Monthly Archives: October 2015

Neglected Armenian cemetery in Hyderabad sports new look

October 31, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism, World Opinionmpositiveone@gmail.com

State Archaeology and Museums all set to put new life into most neglected heritage monument of the 17th century Armenian Cemetery situated at Uppuguda (Opiguda) in Hyderabad'old city will likely to opened for the general public and tourists. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf — State Archaeology and Museums all set to put new life into most neglected heritage monument of the 17th century Armenian Cemetery situated at Uppuguda (Opiguda) in Hyderabad’old city will likely to opened for the general public and tourists. Photo: Mohammed Yousuf

The existence of the cemetery of Armenians was brought to light by Mohammed Ziauddin Ahmed Shakeb, a historian from the city in 1970.

Two of Hyderabad’s most famous Armenians, Albert Abid and Alexander Jacob, are not buried at the Armenian cemetery in Uppuguda. But the cemetery is preparing to enlighten people on the role of the two Armenians in the 16 and 17 century. After lying in a state of neglect for decades, the Armenian cemetery, will be opened to public shortly.

The Department of Archaeology and Museums, which is the custodian of the cemetery, renovated the premises some months ago.

“ A caretaker will be posted at the cemetery to look after its maintenance,” said Sunita M. Bhagwath, Director, Archaeology and Museums Department.

Armenians came to India between 16th and 17th centuries as traders travelling through Persia, Afghanistan and Tibet. “A large number of Armenians settled in Hyderabad during the 17th century. Though there are no written records of their activities, traditions and social conditions , the Armenian epitaphs acknowledge their presence,” M.A. Qayyum, former Deputy Director Archaeology and Museums said.

There are about 20 graves in the cemetery, 19 are of Armenians and one is of a Dutch trader.

The graves of two priests Rev Johannes, who died in 1680, and Rev. Margar, who died in 1724, are also here. A single dome on the premises representing the Qutb Shahi style of architecture and two mandapa-like structures, one square and the other octagonal, are distinct features of the cemetery.

The existence of the cemetery of Armenians was brought to light by Mohammed Ziauddin Ahmed Shakeb, a historian from the city in 1970.

“Dr. Shakeb chanced upon a letter written by British Resident W. Haig in Hyderabad to a government official in 1907 about the Armenian cemetery. Soon, officials were informed about it and the place was identified,” Qayyum explained.

Rs. 25 lakh for renovation
The department spent around Rs. 25 lakh for renovating the place. Wild shrubs were cleared and the height of the compound wall has been increased. The authorities took care to see that the wall was renovated using granite, lime and mortar to keep in tune with the character of the precinct.

The tough task ahead for them is to see that the basalt stones with Armenian engravings on the graves are restored. “We will be seeking the help of experts for the job,” Ms. Bhagwath said. Historians suggest that the government seek the Armenian authorities’ help in establishing the identity of all those who are buried here.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by Asif Yar Khan / Hyderabad – October 31st, 2015

Lord Noon: Labour Peer and ‘curry king’ dies aged 79

October 28, 2015Business & Economy, Leaders, NRI's / PIO's, Travel & Tourism, World Opinionmpositiveone@gmail.com

Lord Noon was brought up in Mumbai before setting up the hugely successful Noon Products

Sir Gulam Noon, who was known as the curry king, has died aged 79 PA

Labour peer Gulam Noon, who was known as the curry king, has died aged 79, it has been announced.

The prominent entrepreneur made his fortune selling Indian food and was a significant party donor.

He became caught up in the cash for honours scandal after making a significant contribution to Labour coffers.

Tony Blair led tributes to “great character” who he said would be “deeply mourned” while senior Labour MP Keith Vaz said the Asian community had “lost one of its greatest stars”.

Mr Blair said: “Gulam was a great character, brilliant businessman and above all someone dedicated to our country and its future. He was devoted to getting those of different religious faiths working together and was a wonderful role model in the Muslim community. He will be deeply mourned.”

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“Our community has lost one of its greatest stars”

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Lord Noon was born in a single-room house on Mumbai’s crowded Mohammed Ali Road and lived in it along with eight others. He later made his way to the UK where he set up his sweet stall Bombay Halwa in Southall, west London, in 1972 and Noon Products 17 years later.

In 2006 amid claims that financial support was being rewarded with honours, the tycoon joined other donors in asking for his nomination for a seat in the House of Lords to be withdrawn saying he had been left in an “invidious position”. He was made a life peer in 2011.

The decision to award him a knighthood in 2002 sparked criticism by current Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn, who said at the time he was “very disturbed” about the move.

But the businessman said he believed that he had received the honour on merit.

Mr Vaz said: “Today we have lost a giant, not only of the British Asian community, but also of British entrepreneurship. A decent, honourable and generous man, who was dedicated to his family, but also to his country, the United Kingdom.

