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A movement called Sufi
Every second music fan profile mentions the name of Rumi, and the more devoted ones mention the name Faruk, Dhafer Youssef’s electric Sufi, Hamza El Din, the celebrated Nubian musician whose rich fusion of Arabic and Nubian sounds; Yinon Muallem from Israel, Irfan, a Bulgarian World and Medieval Music band et al. Websites
http://www.mideastweb.org/culture/sufi_music.htm http://www.last.fm/tag/sufi/artists Sufi is being looked up as the buffer against ‘fusion’ or rather ‘amalgamated’ music. Social networking sites have done the needful too. Almost 580 communities on Orkut, 300 on Facebook (with more than 3,000 fans) and 99 on Twitter on Sufi music coming from the middle-east alone says quiet a bit about the enhancing effect of spiritual music on youngsters. Says DJ Khalil, a freelance deejay with clubs in Bangalore, who is one of the followers of Pakistani band Junoon, “Music, of course, is the most powerful form of expression. And Sufism is one medium that connects people to God and to one another. This explains why there is a growth in Sufi communities on social networking sites. Along with the Pakistani Sufi music, youngsters now are getting hooked on to musicians from Israel, Palestine and Afghanistan as well.” Khalil is the member of the community that follows Omar Faruk Tekbilek, a popular Turkish musician living in the US. “A cliché, but so true, music knows no barriers. One of my friends in Chandigarh asked me to become a member of the Faruk community,” he adds. The community talks at length about the Sufi singer who expands his “Mediterranean sound” beyond political, religious and geographic boundaries. Joined by an all-star cast of music luminaries, including Enrique Morente, Ara Dinkjian Arto Tuncboyaciyan, Hasan Isikkut, David Darling, Steve Roach and long-time collaborator Brian Keane, Faruk applies his unity in diversity approach to a collection of songs coloured with traditional Sufi melodies, middle-eastern flavours and distinct traces of folk and flamenco. Along with Sufi music and notes, these groups also talk about how Sufi music can help achieve oneness in the universe. Rishi Singh, a member of community on Orkut dedicated to the Ahmad Shah Sufi Qawwali group from Kabul, attributes the growing popularity of middle-east Sufi groups to social networking sites. “Youngsters are exploring what Sufi music is all about. Believe me, for one, they are getting hooked on to it. As a result, they are now exploring Sufi saints and poets. They know Maulana Rumi, Allama Iqbal and Baba Bulleh Shah,” he says. Rishi recalls the news about ‘Junoon’ performing at the Millennium Peace Concert in 1999 in Paris. “My mail box was flooded with clippings on the concert. Lastly, youngsters these days look for an anchor and music, especially with a ‘ruhaani’ touch, provides this.” Youngsters follow musicians from the Muslim world, including Indonesia, North Africa, middle-East, Europe; placing Sufi music on the popularity charts on social networking sites. Most of the communities earlier were dedicated to Sufi singers in Pakistan such as Abida Parveen, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Pathaaney Khan, but now musicians like Omar Faruk and Dhafer Youssef’s electric Sufi, Hamza El Din, the celebrated Nubian musician who has done a rich fusion of Arabic and Nubian sounds, Yinon Muallem from Israel and Irfan from Bulgaria are very popular. Seven separate Facebook communities on Dhafer Youssef share notes on his Sufi jazz. For DJ Honey, a freelancer in Delhi and Chandigarh, “The notes are so intense that I can feel them flow in my veins. I can’t understand the literal words, but with music you really don’t have to. Sufism has a strong association with middle-east countries, which is why it is intense and now growing in fame too. The music has a rich amalgamation of sacred, ethereal and mystic. Who doesn’t want to touch base with oneself once in a while?” jasmine@tribunemail.com
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Woman on top
