Monthly Archives: July 2016

Where the streets never sleep

July 5, 2016Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social IssuesAfreen Juice and Tea Shop-Triplicane, Ameerunnissa Begum Sahiba Mosque-Zam Bazaar, Big Mosque-Triplicane Road, Chand Basha, Meraj Gul Mahal, Sana Burqa House, Shahnaz Akthar, Waheeda Begum, Waheeda Begum makes Vadai, Zakira Begum, Zakira Begum makes Semiyampositiveone@gmail.com

Chennai, TAMIL NADU :

Triplicane comes alive during the holy month of Ramzan. AKILA KANNADASAN strolls through its many lanes, taking in its sights, sounds and flavours

Mohammad Fazluddin looks at the net of silver beads he’s woven with satisfaction. It is suspended on a nail at Meraj Gul Mahal, a craft shop the size of a telephone booth, located in a by-lane opposite the Big Mosque on Triplicane High Road. The beads will form the base for a sultani sehra, an accessory that will drop like a curtain over a groom’s face. The 80-year-old has been making such essentials for Muslim weddings for decades. Despite his age, he opens the shutters of his little shop every day. For, orders flow during the month of Ramzan, at the end of which the wedding season begins.

Triplicane reflects Fazluddin’s spirit — hope and the prospect of a new beginning. Shoppers with their purses full, thanks to generous friends and family; shop-keepers whose cash counters are filling by the hour; restaurateurs whose evening specials sell like hot cakes… everyone is happy. “Ramzan is when women buy new burqas,” says Shanaz Akthar of Sana Burqa House. “Even those who cannot afford them save up for new ones.” The new arrivals this year are double-coloured and umbrella-cut burqas.

At Triplicane high road / Photo: Shaju John

The shops that sell wedding merchandise are filled with laughter and friendly chatter. At Chand Basha, Kairoon shops for stone-studded bangles for her daughter, who is to be married. The shop has been around for over 80 years, and is among the more popular in the area. Bottles of beads and sequins and racks of red-and-gold dupattas and hand fans line the shop. How has business been, we ask Basha, when Kairoon cuts in: “Of course it’s good. Just look at the man. He’s getting plumper every year,” and laughs. As we step out, Zakira Begum waves at us with a grin from across the road. It’s a shame if you take pride in knowing Triplicane well but don’t know Zakira. The smiling lady sits at the same spot a few blocks from the Big Mosque with tubs bearing pale-white circles of rumani semiya every year during Ramzan. She makes the semiya at her house in Royapettah and has been selling it for 40 years. Several other men and women are also seated on the pavement selling semiya.

The Big Mosque nearby bustles with men who walk in prayerfully to break their fast with the nombu kanji served inside. If there’s one thing that’s as important as the fragrant kanji, it’s the vadai. For many, it’s a tradition to have the kanji with a vadai or two. Waheeda Begum and her mother have been making vadais for the hundreds of people who come to the mosque.

Seated at the gate, Waheeda slides in circles of batter into a vat of hot oil, while her mother extracts them once they are cooked a crispy brown. Her medhu vadais are legendary; so are the muttai bondas.

Triplicane High Road and Dr. Besant Road play host to several vadai sellers during this season. With women at the helm, these pushcarts do brisk business. Then, there are the many biryani restaurants that whip up evening specialties. SHB Biryani, famous for its mutton biryani, sells a range of deep-fried delicacies, such as mutton and chicken cutlets, chicken roti, a dish made of spicy minced chicken masala wrapped in a thin maida roti, chicken samosas, chicken rolls… all of which disappear the moment they reach the counter. Men stop by to buy them for their fasting families.

Ramzan special snacks displayed at SHB Biryani on Triplicane high road,/ Photo: Shaju John

But, what’s Ramzan without Afreen Juice and Tea Shop’s chicken samosa? It’s almost a sin to miss the crumbly, greasy samosa with a chunky chicken filling. Haleem, a Hyderabad specialty, is not as common as vadai and biryani in Triplicane. Afreen stocks Pista House’s haleem. Abdul Rahman, who works in the IT sector, has brought Sheik Hafiz, a haleem specialist from Hyderabad, to make the delicacy and sell it at a makeshift stall opposite the Ameerunnisa Begum Sahiba Mosque near Zam Bazaar. “We supply to several restaurants in the city,” says Abdul.

