Suspected Member Of Kashmir Militant Outfit Arrested In Bengals South 24 Parganas
Kolkata, Dec 22: A suspected member of a militant outfit in Kashmir valley was arrested from West Bengals South 24 Parganas district on Sunday, a police officer said. Javed Munshi, suspected to be a member of the outlawed Tehreek e Mujahideen outfit in Kashmir Valley was picked from near Canning Hospital by a joint team of Jammu and Kashmir Police and Bengal Police, the officer said. Javed, who claimed to have visited the residence of a relative in the Canning [] The post Suspected Member Of Kashmir Militant Outfit Arrested In Bengals South 24 Parganas appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
Kolkatas dark past when it exported thousands of human skeletons!
Kolkata supplied human skeletons globally for two centuries. This trade flourished during British rule and continued after Indian independence. Skeletons were sourced from unclaimed bodies and grave robbery. The industry faced bans, yet persisted. Young Brothers was a key exporter. Millions of skeletons were shipped from Kolkata until a final ban in 1985.
Fake Remarks About Replacing Indian Education System Attributed to Macaulay
Macaulay had moved to West Bengal's Kolkata in December 1834.
Civil Aviation Minister launches budget-friendly eatery UDAN Yatri Cafe at Kolkata Airport
Union Minister Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu launched UDAN Yatri Cafe, a budget-friendly eatery, at Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport during its centenary celebrations. A special postal cover, souvenir coin, and coffee table book were also released, commemorating the airport's 100-year history. A photo exhibition and tree plantation marked the occasion.
ISKCON Kolkata Condemns Priest's 'Murder' In Bangladesh
Monks tracking developments in Bangladesh noted that Hindus are facing relentless attacks and persecution
Afghanistan Beat Zimbabwe By 8 Wickets In 3rd ODI
Teenage spinner Allah Ghazanfar took five for 33 as Afghanistan overwhelmed Zimbabwe by eight wickets on Saturday for a 2-0 one-day international series win. The 18-year-old followed up a six-wicket haul against Bangladesh last month with a man-of-the-match show in Harare as the tourists crushed the hosts for the second time in three days. The opening ODI in the three-match series was washed out on Tuesday. Zimbabwe were put in to bat by Afghanistan captain Hashmatullah Shahidi and, with the exception of veteran Sean Williams, who made 60 from 61 balls, flopped to be all out of 127. Sediqullah Atal, fresh from a maiden ODI century on Thursday, top-scored with 52 as Afghanistan cruised to 131 for two in just 26.5 overs and completed a white-ball double after a Twenty20 series win. It was the seventh ODI series triumph for Afghanistan over Zimbabwe with one drawn. It is wonderful to see youngsters like Allah coming into the team and making such a big impact, Shahidi told reporters. Allah is doing very well for the team and, hopefully, he can maintain this momentum and bowl well going forward. Wreaking havoc with his off-break deliveries, Ghazanfar continued a memorable year in which he was part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad that won the Indian Premier League. Star leg spinner Rashid Khan also tormented the hosts, taking three for 38 as the fragility of the Zimbabwe batters was exposed again. They were all out for 54 two days ago. Williams, whose 61-ball knock included three sixes and six fours, was among only three Zimbabweans to reach double figures. The top Zimbabwe scorer departed when his reverse sweep shot off Khan was caught by 39-year-old Mohammed Nabi at first slip. Atal and Abdul Malik put on 84 for the first wicket before both fell in the space of 10 balls, leaving Shahidi (20 not out) to seal victory with 139 balls to spare. A brilliant catch at deep extra cover by Brian Bennett spelt the end for Atal. Earlier, Malik got an inside edge to a Richard Ngarava delivery, which uprooted his leg stump. The teams now move to southern city Bulawayo for a two-Test series, with the first starting on December 26. Brief scores Zimbabwe 127 in 30.1 overs (S.Williams 60; Allah Ghazanfar 5-33, Rashid Khan 3-38) v Afghanistan 131-2 in 26.5 overs (Sediqullah Atal 52, Abdul Malik 29, Hashmatullah Shahidi 20 not out) Result: Afghanistan win by eight wickets Series: Afghanistan win 2-0 Also Read: Highest tax paying cricketers Toss: Afghanistan
Pratap Chandra Sarangi: Agitator to victim & a brush with Gandhi
A mid the melee and uproar at Makar Dwar of Parliament, the image of Pratap Chandra Sarangi, frail and bloodied, with a handkerchief pressed against his forehead, evoked a strange sense of irony. It felt as though the wheels of time had come to a full circle for the BJP MP from Balasore. Twenty-two years ago, in March 2002, Sarangi had been at the heart of a different kind of storm a violent protest in Bhubaneswar over the Ram Janmabhoomi issue. As part of the VHP, Bajrang Dal, and Durga Vahini agitation, Sarangi was among the 62 arrested after a mob stormed the Odisha Assembly, vandalising property, attacking chambers of then chief minister Naveen Patnaik and ministers, and clashing with security personnel. This, even when the BJP was in government in alliance with the BJD. But on Thursday, Sarangi found himself on the other side injured and at the receiving end of political chaos. The incident unfolded during a face-off between BJP and INDIA bloc MPs. Sarangi, who was standing on the stairs, was hit by a falling MP, allegedly pushed by LoP Rahul Gandhi. I was standing near the stairs when Rahul Gandhi came and pushed an MP, who then fell on me, Sarangi said. In that moment, it was hard to ignore the striking parallel to his past. From leading aggressive agitations to now being an unintended victim of one, Sarangis journey has been a tumultuous