Now, bid to push back antiquity of the Vedas

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
21-January, 2018 18:36 IST
Narendra Modi, Hamid Ansari, Dr. Manmohan Singh at Venkaiah’s Sankranti Milan

The festivals of Makar Sankranti and Pongal symbolize the happiness that comes with good harvest: Vice President

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the former Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari, the former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh and several Central Ministers and dignitaries have graced the Sankranti Milan, organized by the Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, here today.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President Shri Venkaiah Naidu said that the festival Makar Sankranti dedicated to Sun God, symbolizes ‘Uttarayan' or the beginning of the northward journey of the Sun. Celebrated with different names all over the country, the festivals of Makar Sankranti and Pongal symbolize the happiness that comes with good harvest and is a celebration of a positive transformation in people's lives, he added.

The Vice President said that Makar Sankranti Festival is also an occasion to revitalize our lives through prayers and reverence for rivers and all living beings. He further said that on this day lakhs of people take holy dip in the sacred rivers. This is the only festival which marks the start of new season called by so many names, and in every culture the food prepared is essentially Khichdi (Lentil & Rice preparation) both Sweet (traditionally with Jaggery) and Spicy varieties, he added.

The Vice President said that let us salute the unsung heroes on the special occasion of the harvest festival - Sankranti. He further said that let us join hands in paying tribute to the real heroes of the country, the Indian farmers for their relentless effort sweat and toil. May these festivals usher in prosperity, tranquility and happiness in our country, he added.

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The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu with the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at Vice President House during Sankranthi Celebrations, in New Delhi on January 21, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu with the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi at Vice President House during Sankranthi Celebrations, in New Delhi on January 21, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the former Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at Vice President House during Sankranthi Celebrations, in New Delhi on January 21, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi and other dignitaries at Vice President House during Sankranthi Celebrations, in New Delhi on January 21, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, the former Vice President, Shri M. Hamid Ansari and the former Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh at Vice President House during Sankranthi Celebrations, in New Delhi on January 21, 2018. The Union Minister for External Affairs, Smt. Sushma Swaraj and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing during Sankranthi Celebrations, at Vice President House, in New Delhi on January 21, 2018.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressing during Sankranthi Celebrations, at Vice President House, in New Delhi on January 21, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind visiting Akshar Deri Shrine, at Gondal, in Gujarat on January 22, 2018.

The President, Shri Ram Nath Kovind releasing the Postage Stamps on Akshar Deri, at the 150th Anniversary Celebrations of Akshar Deri, at Gondal, in Gujarat on January 22, 2018. The Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Vijay Rupani is also seen.

Gunatitanand Swami (17 October 1785 – 12 October 1867; born Mulji Sharma) was a prominent paramhansa of the Swaminarayan Sampraday who was ordained by Swaminarayan.

When the British government wanted to build a railway station in Kalupur, the temple returned part of the land, where Kalupur Railway Station stands today. The government compensated the temple by granting it 1,000 acres (4.0 km2) of land in the Narayannagar village. Although the temple had very good relations with the British government, part of the wooden carvings in the temple depict the 1857 uprising, which is often referred to as India's first war of Independence.

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Shortly after Gunatitanand Swami's cremation ceremony, Moghiba, the then Queen Mother of Gondal, had the shrine constructed under the supervision of Abhaysinh Darbar of Ganod. The construction of the shrine started on 28 November 1867 and was completed on 29 January 1868. The shrine was modeled after the shape of the jharukhas (balconies) of the Naulakha Palace in Gondal. Balmukund Swami of Junagadh installed the carved black charanavind or "holy footprints" of Swaminarayan inside.

 

[Hindustani78]

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Devotees pull a wooden chariot during the Basant Panchami celebrations at Dhalpur Maidan in Kullu on Monday. Photo: Abhinav Vashisht

Tribune Reporters
Kullu, January 22

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/himachal/rath-yatra-marks-basant-celebrations/532550.html

Maheshwar Singh, the scion of the erstwhile royal family, who is also the “chharibardar” (chief caretaker) of Lord Raghunath, participated in the traditional rath yatra on the occasion of Basant Panchami at the Dhalpur ground here today. The celebrations commenced after the idols of Lord Raghunath, Sita, Hanuman and other yantras were brought in a beautifully decorated palanquin from the Raghunath Temple at Sultanpur and placed in the “rath” (wooden chariot) at Dhalpur.

The rath was then pulled by hundreds of devotees from the northern end of Dhalpur Maidan to the camp temple in the middle of the ground, as was done during the Kullu Dasehra festival. Various rituals were carried out at the camp temple. A large number of people from across the district witnessed the rath yatra.

