Now, bid to push back antiquity of the Vedas

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi greeting the people in Vadnagar, Gujarat on October 08, 2017.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi greeting the people in Vadnagar, Gujarat on October 08, 2017.

Ministry of Culture
08-October, 2017 19:07 IST
International Conference on Dialogue of Civilizations – IV (8th – 15th October, 2017)

The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in collaboration with National Geographic Society is hosting an international conference on “Dialogue of Civilizations – IV” from 8th – 15th October, 2017 at Delhi, Gandhinagar and Dholavira. This conference is fourth in this series of ‘dialogues’ initiated by National Geographic Society in 2013 with an objective to encourage scholarly and public discourse about the five ancient, literate civilizations of the world, i.e. Egypt, Mesopotamia, South Asia, China and Mesoamerica and how the study of the past can share our present and future towards the right direction. The first conference of this series was inaugurated in Guatemala in 2013 followed by Turkey in 2014 and China in 2015. The present conference is the fourth in this series, with the final dialogue planned in Egypt.


The inaugural function of the conference held at 4.30 PM on 8.10.2017 at the Banquet Hall, The Ashok, Chanakyapuri, New Delhi. Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Hon’ble Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Culture & Minister of State for Environment, Forest & Climate Change will inaugurate the opening ceremony in the presence of Smt. Rashmi Verma, Secretary (Culture & Tourism), Dr. Alexander Moen, Vice President, Explorer Programs, National Geographic Society, Smt. Usha Sharma, Director General, Archaeological Survey of India and Prof. Monica Smith, Cotsen Institute of Archaeology, Los Angeles.


The inaugural function was followed by a lecture by Prof. B.B. Lal, Padma Bhushan awardee on ‘Harappan Civilization’, which introduced the earliest civilization of South Asia to the scholars working on other ancient civilizations and others. The lecture of Prof. B.B. Lal traced the Harappan Civilization and its history of discovery, and highlighting on town planning, agriculture and animal husbandry, art objects, crafts, trade, both internal and external, script, disposal of dead, religion, political set up. He gave a brief account of all these aspects.


Besides, Prof. Lal also briefed on some of the new breaking news, and some unique features which are not found from other parts of the world. For example, he highlighted on the earliest ploughed field from Kalibangan in Rajasthan; evidence of earliest datable earthquake from Kalibangan (Rajasthan); earliest dockyard of the world which was found at Lothal (Gujarat); unique water management system that have been found at Dholavira (Gujarat).


Prof. Lal also talked about the evolution of Harappan Civilization and traced its history to the indigenous cultures only and not from any external influences. Prof. Lal tried to emphasize on the authorship of the Harappan civilization and he presented evidences related to, and while stating this he concludes that it is high time that the Aryan Invasion Theory has to be written off. He also traces the legacy of the civilization and quotes many of the customs and traditions of modern times having its roots to the Harappan civilization.


This lecture was followed by a Panel Discussion moderated by Dr. B.R. Mani, Director General, National Museum, Delhi. The panel discussion was attended by Prof. B.B. Lal (Harappan Civilization), Dr. Francisco Estrada-Belli (Mayan Civilization), Prof. Augusta McMohan (Mesopotamian Civilization), Dr. Anna Latifa-Mourad (Egyptian Civilization) and Prof. Xinwei Li (Chinese Civilization). In the panel discussion, various aspects of five civilizations were discussed and the common aspects and commonality were addressed.


*************

The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma addressing at the inauguration of the “International Conference on Dialogue of Civilizations-IV”, organised by the Archaeological Survey of India, under M/o Culture, in New Delhi on October 08, 2017. The Secretary, Ministry of Culture and Tourism, Smt. Rashmi Verma and other dignitaries are also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...uses-to-die/article19821606.ece?homepage=true

A. Mathamma of KVB Puram worshipping at a Mathamma temple in Tirupati. | Photo Credit: Umashanker Kalivikodi


Girls ‘offered’ to the goddess are deemed ‘public property’
It’s a practice that is widely believed to have been abandoned decades ago. But NGOs and activists have been bringing to light accounts of young women being initiated into the Devadasi system.

The practice of “offering” girl children to Goddess Mathamma thrives in the districts of Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh and Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu, forcing the National Human Rights Commission to seek report from the two States.

As part of the ritual, girls are dressed as brides and once the ceremony was over, their dresses are removed by five boys, virtually leaving them naked. They are then forced to live in the Mathamma temples, deemed to be public property, and face sexual exploitation, according to the NHRC.

Mathammas can be found in the villages of Chittoor district, on the border areas with Tamil Nadu but also right in the heart of Tirupati. The system is prevalent in 22 mandals of Chittoor district, mostly eastern mandals, such as Puttur, Nagari, Nagalapuram, Pichatur, KVB Puram and Srikalahasti, Yerpedu, Thottambedu, B.N. Kandriga, and Narayanavanam. The western mandals where the practice is prevelant include Palamaner, Baireddipalle and Tavanampalle and Bangarupalem.

The Mathamma system has its equivalent in other regions of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

The system is called ‘Basivi’ in Kurnool and Anantapur districts, ‘Saani’ in Krishna, East and West Godavari districts, and ‘Parvathi’ in Vizianagaram and Srikakulam districts. Women are unable to leave the exploitative system due to social pressures.

