Category Archives: Events, Exhibitions, Conferences (wef. Nov 18th, 2021)

Conquering speciality coffee at the National Barista Championship 2023

Bengaluru, KARNATAKA:

Conquering speciality coffee at the National Barista Championship 2023

The National Barista Championship in Bengaluru featured 60 baristas from across India and from some of the best coffee houses in the industry and home brewers.

This past week was abuzz with caffeine-induced energy at the 21st National Barista Championship 2023, held between February 14 to 19 at the Orion Mall in Rajajinagar, Bengaluru.

Jaseem Abbas, a home brewer who goes by his handle @ninedotcoffee on Instagram, was crowned the winner, and in June, he will travel to Athens to represent India at the World Barista Championship 2023.

“This used to be a very subtle, small event where we did not have coffee traders, cafe owners, or even equipment manufacturers participate. So, we made it bigger by allowing brands to exhibit their products and expose Indian coffee to the audience,” D. M. Purnesh, President of the Speciality Coffee Association of India, revealed to YS Life. 

Barista, coffee
Jaseem Abbas, Winner of the National Barista Championship 2023

A stroll through the exhibition section will give one insight into how big the event has become. From coffee estates and bean roasters, to cafe owners, and equipment makers, every stage of the coffee bean’s journey is represented.

Attendees could mingle with industry leaders, sample exquisite coffee blends, learn about coffee preparations, equipment and techniques, and enjoy live music and entertainment.

The National Barista Championship featured 60 baristas from across India—some of the best coffee houses in the industry and home brewers who competed for the title of the National Barista Champion. The jury members included certified Q Graders (professionals skilled in the sensory evaluation of coffee), technical judges, and a World Barista Championship Committee-recognised head judge.

The technical judges look at what the barista does behind the counter—station management, skill with the espresso machine, the tamping, coffee extraction times, etc. The sensory judges (Q Graders) evaluate the ‘crema’ of the espresso, the aromas of the beverages, harmony and balance in the taste, the temperature and tactile experience while sipping the beverage, and the functionality of the vessel.

“The barista will tell us how their beverage is supposed to taste. We listen to them for the accuracy of their descriptors too,” explained Mandappa, Divisional Head (Coffee Quality) at the Coffee Board, a certified Q Grader and one of the sensory judges at the championship.

Barista, coffee
At the National Barista Championship 2023 in Bengaluru

Each barista serves three beverages—first, an espresso, second, an espresso-based milk beverage, third, an espresso-based signature beverage. 

“We’re not looking at Latte art here. We’re looking at sheen, synergy, and contrast between the milk and coffee when judging visuals. When we take a sip of the beverage, we see how the espresso is in harmony with the milk,” Mandappa added. The current edition of the rules allows for only cow’s milk, but future editions will allow branded plant-based milk alternatives.

The signature beverage gives baristas the liberty to come up with their own concoctions, as long as the base remains a shot of espresso. “My coffee had pineapple, green grape, mulberry, black tea, Demerara sugar syrup, strawberry syrup, and butter, which I had melted with coffee,” said Suhas Dwarakanath, Owner at Benki Brewing Tools, and one of the contestants.

“These ingredients played with the flavour of the espresso and brought out completely new flavours, like how mixing red with yellow gives us another colour. In the end, my coffee had notes of muskmelon, papaya, salted caramel, and a black tea finish,” he described.

Winner Abbas’ Nitrogen Oxide-infused signature brew had notes of sweet lime, jasmine, orange candy, and sweet papaya. “I used coffee from Tat Tvam Asi Estate as it was one of the most organic and naturally-processed coffees I could find,” he said. “The pressure is intense; there’s no room for error. No sudden movements, no spillage. It’s a beautiful situation to be in. The perfect balance of pressure and cannot be experienced unless one goes up on stage,” Abbas added.

Speciality coffee and Bengaluru have a symbiotic relationship. Karnataka is one of the largest coffee-growing regions in India. The city has a growing cosmopolitan population with the awareness, time, and willingness to experiment with new flavours.

Speak to any brewer or barista, and they’ll have the same things to say: Coffee is not just bitter. One can notice sweetness, florals, fruitiness, and a pleasant bitterness that makes it beautiful and interesting. It’s like tasting a fine wine or a scotch whiskey.

“Coffee can change completely profile-wise with different types of roasting (light, medium, or dark), grind sizes, and brewing equipment. In fact, I came across a variety of cups that allows the coffee to aerate, allowing for more flavour to come out,” said Purnesh.

According to Dwarakanath, one of the challenges in making speciality coffee mainstream is shifting consumers away from the chicory-infused, sugary filter coffees Bengaluru is used to.

