Author: Rasmita Jena

  • TM Krishna Breathes New Life into Sree Narayana Guru’s Teachings through Music

    TM Krishna Breathes New Life into Sree Narayana Guru’s Teachings through Music

    When TM Krishna, a famous Carnatic musician, sat in his Chennai studio years ago, he decided to set the words of a great thinker to music. This thinker was Sree Narayana Guru, a social reformer who fought against caste discrimination in southern India during the late 1800s. Krishna, known for his activism, wanted to show the beauty and deep meaning in Guru’s writing, something nobody had really done before him.

    Krishna’s work came from a group called the Backwaters Collective, which focuses on making knowledge accessible. They collected Guru’s texts that discuss caste and fairness so that Krishna could transform them into music. Just before the Covid-19 pandemic hit, Krishna started performing concerts based on Guru’s poems across the country.

    In an interview ahead of his concert titled “The Prosody of an Emerging New,” Krishna talked about how he found inspiration in Guru’s works. He admitted that until then, he didn’t know much about Guru, even though he was a social reformer and spiritual figure. After discussing Guru with the Backwaters Collective, he realized there was much more to explore—like how Guru combined faith and social change.

    Krishna noticed that Guru wrote in several languages: Tamil, Malayalam, and Sanskrit. While many musicians use various poets’ verses, Guru’s work hadn’t been widely incorporated into Carnatic music. So, Krishna set out to change that, creating new compositions that had never been made before.

    Making music from Guru’s texts involved choosing specific verses to focus on. While traditional compositions often use the entire piece, Krishna picked only parts, which was a fresh take on this process.

    The verses themselves were special because they naturally had a musical quality, making it easier to set them to music. For example, Guru’s lines play beautifully with sounds, making them perfect for singing.

    Even though Guru passed away nearly a century ago, his ideas are still very important today. He didn’t just fight against caste discrimination; he also rethought what faith means. He believed that personal self-discovery and social action can go hand in hand. Krishna feels that singing Guru’s verses helps him and his audience reflect on important issues together.

    Krishna also discussed how caste is not just a social issue but also affects how people see themselves and access resources. He recognizes his own privileges in society and aims to challenge ideas surrounding caste through his music. He believes that real change comes from understanding our culture and connections.

    His concert series is called “The Prosody of an Emerging New,” and he is hopeful about how the younger generation will engage with Guru’s words. He feels they are more aware and thoughtful than past generations, which makes him optimistic about the future.

    As for visiting Varkala, the place where Guru lived, Krishna hasn’t been there yet but hopes to perform a concert there soon.

  • Gaurav Taneja Addresses India’s Got Latent Controversy!

    Gaurav Taneja Addresses India’s Got Latent Controversy!

    Gaurav Taneja, a popular YouTuber, has shared a detailed video discussing the recent controversy surrounding the show “India’s Got Latent,” which features comedian Samay Raina. In his video, Gaurav talks about what happened and explains everything step by step.

    He mentions how Ranveer Allahbadia, also known as BeerBiceps, made a comment during the show that upset many people. Ranveer asked a contestant a very strange question: “Would you rather watch your parents… or join in once and stop it forever?” This comment made a lot of viewers angry and led to complaints against Ranveer, Samay, and others involved in the show.

    Gaurav highlights that Ranveer was asked to hand over his passport to the police, which he found to be a serious decision. Ranveer explained that only people who might leave the country when faced with trouble usually get treated this way, calling it a harsh move.

    Gaurav emphasizes that everyone connected to the show is getting named in multiple FIRs (First Information Reports), even if they weren’t directly involved in the situation. He believes that this case is important because it might affect the freedom of speech online. If it goes to the Supreme Court, it could set rules for future cases involving internet creators.

    In his statement, Ranveer said he is cooperating with the police and admitted that his comments were insensitive. He expressed his sincere apologies, saying, “I will do better.”

