Category: Culture

The Malabar River Festival is set to return for its 11th edition from July 24 to 27, 2025, bringing a wave of thrilling action to the rivers of Kozhikode. This much-anticipated international kayaking event will once again take place across the stunning Chalipuzha and Iruvazhinjipuzha rivers near Thusharagiri, a region known for its natural beauty and adventure appeal. The festival continues to affirm Kerala’s growing reputation as a leading destination for adventure sports in the country.

The annual festival, which has steadily gained prominence over the years, is being jointly organized by the Kerala Adventure Tourism Promotion Society (KATPS), the District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), and the Kozhikode District Panchayat. Technical support and expertise are being provided by the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA), ensuring the event adheres to international standards and safety protocols. Thanks to its professional management and commitment to excellence, the Malabar River Festival has become a magnet for both professional and amateur kayakers from various corners of the globe.

The upcoming 2025 edition of the festival will feature an array of competitive kayaking events spread across multiple categories to cater to different levels of expertise. The competition will be divided into Open and Amateur categories, giving athletes the opportunity to demonstrate their skills and passion for river sports in a supportive and picturesque environment.

For experienced kayakers, the Open Category offers a platform to compete in challenging and rewarding events. This segment is specifically designed for participants with a paddling proficiency of Class 3 or above. The highlight events in this category will include the Kayak Cross and the Downriver Time Trial, where seasoned paddlers will race against time and navigate through the dynamic river terrain. This category not only includes competitive races but also offers full amenities for participants, including accommodation support and access to essential resources.

Meanwhile, the Amateur Category is intended for emerging talents and kayaking enthusiasts with Class 2 paddling skills. While the races in this section will not be officially competitive, they provide an excellent opportunity for participants to gain valuable experience, improve their skills, and become a part of the vibrant kayaking community. This inclusive approach has helped the Malabar River Festival nurture young talents and broaden participation in river sports in India.

The festival’s continued growth and success are largely attributed to the strong institutional backing it receives and the natural beauty of its location. By showcasing the rivers of Kozhikode as prime locations for water-based adventure activities, the Malabar River Festival has become more than just a sporting event. It serves as a celebration of Kerala’s unique river ecosystems, its growing adventure tourism industry, and the state’s capacity to attract global travellers seeking offbeat experiences.

Officials behind the event emphasize that the Malabar River Festival plays a vital role in supporting Kerala Tourism’s long-term goals. “The festival is not just about kayaking. It’s about opening up Kerala’s lesser-known destinations to the world and encouraging sustainable tourism,” said one of the organizers. By drawing attention to areas like Thusharagiri, the event helps stimulate the local economy while preserving ecological balance through carefully managed tourism.

The blend of high-octane sport and picturesque landscapes has made the Malabar River Festival a major attraction in the adventure travel calendar. Participants, spectators, and adventure enthusiasts from around the world gather in Kozhikode not just for the competition but for the immersive experience that the festival offers. Over the years, it has become a meeting point for global kayakers who share their knowledge, passion, and respect for river sports and conservation.

The upcoming 2025 edition promises to be no different, with enhanced arrangements and a welcoming environment for all involved. According to the organizers, “The event has always emphasized camaraderie, safety, and the spirit of adventure. In 2025, we are expecting even more international participation, better logistical support, and an overall elevated experience for everyone.”

To make participation as seamless as possible, the organizers have ensured that online registration for the 2025 edition will be open shortly. Interested participants can sign up through the official website of Kerala Adventure Tourism at www.keralaadventure.org. Registrants will receive complete festival packages that include race kits, on-site transportation, and meals, allowing them to focus entirely on the adventure ahead.

In keeping with international best practices, all safety measures and race protocols will be supervised by trained professionals from the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association. The inclusion of technical guidance ensures that participants can compete in a secure and controlled environment, regardless of their experience level. This focus on safety and professionalism has helped the festival maintain its credibility and grow year after year.

The local authorities also play a critical role in supporting the event’s success. The Kozhikode District Panchayat and DTPC have worked closely with KATPS to ensure smooth logistics, community involvement, and hospitality for visitors. Their joint effort has helped the festival integrate well into the local fabric while also putting Kerala on the international map of adventure tourism.

Beyond the sports, the festival creates a festive atmosphere for locals and visitors alike. The event period often sees cultural programs, food stalls showcasing Kerala cuisine, and interactive sessions on environmental conservation and river health. These side activities add an educational and cultural layer to the festival, making it a holistic celebration of Kerala’s natural and human heritage.

What makes the Malabar River Festival truly stand out is its commitment to sustainable tourism. Rather than focusing solely on footfall or revenue, the event has emphasized preserving the environment and respecting local traditions. Organizers are careful about minimizing ecological disturbance during the event and work with local communities to ensure that the benefits of tourism are shared fairly and transparently.

Looking ahead, the organizers are confident that the Malabar River Festival will continue to grow in scale and prestige. “With every edition, we are learning and evolving. Our goal is to make this not just India’s biggest river festival but one of the best in the world,” said a senior KATPS official.

In conclusion, the Malabar River Festival 2025 is gearing up to deliver an exciting, action-packed experience for participants and spectators alike. With its unique blend of sport, culture, nature, and community involvement, the festival remains a shining example of how adventure tourism can thrive in harmony with sustainability and local engagement.

A comprehensive new study by the Pew Research Center has revealed that Muslims are currently the fastest-growing religious group in the world, with the religiously unaffiliated not far behind. While Christianity continues to hold its place as the largest global religion, it has experienced a decline in its overall percentage of the global population between 2010 and 2020.

Released on June 9, the Pew Research Center’s Global Religious Landscape report is the second major demographic overview of religious groups worldwide, following the initial edition in 2010. This latest study draws attention to how factors like fertility, mortality, age distribution, education, and migration have shaped religious growth and decline across continents.

“We look at the demographic characteristics of these groups, their age structure, how many children they’re having, how much education they have, because these demographic characteristics affect the future size of the religious groups,” explained Conrad Hackett, a senior demographer at Pew Research Center, in an interview conducted on June 6.

The research focused on major world religions including Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism, Judaism, and the religiously unaffiliated or “nones.” It also considered smaller or traditional groups categorized as “others,” such as folk religions, Wiccans, and Zoroastrians.

The findings offer crucial insights into how religious switching and natural demographic shifts have altered the global religious landscape. According to the report, the Muslim population grew by an astonishing 347 million people over the decade, surpassing the growth of all other religious groups combined. This spike was primarily the result of high birth rates among Muslim populations.

“Muslims are having children at a greater number than Muslims are dying,” Hackett said. “Very little of the change in Muslim population size is a result of people becoming Muslim as adults or leaving Islam as adults.”

To produce the study, Pew researchers analyzed 2,700 data sources, including national censuses, population and demographic surveys, and official registries. These sources represented 201 countries and provided data on over 100,000 people. Questions primarily focused on religious affiliation and were used in conjunction with statistics on fertility, death rates, and age structures to evaluate changes from 2010 to 2020. The study also acknowledged the impact of data delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Muslims are heavily concentrated in regions experiencing rapid population growth. For instance, in the Middle East and North Africa, they make up 94.2% of the population, while in sub-Saharan Africa, they constitute 33%. The Asia Pacific region, home to the world’s largest Muslim population, experienced a 16.2% rise in its Muslim population during the decade studied.

Christianity, despite remaining the largest religion globally with 29% of the population, saw a 1.8% dip in its global share. The number of Christians grew numerically, but not at the same pace as non-Christian populations. Hackett noted that Christianity witnessed declines in regions such as Europe, North America, the Americas, Australia, and New Zealand.

Europe experienced an 8.8% drop in its Christian population, while North America saw a 10.8% decline. In the United States, Christians dropped from 78.3% of the population to 64% over the course of the study. Other countries like France, Uruguay, the United Kingdom, and Australia also saw the Christian share dip below 50%.

The primary causes for Christianity’s decline in Europe included an aging population, lower birth rates, and higher mortality. Meanwhile, sub-Saharan Africa emerged as a new stronghold for the faith, now hosting one-third of all Christians globally due to higher fertility rates.

Christianity continues to be the majority religion in all global regions except the Middle East-North Africa and Asia Pacific. Despite its relative decline, it remains the most geographically dispersed religious tradition worldwide.

Meanwhile, the population of non-Christians grew by 15%, bolstered significantly by the rising number of religiously unaffiliated individuals. With 24% of the global population now identifying as nones, they rank as the third-largest group after Christians and Muslims.

Although the nones have an older demographic and lower fertility rates, their numbers increased primarily because of religious switching. The study found that for every adult raised without religion who later adopted one, 3.2 adults abandoned the religion in which they were raised.

“This pattern is common in European and North American countries, as well as in Australia and New Zealand, where many people who were raised Christian no longer claim any religious affiliation,” the report stated.

Hackett added, “Christians are seeing a lot of people who are raised in the faith changing as adults to people who don’t identify with any religion.”

This report marks the first time Pew has attempted to track religious switching trends, using data from 117 countries to compare the faiths individuals were born into with the religions they identified with as adults.

In North America, the proportion of religiously unaffiliated grew by 13 percentage points, reaching 30.2% by 2020. The trend was also evident in Latin America-Caribbean, where nones rose by 4.1 percentage points, and in Europe, where they grew by 6.6 percentage points to reach 25.3%.

The Asia Pacific region hosts the largest number of nones, with 78.3% of the world’s religiously unaffiliated population living there. A staggering 67% of them are located in China. However, Hackett acknowledged the difficulty of analyzing religious identity in China, stating that Pew has conducted specific research into the complex dynamics of religiosity in the country.

“China has 7 times as many religiously unaffiliated people as the U.S. and Japan combined,” the report highlighted.

Buddhism, another major religion, saw a net decline during this period. Between 2010 and 2020, the global Buddhist population fell by 19 million due to both disaffiliation and low demographic growth. It was the only major religious group to lose members.

The report noted that the impact of Buddhism may be underrepresented since many individuals practice Buddhist customs without formally identifying as Buddhists.

Hindus, who make up 14.9% of the global population, are the fourth-largest religious group. Nearly 95% of Hindus reside in India. The Hindu population grew significantly in the Middle East-North Africa region by 62%, largely because of migration. In North America, it increased by 55%.

The Jewish population, the smallest group included in the study, grew modestly by 6%, rising from about 14 million to 15 million. Jews now account for 0.2% of the global population. The majority—45.9%—live in Israel, the highest proportion of any country. In the U.S., Jews make up about 2% of the population, a figure that includes religious Jews as well as secular individuals who identify culturally or ethnically as Jewish.

Migration patterns also influenced religious demographics in various regions. In the Gulf countries—Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—the influx of foreign-born residents led to increased numbers of non-Muslims, especially Hindus and Christians.

The Pew study is part of the Pew-Templeton Global Religious Futures project, which is funded by the Pew Charitable Trust and the John Templeton Foundation. This initiative explores shifts in global religious practices and their influence through extensive surveys and demographic analysis.

Roughly one-third of Americans are engaging in New Age spiritual practices such as astrology, tarot card readings, and visits to fortune tellers at least once every year, according to new research. Despite this notable trend, most individuals report that they turn to these practices simply for entertainment rather than for serious spiritual guidance.

A report released by Pew Research on Wednesday revealed that around 30 percent of adults in the United States participate in at least one of these practices annually. Among the various forms of New Age spiritualism examined, astrology emerged as the most commonly consulted, with 28 percent of Americans turning to horoscopes. Tarot card readings followed, with 11 percent participation, and fortune tellers were consulted by 6 percent of respondents.

Though these activities have gained traction, the majority of people who engage in them say it’s mainly for enjoyment. They do not necessarily see them as paths to spiritual insight or decision-making guidance. However, some voices, especially within the Catholic community, are raising alarms about the spiritual implications of these practices.

Tom Nash, an apologist with Catholic Answers, expressed serious concerns about the popularity of such activities. He emphasized their spiritual risks, saying, “Tarot cards, Ouija boards, seances, and other similar activities are all dangerous forms of divination.”

The Catholic Church has taken a firm stance on these matters. According to the Catechism of the Catholic Church, “all forms of divination” are condemned because they contradict the faithfulness and reverence owed solely to God. The Catechism warns that these practices “contradict the honor, respect, and loving fear that we owe to God alone” (No. 2116).

Nash reinforced the Church’s teaching by cautioning that participating in any kind of divination opens the door to further moral and spiritual challenges. “We’re likely to get drawn deeper into a life of vice and related problems,” he said, explaining the dangers that can arise from beginning what may seem like a harmless exploration.

Interestingly, belief in astrology isn’t limited to those who identify as religious. According to the Pew study, both religious and nonreligious Americans report comparable rates of belief in astrology and related practices. This blurs the conventional lines between faith-based spirituality and secular engagement with mysticism.

The data shows that belief in the spiritual insights of astrology and related methods is most prevalent among Hispanic Catholics, Black Protestants, and those who identify with no particular religion. These groups are more inclined to believe that consulting a fortune teller or using tarot cards can provide valuable insights. On the other hand, atheists and white evangelical Christians are the least likely to participate in or believe in these practices.