A. Mathamma, 40, of KVB Puram mandal said though she wanted to leave her hamlet and settle at Srikalahasti as a domestic help, the village youth would not allow her to do so. Nor would they let her stay with her ‘owner’, making her retreat to her home.

A daily wager, Mathaiah, father of a 14-year-old Mathamma at M.R. Palli in Tirupati, said his daughter has had a heart condition since birth.

“We dedicated her to Goddess Mathamma, when she was three, and she survived. She will live without marriage for life. It is painful, but we have to honour the divine powers,” he said.

Social activists say the girls are exploited, and forced to live as sex workers. Many die old and lonely and sick as they are forced to sleep in the Mathamma temples or outside the homes where they work as domestic help.

A survey by the Mother’s Educational Society for Rural Orphans based in Chittoor district says a number of awareness camps were organised by voluntary groups between 1990 and 1992. The society has worked with these women for over two-and-a-half decades after the abolition of the practice with the passage of the Women Dedication (Prevention) Act, 1988.

The organisation found a number of Mathammas had ventured into the red light areas of Mumbai and other metropolitan cities. Since 2011, seven of them died of AIDS in Chittoor district. At present, there are an estimated 1,000 Mathammas in the district. Of them, 363 are children in the age group of 4-15. The Dedication of Women (Prohibition) Act has had no effect on the Mathamma system in the district. So far, just one case was booked in Puttur in 2016 and another in Thottambedu. Only in 2016 were rules formed for the Act. R.K. Roja, Sugunamma and D.K. Satyaprabha, MLAs from the district, raised the issue in the Assembly last year.

Poor rehabilitation
The Child Development Project Officers of the Puttur and Srikalahasti divisions said though the Mathamma system was still in vogue in several mandals, no scientific rehabilitation measures were possible due to lack of proper data and non-cooperation from the victims and village elders.

After the bifurcation of Andhra Pradesh, there are no stipulated guidelines for the implementation of the Act. As it is linked with the sentiments of the community, the official machinery and the political parties shy away from taking on the tradition. Moreover, the victimised community is largely viewed as a minority group, with no influence on vote-bank politics, said N. Vijay Kumar, MESRO chairperson.

Former Union Minister Chinta Mohan, who represented Tirupati Lok Sabha constituency for nearly three decades, told The Hindu that the Mathamma system was a testimony to centuries of exploitation of the Madiga community. He said the practice would continue as long as the community was deprived of economic development. “In the name of rehabilitation, the governments just provide them a pittance, amounting to cheating the unfortunate women, which is as bad as the system itself,” the former MP said.

S.V. Rajasekhar Babu, Superintendent of Police, Chittoor, said he would initiate a study of the living conditions of Mathammas and bring the facts to the notice of the government. Voluntary organisations estimated that there are as many as 2,000 Mathammas in various Madiga villages. Of this, those aged 19 to 30 would be around 400; and children below 15 years would be about 350.

Alternative livelihood
The system is, however, slowly disappearing in certain mandals such as Varadaihpalem and Satyavedu, thanks to Sri City Special Economic Zone which has allowed women and girls to move into the labour force. There are instances of Mathammas marrying and having children in Srikalahsti and KVB Puram mandals with the intervention of voluntary groups. A negligible number of Mathammas were provided with small economic benefits between 2000 and 2010.

At Kurmavilasapuram, a village in Tiruvallur in Tamil Nadu, a group of villagers were discussing the controversy outside the Mathamma temple in Arundhatiyar Palayam. “It was an enactment on the life of Sage Jamadagni and Renuka Devi (Mathamma) that kicked off the controversy,” A.K. Venkatesan, former president, Kurmavilasapuram village panchayat, says.

The villagers say the Mathamma festival was held in the village from August 2 to 6. “On the fifth day, we held a drama to explain to the new generation the life of Mathamma. A little girl plays the role of Renuka Devi who takes food to Jamadagni. Four boys act like robbers who prevent her from doing so by different means, even an attempt to disrobe her,” Mr. Venkatesan says. The villagers say the boys only touch the sari and not the girl. “It is part of our mythology. It was this drama that people mistook as disrobing the little girl,” says A.S. Dhandapani, president, Arundhatiyar Viduthalai Munnani.

“The practice of offering children was present more than 50 years ago when superstitious belief was common. But it is no longer being practised here,” claims Mr. Venkatesan.

Apart from children, even cattle are offered to Mathamma, if the calves are cured of their illness. “This is done by people from other castes too,” Mr. Venkatesan says.

Tiruvallur Collector E. Sundaravalli said a detailed inquiry was under way.

(With Vivek Narayanan in Tiruvallur)

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi offers prayers at Hatkeshwar Temple in Vadnagar, Gujarat on Sunday.

Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh felicitates Art of Living Founder Srisri Ravishankar during a programme held to celebrate the 9th anniversary of Vishwakarma Mahasabha at palace grounds in Bengaluru on Sunday.

 

[Hindustani78]

The shrine of Kalipulayan and Kalipulayi in Attakulangara Dharmasastha Temple. (File) | Photo Credit: Achuthsankar S. Nair

 

[Hindustani78]

Twin temples of Lord Siva at Satyavolu in Prakasam district.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/nation...mples-badly-need-facelift/article19835582.ece

‘Not enough done to showcase the historic site’
Tucked away from Giddalur town is the historic Bheemeswara and Ramalingeswara temples in Satyavolu, shedding light on the glorious socio-cultural history of the Andhra Desa in the seventh and eighth centuries.

