Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

INDIA IN THE WORLD: ‘Statue of Equality’: Tallest Statue of Ambedkar outside India unveiled in US

The statue has been made by renowned sculptor Ram Sutar, who also built the statue of Sardar Patel in Gujarat.

The tallest statue of Dr BR Ambedkar, the principal architect of India’s Constitution, outside India was formally inaugurated in a Maryland suburb of the US capital here.

Amidst chants of “Jai Bhim”, more than 500 Indian-Americans from various parts of the United States and some from India and other countries attended the unveiling ceremony of the 19-feet tall “Statue of Equality”.

Heavy rain and drizzle did not deter the enthusiasm and energy of the participants, many of whom drove for as long as 10 hours to attend what they described as a historic event.

The statue has been made by renowned artist and sculptor Ram Sutar, who also built the statue of Sardar Patel, called as Statue of Unity, and installed on an island in Narmada, metres downstream of the Sardar Sarovar Dam in Gujarat.

“We are calling it the Statue of Equality… this (inequality) is not only the problem in India, everywhere (in) different forms (it exists),” Ram Kumar, president of the Ambedkar International Center (AIC) told PTI after the statue unveiling ceremony.

Born on April 14, 1891, Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar – popular among his followers as Babasaheb – was the chairman of the Constituent Assembly’s most crucial Drafting Committee that earned him the moniker Architect of the Indian Constitution.

Spread over 13 acres, the AIC in Accokeek township, some 22 miles south of the White House, would consist of a library, convention center, and Buddha Garden among others.

“This is a great occasion to participate in the unveiling ceremony of statue of Babasaheb. This is the tallest statue of Babasaheb in America. ..After 75 years of independence, the people are realizing the works done by Dr. Ambedkar and that’s the reason why day by day he’s getting the popularity, …people are now understanding him in a proper way.

“Earlier he was treated as a Dalit leader, but now the entire nation is recognizing his contribution of empowering the woman and for the marginalized society as well as the economic weaker sections,” Ravi Kumar Narra, national president of Dalit Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), told PTI.

Narra, who travelled from India to attend the ceremony, said now all the developed nations have realized and also underdeveloped nations are thinking of implementing Ambedkar’s ideology that a country cannot become rich and great unless each and every citizen gets empowered.

“The greatest economic policy advocated by Dr Ambedkar is now becoming the reality,” he said.

The “Statue of Equality” represents 1.4 billion Indians and 4.5 million Indian Americans, said Deelip Mhaske from New York who leads the Ambedkarite movement in the US.

“Although this is completely done through community contributions, we received congratulatory messages from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar stating ‘Ambedkarite has put the foundation of Unified India in the USA and globally’,” he said.

“This statue will not just inspire millions of Indians residing in the US but all communities including Black, Hispanic and others!” Mhaske said. “This is a historic step towards unifying the Indian-American diaspora and working towards making India a superpower not just in technology but also in social justice,” he said.

Mahindra Rajwade, who drove for more than 10 hours from Kentucky to attend the statue unveiling ceremony, said this is a proud moment for all followers of Dr Ambedkar. “This is for the first time in the world that we are having such a tall statue of Babasaheb outside India”.

The unveiling ceremony was followed by cultural performances by Indian-Americans from various parts of the country.

Elisha B. Pulivarti, president and CEO for US India SME Council, presented the US President’s Lifetime Achievement Award to DICCI president Narra in recognition of his community service.

Post-Independence, Ambedkar was also the Minister of Law and Justice in Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru’s first Cabinet. Ambedkar played a key role in social movements that fought for the rights of Dalits and untouchables.

Ambedkar died on December 6, 1956, months after he embraced Buddhism on October 14 that year, the date coinciding with the unveiling of the statue in Maryland. October 14 is celebrated as Dhamma Chakra Parivartan Din by Ambedkarites.

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL : ARTS & CRAFTS / PHOTOGRAPHy: Photographer Gauri Gill Wins the Prestigious 10th Annual ‘Prix Pictet Photography and Sustainability Award’

Gill was selected from the shortlist of 12 photographers for her series ‘Notes from the Desert’.

Photographer Gauri Gill has won the prestigious 10th Annual Prix Pictet Photography and Sustainability Award, securing the massive prize of 100,000 Swiss Francs (approximately $109,219). This award is recognised as one of the world’s most significant, if not the largest, prizes in the realm of photography.

