Category Archives: Arts, Culture & Entertainment

President confers awards on Dangal’s Zaira, Super 30’s Anand Kumar

November 15, 2017Arts, Culture & EntertainmentZaira Wasim, Zaira Wasim - Dangal, Zaira wasim - National Child Award 2017mpositiveone@gmail.com

JAMMU & KASHMIR :

President Ram Nath Kovind presenting silver medal to actor Zaira Wasim during National Child Awards function

New Delhi :

President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday presented the National Child Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan on the occasion of Children’s Day.

This year’s recipients included Super 30’s Anand Kumar and actress Zaira Wasim of Dangal and Secret Superstar fame. At the ceremony Dr Virendra Kumar, minister of state for women and child development, was also present.

This year the National Child Award was given to 16 children out of which one was presented with gold medal and 15 were given silver medal. The National Award for Child Welfare was conferred on three individuals and five institutions.

The Rajiv Gandhi Manav Seva Award for outstanding contribution towards service of children was conferred on three individuals. Speaking on the occasion, the President said, “By awarding kids, we recognise and encourage their talent and potential for nation building.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> News> India News / TNN / November 15th, 2017

Memory of a SUFI SAINT

November 14, 2017Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Travel & Tourism, World OpinionAbdulla Qutb Shah, King Abul Hasan Tana Shah, Mir Alam Tank, Mir Mahmood, Mir Mahmood Ki Pahadi, MM Pahadi, Moulana Syed Shamsuddin Hussaini, Shah Raju Qattal II, Syed Shah Emaduddin Mohammedmpositiveone@gmail.com

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

The view from outside | Photo Credit: Serish Nanisetti

Mir Mahmood’s dargah comes alive during the Urs

It is an unmissable green dome that can be seen for miles around in the Rajendranagar area. Overlooking the massive Mir Alam Tank, built on the edge of the hillock now called MM Pahadi or Mir Mahmood ki Pahadi, is the dome of Sufi saint Mir Mahmood. “Mir Mahmood saheb came from Iraq. He came during the rule of Abdullah Qutb Shah and settled down here. When the king was constructing other buildings, Mir Mahmood paid double the wages to pregnant women and more people liked to work here. He lit a torch in the lake to carry on the building activity in the night,” says a caretaker.

According to historians, Syed Shah Emaduddin Mohammed hailed from Najf in present day Iraq and migrated to Bidar along with 50 other Sufis. Here, he came into the influence of Moulana Syed Shamsuddin Hussaini who inducted him to the Nimatullahi order and asked him to move to Hyderabad. He reached here during the reign of Abdullah Qutb Shah and stayed at the hillock overlooking the lake. The people started calling him Mir Mahmood Saheb. Within a few years, he started constructing his own tomb and on the other side of the lake, the new king Abul Hasan Tana Shah began constructing the dome of his spiritual master Shah Raju Qattal II. The workers and people knew that a miracle was taking place as the labourers were paid higher wages though the there was no known source of income for the Sufi who spent most his time in a trance like state. Now, the dome of Shah Raju is visible from Mir Mahmood’s dargah and Mir Mahmood’s dargah is visible from Shah Raju’s tomb in Misrigunj. But while Mir Mahmood’s dargah has a coat of green that shimmers in the sunlight, Shah Raju’s tomb is a dull grey requiring maintenance.

Mir Mahmood lived only on the hillock and never went to see any other place though the Charminar was very much visible from where he lived. He passed away two years after Hyderabad was conquered by Aurangzeb.

Most of the inscriptions, jali work and stucco work in the dargah have been erased over the years with layers of paint and repair work but the few remnants show that the tomb is a work of art. Inside the dome, there is a box with some prized relics, which is rarely opened. The real grave of the Sufi can be reached from the outside on the northern side at a lower level.

Just outside the entrance of the dargah is a small masjid where not more than five people can pray.

With land grants from kings and noblemen, the Dargah once had an estate of 600 acres. Now, much of it is occupied and the houses built on the southern slope have reached up to the hillock.

The Urs is celebrated on 13th Shaban which will be in April. During the Urs, the area comes alive as individuals and families jostle to touch the chadar and lay flowers on the grave of Mir Mahmood Saheb. Visitors who come to ask for dua and pray spend time in meditation in absolute calm. “People from across the region, Bidar and its surrounding areas, come here. Many of them stay here for three days participating in various activities and having food from the community kitchen. Even the lower levels of the hillock are occupied by visitors on those three days,” says Syed Afroze, who lives on the edge of the Mir Alam Tank.