When comparing this year’s findings to Pew’s previous survey in 2017, the study observed that interest in New Age practices has remained fairly constant. The percentage of adults who say they believe in astrology has not significantly changed, slightly dropping from 29 percent in 2017 to 27 percent in 2024. Earlier Gallup polls from the 1990s to the early 2000s showed similar levels of belief, ranging from 23 percent to 28 percent, suggesting a long-standing curiosity rather than a recent surge.

The study also revealed a generational divide in attitudes toward astrology and similar beliefs. Younger adults, particularly young women, appear more inclined to trust in horoscopes and spiritual readings. In fact, among women between the ages of 18 and 49, 43 percent reported that they believe in astrology, a considerably higher percentage compared to older generations.

Another group showing elevated interest in these practices is the LGBT community. According to the research, nearly half of LGBT Americans engage with astrology at least once a year. Furthermore, LGBT adults are three times more likely than their non-LGBT counterparts to turn to tarot card readings for insight or entertainment.

Nash suggested that this growing engagement with New Age spirituality could be linked to broader cultural shifts in the United States, particularly the rise of the so-called “nones”—individuals who identify as having no formal religious affiliation. This trend represents a departure from traditional religious institutions while still maintaining a search for spiritual fulfillment.

Despite turning away from organized religion, Nash observed that people often continue seeking deeper meaning and spiritual understanding in their lives. “And yet, human beings remain human — made in the image and likeness of God as body-soul composites,” he said, referencing the Book of Genesis (Genesis 1:26-27) to underline his theological perspective.

Nash emphasized that spiritual hunger persists, even when traditional religious structures are rejected. He argued that this yearning stems from a core part of human nature, saying, “In our very being, we realize that there’s more to life than just our temporal, material world.”

According to Nash, without a relationship with Christ to fill that internal void, people may seek spiritual alternatives that lack the depth and direction provided by traditional Christian belief. “We’ll tend to seek out other outlets,” he reflected.

He warned that such outlets, while popular and even fashionable, may ultimately lead people away from the true spiritual path. “Thus, in the absence of true religion, the fullness of which is only found in Our Lord Jesus Christ and his Catholic Church, we will tend to seek out alternatives,” Nash concluded.

The Pew study illustrates that New Age spiritual practices continue to hold a place in American life, often straddling the line between entertainment and belief. While some view them as harmless diversions, others, particularly within religious communities, warn of the spiritual pitfalls that could accompany even casual participation. Whether driven by curiosity, a sense of fun, or a deeper search for meaning, Americans’ engagement with astrology, tarot, and fortune telling reveals a persistent and complex relationship with the unknown.

On May 16, 2025, a special event was held in New York City, jointly organized by the Indian Consulate and the Bhakti Center. The forum featured a talk by Gauranga Das, a well-known monk, leadership coach, and director within the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON). The topic of the discussion was “Reconciling Purpose of Life with Pursuit of Work,” a theme that resonated deeply with a packed audience of around 150 attendees.

Gauranga Das, known for his extensive work in sustainability, social reform, and spiritual education, captivated listeners with insights that merged ancient Vedic principles with the challenges of the modern workplace. According to a post by the Indian Consulate on its official X account, “In a world where success is often measured by titles and bank balances, Shri Gauranga Das invited us to pause – and reflect. Drawing from ancient Vedic wisdom and decades of personal practice, he shared that true prosperity lies in alignment: when our work becomes an expression of our higher purpose.”

The audience comprised a mix of professionals, spiritual seekers, and community leaders, all eager to absorb the message. The Bhakti Center, in a press release, noted that Gauranga Das’s talk not only explored how spiritual principles could bring meaning and balance to contemporary professional lives but also sparked a lively question-and-answer session. The discussion made a strong impact, encouraging introspection and practical consideration of how personal purpose can align with one’s daily professional endeavors.

Das’s diverse background includes leading the Govardhan Eco Village in Maharashtra’s Palghar District, serving on the ISKCON Governing Body Commission, and even transforming the organization’s kitchens through his innovative approach to food and sustainability. He holds multiple prestigious roles, including Visiting Faculty at the Indian Institute of Management in Nagpur, Board of Advisors member at the Chanakya IAS Academy, and a Counsellor for the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP). In addition, he is an accomplished author and has received numerous awards for his multifaceted contributions to society.

His official website, gaurangadas.com, describes him as someone whose influence spans both the corporate world and the domain of personal development. “His ability to inspire and transform lives has earned him a well-deserved reputation as a true champion in both the business world and the realm of personal growth,” the website states.

The event was further elevated by the presence of several dignitaries. The Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, addressed the gathering and voiced his support for activities that nurture spiritual growth and inner peace. He emphasized the importance of fostering dialogue around well-being in the professional realm. In attendance were also Padma Shri awardee and Chairman of Parikh Worldwide Media and ITV Gold, Dr. Sudhir Parikh, alongside Dr. Sudha Parikh. The event saw participation from other notable figures such as Dilip Chauhan, NYC’s Deputy Commissioner for Trade and International Affairs, and Hemant Patel from the Bhakti Center.

Gauranga Das’s leadership of the Govardhan Eco Village has earned the community global recognition. The village is accredited by several United Nations bodies, including the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), the United Nations Economic and Social Council (UN ECOSOC), and the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity (UN CBD). It also holds the distinction of being recognized by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) as an ecovillage community.

His commitment to sustainability extends to the global stage. According to his Wikipedia profile, in 2023, he was a co-facilitator for the Food Systems, Hunger, and Poverty Working Group as part of the C20 Brazil summit, representing India. During this international event, he also led the Food and LiFE Sub Working Group and spearheaded an initiative to designate the years 2023 to 2033 as the decade focused on conscious food production and consumption. These efforts underline his holistic approach to solving large-scale global issues through a spiritual and sustainable lens.

The Bhakti Center, which co-hosted the event, is located in the East Village of New York City. It is known for being a spiritual and cultural hub that introduces visitors and locals to Bhakti-yoga, a path rooted in devotion and self-realization. According to the center’s website, it is “devoted to sharing the experience of self-transformation through the timeless culture and practices of Bhakti-yoga.”

Through his talk, Gauranga Das underscored the relevance of ancient teachings in modern life. His message focused on the idea that material success and spiritual purpose do not need to exist in conflict but can be harmonized when approached thoughtfully. He urged individuals to consider work not merely as a means to earn a living but as a platform to express their deeper calling and values.

The enthusiastic response from the audience and the strong turnout at the event reflected a growing interest in spiritual leadership that addresses real-world challenges. As the Bhakti Center noted, his talk did more than just share philosophical concepts; it opened the door to tangible change in how people perceive their personal and professional lives.

By integrating mindfulness, ethical living, and sustainability into his message, Gauranga Das has managed to create a framework that speaks to both heart and intellect. His contributions stretch across diverse areas—spiritual guidance, education, environmental conservation, and global policymaking—all rooted in a foundation of compassion and conscious living.

The New York event offered a rare opportunity for individuals to engage directly with a thought leader who has not only studied and lived these teachings but also applied them in organizational, environmental, and academic contexts. His multifaceted approach highlights the importance of intentional living in an increasingly fast-paced world.

As attendees left the venue, they carried with them more than just notes—they took away a renewed sense of clarity on how they could better integrate their values with their careers. Through the collaborative efforts of the Indian Consulate and the Bhakti Center, this event served as a powerful reminder that conversations about purpose, well-being, and work are not only possible but essential in today’s world.

Born as a digital platform in 2020, Trendia’s journey has culminated in a physical space that resonates with authentic Indian artistry, a space where nostalgia, craftsmanship, and culture intertwine to offer visitors a taste of home. The Aurora Experience Centre marks a significant evolution for the brand, reflecting its mission to be more than a store, to be a cultural revivalist, connecting generations and geographies through meaningful craftsmanship.

The launch event began with a sacred prayer led by Priest Aditya Sharma, setting a spiritual tone that reflected the values behind the brand. The event’s high point came when Aurora Mayor Richard C. Irvin, affectionately self-identifying as a “Blindian” (Black and Indian), presented a commemorative plaque to Trendia, acknowledging the store’s role as a vibrant contributor to the city’s cultural tapestry. He rang a ceremonial bell three times, a ritualistic gesture symbolizing Trendia’s formal embrace into the community.

 Alderman Dan Barrero of Ward One and Alderwoman Shweta Baid, Aurora’s first Indian American and Southeast Asian council member, delivered deeply personal remarks. “This isn’t just a store,” said Baid, “It’s a mini-India—a space where smells, colours, textures, and spirituality meet.” Her sentiment echoed throughout the gathering as guests experienced what many described as a “time capsule” to their roots.

Trendia was founded in August 2020 by Vijay Karumanchi and his wife Sampurna Sikha, inspired by an emotional yet everyday story, a father-in-law’s longing to send his daughter her favourite mango pickle from India, during the travel-banned days of the COVID-19 pandemic. That modest act sparked the launch of Trendia, originally focused on Indian sweets, pickles, snacks, and savouries, designed to comfort and connect displaced families.

 The overwhelming community response fueled Trendia’s evolution into a lifestyle brand that today includes traditional Indian apparel, and in the last 18 months, an ambitious move into home decor and art collectibles. The new Aurora Centre is not only a brick-and-mortar expansion, it is a manifestation of memory, heritage, and home.

Beyond being a shopping destination, Trendia is now emerging as the go-to space for all gifting needs, be it corporate gifting, festive gifting, wedding return gifts, or thoughtful personal presents. The carefully curated inventory, direct access to artisans, antique craftsmanship options, and aesthetic packaging make it the perfect one-stop solution for organizations and individuals looking to make their gifts meaningful and memorable.

Trendia’s Experience Centre is a one-of-a-kind cultural emporium, offering over 3,000 artisanal items from 13 Indian states. It includes: Brass idols of deities like Krishna and Jagannath Swami, Marble and brass Buddha statues with intricate inlay, Wooden temples and home altars, designed with both traditional and contemporary sensibilities, Stone sculptures by Padmashri awardee Pravakar Maharana from Bhubaneswar, Patented wooden art from President’s Award winner Charuhas Pandit ji in Pune, Rare Cheriyal masks, hand-painted by Mr. D Vaikuntam one of the last surviving families practicing this dying art in Andhra Pradesh, Upcycled vintage furniture—crafted from salvaged doors and window frames in Jodhpur, Papier-mâché, clay pots, jharokha mirrors, and seasonal décor sourced directly from rural Indian artisans. The collection bridges past and present, offering pieces that reflect deep mythology, spirituality, and symbolism, while also serving as functional and aesthetic decor for global homes.

 During his welcome speech, Vijay Karumanchi shared the deeper purpose behind Trendia’s expansion: “When someone walks through our doors, it shouldn’t feel like they’re walking into a store. It should feel like they’ve stepped into India itself—their grandmother’s home, a street in Rajasthan, or a temple in Bhubaneswar. That emotional connection is what we strive to create,” he said, his voice filled with warmth and pride.

 “When they take a piece of Trendia back to their homes, it shouldn’t just be a product. It should be a memory. A feeling. A piece of their heritage. I want it to remind them of festivals with family, take them back to the lanes of their homeland, the vibrancy of Indian markets, or the quiet serenity of a prayer at dawn. I want them to feel like they’ve brought home a piece of India. Not just to decorate their space, but to nourish their soul. That’s the soul of Trendia.”

 Sampurna, the co-founder and driving force behind Trendia’s creative and operational vision, emphasized the family-first and artisan-forward philosophy of the brand. She noted that the entire venture is powered by a small but passionate team, including their children, her sister in law, sister and a dedicated group of over 40+ individuals in India, working side by side with the artisans whose lives are uplifted through fair trade and creative dignity.

Trendia is also actively seeking to join hands with more like-minded entrepreneurs, community leaders, and partners across cities and states. The goal is to co-create spaces that celebrate Indian identity and craftsmanship while making heritage accessible, relevant, and rooted in local communities across the U.S. and beyond. Trendia welcomes those who share the same vision of making “Indianness” deeply felt—not just as a design aesthetic, but as a way of life. People who believe in preserving the essence of India—its traditions, stories, and soul, through the revival and promotion of its timeless art and craftsmanship. Together, the aim is to build a movement that honours India’s roots while enriching the global cultural landscape.

 More than a shop, the Aurora centre is an interactive destination. It is A cultural classroom for children who visit with curiosity, some even instinctively removing their shoes in reverence, A space for live artisan demos and storytelling weekends, beginning this summer, A resource for heritage educators and local institutions interested in Indian art forms.
The grand opening also served as the kick-off celebration for Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI) Heritage Month, further reinforcing Aurora’s dedication to cultural representation. As the ceremonial ribbon was cut, with a Bollywood-style flair and cheering crowds, the message was loud and clear: Trendia is here to stay, to serve, and to share. Mayor Irvin, inspired by the experience, declared: “I’ll be back for my Diwali outfit. And I urge every Auroran, Indian or not, to come and witness what cultural pride looks like.”