The award was announced on Thursday, September 28.

“On my many visits to rural Rajasthan, I have witnessed a complex reality I knew nothing about as a city dweller. To live poor and landless in the desert amounts to an inescapable reliance on oneself, on each other, and on nature,” said Gill.

The Prix Pictet is described as the world’s leading award for photography and sustainability. Founded in 2008 by the Pictet Group – a Swiss multinational private bank and financial services company – the award’s goal is to harness the power of photography to draw global attention to critical environmental issues.

Entry to this competition is only allowed to individuals nominated through Prix Pictet’s  global network of over 300 nominators which includes critics, curators, and other specialists in the visual arts.

Nominators are asked to recommend portfolios that have the power and artistic quality demanded by the prize.

Since it was founded, the organisation says that more than 5,000 photographers have been nominated, “all of whose work in one way or another testifies to the fragile state of our planet.”

“In a world facing unprecedented challenges, from social inequality to environmental crises, it was crucial to turn the lens towards humanity itself. The theme Human provides a platform to explore the complexities, vulnerabilities, and strengths of the human condition. It allows the artists to capture and communicate the stories, struggles and triumphs of individuals and communities around the globe,” Executive Director of Prix Pictet, Isabelle von Ribbentrop, said.

“Through this theme, Prix Pictet aims to foster a deeper understanding of our shared humanity and inspire meaningful conversations about the issues that impact us all. Especially when thinking about the theme Human, I strongly believe that instead of the future of photography, we should think about photography of the future. The power of the image lies in its ability to foreground critical and urgent environmental issues in a visually impactful yet direct way.”

Gill’s work emphasises her belief in working with and through community, in what she calls ‘active listening’. For more than two decades, she has been closely engaged with marginalised communities in the desert of western Rajasthan, Northern India and for the last decade with Indigenous artists in Maharashtra.

Her winning series ‘Notes from the Desert’ began in April 1999 when she set out to photograph village schools in Rajasthan. Having grown up mainly in cities, she soon realised that rural schools were a microcosm of a complex reality she knew nothing about.

Visiting the same people and places over decades, she witnessed the whole spectrum of life: drought years and great monsoon; dust storms leading to widespread fevers and floods leading to the rebuilding of homes; epidemics; overwhelmed hospitals and understaffed school; festivals, feuds, celebrations, and prayers.

source/content: thewire.in (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL & NATIONAL: HISTORY / HERITAGE: UK museum to sign pact for return of Chhatrapati Shivaji’s ‘Tiger Claws’ to India

The MoU, expected to be signed on Tuesday, coincides with Maharashtra’s 350th anniversary celebrations of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji.

The Victoria and Albert ( V and A) Museum is all set to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government next week, which will see 17th century ‘Tiger Claws’ weapon believed to have belonged to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj make a journey back to India for an exhibition.

During a protracted military engagement in 1659, the legendary Maratha leader held metal claws, or wagh nakh, concealed in his hand and is said to have disembowelled his opponent Afzal Khan – the commander of the opposing Bijapur army.

It is believed, though unverified, that the set of claws then came into the possession of James Grant Duff, an officer of the East India Company who was appointed Resident or political agent of the Satara state in 1818 and gifted to the V and A by a descendant.

“The V and A looks forward to welcoming senior leadership from the Maharashtra government, to sign a memorandum of understanding,” a V and A spokesperson said.

“The story of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s triumph over Afzal Khan is legendary, so we are delighted that the ‘Tiger Claws’ will return to India as part of the 350th anniversary events where they can be enjoyed as part of the celebrations. We hope that their display might also enable new research into their history and look forward to working in partnership with colleagues in the months ahead as we develop plans for their display,” the spokesperson said.

The MoU, expected to be signed on Tuesday, coincides with Maharashtra’s 350th anniversary celebrations of the coronation of Chhatrapati Shivaji. It is then expected to be dispatched to India later this year for an agreed period.

According to the V and A, the weapon is accompanied by a fitted case made after Grant Duff returned to Scotland. The inscription on the case reads: “The ‘Wagnuck’ of Sivajee With Which He Killed the Moghul General. This Relic was given to Mr. James Grant-Duff of Eden When he was Resident at Satara By the Prime Minister of the Peshwa of the Marathas”.

According to historical accounts, Shivaji and Afzal Khan had arranged a truce after political upheavals in order to meet in a tented enclosure, virtually alone.