Declared a protected monument by the ASI, the sprawling rectangular temple complex, comprising 16 sub-shrines, stands testimony to the Badami Chalukyas’ love for arts.

While the main twin temples have been given a facelift by the ASI, the 16 sub-shrines are in a dilapidated condition. They need to be immediately reconstructed as per the ASI norms to preserve them for posterity, feel heritage lovers.

 

[Hindustani78]

Hassan, October 12, 2017 01:03 IST
Updated: October 12, 2017 01:03 IST

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/karnataka/hasanamba-temple-to-open-today/article19841721.ece


The doors of the temple will be closed on October 21
The doors of the historic Hasanamba temple in Hassan will be opened on Thursday. This year, the temple will be opened for devotees for 10 days. The doors will be closed on October 21, a day after Balipadyami, as per the custom. Hassan district administration has made arrangements for smooth conduct of the Hasanamba festival, which attracts lakhs of people from different parts of the State. The temple is opened on first Thursday after the full moon day of Ashwayuja month and closed a day after Balipadyami.

As the temple is opened only during this festival, people from distant places make it a point to visit Hassan on the occasion. Assistant Commissioner and administrator of the temple H.L. Nagaraj said there will not be entry for the public into the temple on October 12 (the first day) and October 21 (the last day). Excluding the pooja timings, the temple will remain open throughout the day.

Package trips

The Tourism Department has arranged special package trips for the benefit of those visiting Hassan during the Hasanamba festival. The package trips begin at the Tourism Department office on AVK College Road at 7.30 a.m. daily between October 12 and 21. The trip will cover Kondajji, Koravangala, Rudrapatna, and Ramanathapuram and the charge per passenger will be ₹200. Those interested to visit the places can contact Ph.: 08172-268862 for details.


*********

seven Maatrukes (Brahmi, Maheshwari, Kaumari, Vyshnavi, Varahi, Indrani and Chamundi)[URL='https://defence.pk/pdf/forums/central-south-asia.160/']Central & South Asia[/URL] came floating to the South of India, they were taken aback by the beauty of Hassan and decided to make it their home forever. Maheshwari, Kaumari, and Vyshnavi took residence in the three anthills inside the temple; Brahmi in Kenchamma's Hosakote, while Indrani, Varahi and Chamundi chose the three wells in Devigere Honda.

The temple was built in the 12th century and tourists are only allowed to visit the temple once a year during the Hindu festival Deepavali in October.

 

[Hindustani78]

Ministry of Coal
13-October, 2017 19:25 IST
Shri Piyush Goyal expands Diwali joy of Coal India employees.



The Union Coal Minister announces higher one-time advance of “Rs. 51,000 instead of Rs. 40,000” payable to each employee of Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries.



The gesture has been hailed by the trade unions.



10.1% growth in September 2017 and 13% growth in October 2017 registered in coal production.



Shri Goyal exhorts the employees to continue on the path of growth in coal production and break all the previous records.



The Minister extends happy and prosperous Diwali greetings to all the employees.


Shri Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Coal & Railways, much to the joy of around 3 Lakh non-executive employees of Coal India Limited and its subsidiaries, today, i.e. 13th October, 2017 announced that the one-time advance payable to each employee would now be Rs. 51,000 instead of Rs. 40,000, before Diwali by 17th October – the day of Dhanteras.


Shri Goyal’s generous gesture was hailed by the trade unions and brought new-found optimism among the coal workers furthering their Diwali cheer. The one-time advance would be paid to the employees currently on the rolls of the company.


The Union Coal Minister complimented the employees of CIL for their diligence and perseverance for achieving 10.1% growth in coal production for September 2017 and 13% growth in October 2017 so far. He exhorted the employees to continue on the same path and break all the previous records.


Shri Goyal enthused the coal workers by stating that it was heartening to note that the growth in coal dispatch to power sector moved into high orbit with 21% in September 2017 and around 22% till 12th October. He extended happy and prosperous Diwali greetings to all the employees.


It may be recalled the year-long wage negotiations were concluded between CIL Management and Trade Union representatives much to the satisfaction of the employees and management who received a 20% increase on wages.


The main thrust of the wage negotiation was to make available ‘reliable and affordable power to all’ and social security for workers.

*****

Ministry of Culture
13-October, 2017 20:15 IST
Dr Mahesh Sharma Inaugurates ‘Deep Dharohar’

Dr. Mahesh Sharma, Minister of State (Independent charge) for Culture inaugurated “Deep Dharohar” organized by the Ministry of Culture here today. The festival was inaugurated by the lighting of 1000 diyas by the participating artists and artisans and children from organisations like the CCRT, SAPNA Prayas and Kailash Satyarthi’s foundation, to the beat of pakhawajs, nagadas, dhols etc. The Minister released a book entitled ‘Living Traditions, Tribal and Folk Paintings of India’ published under the matrix of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat’ by the Cultural Mapping team of M/o Culture and Centre for Cultural Resources and Training (CCRT). This book celebrates the rich living traditions of tribal and folk art of India and the seminal role they play in the day-to-day lives of tribal and rural people.


To reclaim the lost classical and folk traditions of Deepawali and with objective of transmitting, promoting and conserving India’s diverse heritage, Ministry of Culture has organized this festival at the Matighar grounds at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts at Janpath, New Delhi between October 13-17 October 2017. The festival is drawing upon the rich repository of red, grey and black ware potters, reed (sikki) artisans, rural sculptors, weavers, Madhubani, Gond, Phad and Pattachitra artists, lacquer workers, bell-metal and bamboo artisans is also being projected as part of Paryatan Parv being organised by Ministry of Tourism.