“Speciality coffee doesn’t have to be overwhelming. I understand it’s more expensive, but selling smaller portions so they’re affordable is something we do at the Benki cafés. We don’t sell anything above Rs 150, and we use the same premium coffee I used in the competition today,” he added.

Mandappa staunchly believes in drinking what one enjoys while taking the time out to experiment with new food and drinks to develop a refined palate. “It’s always good to experiment and see how a different ingredient tastes, maybe a berry or an exotic fruit,” he said.

“When one is starting, make descriptions easier for yourself and look at basic nuances like sweetness and bitterness (favourable bitterness like bitter gourd, dark chocolate, and stout beer; and unfavourable bitterness like astringent and burnt). The common consumer should first look for a balanced coffee,” added Dwarakanath.

Coffee journeys often start with the quintessential bottle of Nescafe’s instant coffee powder. Speciality coffee, however, works differently.

Barista, coffee

Right from the quality of the soil and the manure fed to it to the skill of the barista pouring out your drink—each step is crucial in brewing a good cup of coffee.

“It’s about appreciating the journey of the coffee bean. It’s a chain reaction. The farmers, the roasters, the barista—there are hundreds of steps before it reaches your cup,” said Abbas.

“A coffee planter’s job is 365 days, round-the-clock work,” added Purnesh. “We nurture plants through the year for a single crop. The last few years have seen climate change, and the current challenge is adjusting to changing patterns of rain,” he added.

Many coffee planters have developed multi-cropping systems by growing pepper, areca nut, cardamom, avocados, and assorted fruits and vegetables. This keeps a steady flow of income and adds nuances to the flavour of the coffee.

The Speciality Coffee Association of India was set up by passionate coffee planters who wanted to put India’s coffee on the world coffee map. “Everything happens with the support of the Coffee Board, controlled and funded by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. They help us promote coffee in India and the world market. They are one of the main sponsors and supporters of the National Barista Championship,” said Purnesh.

With the close of the 2023 edition of the championship, Abbas is looking forward to his competition in Athens this June. “I’d like to thank my roaster, who introduced me to the coffee I used for the championship. And, since I’m representing India, I want to represent India’s coffee on the world stage. I’ll be going up against the best of the best,” he added.

source: http://www.yourstory.com / YourStory.com – YS Life / Home> Events / by Arjun Mehta / edited by Suman Singh / February 22nd, 2023

IOS organises two-day conference on “Indian Muslims and Plural Society”, Feb 15-16, 2023 New Delhi

INDIA:

New Delhi:

Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi, organised a two-day National Conference on “Indian Muslims and Plural Society” in hybrid mode from February 15 – 16.

Inaugural session

The inaugural session commenced with Prof  Haseena Hashia, Assistant Secretary General, IOS, welcoming the guests and participants.

Prof M.H Qureshi, an eminent Geographer, talked about India witnessing numerous migrations over the last several centuries. “We have Nordics, Mediterranean, and Mongols—people from Central Asia, Persia and even Arabs who arrived in India through its southern-western coastal region. Therefore, India has immense diversity, he said.

He said that the Arabs came to the Kerala coast and brought many traditions that became part and parcel of India.

Professor Mehrajuddin Mir, former Vice-Chancellor of the Central University of Kashmir, said that the concept of pluralism was how to live together, tolerate others’ thoughts and ideas, and even understand opponents’ miseries for solutions to live in diversity. All religions have various sects, and thus, their practices differ. The conflicts are, therefore, intra-religious, interreligious and social, he noted.

Professor Mir quoted Indian Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, who recently spoke about how one Imam and one Pundit shaped his career to understand brotherhood and oneness.

Professor Akhtarul Wasey, former President, Maulana Azad University, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, in his presidential address, said that Muslims came to India as traders and invaders. But once they came here, they delved into the culture and traditions of India and became one who enriched the nation to encourage pluralism. Muslims have contributed to India’s prosperity.

He said that how Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam became a global personality of Indian origin—a Muslim. The country couldn’t think of its missile programme without his theoretical contributions, he said.

Technical Session I

The 1st Technical Session began with the theme, “Genesis of Pluralism in India.” Professor Arshi Khan, Department of Political Science, AMU, Aligarh, as Moderator & Chairperson.

Dr. Ram Puniyani, Human Rights Activist and Writer, said, “There is a misconception in the country, especially against Muslims.” The alliance of civilizations defines plurality. Religions don’t have any nationality. They are universal. The Kings in India, whether Muslim or Hindu, ruled the nation for centuries with people of different faiths as their core governance teams. There was nothing like Muslim Kings or Hindu kings then, he explained.