The V and A description of the history of the ‘Tiger Claws’ explains: “Both came armed: Shivaji wore mail under his clothes and metal skull protection under his turban. He also held a metal ‘Tiger Claws’ weapon concealed in his hand. The two men fought, and Shivaji disembowelled his opponent.

“The last Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Marathas, Baji Rao II, surrendered to the British in June 1818 after defeat in the Third Anglo-Maratha War and was banished to Bithoor near Kanpur. It is possible he also surrendered this weapon to Grant Duff. It has not been possible to verify whether these tiger claws are the ones used by Shivaji nearly 160 years earlier.”

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL RECORDS: WORLD RECORD FOR AN INDIAN ARTIST: Amrita Sher-Gil’s ‘The Story Teller’ sets Record for Highest Price of Rs.61.8 crore, Achieved by an Indian Artist on September 16th, 2023 by-passing the Previous Record held by S H Raza’s ‘Gestation’ of Rs. 51.7 crore

Amrita Sher-Gil “sought inspiration in Pahari paintings” to paint The Story Teller.

Painted during an important period in her oeuvre, Amrita Sher-Gil’s 1937 canvas The Story Teller sold for a whopping Rs 61.8 crore ($7.44 million) on September 16, setting a world record for the highest price achieved by an Indian artist.

The iconic work led Saffronart’s Evening Sale: Modern Art, which featured more than 70 artworks from prominent artists, including significant works by modern masters V S Gaitonde and S H Raza, and early works by Tyeb Mehta, M F Husain, F N Souza, and Akbar Padamsee.

Before this sale, the most expensive Indian artwork sold at an auction was S H Raza’s Gestation, which had fetched ₹51.75 crore.

Describing the significance of the Sher-Gil artwork, a note released by Saffronart before the auction had pointed out it was executed “during an important formative period in the artist’s oeuvre that saw her European and Indian influences merge into a unique artistic language”.

In one of the “few works that she painted en plein air”, the release added, “The dominant subjects are women—who feature in many of her works—depicted as close-knit figures, crafting an inherent intimacy within the canvas. The work is an example of the artist’s most honest and expressive compositions, one that Sher-Gil herself was especially fond of as evidenced by the numerous mentions of this work in her letters.”

A note on The Story Teller on the Saffronart website quotes art connoisseur Karl Khandalavala suggesting that “it sought inspiration in Pahari paintings”. “The cows, the women folk, and the setting, though all far removed in technique from those of Basohli miniature, are pregnant with its lyricism and vivid colour,” states Khandalavala.

Born in 1913 in Budapest to an Indian Sikh aristocrat father and Hungarian-Jewish opera singer mother, Sher-Gil was eight when she moved to Shimla. Though she was already painting, her uncle Ervin Baktay encouraged her to develop her own vocabulary and pursue formal training.

source/content: indianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: G20 Summit: An Undisputed Success for India’s Presidency

India managed to hammer out an unexpected consensus among the G20 countries on the contentious Ukraine conflict through a series of hectic negotiations.

“Modi ki guarantee” and “Modi ka magic” helped in bringing about the G20 New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration, said a source who witnessed the deliberations at the 18th G20 Summit in New Delhi.

India managed to hammer out an unexpected consensus among the G20 countries on the contentious Ukraine conflict through a series of hectic negotiations. The consensus document had 10 broad themes and 37 sub-heads. But nearly all of this was accepted by the leaders of the G20 nations.

The text relating to the Ukraine conflict saw “a convergent consensus and not a divisive consensus. The sentiment in the room was buoyant,” the source said, adding that the Prime Minister was “a junction box of democratic values”. Refusing to draw any comparison with the Bali Declaration, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said at a media briefing, “Bali was Bali and New Delhi is New Delhi. I mean, Bali was a year ago.” It was wrong to draw any inferences, he said.

The declaration issued at the G20’s Bali Summit last November had deplored in the strongest terms the Russian aggression against Ukraine while most members strongly condemned the war. The New Delhi declaration does not feature these formulations. Meanwhile, Russia is rather happy with the declaration.
“The summit is an unconditional success for the Indian Presidency and for all of us. The G20 is undergoing internal reform. This was reflected in the significant activation of G20 members representing the Global South,” said Russian Foreign Minister, Sergey Lavrov.