A group of 100 artisans chosen by the Zonal Cultural Centres and knowledge partners from seven regions of the country are interfacing with organisations like the Asian Heritage Foundation, INTACH’s Intangible Cultural Heritage team, Dastkaari Haat Samiti, Centre for New Perspectives, TRIFED etc. for creative collaboration in creating sustainable livelihood hubs/clusters. The diyas and other traditional Deepawali-linked products created by them are being sold at the venue.

In addition to the above, several performances, art and craft workshops and artist’s corners have been planned between 11 am – 8.30 pm every evening.


Ø A performing arts stage is being shared by reputed artists and artisans selected during the talent hunt carried out under culture mapping.


Ø Khulla Manch for performances of the Kavadiya Bhats of Rajasthan, Bhand Pather and Ladishah of Kashmir, Maniharo Ras and Siddhi Dhamal from Gujarat, Gotipua from Odisha, Tamang Shello from Sikkim and Dilli ka Bioscope, a production representing 10 traditional performing arts skill from Delhi.A writer’s and artist’s corner, a space where artists, artisans and writers are narrating their life stories and Deepawali related anecdotes.


Ø Children’s corner with interactive sessions on the potter’s wheel, rangoli-making, Deepawali jewellery making with terracotta beads and flowers, sikki-toy making and papier-mache crafts. Art and theatre workshops on clean-swachh Deepawali are being held every day. A 2 days workshop on film making will be held on October 14th and 15th, 2017.

Ø Screening of films on India’s tangible and intangible cultural heritage every evening.


Ø Celebration of different Deepawali traditions like the Dev-Deepawali of Varanasi, Govardhan Puja of Mathura and Nathdwara.


*****

The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma lighting the lamp to inaugurate the “Deep Dharohar”, Ministry of Culture’s function to celebrate Deepawali, in New Delhi on October 13, 2017.

The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma releasing a book “Living Traditions, Tribal and Folk Paintings of India”, at the inauguration of the “Deep Dharohar”, Ministry of Culture’s function to celebrate Deepawali, in New Delhi on October 13, 2017.

The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma at the inauguration of the “Deep Dharohar”, Ministry of Culture’s function to celebrate Deepawali, in New Delhi on October 13, 2017.

The Minister of State for Culture (I/C) and Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Dr. Mahesh Sharma addressing at the inauguration of the “Deep Dharohar”, Ministry of Culture’s function to celebrate Deepawali, in New Delhi on October 13, 2017.

 

[Hindustani78]

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Governor of Bihar, Shri Satya Pal Malik, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan, the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar and the Deputy Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Sushil Modi are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Governor of Bihar, Shri Satya Pal Malik and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Governor of Bihar, Shri Satya Pal Malik, the Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Patna Museum, in Bihar on October 14, 2017. The Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar is also seen.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities...missioner-durga-temple-eo/article19856885.ece

VIJAYAWADA, ANDHRA PRADESH,08/08/2015: Rapid construction activities around Indrakeeladri taking sheen out of goddess Kanaka Durga temple in Vijayawada. Photo:Ch. Vijaya Bhaskar | Photo Credit: CH_VIJAYA BHASKAR


Officers wilfully violated court orders, says judge
Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao of the Hyderabad High Court on Friday imposed a fine on Anuradha, the Commissioner of Endowments, A.P. and Surya Kumari, Executive Officer of the Durga temple in Vijayawada, in a contempt case.

The judge was dealing with a contempt case initiated out of non-implementation of the orders of the court. A. Krishna Durga Siva Kumar and V. Praneeth Babu, casual employees of the Durga Malleswara Swamy temple, approached the court for regularising their services. The court ruled in their favour.

The department had taken a stand that there was a ban on such acts though the court had indicated that such a stand may not be taken. Following a complaint, the judge had called for appearance of the EO of the temple and heard the arguments on behalf of the contemnors. The judge felt that the respondent officers wilfully violated the orders of the court. Each officer was asked to pay

₹2,000 as fine for committing contempt of court.

 

[Hindustani78]

Vice President's Secretariat
14-October, 2017 16:18 IST
Mother language should be made mandatory for school education: Vice President



Inaugurates International Conference on ‘The Journey of Indian Languages: Perspectives on Culture and Society’


The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has said that the mother language should be made mandatory for school education in all States. He was addressing the inaugural session of a 2-day International Conference on ‘The Journey of Indian Languages: Perspectives on Culture and Society’ jointly organized by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Open University (BAOU) and Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU), in Ahmedabad today. The Education Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasmaji, the Principal Secretary, Higher & Technical Education, Government of Gujarat, Smt. Anju Sharma, the Vice Chancellor of BAOU, Dr. Pankaj Vani, the Vice Chancellor of IGNOU, Dr. Ravindra Kumar and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.


The Vice President said that the language is the soul of a society, the binding thread of human existence and it has been a vehicle, from time immemorial, for communication of thoughts, feelings and ideas. He further said that our societies have been built on the recognition of the fact that language is the lifeblood of a culture and building block of civilization. The richness of a culture is evident from the vocabulary, the syntax, he added.