Maheshwar had earlier welcomed the decision of the newly formed BJP government for reversing the decision of the Raghunath Temple takeover initiated by the previous government and stated that the protection of old customs and rituals would add colour to the Basant Panchami celebrations.

The tradition is believed to have survived since the advent of the idols here in the mid-17th century, however it was revived in 2009 after a span of about 48 years. The Basant Panchami was celebrated with gaiety and fervour and a large number of people attired in the traditional colourful dresses participated in the festival.

Cultural programmesin schools

Kangra: Basant Panchami was celebrated with enthusiasm here on the old Kangra school campus, which attracted a large number of people from all walks of life. Kangra Subdivisional Magistrate Seshi Pal Negi, who was the chief guest of the function, said, “Basant Panchami marks the onset of spring. It is celebrated all over India with people worshipping Goddess Saraswati, who is known as the goddess of knowledge and wisdom”.

The SDM said Basant came with a feel of new energy — earth was covered in hues of yellow, orange and green. The fifth day of Magh marked the arrival of Basant, or spring, he added. Kangra municipal chief Suman Verma on this occasion said that Basant Panchami indicated that the days of ignorance and gloom were over. Perhaps that’s why in Bengal, Saraswati, the goddess of knowledge and wisdom, was invoked, she added.

This is also when her birth is celebrated. She is dressed in yellow; devotees offer prayers and yellow-coloured prasadam. Children are taught their first words on this day, as an auspicious beginning to education, she added. Students and other artistes presented cultural programmes.

The event was organised by the local municipal council. People thronged different temples, including Bajjreshwari temple, here today to seek blessings on Basant Panchami.

Kite festival at Paddal Ground Mandi: A kite festival was organised at the Paddal Ground here to mark Basant Panchami. As many as 27 teams, comprising four members each, participated in the event organised by the district police administration. DSP Hitesh Lakhanpal said three types of competition were organised — kite-flying, kite-making and professional photography. The winners were honoured.

 

[Hindustani78]

A procession with the deity of Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy being taken out in Melkote, Mandya district, on Wednesday.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...melkote-on-ratha-sapthami/article22515089.ece

Thousands of devotees, even from Tamil Nadu, thronged the temple town of Melkote in the district on Wednesday to attend pujas on the auspicious occasion of ‘Ratha Sapthami’.

Several artistes performed in a folk festival. A procession of the Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy deity was ceremoniously taken out on the main streets of the village.

The devotees from surrounding areas and a large number of pilgrims congregated on the premises of the Sri Cheluvanarayana Swamy temple to have a glimpse of the first rays of the sun falling on the temple and the procession.

K.S. Puttannaiah and P.M. Narendra Swamy, MLAs, were present. Artistes from Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka performed various types of folk arts, including Dollu Kunita, Sigari Melam, Karadi Majalu, Veeragase, Keelu Kudure, Patada Kunita and Goravara Mela.

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the Lord was also known by the name Ramapriya

The temple is richly endowed, having enjoyed the special patronage of the Rajas of Mysores. As early as 1614, King Raja Wodeyar I (r.1578–1617), who first acquired Srirangapatna and accepted the Srivaishnava pontiff as his guru, handed over to the temple and to the Brahmins at Melkote, the estate granted to him by Vijayanagar Emperor Venkatapati Raya.

 

[Hindustani78]

Posted at: Jan 30, 2018, 1:15 AM; last updated: Jan 30, 2018, 1:15 AM (IST)
SC: Raghunath temple to be royal family’s property

New Delhi, January 29
http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/hi...ple-to-be-royal-family-s-property/535672.html

The 17th century Raghunath temple of Kullu will remain a royal family’s property with the Supreme Court today disposing of a plea challenging a high court order, rejecting a petition against a state government order for taking its control.

The newly formed BJP government in the state told the apex court that it had reversed the decision of the previous government for taking over the control of the temple. Disposing of the petition, a Bench of Justices R K Agrawal and A M Sapre said since the state government had reversed the decision, the plea had become infructuous. The court, however, said the petition challenging the status of the shrine could always be filed, if fresh cause of action arose.

Advocate Ajay Marwah, appearing for the state, said the government took the decision as it was a private property.

He said by way of a subsequent notification on January 8, 2018, the government omitted Shri Raghunathji temple from schedule-1 of the Himachal Pradesh Hindu Public Religious Institutions and Charitable Endowment Act, 1984.

Singh had contended that this temple was established by his ancestors for a specific purpose that there was a “curse by a Brahmin” and to get rid of that curse, an idol of Lord Rama was brought from Ayodhya.

