Monthly Archives: May 2016

Thursday Nights at Delhi’s Nizamuddin Dargah Are All About the Magic of Qawwali

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Leaders, Travel & Tourism, World Opinion, , , , ,

NEW DELHI :

Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi is the dargah of one of the world’s most famous Sufi saints, Nizamuddin Auliya. Although any day is a good time to visit the dargah, the Thursday night qawwalis, steeped in Sufi devotional music and sung in an an electric atmosphere, should not be missed!

Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah is renowned all over the country for the unique experience it offers – a chance to hear and enjoy Sufi music up close. The qawwali sessions on Thursday evenings are incredibly popular and people from all walks of life come in huge numbers to be swept up in the magic of the devotional soul-stirring music.

The dargah is located in the Nizamuddin area of Delhi, amidst narrow bylanes and rows and rows of hawkers selling knick-knacks.  It was featured in a number of Bollywood films including Rockstar (2011) , Delhi 6 (2009)  andBajrangi Bhaijaan (2015).

On Thursday nights, as the scent of rose petals mixes with the searing aroma of chargrilled kebabs, traders sell chaddars to devotees and incense holders send plumes into the air. The rest is music, and music only.

The Niazi Nizami Brothers at the Dargah
The Niazi Nizami Brothers at the Dargah

Source: YouTube

True to Sufi tradition, love for God is invoked in terms of romance through the music. The lyrics for qawwalis are usually simple, their meaning clear, and the artistes have plenty of room to improvise. The vocalists sit in the front with the harmonium player, the percussionists and the accompanying singers are at the back – there is a convergence of voices, a combined effort that is enchanting to the senses.

The dargah is named after Sheik Hazrat Nizamuddin Auliya (1236-1325). His grave and a hospice are situated here.

The saint was believed to be a Sufi mystic and was revered amongst the rich as well as the poor.

Pic: ibb.in
Pic: ibb.in

His teachings, his spirit, his contribution to the world and an unshakeable faith in God are celebrated with regular gatherings of people who pay their respects and hold on steadfastly to a tradition as old as time.

The dargah is visited by thousands of Muslims every week, and sees a fair share of Hindus, Christians and people from other religions too.

Source: Saad Akhtar / Flickr
Source: Saad Akhtar / Flickr

Best time to go: The sessions take place twice every Thursday, once at 4:30 pm and the other at 6:15 pm. Go slightly early to explore and get a good spot! The dargah is open on all days – 6 am to 10 pm.

How to get there: The nearest metro station is Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium.

Check out their website for more information.

source: http://www.thebetterindia.com / The Better India / Home> Culture> Delhi> Music / by TBI Team / May 03rd, 2016

Nawabi history to unfold on water screen at Husainabad

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, Leaders, Travel & Tourism, , ,

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Lucknow :

Husainabad picture gallery pond is soon to become venue in the evening for a water screen show with fountains and laser lights depicting the history of the city since Nawab Asaf ud Daula’s arrival at Lucknow in 1775. As part of the beautification work around the Husainabad area, a water screen has been proposed with laser light multimedia projection against the backdrop of the red stoned picture gallery.

Blending technology with history, the multimedia projection will narrate story of the Nawabi era up to the British period and finally the modern Lucknow. Using laser lights projected on an aqua curtain comprising jets of water, the multimedia film would be of around 20 minutes.

“Lucknow will have a water screen show similar to what they have at Akshardham temples in Delhi and Gujarat and while mythological stories are there, the subject of the film here will be historic,” said Tracy, the consulting architect of the project.

With no visible structure in the background, the water screen creates a 3D effect with complete transparency, a fine spray of water jet allowing laser lights to form a graphic image. Apart from the water screen, a musical fountain with 72 effects of light and sound will also be beautifying the picture gallery pond.

Built by the third King of Awadh, Mohammad Ali Shah in 1839, the pond has been renovated with sandstones on the steps and both the zanana (for women) and mardana (for men) hamaam khana (enclosure for bathing and changing clothes) on either side of the pond have been restored to their original form with bricks.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / Yusra Husain / TNN / May 03rd, 2016

Lucknow University to start PG course on Awadh Culture

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Education,

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Lucknow :

The Urdu department of Lucknow University (LU) will be introducing a two years masters degree in Awadh culture from the coming session. The course will incorporate everything synonymous with Awadh in its course structure.

Announced by vice chancellor (VC), SB Nimse during the International Urdu Conference organised by the university’s Urdu department and Maulana Azad Institute of Humanities, Science and Technology, Mahmudabad, the degree will accommodate 130 students in one batch. A language lab has also been set up in the department, he said.

“The course will be all about Awadh. Its festival, its Muharram, its Angarkha, topi and sherwani to Awadhi poets and writers, its architecture and places of worship, everything Awadh,” added head of the department, Abbas Raza Nayyar.

