Sri Lanka is India`s closest neighbour separated only by Palk Straits. The relationship between the two countries can be traced to seven thousand years ago when the ancient Indian epic Ramayana took place. Since then, both sides have built upon a legacy of intellectual, cultural, religious and linguistic interaction with just geographical barriers in between. In a comprehensive essay, Katie Sahiar convincingly establishes this connect, consolidating her views, mentioning tell-tale scriptures. Her fascinating treks across the island spins and sums up the country’s most durable epic which she conjures up with a prosaic and chronological description. Text and photos :…
Author: shubhangi
Once its most consumed grains in India, as folk rice varieties seemed to be on the verge of being edged out by the senseless quest for high-yield hybrids – thanks to lost biodiversity – farmers across states have launched a sustained campaign to preserve the native varieties. Hiraman points out that the new-age varieties are doing incalculable harm by destroying traditional agricultural systems and rupturing food cultures. The cereal that provides daily sustenance to over 60 per cent of the population in India was once home to more than 100,000 rice varieties. Sadly, this biodiversity is irretrievably lost, forced out by…
While painting, I travel within my mind and create my own land- scapes – my own Hampi, my own cities, as I visualise it.” ONE INDIA ONE PEOPLE | JAN | 2023 27 Gurudas Shenoy with Gurudas ShenoyFACE TO FACE His abstract paintings in oil on Hampi, Badami and Varanasi have wowed art lovers since decades. The bold brush strokes, subtle interplay of muted tones alongside vibrant hues, tilting boats and coracles placed in an unconventional manner, temples perched on uneven rocks – all make for a striking canvas that transports viewers to the place of the artist`s imagination inviting…
Far removed from the popular perception about Goa is a dedicated teacher. Dr. Magdalene D’souza is the only Catholic professor who has devoted her life to the teaching and promotion of Hindi language and literature. Her love for Hindi – not Goa’s official or widely spoken language — took roots during her stay in Kanpur. Manu Shrivastava sketches a gem who has won recognition for her unusual pursuit. India’s smallest state, Goa, is famous for its sun-kissed beaches, bustling nightlife, and tourism. It has, however, many hidden gems including a rich history, cultural heritage, abundant wildlife … and people who…
Scientist-Genius with a poetic flow Scientists are the pioneers of human progress, pushing the boundaries of knowledge and shaping people’s understanding of the world. Among those who made profound contributions, reflecting their curiosity, passion, and dedication to science was the legendary Dr V S Venkatavaradhan, who had an uncanny knack of making complex scientific subjects easy for even commoners to grasp, mesmerising them with his consummate communication skills. With an ability to blend science and aesthetics, he strode like a colossus in the enchanting space of planetary science. A scientist by training, a science communicator by passion, and poet at…
The farmer poet Namdeo Dhondo Mahanor, fondly called Na Dho was an Indian nature poet, lyricist, writer, vocal farmer activist and member of the Maharashtra Legislative Council. He was born in Palaskheda village in Aurangabad, five kilometers from the famous Ajanta Caves. He lived here all his life, enjoying poetry and progressive farming. His interest in poetry was born and continued in that isolation. Our rural life has a very lively cultural life, long traditions with various forms of poetry and folklore, as well as drama, music and dance. He absorbed poetry as a child, sitting on his mother’s lap…
Socialist leader who stood tall In an era when politics came to be dubiously described as union of strange bedfellows, Sharad Yadav had a roller coaster career but one who left his mark even in the peak era of coalitions. The seven-time MP who fought Lok Sabha elections from the three Hindi hinterlands of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, was instrumental in forging several alliances and saw friends turning into foes and then again returning back to forge partnerships. Agriculturist, educationist and an engineer, Yadav, was born in July 1947, in Hoshangabad in Madhya Pradesh in a peasant family.…
Citing the country’s history and culture, Nandini Rao shows how the tourism sector has evolved as a key driver of growth around the world and is becoming one in India as well, contributing to global GDP and employment. This year with its G20 Presidency and recognising the tremendous potential of the tourism sector, India facilitated four G20 Tourism Working Group Meetings. In a world marked by increasing globalisation, the tourism industry plays a pivotal role in fostering cultural exchange and understanding. India, with its rich culture, traditions and landscapes, stands as a beacon for inclusive tourism. The allure of India…
Food being a binding force, Ruchi Verma observes that India’s cuisine is a living testament to the country’s history of trade, migration and ancient knowledge. Food is not mere means of sustenance but is a universal language that unites people across cultures, languages, and geographies. This is so much evident in India, a land where culinary traditions mirror the country’s astonishing cultural diversity. Food transcends borders, bringing people together. From the spices of the north to the coconut-infused dishes of the south, India’s cuisine reflects its cultural richness, heritage and traditions that have flourished over centuries. Food is more than…
Describing how the country serves as a robust example of spirituality throughout its length and breadth, Anushka Singh makes out a case that it is the land where the divine and the earthly converge in a dance of profound significance. India, the ancient subcontinent is replete with sacred sites and practices that have flourished for millennia, shaping the spiritual consciousness of humanity. India is often referred to as the cradle of spirituality. From the sacred ghats of Varanasi, where the Ganges River flows, to the meditative caves of Ajanta and Ellora, where ancient wisdom is etched in stone, India’s spiritual…