He observed that calling Indian cultures as Hindu is a bigoted idea. Leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru, Mahatma Gandhi and Maulana Abul Kalam Azad brought secular spirits into the country. We have Sufi and Bhakti traditions that describe the morality of religions and humanity in India.

Professor Mohammad Sohrab, MMA Jauhar Academy of International Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, described pluralism as a definition both from a conceptual and theoretical perspective. Primarily a religious and moral philosophy, pluralism was the acceptance of diversity. It is more than tolerance of differences. The conception of ‘We’ was essential to assess pluralism through organic social bonding. Pluralism in the Islamic context of acceptance and the country’s scenario today should be understood in the context of how the nation’s spirit developed in Madinah during the time of the Prophet, he elaborated.

He said that pluralism demands that your neighbour be considered an asset, not a liability. Diversity with pluralism creates resilience, but diversity without pluralism brings disaster, he concluded.

Gurtej Singh, IAS, Chandigarh, spoke about how India’s constitutional and political federalism paved the way for the constitution. The atrocities against Sikhs and their resistance were part of history, he said. The examples of pluralism can be understood from the Guru Granth of Sikh religion.

His book Sikh and Indian Civilization sheds light on how Sikhs were projected during partition.

Sanjay K. Rai, a social activist from Lucknow, mentioned that “diversity doesn’t accept dictators.” He highlighted the importance of multicultural societies. Linguistic Pluralism was the need of the hour in today’s context. Societies with pluralism also impact by technological growth. Communities can’t be defined through one particular race or culture. He felt that there can’t be nation-building and growth without taking Muslims along who constitute 15-20% population in India. The One Nation, One Culture concept can only work in some countries. One can’t find books on Hitler in Germany today. Mussolini’s home has been destroyed in his country as people don’t want him to be remembered. It symbolizes how those going against pluralism perish from the leaflets of history, he concluded.

Mr. Gurdeep Singh, a Sikh leader from Bhatinda, Punjab, stressed that it was high time to focus on the future, in view of the experiences of the past and present to grow in a plural society. Mistakes could be there in the past, but remembering those only won’t solve the purpose. It will hinder progress. He warned that today’s rulers in India were breaking the very ascent of Indian culture and unity.

He said that when Kashmiri Muslims are tortured, others in the country feel their pain.

Dr. Lubna Naaz from the Department of Islamic Studies, Women’s College, AMU, spoke on “An Islamic Perspective on Peaceful Coexistence.”

Technical Session-II

Focused on the theme, Role of Islam to Strengthen Pluralism in India, the Technical Session II started under the Chairperson, Professor M. Ishaque from the Department of Islamic Studies, Jamia Millia Islamia.

Maulana Abdul Hameed Nomani, Former General Secretary, All India Muslim Majlis-e-Mushawarat, Delhi, highlighted that two things are required to be properly understood: the Creator, and the Creator’s motive. He said that Sufis always made one feel the independence to think and lead life. Islam always propagates the rights of neighbours, relatives and much more. Sufi Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti wore similar dresses like Indian Sadhus to ascertain people of his time, irrespective of their religious faiths, connected with him.

He said that Swami Dayanand and Raja Ram Mohan Roy kept Hindu philosophy out of their movements but promoted social reforms in the societies applicable to all faiths for social betterment. “Faith is vital, like Allah’s mercy, unlike social practices that change with time,” he said. India’s beauty was in its diversity of religious thoughts. In pre-Islam Arab tribes kept fighting for generations on a single issue of their forefathers, but the scenario has changed. Islam accepts variety in pluralism, from religious to traditional to social practices. Islam as a religion must not change its basic principles. It is a Sanatan religion with firm principles, he concluded.

Prof Faheem Akhtar Nadvi, Head of the Department of Islamic Studies, MANUU, Hyderabad, emphasized that the role of Islam in strengthening pluralism in India is vital. Pluralism is a society where people of all religions reside and respect each other. India is one of the best examples where pluralism has stayed for centuries. He emphasized that India will grow only when pluralism is projected in practice.

To be Continued..

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Featured News / by News Desk (headline edited) / February 25th, 2023

Mangaluru: Bearys Public School’s Umar Hamdan selected for National-level ‘Spell Bee’ competition

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru: 

Umar Hamdan, a VII standard student of Bearys Public School, has been selected for the National Level Spell Bee Competition after clearing the State-level round of the competition.

Hamdan, who is the son of Late Abdul Basheer and Shameela, was selected for the state-level round after clearing school and inter-school rounds that were held online due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The National-level round is scheduled to be held in the third week of January 2021.