“Rightly known as Britain’s first curry king, he brought curry to the high street. There are thousands of people in Britain, in India and throughout the world who have benefited from his enterprise, jobs he created, and his big heart. The world of cricket will also miss one of its most devoted followers.

“He was the epitome of everything a first generation immigrant can achieve, someone who literally came with nothing, but was also grateful to Britain for giving him the life chances to prove what an extraordinary man he was, whilst never forgetting his roots in India.

“Our community has lost one of its greatest stars.”

source: http://www.independent.co.uk / Independent / Home> News> UK> UK Politics / by Sam Lister / October 28th, 2015

Rahman on a Signature Track

October 28, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainmentmpositiveone@gmail.com

Hrithik Roshan and Kangana Ranaut will grace MAMI opening ceremony

The 17th edition of the MAMI Mumbai Film Festival partnered by Mumbai Mirror will open with a light show on Thursday at the Gateway of India. The program features a visual spectacle reflected on the monument.

Two-time Academy Award winner AR Rahman has created a signature tune for the festival, that he will perform at the ceremony.

The star-studded night will be hosted by Kalki Koechlin and will have actors like Hrithik Roshan, Kangana Ranaut, Parineeti Chopra and Radhika Apte in attendance. Filmmakers Rajkumar Hirani, Anand Gandhi, Vishal Bharadwaj, Dibakar Banerjee, Juhi Chaturvedi, Neeraj Ghaywan will grace the event. Writer-duo Salim-Javed, who have penned iconic films like Deewaar, Sholay and Zanjeer, will be felicitated with the ‘Excellence in Cinema’ award for their outstanding work.

“It was Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis who took active interest in the festival and also made the venue available. He will be in attendance at the opening ceremony,” the spokesperson of the festival told Mirror.

A celebrity after party will follow the opening ceremony, which will be hosted at Antilla, home of Nita and Mukesh Ambani. Ava DuVernay, head of the International Jury, will attend the party, among other Bollywood celebrities.

A new addition to the festival, presented by Jio, this year is the Movie Mela, which will feature actors participating in panel discussions on October 31 at Mehboob Studio. “The discussion between young actors and experienced moderators will bring forth interesting opinions on the future of Bollywood in the next five years. With the industry seeing so many developments each year, the discussion appears to be a promising one. I am looking forward to it,” says Parineeti, who will be one of the panelists.

For the festival, designer Masaba Gupta has created a special power bank for the jury that will leave them with a ‘Bollywood masala’ touch. “I think it’s very important for Mumbai to have a festival of its own, since it is the heartbeat of Bollywood. I am looking forward to being a part of all the festivals to come,” Masaba, whose design for MAMI, features Amitabh Bachchan as the angry young man of B-town, told Mirror

source: http://www.bangaloremirror.com / Bangalore Mirror / Home> Entertainment> Bollywood / by Sanyukta Iyer, Bangalore Mirror Bureau / October 27th, 2015

Hyderabad misses glitter of Nizam’s priceless jewels

October 28, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism, World Opinionmpositiveone@gmail.com

In the absence of any concrete effort, the jewels are confined to RBI vaults in Delhi. Photo: AP

In the absence of any effort, they are confined to RBI vaults in Delhi.

Vows forgotten and proposals put on backburner have resulted in priceless heritage of Hyderabad staying away from the city and remaining confined to Reserve Bank of India (RBI) vaults in New Delhi.

It had been almost a decade since the Nizam’s jewels, a precious collection with value running into several thousand crore rupees, was exhibited on temporary basis in the city. The then A.P. government vowed to have the collection brought to the city and put on a permanent display here and several proposals were drafted too.

Comprising 173 exquisite pieces, including the famed 184.50-carat Jacob diamond from the treasury of the erstwhile Nizams of Hyderabad, the collection has been with the Union government and deposited in the safe vaults of the RBI.

Few other pieces of the royal compilation include priceless uncut Colombian emeralds, rare carat Alexandrite ring, a necklace with 12 flat diamonds and emerald armbands weighing 150 carats said to have belonged to the Mysore ruler, Tipu Sultan.

Hyderabad, the city to which the jewellery actually belongs, twice hosted exhibition of the collection in the year 2001 and 2006 at Salar Jung Museum which had large crowds thronging for a look.

‘Security not an issue’

Former Director of Salar Jung Museum A.K.V.S. Reddy, who supervised the temporary exhibitions in the city, says the priceless collection belonged to the city and argues a permanent facility to display them here was not unviable.

“Security is key aspect for such galleries and a decade ago when it was displayed here, we had to deploy nearly 120 security personnel. However, with more advanced technologies in the form of camera surveillance and alarms, the requirement will be less,” he says.

