Odissi Performance Regales Audience at Old Fort Dance Festival

New Delhi, Oct 11, 2015:  Veteran Odissi exponent and Padma Shri Madhvi Mudgal and her group of dancers performed at the Old Fort Dance Festival today, bringing alive the oldest surviving dance form of India for Delhi’s connoisseurs of classical dance.

Presented by the Sahitya Kala Parishad & Department of Art, Culture & Languages, Government of Delhi, the Old Fort Dance Festival is showcasing some of India’s most treasured classical dance forms.

The festival, that will end tomorrow, has been much appreciated and loved by the audience who have turned out in good numbers every day. The majestic ruins of Delhi’s Purana Qila have provided a fine ambience to this unique festival celebrating India’s classical dance forms.

The five-day festival of choreographies in classical dance forms has seen participation of veteran and legendary dance artists and their groups in multiple dance forms including Bharati Shivaji, Raja and Radha Reddy, among others. Legendary Kathak exponent Pandit Birju Maharaj will perform with his group on the last day of the festival.

On the sidelines of the festival, critically acclaimed artist Manav Gupta is displaying his latest installation – a waterfront of Ganga made out of chilams and diyas which are elements of nature. He has been working since long to create public art sculptures that generate concern towards sustainability. “This innovative art practice with potter’s clay (chilams and diyas) represents the tool as a means of getting intoxicated with the rain of love and also explores sustainable development”, says Mr. Gupta.

“The repertoire of Indian classical dances represents centuries of culture and tradition that has been preserved and sustained by generations of devoted exponents and earnest artists. Across the globe, Indian classical dance forms are appreciated and loved by dance lovers. Such festivals help extend the reach of classical dance forms to not just connoisseurs of dance but also to common people,” says Pandit Birju Maharaj.

“The idea behind the Old Delhi Dance Festival to juxtapose cultural heritage with structural heritage is a wonderful concept. The Purana Qila presents a poignant background to the performance of India’s most notable classical dance forms, some of whom originated centuries back in ancient and medieval times,” says Ms Leela Samson.

The festival will end with a performance of Kathak choreographed by none other than Pandit Birju Maharaj and his Group. The legendary exponent of Kathak has received numeours accolades over the years including Padma Vibhushan, sangeet Natak Academi Award and the prestigious Kalidas Samman.

Read the rest of this entry

Maharashtra No. 1 State for its Tourism potential

Mumbai: The survey compiled by HVS in association with the World Travel & Tourism Council, India Initiative (WTTCII) rated Maharashtra after analysing the state-wise potential of Travel and Tourism in India, and assessing the relative competitiveness of different states in the country.

The evaluation has been carried out for 30 states. Maharashtra ranks 1 in this year's survey moving up one position from the previous edition. The state benefits from a strong economy, good infrastructure, presence of a sizeable quantum of branded hotel rooms and a variety of demand generators to occupy these rooms. In line with these factors, Maharashtra has recorded perfect scores in four parameters – tourist visits, GSDP per capita, effectiveness of marketing campaign and aircraft movement. The state has performed well across all other parameters with the exception of its expenditure on tourism.

Ms Valsa Nair Singh, Secretary State Tourism and Cultural Affairs, GoM, said, “We are proud of being ranked as No 1. This recognition is prestigious, as Travel and Tourism is an integral part of our economy and we are happy that we stand as number one in attracting tourists. This is a team effort, through innovative promotional campaigns, marketing strategies, planned - focused and aggressive ideas we have reached such milestones and we are motivated to do better every day. Our recent thumping success of MITM attracted global buyers and sellers and we are confident to grow over the magic numbers in coming years, making Maharashtra number one destination on the world map.”

As per the Tourism Highlights 2015 Edition report by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), the total number of International Tourist Arrivals (ITA) worldwide was 1,133 million in 2014, India attracted 0.67% of the world's international tourist arrivals out of which Maharashtra attracted 4.5 million tourists from foreign countries and over 8.4 million domestic tourists, which is largest than any other state in the country.

Read the rest of this entry

An Exhibition Showcasing the Buddhist World of Architecture

June 19th 2015: An exhibition on ‘Architecture of the Buddhist World: The Golden Lands,’ first volume in a series of six books by Vikram Lall was held at India International Centre. Lall is the first person worldwide who travelled to more than 20 countries to conduct in-depth research on Buddhist architecture including the Southeast Asian countries, Myanmar, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Thailand and Laos.  The week long exhibition was inaugurated by Dr. Kapila Vatsyayan, eminent art scholar, historian and the Chairperson of IIC Asia Project.

Dr. Vatsyayan appreciated Lall’s work saying, “It is very impressive and amazing work done by Vikram Lall that takes a person through many centuries and many lands where Buddhism flourished.”

Mr. Lall said at the inauguration, “My focus in this research was the change and development in the architecture of Buddhist monuments. My research gives an analysis of the geographical and historical details associated with these temples.”

