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Story of an epic
Epic moments While Das reflects the epical expectations in his book, he also throws examples of modern characters meeting the ancient concepts. Like what? Read on…
Being good — the statement never comes without doubts, concern and interrogation. And, when trying to wrestle with ourselves in a match of morality, a thousand years has to offer much more to the contemporary world. So, if you want to know the existence and elucidation of dharma, then it starts with Mahabharata and ends with it too. Ask Gurcharan Das, the noted writer and public intellectual, whose latest book, The Difficulty of Being Good: On the Subtle Art of Dharma, essentially interrogates the epic and transforms the tale into a modern mould.
“My book looks at the contemporary reality of our life through the lens of Mahabharata,” he says. But why explore something that hasn’t even a thread to bare? “Because it’s unique, it’s obsessed with dharma, doing the right thing. It shows us the mirror as far as political failures and civic morality is concerned. The characters never answers from good, rather depended on their own reasoning. That’s probably what we too seek today,” he explains. His previous book, India Unbound, taught us how to manage materials and this aims at managing morals. “India Unbound ended on a prosperous note. And, that was depressing for me, realising that until we fix our moral failure, governance failure will not be repaired,” the newspaper columnist in him makes its presence felt. Seven years of research went into making this epic throb a modern pulse. “I went to the University of Chicago which has the world’s best Sanskrit department (that fact itself was disappointing enough for him), went through 400 manuscripts examining every character of Mahabharata, and then came out with this classic interpretation,” he maps out his journey. Interpretation? “Mahabharata has such powerful verses that I have let the text speak. So, you can read what Draupadi said to Yudhishtra or how Duryodhan describe his envy to Shakuni, along with an interpretation contextual to modern day.” A topic that suited to be plotted at Benaras complied in Chicago. “Well, my initial choice was Benaras, but then I would have been told to do pujas before touching the texts by priests and for me puja and interrogation didn’t exactly fit in as a happy couple,” says the man who believes in straight talks. So, do we talk about envy, revenge, status anxiety- issues that were essentially Mahabharata? “We just don’t talk about them but relate them to one and all. One-fifth of a rickshawala’s earnings are taken by the policeman, one in three teachers are absent and one in two don’t take their job seriously in government schools, the first thing that comes our mind while thinking about a license renewal is how much bribe we would be shelling out. Capitalism will harbour green while socialism gives birth to envy. We hold ourselves hostage by revenge in the name of satisfaction, wanting to be somebody,” he argues. But there are no solutions. “The unfortunate thing about Mahabharata and our present times is that they don’t give solutions. Its underlying statement being — ends justifying the means. But it does help you improve your moral reasoning ability.” So, in the end he is just another village storyteller interpreting the epic for his
times. nehawalia@tribunemail.com |
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Gilt trip or gimmick!
Just another excuse or a valid reason, how does it matter as long as women get to do what they love most—buy gold. The eternal love for the yellow metal was proved yet again on Monday that was celebrated as Pushya Nakshtra. We saw ladies queuing up at the counters of various jewellery stores in the city, ready with their wad of notes, eager to exchange them with glittering gold, with the hope that money begets money and gold begets more gold. For the dear husbands whose bank balance suffered on this day, all we can do is just forewarn you about the impending Dhanteras, (the worse for you guys is yet to come).
For women who are a little less aware (giving a reason to their husbands to be happy) of why it is auspicious to buy gold on Pushya Nakshatra and Dhanteras, P.Khurrana, city-based astrologer, has the facts, “Buying not just gold but any jewellery brings good luck on these days. It is preferable to buying a nose ring or earring than a neckpiece, as that would have more effect. Purchasing the right jewellery can help people overcome problems like stress and depression.” Now that claim will obviously stand true for women, but as far as men are concerned, we have some serious doubts. Anyways, the jewellers are happy and they ought to be. As Rohit Jain, owner of Nikka Mal Babu Ram- 22, says, “The sale increases by 30 per cent on these auspicious days. People in fact wait for this time to buy gold.” The sales also saw a spurt at P.C. Jewellers and Sethi Sons jewellers. Soli Sethi says, “People do show increased interest in buying gold during this period, which is considered auspicious. Every year, the trend repeats itself on Pushya Nakshatra and Dhanteras.” Arvinder Kaur, store manager, Tanishq-17, feels that days like these are an inducement for people to shop, “Women as it is are fond of buying and wearing gold in our country. This time comes as the perfect occasion for buying jewelry for the marriage season as well that follows it.” Do men agree as well?