The Vice President said that not enough attention is being paid to ensure that children master at least one language well during their schooling stage and this weakens the foundations for further learning. We need good researches that would aim to cement and enhance our tradition of excellent critical, historical, theoretical and creative scholarship across a full range of periods, genres and linguistic research areas, he added.


The Vice President said that the Open Universities are making higher education opportunities available to a much larger number of students because they offer flexible schedules enabling learners like women and working population to study anywhere, anytime. He further said that the universities constantly innovate and see how best they can further serve the learners across the state and outside in a language they wish to study. He congratulated BAOU and IGNOU for their commendable service in offering higher education and fulfilling the educational aspirations of millions of people across the country.


Following is the text of Vice President’s address:


“Dear Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasmaji, Education Minister, Gujarat State, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University, Vice Chancellor, IGNOU, Registrar, Principal Secretary, Higher Education, invited Keynote Speakers, Academicians, Members of the University authorities, teachers, staff, Delegates, invited Guests and dear students.

It is my great pleasure to be with you all, especially the academicians and students at the inaugural session of the two days’ International Conference jointly organized by two of India’s prominent Open Universities. First of all, I would like to congratulate the organisers for selecting such a theme of this conference which is very close to my heart. I am glad that more than one thousand delegates have registered for this International Conference.

The aim of this conference is to highlight the long journey of the Indian Languages and their usage for communication, documentation and creative expression.

Language, in my view, is the soul of a society, the binding thread of human existence. It has been a vehicle, from time immemorial, for communication of thoughts, feelings and ideas. Words have determined humanity’s world view. We cannot separate the words from the meaning, the idea we wish to communicate to others. That’s why famous Indian poet Kalidasa begins his epic poem “Raghuvamsham” with a request to the divine parents Lord Shiva and Mother Parvathi to teach him speech and its meaning.

“Vaagarthaviva Sampruktau, Vaagartha Prathipathaye,


Jagathah Pitharau Vande, Paarvathi Parameswarau”

Here, the poet refers to “Vaak” (speech) and “Artha” (meaning) as an inseparable combination. Indeed, the Indian tradition refers to speech or “vaak” with great reverence symbolized by the goddess Vaagdevi or Saraswati. One of the thousand names of Goddess Lalitha is “Bhasha Rupa”. Clearly, our societies have been built on the recognition of the fact that language is the lifeblood of a culture and building block of civilization. The richness of a culture is evident from the vocabulary, the syntax and the way words are strung together to not only convey information but also the whole range of human thoughts and emotions. Languages get enriched as more and more words are added to the vocabulary. This becomes necessary when speakers have to convey new experiences. Language therefore is intertwined with life and its journey is as fascinating as the humankind’s history. It reflects our journey through life as we try to define, categorize and describe things, places, people, emotions, events in our daily life. It helps us to make sense of what is happening around us and communicate that sense to others around us. New experiences create new expressions. As our world view changes, language tries to convey those changes. Who would have thought that we will have words like “start up”, “entrepreneurship”, “surfing the internet” or “twitter” a few decades ago? Language therefore reflects the reality of lives around us, the cultural context. This is why some words in certain languages are so unique to that language that it is hard to translate them accurately into other languages. For instance, it is hard to capture the depth and range of meanings that some Sanskrit words have. Like “dharma”, for instance. Language, therefore, is the window to the collective consciousness and culture of a people.

You have chosen to deliberate on this fascinating theme over the next two days.

I would like to say that modern Indian languages have had a rich journey starting primarily from its roots in classical languages. According to one study, India, with 780 languages, has the world's second highest number of languages, after Papua New Guinea where people use 839 languages. We have a rich cultural heritage where all languages have been used by poets, novelists, musicians and other creative artists with great ingenuity and finesse. We have also been absorbing many words from different languages making our languages so much richer. We must continuously strive to promote the use of all languages and encourage literary figures to produce new works.

However, the current scenario in the country is a little disturbing. Not enough attention is being paid to ensure that children master at least one language well during their schooling stage. The recent surveys showed that children were completing the cycle of education but have very poor, unsustainable literacy skills. This weakens the foundations for further learning. We must remedy this situation. Many children are dropping out, especially in tribal areas, because they are taught in a different language from what they speak at home. Language can be a barrier as well. We should have a pragmatic policy to encourage mother tongue at the early stages of schooling and gradually move on to other languages.

It will be much more challenging to build a knowledge based economy with such poor foundational literacy skills. The open Universities like yours may have to seriously consider a special focus on developing courses for imparting good literacy and language skills at all levels of education.

Today the world has become a small village and thus, language, literature and translations along with the cultural studies as disciplines have become indispensable in the exchange of thoughts, ideas and interaction. We need good researches that would aim to cement and enhance our tradition of excellent critical, historical, theoretical and creative scholarship across a full range of periods, genres and linguistic research areas. We have to acquire an understanding of the fundamental concepts and basic research methodologies involved in language and literature. At the same time we have to learn to establish connections between research and the social challenges associated with language teaching and learning.

Dr. Ambedkar ji firmly believed that we can mould the destiny of our nation by giving them good quality education. I am quite happy to note the rapid strides taken by Gujarat to spread education and particularly the key role being played by the Open Universities like BAOU and IGNOU. Everyone is not in a position to study in higher education institutions. Today, the Open Universities are making higher education opportunities available to a much larger number of students because they offer flexible schedules enabling learners like women and working population to study anywhere, anytime. You, in the open universities, are using technology to make this education mission possible. You must however try to constantly innovate and see how best you can further serve the learners across the state and outside in a language they wish to study.