“Trendia’s Experience Centre is a living bridge between India and America. It doesn’t just preserve art, it dignifies artisanship, empowers creators, and educates the next generation. It is a temple of culture wrapped in fabric, wood, brass, and soul.” said by Suresh Bodiwala, Chairman and Founder of Asian Media USA.

Upon entering the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), visitors are immediately greeted by a towering 36-foot-tall, 82-ton granite statue of Ramesses II, one of Egypt’s most renowned pharaohs who reigned over 3,300 years ago. Since 2006, Ramesses II has been a sentinel at the site, being one of the first artifacts installed during the early stages of construction. However, only recently have travelers been able to view him along with the more than 100,000 ancient artifacts contained within this expansive new museum that captures 5,000 years of Egyptian civilization.

The GEM spans over 5 million square feet and is hailed as the largest archaeological museum in the world dedicated to a single civilization. Visitors have been getting an early look at 12 selected exhibits during the museum’s soft opening phase, which precedes the official grand opening scheduled for July 3, 2025. According to the museum’s official website and ticketing portal, this preliminary phase has been designed “to test the site’s readiness and visitor experience prior to the official opening.”

As per the museum’s advisory, “During this phase, you will be able to visit the main exhibition halls, the Grand Atrium, the Grand Staircase, the commercial area, and the outdoor gardens. The King Tutankhamun Halls will remain closed until the official opening.” For now, the museum welcomes guests daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., although it will temporarily close on June 15 to finalize preparations for the grand opening.

The journey to this point has been long and tumultuous. Construction began 20 years ago but was significantly delayed by political unrest, financial challenges, the global pandemic, and regional conflicts. Despite these setbacks, the museum is finally nearing completion.

The GEM’s facade is an impressive display of alabaster and glass, adorned with hundreds of cartouches—ovals encircling hieroglyphs that contain the names of ancient Egyptian kings and queens. However, the new museum is not intended to replace the historic Egyptian Museum in downtown Cairo, which opened in 1902 and is housed in a two-story building. Rather, it serves to accommodate Egypt’s vast collection of archaeological artifacts, providing a more spacious and organized setting.

“Over the years, artifacts started piling up in the basement, in the attic, in storage rooms, and it became too much,” explained Marwa Abbas, an Egyptologist who collaborates with AmaWaterways, a cruise company that offers Nile River sailings with pre-departure tours in Cairo. She further stated, “It was decided that a new museum would open to house new excavations and allow curators to better organize findings by theme, creating better understanding.”

In the upcoming weeks, over 5,000 items from the tomb of the famous boy king Tutankhamun will be relocated from the Egyptian Museum to two massive exhibition halls within the GEM. Among these treasures are King Tut’s ornate throne, intricate royal jewelry, two golden sarcophagi, and his iconic funerary mask, crafted from nearly 25 pounds of solid gold and regarded as one of the most significant artifacts of Egyptian art. Many items from this collection have never before been on public display. Although Tutankhamun’s reign was brief, his tomb’s remarkable preservation provided unparalleled insight into ancient Egyptian life and customs when British archaeologist Howard Carter unearthed it in 1922.

In addition to Tutankhamun’s treasures, the museum will also unveil a separate annex displaying two royal boats that were discovered near the Great Pyramid in 1954. These boats will be available for viewing after the museum’s official opening.

From the Grand Atrium, where the statue of Ramesses II stands, visitors can ascend a magnificent staircase lined with statues of Egypt’s legendary pharaohs. At the landing, guests are treated to a stunning, unobstructed view of the Pyramids of Giza, located just over a mile away. Future plans include creating a pedestrian walkway that connects the museum directly to the ancient pyramids.

The museum’s galleries are designed around three central themes: society, kingship, and beliefs. These themes are further categorized into four historical periods—the Old Kingdom, Middle Kingdom, New Kingdom, and the Greco-Roman period—allowing visitors the option to explore the exhibits thematically or chronologically. The collection includes a diverse range of artifacts such as ancient manuscripts on papyrus, mythological stories etched into stone, ceremonial tools and jewelry, a 3,100-year-old wig made from real human hair, a replica of the Rosetta Stone, royal mummies including a mummified crocodile, and numerous other remarkable objects. Every artifact or set of artifacts is accompanied by clear and informative placards written in Arabic, English, and Braille, ensuring accessibility to a wide range of visitors.

Architectural elements reflecting the pyramid motif are incorporated throughout the museum, from the angular design of the window panes to the stone patterns in the outdoor water features positioned between the security checkpoints and the main building. Besides the exhibition spaces, the museum also features a food hall and several gift shops offering a wide selection of souvenirs.

Admission tickets can be purchased either online or at the museum’s on-site ticket booth, where only credit cards are accepted. The cost for adult admission is 1,200 Egyptian pounds, approximately $24 according to current exchange rates. Children and students aged 4 to 21 are eligible for half-price tickets, and admission is free for children under 4 years old. Visitors also have the option to book a 90-minute guided tour in either English or Arabic for 1,700 Egyptian pounds, about $34.

The Grand Egyptian Museum represents an unprecedented effort to preserve, showcase, and celebrate Egypt’s unparalleled historical legacy. After years of anticipation and obstacles, its imminent grand opening promises to usher in a new era of cultural and historical appreciation for both Egyptians and visitors from around the world.

– A Tribute by Uttara Asha Coorlawala

In 1984, in Bombay at the East-West Dance Encounter, was when I first saw some kathak that had an exciting contemporary flair, simpler yet figure flattering costumes, dancers flowing in and out of spatial group patterns (as opposed to solos) and flashing through rhythmic designs. I was floored. Until then Kathak had always seemed like a heritage dance form, old precious, subtle complex. And the choreographer of this iconic dynamic new kathak was none other than Kumudini Lakhia from Ahmedabad. Her methods were quickly appropriated by so many kathak dancers that what once was perceived as daring and avante garde soon became mainstream!

The next day at the seminar following the performance described above, Kumudiniben spoke to the small tightly curated gathering of dancer-choreographers.   Referring to the content of most kathak abhinaya of her time, that consisted of dances of the gopis pining for or playing with Krishna, –  Kummudiniben said simply and with conviction – “I want a divorce from Krishna” A dead silence followed her announcement. Then all  participants stood up and cheered. At last the subject of dance could be normal middleclass women with their realistic concerns!

In the years that followed that pivotal moment, I had many opportunities to be swept away by her choreographic brilliance, her ready witty, cheeky but observant responses and her compassionate relationship with younger dancers. She graciously agreed to appear on our Erasing Borders on the September 22^nd, 2021 virtual Dance Festival. Accolades and memorial recollections have been pouring in, an icon for so many.  Dearest Kummiben, you worked hard and gave generously to generations following you.  RIP

On April 11, 2025, the Indian Consulate in New York commemorated the festival of Baisakhi with an event that brought together community leaders, elected officials, and members of the Indian diaspora. The celebration, co-hosted by the news outlet Indian Panorama, was described by the Consulate as “a joyous celebration honoring the spirit of Baisakhi and Punjab’s rich cultural heritage.”

Baisakhi, an important festival in the Sikh and Punjabi calendar, marks the beginning of the harvest season in Punjab and also commemorates the founding of the Khalsa by Guru Gobind Singh in 1699. The New York event was a cultural tribute to these twin significances, reflecting both spiritual depth and vibrant tradition.

The Indian Consulate shared a detailed account of the evening on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. In its post, the Consulate described how the program commenced with a “soulful” Shabad, a devotional hymn rooted in Sikh spiritual tradition. The evening concluded with a “lively” Bhangra performance, capturing the infectious energy and joy associated with Punjabi folk dance.

The event saw the participation of notable figures from both the community and local government. Among the attendees were New York State Assemblyman Ed Braunstein and North Hempstead Town Clerk Ragini Srivastava, who joined community leaders in celebrating the occasion.

During the event, the Consul General of India in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, spoke about the values embodied by the Sikh faith and the legacy of its spiritual leaders. He emphasized the enduring relevance of the teachings of the Sikh gurus, particularly their messages of compassion, harmony, selfless service, and equality. As noted in the Consulate’s X post, CG Pradhan also acknowledged the significant contributions of the Punjabi community to the larger process of India’s nation-building.

“The teachings of Sikh gurus—centered on compassion, harmony, service, and equality—are timeless,” Pradhan stated. He further expressed pride in the Punjabi community’s enduring role in shaping India’s development and identity. “The Punjabi community has contributed immensely to India’s nation-building,” the X post quoted him as saying.

In addition to the official remarks, the event featured reflections from prominent members of the diaspora. Gurcharanjit Singh Lamba, a respected scholar and author, spoke about the historic founding of the Khalsa. He offered insights into the transformative significance of this moment in Sikh history and its continued resonance today. Lamba’s reflections reminded the audience of the deep philosophical and spiritual dimensions of Baisakhi, beyond its festive aspects.

Adding a personal and emotional dimension to the evening, attorney Ravi Batra shared his experience visiting Sri Harmandir Sahib, commonly known as the Golden Temple. His account touched many in the audience, highlighting the profound impact of the holy site on those who visit it. Batra’s words served as a bridge between the spiritual roots of the celebration and the present-day experiences of the Indian diaspora.

The event successfully blended cultural expression, spiritual reflection, and community recognition. The Consulate’s efforts, supported by Indian Panorama, created a space where traditions could be honored and community ties strengthened. Through music, dance, and thoughtful speeches, the celebration conveyed the enduring relevance of Baisakhi in contemporary times.

With the combination of devotional Shabad singing and high-energy Bhangra, the evening moved from introspective spirituality to collective celebration. This balance reflected the essence of Baisakhi—a festival that celebrates both divine inspiration and earthly joy.

Elected officials who participated in the event also acknowledged the importance of such cultural gatherings in fostering inclusivity and community understanding. Their presence highlighted the value of the Indian-American community’s cultural contributions in the broader social fabric of New York.

The Consulate’s post also reaffirmed its commitment to celebrating India’s diverse cultural traditions. By spotlighting Punjab’s rich heritage through the Baisakhi celebration, the Indian Consulate in New York once again emphasized its role as not just a diplomatic entity but also a cultural ambassador.

The inclusion of voices like that of Gurcharanjit Singh Lamba and Ravi Batra further enriched the evening’s significance. Lamba’s scholarly interpretation of the Khalsa’s founding encouraged a deeper engagement with Sikh history, while Batra’s heartfelt narrative connected attendees with the spiritual core of the celebration. Their contributions helped ground the event in both history and lived experience.

The celebration of Baisakhi in New York stands as a testament to the vibrancy and resilience of Indian traditions abroad. Events like these allow communities to stay connected to their roots, share their stories with the wider public, and foster a sense of belonging. As the Consulate noted, the festival was not just about celebration—it was about honoring heritage, remembering history, and embracing unity.

The phrase used by the Consulate to sum up the event—“a joyous celebration honoring the spirit of Baisakhi and Punjab’s rich cultural heritage”—perfectly captured the evening’s tone. From the solemn opening Shabad to the exuberant finale of Bhangra, each element reflected the festival’s diverse expressions.

The Consulate’s use of the word “soulful” for the Shabad and “lively” for the Bhangra in its X post highlighted the deliberate contrast between the spiritual and festive aspects of the evening. This juxtaposition is central to understanding Baisakhi itself—a day that is both a religious milestone and a cultural festivity.

CG Binaya Srikanta Pradhan’s remarks served as a reminder of the ethical teachings that underpin Sikh philosophy. His emphasis on compassion, harmony, service, and equality resonates beyond religious lines, offering values that are universally relevant.

Assemblyman Ed Braunstein and Clerk Ragini Srivastava’s participation underlined the acceptance and celebration of multiculturalism in American civic life. Their attendance showed that cultural events organized by diaspora communities not only preserve heritage but also contribute to intercultural dialogue.

Ultimately, the 2025 Baisakhi celebration hosted by the Indian Consulate in New York, with the support of Indian Panorama, was more than a festive gathering—it was a reaffirmation of identity, history, and community. By honoring the past and celebrating the present, the event exemplified how tradition and modernity can coexist harmoniously.

In a world often marked by division, such cultural gatherings remind people of the power of unity and the shared joy of celebrating heritage. Through thoughtful speeches, vibrant performances, and meaningful reflection, the Baisakhi event in New York brought together the diaspora in a spirit of pride, reverence, and festivity.

Dr. BK Kishore, a renowned medical expert, researcher, and Global Unity Ambassador representing the Indian community, has reached a significant milestone by co-authoring a book with Kevin Harrington, one of the original investors from the popular television show Shark Tank. This project brings together 16 prominent thought leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs, each of whom has contributed a chapter rooted in their individual expertise and passion.