“We further plan to bifurcate these 130 seats into three more disciplines including Urdu literature, linguistic and also an MA in Mass Communication for which the language lab is set,” he added.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / by Ashish Tripathi & Yusra Husain / TNN / May 03rd, 2016

‘Need to promote Urdu script’

Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Education, , ,

Lucknow, UTTAR PRADESH :

Lucknow:

Even though social media has acted as a boon for Urdu with growing attraction of youth towards the language through the medium, speakers at the International Urdu Conference at Lucknow University (LU) on Tuesday said there is need to protect the script as well.

Parveen Shujaat presenting her paper on Urdu and social media cited the example of websites, twitter handles, Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups. Additionally, Roman form of writing Urdu in English script, the speakers said, calls for a protection of the Urdu’s own script.

The conference also acted as a platform for appeal when attendees were urged to take up the issue of imparting Urdu at schools, with various school managements.

“If we talk of dwindling number of students taking up Urdu for higher education, we as parents need to make sure that at the primary level, schools teach Urdu,” said Waqar Rizvi.

Clarification: La Martiniere College is not the first English medium schools to offer Urdu as optional subject to students.

Schools like Lucknow Public collegiate (LPC) have introduced Urdu as an optional language for classes V to VIII.

On Tuesday, TOI had reported that La Martiniere College was the first English medium school in the city to offer Urdu course.

source: http://www.timesofindia.indiatimes.com / The Times of India / News Home> City> Lucknow / TNN / May 04th, 2016

‘Shahabuddin is best Andhra all-rounder ever’

Sports, , ,

Anantapur, ANDHRA PRADESH :

proud moment:Andhra Ranji cricketer Shahabuddin being felicitated by the Rural Development Trust at Anantapur in Friday.— PHOTO: BY ARRANGEMENT
proud moment:Andhra Ranji cricketer Shahabuddin being felicitated by the Rural Development Trust at Anantapur in Friday.— PHOTO: BY ARRANGEMENT

BCCI senior selection committee member and former India stumper M.S.K. Prasad on Friday said that the flamboyant Andhra Ranji cricketer S.K. Shahabuddin was a best all-rounder ever in Andhra cricket and hailed him as a game changer.

Speaking at the felicitation organised by Rural Development Trust here on his retirement, he said though Shahabuddin had immense amount of talent he failed to make it to the Indian team.

Andhra Cricket Association (ACA) general secretary Gokaraju Gangaraju recollected the services of the Anantapur all-rounder and exhorted the youngsters to emulate him.

“For 18 years he played cricket with dedication and passion. We will cherish his on-field exploits for years to come”. Anantapur District Cricket Association (ADCA) president Moncho Ferrer said Shahabuddin was a natural athlete and always enjoyed his presence on the field. “Though I am sad he had retired, I am happy that he has taken up the responsibility as the operation head of the RDT cricket team. I wish to see him as a member of the Indian support team”.

Mr. Shahabuddin in his thanks giving speech recollected the roles of ADCA and ACA in providing him the unflinching support. “My exposure in England and at Chennai League helped me to perform well in first class cricket”.

Venkat Siva Reddy, vice president, ACA, Satyaprasad, South Zone Head, ACA, and Vijay Anand, legal advisor, Tamilnadu Cricket Association were present.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / by Special Correspondent / Anantapur – April 30th, 2016

Falak clinches gold in karate in US

Sports, World Opinion

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

The 22-year-old Syeda Falak, who mastered the nuances of martial arts in the by-lanes of old city, has clinched gold in the prestigious US Open Karate Championship.

This young champion reigned supreme in the Kumite category for women’s section.

The city girl had warded off challenge from other contenders in the championship featuring competitors from 42 countries.

“It is a great feeling to beat some of the toughest opponents from the home country and also Ukraine to clinch the gold,” remarked Falak, who happened to be the first-ever girl from Telangana to win a gold in the US Karate Championship.

The next destination is the Dubai World Karate Premier League from April 8 to 10

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> Cities> Hyderabad / by V.V. Subrahmanyam / Hyderabad – March 30th, 2016

7-year-old Tajamul Islam becomes first Kashmiri girl to enter World Kickboxing Championships

Education, Sports, World Opinion

TajmulIslamMPOs02may2016

Tajamul Islam is the first Kashmiri girl who is going to participate at the world kickboxing champion in Italy in November.

Jammu & Kashmir :

Tajamul Islam, a seven-year-old Kashmiri girl is all set to represent India on an international platform. Islam is the first Kashmiri girl who is going to participate at the world kickboxing champion in Italy in November.