Lavrov also spoke of Moscow’s growing economic ties with Delhi and that the two countries were making efforts to come up with an alternative mechanism to the SWIFT financial system. On the UN resolutions on Ukraine, 16 members of the G20 voted for all the resolutions condemning Russia, while three members abstained and one voted against it.

“There was a consensus on the language of the document that was put up for the declaration. At the same time, I would like to reiterate that G20 is a forum that talks about economic reforms and development, and should not be used for geopolitics,” said French President Emmanuel Macron in response to a query from this newspaper.

Similar views were expressed by the President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. “I would like to compliment Prime Minister Modi on the New Delhi Leaders’ Declaration. There was consensus on it and we are happy to see this document,” said Erdogan, adding that he would be happy if there was a way for the conflict in Ukraine to come to an end.

And they take time off to

British PM Rishi Sunak and wife Akshata Murthy visited the Akshardham temple in the capital on Sunday. Despite the rain, the couple walked barefoot and spent close to an hour in the premises, admiring its history and architecture, offering prayers and performing aartis and puja. “This is not only a place of worship but a landmark that also portrays India’s culture,” Sunak said. The temple authorities gifted them a marble elephant, a marble peacock and a special replica of the Akshardham temple.

Sukhu only Cong CM at Prez dinner 

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu was the only CM from the Congress-ruled states to attend the dinner hosted by President Droupadi Murmu for G20 leaders on Saturday. He took the opportunity to request Prime Minister Narendra Modi to declare the rain-caused calamity in the hill state a “national disaster”. An official statement said Sukhu has conveyed the gravity of the damage suffered by Himachal Pradesh during the monsoon to the PM and also told him that the state requires substantial assistance in the form of a special relief package from the Union government to chart a path towards recovery. Sukhu had earlier said that Himachal Pradesh had suffered losses to the tune of `12,000 crore due to rain-related incidents.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCE: Ensemble of 78 Instrumentalists to Perform for World Leaders attending G20 Summit

The performance ‘Bharat Vadya Darshanam’ — Musical Journey of India — by the ‘Gaandharva Aatodyam’ group will be showcased during the ceremonial dinner that will hosted by President Droupadi Murmu.

Celebrating the rich tapestry of the country’s musical heritage, an ensemble of virtuoso instrumentalists bringing different styles of classical and contemporary music will perform for world leaders attending the G20 Summit here, according to an official brochure of the programme.

The performance ‘Bharat Vadya Darshanam’ — Musical Journey of India — by the ‘Gaandharva Aatodyam’ group will be showcased during the ceremonial dinner that will hosted by President Droupadi Murmu in the honour of G20 leaders on September 9, officials said.

It will feature Indian classical musical instruments such as santoor, sarangi, jal tarang and shehnai, among others, which have been conceptualised by the Sangeet Natak Akademi, according to the brochure.

The ensemble is a “unique and groundbreaking musical presentation, a harmonious journey of Bharat through music,” reads the concept note in the brochure.

Some of the prominent styles that will be depicted include Hindustani, Carnatic folk and contemporary music, it says.

“This journey will take us through all parts of India through their representative music. Our co-traveller will be the ‘Gaandharva Aatodyam’ with an ensemble of 78 traditional instrumentalists from all over the country,” the official brochure reads.

“This pioneering programme celebrates the rich tapestry of Bharat’s musical heritage, bringing together virtuoso instrumentalists who infuse their unique styles into a mesmerising symphony of sounds. With this innovative blend, the ensemble not only showcases the cultural depth of India but also creates an auditory experience that transcends regional boundaries,” it says.

The performance will begin with compositions of Vilambit Laya (slow tempo), followed by Madhya Laya (medium fast tempo), ending with few scores in Druta Laya (fast tempo), officials said.

The ensemble includes 34 Hindustani musical instruments, 18 Carnatic musical instruments and 26 folk musical instruments from across India.

The 78 artists include 11 children, 13 women, six differently-abled (divyang) artists, 26 young men and 22 professionals, the brochure says.

“We will immerse in some of the most ancient Vedic musical instruments, tribal instruments, and folk instruments alongside classical musical instruments creating a beautiful soundscape. The participating musicians too are hailing from different regions of India, playing an array of traditional instruments in their traditional attire,” it adds.

The musicians will play instruments in traditional attires of the region they belong to, officials said, adding, that this first-of-its-kind initiative ensemble exemplifies the power of music in celebrating the country’s diverse artistic expressions in a truly aesthetic manner.