In his chapter titled “The Path to Cures is a Long One,” Dr. Kishore delves into the often difficult and complex road that underlies medical breakthroughs and discoveries. He offers a thoughtful exploration of the scientific discipline, persistence, and dedication that are essential to transform medical ideas into real-world treatments. With his deep-rooted knowledge and experience in the medical field, Dr. Kishore’s writing is aimed at both informing and inspiring professionals working in medical research, healthcare, and innovation.

Dr. Kishore’s inclusion in this book is not only a recognition of his professional achievements but also a testament to his continued commitment to education and global collaboration. His work sheds light on the inner workings of medical advancement and emphasizes the critical role of perseverance in the face of scientific challenges. As a distinguished figure in medical research, Dr. Kishore uses his platform in the book to underline how essential long-term vision and tenacity are in the pursuit of life-saving treatments.

Kevin Harrington, who gained global recognition through his role as an original investor on Shark Tank, has built a reputation for identifying innovative ideas and nurturing entrepreneurial ventures. Through his initiative of co-authoring books with other industry leaders, he has established a platform where professionals from various fields can share their knowledge, tell their stories, and inspire emerging entrepreneurs and change-makers. These books act as a vital link connecting the business world with thought leadership, offering valuable insight and motivation to the next generation of visionaries.

Dr. Kishore shared his reflections on being invited to join the collaborative book project. He expressed his appreciation for the opportunity and for being able to work with an esteemed group of contributors. “It is truly an honor to collaborate with Kevin Harrington and a group of exceptional co-authors. The experience has been both inspiring and enriching. Kevin’s vision of promoting innovative ideas and fostering entrepreneurial spirit is something I deeply admire. I feel fortunate to have been invited to contribute to this book,” Dr. Kishore said.

This opportunity also provided Dr. Kishore with a platform to further his mission of spreading knowledge and encouraging international collaboration, especially highlighting the role of Indian professionals in shaping global innovation. His position as Global Unity Ambassador plays a crucial part in this effort. As part of this role, he actively works to bridge communities, promote educational efforts, and foster growth through shared understanding and cooperation.

The book project serves as a collective voice for accomplished leaders in their respective domains, with each author contributing insights rooted in experience and a drive to positively impact the world. Dr. Kishore’s chapter contributes to this vision by focusing on the importance of resilience in the medical research process. He emphasizes that while the road to finding cures can be long and difficult, it is one paved with discovery, hope, and the potential to change lives.

Dr. Kishore’s involvement also highlights the growing recognition of Indian professionals and their influence on the international stage. His perspective brings added depth to the book by emphasizing the global nature of scientific collaboration and the universal challenges shared by those working to improve human health.

The collaboration between Dr. Kishore and Kevin Harrington exemplifies the value of cross-disciplinary partnerships in today’s fast-evolving world. Harrington’s entrepreneurial insights and Kishore’s medical expertise blend well in this collection of ideas designed to push boundaries and spark innovation. Each chapter is a standalone contribution, yet all of them collectively aim to inspire and educate readers in multiple fields, from healthcare to business.

For Dr. Kishore, this book is another significant achievement in a career already marked by dedication to medical science and community service. The recognition associated with this collaboration not only elevates his personal accomplishments but also shines a spotlight on the importance of inclusive leadership and shared knowledge across professions and borders.

This milestone also aligns with Dr. Kishore’s broader goal of emphasizing the value of community-oriented thinking, where knowledge and resources are not confined to one industry or geography but are instead shared across cultural and professional boundaries. His work continues to reinforce the message that collective progress requires input from a variety of perspectives, including those rooted in science, entrepreneurship, and global unity.

The book is expected to inspire readers from various industries, including entrepreneurs, healthcare professionals, business executives, and aspiring innovators. By combining insights from experts in a wide range of fields, the book serves as a guide for those looking to make meaningful contributions in their professions while also navigating the challenges that come with innovation.

Dr. Kishore’s message is clear: while innovation may be difficult and the journey to effective solutions long and demanding, the process itself holds immense value. His story serves as a reminder that breakthroughs are born not only from intellect and skill but also from persistence, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the power of ideas to improve lives.

Ultimately, this co-authored book stands as a testament to the power of partnerships across domains. It shows what can be achieved when individuals from different walks of life come together with a shared purpose — to inspire, educate, and drive forward the spirit of innovation. With his contribution, Dr. Kishore continues to pave the way for others, reinforcing the importance of unity, knowledge-sharing, and resilience in achieving progress.

“It is truly an honor to collaborate with Kevin Harrington and a group of exceptional co-authors. The experience has been both inspiring and enriching. Kevin’s vision of promoting innovative ideas and fostering entrepreneurial spirit is something I deeply admire. I feel fortunate to have been invited to contribute to this book,” Dr. Kishore reiterated.

Dr. BK Kishore’s role in this collaborative book effort reflects not only his individual success but also his unwavering commitment to advancing medicine, fostering unity, and promoting the exchange of knowledge across communities. His journey, now shared in print alongside other influential voices, is a powerful example of how passion and perseverance can lead to real-world impact.

A forgotten masterpiece by legendary Indian artist MF Husain has set a new benchmark in Indian art history. Untitled (Gram Yatra), a massive 14-foot-wide oil-on-canvas mural, was rediscovered after decades and sold for an astounding $13.8 million (£10.6 million) at a Christie’s auction in New York last week. This shattered the previous record for Indian art, surpassing the $7.4 million (£5.7 million) fetched by Amrita Sher-Gil’s The Story Teller in 2023.

A Forgotten Gem Resurfaces

For nearly 50 years, this record-breaking painting quietly hung on the walls of a Norwegian hospital, unnoticed and undervalued. Originally painted in 1954—long before Husain became an icon—it is now recognized as a defining work of modern South Asian art. The mural, later named Gram Yatra (meaning “village journey”), comprises 13 vivid vignettes depicting rural Indian life, blending Indian folk traditions with modernist influences.

Husain’s use of vibrant, earthy tones brings these snapshots to life, portraying women engaged in daily activities such as cooking, caring for children, and riding a cart. A particularly striking frame features a farmer extending his arm, seemingly connecting to the land in the adjacent panel—a nod to India’s agrarian roots.

A Masterpiece Influenced by Travels

“If you’re looking for a single artwork that defines modern South Asian art, this is it,” said Nishad Avari, head of South Asian Modern and Contemporary Art at Christie’s. He noted that Husain’s brushwork in Gram Yatra reflected influences from his 1952 trip to China, where he encountered the expressive calligraphy of Xu Beihong.

In the years following India’s independence, Husain sought artistic inspiration not in Western metropolises like Paris or New York, but in India’s villages—echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s vision that the nation’s soul resided in its rural heartland. His biographer, Akhilesh, noted that Husain’s deep engagement with India’s cultural fabric helped shape the country’s self-perception.

A Journey from Delhi to Oslo and Back to the Art World

The painting’s fascinating journey adds to its mystique. In 1954, Ukrainian doctor Leon Elias Volodarsky, who was in India on a World Health Organization (WHO) mission, purchased it for just $295. He later took it to Norway, where it remained at Oslo University Hospital for decades.

It wasn’t until 2013—two years after Husain’s death—that Christie’s was alerted to its existence, eventually leading to global exhibitions and its record-breaking sale.

Impact on Indian Art Market

Ashish Anand, CEO of DAG (formerly Delhi Art Gallery), believes this milestone will elevate the value of Husain’s entire body of work and reinforce Indian art’s status as both an aesthetic treasure and a serious financial asset.

Husain, a pioneer of Indian modernism, remains one of the country’s most celebrated artists despite the controversies that led him to leave India in 2006. His legacy continues to shape contemporary Indian art, and with this latest auction, his influence is now more globally recognized than ever before.

The Telugu Association of Greater Boston (TAGB), a leading non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting Telugu culture in the Greater Boston and New England region, will host its Annual Ugadi Celebration on Sunday, April 13, 2025, at the historic Mechanics Hall in Worcester, MA.

Ugadi, marking the Telugu New Year, is a festival of new beginnings, prosperity, and cultural heritage for Telugu-speaking communities worldwide.

TAGB President Srinivas Gondi expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming celebration, stating, “Ugadi is a time of joy, reflection, and togetherness. We look forward to welcoming the community to celebrate this vibrant festival with traditional music, dance, and festivities that highlight our rich heritage.”

The event will feature an array of cultural performances, including classical and folk dances, live music concerts, and activities for all age groups. Attendees will also enjoy authentic Telugu cuisine, adding to the festive atmosphere.

Mechanics Hall, renowned for its historic charm and grandeur, provides a fitting venue for this community gathering. TAGB, which has been serving the Indian community in New England for over 41 years, remains committed to preserving Telugu traditions and fostering cultural unity.

“This event is more than just a celebration—it is an opportunity to bring together families, friends, and generations to cherish our traditions and strengthen our community bonds,” added Mr. Gondi.

TAGB extends an open invitation to Telugu and Indian community members to join this festive occasion and experience the essence of Ugadi with joy and camaraderie.

For event details, tickets, and sponsorship opportunities, visit TAGB’s official website or contact the event organizers.

The highest price ever paid for a work of Modern Indian Art was set at Christie’s auction in Rockefeller Center on March 19, as Maqbool Fida Husain’s Untitled (Gram Yatra) sold for $13.75 million to an unnamed institution.

Historic Sale for South Asian Art

The total sales for South Asian modern and contemporary art at the auction reached nearly $25 million, according to Christie’s press release.

“It was a dramatic moment that capped off a day of strong results,” the famous auction house stated.

The final sale total was $24,864,316, with:

• 95% of lots sold
• 321% hammer and premium against the low estimate

Breaking Previous Records

Husain’s Untitled (Gram Yatra) shattered multiple records, including:

• Doubling the previous record for any Modern Indian painting—Amrita Sher-Gil’s The Story Teller (1937), which sold for approximately $7.4 million in Mumbai (September 2023).
• Surpassing the previous Husain record—his painting Untitled (Reincarnation), which fetched $3.1 million in London last year.

“We are thrilled to have been a part of setting a new benchmark value for the work of Maqbool Fida Husain and the entire category,” said Nishat Avari, head of Christie’s South Asian Modern + Contemporary Art.

“This is a landmark moment and continues the extraordinary upward trajectory of the Modern and Contemporary South Asian Art market.”

The ‘Volodarsky Husain’ – A Hidden Treasure

Christie’s described the sale as the latest chapter in the incredible story of the ‘Volodarsky Husain’, a work that had been hidden away for decades in Norway before resurfacing at the auction.

Multiple Artist Records Set

The auction also saw record-breaking sales for several modern and contemporary South Asian artists, including:

• Sayed Haider Raza(work on paper)
• Gulam Rasool Santosh
• Sudhir Patwardhan
• Jeram Patel(work on paper)
• Ivan Peries
• Senaka Senanayake
• Prabha(work on paper)

The strong bidding activity underscored the growing global demand for South Asian modern and contemporary art, further solidifying its place in the international art market.

In an era where children are constantly immersed in digital worlds and Minecraft dominates online gaming, the Vatican is making a strategic move to connect with the younger audience—through video games.

Vatican officials have unveiled Peter is Here, a Minecraft-based game that allows players to explore the architectural splendor of St. Peter’s Basilica while learning about its rich history and artistic masterpieces.

Developed in collaboration with Microsoft’s Minecraft Education program, the game is part of the Vatican’s jubilee year initiative, aimed at familiarizing younger generations with the cultural and spiritual treasures housed within the Basilica.

“All within the video game, it is a 3D representation—a complete digital reconstruction of St. Peter’s Basilica,” explained Allison Matthews, head of Minecraft Education, during a press conference on Tuesday, March 18. “You have a character in the game, and you can walk through the hallways, explore the entire building, interact with the art pieces, the statues, and the mosaics, and learn about their history.”

Assurances on Pope Francis’ Health

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti took the opportunity to reassure the public that the project had been in progress long before Pope Francis was hospitalized with pneumonia.

“If Pope Francis were here, I imagine he would say, ‘You did well to think of this,’” Gambetti stated. “Even the way he lives and testifies to his faith right now reflects that our perspective is eternal. Through fun, in a certain sense, we are transported to another dimension.”

With a hopeful smile, he added, “He’s getting better. We pray a lot and wait for him to return. That is what we want.”

Minecraft as an Educational Tool

This is not the first time Minecraft has been leveraged for educational purposes.

Last year, the initiative UNITED24 recreated Ukraine’s Soledar salt mines within the game. The project aimed to raise awareness of the ongoing conflict while securing funds for the reconstruction of the Velyka Kostromka school, which had been devastated by Russian attacks.

Similarly, the popular battle royale game Fortnite has been used for historical education. Game designer Luc Bernard developed the platform’s first-ever educational Holocaust museum, offering players an interactive experience of key historical events.

The virtual museum includes narratives of figures such as Abdol Hossein Sardari, the Iranian diplomat who issued thousands of passports to Jews fleeing Nazi-occupied France. It also highlights the stories of LGBTQ+ Jews and the Black Panther tank battalion, which played a crucial role in liberating Jewish prisoners.