— Ashima Sehajpal |
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String of hope
A well-educated musician having a degree in M.Sc. Geology to his credit, Suddhashil has devoted himself to the eternal waves of Hindustani classical music. His spell bound performances in India and abroad including Germany, France, and India has earned him great name and fame. Having learnt the rudiments of music from his mother he took intensive training under the tutelage of Pt. Samaresh Chaudhury and Pt. Tarun Bhattacharya. After advanced study under Pt. Tejindra Narayan Majumder, eminent exponent of Maihar Senia Gharana, Padma Vibhushan Pandit Shiv Kumar Sharma, his present guru, finally groomed Suddhashil Chatterjee. In conversation with Lifestyle he shares his views. Give us your views and suggestive actions for preservation and promotion of Indian classical arts? Firstly, we must realise the richly intrinsic magnificence of our musical prominence which has the magic to spell bound the foreign audience. Listening to music or watching a dance performance or visual artwork enraptures one’s mind and soul though for a limited period. But if every individual, especially children, from primary school level are made to listen, feel its grandeur and inculcate musical nuances religiously it will light up their full life. The society and government must come forward to make it a compulsory subject in schools. In all foreign countries aptitude tests are conducted to decide a student’s career, but musical genius are made to opt for a contracting career. Are you satisfied with the chances provided to young Indian artists to show their mettle in music conferences in India and abroad? Yes, but who are they? Majority of them are either the progeny of influential stalwarts or those who excel in marketing their art. Let there be a pool of artists of various categories under a competent authority or corporate patronage. Any patronage from private organisations? It is the media, which can bring a vital change but unfortunately the electronic media has categorically ignored the promotion of classical arts while hosting a spurt of reality shows with commercial considerations. NGO’s like SPIC-Macay or corporate houses like ITC, Tata , Axis bank, Corporation Bank and HDFC are contributing a lot for promotion of art. As a result the younger generation has started taking more than a passing interest in music. |
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Matter of law
Niche, did you say? We have a magazine for everything, lifestyle, dating, teens, golf. And of course cars, fashion, computers…“That’s right we have a magazine right from cell phones to even tissue papers, and with the media getting more and more specialised, then why not a magazine for corporate and legal affairs,” Shyam Grover, group editor, CEO raises a couple of questions at the Punjab launch of Witness, India’s first magazine on corporate and legal affairs.
He adds, “Why not have a magazine on something that affects millions and millions of people directly and indirectly?” Nods PBA Srinivasan, editor-in-chief, “We wanted to make the law simple, reach the general public, take up issues, for example after retirement majority of the judges are cornered, while their experience and knowledge on issues matters.” So, will the monthly, out with its third issue, take up controversial issues by its horn? Says Srinivasan, “In our second issue we have already dealt with Section 377, wherein we sought the opinion of retired judges and we’ll be doing that in future too with other matters as well that’ll interest people. For example, a budding lawyer can pick up this magazine and learn about a new tax act or something he may not be knowing.” Agrees Grover, “I wouldn’t really say it’s for the masses, but we’ve been getting subscriptions from a lot of non-legal fraternity, CA’s, corporates, accountants, students, etc.” A section on consumer issues that affects just about everybody is on the pipeline. Certainly something that a lawyer can rewind with at the end of the day and sure to find its way to the receptions and waiting rooms of law
firms — Manpriya Khurana |
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SPADE WORK
The unattended berm becomes a no-mans’ land and a place for any passerby for any undesirable activity. It also becomes a resting place for rickshaw pullers. You may feel offended by anyone and everyone peeping in. The unattended areas become the breeding place of unwanted growth and insects. Such a place may also become infested with snakes. It is, therefore, very important to take care of the entry point. The main problem in decorating a berm is that mostly it has almost all kind of service providing lines underneath. You decorate the place and one day one or the other service provider, be it the telephone department, electricity, water supply department or sewerage attendants, will take no time to uproot the berm showing no mercy for the plants or trees. It is therefore important to plan the decoration outside the house. It should be such that any ‘assault’ should cast no permanent effect.