Salar Jung Museum officials rule out the possibility of hosting a permanent exhibition of such precious collection at its premises now given the developments at the museum.Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mohammad Mahmood Ali describes the collection of erstwhile Nizam rulers as an asset of the city and says all efforts will be made to get it here for a permanent display.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by T. Lalith Singh / Hyderabad – October 28th, 2015

M F Husain’s son dies of liver cancer at 69

October 28, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainmentmpositiveone@gmail.com

Known for flattened surfaces and uncluttered depictions, Shamshad Hussain’s often dealt with social concerns in his works that ranged from oils to acrylics

Shamshad Husain was best known for flattened surfaces and figurative depictions in a subdued palette.

He lived under the shadow of his father in the world of art where he strived to paint a picture that would be reckoned as his masterpiece.

Shamshad Husain, son of late veteran artist MF Husain, breathed his last on Saturday evening at his Delhi home. Diagnosed with liver cancer in September, his condition rapidly deteriorated. He was admitted at the Institute of Liver and Biliary Sciences, Vasant Kunj.

The 69-year-old artist is survived by two daughters. “He had developed a style of his own. A gentle person, his figuration was modest and had a personal quality, unlike the more flamboyant works of his father,” says artist Vivan Sundaram.

Postgraduate from the Royal College of Art, London, Shamshad was best known for flattened surfaces and figurative depictions in a subdued palette. His themes ranged from environmental and social concerns to dark realities and human relations. Primarily working with oils and acrylic, his popular works include a series based on ‘Love In The Time of Cholera’, Gabriel Garcia Marquez’s famous book. He also reportedly worked on a series dedicated to his father.

“He was great fun and liked to party; one of the nicest guys I knew. My father (J Swaminathan) really liked him. Husain saab used to say ‘yeh ghar ka gau hai’. It’s sad that he and Mrinalini Mukherjee passed away in the same year. I can’t think of the Delhi art scene without them,” says art writer S Kalidas.

Known to be close to his father, “his death in 2011 left a deep impact on Shamshad”, says photographer and activist Ram Rahman, who is close to the Husain family.

“He was one of his favourites and very sensitive,” says Rahman, who met Shamshad last month at an art exhibition marking MF Husain’s 100th birth anniversary in Delhi.

source: http://www.indianexpress.com / The Indian Express / Home> India> India-News-India / Top News / October 2015

Mark Zuckerberg visits ‘stunning’ Taj Mahal

October 28, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Travel & Tourism, World Opinionmpositiveone@gmail.com

Agra :

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg visited Taj Mahal on Tuesday, along with group of seven people who were supposedly his colleagues.

At around 4:20pm (GMT + 5:30) Zuckerberg posted an image of him which was clicked by his colleagues while he was sitting on the east side of Taj Mahal watching the magnificent structure.

Confirming Zuckerberg’s visit to Taj, Image Public Relation Pvt Limited — which handles Facebook public relation in India — said, “Yes, CEO of Facebook did visited Taj Mahal on Tuesday.”
However, Ram Ratan, Archaeological Survey of India conservation assistant, Taj Mahal claimed, “We had no idea about his visit to Taj. It might be possible that he wanted to keep his visit low profile to avoid unnecessary attention.”
According to CISF official source, “Since nobody knew about Mark visit, he must had walk through long queue of security check like all ordinary tourist do.”

The tech entrepreneur will visit IIT Delhi tomorrow to interact with students and faculty at the Indian Institute of Technology in Delhi in a town hall.

Last month during PM Modi visit to US, Zuckerberg had shared an anecdote about his earlier visit to India and claimed that, “when things weren’t really going well — we had hit a tough patch and a lot of people wanted to buy Facebook — I went and I met with Steve Jobs and he said that to reconnect with what I believed was the mission of the company, I should go visit this temple in India that he had gone to early in the evolution of Apple, when he was thinking about what he wanted his vision of the future to be.”

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / Home> Tech / by Arvind Chauhan, TNN / October 27th, 2015

Amidst Sahitya Akademi row, President Mukherjee gives away Sangeet Natak Akademi awards

October 24, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainmentmpositiveone@gmail.com

Eminent folk singer from Jammu and Kashmir Abdul Rashid Hafiz who is known for his renditions of traditional singing Chakri was among eight artists facilitated for their contribution in traditional arts.

Doyen of Indian theatre M S Sathyu, eminent vocalists SR Jankiraman, Vijay Kumar Kichlu and Harmonium player Tulsidas Borkar were on Friday awarded the coveted Sangeet Natak Akademi fellowship by President Pranab Mukherjee.

Along with them, 35 other noted personalities from various disciplines of dance, drama and music were conferred Akademi awards for 2014 by the President at a glittering ceremony in the imposing Darbaar Hall of the Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.