Inter-school toppers from each class will be selected for State Level, in which Umar Hamdan of class VI (Present studying in VII) was selected for State Level.

“Out of 20 Toppers of class VI from State Level Umar Hamdan of our School is selected for National Level” an official press statement from the school stated.

Chairman of Bearys Academy of Learning, Syed Mohamed Beary congratulated Hamdan on his achievement and wished him bestfor the national-level event.

source: http://www.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / December 26th, 2020

Sahebaan UAE, business and professionals meet held in Dubai

Mangaluru, Dakshina Kannada / UAE & GCC:

Dubai:

Sahebaan Business and Professionals Group (SBPG) and Sahebaan UAE conducted a Business and Professionals Meet at Al Jumairah Ballroom of Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, on 5th February 2023 from 2.00 PM onwards.

The event, sponsored by the Sahebaan Business Community UAE, was a success, with Sahebaan Community delegates from UAE, GCC, and India in attendance.

The event commenced with a recitation of verses from the Holy Quran. The convenor of SBPG, Althaf M.S., welcomed the gathering and explained the purpose of this maiden initiative.

The Program thereafter commenced with a panel discussion moderated by Althaf M.S., an EPC Oil and Gas Professional. The panel consisted of Dr. Abdul Rahiman Beig, a Professor at Khalifa University Abu Dhabi; Mrs. Ambreen Sheik, a Businesswomen and also an Honorary President of the Indian Ladies Association, Abu Dhabi; Mr. Mumtaz Hussain, an established Businessman from Qatar; Dr. Waleed Ahmed, Fellow of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK) and a well- known consultant and Mr. Syed Siraj Ahmed, Ex banker & Risk Management Consultant.

While speaking during the event, Mr. Imran Hidayath, CEO of Hidayath Group, Dubai, dwelt on his entrepreneurial journey to success.

Mr. Suhail Kudroli, Chartered Accountant, urged all to participate in such gatherings.

While speaking at the sidelines of the meeting, UAE Sahebaan Convenor Mr. Afroz Assadi and Mr. Siraj Ahmed appreciated the initiative and urged all to lend their support.

Business presentations were made subsequently by Mohd Salman on his startup business “The Stepup Ventures,” followed by Sahebaan ladies, Sahara Asif on “Life Skills Education” and Waseem Shaikh & Thanziya Khan on “Tru Choco & Nuts.”

The event’s highlight was Speed Networking, which evidenced active participation by delegates and interaction on a one-to-one basis with every delegate.

The Program was managed by Althaf M.S, Mohd. Samiulla, Mohd Sufiyan, and Faizaan Khateeb and anchored by Mohd. Sufiyan.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 13th, 2023

Associated Press wins feature photography Pulitzer for Kashmir coverage

INDIA:

Photographers Dar Yasin, Mukhtar Khan and Channi Anand captured images of protests, police and paramilitary action and daily life in Kashmir.

Women shout slogans as the police fire teargas and live ammunition in the air to stop a protest march in Srinagar, Aug. 9, 2019. The image was part of a series of photographs by Associated Press photographers which won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography.

The story of India’s crackdown on Kashmir last August was difficult to show to the world. The unprecedented lockdown included a sweeping curfew and shutdowns of phone and internet service.

But Associated Press ( AP ) photographers Dar Yasin, Mukhtar Khan and Channi Anand found ways to let outsiders see what was happening. Now, their work has been honoured with the 2020 Pulitzer Prize in feature photography.

Here is the full list of the 2020 Pulitzer Prize Winners

Snaking around roadblocks, sometimes taking cover in strangers’ homes and hiding cameras in vegetable bags, the three photographers captured images of protests, police and paramilitary action and daily life — and then headed to an airport to persuade travellers to carry the photo files out with them and get them to the AP ’s office in New Delhi.

Kashmiri Muslim devotees offer prayer outside the shrine of Sufi saint Sheikh Syed Abdul Qadir Jeelani in Srinagar, Dec. 9, 2019. The image was part of a series of photographs by Associated Press photographers which won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography.

“It was always cat-and-mouse,” Mr. Yasin recalled on Monday. “These things made us more determined than ever to never be silenced.”

Mr. Yasin and Mr. Khan are based in Srinagar, Kashmir’s largest city, while Mr. Anand is based in the neighboring Jammu district.

Mr. Anand said the award left him speechless.

“I was shocked and could not believe it,” he said, calling the prize-winning photos a continuation of the work he’s been doing for 20 years with the AP .