The details? She went for the first time as part of a team of seven women from six commonwealth countries and came back with countless memories. She shares exclusively with us over a telephonic interview the complexities and joys of being at an altitude of 2,835 meters. “I feel great about the entire thing. Personally speaking, it’s a milestone in my life. But I feel it’s an achievement for women, especially Indian women,” she shares her state of mind and gets ready for a volley of questions. But before that, how was the place? “It was a once in a lifetime experience. It’s a very remote place; attractive and beautiful. It’s like being on a different planet.” No wonder, it wasn’t easy, being on a different planet that is! “Just being in Antarctica itself is very difficult. We used to ski for eight to 10 hours everyday, then set up tents, turn water out of snow for cooking.” As of now, she isn’t even counting the blisters, the aches and the pains. The expedition was organised by a British woman adventurer to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Commonwealth on January 1, and also for women’s empowerment and environmental awareness. Continuing with the snags…she recounts, “I think it was our third day and there was a huge storm that blew away our tent, but since we were in the base camp we luckily had more tents.” Again, she’s not counting things like snow blowing in your face. “One of the girls got frost bite and she had to leave the expedition.” This Delhi-based outdoor instructor in backpacking is also only the second Indian to ski from the coast to the Pole. Not many women, rather Indians, exactly tick this option among sports. Is she happy with the ski scene in India? “People are not really aware of this, but it’s picking up, although not in a big way. When I was looking for funding, the administration said there’s no category called adventure sports. So, it’s not recognised like Olympic or Athletics, which came as a shock to me.” She gives her thank you speech, “But Kaspersky Lab, an internet company and Bajaj group supported the endeavour at different points of time. As for her it was being trained for two weeks at Norway and a week in New Zealand. “Of course, I had done little bit of skiing in Manali but that was only a beginner’s experience. It’s a mind over matter sport as your fitness, stamina and endurance count more than anything.” She adds, “I read about this some expedition in 2008 and wanted to experience. Moreover, I was already into mountain climbing and backpacking.” manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Some nostalgia, some pain
From bunking classes to bunking reunions, it's not easy changing habitual absentees. "We have a newsletter that comes out every year and that goes to all our members across the country. But out of a total circulation of 600, 300 to 350 go within the city itself," Vivek Sood, secretary, CESA of Carmel Convent, mentions the beginners efforts. He adds, "As for our members abroad, we send emails and have our own website where we keep posting notices." Internet, it seems, wins hands down. Shares Malvinder Teddy Benipal, former president, OYA of Yadvindra Public School-Mohali, "Well, we do try and get in touch with them, mostly through emails and newsletters. Just last year we launched our website." So, calling all and sundry, the notorious backbenchers, the specky front rulers and the ones in the middle. What do they do to ensure maximum attendance? Says Garima Lalwani, student and a member of Alumni Relationship Cell, University Business School, "The entire process of holding a reunion starts around a month or two in advance, where we contact all, so that by the time of actual event they are already in that mode." She adds, "We've freezed out December 24 as the date for holding reunions and this time also there was a huge gathering of the batch of '84." The key lies in innovating, interacting and expanding. Shares Vivek, "We try to increase our activities and make it more interactive. This is for the first time we organised a marathon and an inter-school treasure hunt is on the cards in April. We keep on doing new events and projects. Last year, we organised Christmas celebrations for 125 underprivileged students." He continues, "We are making a hub area in Delhi for old members and our coming meet will see a lot of members from Delhi also." Did anybody mention, the rule of one academic year? He laughs, "I don't know about other schools, but with CESA it's like anybody who's completed one academic session is eligible to join." If they still don't turn up, catch them now! Explains Malvinder, "Right now we are trying to increase our database as much as possible. Now, what we are doing is rather than running after passouts, we are trying to catch those already in school and get them interested in OYA. Then we bring most of the renowned alumni and get them to interact with students." And, what of those who still miss it? Opines Malvinder, "Those who don't turn up, it's basically due to the lack of knowledge, and they probably don't now about the event." Shrugs Vivek, "For those who still miss, there are emails like we missed you, this time do make it, do come." Do come. Rest, we guess the Facebook and Twitter messages showing a bunch of former friends having fun works the best to bring all and sundry back.