Gaming as a Gateway to Cultural Heritage

The Vatican’s embrace of video games as an educational tool reflects a broader trend of using digital platforms to engage younger audiences. By integrating history, art, and faith into an interactive experience, Peter is Here offers a novel way for players to connect with the Vatican’s cultural legacy.

As gaming continues to evolve beyond entertainment, projects like this demonstrate the potential of virtual worlds in education and historical preservation.

Being fluent in more than one language carries a unique charm—it’s more than just ordering a croissant in Paris or bargaining at a Moroccan bazaar. Multilingualism profoundly shapes how we think, perceive, and interact with the world.

Psychology suggests that multilingual individuals exhibit distinctive traits that go beyond cognitive benefits. In this article, we explore seven key characteristics that set multilingual thinkers apart.

1) Enhanced Cognitive Flexibility

Ever met someone who seamlessly switches between tasks without hesitation? Chances are, they might be multilingual.

Speaking multiple languages enhances cognitive flexibility—the ability to transition between different ideas and process multiple concepts simultaneously. This mental agility stems from the constant practice of switching between languages, strengthening the brain’s adaptability.

As psychologist Jean Piaget put it:

“The goal of education is not to increase the amount of knowledge but to create the possibilities for a child to invent and discover.”

Multilingual individuals embody this principle, demonstrating enhanced adaptability in complex situations.

2) Increased Cultural Sensitivity

Multilingualism isn’t just about language—it’s about culture. Learning a new language often brings an insider’s perspective on different traditions, customs, and ways of thinking.

Howard Gardner, the psychologist behind the theory of multiple intelligences, highlighted interpersonal intelligence—the ability to understand and relate to others. Multilingual individuals often develop this intelligence as they engage with diverse cultures.

As Gardner noted:

“An individual understands the world through different lenses.”

Speaking multiple languages means acquiring a set of cultural lenses, fostering a broader and more empathetic worldview.

3) Better Decision-Making Skills

Multilingual individuals may have an edge in making rational decisions. Studies suggest that thinking in a second language can reduce emotional bias, leading to more logical and well-reasoned choices.

Daniel Kahneman’s research on cognitive biases and decision-making supports this idea. He proposed two systems of thought:

• System 1 – Fast, intuitive, emotional
• System 2 – Slow, deliberative, logical

Switching between languages encourages engagement with System 2, promoting critical thinking and reducing impulsive judgments. As Kahneman noted:

“A reliable way to make people believe in falsehoods is frequent repetition, because familiarity is not easily distinguished from truth.”

Multilingualism equips individuals with tools to analyze situations from multiple perspectives, fostering better decision-making.

4) Superior Multitasking Abilities

Multilingual individuals excel at multitasking, thanks to their ability to switch between languages effortlessly. This constant mental juggling strengthens the brain’s executive functions, making them more adept at handling multiple tasks simultaneously.

Studies indicate that bilingual individuals outperform monolinguals in task-switching scenarios, as managing multiple languages acts as cognitive training. This ability extends to real-world tasks, from navigating busy schedules to problem-solving under pressure.

5) Enhanced Memory Recall

Speaking multiple languages strengthens memory. The process of learning and recalling vocabulary, grammar rules, and pronunciation provides continuous mental exercise, improving overall memory function.

Psychologist Carl Jung once said:

“All the works of man have their origin in creative fantasy. What right have we then to depreciate imagination?”

This insight applies to memory as well—multilingual individuals often engage their imagination when recalling linguistic structures, strengthening their ability to retain and retrieve information.

6) Increased Tolerance for Ambiguity

Navigating multiple languages means dealing with words that lack direct translations and cultural nuances that defy simple explanations. This experience fosters a greater tolerance for ambiguity, making multilingual individuals more comfortable with uncertainty.

Carl Rogers, a pioneer in humanistic psychology, highlighted the power of embracing uncertainty:

“The curious paradox is that when I accept myself just as I am, then I can change.”

By frequently encountering linguistic and cultural gray areas, multilingual thinkers develop resilience and open-mindedness, essential for adapting to unfamiliar situations.

7) Improved Attention to Detail

Multilingual individuals are naturally attuned to linguistic nuances—accents, intonations, and grammatical structures. This heightened awareness often extends beyond language, sharpening observational skills in other areas of life.

William James, the father of American psychology, noted:

“The art of being wise is the art of knowing what to overlook.”

For multilingual individuals, knowing what details to focus on—and what to ignore—is an essential skill, enhancing their ability to process and interpret information efficiently.

Final Thoughts

Language is more than a communication tool—it shapes cognition, perception, and behavior. The unique traits of multilingual individuals, from cognitive flexibility to cultural awareness, highlight the profound impact of language on human thought.

Every time you switch between languages, you’re not just translating words—you’re rewiring your brain, expanding your perspective, and sharpening your mind.

So whether you’re a polyglot or just beginning your language-learning journey, take pride in the cognitive advantages that come with multilingualism. It’s not just about fluency—it’s about cultivating a richer, more interconnected way of thinking.

Attukal Pongala, recognized as the world’s largest congregation of women, is a grand 10-day festival held at the Attukal Bhagavathy Temple in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Dedicated to Attukal Devi, also known as Bhadrakali, the Goddess of salvation and prosperity, the festival draws countless devotees who come to offer prayers and seek divine blessings.

Women from various parts of South India participate in this sacred event, preparing and carrying sweet dishes made with coconut, jaggery, and plantain in earthen pots as offerings to the Goddess. The highlight of the festival is the ninth day, known as Attukal Pongala Mahotsavam, considered the most auspicious day of the celebrations.

This year, the festival began on March 5 and will continue until March 15, with the primary gathering taking place on March 13.

Here are some heartfelt Attukal Pongala wishes to share with loved ones:

“May your prayers be answered and your life be filled with the blessings of Attukal Bhagavathy.”

“May this Attukal Pongala bring peace, prosperity, and happiness to your home and heart.”

“Wishing you a joyful Attukal Pongala filled with blessings, prosperity, and the warmth of community spirit.”

“Wishing you prosperity on this auspicious Attukal Pongala.”

“May your prayers be answered and your day be radiant. Attukal Pongala Greetings.”

“Wishing you a joyous Attukal Pongala filled with devotion, peace, and divine blessings. May Attukal Amma shower her grace upon you, bringing peace, prosperity, and good health. Let the sacred fire ignite positivity and faith in your heart.”

“Wishing everyone the divine blessings of Attukal Pongala! On this sacred day of devotion and togetherness, let’s extend our prayers beyond rituals and into actions.”

“Let the flames of Pongala illuminate your path with hope, faith, and positivity. Have a blessed Attukal Pongala!”

“Sending you heartfelt wishes for a Pongala filled with unity, harmony, and togetherness among family and friends. Happy Attukal Pongala!”

“Let this Attukal Pongala mark the beginning of new aspirations, hopes, and opportunities in your life. I wish you success and prosperity!”

A fish under a roof, a headless stick figure, and a series of lines resembling a garden rake—these are among the many symbols forming an ancient script that has confounded scholars for centuries. Despite the script belonging to an advanced civilization that thrived thousands of years ago, its meaning remains elusive, igniting intense debates, threats against researchers, and even substantial monetary rewards for anyone who can crack the code.

The most recent offer came last month when the chief minister of an Indian state announced a $1 million prize for decoding the script of the Indus Valley civilization. This ancient society, which once spanned present-day Pakistan and northern India, holds critical historical significance.

“A really important question about the pre-history of South Asia could potentially be settled if we are able to completely decipher the script,” said Rajesh P. N. Rao, a computer science professor at the University of Washington who has spent over a decade studying the script.

Deciphering the script could unveil insights into a Bronze Age civilization believed to have been as advanced as ancient Egypt and Mesopotamia. Scholars estimate that this civilization may have housed millions of people and developed impressive urban planning, standardized measurements, and extensive trade networks.

More importantly, understanding the script could help answer deeply contested questions about the ancestry of the Indus Valley people and their modern descendants—an issue intertwined with the politically charged debate over India’s indigenous heritage.

“Whichever group is trying to claim that civilization would get to claim that they were among the first to have urban planning, this amazing trade, and they were navigating seas to do global trade,” Rao explained.

“It has a lot of cachet if you can claim that, ‘Those were our people who were doing that.’”

Why Has the Script Remained Indecipherable?

Although the script remains a mystery despite being documented as early as 1875, archaeological excavations of key Indus Valley sites, such as Mohenjo-daro in Pakistan’s Sindh province, have provided valuable insights into the civilization itself.

The cities were constructed in grid patterns, similar to modern-day New York or Barcelona, and had well-planned drainage and water management systems—features described in one research paper as “unparalleled in history.”

During the second and third millennia BCE, Indus merchants engaged in extensive trade across the Persian Gulf and the Middle East. They transported goods such as copper ingots, pearls, spices, and ivory. The civilization also produced fine gold and silver jewelry and established settlements far beyond its core region.

However, around 1800 BCE—more than a millennium before the rise of ancient Rome—the civilization declined, leading its people to migrate to smaller villages. Some scholars attribute this collapse to climate change, citing evidence of prolonged droughts, shifting temperatures, and unpredictable rainfall that may have crippled agriculture.

Despite these discoveries, our knowledge of the Indus civilization remains limited compared to contemporaneous societies like ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, or the Maya. The primary reason for this gap is the undeciphered script, which appears on artifacts such as pottery and stone seals.

Several factors contribute to the difficulty in decoding the script. First, there are relatively few examples to study—only about 4,000 inscriptions have been found, compared to the estimated five million words of ancient Egyptian text available in various scripts, including hieroglyphics.

Additionally, most Indus inscriptions are quite brief, often appearing on small stone seals measuring just one square inch, with sequences typically containing only four or five symbols.

Crucially, no bilingual artifact has been discovered containing both the Indus script and its translation into another known language. In contrast, the Rosetta Stone was instrumental in deciphering Egyptian hieroglyphics because it included the same text in Greek and Demotic script. Furthermore, unlike Egyptian or Mesopotamian records, there are no known names of Indus rulers that could serve as reference points for translation, as Cleopatra and Ptolemy did for ancient Egyptian.

Nonetheless, experts have reached some general conclusions. Most agree the script was written from right to left and was likely used for both religious and economic purposes, such as marking trade goods. Some symbols even have widely accepted interpretations, such as a headless stick figure representing a person.

However, without a breakthrough akin to the Rosetta Stone, these remain hypotheses. “No unanimity has been reached even on the basic issues,” noted Indus scholars Jagat Pati Joshi and Asko Parpola in a 1987 book cataloging hundreds of seals and inscriptions.

Even decades later, the mystery persists. “Not a single sign is deciphered yet,” said Nisha Yadav, a researcher at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research in Mumbai, who has worked with Rao and studied the script for nearly 20 years.

The Controversy Surrounding the Script’s Origins

For many, solving the Indus script isn’tjust about academic curiosity—it carries significant implications for understanding ancient migration patterns and cultural identity.

There are two primary theories about the script’s linguistic roots. One group argues that the script is linked to Indo-European languages, including ancient Sanskrit, which gave rise to many modern languages spoken across northern India.

Most scholars believe Indo-European languages were introduced to India by Aryan migrants from Central Asia. However, some proponents claim the reverse: that Sanskrit originated within the Indus Valley civilization and later spread toward Europe.

According to Rao, their argument is: “Everything was within India to begin with … Nothing came from outside.”

The second major theory suggests that the Indus script is connected to the Dravidian language family, still spoken primarily in South India. If true, this would indicate that Dravidian languages were dominant in the region before the arrival of Aryan languages in the north.

1. K. Stalin, the chief minister of Tamil Nadu who announced the $1 million reward, subscribes to this belief, which Rao describes as the more “traditional” theory—though both perspectives have reputable scholars supporting them.

Meanwhile, some experts reject the debate altogether, arguing that the distinction between Aryan and Dravidian identities is not as clear-cut as many assume.

“There are no Dravidian people or Aryan people—just like both Pakistanis and Indians are racially very similar,” said Indus scholar Iravatham Mahadevan in a 1998 interview.

“We are both the product of a very long period of intermarriage, there have been migrations … You cannot now racially segregate any element of the Indian population.”

Despite these discussions, the issue remains sensitive. In a 2011 TED Talk, Rao mentioned receiving hate mail after publishing his findings. Other researchers, including Steve Farmer, have even received death threats. Farmer and his colleagues sparked controversy in 2004 by arguing that the Indus script was not a written language at all but merely a set of symbolic markings, similar to modern traffic signs.

Efforts to Crack the Code

Despite the tensions surrounding the script’s meaning, many scholars and enthusiasts remain captivated by the challenge.

Some, like Parpola—one of the leading experts in the field—have attempted to decipher the meanings of individual signs. He suggests that, in many Dravidian languages, the words for “fish” and “star” are homophones. Since stars often symbolized deities in other ancient scripts, he theorizes that Indus symbols resembling fish may represent gods.