The G20 Leaders’ Summit is slated to be held at the newly-built international convention and exhibition centre — Bharat Mandapam — at Pragati Maidan from September 9-10.

The G20 dinner for the heads of state and other top leaders will be hosted at the Bharat Mandapam.

In the official invitation for the ceremonial dinner sent out by the Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Droupadi Murmu was addressed as the “President of Bharat”.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD WINNER: How Paris-based, Kolkata’s Neha Ganeriwal Captured ‘Fedal’ & Won in the Independent Photograper Category at the Prestigious ‘2023 World Sports Photography Awards’

Neha recalls the Rafa-Roger day that changed her life, how the same ‘boys’ gave her the best photo of her career, and more.

When Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal held hands at the end of the last competitive match of the former’s career at the 2022 Laver Cup, tears flowed. First, from the eyes of the two tennis GOATs at London’s O2 arena. And then, from millions of their admirers around the world. However, were it not for one Neha Ganeriwal, many would never have witnessed that iconic moment. It was Neha, originally from Kolkata’s Hindustan Park but currently based in Paris, who snapped ‘Fedal’ at their most human, providing one of the most enduring sports images of 2022.

Almost a year later, that image has been adjudged as the winner (out of more than 800 submissions) in the Independent Photographer category of the 2023 World Sports Photography Awards, sponsored by IMAGO, which is the largest and most prestigious competition of its kind. Additionally, two other photos taken by Neha (as well as the ‘Fedal’ one) at the aforementioned Laver Cup finished as finalists in the tennis category of the awards.

Days after her victory, Neha, 42, spoke to My Kolkata, via a video call connecting a wet Kolkata and an equally drenched Paris, reflecting on the ‘Fedal’ image, her journey, her most memorable clicks and more. Edited excerpts from the conversation follow.

My Kolkata: Congratulations on your win! Has the achievement sunk in yet?

Neha Ganeriwal: It’s been overwhelming! I was on vacation when I got the news. It was my first time applying to any award, so I couldn’t have been happier. It’s been a barrage of congratulatory messages since I found out on email (from the sponsors and organisers) that I had won, sometime in the middle of August. What makes me even more delighted is that these are the only dedicated sports photography awards in the world.

‘I had blurry vision because of my tears and was quite worried about the photo’

The image that won you the prize is one of the most moving and shared sports photos of the past year. Talk us through how you captured it.

Before I’m a photographer, I’m a tennis fan. And I was bawling at the time, it was so emotional! I had blurry vision because of my tears and was quite worried about the photo. I was certain that the camera had shaken. The lighting wasn’t great, either, and we were all just clicking away… Federer had just given a speech and he came to sit down. Then a singer took centrestage. A lot of people went towards her, but, for some reason, I kept tracking Federer. He sat down, and just for a split second, he happened to reach for Nadal, for comfort, first touching Nadal’s thigh and then his hand. That’s when I clicked. I had no idea how the results were until I downloaded my work on my laptop. And then, of course, the image went viral. There were two or three photographers who got a similar shot, but depending on which part of the world you were in, you got to see my image.

Why did you choose to submit the photo in black and white?

The actual image has a lot of blue. The background is sort of purple-ish and there’s a bit of white, too. There’s a lot of colour and that distracts from the emotion of the moment. I usually prefer black and white photography, as that helps to train the eye and take it to whatever you want by cutting out all the distractions. That’s why I went for monochrome and I think that’s also why it won.

You named the photo as “Boys don’t cry”. It seems ironic at two levels. First, because the subjects in the photo are actually crying. Second, because there is a suggestion that boys become men when they are comfortable displaying their emotions openly. Would that be a reasonable reading of your caption?

Exactly, that’s right. There’s also a third point to it. There’s this whole myth that men can’t be “weak” or show emotions. Nobody would use the adjective “weak” for Nadal, though. There’s probably no fiercer athlete than him on the tennis court. But there he was, in tears, underlining how even the greatest are also human beings with emotions, perhaps even more so than the rest of us. And there’s nothing weak about that.

‘I know that both Federer and Nadal have seen the photo’

Do you know if Federer and/or Nadal saw your photo? Did any of them reach out or speak to you about it?

