Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

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

INTERNATIONAL: BEAUTY : Indian American medical student Rijul Maini from Michigan crowned Miss India USA 2023

Rijul Maini, a medical student from Michigan, has been crowned Miss India USA 2023 at the annual pageant held in New Jersey.

During the event, Sneha Nambiar from Massachusetts was declared as Mrs India USA and Saloni Rammohan from Pennsylvania won the title of Miss Teen India USA.

This year marks the 41st anniversary of the pageant which is the longest running Indian pageant outside of India.

It was started by New York-based Indian Americans Dharmatma and Neelam Saran under the banner of ‘Worldwide Pageants’.

Maini, a 24-year-old Indian American, is a medical student and model. She aspires to be a surgeon and hopes to serve as a role model to women everywhere, a press release said.

Greeshma Bhat of Virginia was declared first runner-up and Ishita Pai Raikar of North Carolina was the second runner-up.

According to the organisers, 57 contestants from over 25 states participated in three different pageants – Miss India USA, Mrs. India USA and Miss Teen India USA.

Winners of all three categories will be getting complimentary air tickets to take part in Miss- Mrs.-Teen India Worldwide organised by the same group.

“I am very much thankful to Indian community around the world for their support over the years,” said Dharmatma Saran, founder and chairman of ‘Worldwide Pageants’.

source/content: millenniumpost.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: ARTS & CRAFTS / CINEMA: FIRST INDIAN: Ektaa R Kapoor Creates History, set to become 1st Indian Filmmaker to Receive International Emmys Directorate Award

Indian producer Ektaa R Kapoor is poised to make history as the first Indian filmmaker to secure the International Emmys Directorate award at the upcoming 51st Emmys. Kapoor’s name resonates strongly in the entertainment industry, where she is hailed as a Content Czarina, demonstrating her prowess across television, films, and OTT platforms. Boasting an insightful and targeted understanding of audience preferences, Kapoor has reigned over the industry for over a decade, amassing a myriad of accolades. This year, her exceptional win at the Emmys serves as a crowning achievement, elevating the jubilation surrounding her remarkable career.

Known for her versatile contributions to entertainment, Kapoor’s influence extends seamlessly across diverse platforms. From shaping compelling narratives on television to producing impactful films and embracing the digital realm with OTT endeavors, she has become a stalwart force in the industry.

Ektaa R Kapoor’s ability to connect with audiences on a profound level has been a cornerstone of her success, culminating in this groundbreaking recognition on the global stage. As the anticipation builds for the 51st Emmys, the industry awaits with bated breath to witness Ektaa R Kapoor etch her name in history as she claims the International Emmys Directorate award.

On the professional front, Ektaa is gearing up for the release of The Buckingham Murders, which is directed by Hansal Mehta and features Kareena Kapoor Khan in a lead role. She last bankrolled Thank You For Coming, which garnered critical acclaim for its bold content. It featured Bhumi Pednekar, Shehnaaz Kaur Gill and others in prominent roles.

source/content: firstpost.com (headline edited)

MAMI 2023 closing ceremony highlights: ‘Against The Tide’, ‘Agra’ win honours

The closing ceremony of the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival was hosted by actor Kalki Koechlin; Indian filmmaker Sarvnik Kaur’s documentary ‘Against The Tide’ clinched the top Golden Gateway award at the festival.

The Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023 concluded with a grand closing ceremony at the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre (NMACC) on Friday evening. The festival, returning with a physical edition after four years, screened over 300 films in 70 languages with a spotlight on South Asian cinema.

Sarvnik Kaur’s documentary Against the Tide on the lives of the Koli fishing community in Mumbai won the top Golden Gateway award in the South Asia Competition at the festival. The Silver Gateway award went to Bahadur – The Brave by Diwa Shah and the Special Jury Award went to Kanu Behl’s Agra. The awards were presented by the main competition jury headed by veteran filmmaker Mira Nair.

The closing ceremony was hosted by actor Kalki Koechlin and attended by Bollywood notables like Janhvi Kapoor, Manushi Chhillar, filmmaker Vishal Bhardwaj and others. It was followed by a screening of Sofia Coppola’s Priscilla.

The Film Critics Guild Gender Sensitivity Award was presented to Barir Naam Shahana (A House Named Shahana) by Leesa Gazi. The film narrates the story of Dipa, a young divorced woman in a rural town in 90s Bangladesh.

Debut director Shahrukhkhan Chavada’s Ahmedabad-set black-and-white feature Kayo Kayo Colour? (Which Colour?) won the Rashid Irani Young Critics’ Choice Award.

The NETPAC award was conferred on Indian filmmaker Dominic Sangma’s Rimdogittanga (Rapture), a sensitive drama set in the Garo hills of Meghalaya.

The IMDb Audience Choice Award at the Jio MAMI was presented to The Monk and the Gun by Pawo Choyning Dorji. The trans-national co-production is Bhutan’s official entry to the Oscars.

While the closing ceremony took place on November 3, the festival will continue with screenings of select popular titles on November 4 and 5.

source/content: thehindu.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: WOMEN LEADERSHIP : Nita Ambani Honoured with The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF)’s ‘2023 Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility’

The US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) on Sunday honoured Nita Ambani , Founder and Chairperson of Reliance Foundation, with the 2023 Global Leadership Award for Philanthropy and Corporate Social Responsibility.

Dr Mukesh Aghi, USISPF President and CEO, in his statement on X, said: “We are delighted to award Nita M. Ambani for her tireless efforts to enrich the lives of many Indians. Nita M. Ambani is someone who believes that the work is never done and that there is so much more left to accomplish…”

“At a time of hard power globally, she has shown us the reach and impact of soft power, especially in preserving and promoting India’s rich tapestry of arts and showing us that sports is a vital tool in nation-building,” he added.

Nita Ambani is a champion for women’s rights in India and is the founder of one of the largest philanthropy foundations in the country, Reliance Foundation. She also plays a key role in organisations ranging from sports to arts.

The foundation has helped 70 million people, focuses extensively on providing better health care to women , improving digital literacy, and educating them with skills to improve employability.

In August, Reliance Foundation partnered with the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to ensure that women in farm and non-farm jobs will receive an annual salary of at least $1,200 for the next three years.

Nita Ambani in 2021 also founded Her Circle , a digital app and social networking site that discusses a range of topics from lifestyle trends to women’s health, including promoting diversity of women’s appearances and body sizes.

Nita Ambani  is also the co-owner of five-time Indian Premier League winner Mumbai Indians and the founder of the Nita Mukesh Ambani Cultural Centre .

source/content: news18.com (headline edited)