Never plant a tree outside, as it will damage the underground facilities. Also, it is not advisable to plant even shrubs at such locations. Another mistake that the residents make is that while planning, the treatment is done till the end of the road leaving no space for pedestrians. One must leave at least three feet space along the road for such purpose. Never plant tall plants on the berm. The decoration should be such that whenever required, it should be easily removable. After the work is finished, the same effect should be created overnight. This is possible by use of ground cover plants. You can use your imagination to make designs with plants. The effect is visible within a matter of a few days. In case these are to be removed, it can be done without causing any damage. They are shallow rooted and can easily be removed and should to be kept on one side. After the job is over, they can be replaced and in about a week’s time, no one will be able to differentiate whether the place was worked on. You can also use cacti and other small stature plants. So, as to contain the growth and also provide beauty, use of bricks comes handy. These can also be removed and replaced at a very short notice. The bed lining could also be designed to tastefully decorate the place. It is not only the plants, but pebbles in combination with plants, or used alone could lit up the place. One could use white river stones to creating themes in miniature could be another way to decorate the berms. Such materials can also be removed at short notice. If due to certain reasons beyond your control, you feel that the place outside the house would be (mis)used by passerbys, keep one or two religious plants in pots or embed a tile with a religious picture on it. No one will ever think of misuse even in dream. satishnarula@yahoo.co.in
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GEEK SPEAK 2009 Suzuki B-King specification
Super bikes have finally found their way to India, with the upcoming launch of Yamaha VMax Suzuki’s premium bike. The new Suzuki B-King is designed as a wind-cheating, wind-tunnel-developed aerodynamic shape. It is also known as cousin of Hayabusa bike.
This liquid-cooled massive machine of power, steel and style will burn the Indian roads with digital fuel injection and a 1340 cc engine. It's a high segment sports bike. The engine of Suzuki B-King is liquid-cooled with four stroke, four cylinder. This bike has a maximum power of 160 bhp @ 9500 rpm and maximum torque of 131 nm. In variety of colours like black, red and white, it’s top speed would be more than 200 kph. It is coming with regular 6-speed gear box and has a tank capacity of 16.50 lts. It cruises to 60 kph from rest in 4 seconds. Brakes are discs at both the front and rear. This bike will be available in tubeless tires and is supported by alloy wheels. It will be priced above Rs 10 lakh. The launch is due some time near Diwali.
New engine
New 1340 cc, liquid-cooled DOHC, 16-valve engine speed counter balancer for the smooth functioning. Suzuki SDTV injection system with dual fuel injectors per cylinder and air intake of RAM with a large volume AIRBOXE. The S-DMS (Suzuki Drive Mode Selector) allows the rider to choose between two engines within the parameters of conditions or rider preferences. Curve-efficient radiator now with two electric fans controlled by the ECM to increase the cooling capacity. Oil cooler now has 10 lines cores for increased heat dissipation. Its 32-bit ECU boasts of 1024 ROM for high overall performance of control and new features such as the S-DMS. Ventilation holes in the skirt of the cylinder for reducing pumping losses and increasing overall performance. The Suzuki Exhaust Tuning (SET) valve is integrated in the mid-pipe exhaust for better efficiency. Its Slick 6-speed transmission shift working in collaboration with a new back torque limiting clutch to facilitate monitoring and bottom Ion plating using a PVD (physical vapor deposition) method is applied to piston rings providing a smoother surface treatment for increased durability, reduced friction loss and reduced oil consumption.