I know that both Federer and Nadal have seen the photo. I haven’t met Federer since, but I hope to hear from him in person soon, possibly at some event later this year. I’m actually working on a photo book, combining other unreleased photos, which I’d like to present to Federer. As for Nadal, I met him in November and got him to sign a copy of the photo. We had a little chat about it and he was a bit embarrassed about it all!

‘That one day in Madrid had changed my life… I knew nothing about photography but jumped right into the deep end’

Going back in time, how did your journey as a sports photographer begin? And what did meeting Federer and Nadal (those boys, again!) a decade ago have to do with it?

The photo was a full circle moment for me. I was born and brought up in Hindustan Park in Kolkata. I went to La Martiniere for my schooling and then studied at the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT), before completing my master’s in fashion designing in Milan. A personal tragedy made me settle in Europe about 15 years ago. But I wasn’t working in sports at all. I was a professional fashion designer living the corporate life. Everything was good, but I felt that something was missing. I was climbing the ladder that we’re told to climb, but I never felt that it was mine to climb. I had always been a sports fan. Growing up, I used to go to Ordnance Club (in Kolkata) to play tennis with my father, was in my school swimming team and used to love watching Michael Schumacher in his Ferrari.

Exactly a decade ago, the Rafa Nadal Foundation was having an event in Madrid and I somehow managed to get a pass for that. I almost didn’t go because my resources were limited. But I finally took the plunge, not knowing what to expect. When Federer and Nadal entered the room, they shook hands with absolutely everyone. It was a stark contrast to the glamour industry I was used to, where everyone was inaccessible and god-like. We spent the entire day with the two of them. There was a press conference, a session with kids, a match and a gala. Just seeing the energy and just how the two of them were, I went back to being a sports lover, in between the emotional trauma that was going on for me personally.

I came back thinking that I have to find a way to be a part of that sporting world. So, I got an extra job to pay for a camera, acquired skills and read like a mad woman! I knew nothing about photography but jumped right into the deep end. That one day in Madrid had changed my life. I had found what my soul really wanted, to be around brilliant but normal, wonderful human beings.

What have been some of your other most memorable photos till date?

Capturing Federer winning his 10th Swiss Indoors Basel title (in October 2019) was special. He had started out over there as a ballboy and that was the last time he was going to be playing there. That was really emotional, Federer was crying again. Nadal winning his 10th Roland Garros (in 2017) would be up there, too. Nobody expected him to win that one, but he did. I got a special photo between him and Toni [Nadal] back then.

n football, there was the Euro 2016 final, when Portugal beat France, and Ronaldo was lapping it all up. He was injured and substituted, and there were some really great shots of him stepping up as an additional manager. And, of course, Messi was here [in Paris] for the last two years, which produced some nice shots of him along with Kylian Mbappe and Neymar. Just the sheer starpower in the same frame was special.

Of all the great athletes you have been around and photographed, who has surprised you the most?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic was really interesting! He has this aura of arrogance, but that’s a persona for the camera. He’s the nicest guy you can meet. Of course, he can get annoyed if you poke him or rub him the wrong way, but he’s generally super nice.

‘I can tell which side Mbappe is going to run after he scores a goal or when Djokovic is going to smash his racket’

Given you predominantly cover tennis and football across Europe, what are the different challenges concerned with each sport? Both institutionally and technically.

In terms of institutional challenges, breaking in wasn’t easy. I had to create my own path. When I started, the internet wasn’t the way it is now. Getting in touch with press managers and press officers and getting accredited to FIFA or UEFA was complicated. I had to learn multiple languages, including Italian and French. All of that took time.

The technical aspect took a lot of education and learning, most of which happened on the pitch or the court. Which place to be in, where the players’ teams are and all that. After some experience, you know exactly what the athletes are going to do. For instance, I can tell which side Mbappe is going to run after he scores a goal or when [Novak] Djokovic is going to smash his racket in frustration and yell at his team. There are also the technical fundamentals, such as shutter speed, but that’s about skill acquisition. About putting your ego aside and learning. At the same time, hard as the challenges have been, my colleagues have been amazing and have always answered my questions.

On the ground during match days, tennis gives you more space to move around. I go for close-ups when in doubt. The top positions are always free in tennis. In football, movement is more limited. I can’t always choose my position. Mentally, I make a list of the players I need to photograph. Then, I choose my end and usually go for the one where the home fans are sitting, as it makes for a better background. Then there are the lenses, which also affect the images. Generally, I have less options for lenses when I’m travelling farther.