The other personalities who visited the exhibition and were spellbound by Lall’s contribution to the subject were Dr. Lokesh Chandra, President, Indian Council for Cultural Relations, Dr. Subhash C. Malik, Retd. UGC Professor, Prof. Nalini Thakur, School of Planning and Architecture, and Shri. Shyam Saran (Ex-foreign secretary), Chairman, Research & Information System for Developing countries. More than 800 people visited the exhibition over the week and were mesmerized by the architectural drawings and photographs.

The exhibition consisted of 3 dimensional architectural models, drawings and photographs from his book, The Golden Lands, first book in the world that presents Buddhist architectural history in virtual reality. It was a week-long exhibition that ran from 12th till 19th June, portraying various Buddhist monuments- monasteries, stupas and pagodas from Southeast Asian countries. It also included original photographs of the various destinations that have been captured by world’s top 10 photographers. The exhibition traced the evolution of architectural form and spaces in response to changing ideas, material realities, and building traditions of Southeast Asia.

Morgan Campbell, student at Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, New Brunswick, said, “The photographs beautifully portray Buddhist architecture and the drawings vividly depict the history of architecture in Southeast Asian countries. The work is very informative and I am glad to have visited this exhibition.”

Lall’s book, which is first in the series ‘Architecture of the Buddhist World’ represents a new multidisciplinary approach showing how Buddhist thoughts and rituals have interacted with local traditions across the Asian continent to produce masterpieces of religious architecture. It reveals the history, styles, and interpretation of Buddhist temples, monasteries, and ancient monuments in Southeast Asian countries. The book was launched by His Holiness The Dalai Lama earlier this year.

Read the rest of this entry

5 beauty tips for Valentine’s Day for Men and Women

This article has been written by Ms. Roopali Chauhan, Course Director, JD Institute of Fashion Technology.

1. Follow the basics religiously: It’s important to stick to the basics no matter what. Follow your everyday routine of CTM- cleansing, toning and moisturizing to maintain optimum skin health. Also, keep in mind to exfoliate once every week to stimulate the production of new cells on the surface of the skin.

2. Indulge: Valentine’s is synonymous to pampering, so why not pamper your skin too. Indulge in the healthy yet sinful temptations this February to get that amazing glow you’ve always craved for. Chocolate lovers have a reason to rejoice! Dark chocolate can have many benefits for your skin too when used as a facemask. Dark chocolate cleanses your skin, leaving it smoother and softer than ever before.

3. Keep Lips Kissable: Ditch the intimidating red lipstick and aim for soft, natural-looking lips. "Choose a soft pink or berry hue no more than two shades darker than your lip color," says makeup artist Neil Scibelli.

4. Create a Glow: For a lit-from-within radiance, apply a liquid highlighter under your foundation. "The combo lets just enough shimmer through for a natural-looking glow," says Cory Bishop, Temptu makeup artist.

5. Makeup trends right now: According to Caitlin Callahan, a senior makeup artist with the MAC Pro Team, dark eyelids or colours that "pop" on the lips are the hot looks this season. Also, aim for "silk stocking" skin, she says. Instead of applying heaps of foundation, Callahan suggests using tinted moisturizers or face and body foundations. Think dewy, not greasy.

What makeup mistakes do women often make when trying to go sultry and what can they do to avoid these mistakes?
"A mistake is focusing on every feature,"Choose a focus and go with it. If you go for the orange 'pop' lip, keep everything else soft – a little mascara and blush only."

FOR MEN
Don’t stink, but don’t smell like roses either. The last thing you want is a scent that will clear a room. Use an unscented aluminum-free deodorant to avoid overwhelming your date’s sense of smell – a scented deodorant paired with cologne is overkill.

P.S. - Jewelry or chocolate? Maybe none of the neither. Maybe a gift certificate for a massage or pedicure - either by a professional, or better yet, maybe by you. Treat her to something that will leave her feeling pampered and precious.

Read the rest of this entry

Club BW hosted GALA Wednesday Live Session with Indian Ocean

New Delhi: Club BW unleashed a gala night by giving a kick to the launch of Wednesday Live Session featuring genres like Sufi, Soul, Rock and Folk.

They hosted this Wednesday Live Session with Indian Ocean. The idea of Wednesday Live Session was to give music lovers and night life enthusiasts a different experience.

The night unfurled into a fun filled, sizzling affair as the guests got high on the passion and thrill of the music.

The evening was graced by some of the hottest fashionistas and all the music lovers in town, who witnessed the elements of music, fashion,and glamour as they spent the night shaking their legs to some exciting tunes.


About CLUB BW:
Club BW introduces us to the world of Elegance, Glamour, Grace and Fashion. Dwell in the luxuries of life from liquor and music to the Glam Culture.

BW gives the uppermost luxury in a Black and White way.