Others, such as Rao and Yadav, focus on identifying patterns within the script. Using computer models, they analyze sequences of signs, removing certain symbols and seeing if the computer can predict the missing ones.

This approach helps researchers understand grammatical structures—much like how the letter “Q” in English is almost always followed by “U.” It also aids in reconstructing inscriptions with missing or damaged sections.

Interestingly, seals found in West Asia contain Indus symbols but follow different patterns, suggesting the script may have adapted to multiple languages, much like the Latin alphabet.

Meanwhile, the $1 million prize has reignited public interest. Rao noted, “I used to get about one or two emails a week. But now, after the prize was sent out, I pretty much get emails every day,” with messages coming from people worldwide, even families working on the puzzle together.

Ultimately, decoding the script may require global collaboration, substantial funding, and diplomatic efforts to access disputed archaeological sites.

Yet, for Yadav, the pursuit itself is rewarding. “If we decipher the script, it will open a window into the lives and ideology of Indus people,” she said.

“These details are just hiding from us today … That keeps me glued to the problem rather than anything else.”

The United Kingdom’s Royal Navy has broadened its mess dress code policy to incorporate the sari as part of its efforts to embrace diverse cultural identities for formal and ceremonial occasions.

This decision aligns with a broader initiative to represent the cultural heritage of Royal Navy personnel. Lance Corporal Jack Kanani, who serves as the chair of the Royal Navy’s Race Diversity Network (RNRDN), recently confirmed the update, which falls under the force’s “Cultural Equivalent” initiative.

“As Chair of the Royal Navy Race Diversity Network (RNRDN), it gives me great pleasure to announce that the existing Royal Navy (RN) cultural mess dress policy has just been updated to include wider forms of British cultural identity,” Kanani stated.

The Royal Navy already permits traditional attire representing Scottish, Irish, Welsh, Cornish, and Manx heritage, such as kilts and tartan dresses, for formal naval mess functions. The latest update expands on this by allowing personnel to honor their cultural roots while adhering to mess dress requirements.

Kanani highlighted that the Cultural Equivalent initiative began more than two years ago. The Race Diversity Network sought input from ethnic minority personnel within the Royal Navy to gauge how an expanded dress policy might enable them to celebrate both their military and cultural identities.

“The RNRDN’s initiative, coined the Cultural Equivalent, initially began over two years ago. The Network canvassed opinions from ethnic minority service personnel to understand how widening existing policy on cultural mess dress would make them feel able to celebrate both their RN and cultural heritage,” he explained.

He further elaborated that the newly revised guidelines now acknowledge other cultural groups that serve within the Royal Navy.

“The update in policy now widens that to be inclusive of other British cultures that serve within the RN,” he added.

A post shared on social media illustrated this change through an honorary female captain dressed in a white sari, paired with a white shirt, bow tie, and mess jacket.

Naval mess dress regulations mandate strict uniform standards above the waist, requiring officers to wear their uniform jackets with trousers, a tartan kilt, or a skirt. With the updated policy, the Royal Navy hopes its officers will be able to display their heritage by incorporating elements such as a sari or African attire, while still complying with mess dress guidelines by pairing these outfits with the required jacket, shirt, and bow tie.

Despite the intended inclusivity of the move, some critics have voiced concerns. One former high-ranking naval officer argued that the change undermines the purpose of military uniformity.

“The reason for uniform in a disciplined fighting service is to achieve a common identity, not to accentuate the differences… Rather than running a fashion parade, what this team should have been doing is to help recruit sailors from diverse cultural backgrounds,” remarked Retired Rear Admiral Philip Mathias, responding to Kanani’s social media announcement.

However, the Royal Navy’s Race Diversity Network defended the policy revision, asserting that it accurately represents the diversity within its ranks.

Additionally, the Network clarified that the image shared on social media, depicting the honorary captain in a sari, was from an earlier research phase of the Cultural Equivalent initiative. It emphasized that the image does not necessarily reflect how different cultural garments will be worn under the updated mess dress regulations.

The Indus Valley Civilization, one of the oldest known civilizations, flourished several millennia ago in regions corresponding to modern-day Pakistan and western India. At its peak, it was home to over five million people and was renowned for its sophisticated urban infrastructure. However, the script used by this civilization remains an unsolved mystery, leaving the language and identity of its people unknown.

The reason behind the civilization’s disappearance around 1900 BCE is still debated. In an effort to decipher the enigmatic script, the Tamil Nadu government in southern India has announced a reward of $1 million for anyone who can successfully decode it. “Whoever solves the Indian enigma will become a millionaire,” the official statement declared.

Indus Valley inscriptions consist of symbols and signs that were primarily etched onto pottery and stones. The inscriptions are brief and follow distinct patterns, leading scholars to question whether they constitute a complete language. Researchers have identified around 400 unique symbols, and with the lucrative prize at stake, interest in solving the mystery has surged.

Rare Roman-Era Coins Discovered

While the challenge to decipher the Indus script gains momentum, a remarkable archaeological discovery has emerged from a small town in the Netherlands. More than 400 gold and silver coins from the Roman era, dating back to the first century CE, have been unearthed.

The treasure includes coins bearing images of prominent rulers from Rome, Britain, and Africa, such as Claudius and Julius Caesar. Among the hoard, 116 coins are made of gold and are believed to have been buried around 47 CE. Experts suggest they may have been hidden by a Roman soldier returning from Britain, possibly with war loot.

This finding is particularly significant as it represents the largest Roman-era treasure ever discovered in the Utrecht province. Additionally, it is the first recorded instance in Europe of a collection containing both Roman and British coins.

Following meticulous cleaning and restoration, the coins have been incorporated into the national archaeological collection. Researchers will continue studying them to gain further insights into the historical connections between the regions they originated from.

Veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah shared candid thoughts about the state of Bollywood during his appearance at the Kerala Literature Festival 2025. His reflections painted a rather critical picture of the industry’s role in representing contemporary Indian society. Expressing concern about the lasting impact of Bollywood films, Shah remarked, “It would be a big tragedy if 100 years later, people look at Bollywood films to understand India of 2025.”

Shah’s critique centered on the idea that cinema should serve as a meaningful record of its time. He argued that while films can raise questions, they often fall short of creating genuine shifts in societal thinking. “I don’t think anybody’s thinking is changed after seeing a film, no matter how wonderful it may be. Yes, it may help you raise a few questions, but the most important function of cinema is to act as a record of its times,” he said.

Delving deeper into the content produced by the film industry, Shah criticized how certain films reinforce outdated and harmful gender stereotypes. According to him, many movies cater to male fantasies, often reflecting and perpetuating regressive attitudes toward women. He did not mince words, stating, “These films feed into the secret fantasies of men who, in their hearts, look down on women.” He added that this dynamic is troubling and sheds light on the persistent issues of gender-based violence and discrimination in society. “It is very terrifying and does explain the horrendous things that happen to women in our society,” Shah observed.

Reflecting on the concept of originality in filmmaking, Shah shared an interesting anecdote from a conversation he had with renowned screenwriter Javed Akhtar. The discussion revolved around Akhtar’s 1975 classic Sholay, a film widely regarded as one of the most iconic and influential works in Indian cinema history. Shah recounted challenging Akhtar’s view of originality, pointing out the visible influences from Western cinema in Sholay. “I remember Javed Akhtar had once said to me, ‘Something can be called original when you can’t find its source.’ I was talking to him about Sholay, and I said, ‘You have copied every scene, you didn’t leave any of Charlie Chaplin’s films, besides Clint Eastwood is felt in every frame,’” Shah recalled.

Despite his blunt critique, Shah acknowledged that defining originality in art and cinema is complex. Akhtar’s response highlighted that originality doesn’t solely depend on whether an idea is entirely new but rather on how it is executed and transformed. “But he said, ‘The question is not about where you have lifted a reference from, it’s about how far you have taken it,’” Shah noted. This perspective underscores the idea that creative works often draw from existing influences, but their uniqueness lies in the way these inspirations are reimagined.

Shah further elaborated on this point by drawing parallels with literary greats like William Shakespeare. Widely celebrated as one of the most original playwrights in history, Shakespeare himself adapted stories from older works. “William Shakespeare, who is considered a great playwright, apparently was also copying stuff from old plays. But originality was there in the way they presented,” Shah said, emphasizing that the essence of originality lies in the presentation rather than the source material.

His remarks at the festival were a mix of sharp critique and thoughtful reflection, challenging the audience to reconsider the role of cinema in shaping and reflecting society. Shah’s comments are particularly relevant in an era where Bollywood continues to grapple with balancing commercial success and meaningful storytelling. His concerns highlight the need for introspection within the industry about the messages films convey and the values they promote.

While Bollywood has produced films that challenge societal norms and provoke thought, Shah’s critique suggests that these are exceptions rather than the rule. He seemed to imply that mainstream cinema often prioritizes entertainment and profit over artistic integrity and social responsibility. His observation that films “feed into the secret fantasies of men who, in their hearts, look down on women” points to a broader issue of gender representation in Indian cinema. Many mainstream films continue to depict women in stereotypical roles, reinforcing traditional power dynamics rather than challenging them.

Shah’s reflections also resonate with ongoing conversations about the influence of popular culture on societal attitudes. While he acknowledged that films might not drastically change people’s thinking, he implied that they still play a significant role in normalizing certain behaviors and beliefs. The connection he drew between cinematic content and real-world violence against women suggests that the portrayal of gender roles in films can have far-reaching consequences beyond the screen.

In discussing Sholay and its influences, Shah raised important questions about the nature of creativity and the fine line between inspiration and imitation. His anecdote with Javed Akhtar offers insight into how even celebrated works of art are often part of a larger cultural dialogue, drawing from existing stories and ideas to create something new. The debate over what constitutes originality is not new, but Shah’s reflections add a nuanced perspective, especially in the context of Indian cinema’s evolution.

His comparison to Shakespeare further reinforces the idea that originality is often a matter of perspective. While Shakespeare borrowed heavily from earlier works, his genius lay in his ability to transform those stories into timeless masterpieces. Similarly, Shah seemed to suggest that Indian filmmakers should focus less on avoiding influences and more on how they can reinterpret and reframe those influences in meaningful ways.

Shah’s comments at the Kerala Literature Festival were both a critique of Bollywood’s current trajectory and a call to action for filmmakers to be more conscious of their work’s cultural impact. His belief that cinema should serve as a historical record challenges filmmakers to think beyond box office numbers and consider the legacy they are creating. His assertion that it would be tragic if future generations looked to Bollywood films to understand India in 2025 reflects his concern that the industry is not fully capturing the complexities of contemporary Indian life.

Ultimately, Shah’s candid remarks highlight the power of cinema—not just as entertainment but as a mirror to society. His critique of Bollywood’s portrayal of women, the influence of Western cinema on Indian films, and the elusive nature of originality offer valuable insights for both filmmakers and audiences. As Indian cinema continues to evolve, voices like Shah’s serve as important reminders of the responsibilities that come with storytelling.

The Kerala Literature Festival (KLF), hailed as Asia’s largest literary gathering, is gearing up for its 8th edition with a stellar lineup of luminaries from literature, music, film, and art. Scheduled to take place in Kozhikode, a UNESCO-designated City of Literature, the event will run from January 23 to 26, drawing a diverse global audience for an extraordinary celebration of creativity.

This year’s festival boasts an impressive roster of renowned figures. Flute virtuoso Hariprasad Chaurasia, acclaimed filmmaker Mani Ratnam, and legendary violinist L. Subramaniam, fondly called the “God of Indian Violin,” are among the standout names. Bollywood stalwarts Naseeruddin Shah and Ratna Pathak Shah, versatile actor Prakash Raj, and YouTube sensation Prajakta Kohli will also be present, ensuring a dynamic blend of culture, artistry, and intellectual exchange. “Their presence creates a one-of-a-kind cultural experience, making KLF a must-attend for enthusiasts of art and literature,” stated the organizers.

Adding to the festival’s grandeur, KLF will feature a remarkable array of talents, including Nobel laureates, Booker Prize winners, and award-winning authors and artists. Some of the notable personalities include Malayalam cinema icon Parvathy Thiruvoth, vocalist Mir Mukhtyar Ali, musician Vidya Shah, dancer Methil Devika, French poet Fred Nevché, Bharatnatyam artist Rajashree Warrier, singer Harish Sivaramakrishnan, pianist Stephen Devassy, and Spanish performer Mónica de la Fuente. These distinguished figures will engage in stimulating discussions and artistic performances, enriching the festival’s appeal and cultural impact.

Beyond the luminaries, the festival will shine a spotlight on Kerala’s vibrant cultural heritage, showcasing traditional art forms, dance, and performances deeply embedded in the region’s history. These local expressions will complement a series of global cultural acts, creating a harmonious fusion of the local and the international. “This blend of traditional Kerala culture and global artistry will foster a universal dialogue, celebrating the interconnectedness of art and literature,” remarked Ravi Deecee, the festival’s Chief Facilitator.