‘Learning from Nadal, at no point did I give up’

Sports photography still remains a male domain for the most part. How much of your experience so far has been shaped by your gender?

Whenever I walk into those photographers’ rooms, more for football than tennis, I’m usually the only person of colour, often the only woman, too. European football is completely male-dominated. It wasn’t easy when I started, but I’ve become accustomed to it now. Initially, I didn’t want to come across as brash. At the same time, I wanted to be taken seriously. To have people treat me with respect and not dismiss me was challenging. However, at no point was I completely disillusioned. Learning from Nadal, at no point did I give up.

‘I’d love to be a part of some professional event in Kolkata’

Coming to your Kolkata connection, how often do you come back? What are your favourite things to do in the city?

I spent the first 25 years of my life in Kolkata. My parents are still there, so I try to come back every six months. It’s just about downtime for me. I love the street food, like the phuchka and the papdi chaat near Lake Kalibari. Strangely, I haven’t shot anything in Kolkata yet. I’d love to be a part of some professional event in the city, particularly given how big football is back home.

‘My dream is to photograph an Indian winning an Olympic medal, ideally gold!’

What are you most looking forward to in terms of upcoming events? Is there a dream shot that you are still chasing?

I’m really looking forward to next year’s Olympic Games (in Paris). My dream is to photograph an Indian winning an Olympic medal, ideally gold! Then, I’ll probably have to choose between the Euros (in Germany) and the Copa America (in the US). I do want to click Messi with a trophy, since I couldn’t do the World Cup (in Qatar) last year.

‘Do what you do for the right reasons, for your reasons’

Lastly, what would your advice be to budding photographers, especially those wanting to document sports?

No matter what you do, it’s going to be hard, so it’s much better to figure out what it is that you’re willing to suffer for. Do what you do for the right reasons, for your reasons.

Moreover, sports mirror life. There’s no instant gratification, no substitute for consistency. It’s the small successes that lead to the big triumphs. Today, I’m talking about my award, but nobody apart from me has seen those days when all I wanted to do was stay in bed. But I pushed myself, went out in the rain and stood there for four hours. I did it because I love it. As Nadal has taught the world, show up everyday and do the basics. Think of the number of matches he has won simply because he refused to go away. If you do that, things eventually fall into place.

source/content: telegraphindia.com / my-kolkata (headline edited)

NATIONAL: HERITAGE : ‘Indian Heritage’ App with details of 143 Monuments launched by ASI, to be updated in phases

The agency also unveiled a revamped ‘adopt a heritage’ scheme seeking collaboration with corporate houses for sprucing up surroundings of monuments and development of amenities.

Information about scores of notified and unprotected heritage sites including geo-tagged locations, public amenities and images will now be available to mobile phone users as the Archeological Survey of India (ASI) on Monday launched an app called Indian Heritage. On the occasion, the agency also unveiled a revamped ‘adopt a heritage’ scheme seeking collaboration with corporate houses for sprucing up surroundings of monuments and development of amenities.

In the beginning, details of 143 ticketed monuments under the jurisdiction of the Survey are available on the app. According to the ASI official, the app will subsequently be updated in phases with additional inputs pertaining to remaining 3,554 notified historical buildings and over 4,000 monuments which are under the control of state governments and union territory (UT) administration.

“The app will have state-wise details of monuments along with photographs, list of public amenities available, geo-tagged location and feedback mechanism for citizens. The users may also tell us about any lacuna or shortcomings they find at any site through the app. The app will enable common man to send information and images of any monument which is not in the list of protected structures of ASI or state. After proper vetting, the details will be added to the database,” said an official.

The ‘adopt a heritage’ scheme was launched in 2017 by the tourism ministry in 2017. The revised version introduced by the Survey aims for better maintenance of centrally protected heritage properties, creation of basic amenities and world-class additions in a transparent and time-bound manner.

The latest version is equipped with guidelines –dos and don’ts and leaner arrangement for approval of proposals for adoption of protected sites.

Corporate stakeholders can express their interest to take over a site for development of an amenity or amenities including cultural activities like light and sound show and interpretation centre.   

“Heritage is increasingly playing an important role not only in the cultural sphere of this country but also creating an evolved image in the making of a new India. Keeping that in perspective, we believe that heritage can’t be maintained solely by the ASI…hence we launched this scheme for enhancing visitors’ experience at any site,” said KK Basa, director general of the Survey.