He had claimed that the temple of Shri Raghunathji was built and established by the late Raja Jagat Singh, who during 1637 to 1672 was reigning the Kingdom at Kullu and the reasons for establishing the temple and installing the idol of Shri Raghunathji, along with the idol of Sita Mata, was contained in the history of Punjab Hill States.

Singh had said since the establishment and installation of the idols, the temple was maintained by the king and his successors. In his plea, he had said, “As per the traditions maintained by the rajas of Kullu, the eldest son of a raja is designated as ‘chharibardar’ (vice regent) of Lord Raghunathji without any interruption and only he can enter the sanctum sanctorum and no one else.”

He had cited an order of 1942 by a trial court at Hoshiarpur, which had held it to be a private property.

The apex court had in September last year stayed the order of the state government for taking over the temple and forming of a trust to manage it. The high court on August 31 last year had said that the state government’s decision cannot be challenged by way of a writ petition and can be adjudicated through a civil suit.

“This petition involves seriously disputed questions of fact and even otherwise the rival claims of the parties are such, which can only be investigated and determined on the basis of evidence, which may be led by the parties in a properly instituted civil suit rather than by a court exercising prerogative of issuing writs,” the high court had said while rejecting the petition filed by Singh and without entering into the merits of the case.

Subsequent to the decision of high court, on September 2 last year, the Kullu district administration formed a trust to manage the affairs of the temple.

Then chief minister Virbhadra Singh had argued that the Raghunath temple was public property and the government had the right to acquire it as there were representations from various people after two thefts had taken place in it. — PTI


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The history of Kullu has been traced some 2000 years back in time. The word ‘Kullu’ is speculated to have been derived from the word ‘Kuluta’ which was found inscribed on a coin from the first century A.D. The first king (Raja) mentioned in historical record is Virayasa whose name figures on that coin as ‘Virayasa, King of Kuluta’. The Chinese pilgrim, Hiuen Tsang, is believed to have described the modern Kullu as Kiu-lu-to situated at 117 miles to the north-east of Jalandhar. The tract has also been referred to as ‘Kulantapitha.

The tract is said to have been first ruled by the Pal kings, who were succeeded by the Singh kings, believed to be descendants of the Pal kings. According to known history, the kingdom of Kullu was founded in the first century A.D. by Behangamani Pal, who is speculated to have come from Prayag near Allahabad. It appears that the people of the higher valley of Kullu were suffering under the repressive regime of the Thakurs of Spiti then and a keen desire to overthrow the Thakurs was smoldering in their hearts. Behangamani Pal overthrew the Thakurs and established the first ruling dynasty of Kullu. The rule of the Pal kings continued till about A.D. 1450 and Raja Kelas Pal was the last in that line. After him there was long break of about 50 years and it appears that the Thakurs and the Ranas might have captured power during this period.

After this interregnum, Sidh Singh, who became the Raja of Kullu in A.D. 1500, is recognized as the first of the line of the Singh kings. The local folklore narrates the story of Goddess Hidimba granting the kingdom of Kullu to Sidh Singh. Hidimba is respected as the grandmother and the patron-deity by the royal family of Kullu till date. The next important king of Kullu was Raja Jagat Singh (A.D.1637-1672) who incorporated Lag into the kingdom of Kullu. The original capital of the state of Kullu was at Jagatsukh where the early kings ruled for twelve generations. Raja Visudh Pal transferred the capital to Nagar and later Raja Jagat Singh transferred it to Sultanpur. The famous idol of Raghunath was brought from Ayodhya to Kullu during the reign of Raja Jagat Singh to remove a curse which a Brahmin had casted upon Jagat Singh. Jagat Singh put the idol on the throne, proclaimed himself to be merely the first servant of the temple, and the curse was removed. Since then, the Rajas of Kullu ruled the state in the name of Raghunath, who became the principal deity of the Kullu valley. With this incident Vaishnavism established itself in a land where Shaivism and Shaktism were the dominant denominations.


In A.D. 1672, river Sutlej became the state boundary in the south and Outer Saraj (consisting of Ani and Nirmand of the present times) became a part of Kullu. In territorial terms, Kullu reached its zenith under Raja Man Singh extending from Upper Lahaul in the north to Shimla in the south. Around A.D. 1800, the authority of the Mughal empire declined and Kullu started paying tribute to the Gorkhas and to Sansar Chand, the Katoch Raja of Kangra. In A.D. 1839, the Sikhs captured Kullu state from Raja Ajit Singh and in A.D. 1846 they ceded it to the British Government. Consequently, Kullu, along with Lahaul & Spiti, became a part of the district of Kangra, as a sub-division under the control of an Assistant Commissioner. The British gave sovereign powers to Thakar Singh within the jagir of Rupi and in A.D. 1852 his son Gyan Singh was given the title of Rai instead of Raja.