An Indian Border Security Force (BSF) soldier keeps vigil near the India-Pakistan border at Garkhal in Akhnoor, about 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of Jammu, India, Aug. 13, 2019. The image was part of a series of photographs by Associated Press photographers which won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography.

With communications shut down, these journalists had to find out about protests and other news by finding them in person. Mr. Khan and Mr. Yasin took turns roving the streets in and around the regional capital of Srinagar, Mr. Yasin said, facing mistrust from both protesters and troops. The journalists were unable to go home for days or even let their families know they were doing okay.

“It was very hard,” Mr. Khan said, but “we managed to file pictures”.

After spotting luggage-toting people walking toward the airport, he said, the photographers decided to ask travellers to serve as couriers. Mr. Yasin also recalled how a relative of his, who was also a photojournalist, had told him about delivering film rolls to New Delhi in person as the conflict in Kashmir raged in the 1990s.

A masked Kashmiri protester jumps on the bonnet of an armored vehicle of Indian police as he throws stones at it during a protest in Srinagar, May 31, 2019. The image was part of a series of photographs by Associated Press photographers which won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography.

The photographers thus went to the Srinagar airport and sought out strangers willing to carry memory cards and flash drives to New Delhi and call AP after landing in the Indian capital.

Some flyers declined, fearing trouble with the authorities, Mr. Yasin said. But others said yes and followed through. Most of the memory cards and drives arrived.

Mr. Yasin says their prize-winning work has both professional and personal meaning to him.

“It’s not the story of the people I am shooting, only, but it’s my story,” he said. “It’s a great honour to be on the list of Pulitzer winners and to share my story with the world.”

“This honor continues AP ’s great tradition of award-winning photography,” said AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt. “Thanks to the team inside Kashmir, the world was able to witness a dramatic escalation of the long struggle over the region’s independence. Their work was important and superb.”

Pulitzer finalists for breaking-news photography award

In a year when protests arose across the globe, AP photographers Dieu Nalio Chery and Rebecca Blackwell were Pulitzer finalists for the breaking-news photography award for their coverage of violent clashes between police and anti-government demonstrators in Haiti.

Protesters and passersby look at images of people said to have been injured or killed during the month-long protests calling for the resignation of President Jovenel Moise, in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Oct. 15, 2019. The image was part of a series of photographs by Associated Press photographers which was named a finalist for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography.

Bullet fragments hit Mr. Chery in the jaw while he documented the unrest. He kept taking pictures, including images of the fragments that hit him.

A protest against fuel shortages and demanding the resignation of President Jovenel Moise in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Sept. 20, 2019. The image was part of a series of photographs by Associated Press photographers which was named a finalist for the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Breaking News Photography.

“All five of these photographers made remarkable, stunning images despite dangerous and challenging conditions, sometimes at great personal risk,” said AP Director of Photography David Ake. “Their dedication to getting up every morning and going out to tell the story is a testament to their tenacity. The result of their work is compelling photojournalism that grabbed the world’s attention.”

AP Executive Editor Sally Buzbee called the Kashmir prize “a testament to the skill, bravery, ingenuity and teamwork of Dar, Mukhtar, Channi and their colleagues” and lauded Mr. Chery’s and Ms. Blackwell’s “brave and arresting work” in Haiti while many journalism outlets were focused elsewhere.

“At a time when AP ’s journalism is of more value than ever to the world, these journalists’ courage and compelling storytelling show the absolute best of what we do,” Ms. Buzbee said.

The honor for the photographers is the AP’s 54th Pulitzer Prize. The news cooperative last won a Pulitzer last year for stories, photos and video on the conflict in Yemen and the ensuing humanitarian crisis.

source: http://www.thehindu.com / The Hindu / Home> News> World / by Associated Press (AP) / May 05th, 2020

Save the date! Dr Foodie to host ‘Hyderabadi Shaadi Ki Dawat’

Hyderabad, TELANGANA:

‘Hyderabadi Shaadi Ki Dawat’ is going to be a unique event to experience the food, culture, and hospitality that Hyderabad is known for, all in one place.

 Dr Ahmed Ashfaq aka Dr Foodie gears up to host the first ever edition of ‘Hyderabadi Shaadi Ki Dawat’ (Instagram)

If you’ve ever attended a Hyderabadi wedding, you’ll know that it’s a celebration unlike any other. From the colourful outfits, the lip-smacking food to of course the ‘marfa’, it’s a feast for the senses. Agree?

Are you eagerly waiting to attend a Hyderabadi Shaadi and indulge in the rich, flavorful cuisine that our sheher is famous for? If yes, mark your calendars for March 5th, 2023 because a unique event is going to happen in the city that promises to satisfy your craving for Hyderabadi Shaadi ka Khana. But there’s a twist – it’s not an actual wedding!

