displayed on her while she took on the look of the National Flower herself, The American pink rose. Dr Piyali Roy in her electric blue evening gown displayed royalty and looked majestic, as she walked the ramp leaving all the judges and audiences mesmerised by her attractive personality, grace and oozing charm.

Icing on the top was her on point answer to a question based on domestic violence during the interview round and the finale answer which generated loud applause in the audience, demarcating her as the clear winner of the pageant. Piyali was crowned by the reigning queen Mrs Universe 2023 Meranie Gadiana Rahman in Mrs Universe USA Pageant.

As she steps into the limelight after winning Mrs Universe 2024, Dr Piyali Roy is not just a model or a dentist or an actor; she is an inspiration. A beacon of resilience, showcasing that with confidence and determination, one can transcend boundaries, redefine norms, and truly embody the essence of empowerment and grace.

Today Dr Piyali Roy stands as an example as to how versatility can shape one’s journey. She is testament to the magic that happens when grace meets tenacity, and when confidence becomes one’s guiding light.

Her time at New York University, where she honed her skills as a dentist, gave her insights into the intricacies of human aesthetics. This foundation, perhaps unexpectedly, served as a springboard into the world of fashion. As she transitioned to the runway, the parallels became evident. Just as she would sculpt and perfect a smile in her clinic, she sculpted her presence and poise on the runway. Every detail, from her posture to her gaze, became an expression of her artistry.

The New York Fashion Week runway became a platform where Dr Roy communicated a narrative – of reinvention, courage, and limitless potential. This narrative was further enriched as she collaborated with global fashion stalwarts, from Mumbai’s Rohit Verma to visionary African designers from Paris. Each collaboration, each walk, became a testament to her versatility.

Her win at Mrs Bharat (India) DMV 2023 in Washington DC, USA wasn’t just a title; it was a recognition of her ability to captivate and inspire. That’s not it, Dr Piyali Roy was also the winner of Mrs Universal Petite 2023 Audience Choice Crown in Mexico.

With her spirit and talents, Dr Piyali Roy is exemplifying how one can craft a rich tapestry of diverse yet harmonious paths, leaving an indelible mark of grace, strength, and confidence in every stride.

Dr Piyali Roy’s achievements are testament of her skills, talent and above all her dedication. We are certain that she will continue to soar, while she celebrates this milestone.

source/content: timesofindia.indiatimes.com (headline edited)

GLOBAL: AIRPORTS / DESIGN: UNESCO Honors Bengaluru’s KIA Terminal 2: Named among ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’

Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru’s Terminal 2 clinches UNESCO’s ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’ and the ‘World Special Prize for an Interior 2023’ at the prestigious Prix Versailles. This recognition positions BLR Airport uniquely, celebrating its innovative design, sustainable ethos, and reflection of local heritage. T2, acclaimed for its blend of technology and artistry, aims to offer an unforgettable journey, accommodating 25M passengers annually, highlighting environmental responsibility and passenger-centric experiences.

The Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR Airport) has been honoured with prestigious accolades at UNESCO’s 2023 Prix Versailles.

The airport’s Terminal 2 (T2) has secured recognition as one of the ‘World’s Most Beautiful Airports’ and has been awarded the coveted ‘World Special Prize for an Interior 2023.’

Terminal 2 has been honoured by the Prix Versailles, an internationally acclaimed design and architecture award acknowledged by UNESCO. The Prix Versailles, established in 2015, focuses on “intelligent sustainability” as a cultural driver, acknowledging innovation, creativity, a reflection of local heritage, ecological efficiency, and values of social interaction. 

With all this beautiful architecture, the Bengaluru Airport has become the only Indian Airport to win this esteemed recognition, T2, also known as the “Terminal in a Garden,” was inaugurated on November 11, 2022. Encompassing 255,661 square meters, the terminal is built upon four foundational pillars: technological leadership, a terminal in a garden, environmental and ecological stewardship.

Hari Marar, MD & CEO of Bangalore International Airport Ltd, said, “The nomination of Terminal 2 for the 2023 Prix Versailles Award is a moment of immense pride, and we are pleased to see the terminal receiving the recognition it deserves.

The sustainable design of T2, the world’s largest terminal pre-certified with a Platinum LEED rating by the US Green Building Council before operational commencement, reflects the airport’s commitment to environmental responsibility. This remarkable achievement positions BLR Airport amongst the top airports globally.

Embraced in engineered bamboo, the terminal’s interiors offer a contemporary yet classic ambience. The terminal also features a spacious indoor garden with rammed-earth walls and waterfalls, as well as hanging planted bells, adding to the terminal’s unique aesthetic.

source/content: newsable.asianetnews.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION : NATIONAL: Meghalaya’s Smart Village Project Clinches Global Recognition at World Innovation Conference, Bilbao, Spain

Meghalaya’s smart village project has been acclaimed at the World Innovation Conference.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced on December 11 that the state’s Smart Village project secured the third-place honor at the prestigious World Open Innovation Conference held in Bilbao, Spain. The accolade was bestowed upon the project for its exceptional Best Practice Implementation.

Sangma took to the microblogging site X on December 11 to share the exciting news, highlighting the remarkable achievement on the global stage. The project’s recognition underlines Meghalaya’s commitment to pioneering innovative solutions to address pressing challenges.

The Smart Village project’s award-winning presentation focused on groundbreaking healthcare initiatives that employed a triple helix collaboration, integrating enterprise creation and frontier technologies. The conference, known for bringing together practitioners from industry, institutions, and individuals worldwide, served as a platform for Meghalaya to showcase its strides in adopting cutting-edge approaches to address healthcare challenges.

Expressing his elation, Chief Minister Conrad Sangma stated the significance of the collaboration with UC Berkeley in fostering new innovations.

Edited By: Bikash Chetry

source/content: indiatodayne.in / India Today NE / Home> News> Meghalaya / December 11th, 2023