New chassis
All-new twin spar-cast aluminum alloy frame features optimum rigidity balance and superb handling. The B-King also features a new wheel design with a dynamic three spoke look combined with high-performance radial tires with a huge 200 mm rear tire size, All new instrument cluster features the signature strong B-King style with an analog tachometer, digital speedometer, fuel gauge, temperature gauge water, double trip meters, clock, maintenance interval, running time, the average speed indicator of the position of the train, and an S-DMS mode indicator. The B-King is also equipped with a steering damper for maximum
stability amitpalsinghgrewal@gmail.com |
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Ace treat
The Acer F1 features
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Katy Perry, Stephen Fry, Sarah Brown, the prime minister's wife, and Coldplay, the rock group, are some of the famous people in Britain who use Twitter. — ANI
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Riding on a refreshing wave of emotions, this festive season, Limca launched its latest communication initiative – Doobo Taazgi Mein (a plunge into freshness). The initiative features model and actor Dipannita Sharma. According to I Srinivas Murthy, director, marketing, Coca-Cola India, “The latest Limca communication initiative takes the earlier idea of ‘water-like freshness’ and emotional rejuvenation to a next level by using water as a key aspect to freshness. The new Limca ‘Doobo Taazgi Mein’ campaign has been designed to capture the whole thought of freshness, in a bottle that transports you to a cool, rejuvenating, and magical world. Limca as a catalyst takes one to a world of freshness which is both transformational and uplifting, breaking away from the monotony of life to greater heights of refreshment.” — TNS
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This Diwali, to keep up the festive spirits high, GiftMate offers an attractive discount on movie tickets to its elite customers. GiftMate offers Rs 50 cash back on every transaction made for purchasing movie tickets using GiftMate vouchers on www.paymate.co.in/movies. Once successfully booked, an ID would be generated; and the customer will receive an additional GiftMate voucher worth Rs 50 on the transacting mobile phone. The offers will begin from October 8 and will be available all throughout up to December 31, 2009. — TNS
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Soh-Koh Inc, a multi–designer fashion house from the city, unveiled the latest collection of its designers through a scintillating fashion show held at the store itself. City based fashion choreographer Rajiv Rishi choreographed the show. Five female models and five male models showcased the latest collections of all the designers available at the store. Rohit Bal, Nachiket Barve, Falguni and Shane Peacock, Nikita Bhargava are few to name among those, whose latest designs were showcased on the ramp. — TNS
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Our rich cultural traditions and musical heritage has given us something of eternal worth to hold on to, but for preservation and sustained promotion it is imperative to encourage young promising artists, musicologists rather than hankering upon the established art stalwarts in their respective realms.” This daring comment and much more comes from the Kolkata based santoor exponent, Suddhashil Chatterjee, who was in the city for a classical santoor recital at the Pracheen Kala Kendra.
Face is the mirror of mind. Likewise, the entry of the house speaks volumes about what can be expected inside. It also speaks about the temperament of the resident. Normally, this is one place that gets the lowest priority. See the accompanying pictures, you may get motivated.
Well if you have a plan to replace your old phone or buy a new one and treat yourself this Diwali then I would say just hold your horses as Acer is going to launch its Acer F1 which is the most powerful mobile hand set
Here's good news for Twitterati - soon the users of the site may get to upload short video clips on their profiles. Founders of the social networking site Twitter are planning to upgrade the site to allow users to paste live videos on their profile from phones, laptops or other
devices. At present users can only make posts within a word limit of 140. And even the videos are expected be short in
length. Twitter has witnessed phenomenal success of late but still hasn't found a way to make profit. Nonetheless, it has been valued at 630million pounds.