France takes center stage this year as the Guest Nation, bringing its artistic flair to the KLF. French cultural performances will share the spotlight with Kerala’s traditional art forms, symbolizing a rich cultural exchange. Among the distinguished French participants are Fred Nevché and Alfred Lionel Papagalli, whose contributions promise to enhance the collaborative spirit of the event. Their presence reflects the festival’s commitment to cross-cultural engagement, breaking barriers and uniting creative minds across borders.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the festival, Ravi Deecee said, “We are thrilled to bring together such a distinguished lineup of artists, writers, and intellectuals for this year’s festival. The fusion of global cultures, including French and Kerala traditions, will offer a unique platform for cross-cultural engagement. It is a celebration of the diverse ways in which art and literature bring people together, breaking boundaries and fostering a universal dialogue.”

With an estimated footfall of six lakh attendees, KLF 2025 is poised to be a grand spectacle of artistic expression and intellectual discourse. Attendees from all corners of the globe are expected to convene in Kozhikode, where the four-day event promises an immersive experience. The festival’s diverse programming will seamlessly intertwine literature, music, art, and culture, creating a space where ideas and creativity flourish.

In its 8th edition, the Kerala Literature Festival aims to reaffirm its reputation as a premier cultural event, uniting audiences and artists in a shared celebration of creativity, dialogue, and the power of the written word.

Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat representing Illinois, introduced a bipartisan resolution on January 14 to designate January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month. The initiative received widespread support from lawmakers across party lines, including Representatives Nicole Malliotakis (R-NY), Shri Thanedar (D-MI), Ro Khanna (D-CA), Suhas Subramanyam (D-VA), Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Ami Bera (D-CA), Ilhan Omar (D-MN), Yvette Clarke (D-NY), Sara Jacobs (D-CA), Deborah Ross (D-NC), Danny Davis (D-IL), Dina Titus (D-NV), Don Davis (D-NC), and Summer Lee (D-PA).

In a statement, Rep. Krishnamoorthi emphasized the significance of the Tamil language, which is spoken by more than 80 million people globally, including 360,000 individuals in the United States. He highlighted that Tamil is one of the oldest languages in the world and plays an integral role in preserving cultural heritage.

The resolution aligns with Pongal, a prominent Tamil festival celebrated in mid-January. Pongal symbolizes gratitude, prosperity, and unity as families, friends, and communities come together to honor their traditions.

“As a Tamil American, I am proud to introduce this bipartisan resolution honoring the Tamil language, heritage, and culture here at home in the United States and around the world,” said Congressman Krishnamoorthi. He described the United States as “a mosaic of different languages, cultures, ideas, and traditions,” expressing hope that the resolution would illuminate the rich history and achievements of Tamil Americans. “I encourage my colleagues in Congress to swiftly take up this resolution to recognize the impact Tamil Americans have in our communities,” he added.

Organizations supporting the resolution lauded its introduction, underscoring the importance of recognizing Tamil heritage and contributions to society. Tamil Americans United PAC expressed gratitude to Congressman Krishnamoorthi and other members of Congress for their efforts. “This significant legislation highlights the rich history of the ancient Tamil people and their invaluable contributions to the modern world,” the organization stated. They encouraged Tamil Americans to actively support the resolution’s passage through Congress.

The Federation of Tamil Sangams of North America (FeTNA) echoed these sentiments, declaring strong support for the resolution. “As proud Tamil Americans, we strongly support Rep. Krishnamoorthi’s resolution to create a Tamil Language and Heritage Month,” the organization said. They added that sharing Tamil history, language, and culture with fellow citizens would allow Tamil Americans to make meaningful contributions to their adopted homeland.

The U.S. Tamil Action Group (USTAG) also applauded the initiative. “We thank Rep. Krishnamoorthi for spearheading the effort to designate January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month and urge the U.S. Congress to pass this resolution with all due speed,” the group stated. They highlighted the pride Tamil Americans take in their ancient language, traditions, and culture, noting how these enrich America’s diverse cultural landscape.

PEARL (People for Equality and Relief in Lanka) praised Congressman Krishnamoorthi’s leadership in advancing the resolution. “The resolution celebrates the invaluable contributions of the Tamil community to the United States across generations,” the organization stated. It also emphasized how the resolution reinforces the importance of diversity in American society, while celebrating the extensive history and cultural richness of Tamil people.

The resolution serves as a testament to the enduring significance of Tamil heritage in the United States and globally. By recognizing January as Tamil Language and Heritage Month, the proposed legislation not only honors the contributions of Tamil Americans but also celebrates the broader cultural diversity that strengthens the fabric of American society.

Laurene Powell Jobs, widow of late Apple co-founder Steve Jobs, has been given the Hindu name ‘Kamala’ ahead of her participation in the Maha Kumbh 2025, set to begin in Prayagraj on January 13. The billionaire philanthropist, known for her interest in spirituality and humanitarian work, is currently in Varanasi and will join the grand Hindu festival to immerse herself in traditional rituals under the guidance of her guru, Swami Kailashananda.

Swami Kailashananda, the ‘Mahamandaleshwar’ of the Niranjani Akhara, confirmed her new name and her spiritual journey. Speaking to Hindustan Times, he said, “Laurene has a deep interest in Sanatan Dharma and treats me like a father. I also give her the same love as a daughter.” He added that she had been given a new name after receiving her guru’s Gotra, symbolizing her spiritual inclusion. “She is coming to visit her guru here. We have named her Kamala, and she is like a daughter to us. This is the second time she is coming to India… Everyone is welcome in Kumbh,” he told ANI.

Laurene’s visit to India is not her first encounter with the country’s spiritual practices. She previously visited India and has been deeply connected to Sanatan Dharma, as emphasized by her guru. Her upcoming participation in the Maha Kumbh will include her taking part in the Akhara’s Peshwai ritual and adopting the saffron robes of a sanyasin. She is expected to perform the royal dip, or Shahi Snan, on two key dates – January 14 (Makar Sankranti) and January 29 (Mauni Amavasya).

The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, is a significant event in Hindu culture and is considered the largest human gathering in the world. This year’s event, running from January 13 to February 26, is projected to attract around 400 million pilgrims to Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. It is a time for spiritual cleansing, meditation, and devotion, where saints, seers, devotees, and VIPs gather to perform rituals along the sacred rivers.

Laurene’s engagement in the festival will also include observing the ancient tradition of Kalpvas. This practice involves a month-long period of devotion and ascetic living, observed by devotees known as Kalpvasis. It begins on Paush Purnima and concludes on Maghi Purnima, with participants dedicating themselves to prayers, meditation, and rituals by the riverbanks.

Before arriving in Prayagraj, Laurene visited the Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi on Saturday. Accompanied by her guru, she offered prayers at the revered shrine. However, adhering to temple traditions, she was only allowed to view the sacred Shivling from outside, as touching the holy symbol of Lord Shiva is restricted to certain devotees.

Preparations for the Maha Kumbh are nearing completion, with the Uttar Pradesh government sparing no effort to ensure a successful event. State Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh revealed that the budget allocated for the 45-day festival is approximately Rs 7,000 crore. This year’s Kumbh Mela will be the first to incorporate advanced technology, including artificial intelligence and chatbots, to enhance the experience and ensure seamless management of the massive crowds.

Security has been a top priority, with the UP Police implementing a multi-layered system to safeguard the millions of pilgrims expected to converge on Prayagraj. The main bathing rituals, or Shahi Snan, will take place on three auspicious dates: January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). These royal baths are the highlight of the festival, drawing devotees seeking spiritual merit.

Laurene Powell Jobs’ participation in the Maha Kumbh underscores her deep respect for Indian spirituality and traditions. Her spiritual journey reflects the growing global fascination with Hindu practices and the cultural significance of events like the Kumbh Mela. As she takes the name Kamala and dons the saffron attire of a sanyasin, her presence adds an international dimension to the festival, further highlighting its universal appeal.

Swami Kailashananda expressed his joy at welcoming her to the Maha Kumbh, emphasizing the inclusive nature of the festival. “Everyone is welcome in Kumbh,” he reiterated, underscoring the event’s spiritual openness and significance. The seer also mentioned her intent to meditate and participate fully in the rituals during her stay, aligning with the essence of the Maha Kumbh – a convergence of faith, devotion, and humanity.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 promises to be a historic and spiritually enriching event, with millions gathering to seek blessings and participate in the age-old traditions that define Hinduism’s rich cultural heritage.

The Indus River, one of the world’s longest and oldest rivers, is making headlines for an extraordinary reason—reports suggest it is now “spewing gold.” Revered as the cradle of the Indus Valley Civilization, the river’s historical importance is unparalleled. Between 3300 and 1300 BCE, the Harappan civilization thrived along its banks, marking a golden era of prosperity. Today, however, the focus has shifted from history to its astonishing gold reserves, leaving many astonished.

Media reports from Pakistan claim that the river, which was entirely within Indian territory before the 1947 partition, now deposits treasures worth a staggering 600 billion Pakistani rupees daily in Pakistan. The river’s abundant water resources, essential for millions, have now taken on a new role—as a source of immense wealth. Gold and other precious minerals are reportedly being extracted from the Indus in Pakistan’s Punjab province, particularly in the Attock district.

A River of Gold

The Indus River flows through India and Pakistan, originating from the Himalayas and stretching over 3,200 kilometers, making it one of the world’s longest rivers. Historically, it has been revered for sustaining civilizations and enriching the cultures that settled along its banks. Mentioned in the Rigveda, the river holds immense cultural and spiritual significance.

In recent developments, fast-moving waters from Pakistan’s northern mountainous regions are believed to carry gold particles downstream. These particles settle in the riverbed, contributing to what experts call placer deposits. Such deposits result from the natural flow of water, which separates heavier gold particles from lighter sediment, allowing them to accumulate along the riverbanks.

The significance of this phenomenon isn’t new. For centuries, the river has transported gold from the Himalayan region, depositing it along its course. Scientists attribute this to the Himalayas’ geological history. It is believed that around 6 to 10 million years ago, the collision of tectonic plates formed the mountain range and the river system. This geological process continues to influence the natural distribution of minerals.

Illegal Mining Sparks Concerns

Despite the immense potential of these gold deposits, the Pakistani government faces a challenge—illegal mining. Reports suggest that during winter, when water levels drop, locals resort to extracting gold particles from the riverbed. What began as manual panning has escalated to the use of heavy machinery, intensifying the environmental and regulatory concerns surrounding these activities.

In response, authorities in Pakistan’s Punjab province have implemented Section 144, banning illegal gold extraction in the region. The province’s Home Department emphasized the need to safeguard these resources, stating that minerals like placer gold could provide substantial benefits to the country’s treasury.

Mining Minister Ibrahim Hassan Murad revealed that gold deposits, transported by the river from the Himalayas, are estimated to amount to 32.6 metric tons. He noted, “The deposits, valued at approximately 600 billion Pakistani rupees, span a 32-kilometer area in Attock.” This discovery has the potential to significantly bolster Pakistan’s economy if properly managed and regulated.

Geology Meets History

The Indus River’s gold deposits are not only an economic boon but also a geological marvel. A survey conducted by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provincial government highlighted that significant amounts of gold particles accumulate near Peshawar, carried down by the river from the Himalayan region. These findings align with historical records, which suggest that the river has long been a carrier of natural wealth.

The historical relevance of the Indus River cannot be overstated. It was the lifeline of the Indus Valley Civilization, fostering a culture of innovation and trade. This ancient civilization thrived by utilizing the river’s resources, including its fertile plains and abundant water supply. The discovery of gold along the river’s course adds another layer to its rich legacy, tying together history, culture, and natural wealth.

Future Prospects

While the potential economic impact of these gold reserves is immense, challenges remain. Illegal mining threatens both the environment and the equitable distribution of resources. The Pakistani government has acknowledged the importance of regulating mining activities to ensure the river’s wealth benefits the nation as a whole.

Moreover, experts caution that overexploitation of these resources could have dire consequences. The river, already a vital water source for millions, could face ecological degradation if mining activities are not carefully monitored. Striking a balance between economic gains and environmental conservation will be crucial in the coming years.

A Turning Point for Pakistan?

For a nation grappling with economic challenges, the discovery of gold in the Indus River represents a potential turning point. If managed effectively, the wealth generated from these deposits could provide much-needed relief to Pakistan’s struggling economy. However, this will require stringent regulations, sustainable mining practices, and a commitment to transparency.

The discovery also raises questions about regional cooperation. As the river flows through both India and Pakistan, its management and the equitable sharing of its resources could become a topic of international dialogue. Collaborative efforts could not only preserve the river’s ecological balance but also maximize its potential benefits for all stakeholders.

Conclusion

The Indus River, a symbol of ancient prosperity, is now being hailed as a modern-day treasure trove. From its historical role in shaping one of the world’s earliest civilizations to its newfound identity as a source of immense wealth, the river continues to captivate and inspire. As Pakistan navigates the challenges of harnessing its gold reserves, the story of the Indus River serves as a reminder of the delicate interplay between nature, history, and human ambition.