manpriya@tribunemail.com |
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Eve’s world
College speak
Beginning with the defaulters and the frontrunners land, the principal's room. Says Charanjeet Kaur Sohi, "Apart from the focus on placements and job oriented courses, the USP of this institution lies in its environs. Our campus lawns were adjudged second in a competition recently." She adds, "We lend a personal touch but also believe in the carrot and stick philosophy valuing discipline and punishing and rewarding as the case may be." Perhaps that explains the 'stickler for discipline' streak. Perhaps that also explains 'Don't sit on vehicles' 'Only staff parking' kind of notices all pervading through the college premises. Style file
The carefree crowd here appears to believe in 'one size fits all' philosophy. Floaters with socks, jeans, even capris, sweaters, sweat shirts, turtlenecks, cowl necks… anything is in and everything works. "You'll find girls here dressed in almost everything. From being highly casual to formally dressed. Mostly the hostellers live just a few steps away and so they turn up even in track pants. I guess that's also one of the advantages of being in all girls college," shares Preeti, humanities student. In the while, a group of four passes by loudly discussing radio jingles. Beyond classroom
There are vast lawns and a matrix of buildings beyond classrooms. Not to forget their very own Student's Centre, a round building standing proudly in the corner housing a book shop, a canteen, a general store, pay phone booth, Internet facility, among other things. A few steps from the entrance, a huge 'What is where' board welcomes, giving directions to the principal's room, library, bank, health care centre, multi-purpose hall and Mata Gujri fitness center. Once in the library, again there's 'What is Where' board. Bet the freshers don't ever have to ask for directions. Canteen connect
Soaking up the sun is quite a culture here. As for the canteen, absolutely no need asking for directions. A trio is hanging around the lawns sucking lollipops. Meanwhile, a giggling bunch of five is holding a mini buffet and deciding on the right table to sit. "We get almost every kind of snacks here but chana samosa and chana bhatura and lemon juice are favourites throughout the year," shares Sheetal Thakur, MCom student. Looks likes girls here live to eat…oops…love to eat, to hell with size zero. The unending menu on the wall being a case in point. |
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Spain is set to have the world's first "gastronomic university", where students will have the opportunity to explore the science of taste in a state-of-the-art laboratory. Spain's most famous restaurateur Ferran Adria, the owner of El Bulli, will help student chefs master the craft of "molecular gastronomy". Pupils will also be encouraged to use scientific innovation to prepare the recipes of the future. British chef and the owner of Fat Duck Heston Blumenthal is also expected to be invited to the university as a guest lecturer. Construction work for the building, which will look like a pile of stacked plates, has started last month on the Basque Culinary Centre in San Sebastian and the first batch of students will be admitted in September 2011. The university will offer a four-year undergrad degree course in culinary arts taught in both English and Spanish and one year masters degrees along with shorter courses for those wanting to improve their cooking skills. According to project director Joxe Mari Aizega, the university will establish the region as the new "Mecca of the world haute cuisine". The private university is situated in the seaside resort of San Sebastian, which already boasts of some of the best gastronomical expertise in Spain. The town has nine restaurants, which together have a total of 16 Michelin stars. "Not only is gastronomy an art, culture and an industry.... It is also a technology and a science," a publication quoted Spain's minister of Science and Innovation Cristina Garmendia, as saying at the ceremony to lay the foundation stone of the new university. — ANI
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Lessons beyond the class
The movie ‘3 Idiots’ conveyed the message that education needs to travel beyond the four walls of the classroom and translate into practicality.
Taking a cue, the Society of Automotive Engineers of India (SAEINDIA) in association with the National Automotive Testing and R&D Infrastructure Project (NATRIP) and Automotive Research Association on India (ARAI) will organise the ‘JK Tyre Baja SAEIndia 2010’ at Pithampur, Indore, from January 29-31, in an bid to translate bookish knowledge into a tool that would help in daily living. The competition will provide engineering students an opportunity to simulate real-world designs. “Students will be asked to design and build an off- road vehicle that will survive rough terrain. This event offers a unique platform for engineering students and aims at promoting a passion for automobiles among budding engineers,” says Hari Singh, national rally champion and manager motorsport, JK Tyre, adding that there was a lot of enthusiasm among the 77 teams. “Students will get to spend a day together and meet people from placement agencies,” he adds. And do the students go about making anything? The answer comes in the form of points they need to meet to win the competition. The vehicle should be safe, easy to transport and maintain, and fun to drive. It should be able to negotiate rough terrain in all types of weather without damage. The winning team walks away with Rs 5 Lakh and an ATV (all terrain vehicle)! The competition is open to students from various undergraduate engineering colleges in India. The driver of the team should be above 18 years and have a permanent driving licence. Now, this shouldn’t be difficult! Time for the final volley- Will the competition be able to provide suggestions or answers to the auto industry. “You would agree to the fact that theoretical knowledge is different from practical. This event will help students generate interest in the auto sector and familiarise themselves with new technologies, which are doing the rounds in the automotive industry,” says Ranojoy Mukerji, advisor, corporate affairs, NATRIP. |
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Melody maestros’ eve
Of all seasons, spring is a favourite with creative artistes as it stands for myriad moods of romance, ecstasy and festivity.