Tajamul has come up a long way:

  • In 2014, she started her journey learning martial arts from a local institute
  • She became the best fighter at state level and was awarded a gold medal in Jammu
  • After winning a state level championship, she was invited at the 2015 National Kickboxing Championship in New Delhi
  • Tajamul bagged the gold medal in sub-junior category at the 2015 National Kickboxing Championship
  • This win got her national recognition and she got the ticket to participate at the national kickboxing champion in Italy

Praises pour in for the young athlete:

  • Though the young soul had to compete against a 13-year-old opponent, Tajamul punched her out in 15 minutes
  • The chief coach at the championship, Kuldip Handu, appreciated the fact that despite weighing lesser than the opponent by eight kilograms, she managed to grab the national medal
  • Shabnam Kounser, principal of the school, says “Tajamul is good in studies and other extracurricular activities. She dances well. She has her own team here and teaches them dancing. She is a bright kid and very good at studies.”
  • A senior army official, who is providing financial help to the girl, said, “She is an inspiration for all. Even I have learned a few things from her. She is a champion. All that the army can do is inspire children like her and support them. It is their parents who have to see to it that their children chase and realise their dreams.”

Tajamul is really excited to be a part of an international event. However, before stepping in for the national kickboxing championship she was “a little afraid” when she saw her (opponent). But then she consoled herself saying that “age or body structure does not matter”.

“I will remain focused and give my best shot,” she told to the PTI.

source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in /  IndiaToday.in / Home> Education> News> Story / New Delhi , April 29th, 2016

Despite drought, this man provides water for free

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, , ,

Kalaburgi(Gulburga), KARNATAKA  :

 

Kalaburgi:

When the entire state is reeling under acute water shortage, a man from this village provides drinking water to his fellow villagers for free.

Asad Ali Ansari, in Nandur(K) village on the outskirts of Kalaburgi city is the man who has shown his richness of heart through his act.
AsadAliMPOs02may2016In the village, water sources have been drying up. Following water crisis, Asad came forward to help the villagers by providing them four tankers of water every day.

Asad’s initiative was inaugurated by the Zilla panchayat CEO Anirudh Sravan few days ago.

Sravan hailing Asad for his kindness, said that people should come forward voluntarily to share water in situations like this.

Gram panchayats too must provide work to farmers by resuming works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Works such as rejuvenation of water bodies, removal of silt from tanks, etc. will help recharge the groundwater table, he said.

source: http://www.newskarnataka.com / NewsKarnataka.com / Home> Cities> kalaburgi / May 02nd, 2016

Latur’s Good Samaritan: This man gives away 10,000 litres of water daily to help his neighbours

Amazing Feats, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Green Products, Videos, , , , , ,

Latur (Marathwada region) , MAHARASHTRA :

In the drought-struck land of Latur, Sheikh Mateen Musa has been distributing over 10,000 litres of water from his borewell everyday among his neighbours for the past three months. And he has been doing so free of charge.

Sheikh Mateen Musa. Source: Video screengrab
Sheikh Mateen Musa. Source: Video screengrab

What would you do if your house was the only one with running water, while your neighbours’ taps went dry?

As you ponder over that, let us tell you the story of Latur’s Mateen Bhai.

The severe water shortage raging through Latur and elsewhere in Maharashtra has been all over the news. In this crisis, instead of locking up his borewell, Sheikh Mateen Musa has been distributing over 10,000 litres of water among his neighbours everyday.

And he has been doing that for free for the past three months.

His story was brought to light by Facebook page Voice Of Ram. In a video uploaded in this page, those witness to Mateen Bhai’s benevolent actions have no end to his praises.

“Mateen sir is not the name of a man, he is the name of action,” says one of his neighbours. ” If anyone can teach how to serve humankind, it is Mateen Bhai.”

“We ask them to take money in exchange of the water, but he sternly refuses,” says another woman about Mateen Bhai. “He tells us to take as much water as we need for free.”

A mathematics teacher in a local school, Mateen Bhai seems quite oblivious to the fame he has been garnering for his good works. In fact, he believes he has been doing nothing outstanding but just giving away what belongs to others in the first place.

“The water in my borewell may be the water others are destined to have, so they are only taking away what belongs to them,” says Mateen Bhai. “It is nothing mine to give.”

When asked what he would do if his borewell ran out of water, Mateen Bhai laughingly says, “When that happens, even I will pick up a pot and go around looking for water like others.”

https://www.facebook.com/VoiceOfRamDotOrg/videos/1274945099201465/

It is people like Mateen Bhai who remind the rest of the world that charity begins at home, and that humanity is bound by no race and religion.

source: http://www.indiatoday.intoday.in / IndiaToday.in / Home> News> FYI / by Shreya Biswas / New Delhi – April 27th, 2016