Until 1960, the tract of Lahaul & Spiti was part of the Kullu tehsil. Kullu was declared to be a district of Punjab in 1963 and on November 01, 1966 it became a district of Himachal Pradesh. In the British times, all the modern government buildings, hospital and government bungalows were built around the Dhalpur grounds (proximate to Sultanpur, the old capital). Dhalpur continues to be the nerve centre of the district administration till date.

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
30-January, 2018 18:09 IST
President’s Greetings on the eve of Birthday of Guru Ravidasji

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has greeted fellow-citizens on the eve of birthday of Guru Ravidasji.

In a message, the President has said, “On the occasion of the birth anniversary of Guru Ravidasji, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens.

Guru Ravidasji was a great saint whose teachings emphasised universal fraternity and equality. His teachings are all the more relevant in the modern world and inspire us to work for the poor and the underprivileged.

Let us draw strength from the life of Guru Ravidasji, and build a society that is inclusive, just and compassionate.”

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SHRI GURU RAVIDASS JI was born in the fifteenth century at Kanshi (Banaras) in the state of Uttar Pradesh in India. His birthday comes every year at Puran Mashi in the month of Magh. His mother's name was Mata Kalsi Ji and his father's name was Baba Santokh Dass Ji.

Guru Ravidass Ji fulfilled Guru Nanak Dev Ji's request by donating old manuscripts, which contained a collection of Guru Ravidass Ji's verses and poems. The earliest collection of these poems are available in Sri Guru Granth Sahib. It was compiled by Guru Arjan Dev Ji, the fifth Guru of the Sikhs. There are 41 verses of Guru Ravidass Ji in the Sikh Holy Book, Guru Granth Sahib.

Some believe that Guru Ravidass Ji lived in banaras during his last days, dying a natural death at the age of 126 years.

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Rana Sanga (reigned 1509-27) was a warrior and a man of great chivalry and honor reign was marked by a series of continual battles, in course of which he is said to have lost one arm and had been crippled in one leg and received eighty-four wounds on his body. The last of his battles was again Mughal invader, Babur, in 1527. Deserted by one ofgenerals, Rana Sanga was wounded in the battle and shortly after.

Babur was the eldest son of Umar Sheikh Mirza, and he ascended the throne of Fergana in 1495 when he was 12. But he faced rebellion from his relatives, and wanted to conquer Samarkand. But not finding success there, he decided to create his empire in Northern India. There were two dynasties in power — the Sultanate of Delhi under Ibrahim Lodi, and Rajputana ruled by a Hindu Rajput Confederacy, led by Rana Sanga of Mewar. Babur started for Lahore in 1524. On his arrival at Lahore, he faced the Lodi Army and decided to re-route but set the city on fire.

Rana Sanga had succeeded in building a formidable military alliance against Babur. He was joined by virtually all the leading Rajput kings from Rajasthan—including those from Harauti, Jalor, Sirohi, Dungarpur, Dhundhar, and Amber. Rao Ganga of Marwar did not join personally, but sent a contingent on his behalf. Rao Medini Rao of Chanderi in Malwa also joined the alliance. Further, Mahmud Lodi, the younger son of Sikandar Lodi, whom had proclaimed their new Sultan also joined the alliance with a force of 10,000 under him. Khanzada Hasan Khan Mewati, the ruler of Mewat State, also joined the alliance with a force of 12,000.

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
31-January, 2018 12:15 IST
Prime Minister pays tributes to Guru Ravidas on his Jayanti

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has paid tributes to Guru Ravidas on the occasion of Guru Ravidas Jayanti.

“I bow to Guru Ravidas Ji on his Jayanti. Guru Ravidas Ji was one of the greatest Saints to have been born in our land. He stood for a society that is equal, just and compassionate. His teachings are eternal and are relevant for people of all sections of society.

Guru Ravidas Ji ushered in several positive changes in our society. He questioned practices that were archaic and regressive, and inspired people to change with the times. This spirit of inquiry and emphasis on moving with the times makes extremely great.

Guru Ravidas Ji had unwavering faith in values of harmony and brotherhood. He did not believe in any kind of discrimination. When we work with the motto of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ we are deeply motivated by Guru Ravidas Ji’s emphasis on serving every human, especially the poor.