The Chandigarh Sangeet Natak Akademy in association with the Indian National Theatre (INT) will hold a musical soiree - Aie Basant Bahaar - that would feature young and versatile exponents of Hindustani classical music at the Randhawa auditorium tomorrow. The evening would be the fifth in the series of such programmes. And the performers? Pandit Kaivalya Kumar Gurav, who is hailed as the king of melody by music lovers and art connoisseurs, would be one among the big names. The Dharwad (Karnataka) based vocal maestro holds allegiance to Kirana gharna and has been trained by his father Pandit Sangmeshwar Gurav. A commerce graduate and gold medalist in MA (music) Kaivalya Kumar is a top artiste for AIR and Doordarshan. He is among the few who have appeared on celluloid as Kaivalya, and has been credited with acting and singing as the master musician Tansen in a Doordarshan serial Swarsaadhna. He has been awarded the Surmani title, Pandit Jasraj Samman, Diva Puruskar and many more. Dr Nivedita Singh, another maestro who would perform in the show, is undeniably the leading young female classical vocalist with a scholarly insight. She began her training in vocal music during childhood under late Prof. Tara Singh, pioneer of Gurmat Sangeet, exponent of Gwalior tradition of Khyal Gayaki and Prof. Ajit Singh Paintal of Indore gharana. Currently, she is learning from Pandit Ganesh Prasad Sharma, a renowned music teacher and scholar of Sahaswan School of music. Combining her career with teaching and research in music, Nivedita secured first class t in MA vocal from Punjabi University, before completing her M.Phil and Ph D. Nivedita’s forte is khyal, which she renders with masterly skill. She is an active performer with a strong stage presence and has a profound understanding of tradition and innovation. She skillfully uses melodic strains to highlight the idea of shabads in gurbani without allowing the raga to overshadow the intent of the verses. She has been a regular artist with A.I.R. and Doordarshan. She has also recorded a set of cassettes with Hindi and English commentary for teaching of Indian classical music based on Pt. Bhatkhande’s famous work Kramik Pustak Malika (Part-1). Her eight albums of gurbani gyan have also been released. She has published several research papers, including a book titled Tradition of Hindustani Music: A Sociological Approach. For her contribution to classical music, she has been honoured with Sardar Jodh Singh (Akashvani) Award (Sham Chaurasi), Gurmat Sangeet Award (Jawaddi Taksal, Ludhiana), Bhai Mardana Award (Guru Gobind Singh Study Circle) and Dr. Jaswant Kaur Gill Memorial Award. Catch the melody live at the Randhwa auditorium on January 20 from 6.00 pm onwards. |
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Designs that differ
A headgear made of cane and metal, finger nails in silver and copper, a lingerie of cane painted in golden and silver, broach made in the shape of an octopus… jewellery goes beyond the traditional necklace, rings, anklets, bangles and earrings. Experiment begins!