one, marked by both fierce ideological commitment and controversial stances. Often touted as Odishas Modi for sharing the prime ministers humble beginning, austere living, firebrand politics and strong oratory, Sarangi, also a bachelor, has made his way up from the dusty village of Gopinathpur in Balasore to the halls of Parliament as a two-time MP. In between, he was elected twice to the Odisha Assembly. The 69-year-old also had the desire to become a monk at Ramkrishna Math at Belur in Kolkata during his youth, but was sent back with the directive to take care of his widowed mother and serve the people. He returned to join the RSS and dedicated himself to spearheading education in the rural areas. He made his mark in his campaigns against liquor, cow smuggling and corruption as also establishing hundreds of Ekal Vidyalayas in Balasore and Mayurbhanj. He was subsequently deputed to the affiliate organisations and rose through the ranks to become the state president of the Bajrang Dal and the state joint secretary of VHP. Two years after the Assembly incident, Sarangi entered the House as a BJP member from Nilagiri in 2004. During his tenure as an MLA, Sarangi earned a reputation for being a man of the people. His focus on education and social welfare won him support and fuelled his rise in politics and in the party. He was elected to the Assembly again in 2009, but as an Independent because he lost the party ticket, which he had put in a bag while travelling in a bus. After serving two terms in the Assembly, Sarangi was drafted to national politics with the BJP fielding him from Balasore in 2014. He lost the election to BJDs Rabindra Kumar Jena but bounced back in 2019, campaigning by bicycle and autorickshaw, to snatch the seat. Sarangi was appointed MoS for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises and Animal Husbandry in the Modi government. Even as he was dropped from the ministry two years later, his tenure was marked by his focus on rural development and empowering local businesses. He retained the seat in 2024 when the BJP made a clean sweep in Odisha. But for all his political success, Sarangi remains a controversys child and a polarising figure. The 1999 Graham Staines murder has loomed over his career. He was the Bajrang Dal state chief when the Australian missionary and his two sons were burnt alive by a mob led by Dara Singh in Manoharpur village of Keonjhar. While Dara Singh was stated to be a member of Bajrang Dal, Sarangi denied his or the outfits involvement in the crime. For Sarangi who has led ideological and political street fights for a major part of his career, the image of him standing bloodied as a victim could well shape his future. How, only time will tell.
As the end credits rolled, we hugged and cried: Anasuya and Omara share crowning Cannes moments
Anasuya Sengupta, who earned the best actress award at the Cannes 2024 for her role in Bulgarian filmmaker Konstantin Bojanovs The Shameless, was joined by her co-star Omara from the Hindi film at the 30th Kolkata International Film Festival (KIFF) where the flick was screened. IBNS-TWF correspondent Souvik Ghosh speaks to the duo on a cosy winter evening. Excerpts Q (to Anasuya): How long did the Cannes award take to sink in? A. Its still sinking in (laughs). Q (to [] The post As the end credits rolled, we hugged and cried: Anasuya and Omara share crowning Cannes moments appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
ISKCON Kolkata condemns priests murder in Bangladesh
Kolkata, Dec 21: ISKCON Kolkata on Saturday condemned the murder of a Hindu priest allegedly by Bangladeshi extremists at a cremation ground temple in Natore and accused the neighbouring countrys interim government of failing to protect religious minorities, who continue to face unabated torture and killings following the fall of Sheikh Hasinas administration. ISKCON Kolkata []
String of suspensions in Trinamool for brandishing Abhisheks name
The developments come days after party chairperson and West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee put an end to all speculations about the leadership debate as she told her party MLAs that she was the final word in the Trinamool
Sealdah Division offers Bengals GI products through One Station One Product stalls
There are 144 OSOP stalls across Sealdah Division of the Eastern Railway; One Station One Product was introduced in the Union Budget 2022-23 with an aim to spotlight the vocal for local vision of the Union government
Passport verification lapses: Court slams cops
Remains that of Bangla MPs, confirms DNA match
Not bothered by fringe demands: Hospitals
Sighting, no collar signal in shadow zone challenges for tigers capture
After cop proposal, Patuli to get foot overbridge
Resto footfall rivals puja crowd, promises a bumper week ahead
Cops warn against fake Kumbh Mela websites
450 homeless as fire ravages slum at New Alipore; traffic, train services hit
Cafe where flyers can snack for less
Panel no to La Martinieres demand for heritage de-list
Winter rain brings down max-min temp gap by 2C
Airport @100: Ministers, MP call for revival of global flight links
Poush Mela back after 4 years, to be held for 6 days
From online orders to finding slots for late comers, bakeries beat rush
Bad start to festive period for green zone
Bengal worker dies after accident at under-construction Majuli bridge
Kolkata airport will soon handle 100 daily flights: Civil aviation minister
Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu announced plans to expand Kolkata's Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, aiming for 100 daily flights to both domestic and international destinations. A new terminal is planned by November 2025, increasing annual passenger capacity. The minister also inaugurated the airport's centenary celebrations and launched a trial 'Uran Cafe'.