Today I would like to share these words of Guru Ravidas Ji:

ऐसा चाहूँ राज मैं जहाँ मिलै सबन को अन्न।

छोट बड़ो सब सम बसै, रैदास रहै प्रसन्न।।

Guru Ravidas Ji dreamt of a time when everybody has enough to eat and every person is happy”, the Prime Minister said.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

A Hindu devotee with his body pierced by metal skewers takes part in procession during the Thaipusam festival in Chennai. The festival is a purification ritual offering prayers and penance, observing a strict month long vegetarian diet and celebrating the birth of the Hindu deity Murugan. (Arun Sankar / AFP)

 

[Hindustani78]

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at the Sammakka Saralamma festival, the biggest Tribal Festival in Asia, in Medaram village, Telangana on February 02, 2018. The Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Kadiyam Srihari, the Minister for Endowments, Telangana, Shri I.K. Reddy and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu offering jiggery to the goddesses at the Sammakka Saralamma festival, in Medaram village, Telangana on February 02, 2018. The Deputy Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri Kadiyam Srihari, the Minister for Endowments, Telangana, Shri I.K. Reddy and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu offering prayers to the Sammakka deity, in Medaram village, Telangana on February 02,

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu offering prayers to the Saralamma deity, in Medaram village, Telangana on February 02, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu interacting with the public at Sammakka Saralamma festival, in Medaram village, Telangana on February 02, 2018.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Governor of Haryana, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki at the inaugural function of “Aadi Mahotsav”, a mega fortnight-long National Tribal Festival, at Chandigarh on February 02, 2018. The Managing Director, TRIFED, Shri Pravir Krishna is also seen.

The Governor of Haryana, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki at the inaugural function of “Aadi Mahotsav”, a mega fortnight-long National Tribal Festival, at Chandigarh on February 02, 2018. The Managing Director, TRIFED, Shri Pravir Krishna is also seen.

The Governor of Haryana, Prof. Kaptan Singh Solanki addressing the inaugural function of the “Aadi Mahotsav”, a mega fortnight-long National Tribal Festival, at Chandigarh on February 02, 2018.

A view of Cultural programme at the inaugural function of the “Aadi Mahotsav”, a mega fortnight-long National Tribal Festival, at Chandigarh on February 02, 2018.

A view of Cultural programme at the inaugural function of the “Aadi Mahotsav”, a mega fortnight-long National Tribal Festival, at Chandigarh on February 02, 2018.

A view of Cultural programme at the inaugural function of the “Aadi Mahotsav”, a mega fortnight-long National Tribal Festival, at Chandigarh on February 02, 2018.

A view of people visiting the stalls at the inaugural function of the “Aadi Mahotsav”, a mega fortnight-long National Tribal Festival, at Chandigarh on February 02, 2018

 

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
04-February, 2018 18:50 IST
We must promote a greater understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity around the world: Vice President

Inaugurates 1st International Kala Mela

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that we must collectively promote, through events like International Kala Mela, a greater understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity around the world. He was addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 1st International Kala Mela, organized by the Lalit Kala Akademi, here today. The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the Administrator of Lalit Kala Akademi, Shri C.S. Krishna Setty and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

The Vice President said that the culture is like the heartbeat of a civilization and it is an expression of its world view, a symbol of its value system. He further said that it represents the hopes and aspirations of its people and it chronicles the saga of their lives. It springs from the depths of their hearts and touches the inner core of humanity and is truly the barometer of the quality of life, he added.

The Vice President welcomed the delegates from various countries, and said to a country that had believed that the entire world is like one large family. It is also a country that believed that we should treat our guests with reverence ‘Atithi Devobhava’, he added.

The Vice President said that India is one of the oldest civilizations with an unmatched richness in culture and heritage which are manifested in different art forms. The spirit of tolerance and accommodation is an Indian way of life and best encapsulated by the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the entire universe is one family), he added.

The Vice President said that as the world is becoming increasingly globalized, we should preserve and propagate the best facets of our individual cultures. We should bring out the best traditions, noble ideals and the finest expressions of human excellence in all art forms, he added.

The Vice President congratulated the Lalit Kala Akademi for fostering cultural contacts within the country and also with other countries, through art exhibition and such Art Festivals.

Following is the text of Vice President’s address:

“I am extremely happy to be amidst you to inaugurate the first International Kala Mela, which will showcase and celebrate various art and cultural forms from across India and abroad by providing a platform to artists from different genres. This indeed is a major international event of its kind and I must congratulate the organizers for holding it.

Sisters and brothers,

I recall what Mahatma Gandhi, who is reverentially called the Father of our nation, said about culture:

“A nation’s culture resides in the hearts and in the soul of its people”.