The royal welcome by the king and queen and the shimmer of the main floor will make anybody jitter away the worries to its whimsical euphoria.

Read the rest of this entry

With Home Utility Product This Rakhi, Show Your Sister That You Care

New Delhi, August, 2014: Every Rakhi you must be giving your sister money and asking her to buy something of her choice. She might be complaining you every now and then of not bringing her any gift. This Rakshabandhan stun her with a gift – a gift which is useful and value for money.

Anything which helps to keep home organized and clean is very special to girls and women. So home utility products like a shoe rack or an accessory organizer will have much more utility and long term value as compared to a basket of flowers or chocolates and so they make perfect gifting options.

If your sister is looking for compact, robust and eye pleasing solutions for her home, you can gift her a beautiful laundry bag or a laundry drying stand. If your sister is a travel freak, just give her a travel organizer, and see her joy would be limitless.

“Gifts like chocolates, stuffed toys or greeting cards are no doubt an expression of love for sisters but they are not that useful. Also, today people are increasingly turning to more personalized gifting items that would suit the unique requirements of their loved one. Be it a travel treat organizer or a laundry dryer or a shoe rack, all these products make wonderful gifts and have more value,” says Vineeta Mittal, Brand Director, Bonita.

This rakshabandhan, do not let her complain. Just make her feel that you care!

About Bonita

Bonita comes from the house of Casa Brands India Pvt. Ltd. Bonita means beautiful in Spanish. The brand was envisioned to help Indian consumers experience convenience and comfort in their household work. Apart from being attractive, the most important aspect of Bonita products is their unsurpassable quality. Bonita’s talented team takes utmost care to ensure that only the best quality products reach you. This attribute comes from their parent company which is preferred partner for all major American and European brands of these products. All products are manufactured under strict quality control guidelines by using excellent quality raw material and state-of-the-art machinery like German Automatic Powder Coating machines, Robotic Welding and other automated machinery.

The products are available through selected dealer network and also available online at http://www.bonitaindia.com/

Read the rest of this entry

Gyalwang Drukpa's Birthday with much Fanfare and Gaiety

Followers, fans and supporters all over the world celebrated the birthday of His Holiness the Gyalwang Drukpa, India-born spiritual head of Drukpa Buddhists with much fanfare and gaiety. While the main birthday celebrations happened in Kathmandu in Nepal, over 2000 monastic centres across the Himalayas, and an additional 50 spiritual centres across the world, participated in the grand celebration with individually planned programs. Thiswas the first time that the Gyalwang Drukpa’s birthday, according to both the western calendar as well as the lunar calendar fell in the same week. Delegations from various countries including Bhutan, Brazil, France, Germany, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, Taiwan, Vietnam, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States thronged the Druk Gawa Khilwa Nunnery in Kathmandu to pay their respects and partake in the grand celebration that was preceded by the Phowa retreat. More 15,000 participated in the grand ceremony, amongst others, all finding solace and tranquillity in the presence of their spiritual master. His Eminence Drukpa Thuksey Rinpoche’s birthday was also celebrated on the same day.

Speaking on the celebrations, His Eminence Gyalwa Dokhampa said, “We are extremely fortunate to have the continued presence of His Holiness amidst us for the welfare and enlightenment of all sentient beings. With His Holiness being the reincarnation of 12th century Indian saint Naropa, we are fortunate to join together to celebrate his birthday and in the name of his birthday, had a retreat together.”

The entire birthday celebration was organised and spearheaded by the nuns of the Druk Gawa Khilwa nunnery who led the prayers, conducted religious activities, cultural performance, dragon dance, and Kung Fu demonstrations. Delegations of followers from various other countries also performed during the celebration. Speaking on the location choice, His Eminence Gyalwa Dokhampa who lives in Bhutan said, “What could be a better venue? Keeping in mind His Holiness’ unflinching focus on empowering the nuns, it was apt that the nuns lead the celebrations. This is our biggest nunnery, and thus maximum number of nuns could participate in conducting the celebrations and hosting the event.

An eye camp is also being organised as the concluding activity to the birthday celebration. Headed by Dr. Sanduk Ruit and sponsored by the Drukpa Buddhists, the 3-day eye-camp will benefit 200 cataract patients with their eyesight completely restored.

Read the rest of this entry

Register your names for Dancing Diva 2014

Madhya Pradesh: Dance is an art and culture. It is a way to express our feelings, emotions & love. Dance is an exercise also which keeps us healthy. after viewing the multiple values of dance. Riddhi Foundation a welfare society has come forward to organize a unique contest, titled “Dancing Diva 2014” aiming to identify best dancer of Madhya Pradesh.

The contest is mainly dedicated to underprivileged girls of the society who rarely get opportunities to showcase their talents before mass. The welfare society through the initiative also highlights the phrase “Beti Hai To Kal Hai”. It is well known fact that girls in the society are underestimated particularly the underprivileged girls, but people do not know that god poured talents in all equally and everyone has right to exhibit the same at proper time.