  • Chhattisgarh CM to Investigate NGOs for Misuse of Foreign Funds

    Chhattisgarh CM to Investigate NGOs for Misuse of Foreign Funds

    Raipur: Chhattisgarh’s Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai has announced that the government will check how NGOs in the state are using foreign money. He is worried that some of these NGOs might be using this money for illegal activities, like converting people to different religions. While speaking to reporters at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur, he mentioned that many NGOs claim to use foreign funds for things like health and education. However, he believes that some of this money is actually being used to push religious conversions instead.

    The Chief Minister told officials to take strong action against any NGO found doing something illegal. He directed them to carefully examine these funds to make sure they are being used for their intended purposes. Sai shared his concerns about some NGOs taking advantage of poor and uneducated people by promising them better lives in exchange for changing their religion. He emphasized that India is a secular country, and everyone has the right to believe in any religion they choose.

    The government is committed to maintaining peace among different religious communities and already has strict laws against forced religious conversions. Sai stressed that while all religions should be respected, any attempts to disrupt society through conversion activities will not be allowed. He assured that the state government will work closely with the central government and law enforcement to stop such actions.

  • Eric Mabius Arrested for Battery: What Happened in Florida?

    Eric Mabius Arrested for Battery: What Happened in Florida?

    Eric Mabius, the actor famous for his role in Ugly Betty, was arrested in Florida. The 53-year-old was taken to jail early in the morning after getting into trouble at a bar called The Goat.

    Mabius and a 40-year-old woman were said to be very drunk and causing a scene. Witnesses reported that the bartender asked the woman to leave several times, but she and Mabius wouldn’t go and started spitting on other people.

    Things got worse when Mabius reportedly pushed a woman to the ground and pulled her hair. A bystander had to step in to stop the fight before the police arrived. When officers tried to ask Mabius what happened, he didn’t listen and resisted being told to sit down. He then tried to move behind a police officer, which led to his arrest for not cooperating.

    Even though the woman didn’t want to press charges against him, Mabius was booked on minor charges of battery and resisting arrest. Nassau County Sheriff Bill Leeper shared that such behavior will not be tolerated, no matter how famous someone is.

    Mabius was processed at the jail and remains there while waiting for more legal action. It’s not clear if he has hired a lawyer or made any public comments about the situation.

    A Look at Eric Mabius’ Career

    Eric Mabius became well-known in the late 1990s with roles in shows like The L Word and Chicago Hope. His career really took off with Ugly Betty from 2006 to 2010, where he worked with America Ferrera. He has also appeared in shows like Blue Bloods, Chicago Fire, and made many Hallmark movies.

    In 2021, Mabius even talked about a possible revival of Ugly Betty, believing the show could still connect with audiences today. His last movie was the Hallmark film Haul Out the Holly: Lit Up in 2023. However, it’s uncertain how these recent troubles might affect his career moving forward.

  • Iconic Indian Films Showcase at Academy Museum in Los Angeles

    Iconic Indian Films Showcase at Academy Museum in Los Angeles

    Exciting news for Indian cinema lovers! The Academy Museum of Motion Pictures in Los Angeles is showcasing a special event called “Emotion in Colour: A Kaleidoscope of Indian Cinema.” From March 7 to April 19, 2025, you can watch 12 classic Indian films that highlight how color has changed storytelling in movies.

    The event will feature legendary films like ‘Mother India,’ ‘Amar Akbar Anthony,’ ‘Devdas,’ and ‘Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge.’ These films celebrate India’s rich culture, history, and diversity, coming from various regions, languages, and styles.

    Shivendra Singh Dungarpur, who is curating the program, shared that in India, color is a big part of our culture, which is clearly visible in our films. He said this is a great chance to introduce Indian cinema’s vibrant range to audiences in Los Angeles.