Concert organisers have big plans as they believe Kolkata is now a good market, on par with other major cities in India and abroad
Sonu Sood, In Kolkata For Fateh Promotions, Visits Coffee House And Rides Yellow Taxi
Recently, the makers of Fateh unveiled the films new teaser and the first song titled Hitman which received good responses from fans.
Kolkata's restaurants and pubs experienced a significant surge in customers during the Christmas weekend, with many reporting a 20-30% increase in footfalls. Establishments in central and south Kolkata were particularly busy, prompting extended closing hours for the festive period. Owners attribute the boost to favorable weather, school holidays, and the festive spirit, anticipating record-breaking numbers through the New Year.
Sunidhi Chauhan brings her new production I Am Home to Kolkata
Kolkata is all set to welcome renowned singer Sunidhi Chauhan, as she brings her new production, I Am Home, to the eastern metropolis for the first time.The musical evening promises a blend of classic melodies and foot-tapping chartbusters, ...
Agniva Chakraborty's 2025 calendar honors Marathi cartoonist Shivram Dattatreya Phadnis (SDP) as he approaches his 100th birthday. Phadnis, known for his caption-less cartoons in publications like Mohini, is celebrated for his simple yet profound humor. The calendar recognizes Phadnis's seven-decade career and his unique contribution to Indian cartooning.
Kolkata RG Kar hospital horror: Suspect denies rape and murder of doctor
The suspect on trial for raping and murdering a 31-year-old doctor has pleaded not guilty, his lawyer said Saturday, a crime that appalled the nation and triggered wide-scale protests. The discovery of the doctor's bloodied body at a government hospital in the eastern city of Kolkata on August 9 sparked nationwide anger at the chronic issue of violence against women. Sanjoy Roy, 33, the lone accused in the case, pleaded not guilty before the judge in a closed court on Friday in Kolkata, his lawyer Sourav Bandyopadhyay told AFP . I am not guilty, your honour, I have been framed, Roy told the court, Bandyopadhyay said, repeating his client's words. Roy, a civic volunteer in the hospital, was arrested the day after the murder and has been held in custody since. He would potentially face the death penalty if convicted. The court began hearings on November 11, listening to evidence from some 50 witnesses, but it was on Friday that Roy took the stand. Judge Anirban Das questioned him with more than 100 questions during the six-hour-long in camera deposition, that continued until late in the evening, Bandyopadhyay said. Parents of RG Kar hospital doctor move Calcutta HC seeking fresh probe into rape, murder Roy had earlier proclaimed his innocence to the public while screaming from a prison van outside the court before a hearing in November. Doctors in Kolkata went on strike for weeks in response to the brutal attack. Tens of thousands of ordinary people joined in the protests, which focused anger on the lack of measures for female doctors to work without fear. The Supreme Court has ordered a national task force to examine how to bolster security for healthcare workers, saying the brutality of the killing had shocked the conscience of the nation. The gruesome nature of the attack drew comparisons with the 2012 gang rape and murder of a young woman on a Delhi bus, which also sparked weeks of nationwide protests. The trial continues. The next hearing is set for January 2, 2025. CBI arrests ex-principal of RG Kar Hospital Sandip Ghosh in Kolkata rape-murder case
Royalty, iconic aircraft, infamous crashes - Kolkata airport brings alive a century of memories
Kolkata's airport, celebrating 100 years of operation, has hosted royalty, dignitaries, and iconic aircraft like the Concorde and Beluga XL. From a strategic stopover to a global hub, the airport has witnessed historic moments, including visits from Queen Elizabeth II and Fidel Castro, alongside unfortunate accidents. The centenary celebrations will showcase its rich legacy through exhibitions and events.