Noted Kashmiri folk singer Abdul Rashid Hafiz receiving the Akademi Award from President Pranab Mukherjee at Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards 2014 function at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi on Friday. PTI

61-year old Hafiz, who trained under Sarangi Nawaz Gulam Muhammad Dar, is known for giving Chakri his own touch. Chakri is one of the most popular types of traditional music played in Jammu and Kashmir. The responsorial singing uses harmonium, and traditional instruments like the rubab, the nout, the geger and the chimta. The Akademi Awards carries purse money of Rs 1 lakh in cash, a Tamrapatra and an Angavastram.

Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowships (Akademi Ratna Sadasyata) and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awards (Akademi Puraskar) are recognised as the most coveted national honours bestowed on performing artists as well as teachers and scholars in the field of performing arts.

Among the eminent artists awarded fellowship of the Akademi, 85-year-old Sathyu is doyen of Indian theatre known for his classic movie ‘Garam Hawa’ on partition which introduced actors like Farooq Sheikh to Indian cinema.

Besides, he has designed and directed productions for many theatre groups including Hindustani Theatre, Alyque Padamsee’s Theatre, Herbert Marshall’s civic theatre, Balraj Sahni’s Juhu Art Theatre among others. His play Mudra Rakshas will be performed on October 27.

source: http://www.dnaindia.com / DNA Analysis / Home> News> India / Place:New Delhi, Agency:PTI / Friday – October 23rd, 2015

Aslam Takes Charge as MANUU V-C

October 24, 2015Education, Leadersmpositiveone@gmail.com

Hyderabad :

Amid protests and counter protests by students and faculty members for the past one week, the Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) finally got a regular Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Aslam Parvaiz, after nearly four months on Tuesday.

Dr Aslam, who had earlier served as principal of the Delhi-based Zakir Husain Delhi College, holds a PhD in Botany. Though he teaches science, he is well known for his command of the Urdu language.

On his first day as V-C, Dr Aslam held a meeting with the MANUU Joint Action Committee which was formed by MANUU Teachers’ Association (MANUUTA), Officers’ Association and the Employees’ Association of the university, to address issues that led to unrest on the campus. The V-C assured the faculty members and others that he would resolve their problems soon. Since the students and a group of faculty members have been making allegations and counter allegations against each other, he asked both the parties to submit written complaints.

Speaking to Express, Dr. Aslam, said, “I am not aware of a majority of the problems here. The faculty and students have brought some issues to my notice. But I need some time to look into the matters and make a plan to resolve them.”

Referring to the university’s recent restriction on girl students on the campus, he said so far, he had not received any complaint from students in this regard. However, he promised to find an appropriate solution to the issues if the students come up with formal complaints.

source: http://www.newindianexpress.com / The New Indian Express / Home> States> Telangana / by Express News Service / October 21st, 2015

The Ustad and his times…

October 23, 2015Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Leadersmpositiveone@gmail.com

Ustad Ghulam Sadiq receiving the Padma Shri / Photo Sandeep Saxena / The Hindu

Ghulam Sadiq Khan, an eminent Khayal singer, rues that ustads do not get the same kind of reverence as they used to.

Ghulam Sadiq Khan, an eminent Khayal singer of the Rampur Sahaswan Gharana, recently released a three CD pack titled “Dharohar”. His dulcet Raga Darbari testifies to his range as a noted singer.

A recipient of Padma Shri, Sadiq Khan’s first guru was his father, the late Sarangi Player Ustad Ghulam Jafar Khan (1908-1981) and his second guru was Ustad Mushtaq Husain Khan (1878-1964). As a student, he was told to treat his guru as God but rues that ustads these days do not get the same respect.

Excerpts from an interview:

What affected you deeply when you wanted to establish yourself as a singer?

Slow recognition but when it came there was no looking back. From the age of 15 to 27, I faced difficulties and had to work very hard. In 1956, I became famous countrywide as if a bomb had burst. My struggle was to learn music, practice and appear before audiences and mehfils. Allah took me sky high and my first concert made me. I never looked back after that. Earlier I had to go to people and ask for programmes and tell them who I was. Later things became smoother.

Did these problems discourage you?

I struggled in riyaaz for 10 to 12 years and practised for over 10 hours a day for five years. Programmes started coming regularly and I became known after a hard time. A yug of riyaaz went by but my lineage and gharana helped me stand on my own feet. Others helped too.

What did you learn from your difficult days?

I learnt that honesty is the greatest thing in music. Also, belief and dependance on the Ustad is paramount. They are to be regarded as God. Today’s Ustads don’t have that respect from others and this has led to a decline in North Indian classical. I learnt to believe in the Guru and to regard him as God is the biggest thing.

Today I am happy with what God has given me – ilm (art), izzat (respect), shoharat (name) throughout the world. My CDs have been released in London and Singapore. What more can one ask for?

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review / by Atul Mittal / October 22nd, 2015