Idea behind hosting ‘Hyderabadi Shaadi Ki Dawat’

Organized by Hyderabad’s popular food blogger Dr Foodie aka Dr Ahmed Ashfaq, ‘Hyderabadi Shaadi Ki Daawat’ is going to be a unique event to experience the food, culture, and hospitality that Hyderabad is known for, all in one place. And the best part? Nobody gets married here, so you can just enjoy all the festivities without any of the pressure or stress that comes with attending an actual wedding. You will be able to enjoy the shadi without fear of judgement from your ‘phuppu or ‘chachi. The event is powered by Zetch Digital Solutions (Ayesha Sultana & Hasnain Ul Haq).

Speaking to Siasat.com, Dr Foodie spilled beans on the main idea behind the ‘one-of-a-kind’ concept and said, “Whenever I was posting reels about Hyderabadi wedding food, I noticed a lot of interest from people in Hyderabad and across India who were curious about where they could find this cuisine. This got me thinking about how I could provide this delicious food to others.”

He further added, “With the demand for this cuisine being high, I came up with the idea of hosting a shaadi ka event, where people could experience the authentic Hyderabadi wedding food without actually attending a wedding ceremony. It’s a great opportunity for people to savor the flavors and experience the culture of this cuisine.”

Timings: 7pm to 12am
Venue: King’s Palace, Gudi Malkapur, Hyderabad.

What’s in the menu?

From the aromatic Biryani (The Star Of The Daawat) to the succulent kebabs, the mouth-watering haleem and many desserts, you’ll have the opportunity to savor a lengthy spread of delicious dishes that will leave your taste buds tingling. Lip-smacking vegetarian food items will also be there.

Bhulo Nakko, Dabake Khao!

Check out the menu below:

Beyond the Food!

Hyderabadi Shaadi Ki Daawat is not just about the food.

The event promises to be a cultural extravaganza, featuring music, interactions with your favourite influencers and the ‘vibe’ that is sure to transport you to the heart of Hyderabad.

Entrepreneur, vlogger, and ace tennis player Sania Mirza‘s sister Anam Mirza, popular YouTubers Amer Bin Ishaq and Shahbaaz Khan are among special guests who will be gracing the event.

“We will be creating a mock setup of a stage where attendees can take pictures or even pose as a bride and groom for a fun and memorable experience. In addition, we will have live mehendi stations, so guests can get their henna designs applied by skilled artists,” Dr Foodie said.

He also added, “We also have other surprise stalls planned, but we’ll keep the details under wraps for now to add an element of excitement and anticipation for our guests”.

So, prepare your best attire to glam up, look your best as you join Dr Foodie and his team for a celebration of all things Hyderabadi, and experience the best of the city’s rich culinary heritage.

Tickets For Hyderabadi Shaadi Ki Dawat

If you want to be a part of this unforgettable evening of food, fun, and cultural immersion, click here to book tickets and block your seats!

source: http://www.siasat.com / The Siasat Daily / Home> Lifestyle / by Rasti Amena / February 21st, 2023

Baltis in India celebrate their distinct culture, map migration at Dehradun meet

Ladakh / Uttarakhand / Himachal Pradesh, INDIA:

Scene from the Confluence of Balti community in India at Dehradun

Dehradun:

If you thought Balti people live only in Baltistan of the Pakistan-occupied Kashmir you are wrong. The people with a distinct Himalayan culture, language and traditions also live in the Ladakh, Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh in India.

Recently, the community’s organized its congregation at Dehradun, Uttarakhand called the “Confluence of Balti community in India,’with the collaboration of the Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation and the Balti Welfare Association of Uttarakhand.

Prominent Balti community members and renowned folk singers discussed the Balti culture and history of migration of the Balti community in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and their connection with Ladakh and Baltistan.

Speakers reading papers on Balti people’s migration in India at the Dehradun conference

Leading academics, community leaders, and Baltis living in and around Uttarakhand attended the confluence.

The Speakers from Turtuk, Kargil, Jammu, Kashmir, and Uttarakhand presented papers on the topic ‘Balti culture and history of migration of Balti community in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and their connection with Ladakh and Baltistan’.

Speaking on the occasion founder, of HCHF Dr Sonam Wangchok has urged the entire Balti community to work through various initiatives to preserve and promote the rich Balti language, literature, tradition, and culture as the legacy of mountain people in Ladakh, Baltistan, Uttarakhand, J&K, and other regions and countries.