The material used for the jewellery ranges from jute, metal wires and glass to even a 10-paise coin for earrings. “If youngsters can wrap a stole around their waist to give it the look of a skirt or wear it as a tube top, they will be open to experiment with accessories as well,” says Neha Verma, a young designer and faculty member of Jewellery Design and Technology Institute (JDTI). The bangle needn’t be in the usual round shape; it can be zig-zag as designed by Jiju Thomas or a triangle shape given by Rajiv Khatri. Many such creative designs were put on show at the JDTI by its alumni on Tuesday. Shalika Jain’s designs of rings and earrings were decided after a research on what youngsters prefer. “Accessories highlight the personality of an individual. Youngsters believe the bigger and bolder the designs of their jewelry, the more they are noticed in a crowd.” Neha Verma has in her collection fingernails and bold bling earrings, which fall till the shoulders. Experiment continues! Mayank Verma’s long-wired neckpiece has colourful glass pieces for the bling. He has also used the same combination of metal and glass in the slippers he has designed. “The designs can be used to make jewellery from refined metals like gold and platinum.” An elaborate neckpiece made of bamboo cane by Rajiv Khatri was a masterpiece. The bamboo cane weaved in three different styles had copper wires wrapped around it to give an antique look. Experiment yet again! But the experiment stops and stoops on part of the institute. Same alumni are called every quarter of the year to showcase designs they had made while at the institute. Just the same reason to be news. Wish they come up with some new concept next time and initiate experiment!
— Ashima Sehajpal |
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Fine art students on Sunday created sand sculptures here to generate awareness among urban youth. Around 32 students from the Theni Melapettai Hindu Matriculation Higher Secondary School used three sculptures as a prop to depict three different messages aimed at preserving and practising fine arts as a subject. The students formed structures using only sand and water as raw materials for creating the three sculptures of Mother Gorilla holding its Baby depicting Care, a Mermaid signifying rarity and peculiarly different and Unique and the third sculpture being the Laughing Buddha, a symbol of Happiness. "We are conducting this primarily to generate awareness among the people through different themes of display. The underlying message is to enhance the creative mind of individuals," said T. Suganya. "Students are not showing any interest in fine arts these days, that is why its demand is declining tremendously. So, all we wanted is to display the talents of the students of fine arts and showcase them in front of the people, as to reveal how interesting and innovative the subject is. That is the only reason we organised and camped here," said Saradha, a teacher. The camp was successful in drawing the attention of the public as many stood admiring the artwork and appreciating the effort of the students. — ANI
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The yo-yo is set to become 2010's most popular toy with a 10-fold jump in sales over the past year, say retailers. The yo-yo, which gained widespread popularity during the decade following the 1929 Wall Street crash, is being lapped up again by parents turning to inexpensive toys for their children in the time of the recession. And modern yo-yos come with new features like gears, which allow users to perform tricks easily. Retailers and yo-yo manufacturers believe 2010 will the biggest year for the toy since 1998, when almost four million were sold in the UK, which means one for every three children in the country. "Since November they have been selling ridiculously well. We are up about 1,000 per cent at least - 10 fold on the sales we were having a year ago," the Telegraph quoted David Strang, the managing director of Wicked Vision, the distributor of Duncan Yo-Yos, as saying. He added: "Yo-yos, generally over the last 80 years, have gone in seven to eight year cycles. It's a generational thing. A 10-year-old has never really seen one, but his older cousins, father and grandfather have. But this time around we haven't seen a proper global craze since 1998. I think video games and Internet left yo-yos behind." And according to Peter Jenkinson, who runs the industry website, toyology, yo-yo makers are investing into manufacturing new and sophisticated models. He said: "You can master the basic skills with a simple 99p yo-yo, but the new £8 and £10 models that the likes of Duncan and Yomega are bringing out are pretty amazing. The companies are pushing them hard and I wouldn't be surprised to see yo-yos being played in every playground of every primary school by the summer." — ANI