In essence, it is like the heartbeat of a civilization. It is an expression of its world view. It is a symbol of its value system. It represents the hopes and aspirations of its people. It chronicles the saga of their lives. It springs from the depths of their hearts and touches the inner core of humanity. It is truly the barometer of the quality of life.

Each country in the world has its own distinct culture. There is a unique richness in each of these cultures. Since we live in an interconnected world, there has been an intermingling of cultures. Our world is richer because of this diversity in cultures.

Gandhi ji had also said:

“No culture can live if it attempts to be exclusive.”

We must collectively promote, through events like the one we are having today, a greater understanding and appreciation of the cultural diversity around the world.

Friends from different countries around the world!

Let me welcome you to India, a country that had believed that the entire world is like one large family. It is also a country that believed that we should treat our guests with reverence ‘Atithi Devobhava’.

India is one of the oldest civilizations with an unmatched richness in culture and heritage which are manifested in different art forms. Indeed, India is a cultural melting pot in which people from different religions, languages and ethnicities co-exist reflecting their unity in diversity. The spirit of tolerance and accommodation is an Indian way of life and best encapsulated by the principle of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam’ (the entire universe is one family).

The cultural diversity of India from cuisine to various performing arts is represented by the distinct flavor of each region. Various musical genres, dance forms, plays, dramas, folk theatre, paintings, architecture and songs are as diverse as different flowers in a bouquet.

Culture and creativity manifest themselves in almost all economic, social and other activities. It can be a positive force that gives meaning to human life.

Dear Sisters and brothers,

We are inheritors of a rich intangible cultural heritage consisting of songs, music, dance, theatre, folk traditions, performing arts, rites and rituals, paintings and writings.

As the world is becoming increasingly globalized, we should preserve and propagate the best facets of our individual cultures. We should bring out the best traditions, noble ideals and the finest expressions of human excellence in all art forms. We have a unique opportunity today through technology to learn from each other, appreciate the subtle nuances of artistic expressions and enrich our collective cultural capital.

I urge all of you to continue your artistic pursuits and create a world of literature, music, dance, paintings, sculpture, architecture and other art forms.

I congratulate the Lalit Kala Akademi for fostering cultural contacts within the country and also with other countries, through art exhibition and such Art Festivals.

Sisters and brothers,

Let me mention to you that in the grand Indian tradition, there are 64 “kala”s or fine arts. We believe that goddess Lalitha is an embodiment of these fine arts. She is called “chatus-shasti- kalaamayi”. She is also “kalyani”, an embodiment of well being and happiness. It is this unique blend of “kala” with “kalyana” that we should aspire for. Let us strive for a world where art unites hearts. Let us avoid distracting cacophony and, together, create a symphony that makes our lives more livable.

As the Upanishadic sages in India said centuries ago: “Let us hear all that is pleasant, let us see all that is beautiful and with strong bodies and sound minds, dedicate ourselves to the pursuit of common good”.

Thank you. Jai Hind.”

***

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at an event to inaugurate the 1st International Kala Mela, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, in New Delhi on February 04, 2018. The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu lighting the lamp to inaugurate the 1st International Kala Mela, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, in New Delhi on February 04, 2018. The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and other dignitaries are also seen.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu releasing the Booklet on the 1st International Kala Mela, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, in New Delhi on February 04, 2018. The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and other dignitaries are also seen

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 1st International Kala Mela, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, in New Delhi on February 04, 2018. The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma and other dignitaries are also seen

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu addressing the gathering after inaugurating the 1st International Kala Mela, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, in New Delhi on February 04, 2018.

The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma addressing at the inauguration of the1st International Kala Mela, organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi, in New Delhi on February 04, 2018.

The Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu witnessing a bull-show at the second anniversary of Swarna Bharat Trust, in Atkur, Andhra Pradesh on February 04, 2018.

Ministry of Culture
04-February, 2018 20:50 IST
The first ever International Kala Mela inaugurated by the Vice President , Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi today

The First ever International Kala Mela was inaugurated by the Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu in New Delhi today . The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma, the Administrator of Lalit Kala Akademi, Shri C.S. Krishna Setty and other dignitaries were present on the occasion. The International Kala Mela has been organised by the Lalit Kala Akademi in partnership with IGNCA of the Ministry of Culture. More than 800 artists from across the world are taking part in the Festival.

Addressing the gathering, the Vice President said that Culture is like the heartbeat of a civilization and it is an expression of its world view, a symbol of its value system. He further said that it represents the hopes and aspirations of its people and it chronicles the saga of their lives. It springs from the depths of their hearts and touches the inner core of humanity and is truly the barometer of the quality of life, he added.