He highlighted the importance of the preservation and promotion of Balti culture as it is the source of many other cultures and traditions that support social coexistence and communal harmony.

A cultural program was also organized and renowned Folk singers of Ladakh Dorjay Stakmo and Dechen Chuskit sang Balti folk songs and Gazal.

Eminent Balti people being honoured at the Dehradun Conference

Notable Personalities Ferooz khan, Safdar Ali Balti, Iftikhar Hussain Maqpoon, Abdul Karim (Turtuk), Mohd Ali Ashoor (Kargil), Shujaat Husain, Gulzar Hussain Zubdavi, Agga Mehboob (Kabi Haripur), Shujat Ali Shah and Mohd Sadiq Hardassi read papers on the occasion.

On the second day, a round table discussion was held and a resolution was passed highlighting the importance of Balti culture and its preservation through different initiatives.

Meanwhile, on this occasion, All India Balti Association was also formed and Kacho Shujat Ali Shah was appointed as the 1st president of the association.

source: http://www.awazthevoice.in / Awaz, The Voice / Home> Stories / by Sabir Hussain / February 17th, 2023

Sahebaan UAE grand family get-together held in Dubai

DK & UDUPI (Karnataka) / U.A.E & GCC :

Dubai:

Sahebaan UAE, a premier organization for the Urdu-speaking Muslim Community hailing from the twin districts of DK & Udupi, hosted a grand social family get-together followed by gala dinner at Al Jumairah Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, on 4th February 2023 from 5.30 PM onwards.

The event, sponsored by the Sahebaan Business Community UAE, was a grand success attended by more than 800 community members from all over UAE, neighboring GCC countries and India. Eminent personalities from the Sahebaan Community graced the occasion.

The event commenced with the recitation of verses from Holy Quran by Master Fazil Raheel Ali. Althaf M.S Coordinator, Sahebaan UAE welcomed the gathering and stated that Sahebaan UAE has been providing a platform for the community members to come together, connect and strengthen the brotherly bond.

The patrons of the Sahebaan community Janab Hidayathullah Abbas, K.S. Nissar Ahmed and Afroz Assadi were honoured in recognition of their outstanding business achievements and contribution to the local economy, commendable humanitarian service, charity work and unstinted support to Sahebaan UAE and its activities. Janab Syed Siraj Ahmed, Suhail Kudroli, and Althaf Khalife initiated the honoring proceedings.

On behalf of the patrons, Janab Hidayathullah Abbas thanked the organisers and the gathering for the honor bestowed on them. He urged the Community to strive hard for success, prioritize family, help the Community, and give back to society, thus earning goodwill for Sahebaan.

The Chief guest of the evening Janab Kassim Ahmed H.K., founder of Hidaya Foundation Mangalore, while addressing the gathering called for the upliftmemt of the poor and the deprived.

Janab Mohd. Akram, Mohammed Asif, Althaf Khateeb and Irshad Moodbidri conducted the felicitation of Sponsors. Dr. Abdul Rahiman Beig, Professor at Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi & recognised as a top rated scientist by Stanford University and Mrs.Yasmeen Irfan, winner of Foodshala UAE 2022 were honoured on the occasion.

Janab Afroz Assadi Patron and Convenor of Sahebaan UAE presented awards to the talented Sahebaan Youth, namely, Sham Akbar Sheik, Safa Tamadur, Rafa Riyaz Khalife, Daniyal Danish Iqbal, Rafhan Balanthi Baig, Mohd. Rafan, Sheikh Saahir Akbar, Mehek Sheikh, Nuha Riyaz Khalife for excellence in academics.

Anbar Althaf and Saqib Baji for Sports achievement and Anam Aslam for performing arts.

Faizaan Khateeb, Mohd. Samiullaha, Mohd Sufiyan and Abdul Ahad presented a photo journey of Sahebaan UAE through the years.

Well-known bollywood stand-up comedian and mimicry artist Jayvijay Sachan entertained all with his mimicry & comedy. A Sufiana troupe from mumbai mesmerized the crowd throughout the evening with their melodious rendering.

Sahil Zaheer, a fellow Sahebaan and a hugely popular stage & radio artist from Mangalore, compered the program and entertained the crowd with his wit and humor.

Sahebaan Ladies Wing members Sahara Asif, Reena Althaf, Mehek Sheik and Riza Mustafa managed the children’s Program.