IndiGo expands wings with Chennai-Penang direct flights daily
IndiGo has commenced operations on its new exclusive daily direct flight route between Chennai and Penang. Penang marks IndiGos 37th international destination and third destination in Malaysia, following Kuala Lumpur and Langkawi. This new connection caters to the growing demand for travel between Chennai and Penang, offering both business and leisure travelers a convenient and affordable option, while also enhancing cultural ties and boosting economic activities. Mr. Vinay Malhotra, Head of Global Sales at IndiGo, said, We are extremely pleased to further expand our network into Malaysia with the launch of direct flights from Chennai to Penang, our third destination in Malaysia, alongside Kuala Lumpur & Langkawi. With the inclusion of these flights to Penang, IndiGo will now operate 28 weekly flights to Malaysia from 02 cities in India. The countrys recent visa waiver for Indian citizens is bound to create an even greater demand and easy access for business as well as leisure travellers. We are confident this new route will offer our customers an affordable, timely, courteous, and hassle-free travel experience across our expansive network. With direct flights now connecting Chennai and Penang, IndiGo offers travellers a faster, more convenient option, reducing travel time significantly. Chennai also serves as a gateway for travellers from Bengaluru, Delhi, Kolkata, and Mumbai heading to Penang. Penang, renowned for its vibrant street food scene, stunning beaches, and rich heritage, offers a captivating blend of attractions. From vibrant street art and colonial architecture to lush rainforests and pristine shorelines, Penang has something for every traveller. Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu, is a bustling metropolis known for its stunning temples, classical dance forms, thriving arts scene, sandy beaches, bustling markets, and delicious South Indian cuisine.
10 sixes! Shreyas Iyer hits 51-ball century
Shreyas Iyer continued his dominant 2024 form with a blistering 51-ball century for Mumbai against Karnataka in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His stellar year included leading Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title and Mumbai to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy.
A night to remember: Sunidhi Chauhan and Tamannaah Bhatia to perform in Kolkata on Christmas eve
Sunidhi Chauhan's spectacular production, 'I Am Home,' is coming to Kolkata for the first time this Christmas Eve. Along with her chart-topping hits, Bollywood diva Tamannaah Bhatia will join the stage with a sizzling performance, promising an unforgettable night of music and dance organized by Centrestage and Whos Next.
10-acre Kalagram along Ganga for Mahakumbh
NEW DELHI: For the Mahakumbh at Prayagraj, a culture village, called Kalagram, will be set up on over 10 acres at Daraganj along the banks of the Ganga and it will have demarcated spaces for seven zonal cultural centres (ZCC), officials said. The marked areas are named aangans (courtyards), where the ministry of culture plans to showcase art and crafts from all member states and union territories (UT). Exhibitions on the theme of Kumbha, including an immersive display, food court, and activity areas will also be put up at the venue. The ambience creation of Kalagram will be done by an expert private agency in collaboration with artists of ZCCs and Lalit Kala Akademi. The participating ZCCs are located in Patiala (Punjab), Nagpur (Maharashtra), Udaipur (Rajasthan), Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh), Kolkata (West Bengal), Dimapur (Nagaland), and Thanjavur (Tamil Nadu). According to the officials, diverse art installations, including cultural, educational, and commercial exhibits, are also planned for an engaging visitor experience. Union tourism culture minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat earlier told this newspaper that a cultural extravaganza, showcasing the vibrant and colourful customs, arts and crafts of the states, is planned at Mahakumbh starting January in Prayagraj. After the consultation with the Uttar Pradesh government, the ministry has got prime space allocated close to the main Mahakumbh Mela venue so that more visitors can witness the festivities, Shekhawat said. The authorities have also planned to place an installation on the proposed Yuge Yugeen Bharat Museum at the venue. One of the highlights at Kalagram will be a Ganga pandal with capacity of 10,000 audiences by the Mela Authority. This will be the main arena, where celebrity performances will be held everyday. Additionally, three pandals with a space for 4,000 people will be erected at Jhunsi, Nagvasuki and Areil. There will also be another amphitheatre of 1,000 capacity at Kalagram, where Snageet Natak Akademi awardees artists, National School of Drama productions and ZCC ensembles will be organised, an official said. Apart from this, 20 stages will also be built throughout the city. They will be handed over to the UP culture department and the ministry of culture, the official added. Meanwhile, the Indian Railways is gearing up to redefine the Mahakumbh experience with an innovative Gram Tent City initiative in Prayagraj. The Mahakumbh, scheduled from January 14 to February 2025, is set to blend spirituality with modernity, providing a unique experience for millions of pilgrims. The Mahakumbh Gram Tent City plan, launched by IRCTC, aims to deliver a seamless and memorable experience for visitors.