The Mir Mahmood hillock is at an elevation of 530 metres above sea level. The Golconda fort is at an elevation of 539 metres. Even with construction of multi-storied housing and office blocks, most of the hillocks give a vantage point view of Golconda fort.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Life & Style / by Serish Nanisetti / November 13th, 2017

Doha: KMCA celebrates Karnataka Rajyotsava in grandeur, patriotic fervor

November 13, 2017Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, NRI's / PIO'sAbdulla Monu, Aisha Rafique, Haji SM Rashid, Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association KMCA, Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association-Doha, Rukshana Begum, Saquib Raza Khan, SMR Builders & Promoters-Mangaluru, Syed Abdul Hyempositiveone@gmail.com

KARNATAKA :

Doha, Qatar :

Karnataka Muslim Cultural Association (KMCA), celebrated the 62nd Karnataka Rajyotsava with full fanfare on November 10 at Indian Cultural Centre, Ashoka Hall. KMCA again presented a well-organized programme that was laced with entertainment, comedy, patriotic fervor and perfect blend of art and music.

The evening commenced with the Qiraat, recited by Faakhir Fayaz Ahmed and translated by Bilal Ahmed Assadi. Zakir Ahamed and Hasan Nihal, as the compere for the evening, explained the schedule of events and handed the stage over to standup comedian, Ajay Sarapure from Belagavi. Ajay, also known as Hasya Ratna, has been a student of Karnataka’s comedy king Gangavati Pranesh.

Young multi-talented Tejaswi Ananth stunned the audience by his mesmerizing LED poi acts, juggling and hand shadow act. His LED poi act was the highlight of the evening that received a thunderous applause, and at a mere 19 years of age, Tejaswi, is a true variety entertainer. His gimmicks and vibrant personality had the audience asking for more.

Jeevansab Walikar Binnala was the next performer of the evening. Jeevan Sab, also a standup comedian, famously known as Janapada Hasya Kalavida, from North Karnataka is a multi-talented artist. He started his performance with a melodious folk song and went on to entertain the audience with his comedy where he brought out the subtle day-to-day life experience in his own style.

KMCA should be lauded for recognizing upcoming talents from the native land and providing them an international platform for a larger exposure. KMCA has started a trend that they live up to, at every community event they conduct.

The guest of honour of the evening, Haji SM Rashid, chairman of SMR Builders and Promoters, had flown in from Mangaluru to be part of KMCA celebrations. During the formal function, he was escorted to the dais by president Abdulla Monu and vice-president Aisha Rafique.

The Chief Guest for the evening, Syed Abdul Hye, founder member of KMCA was escorted by general secretary Saquib Raza Khan. Living up to the Arabic culture, dates were presented to the chief guest and guest of honor. KMCA president Abdulla Monu welcomed all the dignitaries, members and all attendees to the event. He also explained the importance of Rajyotsava, an event that brings all the Kannadigas together with a bond of friendship and plays a significant role in rebuilding relationships and harmony within all.

Saquib Raza Khan read the profile of Haji SM Rashid, after which Haji SM Rashid was felicitated by the executive committee members of KMCA. Haji SM Rashid addressed the gathering and expressed his gratitude on being a part of this spectacular event.

Dignitaries from different Karnataka-based organizations namely, Ravi Shetty Sanjay Kudri, H K Madhu, Arvind Patil, Navaneet Shetty, Deepak Shetty, Nazeer Pasha, Anil Boloor, Nagesh Rao, Seetharam Shetty, Ramchandra Shetty, Subramanya, Mahesh Gowda, Iqbal Manna, Manjunath, Anil Boloor, Veeresh Mannangi, Ilyas Beary, Diwakar Poojary, Asmath Ali and Habibun Nabi were also present at the event.

KMCA annual souvenir, the 5th edition of Pragati, was released on the occasion by the chief guest.

KMCA has been conferring special award every year, on people who are the silent heroes of the community. This year’s recipients were Cajetan Nery Alphonso, marketing manager of Ali bin Ali Group, Ligorio Francis Estrocio, employee of Ministry of Interior and Richard Jurnis. Their voluntary, selfless service to communities is praise worthy and inspiring. Executive committee members of KMCA honored them for their valuable contribution to the society. KMCA Excom and presidents of affiliated Karnataka Associations also honored the performing artistes. Ruksana Begum then rendered the vote of thanks.