    The films in this series show everything from beautiful period stories to powerful tales of women during colonial times, and the hopes of a newly independent India. Here’s the schedule for the screenings:

    – Saturday, March 7: Mother India (Hindi / 1957) – directed by Mehboob Khan
    – Monday, March 10: Manthan (Hindi / 1976) – directed by Shyam Benegal
    – Monday, March 10: Amar Akbar Anthony (Hindi / 1977) – directed by Manmohan Desai
    – Tuesday, March 11: Ishanou (Manipuri / 1990) – directed by Aribam Syam Sharma
    – Friday, March 14: Kummatty (Malayalam / 1979) – directed by Aravindan Govindan
    – Tuesday, March 18: Mirch Masala (Hindi / 1987) – directed by Ketan Mehta
    – Saturday, March 22: Devdas (Hindi / 2002) – directed by Sanjay Leela Bhansali
    – Sunday, March 20: Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge (Hindi / 1995) – directed by Aditya Chopra
    – Monday, March 31: Jodhaa Akbar (Hindi / 2008) – directed by Ashutosh Gowariker
    – Saturday, April 5: Kanchenjungha (Bengali / 1962) – directed by Satyajit Ray
    – Tuesday, April 8: Maya Darpan (Hindi / 1972) – directed by Kumar Shahani
    – Sunday, April 19: Iruvar (Tamil / 1997) – directed by Mani Ratnam

    Don’t miss this opportunity to explore the colorful world of Indian cinema!

  • Kamath vs. Gopichand: Rethinking Sports Careers for Kids

    Kamath vs. Gopichand: Rethinking Sports Careers for Kids

    Nithin Kamath, co-founder of Zerodha, recently shared his thoughts on a statement made by India’s badminton coach, Pullela Gopichand. Gopichand said that parents shouldn’t encourage their kids to pursue sports unless they have a lot of money.

    Kamath understands Gopichand’s worries but believes there are more chances now in sports than before. He talked about how it’s tough to work in a job you don’t like, whether that’s in sports or school. He said, “If you’re not happy in what you do, you might not do well, and that can make finding a good job harder in today’s world.”

    Kamath also mentioned that even if someone doesn’t become a famous athlete, there are many job options available now. For instance, they can work as coaches or personal trainers. There are more people looking for trainers than ever before! He pointed to new companies like @FITTRwithsquats and @gametheoryindia, which focus on fitness and see lots of interest from people wanting help to get fit. He concluded by saying that many people are willing to pay for coaching, just like companies such as @urbanclap help people with home services.

    Earlier, Gopichand had voiced his concerns about how hard it is to make money in sports, saying, “We can’t really support sports as a career unless kids come from wealthy families.”

  • Netanyahu’s Vow: Responding to Hamas Over Hostage Body Confusion

    Netanyahu’s Vow: Responding to Hamas Over Hostage Body Confusion

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised strong action after a ceasefire violation by Hamas. Hamas recently released a body that was meant to be that of Shiri Bibas, a mother with two young sons. However, it was revealed that the body was not hers, raising serious concerns about the fragile ceasefire agreement in place.

    As part of the ongoing ceasefire, six living hostages are set to be released on Saturday, following the handover of four bodies by Hamas, including those of Shiri’s sons, Kfir and Ariel, as well as 83-year-old Oded Lifshitz. Only Lifshitz and the two boys were correctly identified; the fourth body was identified as a woman from Gaza, not Shiri Bibas or any other Israeli hostage.

    Netanyahu expressed his determination to bring Shiri and all hostages back home, stating, “Hamas will pay the full price for this cruel violation.” He emphasized the loss of Lifshitz and the Bibas boys, declaring that their memory would live on in Israel’s heart.

    The return of the wrong body shocked many, particularly the Bibas family, which has become a symbol of the struggle of Israeli hostages. During the current truce, which started in January, Hamas has been releasing living hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This was the first time body remains of deceased hostages were returned.

    The Israeli army reported that the fourth body released was still unidentified. The Bibas family has been informed, including Yarden Bibas, who had been released earlier this month.

    Hamas claims that Lifshitz and the Bibas family were killed by Israeli airstrikes, while Israel argues that they were killed by their captors. US envoy Adam Boehler called the release of the wrong body “horrific” and a “clear violation” of the ceasefire. He warned Hamas could face serious consequences if they do not release all hostages.