Rahul Gandhi to blame for Congress isolation among allies: Prahlad Joshi
KOLKATA, Dec 20: Union Minister Prahlad Joshi on Thursday alleged that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is responsible for the grand old partys growing isolation in the opposition bloc, citing leaders like Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, and Uddhav Thackeray are distancing themselves from it. It is unfortunate and reflects a low level of behaviour. Leaders such []
Slum gutted in fire in Kolkata
FDA recognises tea as a healthy beverage
Bengal govts human capital strategy attracting top cos, leading to IT boom: Mitra
NCC successfully completes Special Sailing Expedition from Kanpur to Kolkata
Over 400 NCC cadets completed a 1,650 km sailing expedition from Kanpur to Kolkata, celebrating India's rivers. The journey, part of Republic Day 2025 celebrations, involved 12 ghat visits, community interactions, and environmental initiatives like coastal cleaning and tree planting. The expedition highlighted rivers' cultural and economic significance and fostered leadership among the youth.
11-year-old back home after 10 wks on ventilation
Kolkata gets light drizzle, Met predicts Christmas may be warmer than usual
Bengal grants 4cr for 4.5k LED streetlights in Salt Lake, Rajarhat-Gopalpur
Hawkers hinder Kalighat temple revamp: Mayor
Consider planting trees in Maidan, SC tells defence, state
55 passports in torn envelope found in letter box, probe on
Delayed Santragachhi Jheel clean-up leads to dip in migratory bird arrivals
IIEST to get 2nd campus in Salt Lake for industry tie-ups, part-time courses
Hundreds left homeless as fire ravages Topsia slum
JU sticks to Dec 24 convocation date
No nod to Dorina Crossing protest
Judge asks Sanjay Roy more than 100 questions
Chickens Neck under threat: Cops after terror module bust
West Bengal: CPI(M) Suspends Ex-MLA Tanmoy Bhattacharya
Kolkata : In a rare instance, West Bengal CPI(M) has suspended its former MLA Tanmoy Bhattacharya for the second time for his role in the molestation of a female journalist around two months ago. On Friday, the Left party handed the ex-legislator of Dum Dum North suspension for six months after an internal complaint committee found him guilty in an inquiry and made recommendations against him. The CPI(M) probe panel submitted its report at the party's state secretariat meeting held on December 18, according to sources. The issue is expected to come up at the party state committee meeting for ratification by the end of this month. During the suspension period, Mr Bhattacharya, who is the CPI(M) North 24 Parganas district secretariat member, would not be allowed to attend any party meeting at the district and state levels. Earlier Mr Bhattacharya was suspended for the first time till pending inquiry after the lady reporter of a digital news outlet accused him of indecent behaviour with her during an interview on October 27. A complaint was lodged at the Baranagar police station against him also. Mr Bhattacharya however denied the allegations against him. A week ago, the party suspension was lifted with the end of the probe against him.
Ice-cream seller loses 1L to currency exchange fraud in Kolkata
Pre-Christmas rush prompts Kolkata cops to switch to manual traffic control, deploy extra personnel
MBA aspirant dies in bike accident in Kolkata
Include Bengali in metro, govt services: Mayor
Kolkata airport decked up to mark 100 years of flight operations
Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu Kinjarapu is scheduled to launch the three-month-long celebrations on Saturday
Bangladesh MP's Murder: DNA Reports Confirm Flesh, Bones Belong To Lawmaker
Anar, a three-time Awami League MP and president of the party's Kaliganj sub-district unit in Bangladesh, was allegedly murdered in a flat in Kolkata's New Town on May 13.
Major fire at Kolkata slum, several shanties gutted
A major fire broke out at a slum located at Topsia in eastern Kolkata on Friday, leaving several shanties totally gutted and the families residing there homeless.
Namma Yatri aims to expand its services to another 5-6 cities in next quarter
The ride hailing platform is also planning to launch integrated solutions for auto and metro services in cities including Bengaluru, Chennai and Kolkata
HC allows sit-in by doctors' forum seeking justice for RG Kar hospital victim
The doctors' body had proposed to hold the round-the-clock sit-in at Dorina Crossing, a busy intersection in the heart of the city
ISL 2024-25: East Bengal FC and Jamshedpur FC face off at the Vivekananda Yuba Bharati Krirangan in Kolkata.
Maverick of modern Indian art M F Husain on a wall in Kolkata
Amidst the bustling lanes of South Kolkata, where food and culture converge, a quaint restaurant holds a piece of artistic history on its bare walls. The Azad Hind Dhaba, famed for its hearty snacks and meals, has become synonymous with one of Indias greatest modern artists, M F Husain. The iconic painting Gaja Gamini, which Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Heres how Kolkatas Christmas celebrations have evolved over the years
Even as Kolkata has progressed from Burrah Din (or Boro Din) to what is now known as Christmas Pujas,the festive spirit is still alive in the cultural zeitgeist of the city folk
TPREL partners with Canara Bank to promote PM Surya Ghar Scheme
KOLKATA, Dec 20: Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited (TPREL) has joined hands with Canara Bank to promote the adoption of rooftop solar systems under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme. This collaboration aims to simplify access to solar energy solutions for households by providing attractive financing options, empowering citizens to transition to a more sustainable energy future, according to a media statement here on Friday. As part of the initiative, households can benefit from tailored financing options under the PM Surya [] The post TPREL partners with Canara Bank to promote PM Surya Ghar Scheme appeared first on Daily Excelsior .