Soon after, the stage was again set for the artistes to enthrall the audience. Jeewansab Walikar, the folk artist, sung a patriotic song in memory of Tipu Sultan as November 10 is also the birthday of the Tiger of Mysore – Tipu Sultan. The day is celebrated as Tipu Jayanti by the government of Karnataka.

The folk routine was again followed by another mesmerizing LED poi act by Tejaswi that had the crowd cheering with immense joy, on the images of Qatar and India, and various images of Tamim Al-Majd.

The magical part of the evening was Basavaraj Umarani from Belgaum. A Maths magician, he is renowned as the ‘Blind Walking Computer’. Completely blind since birth, Basavaraj has never glimpsed the external world, but his mind sees and interprets things that no normal person could ever perceive. He is gifted with a brain of unparalleled capacity, immense memory, unbelievable levels of perception, mathematical and analytical skills that could challenge the greatest brains in the country. His mind-blowing cricket commentary of a random match, and nine digit calculations carried out mentally, was the highlight of the evening. Interacting with the audience with his inspiring words, he quoted that nothing is impossible when the word itself states ‘I’m possible. His sheer talent, simplicity and words of immense wisdom received a standing ovation.

The final icing of the evening was yet again Tejaswi Ananth, who stunned the audience with the Hand Shadow Act and concluded the celebrations for the evening.

An evening that promised to deliver entertainment and lived up to its promise.

source: http://www.daijiworld.com / DaijiWorld.com / Home> Top Stories / by Media Release / Monday – November 13th, 2017

Talat Mahmood’s melodies to be re-introduced

November 11, 2017Arts, Culture & EntertainmentKhalid Mahmood, Latika Mullick, Manzoor Mahmood, Nasreen Mahmood, Padma Bhushan Talat Mahmood, Sabina Talat Mahmood, Sahar Zaman, Talat Mahmood, Talat Mahmood-Padma Bhushanmpositiveone@gmail.com

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH / Mumbai (MAHARASHTRA) :

Legendary singer Talat Mahmood’s songs will be re-introduced to listeners in Delhi on Sunday (November 12). The melodies would come alive once again in the capital at a college of Delhi University.

Students from four Delhi University colleges will come together to sing Talat’s songs. Each student will be judged by music experts.

The curator of this grand event, Sahar Zaman who is Talat Mahmood’s grand niece is making sure to re-introduce the singer’s old melodies to the youth of today.

This special singing competition in memory of the legend will take place from 11am to 2pm at Sri Aurobindo College, Shivalik, Malviya Nagar, New Delhi.

About Talat Mahmood

One of the most popular singers of the Indian film industry, known for his soft velvety voice Talat Mahmood was an Indian playback singer. He was a significant part of the Golden Era of the Indian music film industry and gave several memorable hits from the ‘40s – ‘60s. Known as the King of ghazals, he was the first to bring the genre of ghazals to mainstream music of the film industry. He tried his luck at acting, but later gave up for his career in singing. He has been a part of movies like Daak Babu, Waris, Ek Gaon ki Kahani and more.

A special series of singing competitions in the coming weeks will be organised by the team of “Talat Mahmood Today” at prominent Delhi University colleges and institutes in Delhi. The students will be singing old ghazals and filmi songs of Talat Mahmood. This is an ongoing competition stretched across 3 months up to January 2018. These will be judged by well known artists from the music industry. The winners will have a chance to share stage in the grand finale celebrations during the 3-day Jashn-e-Talat festival in February 2018. February 24th, 2018 is Talat Mahmood’s Birth Anniversary.

source: http://www.thestatesman.com / The Statesman / Home> Entertainment> Music / by SNS Web, New Delhi / November 08th, 2017

Licence to quill

November 7, 2017Arts, Culture & EntertainmentSaba Kausarmpositiveone@gmail.com

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA :

Saba Kausar has an eye for detail and we are taking the pun very literally here. The ophthalmologist has an inclination towards detailed, minute works and strives for perfection – a tendency which is seen in her profession as an eye specialist as well as her hobby of quilling.

“I was interested in arts and crafts since childhood but once I got into medical college in 2004, I stopped. I didn’t have time as I was concentrating on my studies. From the beginning of this year, when I finished my course and started working, I started devoting my spare time to this again,” she says.

From stuffed toys and handmade candles to quilling on plastic glasses and stitching – she has tried it all. “I think I got my interest in this field from my mother. She does a lot of embroidery and is a true perfectionist. I don’t think I have got her talent but I have tried to learn a few things from her,” says Saba, adding that the rest of her lessons were largely
by way of experimentation and watching YouTube videos.