As dusk falls and the muezzin calls for prayer, the streets of Triplicane grind to a halt. But it lasts just a moment. The rhythm picks up again, and goes on and on.

Triplicane never sleeps.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metroplus> Society / by Akila Kannadasan / Chennai – July 04th, 2016

SAILING – Vishnu Saravanan, Sharif catch the eye

July 4, 2016SportsArmy Yachting Node, Sailing Champion, Sharif Khan, Sharif Khan-Army Yachting Node(AYN)mpositiveone@gmail.com

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

SMOOTH SAILING: It was all smiles for teenager Vishnu Saravanan who showcased his talent enroute to claiming the honours in Laser Radial class. / Photo: G. Ramakrishna

Not yet 19, Vishnu Saravanan was outstanding in the Laser Radial section of the Hyderabad Sailing Week.

The tall yachtsman, representing Trishna Sailing Club (TSC), Bengaluru, claimed half of the dozen-race series to clinch the crown in a 58-member fleet, by far the largest in the annual championship, at the Hussain Sagar on Friday.

Behind him in the overall standings was Sharif Khan of the Army Yachting Node (AYN), who got the gun no less than four times.

The sun returned to duty, albeit briefly, when the penultimate race commenced but did the vanishing trick well before it was completed. Completing the three inner loops served as a survival test for the fittest, the three runs providing brief respite from as many upwind legs.

If this was not gruelling enough, the competitors needed to get around two gybe marks, the vicinity of which is often the graveyard of capsized craft, the manoeuvre involved is definitely not for the poorly-trained.

The skill to skid ahead of the opposition was seen in seasoned hand Sharif Khan.

Not in the top five at the first windward mark, he was fourth when the orange inflatable was circled for the second time. By the last loop, he had cruised to the fore. When the top five set out on the reach, the seventh leg of the trapezoid track, Sharif was in complete command.

There was no trace of the back and knee problems he was battling as his stern skimmed the slimy lake’s surface. After all, this reservoir was the nursery where he’d learned the ropes. By the time he’d reached the second mark, he’d separated himself from the rest of the pack, A. Srinu, placed second then, a good 20 boat lengths behind.

Series winner Saravanan advanced by the third mark but was still about 10 boat lengths behind when Sharif heard the welcoming toot of the hooter. The AYN sailor was equally authoritative in the earlier race, where he brooked no competition either.

The results: Laser Radial: X: 1. Sharif Khan (AYN); 2. Vishnu Saravanan (TSC); 3. Harpreet Singh (AYN).

XI: 1. Sharif Khan; 2. Vishnu Saravanan; 3. B. Nookaraju (AYN).

XII: 1. Harpreet Singh; 2. Sharif Khan; 3. Sachin Singha (EMESA).

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Other Sports / by A. Jospeh Antony / Hyderabad – July 02nd, 2016

HOCKEY – Hope and support for Mohd. Shahid

July 4, 2016SportsMohammad Shahid, Mohammad Shahid-Hockey Legend, Mohammed Shahid, Mohammed Shahid-Hockey Olympic Legend, Varanasimpositiveone@gmail.com

Varanasi, UTTAR PRADESH :

New Delhi :

A stinging comment by former India captain Dhanraj Pillay and a sustained effort by friends in the hockey fraternity as well as the media has raised a ray of hope for the ailing Mohammad Shahid.

The hockey legend is battling liver and kidney-related issues at a private hospital in Gurgaon, with no assistance coming from any quarter until the Union Sports Ministry stepped in on Friday.

According to Sports Ministry sources, Shahid will be provided the best medical help. “The quantum of the financial assistance will depend on the report provided by the hospital,” said the source.

Railways to fund expenses

The Indian Railways, for whom Shahid played in National competitions, said it would take care of his medical expenses. “The formalities and paperwork are complete. Shahid’s full treatment will be taken care of by the Indian Railways,” said a senior source in the RSPB.

Earlier, Dhanraj had pleaded with the Prime Minister to intervene. “I appeal to our honourable Prime Minister, Sports Minister, all sports associations and everyone else to please take note of Shahid bhai’scondition and provide all help possible. We are also trying to mobilise all support from our end,” he said.