The competition is divided in four parts- Audition, semifinal, Final & Grand Finale. Attractive prizes are offered to all three city finalists and all three finalists of grand finale. All the contestants and sponsors will get great exposure and publicity through this competition. The Celebrities & choreographer from Bollywood will judge all contestants & the participants will get chance to take effective tips from them, who will also help them to make their career in dancing field.

Aditya Sharma, event director from Riddhi Foundation says ‘We have always been in search of opportunities to encourage young talents of society and this time we have decided to encourage underprivileged girls of the society who despite having talents of varied nature, do not get right platform to exhibit their abilities. We are sure Dancing Diva 2014 will be proved an ideal platform to showcase their dancing talent and also a gate for their future career’.

Adding more, Aashish Saxena (President) from Riddhi Foundation said ‘We with our principle message “Beti hai to kal hai” are trying to prove that daughters are not liabilities of individuals and society, but true assets. Dancing Diva 2014 will certainly expose the hidden talents of girls of all cadres and provide them opportunities to make their own future’.

The tentative schedule of Dancing Diva 2014 is as under:

Auditions

• Bhopal 1st &2nd February,
• Indore 8th & 9th February,
• Gwalior 15th & 16th February,
• Jabalpur 22nd & 23rd February &
• Satna 22nd &23rd February

To encourage all three city finalist the welfare society will provide prizes to each winner. City winner will be awarded worth Rs.51000/- , First runner-up will get Rs.31000/- and Second runner-up will get Rs.21000/-. Winner of grand finale will be awarded worth Rs.6 lac, First & Second runner-up will get Rs.3 lac & Rs. 2lac respectively.

Register your names for Dancing Diva 2014 at www.dancingdiva.in and enter the amazing world of dance awaiting you to prove your talent.

Details:

• Register your names for Dancing Diva 2014 at www.dancingdiva.in and for more information please contact  0755-4002553 / 8889762888 / riddhiwelfare@gmail.com 
• Girls between 16 to 25 years age group eligible to compete for the coveted title
• Attractive prizes for all three city finalists
• Grand finale to be held at Indore on 6th April 2014.
• Winner of “Dancing Diva 2014” will be awarded worth Rs.6 lac 1st runner up 3 lac &  2nd runner up 2 lac.

About Riddhi Foundation:

Founded recently Riddhi Foundation is a welfare society. With one line motto of improving life styles of underprivileged girls, Riddhi Foundation do all efforts to make access of needy people of society to their target. It has till now organized good numbers of events focusing upon boys and girls of society.

For more details, please contact: Ritu, voice: 9827092823, email: breakfastnews-AT-gmail.com

Read the rest of this entry

April 13th Thai, Lao, Burmese, and Cambodian New Year

‘Songkran’ Thailand Traditional New Year

The traditional New Year's Day is celebrated in Thailand as, Songkran festival and is celebrated from 13 to 16 April. Originally they used to celebrate New Year on the date depending on astrological calculations, but now the system is changed and the date is fixed. If these festival days fall on a weekend, the missed days off are taken on the immediately following weekdays.

Songkran is believed to have been adapted from an Indian festival, and has traditionally been celebrated as the New Year for many centuries. This festival is now observed nationwide, but still the most famous Songkran celebrations are in the northern city of Chiang Mai, where it continues for six days and even more.

Pbeemai or Song Kan, Lao New Year

Every year from April 13 to April 15, Lao New Year Is celebrated, and this is known as Pbeemai, or Song Kan. Lao New Year falls in April, on the first day of the festival, houses and villages are cleaned, flowers, perfume and water are prepared for the new year. The first day of the festival is the last day of the older year.

"Day of no day", is the second day of the festival that falls neither in the older year nor in the New Year. And the last day of the festival is the beginning of the New Year.

Thingyan Burmese New Year

Burmese New Year Water Festival is known as Thingyan. This festival falls around mid-April it is a Buddhist festival celebrated over a period of four to five days culminating in the New Year. Formerly the dates of the festival were calculated according to the traditional Burmese calendar, but now the dates are fixed as 13 to 16 April.

The distinguishing feature of this festival is, water-throwing or dousing one another from any sort of vessel or device that delivers water and this may be done on the first four days of the festival. However, in most parts of the country, this does not begin until the second day.

Khmer Cambodian New Year
Cambodian New Year is known as Khmer, which means "Enter New Year" in the Khmer Language. Beginning on New Year's Day, the holiday lasts for three days, this usually falls on April 13 or 14th. Khmers who are living abroad may choose to celebrate the New Year during a weekend rather than celebrating it specifically from April 13 through 15th.

Maha Songkran, is derived from Sanskrit word Maha Sankranti. It is the name of the first day of the New Year celebration; it is the ending of the old year and the beginning of a new one.