Floral motifs are a recurring theme in her creations, many of which find their way into the hands of relatives and friends as gifts. “They love the fact that I spend so much time for them and make something that will reflect their likes and dislikes.

Out of all the things I have made so far, the nameplate that I made for my mother-in-law for her birthday remains my favourite. I was newly married and hadn’t started working yet. So I had time to sit and create something truly special and she loved it,” recalls Saba.

Time remains a constraint as she puts in many hours of work at the clinic every day but she still manages to find time to indulge in her passion and throw in an occasional visit to Raja Market as well.

“I get my raw materials from Raja Market. For me, that place is like heaven. You get anything and everything there, I feel so excited when I go there.”

For inspiration and feedback, Facebook is her go-to place. ” I am part of a group called ‘DIY Creations’ in Facebook. There, I put up pictures of my creations and also see what others are posting. There are many new and innovative things that people are trying and this inspires me. But my ideas are my own,” she says.

Saba plans to keep pursuing her interests even in future, both because she enjoys the pastime and because it acts like a stress buster for her, and wishes to display her works in a show or exhibition soon.

(Saba can be contacted on smanzar19@gmail.com)

source: http://www.deccanherald.com / Deccan Herald / Home> Supplements> Metrolife / by Rajitha Menon / November 06th, 2017

Who is Abdul Qavi Desnavi?

November 1, 2017Arts, Culture & EntertainmentAbdul Qavi Desnavi, Syed Mohammed Saeed Razampositiveone@gmail.com

Desna(Block Asthawan – Nalanda District) BIHAR :

Abdul Qavi Desnavi’s 87th birth anniversary celebrated with a Google Doodle

The Google Doodle on Wednesday commemorated the 87th birthday of Urdu writer Abdul Qavi Desnavi.

Born on November 1, 1930 in Desna village of Bihar, Desnavi has over 50 books on Urdu literature to his credit.

Among his major works were Hayat-e-Abul Kalam Azad, a book on freedom fighter Maulana Abul Kalam Azad published in 2000.

Some of his other famous works include Sat Tahriren, Motala-E-Khotoot Ghalib and Talash-E-Azad.

“As the head of the Urdu Department at Bhopal’s Saifia College and a member of several regional and national literary bodies, he exerted a powerful influence on the evolution of Urdu literature and academic thought in India. At a personal level, he mentored some of India’s finest Urdu poets and writers such as Javed Akhtar and Iqbal Masood,” Google’s blog reads.

He died in July, 2011.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Books> Authors / by The Hindu Net Desk /November 01st, 2017

Watching youth enjoy classical music heartening: Sitarist Shujaat Khan

October 30, 2017Arts, Culture & EntertainmentImdad Khan Gharana, s, Shujaat Hussain Khan, Shujaat Khan, Ustad Shujaat Hussain Khan, Ustad Vilayat Khanmpositiveone@gmail.com

Kolkata, WEST BENGAL :

The sitar, tabla and flute played on. And the youngsters in the crowd heard the classical ensemble in awe. Sitar maestro Shujaat Khan says it’s surprising and heartening to witness the swelling number of youths — contrary to popular perception — at classical concerts.

“If you go to classical concerts across India, you will be surprised to see the number of people under 25 who are going and listening to them. It’s unbelievable.

“Around 40 per cent people (at concerts) are under 25, and it’s a wonderful thing that they are realising that there’s something more to life than just a three to four minute song, which is also okay to listen to,” Khan told IANS here.

The celebrated musician is the son and disciple of sitarist Ustad Vilayat Khan, and he belongs to the Imdad Khan gharana of the stringed instrument.

He was here to perform at the MTV India Music Summit, where a group of school and college students sat with rapt attention and appreciated the expertise, finesse and dedication of the artistes. Khan also sang.

“I’d like to reiterate what Prasoon Joshi says. Music can’t always be heard from the feet — it can’t always be for dance. It’s a good thing that they realise that you can even sit and listen to music, and enjoy it,” said Khan.

But why do most people often undermine the ability of youngsters to understand and appreciate the complexity of classical music?

“Because that’s what the job of the majority is. In the world, the majority will always go to something that’s easy, easily accessible and easily doable.

“If you go and play music on the stage for two hours, and vis-a-vis that, you do a three-minute performance, there will be a difference, right?

“So, whatever is easy for you as a listener, you’re accepting that. It’s upto you.”

He is all for more such platforms where artistes can congregrate and celebrate India’s glorious wealth of classical music.