I have been informed that this University has reached to very remote places of Gujarat today; more than six lakhs of students have studies in this university since its inception.

I am glad that Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University offers many courses particularly useful for women. Probably for this reason, the government of Gujarat has very rightly allotted grant for the Anganvadi workers and Supervisors under ICDS scheme to join CFN (Certificate Course for Food and Nutrition) and CCCD (Certificate course for Child Care and Development) courses of BAOU.

I am very glad that the university has taken certain digital Initiatives. Admission process from this session has been made online. The payment process has been made cash less by introducing online payment of all kinds of fees through payment gateway and BHIM app. Study material is sent to students’ homes immediately after admission is confirmed and also self-learning material e-content is made available through website. University broadcasts live/ recorded content on Government of Gujarat’s educational channel number 16 VANDE (Video Audio Network for Development and Education) Gujarat. BAOU produces high quality audio-visual content at state of the art full HD 'Chaitanya' Studio with facilities for post-production storage of content and archival of content.

It is a matter of great pleasure that at the national level IGNOU serves the educational aspirations of over three million students in India and other countries through 21 schools of studies and network of 67 regional centres. Presently Ahmedabad Regional centre caters to the educational needs of Gujarat state including two union territories- Daman and Nagar with around forty learner support centres.

At this juncture, I would like to thank Shri Vijay Rupaniji, Honorable Chief Minister of Gujarat State and Education Minister Shri Bhupendrasinh Chudasamaji for inviting me to this conference.

It’s a matter of great pride for us that in this International Conference, scholars have contributed their articles in Sanskrit Language- the Mother of most Indian Languages- as well as in Hindi, Gujarati and English. I am very happy to learn that separate two days deliberations will take place on Vedik Mathematics. I congratulate Vice Chancellor, Dr. Pankaj Jani and Prof. Ravindra Kumarji for jointly organizing this International Conference.

I wish you all the very best in spreading the light of knowledge. I hope each of you will light up the homes of every family in this state and elsewhere with words that open up the minds to a new world .

Jai Hind!”

***

KSD/BK

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Bihar Museum, in Patna on October 14, 2017. The Governor of Bihar, Shri Satya Pal Malik and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Bihar Museum, in Patna on October 14, 2017. The Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar is also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Bihar Museum, in Patna on October 14, 2017. The Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Shri Ram Vilas Paswan and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Bihar Museum, in Patna on October 14, 2017. The Governor of Bihar, Shri Satya Pal Malik and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Bihar Museum, in Patna on October 14, 2017. The Governor of Bihar, Shri Satya Pal Malik and the Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar are also seen.

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi visiting the Bihar Museum, in Patna on October 14, 2017. The Chief Minister of Bihar, Shri Nitish Kumar is also seen.

 

[Hindustani78]

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar visited all 15 sites associated with the Mahabharata age.

http://www.tribuneindia.com/news/haryana/village-renamed-after-mahabharata-s-abhimanyu/481724.html

Vishal Joshi

Tribune News Service

Kurukshetra, October 13

Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today announced to promote an organised tourism circuit in the traditional 48-kos ‘parikrama’ of the ancient region of Kurukshetra comprising Kurukshetra, Kaithal, Jind, Karnal and Panipat districts.

Khattar said in the first phase, two buses would take tourists to 15 ancient sites in Kurukshetra district from tomorrow. A circuit of 134 spots in various districts under the Kurukshetra Development Board would be included further to boost tourist activities, said the CM.

He today visited all 15 sites associated with the Mahabharata age.

During a function held at Amin village, Khattar announced to rename the village Abhimanyupura. He also asked the KDB to install a grand statue of Abhimanyu fighting in the battle.

As per a common belief, the village located in the periphery of Kurukshetra was the site where the tactical ‘chakravyuha’ was arranged by the Kauravas for the Pandavas.

Abhimanyu, Arjuna's son, was trapped in it and killed during the Mahabharata war.

The village has an ancient mound of 10 m.

Khattar said Abhimanyupur would be included in the second phase of the Centre's Krishna Circuit Rs 200-crore development programme to boost tourism in Kurukshetra.

He said there was a need to apprise people of the forgotten legacy of the region.

He said all ancient sites would have basic amenities and efforts were being made to attract tourists from India and other countries in the holy land of the Mahabharata.

The CM directed the district authorities and the KDB to ensure maintenance of water bodies and hygiene at these sites.

 

[Hindustani78]

October 14, 2017 16:30 IST
Updated: October 15, 2017 10:08 IST
http://www.thehindu.com/society/can...f-peruvanam/article19853753.ece?homepage=true

Chenda Melam is Kerala’s dramatic and very infectious percussion ensemble. | Photo Credit: Thulasi Kakkat

Documenting the Kerala village that’s mad about Melam, where everyone is a drummer or a fan
A video clip has recently been making the rounds of WhatsApp. There are people drifting in and out of the frame at what seems to be a temple festival somewhere in Kerala. In the middle of it all, lost to the world, stands a lean, middle-aged man in a blue shirt and dark trousers.