Family members dress up, visit shrines and light candles and incense sticks. Family members individually, pay homage and offer thanks to Buddha and his teachings by kneeling, prostrating and bowing three times before Buddha’s image.

In the morning people wash their face with holy water, at noon they wash their chests, and in the evening before they go to bed they wash their feet, for good luck.

Read the rest of this entry

Filmstars Descend at Max Stardust Awards

Mumbai: Keeping with its promise to bring the best of Bollywoodentertainment MAX, the premium Hindi movies and special events channel has gone all out to make the 11thKamla PasandMAX Stardust Awards ceremonya remarkable and successful one for the Indian film fraternity. It was euphoria all around as the glorious awards function was held in Mumbai, where the who’s who of Bollywood graced the event and the most deserving in the film industry won the most coveted and prestigious awards.

The 11th Kamla PasandMAX Stardust Awardsthatcelebrates and appreciates new and young talent in the film fraternity had stalwarts from the industryincluding Amitabh Bachchan, Priyanka Chopra, BipashaBasu, Abbas Mustan, Anushka Sharma, Rekha, VidyaBalan, Siddharth Roy Kapur, AnuragBasu,Vaijanti Mala, Gulshan Grover, Prem Chopra, Kareena Kapoor to name a fewwho attended the renowned event.

The dazzling evening witnessed entertaining acts by hosts Ayushman Khurana and Pareeniti Choprawho were at their stunning best.Theyput on their dancing shoes anddanced to Bollywood super-hit songs from the nominated films of the year; EkTha Tiger, Dabangg 2, Rowdy Rathore, Student Of The Year and Talaash.The duo charmedthe audienceand had everybody hookedon to their sizzling dance performance.

The evergreen and gracefulMadhuri Dixitcaptivated the audience with herenchantingpresentationto the theme; four shades of Madhuri. She performed to some of her chartbuster songs Que Sara Sara, CholiKePeeche, TammaTammaand many more.Heart-throb Ranveer Singh made the crowd roar with his performanceto a medley of songs like HumkaPeeniHai, Main Sharabiand ABCD. The awards that celebrate young talent had debutantsAlia Bhatt, Varun Dhawan, Siddharth MalhotraandEsha Guptaleavingthe audience wanting for more with their mind-blowing performance tosongs like Lat Lag Gaye, Party on My Mind, Disco Deewane amongst others.

The ravishing Kareena Kapoorset the stage ablaze with her scintillating performance to her current chartbuster Fevicol and HulkatJawaani. The enigmatic actress with her spellbinding moves proved yet again that she is the epitome of grace, talent and beauty. The Dabangg girl SonakshiSinhacharmed everybody as she performed with forty kids to songs of Son of Sardar, Tere Mast Mast Do Nain and Pandeyji.

Commenting on the event Mr. Neeraj Vyas, EVP and Business Head MAX, said’ “At MAX, it is ourendeavor to bring the best and the finest of Hindi movies and events to our audience. MAX Stardust awardsisa prestigious film awards function that we have to offer. This entertainment extravaganza is loaded with unforgettable power packed performances, drama, moments to be cherished and excitement all in one show.We are extremely delighted to be a part of the coveted awards that recognizes young talent. We assure our viewers a thoroughly enjoyable evening with their favourite stars.”

Get setto witness an unforgettable eveningwithriveting performances by your favourite stars, where the best talent in Bollywood is honoured at the 11thKamla PasandMAX Stardust Awards 2013powered by AmwayNutraliteon 10thFebruary, 2013 at1 pm and 8 pmonly on MAX.

WINNERS LIST:

SUPERSTAR OF TOMORROW (MALE)

Arjun Kapoor (Ishaqzaade)



MAX SUPERSTAR OF TOMORROW ( FEMALE)

Parineeti Chopra (Ishaqzaade)



BREAKTHROUGH SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE ( MALE)

NawazuddinSiddique – (Kahaani,Gangs of Wasseypur 2 &Talaash)

Prosenjit Chatterjee (Shanghai)



BREAKTHROUGH SUPPORTING PERFORMANCE (FEMALE)

ShahzanPadamsee (Housefull 2)



STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A NEW MUSIC DIRECTOR

Ajay–Atul – Agneepath



STANDOUT PERFORMANCE BY A NEW LYRICIST

Habib Faisal and KausarMunir – Ishaqzaade



NEW MUSICAL SENSATION PLAYBACK—MALE

AyushmannKhurrana – Pani Da Rang /Vicky Donor



NEW MUSICAL SENSATION PLAYBACK— FEMALE

ShalmaliKholgade – Pareshaan /Ishaqzaade&DaruDesi / Cocktail



HOTTEST NEW FILM PRODUCER

Kahaani (SujoyGhosh&KushalKantilalGada)



HOTTEST NEW FILM MAKER

Kabir Khan (EkTha Tiger)



ACHIEVERS OF THE YEAR(rulers of box office 2012)

BEST ACTOR — DRAMA

HrithikRoshan (Agneepath)



BEST ACTRESS — DRAMA

Sridevi (English Vinglish)

Priyanka Chopra (Barfi!)