“The more, the merrier. People are thinking about it. Gradually, literary festivals have started happening in different parts of the country.

“Music fests will also happen slowly and steadily as people will understand the need to get together and promote the cause of music,” Khan said, agreeing that the market has opened up in a big way for interanational artistes to come and perform.

Khan’s musical career began at the age of three when he began practicing on a specially-made small sitar. By the age of six, he was recognised and began giving public performances.

His album “Rain” was also nominated for the Grammy Awards.

Back in 2010, Khan had even composed for a Hindi movie titled “Mr. Singh/ Mrs. Mehta”. But now he is in no mood for film collaborations.

“I have no interest. I enjoy the more serious, longer format. I prefer that. Also, when someone offers you a film, with that, comes another offer — this is what we want you to do. So, I am not interested.”

(The writer’s trip was at the invitation of the event organisers. Radhika Bhirani can be contacted at radhika.b@ians.in)

–IANS

rb/in/vm

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

source: http://www.business-standard.com / Business Standard / Home> News-IANS / Jaipur – October 30th, 2017

Rifle replica to commemorate martyrs

October 29, 2017Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & EconomyShaik Musavir, Sk Musavir, Sk Musavir-Miniatures Artist, Sk Musavir-Nellore Artistmpositiveone@gmail.com

Nellore, ANDHRA PRADESH :

A miniature silver replica of a rifle made by artist Sk. Musavir. | Photo Credit: K_ RAVIKUMAR

A silver miniature replica of a rifle was made by Nellore-based artist Sk. Musavir, to pay his respects to the martyrs on the eve of the Police Commemoration Day here on Friday.

The artist used two grams of silver and one gram of wood to make the miniature which measured 2 cm in height and 12 cm in length.

It was time to pay homage to all those officers who sacrificed their lives for the sake of peace and harmony, said Mr. Musavir.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> States> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Nellore – October 21st, 2017

Hussainsagar architect’s tomb loses land to squatters

October 29, 2017Amazing Feats, Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, LeadersAbdullah Qutub Shah VII, Dargah Hussain Shah Wali, Dr. Mohammad Safiullah, Dr.Mohammed Safiullah-Historian, Hazrat Syed Khaja Hussain Shah Wali, Hussain Shah Wali, Hussainsagar, Ibrahim Qutub Shah IVmpositiveone@gmail.com

Hyderabad, TELANGANA (Formerly ANDHRA PRADESH ) :

The stone and lime mortar tomb has been painted white in violation of conservation rules.(Pic: Syed Omar)

Hyderabad :

Hazrat Syed Khaja Hussain Shah Wali. The very mention of this revered name evokes spirituality and science. The saintengineer of the early Qutub Shahi period was responsible for the picturesque Hussainsagar that once irrigated vast stretches of green belts and quenched the thirst of thousands of people in the Hyderabad of yore. He also designed the Purana Pul, Hyderabad’s first bridge across the Musi. With the unique distinction of witnessing the reign of three Qutub Shahi kings, Hussain Shah Wali also oversaw the execution of the world’s first food-for work programme.

Sadly, large parcels of prime land attached to the grand mausoleum, where his mortal remains are buried, have fallen prey to land sharks.The mausoleum once had about 2,000 acres, but today only a small portion is free of illegal occupation. Encroachments have come up all around the mausoleum in utter disregard to the city’s spiritual and engineering heritage. Even the road leading to the dargah (tomb) is not free of encroachments. As if this was not enough, those manning the dargah have whitewashed the tomb built of stone and lime mortar, thus robbing it of its original beauty. Earlier, the managing committee had painted the tomb green. This is in clear violation of conservation rules. Neither the state Waqf Board nor the archaeology department has taken cognizance of this blatant violation.

“Heritage sites built of stone and mortar are not to be whitewashed or painted. Cement is never used for restoration as it is like cancer to mortar. The tomb was built during the reign of Abdullah Qutub Shah VII. Bad and unscientific upkeep has made the structure weak,” said city historian Dr Mohammad Safiullah, demanding that the tomb be restored by the government on the lines of the Qutub Shahi tombs where experts from the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) are working.

Hussain Shah Wali was the son-in-law of Ibrahim Qutub Shah IV. He was the head of all civil works in the kingdom. He built Hussainsagar in 1562. The saint-engineer died in 1620 and the tomb was constructed later by Abdullah Qutub Shah VII.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News> City News> Hyderabad News / by Syed Akbar / TNN / October 29th, 2017