    It remains uncertain how this incident will impact the scheduled hostage swap on Saturday. Hamas plans to release more bodies next week, completing the first phase of the ceasefire. However, there are worries about the truce continuing past early March.

    Recently, explosions were reported in central Israel. Thankfully, no one was injured, but the Israeli military is increasing its presence in the West Bank, which might lead to further conflicts.

    If all goes as scheduled, Hamas will still have around 60 hostages left, with half believed to be alive. Hamas has stated it will not release the rest without a lasting ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops. Netanyahu, supported by the Trump administration, aims to destroy Hamas and return the hostages, which many see as opposing goals.

    Overall, the situation remains tense and unpredictable, with many innocent lives affected by the ongoing conflict.

  • Babar Azam Criticized for Slow Batting in Champions Trophy Opener

    Babar Azam Criticized for Slow Batting in Champions Trophy Opener

    Pakistani cricket star Babar Azam is facing heavy criticism after his slow performance in the opening match of the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand. Babar scored 64 runs off 90 balls, but his slow batting with a strike rate of just 71.11 didn’t help Pakistan chase down New Zealand’s total of 321 runs, leading to a 60-run defeat in Karachi.

    Fans and cricket experts are disappointed, including former Indian spinner Ravichandran Ashwin. He expressed concern about Babar’s lack of “intent” or aggression while batting, especially when other players like Salman Ali Agha and Khushdil Shah were hitting the ball hard. During the first 10 overs, Pakistan struggled with just 22 runs for 2 wickets, putting themselves under pressure from the start.

    Ashwin, who praised Babar’s talent, said it was hard to watch him play so defensively. He pointed out that Babar didn’t use the right shots to score runs and seemed to play it safe rather than taking risks. Ashwin noted that even a player like Fakhar Zaman, who was injured, was ready to take more risks than Babar.

    Babar’s slow start and poor shot selection have left Pakistan in a tough spot in the tournament. They now must win their next match against India to keep their chances alive. Fakhar Zaman has been ruled out of the tournament, and Imam-ul-Haq is his replacement.

    Ashwin summarized Babar’s performance by saying, “It was bad play.” He believes that with only three matches in this tournament, Babar needs to be more aggressive and take chances to help his team.

  • Power Sector In 2023-24: Balancing Government and Private Players

    Power Sector In 2023-24: Balancing Government and Private Players

    In 2023-24, three major industries experienced a big boost in their value, and the power sector stands out because it has a nearly equal mix of government-owned companies and private companies. This is important because other sectors like railways and defense mostly have government companies, which are seeing a drop in their value. Even though the power industry has some large government-owned companies, it’s also feeling some pressure from these changes in other sectors. However, what people are missing is that there are positive developments happening in the power sector that may not be immediately visible.

  • TikTok Returns: Downloads Surge, Rivals Fall!

    TikTok Returns: Downloads Surge, Rivals Fall!

    TikTok is back on mobile app stores in the US! When TikTok was taken down, a competing app called Xiaohongshu, also known as Rednote or China’s Instagram, became very popular. However, after TikTok came back, downloads of Rednote dropped by an incredible 91% in just five days.

    According to Sensor Tower, TikTok’s downloads more than doubled once it reappeared on Apple and Google app stores. Other social apps like YouTube, Snap, Facebook, and Instagram also saw fewer downloads after TikTok returned.

    Even though TikTok is back, it cost its parent company, ByteDance, a lot of money—about $142 million in US spending was lost while the app was gone.

    TikTok’s future in the US isn’t certain yet. Former President Trump gave ByteDance 75 more days to sell TikTok’s US operations or risk facing a ban. So far, ByteDance has said no to selling, while various companies have shown interest, including Perplexity AI and Frank McCourt, a former owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

    Currently, people in the US spend about $4.7 million a day on TikTok, which is slightly less than before it was removed. TikTok has 170 million users in the US, and because of its popularity, other platforms like YouTube and Instagram are changing to keep up with TikTok’s success.