RG Kar rape-murder: Calcutta HC gives conditional nod to protest by doctors' body in Kolkata
The Calcutta High Court on Thursday granted conditional nod to the West Bengal Joint Platform of Doctors, an umbrella body of senior doctors, to conduct sit-in demonstration in central Kolkata to protest the default bail to two accused of tampering of evidence in the case on ghastly rape and murder of a woman junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in Kolkata within the hospital premises in August this year.
Fire breaks out in Kolkata's Topsia area, no casualties
A massive fire swept through a Topsia slum in Kolkata on Friday, destroying approximately 150 homes. Fifteen fire tenders battled the blaze, which was exacerbated by dry winter winds and densely packed flammable materials. Although hampered by the slum's congested layout, firefighters brought the fire under control within two hours.
INTERVIEW | Life made me a rebel
Thrissur-native Poly Varghese is Keralas own icon in Hindustani music. Yet, he feels the state doesnt recognise his art. A product of Kerala Kalamandalam, 54-year-old Pauly started as a mridangam player and later became a Mohan veena exponent. Poly was among Grammy awardee Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatts first students. He took his music to stages across India and abroad, and forged bonds with global musicians. TNIE caught up with this Chennai-based maverick musician, who recently visited the state for the Swaryagna festival in Thiruvananthapuram. Excerpts from the interaction Lets start with some basics. Could you please tell us a bit about how Mohan veena differs from veena? See, veena basically refers to a string instrument. However, people usually refer to Saraswati veena when they say veena. There are many types Samudra veena, Rudra veena, etc. In Mohan veena, we can play five different string instruments such as sarangi, sarod, santoor, sitar, and Hawaiian guitar. My guru Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatts veena has 19-21 strings. I have added two more to play Dhrupad music. How did your guru develop Mohan Veena? My guru comes from a family with a 600-year legacy. He was a sitar player. Once a foreigner went to him with a guitar. Guruji wondered about the range of possibilities with a sitar-guitar combo. So he used his genius by adding taraf to the guitar. The instrument was later named after him as Mohan Veena. How did you get interested in music, and how did this journey begin? My beginning! My musical journey commenced at the age of eight. I started learning mridangam, and started as a Carnatic musician. I studied mridangam at Kalamandalam. But I often used to listen to Hindustani music, right from an early age. Did your family have any sort of musical legacy? No. This is something that just happened to me. Thrissur Christians are known for their business acumen I do not seem to possess such a knack for money matters. Thats why I am idly roaming around! So, what initially spurred your music journey? There was a Bhagavathar near my home. He was my fathers friend. Whenever I went to his place, I would hear him sing. His house was near the church. Also, at home, there was an old Murphy radio. Film songs would be aired from Thrissur, but they would air Carnatic music from Alappuzha and Thiruvananthapuram stations. This was a big problem. My sister would want to listen to film songs, and I wanted Carnatic. One day, Ammachi [ mother] was so vexed with our argument that she threw the radio! My whole world was classical music. I cannot enjoy film music even today. My family was settled in the Thriprayar part of the Thrissur district. From there, I went to academies and sabhas where music programmes were held. My father was supportive. I joined Kalamandalam after completing Class 10, without giving a second thought. When I was at Kalamandalam, I used to go to my ashans house where there was a TV. On the national network, at times, Guruji [Vishwa Mohan Bhat], who was not that famous then, would appear. I used to wonder what he played. I wrote letters to Guruji, but never received a reply. After graduating from Kalamandalam, I headed to Shantiniketan, where I met Guruji. I went with him to Rajasthan. From then, my life was at Gurujis house. I gradually stopped playing mridangam. Its been almost 30 years. It is believed that the philosophy of Indian classical music is dictated by the notion that it is from the divine I want to break such notions. I do not see any divinity. You may disagree with me. If this is divine, every occupation is. We, too, are like scavengers. Music, to me, is an art that emerges from a space of mental strife and social conflict. How can you label divinity to it? Are you trying to imply that art or talent is something that anyone can have? This [Mohan veena] was an unfamiliar instrument for me. I constantly practise this instrument. Even for a scavenger or a mason, in the beginning, it would be challenging. The skill is imparted to them by a mentor. The same goes for me; this is something I learned from a guru. This, to me, is more about activism than divinity. Isnt passion what separates art and, say, masonry? There is just a slight difference. Masonry and scavenging are livelihoods, but music isnt a livelihood for me. Doesnt art uphold a certain kind of creativity? A mason building a new structure is akin to me playing an instrument. So, if Poly Varghese decides to be a mason, he could? Poly Varghese cant be a mason, though I have done similar jobs. During my life in Kolkata, I had worked as a painter. But I cannot do it full-time. I am tuned in the way of art, but a mason is