BEST ACTOR — COMEDY/ ROMANCE

Abhishek Bachchan – Bol Bachchan



BEST ACTRESS — COMEDY/ ROMANCE

Anushka Sharma – Jab TakHaiJaan



BEST ACTOR — THRILLER/ ACTION

Akshay Kumar – Rowdy Rathore,Khiladi 786



BEST ACTRESS — THRILLER/ ACTION

VidyaBalan – Kahaani



BEST ACTOR — NEGATIVE ROLE

Sanjay Dutt – Agneepath



STAR OF THE YEAR — MALE

Akshay Kumar – Rowdy Rathore,Oh My God!, Khiladi 786

Shah Rukh Khan – Jab TakHaiJaan



STAR OF THE YEAR — FEMALE

Priyanka Chopra – Barfi!



DREAM DIRECTOR

Karan Johar – Student Of The Year



FILM OF THE YEAR

Barfi!



STARDUST SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS (SMALL BUDGET, HIGH CONCEPT)

BEST ACTOR — SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS

Manoj Bajpayee – Gangs Of Wasseypur

AyushmannKhurrana – Vicky Donor



BEST ACTRESS — SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS

Farah Khan – ShirinFarhad Ki TohNikalPadi



BEST FILM — SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS

Vicky Donor



BEST DIRECTOR — SEARCHLIGHT AWARDS

GauriShinde – English Vinglish



PRIDE OF THE CENTURY

Vaijantimala



STAR OF THE CENTURY

Amitabh Bachchan



STYLE ICON OF THE YEAR

BipashaBasu



MOST PROMISING NEW COMERS

Varun Dhawanand Siddharth Malhotra



EDITORS CHOICE BEST ACTOR

SRK (Jab TakHainJaan)



EDITORS CHOICE BEST ACTRESS

Kareena Kapoor (Talaash)



For further information please contact:-

Atul Malikram

9827092823

Read the rest of this entry

Famous Odissi Dancers who made India proud

Odissi is the oldest traditional dance originated from Odisha (which was known as Utkal), which still makes its mark on the International platform. You go to abroad and if mention about Odissi, then people know that you belong to India and Odisha. Odissi has been appraised by Buddhism and Jainism.

This fame and name to Odisha and India is possible due the dedication and talent of famous Odissi dancers. Even people from abroad countries are coming to Odisha and learning Odissi. On the occasion of second grandest Odissi Music Festival in Bhubaneswar, we present you a round-up of famous Odissi dancers who made India proud.

Late Gangadhar Pradhan
Ileana Citaristi
Kum Kum Mohanty
Sonal Mansingh
Madhavi Mudgal
Jhelum Paranjape
Nandita Behera
Devraj Patnaik
Ellora Patnaik
Sujata Mohapatra
Sharon Lowen

Above mentioned Odissi dancers are twentieth century cultural talents. But if we talk about the golden days of Odissi, we'll never forget to mention the Guru of Odissi dance Late Kelucharan Mohaptra, who is honored with Padma Sri, Padma Bhusan and Padma Vibhsan by the Government of India. Apart from that all of the above dancers are either the students of or related to Guru Kelucharan Mohaptra. There are also Ratikant Mohapatra, Sanjukta Panigrahi, Raghunath Dutta, Mayadhar Raut, Surendranath Jena, Deba Prasad Das and many more who have not only represented Odisha in International platform but also left their mark on Indian culture.

If you visit Odisha, you can see the carvings of Udayagiri and Ratnagiri to know the origin of Odissi. Odisha Tourism has always been ahead in promoting Odissi and people from around the world every year come to Odisha to know more about it.

Read the rest of this entry

New Year 2013 – A New Ray of Hope

“We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.”
Edith Lovejoy Pierce

A moment gone is gone, an hour gone is gone, a day gone is gone, a week gone is gone, a month gone is gone, and a year gone is gone. If you want a better tomorrow, plan your today and utilize the time in hands. Many of us make New Year resolutions but how long do we stick to them is a million dollar question.

New Year should not be a time for new resolutions, but the time for new mind set. All of us have our own strengths and weaknesses, and we all have strategies to overcome them, but very few of us have the courage to stand on them and to change our life’s forever.

New Year is a time when we all set new Goals and want to move ahead in life with positive thoughts. We hope that the best will come to us in the coming year, but few of us have the guts to check themselves, if they have prepared themselves for the best, have they equipped themselves with best thoughts, best words and best deeds.