The Vice President said that as the world is becoming increasingly globalized, we should preserve and propagate the best facets of our individual cultures. We should bring out the best traditions, noble ideals and the finest expressions of human excellence in all art forms, he added.

The Vice President congratulated the Lalit Kala Akademi for fostering cultural contacts within the country and also with other countries, through art exhibition and such Art Festivals.

The Culture Minister , Dr Mahesh Sharma said that the essence of Indian culture is Unity in Diversity. “This has been the vision of our Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi i.e. Unity in Diversity and what he has been talking about in the form of Ek Bharat Shresta Bharat”. The Government has taken a large number of measures to promote this unity in diversity through its Ek Bharat Shresta Bharat programme . The Ministry of Culture has also taken up the ambitious project of Cultural Mapping of India by registering artists across the country on a portal and 1.17 crore such artists have already been registered, the Culture Minister disclosed. Dr Mahesh Sharma welcomed the artists from the country and from across the globe for their participation in the first ever International Kala Mela organised by the Ministry of Culture.



Shri C.S. Krishna Setty, Administrator, Lalit Kala Academy, in his welcome address, said, “This is for the first time that the Akademi has planned the International Kala Mela at such a large scale. It is going to prove a boon to especially those artists who cannot afford to exhibit their works of art in the Art Galleries. With a firm commitment to the art fraternity, the Kala Mela will be a great delight to observe the paradigms of the contemporary nuances of the modernistic trends in art. All in all it is intended to be first of its kind and a great milestone event”!

Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretory, IGNCA in his thanking note, paid gratitude to all the participants. He concluded his words by saying, “ This International Art Mela is not just a fair, it is a pilgrimage for artists.”

A catalogue on the International Kala Mela was also released on the occasion.

The inauguration ceremony was followed by folk dance presentation by Karunadasa Olaboduwa Dance Troupe, Srilanka and ‘Sargam’ Kathak Recital by Pandit Harish Gangani’s Team, India.

With a total of 325 exhibition stalls, it has more than 800 participants from across the globe. These participants are from countries such as China, Venezuela, Peru, Portugal, Srilanka, Poland, Tunisia, Mexico, Bangladesh, Trinidad, Tobago, Fiji, France, Papua New Guinea, Czechia, UK, Spain and Brazil. The Festival is being organized from February 4th, 2018 to February 17th, 2018 at the IGNCA, New Delhi.



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[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
06-February, 2018 13:07 IST
President of India to inaugurate the Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav 2018 of Gommateshwara Bhagwan Sri Bahubali Swami at Shravanabelagola, tomorrow

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, will leave for Karnataka this evening (February 6, 2018) to inaugurate the Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav 2018 of Gommateshwara Bhagwan Sri Bahubali Swami at Shravanabelagola tomorrow (February 7, 2018).



The Mahamastakabhisheka Mahotsav is celebrated once every 12 years. It has been celebrated for about a 1,000 years.

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[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Culture
06-February, 2018 14:11 IST

An amount of Rs. 42.66 Crores distributed under SPMAA Scheme during the period 2014-17: Dr. Mahesh Sharma


The Government is implementing a Scheme namely “Scheme for Pension and Medical Aid to Artistes’ (SPMAA).The objectives of this Scheme is to improve financial and socio-economic status of the old aged artistes and scholars who have contributed significantly in their specialized fields of arts, letters etc. in their active age or are still contributing in the field of arts, letters etc. but leading a miserable life or are in penury condition. The Scheme has also provision to provide medical aid facility to such Artistes and his/her spouse by covering them under a convenient and affordable Health Insurance Scheme of the Government.

In order to be eligible under this Scheme, personal income of the applicant artiste (including income of the spouse) must not exceed Rs.4,000/- (Rupees four thousand only) per month or annual income of Rs.48,000/- (Rupees forty eight thousand only) This excludes artiste pension assistance amount already getting by a beneficiary from the Government (i.e. concerned State Govt./UT Administration and/or Ministry of Culture). Also, the applicant artiste should not be less than 60 (sixty) years of age (this does not apply in the case of spouse) and the applicant artiste is getting pension of at least Rs.500/- per month from the concerned State Government/UT Administration.

In the event of death of the beneficiary artiste, the financial assistance is transferred to his/her spouse.

The year-wise amount distributed under the Scheme is as under:-

Financial Year
Total amount distributed(in crores)
No. of beneficiaries

2014-2015
15.63
2967

2015-2016
13.86
2788

2016-2017
13.17
3376

Some representation for enhancement of quantum of amount under the SPMAA has been received in the Ministry but it is not under active consideration of the Government.