not tuned so. I cannot be a full-time construction worker because my taste doesnt work out like that. I am from a conventional Christian family. The songs I listened to while growing up were gospel music, Christian hymns. My relatives are big gold merchants in Thrissur. If I were in Thrissur town, then I too would have been a gold merchant or an entrepreneur. I cannot be a business person; I am not meant for it. Even today, I cannot commercialise my music. How do you people back home know you? When people in Thrissur organise programmes and approach advertisers for it, some businessmen, especially jewellers, wonder if there is an artist named Poly Varghese. They assume it is some keyboard player. I used to be known as Kalamandalam Poly, and that was a big hurdle. So I just removed the Kalamandalam tag. I have received a lot of laurels and honours. I even got it from Thailands Bangkok Universitys Sangeeta Ratnakara. But I do not like to hold on to all that. Some people attach Pandit to my name. I do not want to attach any titles. Are there any issues you faced as a classical musician due to your Christian identity? It affected me in Kerala. How? In Kerala, I only had three or four performances. They do not call me for any sabhas. Why do Stephen Devassys keyboard concerts get sold out? Because it is the keyboard. Let him do a Carnatic kacheri, will it sell as much? Kalamandalam Poly could have been a new brand You need to live in my shoes, and then judge. T M Krishna and I are close friends. I was living in Chennai for a while. When Krishna started getting involved in social causes linked to music, conversations began to erupt. But before Krishna came on board, I was there in Chennai for 17 years. I have played Mohan Veena on the streets and gullies of Chennai. During that time, there was a movement to get rid of LTTE in Sri Lanka. It was a political issue. Linked to that, many of us played musical instruments and were imprisoned. But no discourses happened. Why? Because T M Krishna comes from a background of privilege, and I dont. You mean caste privilege? Krishna is someone who does not hold casteist values. But caste flows as an undercurrent without even his awareness. You know how? [ TM] Krishna was thrown out of the sabha circle. I was also expelled. However, Malayalis have accepted Krishna; he is invited to literature fests and is popular in the socio-political circuit here. If Poly Varghese speaks out, that will not be the case. Even Krishna has told me that my name is a hindrance. During my mridangam days, Devarajan Master once told me that I should be known by a different name, and suggested Prasad Varadhan. I told the Master that I had a strong political stance, and that I could not change my father and mother. Are you a believer? I am not. The word belief itself is dangerous. If you start to believe something, there is something wrong with you. That means you are impeding your search, you are losing yourself to a particular subject. You said there was a problem with the Kalamandalam tag. But there have been revered artists such as Kalamandalam Hyder Ali I know what all Hyder Ali ashan had to endure. When I was studying at Kalamandalam, there was a Kathakali teachers who ridiculed me, asking on my face: What music will be there in a Nasrani (Christian)? I was so upset. Later, Hyder Ali ashan comforted me. He also taught there, but he was not even appointed as a permanent teacher there. There was also one Kalamandalam John, who was not made permanent. Do you believe in guruthwam (reverence to Guru)? It is just a fancy word. Guruthwam means the gurus blessings. They can teach you letters, words, and grammar, but art cannot be taught that easily. Artists are rebels, radical in nature. Are you saying an artist must be a rebel? No, but an artist naturally becomes a rebel due to circumstances. Experimentations in art lead an artist to go against rules. If you want to be a rebel, you must be a breaker of rules naturally or ideologically, like T R Mahalingam or Bismillah Khan. Are you a rebellious artist? Life made me a rebel, thanks to the frictions and denials I have experienced. What segregations or denials did you face as a mridangam artist? I have faced several incidents, including being shut out of stage performances due to my Christian faith. I was once made to leave the stage without performing on a reality show. Once my mridangam was thrown away from the stage at a temple I was not allowed to perform in temples. Is this segregation issue only in Kerala? Yes. I am basically a Malayali musician, but have you seen me perform in any kacheri in Kerala? Maybe four or five times. In north India, however, they were bothered only by the fact that I am a south Indian. However, as I have gained an identity, I no longer face such issues. Keralas cultural activism is superficial What hurdles does a south Indian Hindustani musician face in the north? The north-south divide is stark in my field. The famous vocalist from Karnataka, Bhimsen Joshi, also experienced it. But because of his legendary stature, he could not be avoided by the north Indian groups. Once, I was omitted from the line-up for the Konark festival in Odisha due to uproar from some quarters. Imagine my plight! But now, I do not face much discrimination. I have a Jazz Blues band with members from the US and Australia. Doing so, has opened my musical boundaries beyond Mohan Veena. We always prop up Indian classical music on a pedestal. There is not much to be gained from that in my opinion. We must transcend such musical categorisations. Music is universal. Why do you think you have not got due recognition in