There is price you have to pay for everything in life. And the best things in life don’t come for free, you have to give your best, and then expect for the best. Every individual should have a goal and purpose in life, because without any goal and purpose in life, life has no meaning.

So, review your goals, personal and professional, take an assessment of your strengths and weaknesses. Have a strong conviction that you will work out on your weaknesses and turn them into strengths, and move ahead in life, and in your attitude.

Have a Great and Positive New Year.

Read the rest of this entry

Student Life: Choices

Peak examinations time and time to get prepared for the final examinations, only then a new picture of our favorite hero or heroine will be released. Another time you have cricket matches lined up, if not any of these you have elections coming up? All this only in the core time when you have final exams or you have campus interviews. What do you choose? Those who have plans for the future and are serious about it, forego the present happiness or temptations for the sake of better future, and those who give up and step ahead to enjoy today, will have to regret tomorrow.

Read the rest of this entry

Women: Just an object of enjoyment?

There has been severe increase in the rate of crime, in the recent years. Especially teenagers committing, severe crimes in the name of love. Acid attacks on girls, cutting the throat of the girl, if she rejects the boy. Raping and murdering three year old girls and sixty year old women. We have been hearing lot of this stuff these days. And it is quite saddening and fearful also.

Some times I really wonder if this is the same India, where, women used to be treated with respect and where elders used to teach their children, that where women are treated with respect, Devatas will be there. The influence of western channels, or drastic changes in the lifestyle, and freedom that is really leading us to dogs. The movies whether bollywood or Hollywood, with no piece of acting but just uncovering the naked facts, Really wonder what to blame and whom to blame for all this.

Recent reports and research have shown that that has been a drastic increase in the crime rate, especially towards the girl child. Father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi said “when a women can move freely in the midnight, without fear, that day we have achieved real freedom” I really feel those days were far better than these days, today we fear sending a three year old girl child outside the house, not in the midnight but in the day light only.

Where is all our culture of treating women next to God gone? When have we started seeing women and even babies, as mere objects of pleasure? Sometimes I really feel, that the older generation, were better than us in matter of morality and values. They might be uneducated, but they treated women with respect. They never even thought of crossing limits in matters of morality and values. These are the things that we should inherit from our elders and older generation. Because these are the real mile stones of progress. Our real progress as humans.

Read the rest of this entry

Alcohol should be Banned?

In many states, of our country, there is huge revenue generated to the Government by alcohol. Every year the Government is issuing permission and licenses to more number of people, to set up shops and to sell alcohol. How far this is good? Is getting revenue the only concern of the Government or are they are also bothered about the welfare of the people. Today we find even in remote areas where the people in the villages have no water to drink, but alcohol shop will be there. How far this is reasonable.

It will not be wrong to say that in the corner of every street we will find an alcohol shop just like any other shops. Government should think of the welfare of the people, but not to generate revenue on the degradation of the people. There are many number of families that are suffering and are on the roads because of this habit. There are many uneducated people and people working as daily labour, who are getting addicted, and are neglecting their families, because of this habit.

There are many numbers of women who are leading life of misery, just because the husband is alcoholic and is not concerned about the welfare of the family. This problem is not just limited to the lower classes, every day we hear so many cases where the persons are doing accidents by driving after taking alcohol. We hear cases everyday where people commit crimes after consuming alcohol as they have no control over themselves. Even the youth are getting spoiled by this habit; there was a time, when people who took alcohol were looked down in the society. But now it has become a fashion statement.

Those people who do not consume alcohol are considered as specimens. I really wonder where the society is going. The main priority of the Government is to look after the welfare of the people, and to implement and do those things that are good to them. But it is not at all fair to generate revenue, by ruining the life of the people and degrading them. Government should look for sources of alternative income, and stop any such things that are not good for the public.

Read the rest of this entry

Western Culture Adopted By India Fair or Not?

We can see the drastic changes that the Indian culture and society has under gone, in the last few years. Its influence on the society it’s people, especially the younger generation has been huge. Let it be the effect of IT boom, wide expansion of corporate sector, globalization, and weekend culture, give it whatever name you want but its effects have been severe. Right from the dressing style to the language that we are speaking the accent everything has changed.

All for a genuine reason, to secure corporate jobs or to find jobs in foreign companies. If you have to work for the client of a particular country you need to have that kind of accent, attitude everything. Is this good or bad? Well, culture by itself is not wrong anywhere, or for that matter any countries culture. Each countries and people’s culture varies, depending on the circumstances and people of the country.

If a particular culture is followed by particular people of the country it suits them their needs and their life style. But when we as outsiders adapt that culture, we should know the limits. If you have to survive yourself in the globalized world secure job, live well there is nothing wrong in learning English, and knowing their culture so that you don’t face problems. But as with others anything in excess is definitely not good.