An e-permission portal–www.asipermissionportal.gov.in–for obtaining permission for photography, filming and developmental projects on monuments was introduced on the occasion.

source/content: newindianexpress.com (headline edited)

NATIONAL: LANGUAGE: 31 August -World Sanskrit Diwas 2023: Know the date, history, significance and more

Sanskrit is thought to be around 3500 years old, making it part of the ancient Indo-Germanic or Indo-Aryan language family.

Sanskrit Diwas, also known as Vishwa Samskrita Dinam, is celebrated annually on the full moon of Shravana. The 31st of August is Sanskrit Diwas this year. This annual event honours Sanskrit, one of the world’s oldest living languages and a cultural treasure in India.

Sanskrit, sometimes called the “Mother of All Languages,” is an important part of human history and culture. The traditional works in several disciplines, including Literature, Philosophy, Mathematics, and Science, were originally written in Sanskrit, giving the language immense importance.

History

The Government of India’s Ministry of Education proclaimed the World Sanskrit Day. In 1969, on the day of Shraavana Poornima, people began commemorating this special day. Sanskrit is thought to be around 3500 years old, making it part of the ancient Indo-Germanic or Indo-Aryan language family. It is the source of the Latin and Greek languages and has the most extensive vocabulary. Hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, not only in India, consider it to be their native tongue.

Sanskrit has influenced Europe as much as the Indian subcontinent. Sir William Jones, an English scholar who admired Indic languages, travelled to India in 1783 and started researching the language. This makes Sanskrit one of the oldest languages throughout the globe.

Sanskrit linguist Panini developed the Ashtadhyayi, the eight-chapter grammar manual. He led the world in spoken Sanskrit. India honours Panini on World Sanskrit Day. This day sees several Kavi Sammelan activities for authors and students throughout and beyond.

Significance

The historic event in India honours Sanskrit’s rich cultural history and scientific accomplishments. It tries to expand the language beyond Vedas and other Hindu religious texts. World Sanskrit Day promotes this ancient form of communication. Sanskrit Diwas is celebrated to bring attention to and revitalise the ancient language for the modern world.

The Europeans also gave the day its importance in the language. William Jones established the Asian Society and created the English translation of works including Kalidasa’s Abhijnana Shakuntala, Ritu Samhara, and Jayadeva’s Gita Govinda.

In addition, harmony and acceptance are honoured on this special day. Sanskrit is a powerful tool for unity and connecting individuals across the globe.

Sanskrit is fading in India despite its significance in history. The language existed from 1500 to 500 BCE, although it is now lost. Therefore, Sanskrit Diwas was created to restore the language.

source/content: newsroompost.com (headline edited)

INTERNATIONAL: INDIAs GUINNESS WORLD RECORD: ‘Iron man in Reality’: Indian Vispy Kharadi Bends Iron Rods with Head and Creates a new Guinness World Record, on the set of Lo Show Dei Record, Milan,Italy

Vispy Kharadi created the record involving iron rods on the set of of Lo Show Dei Record in Italy’s Milan.

An Indian man’s incredible world record has left people stunned. A video shared by Guinness World Records (GWR) shows how he created the record by bending multiple iron rods with his head.

“New record:

Most iron bars bent in one minute with the head – 24 by Vispy Kharadi (India),” reads the caption posted along with the video. The clip opens to show the man with his head wrapped in a bandana. He then goes on to bend the rods one by one. Towards the end of the video, he also receives the official GWR certificate from the adjudicator evaluating the event. He also says “Thank you” to the audience after creating this record. He completed this impressive feat on February 7, 2023 on the set of Lo Show Dei Record in Italy’s Milan.

Take a look at this video that shows the man creating a record:

The video was shared on August 17. Since being posted, it has accumulated close to 39,000 views and counting. Additionally, the share has received nearly 400 likes. People posted varied comments while reacting to the video.

What did Twitter users say about this incredible record?

“My brain is hurting on his behalf,” joked a Twitter user. “Iron Man in reality. Well done,” praised another. “It’s dangerous, but a great achievement,” added a third. “This is crazy,” joined a fourth. “Wow. That’s amazing,” wrote a fifth. What are your thoughts on this record by the Indian man? Did this video make your jaw drop?

source/content: hindustantimes.com (headline edited)