This information was given by Minister of State (IC) for Culture and Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.


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Ministry of Culture
06-February, 2018 16:10 IST


Total of 666 Junior and Senior Fellows benefited under Scheme for Award of Fellowships to Outstanding Persons in the Field of Culture for cultural research: Dr. Mahesh Sharma

The Government is implementing Scheme for Award of Fellowships to Outstanding Persons in the Field of Culture for cultural research through Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT), an autonomous organization under Ministry of Culture. The number of fellowships are up to 400 each year. The period of fellowships is two years. These fellowships are of two types, namely, senior and junior fellowships. The number of senior fellowships will be up to 200 for one batch year of the value of Rs.20,000/- each per month for the artistes in the age group of above 40 years. The Number of junior fellowships will be up to 200 for one batch year and these will be of the value of Rs.10,000/- each per month for the artistes in the age group of 25-40 years. Selection is done by an Expert Committee constituted for this purpose. Applications are invited online and the selected candidates will have to undertake an academic or application oriented research work on projects for which they have been awarded fellowships.

The selected Senior Fellows are being given fellowship @ Rs.20,000/- each per month for a period of 02 years and selected Junior Fellows are being given fellowship @ Rs.10,000/- each per month for a period of 02 years.

Total of 666 Junior and Senior Fellows have been given fellowship during 2014-15 and 2015-16. An amount of Rs. 41.33 Crores sanctioned under the scheme.

This information was given by Minister of State (IC) for Culture and Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change Dr. Mahesh Sharma in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.



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[Old School]

The ANI theory has been long refuted by the mainstream scholars in term of population genetics and archeological evidence . The wider held view is that despite long history of inbound migrations , the Indian population has remained overwhelmingly indigenous. Vedic philosophy is fundamentally also indigenous. However, It may have some foreign influences like any other civilization does.

 

[Hindustani78]

History revealed: The pottery kiln that was discovered in Talagunda village in Shikaripura taluk recently; (right) the broken earthen untensils found near the pottery kiln.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...kadamba-dynasty-unearthed/article22662706.ece

A pottery kiln said to be that of the age of Kadamba dynasty has been unearthed near the historical Pranavalingeshwara temple in Talagunda village in Shikaripur taluk recently.

The kiln is 8 ft high. The diameter of its base is 3 ft while that of the upper portion is 6 ft.

The kiln was unearthed in a field owned by one Sumatindra Rao at survey number 255 in the village. When the work of levelling of the agriculture field was undertaken here for cultivation of ginger, the workers stumbled upon a brick structure. After the mud around the structure was cleared, the kiln emerged. Few broken bricks, pots and earthen utensils have also been found near it.

Following the incident, a team of archaeologists from Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and the Department of Archeology, Museums and Heritage visited the village. Ramesh Hirejambur, historian from Shikaripur, said the bund for the Pranavalingeshwara pond near the temple in Talagunda was constructed during the rule of Kadamba king Kakutsavarama in 5th century A.D. The bricks used for the construction of the bund resemble those found near the kiln.

It may be mentioned here that, in 2012 and 2013, a trial excavation was conducted by ASI near the Pranavalingeshwara temple, said to be constructed by Satavahana kings and renovated by Kadamba rulers. During the excavation, two sets of copper plate charters (dated 12 century C.E.) belonging to Kakatiya dynasty and eight gold coins issued by Ganga ruler Sivamara-1(regnal year 679 CE to 726 C.E.) were found here. Near the north side of the balustrade of the mahamantap near the temple, a stone inscription datable to 370 CE to 450 CE was also found. It is a dual inscription that has both Kannada and Sanskrit words. The seven lines of the inscription are written in Brahmi script.

The second inscription found in southern side balustrade is a copy of the first inscription. The main deity of Pranavalingeshwara temple is referred as Mahadeva in the inscription. The findings have been recorded in ASI’s Indian Archeology Review of the year 2013-14.

Speaking to The Hindu, M. Naveen Kumar, president, Kannada Samshodhane Abhivrudhi Pratishthana, an organisation striving for preservation of monuments in Talagunda said, the findings during the excavation undertaken by ASI, the unearthing of the inscriptions belonging to the age of Vijayanagara and Keladi kingdoms here last year and the unearthing of the kiln recently testify that, Talagunda was an important administrative centre during the rule of Satavahana, Kadamba, Kakatiya, Hoysala, Vijayanagara and Keladi dynasties. As Talagunda is a place of historical importance, further excavations should be undertaken here, he said.

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