There is nothing harm in knowing western culture, but to forget our own culture, is bad, there is nothing wrong in learning English, but to forget our mother tongue, and to consider speaking in our mother tongue, as below dignity is not at all a good thing. There is no one who is forcing us to adapt western culture, we are free individuals, having the power to choose, we should know what to adapt and to which extent.

Read the rest of this entry

Eco Friendly Ganesh Chaturthi

Ganesh Chaturthi is one of the main festivals celebrated being celebrated in India. Lord Ganesha’s birthday is celebrated as Ganesh Chaturthi, all over India in a huge manner, temporary pendals, are arranged in each locality, and beautifully made Ganesh idols, of various sizes, shapes and varieties, are installed in them and pujas are performed, during the navratris. During this period various kinds of cultural programmes are also organized.

On the final day of the festival or navratris, Ganesh idol is taken through the streets, in a procession, to be immersed in a river. This process is known as Ganesh Visarjan, and this is where the environment is at stake. The immersion of idols made out of chemical materials causes significant level of water pollution. The use of thermo coal, plastic and plaster of Paris, and others increases, biodegradable waste. The toxic waste from these materials kills plant and animal life in the water bodies.

Celebrating, eco friendly Ganesh utsav means celebrating Ganesh utsav without causing harm to the environment and to other living beings. And, the first step towards this is, to use An Ganesh Idol made out of clay, turmeric and natural colours, or idols made out of biodegradable material. We should not use idols made out of chemicals, plaster of Paris, plastic or thermocol. Also, there is lot of wastage of electricity during the festive celebrations, the more the number of pendals the more the decoration with lights and sounds, and that too for a prolonged time, this way there is lot of wastage of electricity.

Natural biodegradable colours can be used for making rangoli instead of chemicals. Natural items like cloth, wood and paper, can be used for decoration instead of thermocol, and there is absolutely no comparison of the decoration done with natural flowers. So, the more the use of these items for decoration, the less will be the harm to the environment. Our love for God should not become a disturbance to others, so, as far as possible the use of huge capacity sound boxes and music systems should be limited to the minimum, we should think of the patients that live in the locality, about the students who are studying, and the general public just like you and me.

Consider these aspects, and share them with your friends and known ones, and become a helping hand in spreading the thought of green Ganesha or eco friendly Ganesh utsav. Think the Good of the others, and the environment, and Ganesha will think of you.

Jai Ganes!

Read the rest of this entry

Happy Independence Day

More that six decades, India has been celebrating her independence day on 15 August, every year. The day is  more special for the people of India – We the People of India, as mentioned in the Preamble of the Constitution of India. The spirit of freedom from British rule in our leaders gifted us the freedom a free country with entire freedom.

On 15 August, student of every school in the country participate in parade and hoist tri-colour national flag. Saluting the national flag is the highest regard that one can pay to the country and its pride on the day of Independence Day.

Independent India is very beautiful, we proud to be Indian and the world shows special attentions towards India and the people of India. No matter what is the growth rate or the development, we achieved independence and have been maintaining it successfully in the biggest democracy of the world.

India still in the phase of development, and it will become best country to live. Where the culture is the pulse of the nation and integrity is life. Unity in diversity is the best feature of India, which has been preaching the world a peace message.

Many leaders of this country have left their impression on the world, as they have been remembers across the globe today. The father of the nation, Mahatama Gandhi, was the greatest statesmen of the world. Gandhian principles and thoughts are followed across the world today.

India, a nation, where there is integrity, needs support of the people for more development in the day to come. In the field of education, Indian students have been on the top and the next generation is going to lead this country, making many success stories.

Read the rest of this entry

Guru - Embodiment of God

The Sanskrit word Guru means one who removes the darkness of ignorance, and gives you the light of knowledge. They say knowledge is everything and so the one who bestows us with knowledge the ‘Guru’ is the one equivalent to God. Sant Kabir said if God and Guru both were standing before me and if I have to bow down to one first it would be Guru because he is the one who showed me God. Such is the importance of Guru in our life.

In India the land of ancient tradition and Sanatana dharma. The prominence of Guru is well known to each individual who is born in this land, because each house hold has an idle person as a Guru to follow the path of spirituality. It would not be exaggerate to say that the tradition of Guru runs through the reigns of each individual in this country. One may belong to any religion, but there are persons in every religion, who followed the path of spirituality, and have known the path to be one with our creator.

Such persons enlighten us about the purpose of our very existence, and the goal of life. They having walked the path of God realization are capable of holding our hand and leading us to our goal, let it be, self-realization or liberation may be anything. What is it that we can offer to such persons as Guru Dakshina, it is not money, that they want, it is not the things, that such enlightened persons want. If at all there is anything that we can offer them it is, to follow the path they have laid down for us, to become what we have to, live their words, and give them heartfelt love as our gratitude.

Namaskarams at the lotus feet of all the great Gurus of the world who are spreading the light of spirituality.


Guru Poornima wishes to all : Business News This Week Team!

Read the rest of this entry