Kerala? One, Kerala is a consumer society. Discussions are mostly on gains/losses. Second, I am a south Indian who plays north Indian music. Also, organisations here, even the ruling Left government, are not interested in the arts. The art they know is limited to Stephen Devassy, Rimi Tomy film-oriented. Had Yesudas not sung for films, would we know him? Thats it. You worked on a film I composed for Kala Varkey, which came out in 2003. The film did not do very well. Then came Jeevamshamayi. For that, I came from Bengal. I was very interested in Baul music at that time. They wanted to recreate a similar music for the movie (breaks into a Baul song of Lalon Fakir, an 18th-century Baul/Sufi singer). How did you stumble across Baul music? Growing up, I had been familiar with Rabindra Sangeet. But I came to know of Baul only during my time at Shantiniketan. I saw several performances there and it greatly influenced me. I wanted to learn. Another aspect of Baul music that deeply influenced me was the singers ability to craft spontaneous songs that reflected their rebellious spirit. This experience sparked a desire within me to learn Bengali. I also wanted to read Rabindranath Tagores Gitanjali in its original form. I also had a great passion for playing traditional instruments like the ektara, gomukh, and dotara. What languages are you fluent in? Tamil, Bengali, Hindi, English, Malayalam, Urdu, Odiya, Marathi. I have done a drama in Marathi. Having been exposed to the cultural scenes of many states, how do you perceive the cultural scene of Kerala in comparison? I dont perceive Keralas cultural scene as being particularly profound. The cultural activism in Kerala seems somewhat superficial. Could the relative absence of such groups in Kerala be attributed to the states unique socio-cultural context, making them less relevant? The left wings shift away from cultural norms in Kerala has indeed had a significant impact. It appears that they have abandoned cultural activism. They are focused on electoral politics alone. The term activism appears repeatedly in your conversation. Do you believe it is essential for an artist to be an activist? I believe that art is not something that falls from the sky, nor is it something that is taught by a teacher. Art comes from the way you live your life. If you listen to the songs of the people around you, if you engage with others regularly, if you watch dramas, you will be affected by the problems in society. Even Nadanpattu exists as a response, right? Artists react through their songs. An artist needs people to listen to him when he sings. They receive energy from him, and he receives energy from them. An artist cant live isolated in a palace, do PR work, and move around in a Benz. What about the concept of purity in art? What remains here that is untarnished? Purity is something rooted in the Brahminical context. Does that concept still exist? Caste consciousness exists within you, even if youre unaware of it. You express it in various ways Can a fair-skinned man accept a dark-skinned wife? Even in movies, dont they lighten the complexion of dark-skinned heroines? I am experiencing it even in Australia. Are songs by Black people ever truly celebrated? Are the art forms of Black communities ever discussed on major global platforms? How long has it been since a Black artist won a Grammy Award or Oscar? Its talent that earns one honour, not colour, right? I need social acceptance. I dont think people who come to listen to me are here just for my music. I dont believe there is such an exemplary society here. Havent we moved beyond caste, at least in the realm of culture? Let me ask you a question. If you wanted to get married, would you marry a Dalit? Do you feel love for a Dalit? Love is also influenced by caste. Love is not activism Love is totally a vibrant, rebellious activism. Octavia Paz had said the world changes when two people kiss. Shouldnt an artists activism be more about music, rather than an agitation? To play well is my activism. This is my way of life. The show of culture isnt. But if you mean playing well is sticking to the conventions of purity, you might be disappointed. What is being discussed through my art are the social and political and personal issues. Arent there good artists who arent in activism mode? It is just that they dont speak. T M Krishna is a great artist and a rebel. But equally great is Sanjay Subramaniam, who doesnt show much rebellion Sanjay Subrmaniam was the one who opposed the grant of award for T M Krishna, taking a Hindutva stance. Ranjini-Gayatri, Anuradha Sriram, Trichur Brothers all did so. Ones politics will be revealed in ones music. Kabir Das, too, responded to social aspects, but never denied transcendental quality of art. Kabirs Rama is not the Rama of the masses. Ustad All Rakha, Bismillah Khan, Zakir Hussain none questioned arts divinity. Its my personal choice. I will totally deny arts facets that are not rooted in social activism. Cant music exist for the sake of experience, without activism? Thats unlikely, at least for me. Are you primarily an activist, then? Yes, I see myself as an activist, with art as my tool. Okay, lets end on a melodious note. Which is your favourite raga? Its difficult, but I can play a folk song in Khamas raga (plays his version of Oh Mridule). This is a film song I dont mind playing film songs. By the way, did you guys find me rude? Im a nave fellow (laughs, and plays Bhoopali and Mohanam ragas). TNIE Team: Cithara Paul, Anil S, Aparna Nair, Parvana K B, Varsha Somaraj, Vincent Pulickal (photos), Pranav V P (video)
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