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The film by Eros International raises the issue of farmers in Punjab whose precious cultivation land is being grabbed by industrialists and multi-national companies. "Youngsters in Punjab are in race to go abroad, but ultimately we all have to come to our roots. This is the theme of the film. The youngsters are not respecting their Mitti, the land and that's why they are loosing their farms. In foreign, they do any kind of job, but they are not willing to work in Punjab, in their fields," Mika said. "Punjabi culture has taught the way of life to people - the hospitality and respect to the guests. We have several functions in our marriages. Be it the rich or the poor, they celebrate the occasion of wedding with pomp and gaiety. And, Punjabi tradition of applying mehandi (heena) and haldi (turmeric) is now followed in other parts of the country. In Madras, Mumbai and elsewhere India people enjoy dancing to Punjabi music," he added. Mika's career evolved from Kirtan singer to Bhangra/pop artist. He released his debut music album Sawan Main Lag Gayee Aag in 1998, at the age of 21.Since then Mika has given several hits like Ishq Brandy, Something Something, Gabru, and Dunali. Mika has not only left the Indi pop and Punjabi pop industry gasping for more, but has also shook the Bollywood to the roots."Our legendary singer Gurdas Maan has captivated the heart of people across the world. Daler Mehndi has taught Punjabi to not only Indians, but the foreigners as well. Tara-ra-ra, Kanjari kalol Kardi, Dardi Rab Rab, Aha Chiknak...and my songs like Jag Sara Jag Sara Nikhar Gaya are hit among the people in Punjab, non-Punjabis in UP, Bihar, Madras and even Mumbai. So singers have a major role to play. Take an example of Harbhajan Mann's song Galla Goriyan Te Vich Toye... people are eager to understand the meaning of Toye," Mika said. —ANI
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Bees saal baad
After playing a prince early in his career in portions of 1992 film Suryavanshi, macho star Salman Khan is returning to period drama in his latest venture Veer that releases Friday. Interestingly, the epic has been written by Salman 20 years ago and is an Eros International Media Ltd presentation and Vijay Galani Moviez production. "I had written the story 20 years ago, but at that time it wasn't possible to make the film. I thought now is the right time to make it, so I did... I showed the story to my father (noted writer Salim Khan) and the biggest fear was what is he going to say. But he said it's a good story," Salman said. Made at a budget of around Rs.44 crore, (Rs 440 million) Veer has been directed by Anil Sharma and marks the big screen debut of Zarine Khan, who is said to have a close resemblance to Salman's actress girlfriend Katrina Kaif. "It's a love story set in the backdrop of a war for independence. I play a Rajasthani princess," said Zarine. Shot extensively in Rajasthan, it is a story of bravery, treachery and love. Set in colonial India, the film encapsulates a period when the British enslaved India with their divide and rule policy and kings and nawabs fell for it, except for the Pindaris who preferred death to dishonour and fought till their last breath. Salman plays one of the bravest and strongest Pindari soldiers named Veer. As Veer takes on the might of the British Empire, he also has to fight the conniving King of Madavgarh as well as his own jealous tribesmen. The stakes are high as he has to avenge his father's dishonour as well as get over the hurdles in love as he romances princess Yashodhara, the daughter of his sworn enemy. Also shot in Britain, it is also the first Bollywood film to be shot in the premises of Buckingham Palace. Despite having the facility of special effects, the film also boasts of using thousands of real horses and other animals for authenticity. — IANS
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An old folk singer with an acoustic guitar, spiked hair, pierced tongue, fair-looking youngster at the synthesizer and a modern yet all-covered beautiful girl...Twitter and Facebook are flooded with dedicated Sufi groups from Israel, Palestine, Turkey, Istanbul, and other Middle-East countries.
Three cheers! One for women empowerment, two for adventure sports and the last for italicising India on the map of skiing. Reena Kaushal Dharmshaktu has become the first Indian woman to ski to the South Pole.
Alumni meets - there are two schools of thought; they either skip out or stick around, either miss it the most or just miss out. Why is it that some of the alumni's will always overlook a reunion while being in the same city? While others will check in from across the continent? That's the way it is. But what are they doing to convert the ones subscribing to 'let's leave it' philosophy?
There's something about a girl's college that tells you it's a girl's college, apart from the presence of only girls of course! The Kinetic Hondas and Honda Activas parked neatly in unending rows notwithstanding. There would be girls, giggles, gossip…Guru Gobind Singh College for Women-26 aptly fits in.
Punjab film industry is on the revival path, and the credit for this goes to Punjabi singer-turned actors. After the success of Gurdas Maan and Harbhajan Maan it's time for Mika to turn to acting, and his first acting initiative is visible with the release of new Punjabi film
Mitti.