He is swaying intently to the sound of chenda melam, Kerala’s dramatic and very infectious percussion ensemble. For the first few seconds you could be forgiven for thinking that he is an attention seeker, perhaps inebriated. Then you start noticing the finer details of his movements: his finger movements are in perfect synchrony with the beats of the drum, almost as though he is conducting it. He allows his body to mime the slow early beats, steps up the shuddering with his arms akimbo, and then goes into absolute frenzy at the climax.

For the most part, his eyes are shut, in complete abandon, oblivious to the curious — and some clearly embarrassed — worshippers. But Titus chettan, as the excise official from Thrissur is fondly called, is beyond all that. He is what is called a melapremi, a Melam lover, more specifically a lover of the annual Melam festival at Peruvanam’s ancient Mahadeva temple.

Chenda love

This village sits 10 km off the bustling city of Thrissur, its entrance marked only by a kitschy banner announcing the stunning temple. Walk through its winding lanes, flanked by lovely foliage, fields and pretty houses, all ridiculously picture-postcardish, and you start noticing other signs of its love for the chenda. Perched atop gateposts and walls are chendas and other varieties of drums.

Peruvanam is, in short, mad about Melam. An average local is likely to either play the chenda or be a very discerning connoisseur. At the very least, he or she can “catch” the talam with an instinctive but unerring sense of the beat cycle.

The village heroes are its chenda wizards, men like the legendary Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, who has a massive, passionate fan following within and outside Kerala, Peruvanam Satheesan Marar, Cherusseri Kuttan Marar and Peruvanam Shankara Narayanan.

The village has some 250 drummers, varyingly skilled. Toss in the connoisseurs and you have a huge community of melapremis. They mayn’t all be as obsessive as Titus, but you can see them at Melams keeping time with hands waving in the air.

It is hardly surprising then that filmmaker, impresario and Peruvanam man, K. Ramachandran, a resident of Mumbai for around three decades, took it on himself to document the phenomenon. He runs Keli, an organisation that has hosted classical arts events, especially Kerala’s percussion and performing arts, in Mumbai since 1999.

His project, called The Saga of a Village and launched last year, plans to put the village on Kerala’s cultural map for its anthropological relevance and distinct art history. He has begun documenting not just Melam but the Sanskrit theatre art of Koodiyattam as well. Phase two of the project was inaugurated this February by tabla maestro Zakir Hussain, a Melam aficionado.

Peruvanam’s heroes are its chenda wizards. | Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB
Ramachandran says, nowhere is percussion the centrepiece of a music tradition as much as it is in Peruvanam. “Everything here works towards it — there is great local talent, a rich audience, and a tradition honed over centuries.”

The setting for the year’s biggest Melam at the Peruvanam pooram (fair) usually held in searing April is the nadavazhi or pathway outside the Shiva temple. The rather small area attracts over 1.5 lakh people every year, spilling over a slope that rolls down from the temple exit towards a path that borders a pond and beyond it, into the fields and the Balarama temple. It makes for a natural amphitheatre for the aural drama that stars about 1,000 drummers every year.

Occasion and artistry

Twenty-four temples take part in the fair, with the cycle of Melams dedicated to different shrines starting at 4.00 p.m. and ending at around 8.00 the next morning. This makes for about 16 hours of dramatic drumming ringing out loud, leaving no one untouched. In all, there are about seven ensemble performances.

“Peruvanam provides both the occasion and the artistry to nurture this tradition. It developed from the tantrika traditions of the temple, but now has a growing base outside that world too,” Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, 63, descendant of a family of outstanding artistes, told me last year.

His phenomenal skills took him to Delhi for the Republic Day parade in 1986-87. He has been leading the special Elanjithara Melam at the annual Guruvayoor festival for over three decades and leads 300 ensembles every year.

The tradition is part of ritual and intrinsically connected to the temple calendar, although nobody knows quite how old the tradition is. Temple records reportedly put it at 1,434 years ago and that’s the most popular theory as well. But the clearest reference to the Melam is in a quote by popular satirist Kunchan Nambiar of the 18th century, says scholar K.C. Narayanan on the website Sahapedia.

Sensory overload

According to Narayanan, this means the Melam had by then had a couple of centuries to evolve and be “schematised”. His take on the social, cultural and economic factors that fostered the rhythm tradition is fascinating. Kerala’s music developed as a rhythm-centric system, he says, which put the drum at the centre, subordinating everything to it.

Legendary chenda artistes like Peruvanam Kuttan Marar have a massive fan following in and outside Kerala. | Photo Credit: K.K. Najeeb
The Melam celebrates collective effort, not individual artistry. And it works on the idea of a grand outdoor theatre of sensory experiences, as Narayanan points out. This makes the drumming the means to an end, and the finale is an orgiastic explosion of beats.

In all this, the pramanis or the men who lead the ensembles, like Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, are drummers who come together with no rehearsals or practice sessions, sometimes after a year, for a musical rendezvous — giving Melam its precise etymological meaning: ‘to meet’.

Titus, who never saw a pooram and its magnificent celebration of rhythm till a decade ago, says he has no idea why he responds the way he does. “I can’t believe I missed this for 40 years of my life. I see this beat as prakriti talam, the beat of nature. It affects you in ways you don’t know.”

Four big pramanis, Peruvanam Kuttan Marar, Cherusseri Kuttan Marar, Peruvanam Satheesan Marar and Peruvanam Shankara Narayanan, lead the fair. They are also the village icons.