“He is a legend, an icon, and someone who made India proud internationally. Indian hockey was known all over the world because of players like him,” said Dhanraj.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Sport> Hockey / by Vijay Lokpally / New Delhi – July 02nd, 2016

White Mughals’ connection with Masula erased

July 4, 2016Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & TourismHistorian Mohammed Silar, Hyderabad Nizam, Khair-Un-Nisa, Mir Alam, Mohammed Silar, Sharaf-Un-Nisampositiveone@gmail.com

Machilipatnam (Krishna District) , ANDHRA PRADESH :

The two-storey mansion where the Hyderabadi noblewoman once stayed is now in ruins.—Photo: T. Appala Naidu

Mansion where noblewoman Khair-Un-Nissa stayed is now a cattle shed

In April 1807, Hyderabadi noblewoman Khair-Un-Nissa was given shelter in a two-storey mansion with a mesmerizing view of palms, fishing canoes and breakers of the Coromandal coast, according to ‘White Mughals; Love and Betrayal in 18th Century India’ by William Dalrymple.

Now, the view of the mansion, which was then residence of East India’s agent in Masulipatam, Alexander, resembles a small jungle, with a cattle shed within the stonewall in the Bandarkota area in Machilipatnam.

Khair-Un-Nissa, most excellent of the women had stayed in the mansion with her mother Sharaf-Un-Nissa for nearly two years during her exile. After Mir Alam, Hyderabad Nizam, died in January 1809, Khair-Un-Nissa and her mother appeared to have returned to Hyderabad.

Outlawed after love affair

Colonel James Achilles Kirkpatrick, the British Resident in Hyderabad (1797-1805), fell in love with Khair-Un-Nissa, and married her in January 1801. Citing disgrace to her family, Khair-Un-Nissa was ordered by Mir Alam that she would not be allowed back to Hyderabad on her way back from Calcutta, where she spent some months, mourning the death of her husband Kirkpatrick. He was 41.

Widowed at 19, Khair-Un-Nissa had to live outside the Nizam’s dominions and thus she had to stay in Masulipatam as suggested by her husband’s assistant, Henry Russel. Nestled between the Dutch fort and an armoury, the mansion has been erased from the memory of the people of Masula and become home for cattle.

The Machilipatnam Municipality’s survey records show that the nearly two-acre site of the mansion is now under the control of private people. “We do not know any history attached to the land. The entire site has been distributed among the 12 members of our family, Vemoori family,” Vemoori Badri toldThe Hindu . Mr. Badri’s family uses this historical site as shelter for their cattle.

“Until 1979, the two-storey British building was in good shape with rooms with spiralling space. It has disappeared on the site over the years. Possession and transfer of right over the site by locals remains a puzzle for me,” local historian and then Masula Revenue Inspector Mohammed Silar told The Hindu . Most of the protection wall and entrance gates to the British site were collapsed. A thatched cattle shed raised on the pillars of the old construction welcomes the visitors.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Andhra Pradesh / T. Appala Naidu / Machilipatnam – July 02nd, 2016

Yardage of Karnataka splashers

July 4, 2016SportsNational Swimming Coach, Nihar Ameen, Nihar Ameen Coaches at Dolphin Swimming Center. Mathikere, Nihar Ameen First to be honoured with Dhronacharya Award, Nihar Ameen-First Swimming Coachmpositiveone@gmail.com

Two swimming coaches – Pradeep Kumar and Nihar Ahmed – on what keeps the states swimmers going

Bengaluru , KARNATAKA :

Karnataka’s swimmers’ success in the recently held Sub-Junior National Aquatic Championship at Bengaluru shouldn’t come as a surprise. Karnataka swimmers have been dominating the National events decade after decade now. Prior to the 2016 sub-junior and junior National meets in Bengaluru, Karnataka won the National Championship in the junior section for a record 24 years and it’s senior team has been a champion for 23 years! In 2015, Karnataka created the historic hat-trick by making a clean sweep of National titles in Sub-Junior, Junior and Senior ranks. The state has produced several Olympian swimmers such as, Nisha Millet, Shikha Tandon, H.S. Hakimuddin and Rehan Poncha . In terms of infrastructure, Karnataka ranks high on the National list and its no surprise that swimmers from other states make a bee-line here for for training.