The function was sponsored by Hidayath Group, NASH Engineering FZCO, Northern Insurance brokers LLC, Prestige Engineering LLC, Petrosolutions FZCO, Creative House Scaffolding, Advanced Creative Techncial Services, Al Sitara Gulf Contracting, Multiline Technical Co. LLC, Progressive Technology & Services LLC, Sumtech Multiline Trading, Right Choice Trading, Al Bustan Trading, Vertex Engineering, Izza Gold & Diamonds Dubai, Cell Town, Invension Medical Requisities, Core Elements Interior Decoration LLC and Hasmai Mangalore.

The function concluded with a raffle draw and vote of thanks by Syed Mohd. Ajmal.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Gulf / by Vartha Bharati / February 13th, 2023

Muslim Educational Institutions Federation striving for social harmony: Umar Teekay

Mangaluru, KARNATAKA:

Mangaluru: 

Muslim Educational Institutions Federation (MEIF) is not just providing excellent education, it is also spreading social harmony, Umar Teekay, Honorary President of MEIF and Chairman of Teekays Group, said.

He was addressing the educational conference organized by the Dakshina Kannada and Udupi Districts Muslim Educational Institutions Federation at the Town Hall in the city on Monday.

“Former minister BA Moideen had dreamt of integrating all Muslim educational institutions. MEIF is a step towards bringing that dream to life,” he said.

“Solving a problem is important, but it should not become the priority. The priority should always be of preventing problems,” Teekay advised.

Citing the instance of the recent hijab controversy, he said, “We handled the situation carefully while facing opposition from all ends and ensured that Muslim girls were not deprived of a chance to take the examinations. This was possible through the joint efforts of the members of MEIF.”

Dr. N Vinay Hegde, Chancellor of NITTE Deemed to be University inaugurated the educational conference.

Umar Teekay presided over the conference while Syed Mohamed Beary, Honorary Advisor of MEIF and Chairman of Bearys Group of Institutions, delivered the introductory address.

Yenepoya Deemed to be University Chancellor Dr. Y Abdulla Kunhi, national-level trainer Rajendra Bhat, resource persons Mahesh Masal from Dharwad and Syed Sulthan Ahmed from Bengaluru, MEIF vice-presidents B M Mumtaz Ali, K M Mustafa Sullia, Shabi Ahmed Qazi and B A Nazeer were among those present on the dais.

source: http://www.english.varthabharati.in / Vartha Bharati / Home> Karavali / by Vartha Bharati / February 13th, 2023

‘We Created History’: MC Stan is the First Rapper to Win ‘Bigg Boss’

Pune, MAHARASHTRA:

The Pune rapper and producer hails the national spotlight from the reality show as a win for the Indian hip-hop community.

MC Stan with actor and host Salman Khan after winning ‘Bigg Boss’ Season 16. Photo: Courtesy of Endemol Shine India

After four months in the Bigg Boss house, Pune rapper and producer MC Stan aka Altaf Tadavi Shaikh emerged as the winner of Season 16 of the reality show, taking home the trophy and a reported cash prize of ₹31.80 lakhs following public voting. With this, Stan is the first Indian rapper and musician to win the long-running reality show, which has generally been dominated by actors and film industry celebrities.

“The journey has been very powerful. I got a lot of experience,” Stan said in a post-win press conference in Mumbai. After actor and host Salman Khan held up Stan’s hand to judge him the winner, the first photos from his win came with the rapper holding the Bigg Boss horse trophy with Khan.

In an Instagram post celebrating the win, Stan wrote, “We created history, stayed real throughout, repped hip-hop on national T.V. Ammi ka Sapna poora hogaya [My mother’s dream came true]. Trophy P-town aagayi [The trophy has come to Pune].”

Seated amongst press in a black leather jacket, with all his chains and rings in place, Stan was reflecting where Indian hip-hop can reach in terms of public consciousness. “If you go to see, this is a win for a lot of people; the rap community — whoever’s here from the gullies and [those] areas — I don’t know honestly what people saw and liked in me, but I’m grateful for their love,” he said at one point.

Winning and surviving 133 days in the Bigg Boss house through public voting, Stan acknowledged the role that the public played in keeping him in the competition. He adds, “I saw a lot of housemates talk about how they want to win, but I didn’t think I could make that claim, because it’s not in my hands. Woh Hindustan ka haath mein tha [It was in India’s hands].”

By January, it was clear that MC Stan was a top contender to win Bigg Boss Season 16, owing to how he often kept his head down and just went with the flow, although he was occasionally involved in a few fights with other housemates. In addition to his in-house concert with hip-hop acts like Seedhe Maut and Ikka, MC Stan was at first adamant to get done and go home, but eventually stuck it out to win.

source:http://www.rollingstoneindia.com / Rolling Stone India / Home> HomeFlashbox> News & Updates / by Anurag Tagat / February 13th, 2023