Once, these ritual arts were caste-specific, with the Marar and Poduval communities holding the monopoly. Regular temple grants of money and grains ensured the Marars didn’t worry about livelihood and dedicated their lives to the Melam. But over the years, temple arts such as Melam, Sopanam and Koodiyattam have become democratised. The chenda has opened up to other communities as well, although it continues to be caste-specific during rituals.

Not just caste, but gender and communal barriers too are falling for the chenda. Satheesan Marar, who holds classes, says he has three girls among his students. And last year, Mithun Jos, his 15-year-old Christian disciple, debuted at St. Anthony’s Church at nearby Cherpu with the Melam. “All I have ever wanted to do is to learn to play. I started learning when I was six, and over the past three years, I’ve been really serious about it,” says Jos, fresh from a practice session at the neighbouring Thiruvullakkavu temple.

There are also now increasing opportunities to play at secular stage events. Fusion performances with the tabla are not a rare thing any longer. Most Peruvanam masters have a packed travel schedule through the year. Even though the traditional community dominates the art, it is likely that in years to come a happy mix of names will take over the drumsticks.

The author writes on, and lives for music, dance, theatre, and literature.

*************

In Sindhudurg, watch Dashavatar come alive with wit and satire as the sun goes down


Dashavatar, a folk theatre form with provenance in Sindhudurg district of the South Konkan region of Maharashtra, is particularly popular in rural areas. Sharp wit and satire on public life, intertwined with tales of the 10 avatars of Vishnu as the core theme, characterise the dance drama.

The play unfolds at dusk — most often, late at night — and if the artists catch the pulse of the audience, it usually carries on till daybreak. In this, it has resemblance to Yakshagana of coastal Karnataka. Even while relying on age-old stories from the Puranas, the actors may make sharp comments on contemporary society, politics or even civic issues. Such comments are a work of art — quicksilver tongue at its best. But there is a good chance that you could miss it entirely, because the Dashavatar story is still being told. Just suddenly, out of nowhere, the actor playing Bheema makes a sharp comment on one of his stage siblings and takes a swipe at the GST while at it. It is over in a flash, and the crowds erupt in laughter because it fits in well with the Dashavatar story. If they catch the satire, they laugh with it. And if they miss, they wait for the next. There is no script, and spontaneity is the key. And it is the skill in dialogue delivery that adds punch.

The Dashavatar troupes are usually invited to perform on some occasion. They have been around for more than 500 years, and were a presence during Shivaji’s reign. A typical group consists of seven to 10 artists, all men who are behind the scenes and on the scene as well. They play Draupadi and Dushashana, both the oppressed and the oppressor. Dashavatar has a pivotal role in a State where theatre has always played a major role in shaping political thinking.

 

[Hindustani78]

A worker making fire crackers ahead of Diwali festival, at Champahati village in South 24 Parganas on Sunday.

People lighting earthen lamps during Deep Utsav Mela celebrations at historical Gauhar Mahal, ahead of the Diwali festival in Bhopal on Friday. PTI Photo

 

[Hindustani78]

Prime Minister's Office
17-October, 2017 10:27 IST
PM greets the nation on Dhanteras


The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, has greeted the nation on the auspicious occasion of Dhanteras.

धनतेरस की हार्दिक शुभकामनाएं। Dhanteras greetings to everyone. May this day bring happiness, good health and prosperity in everyone's lives.”, the Prime Minister said.

***

 

[Hindustani78]

President's Secretariat
18-October, 2017 17:17 IST
President’s Diwali greetings

The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, has sent his greetings to fellow citizens on the eve of Diwali.

In his message, the President has said, “On the happy and joyous occasion of Diwali, I extend warm greetings and best wishes to all fellow citizens.

The festival of Diwali celebrates the victory of light over darkness, goodness over evil and justice over injustice. On this occasion, let us initiate efforts towards illuminating the lives of all with joy and prosperity and spread the light of love and fraternity. Let us share our happiness with the needy.

Let us resolve to celebrate Diwali in a clean and pollution free manner as well as build a healthy, prosperous and sensitive nation and society”.



***


Vice President's Secretariat
18-October, 2017 17:20 IST
Vice President Greets people on the eve of Deepawali

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has greeted the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali, the festival of lights. In a message, he said that Deepawali signifies the victory of good over evil and encourages us to emulate the noble and virtuous qualities of Lord Rama. May this festival light up our lives and usher in peace, prosperity and happiness in our lives, he added.

Following is the text of Vice President's message:

"I extend my warm greetings and good wishes to the people of our country on the auspicious occasion of Deepawali, the festival of lights.

Deepawali signifies the victory of good over evil and encourages us to emulate the noble and virtuous qualities of Lord Rama. Also associated with Goddess Lakshmi - the harbinger of wealth, grace and prosperity - Deepawali is celebrated on a grand scale not only in India but all over the world by the people of Indian origin.

Deepawali celebrations play an important role in promoting amity and harmony amongst the people. May this festival light up our lives and usher in peace, prosperity and happiness in our lives."

******

 

[Hindustani78]

Amidst a blanket of thick fog, thousands witnessed the Cauvery Theerthodbhava at Talacauvery in Kodagu district on Tuesday.

As the holy water (theertha) sprang up from Brahmakundike (a small pond), considered to be the source of the Cauvery, devotees rushed to the main pond to witness the event. Priests sprinkled the water on devotees, who jostled to take a holy dip and collect water from the pond.

Prior to the event, a series of rituals took place at the shrine, which was decorated with flowers.