What makes Karnataka a powerhouse in swimming? The credit goes to two award-winning coaches — S. Pradeep Kumar and Nihar Ameen. Between the two, they have trained hundreds of National and international swimmers who won laurels to the State and the country. The two veteran coaches speak to MetroPlus on the rise of Karnataka in aquatics and what made their swimmers tick.

Pradeep Kumar, who has been a National coach, says, “I will put that down to our club system. We have several swimming clubs, which have dedicated coaches and good training system in place.” “We also have 1,000 registered competitive swimmers and that’s where the talent keeps coming from. We also have a State Association (KSA) which is committed to support young talent’’ adds Pradeep.

But Pradeep feels that other states, especially Maharashtra, is catching up and there is a dip in the standard of Karnataka swimmers. “Of late, other state swimmers come and train here. This is a disadvantage for us. At my club, Basavangudi Aquatic Centre (BAC), I stopped taking outside swimmers five years ago,” opines the coach.

Pradeep also points out that the short span of swimmers’ career also is a setback. “Most junior swimmers get into professional courses after high school on sports quota. Once they do that, they stop competing and it affects our prospects. Instead of sports quota, it would be better if the State Government directs the Education Department to give grace marks for excellence in swimming,” he observes. Another challenge for the State swimmers is to find jobs. “There is a lack of career opportunity in the State for the swimmers and they often are lured away by other States and public sector units like railways,” says Pradeep.

Pradeep has a healthy rivalry with Nihar Ameen at State meets where their teams clash for the overall title. Nihar, who is the first swimming coach in the country to be honoured with the Dronacharya Award for excellence in coaching in 2015, holds strong views on the state of sport.

Nihar cites three major reasons for Karnataka’s dominance in swimming – “First, we have the best State swimming association in the country and under the president, Neelkant Rao Jagdale, KSA has grown from strength to strength putting in place a well-developed system to promote the sport. Secondly, thanks to conducive system, we have several clubs in this Bengaluru, Mysore and Mangalore, which have good training programmes. Thirdly, we have the best infrastructure and of late many pools have been privatised and are professionally managed now.” He also adds, “The sport is picking up in Dakshin Kannada, especially in Puttur.”

Nihar, however, admits that despite its supremacy, there has been a marked decline in the quality of performances. “There are fewer National records and the attrition rate among swimmers is on the rise. The scene was not the same 20 years ago. The present generation has other options and distractions and I don’t find the same level of commitment that we had in the past.”

Nihar disagrees with the view that training of swimmers from other states in Karnataka poses a challenge for the local talent. He, in fact, trains the Olympians, Virdhwal Khade of Maharashtra and Sandeep Sejwal of Delhi at his pool in Dolphin Swim Centre in Mathikere and adds, “I would say training with outside talent helps local swimmers to raise their standards.”

For Pradeep and Nihar, who have presided Karnataka’s rule in the pool for the past two decades, the lack of a strong second line of coaches is worrisome. But, there are signs that a new crop of top coaches will soon emerge. Former National champion Nisha Millet is on the job, by turning to be a full time coach. But, Karnataka needs more to keep the State flag flying in the pool!

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Metroplus / by Kalyan Ashok / Bengaluru – July 02nd, 2016

These Adil Shahi era cannons cry for attention

July 4, 2016Arts, Culture & Entertainment, Community Involvement / Social Issues, Travel & Tourism, UncategorizedAdil Shah, Adil Shahi Era, Allapur Gate, Canons at Bijapur, Canons at Vijayapura, Gol Gumbaz, Landa Qasab Canon, Malik-e-Maidan, Mustafabad Canon, Nakkar Khanampositiveone@gmail.com

Vijayapura(Bijapur), KARNATAKA :

The Mustafabad cannon at Allapur Gate and Landa Qasab cannon, in Vijayapura, are facing neglect.

Some of the massive and marvellous cannons belonging to the Adil Shahi era here are decaying because of lack of efforts to preserve them.

