Monthly Archives: August 2014

Anisa geared up for hectic season ahead

August 2, 2014Sportsmpositiveone@gmail.com

Anything that glitters: Though Anisa Sayyed had to be content with silver the 25m pistol shooter has no regrets as she prepares for the season ahead. / The Hindu

Defending champion Anisa Sayyed may have swapped her Commonwealth Games gold for silver with compatriot Rahi Sarnobat this time around but that has not affected the 33-year-old’s enthusiasm.

Back from Glasgow, Anisa is focused on making the most of a hectic upcoming season that includes the Asian Games and the World Championships.

The 25m pistol shooter has no regrets.

“Of course, it would have been great if I had retained the gold, so a little disappointment is natural. But there are no regrets. My main target is the World Championships (Granada, Spain, September 6-20), where there will be quota places available for the Rio Olympics. The CWG was a practice competition, an important tune-up event ahead of the big test. We used it to fine-tune our techniques and work out the kinks,” Anisa said after reaching home.

Anisa insisted there was no competition with Rahi. The only thing that mattered was the Indian national anthem being played after the event.

All about control

“If we start thinking of competition, we will not be able to control our mind, body or technique.

“Shooting is all about control and competing with yourself. Before competition, no one speaks much to anyone. But it’s different after the event. In fact, I love being with Rahi on tours because there are not too many Maharashtrians around and it is a huge relief to talk to someone in your mother tongue in a foreign land,” she laughed. Pune-born Anisa, earlier employed with Indian Railways, is now hoping to land a job with the Haryana government since she has been staying in Faridabad after marriage. Her application has been under process for almost four years.

Supported by the Anglian Medal Hunt Company since last year, Anisa admits it was tough to balance marriage and shooting early on.

“In fact, I even thought of not getting married till I was into active sports but everything happens for the best.

“In six years since marriage, my in-laws have given me full freedom and support to pursue my passion.

“Now, if only I manage to get a job, things will get a lot easier,” she said.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sports / Uthra Ganesan / New Delhi – August 02nd, 2014

Wooden wonders

August 1, 2014Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Business & Economympositiveone@gmail.com

Mughal carving, as the name suggests, is a tradition that traces back to Persia and was aimed at royal palaces. / By Special Arrangement / The Hindu

Hapur-based Sardar Hussain lends freshness to Mughal wood carving.

Surrounded by eager participants who show off their handiwork, Sardar Hussain has a beatific smile on his weather-beaten, bearded face as he patiently explains the nuances to the youngsters at one of the intensives at the recent SPIC MACAY’s International Convention. That the shilpa guru is the fourth generation craftsman who has mastered the Mughal technique of wood carving and is the recipient of many a National and international recognition (UNESCO Seal Of Excellence Award) for his craft sits easy on his fragile shoulders.

Mughal carving, as the name suggests, is a tradition that traces back to Persia and was aimed at royal palaces. So, the work itself is a smooth marriage of intricate floral patterns on a grand scale. Sardar Hussain’s family began small but over generations, things have changed. He came into prominence when he was conferred the National Award for making wooden blocks in 1981. He says, “Traditionally, we made blocks but soon we realised that it was not a perennial source of income. So, I reinvented the craft by exploring and expanding the vocabulary during the Golden Age Exhibit at the Festival of India in 1985. I manufactured a wooden box and a round block. I used that block as a lid. I tried a similar thing with square boxes and blocks. What I also did is to use brass inlay on the carved works. And viola! a new craft was born.”

Sardar Hussain has a beatific smile on his weather-beaten, bearded face as he patiently explains the nuances to the youngsters at one of the intensives at the recent SPIC MACAY’s International Convention. / by Special Arrangement / The Hindu

Today, Sardar Hussain runs a thriving export business called Sajawat Handicrafts in his hometown in Chhipiwara, Hapur District of Uttar Pradesh. He is assisted by his sons, both also National Award winners. And among their clients are Fab India and CCI. Says Hussain, “We work with designers from these outlets and create articles according to their requirements. That way we are sure of our work reaching customers.” Taking about the craft itself, he says, “The most important aspect here is the finish. The end product is a reflection of your skill and unless that is in places, the piece falls flat.” The wood used is mostly sheesham but the artisan also uses mango wood these days. “The advantage of mango wood is that its texture allows for it t be painted in different colours.”

Today, Sardar Hussain’s oeuvre includes jewellery boxes, pen stands, brightly hued hand mirrors, bangle boxes, wall hangings, photo frames and of course, blocks. Though he does workshops off and on, he feels “What is needed today is for the youngsters to take to a craft with sustained interest. And keep at it till they perfect it. That is somehow lacking today.”

And yes, the wizened craftsman has kept pace with technology, thanks to his children. His entrepreneurial venture is accessible on the Internet (sajawathandicraft.com) and he can be contacted at sajawat.handictaft@gmail.com

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review / by Savitha Gautam / New Delhi – July 31st, 2014