While only a few giant cannons have been preserved at Nakkar Khana, the main pavilion of the Gol Gumbaz, at Malik-e-Maidan, some others are left there in the open.

The cannons at Mustafabad near Allapur Gate, a few hundred metres from the Gol Gumbaz, are in the worst shape.

The cannon was earlier placed on the fort wall. Over a period of time, the wall collapsed owing to lack of maintenance and the giant cannon fell on the ground.

The authorities have not made any efforts to locate it to a better place where it could be preserved. They are now getting gradually buried under a heap of garbage and human waste.

Similar is the condition of the Landa Qasab cannon near Kirti Nagar and Ali Burj.

While a signboard has been placed by the Archaeological Survey of India near the Landa Qasab cannon, the one at Mustafabad does not have one.

According to historians, these cannons played a significant role in protecting the boundaries of the Adil Shahi empire from enemies.

They were strategically placed on towers where security men could keep a watch on the entry of enemies.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> National> Karnataka / Firoz Rozindar / Vijayapura – June 30th, 2016

Naseer Taj and his passion for qawwali

July 3, 2016Arts, Culture & EntertainmentNaseer Taj, Qawwal Naseer Tajmpositiveone@gmail.com

Hyderabad, TELANGANA :

Qawwal Naseer Taj talks about the power of qawwali, its spiritual approach and why connoisseurs enjoy it

For 30-plus years, Naseer Taj has been enthralling music aficionados with his qawwalis in Hyderabad. “Music is a way of devotion and life,” he smiles as he gets ready for a qawwali rendition at Goethe Zentrum. As part of the World Music Day celebrations, he along with his team including his son gave a soulful performance at the German centre. The packed crowd of 100 members sat mesmerised as his robust voice croonedSabka Malik ek hai. It was followed by the all-time favourite Damadam mast kalandar. The six accompanying artistes added to the lively effect and turned the cool Sunday evening into a memorable onefor the audience.

A few hours before the performance, Naseer is in a buoyant mood. He recalls his early days as an auto driver before his passion created a path for him. “I was passionate about qawwalis. There was something magical about the chorus voice and claps,” he recalls. While his family was concerned about the youngster listening to qawwalis in his spare time, Naseer was unperturbed. “I would drive auto in the mornings and attend qawwali programmes in the night. The family would search for me and I would be listening to a qawwali at a concert,” he laughs and adds, “I was busy pursuing my passion that I never knew when it became my profession.”

The energetic powerhouse pieces of qawwali were traditionally sung at the shrines of saints; they would take many on the path of spirituality. Qawwalis depicted in movies and reality shows seem different from the traditional form, and Naseer says the highpoint of qawwalis is its underlying spiritual approach. “Qawwalis draws their essence from classical music but it is a unique genre. Here music and text blend together and the lyrics are important. While one sings softly in a ghazal, qawwals like to sing loudly. This has a deep effect on the audience’s memory.”

Speaking about qawwali’s roots, he says, “Qawwalis have a unique place in Hindustan and music lovers hold it on a high pedestal. People of all sects enjoy the performances,” he states, giving examples of ,Sabka maalik ek hai. He sums up the essence by saying: “Badan ka rang kuch bhi sahi, sabka lahoo ka rang ek hai. Qawwali is part of our culture and we should be proud of our legacy,” he says.

Naseer has given numerous performances across India and abroad. “One cannot put into words the feeling of singing qawwali,” he says and explains, “The music, rhythmic claps and the loud voice of the qawwal creates a positive energy. The qawwals experience ecstasy and the divine presence. Those moments are magical when the audience also experiences joy.”

He recently sang for the Independence Day celebrations at Golconda Fort and affirms the genre has seen changes according to the changing tastes. He feels connoisseurs enjoy a qawwali with clean words. “There were some songs with cheap lyrics but when there are meaningful words, qawwalis create a connect. Log ache cheez ko sunte hain, chillar cheez ko nahin”

Naseer looks back at his life with satisfaction. “My qawaalis have given my soul joy and peace. I have got my daughters married. I live in a rented accommodation. My only dream is to see my son shape up as a good qawwal. When he sings, people will remember me,” he signs off.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> Features> Friday Review > Music / by Neeraja Murthy / Hyderabad – June 30th, 2016