As Ibrahim Hassan Murad aptly put it, “The Indus River has been a gift to this region for centuries. Its gold deposits are a blessing, and we must approach their management with wisdom and care.”

Five years after the catastrophic fire of 2019 nearly engulfed Notre Dame Cathedral, one of its most venerated relics, the Crown of Thorns, has returned to its historic home. On December 13, the cherished artifact was ceremonially placed in a newly crafted reliquary, marking a profound moment of renewal and faith for Paris. The relic, traditionally believed to have been worn by Jesus Christ during his crucifixion, was the centerpiece of a solemn liturgical service led by Laurent Ulrich, Archbishop of Paris. The event, held in the cathedral, drew a congregation that had reserved their attendance in advance. “We are here to accompany the Holy Crown to its new home,” the archbishop declared during the service.

A Historical Journey

The Crown of Thorns, a delicate wreath of woven reeds secured with golden threads, has endured centuries of history and devotion. Originally acquired in 1239 by King Louis IX (later canonized as Saint Louis) from Constantinople, the relic was first enshrined in the Sainte-Chapelle, a Gothic masterpiece constructed specifically to house it. By the 19th century, the Crown had been transferred to Notre Dame Cathedral, where it remained a focal point of veneration.

However, the devastating fire of April 2019, which consumed much of Notre Dame’s roof and spire, forced an urgent rescue operation. Amid the chaos and peril, first responders and clergy risked their lives to save the Crown of Thorns and other invaluable relics, including a nail and a fragment traditionally linked to the cross of Christ. Following the fire, the Crown was placed under the meticulous care of Mayor Anne Hidalgo in the secure vault of Paris’ City Hall, where it remained protected during the cathedral’s reconstruction.

Reliquary for the M A odern Age

The return of the Crown of Thorns has been marked by its enshrinement in an innovative reliquary that bridges ancient tradition with contemporary artistry. Designed by the esteemed architect Sylvain Dubuisson and constructed by artisans from the prestigious Coubertin Foundation, the three-meter-tall reliquary embodies sacred devotion and modern design.

The reliquary features a massive marble base that also houses the other rescued relics—a nail and the wood fragment. At its center, the Crown of Thorns is dramatically suspended within a vertical circular metal frame, encased in a structure adorned with hundreds of light-reflecting crystals. This unique design creates an ethereal glow as the crystals scatter light, symbolizing the eternal connection between suffering and salvation. The luminous display not only draws the viewer’s attention but also serves as a spiritual focal point, offering a profound sense of reverence.

Symbolic Renewal

The return of the Crown of Thorns is part of the larger reopening celebrations of Notre Dame Cathedral, which welcomed visitors again last Saturday following extensive restoration efforts. For the city of Paris and its faithful, the return of the relic signifies more than just a physical comeback; it represents hope and resilience in the face of destruction.

Though the scars of the fire remain visible in the cathedral, the relic’s presence serves as a powerful reminder of sacrifice and redemption. For centuries, the Crown of Thorns has inspired millions worldwide as a symbol of humility, unity, and spiritual renewal. Archbishop Ulrich aptly captured this sentiment during the ceremony, saying, “This relic calls us to humility and unity. Its return reminds us that even through destruction, beauty and faith can be restored.”

As the Crown once again takes its place at the heart of Notre Dame, it stands renewed not only for the faithful of today but also for generations to come. The moment reflects the enduring spirit of one of the world’s most iconic religious landmarks—a spirit that continues to shine even amidst its scars.

In Arundhati Roy’s The God of Small Things, the tragic love story of Ammu, a Syrian Christian woman, and Velutha, a Paravan Christian convert, sheds light on casteism entrenched in Kerala’s Christian society. Velutha’s love for Ammu leads to humiliation, false accusations, and ultimately death in custody, revealing the harsh caste norms within a community that many perceive as casteless. While Christianity is globally seen as devoid of caste, Syrian Christians in Kerala, among the oldest Christian communities in India, have a distinct story.

Over centuries, Syrian Christians integrated Hindu traditions, such as the mangalsutra and sindoor, into their practices, blending them with their faith. While this community has flourished in India, Syrian Christians in Syria now face a bleak reality.

The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime has left Syria’s Christians in fear and uncertainty. On December 10, the capture of Damascus by rebel forces ended 53 years of Assad family rule, which had protected religious minorities, including Christians. Church leaders have called for international aid as the nation transitions to rule by a former ISIS functionary.

“It’s not living, it’s surviving,” lamented Aleppo-based Father Bajhat Karakach, highlighting the precarious situation of Christians in Syria.

In contrast, the history of Kerala’s Syrian Christians illustrates how the community adapted and thrived amidst India’s diversity. Concentrated on the Malabar coast, they later spread across Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.

The Origins of Syrian Christianity in India

Christianity in India predates the arrival of European missionaries by centuries. Saint Thomas, one of Jesus Christ’s apostles, is believed to have brought Christianity to Kerala in 52 AD. According to academic Sonja Thomas, “Syrian Christians trace their conversion to the year 52 AD, when St. Thomas the Apostle arrived at the Kerala coast and reportedly converted Brahmins to Christianity.”

These early converts were predominantly Hindu Brahmins, and their exposure to Hindu traditions shaped Syrian Christianity long before Portuguese missionaries arrived in the 15th century.

Under the patronage of local Maharajas and Rajas of Kerala, Syrian Christians flourished, and the broader population embraced Christianity. Scholar PrapurnaInaganti noted that the community “escaped religious Christianity in general, which means a casteless society.”

Resistance Against Portuguese Influence

When the Portuguese arrived, the Syrian Christian community had been thriving for 1,300 years, blending local traditions with Christian practices. However, Portuguese and British missionaries sought to “purify” Syrian Christianity by removing what they saw as heretical influences.

Tensions peaked during the historic Coonan Cross Oath of 1653. Syrian Christians, resisting Latinisation by the Portuguese Church, tied a rope around a church cross and took an oath to reject Roman Catholic doctrines. Sonja Thomas explained, “In 1653, the majority of the Syrian Christians rebelled against the Latinisation efforts in the coonenkurisha, or crooked-cross oath, so named because the Syrian Christians tied a rope around the cross of a church and held on to it as they recited an oath to reject the dictates of the Portuguese Church.”

This act of defiance preserved their unique identity and solidified their place in Kerala’s cultural tapestry.

Integration of Hindu Traditions

Syrian Christians retainednumerous Hindu customs and rituals, reflecting their historical roots as Brahmin converts. Practices like the use of sindoor and the tying of the minnu (a variation of the mangalsutra) during weddings exemplify this blending. The minnu is central to the Syrian Christian marriage ceremony, as Sonja Thomas observed: “The tying of the Syrian Christian minnu is considered the most important ritual of the Syrian Christian marriage ceremony.”

Other Hindu customs adopted include the Manthrakodi ceremony, in which a bride is draped in a silk saree, mirroring the Pudavakodukkal ritual of Kerala’s Namboodiri Brahmins. Newlywed brides also follow the Hindu tradition of entering their husband’s house with a lit lamp, stepping over the threshold with the right foot.

Even wedding ceremonies feature elements like sandalwood paste, milk, rice, and areca nuts, further illustrating the fusion of traditions.

Syrian and Local Influences in Rituals

Despite the integration of Hindu customs, Syrian Christians have retained aspects of ancient Syrian traditions. Their Holy Qurbana service incorporates Syriac prayers and hymns, preserving the melodies and language of early Christianity. The community observescanonical hours, known as Shehimo, in the West Syriac Rite seven times daily.

Unique death rituals also set Syrian Christians apart. Mourning periods are followed by a feast seven days later, and households where a family member has died refrain from celebrating Pesaha, the Christian Passover meal. The Pesaha feast itself features Aramaic-derived terminology like Pasha or Pesah, linking the community to its ancient Syrian roots.

US-based scholar Corinne Dempsey highlighted these unique practices in her study, noting, “The period of mourning followed by a feast seven days later, or the ritual that prevents households where a death in the family has occurred from celebrating Pesaha, or the Christian Passover meal, is unique to Syrian Christianity.”

Thriving in India, Struggling in Syria

Today, Syrian Christians in Kerala, including Jacobite and Orthodox factions, number around a million, according to a 2016 study. Despite internal feuds, they remain an influential community.

This stands in stark contrast to Christians in Syria, where centuries-old communities now face extinction. Kerala’s Syrian Christians serve as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of faith, preserving their heritage while embracing the diversity of Indian culture.

The Rosetta Stone stands as a pivotal discovery in human history, enabling the translation of ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics into meaningful historical narratives. This artifact, inscribed in three scripts, bridged a linguistic gap and transformed historians’ understanding of ancient Egypt. However, Egypt is an exception in this field; many ancient scripts remain undeciphered, leaving significant aspects of human history shrouded in mystery.

Experts continue to struggle with decoding dozens of ancient languages, including the script of the Rapa Nui people on Easter Island, the enigmatic texts of the Olmec and Zapotec civilizations of Mesoamerica, and the languages of some of the world’s earliest societies. These linguistic puzzles remain unsolved, holding the secrets of ancient cultures that rivaled known civilizations in complexity and achievement.

One of the most intriguing mysteries lies with the Kingdom of Kush, an ancient civilization that thrived in Nubia, encompassing modern-day Sudan and southern Egypt. This kingdom, which existed from approximately 1070 BCE to 350 CE, was a powerful rival to ancient Egypt. Despite its prominence, scholars have yet to decipher the Kushite language, known as Meroitic, named after the kingdom’s capital city, Meroë.

The Minoan civilization provides another example of an ancient culture with an undeciphered script. This society flourished on the island of Crete before the rise of ancient Greece and is considered one of the precursors to Greek civilization. The Minoans left behind texts written in a script known as Linear A, but linguists have yet to fully understand these writings. Linear A holds the potential to illuminate the workings of this Mediterranean culture, which played a significant role in shaping subsequent civilizations.

Perhaps the greatest linguistic mystery of all is the language of the Indus Valley Civilization. This ancient society, which emerged along the Indus River in present-day Pakistan as early as 7000 BCE, rivaled the achievements of other great civilizations such as Mesopotamia and Egypt. Yet little is known about the Indus people, as their script remains undeciphered. Their inscriptions, found on seals, tablets, and other artifacts, suggest a sophisticated society with a complex administrative system, but their meaning remains elusive.

Linguists and historians hope that someday an artifact akin to the Rosetta Stone will be unearthed. Such a discovery could provide the key to decoding these ancient scripts and unlock the voices of civilizations that have been lost to history. For the Indus Valley Civilization, this hypothetical artifact might lie buried beneath the sands of Iraq or along the Arabian coast. “Deciphering these scripts would give us an unparalleled glimpse into some of the most influential societies of the ancient world,” scholars suggest.

The hope persists that advances in technology, coupled with future archaeological discoveries, will eventually unveil the stories hidden within these enigmatic scripts.

The grand reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral on December 7 and 8 marks a historic event for Paris but brings with it extraordinary security precautions. Following the devastating fire of 2019, the iconic Gothic cathedral will welcome visitors once more, with thousands of security personnel ensuring the safety of the celebrations.

A heightened alert has been issued in the city as officials prepare for the significant event. Laurent Nuñez, Paris Police Prefect who managed security during the 2024 Summer Olympics, emphasized the gravity of the situation during an interview with Le Parisien. “The threat level is very high, akin to what we managed during the Games,” Nuñez remarked. Although no specific threat has been identified, Islamist extremism remains the primary concern for authorities.

To secure the Île de la Cité, the historic site where Notre Dame stands, authorities plan to implement stringent measures. Nearby metro and train stations, businesses, and restaurants will close temporarily, and the Seine’s iconic boat tours will be suspended. Air traffic above the area will also cease during the event. Residents living near the cathedral must carry identification to access their homes, while tourists and other attendees will navigate heavily controlled security perimeters. These measures are part of the SILT (Internal Security Against Terrorism) protocol, which will be enforced from 7 a.m. on December 7 until 8 p.m. on December 8.

The event will see around 3,000 invited guests, including over 100 heads of state and government officials, gather inside the cathedral for the unveiling of its meticulously restored interior. This momentous occasion represents a key milestone in the years-long restoration effort following the catastrophic fire.

Beyond the cathedral walls, the festivities are expected to draw approximately 40,000 spectators, who will view the ceremony on giant screens set up in the surrounding area. The reopening has also coincided with a notable boost in tourism. The Paris Office of Tourism has projected an 18% increase in visitor numbers for the week of December 2–8 compared to the same period in 2023, signaling renewed global interest in the city.

Security efforts for the event will be extensive and multilayered. While Nuñez refrained from revealing exact figures, he confirmed the presence of “several thousand” personnel, including snipers and soldiers from Operation Sentinelle, France’s counter-terrorism task force. Advanced surveillance technology and sophisticated crowd management systems will also be employed to mitigate risks.

The reopening of Notre Dame Cathedral symbolizes resilience and recovery, not only for Parisians but for the millions worldwide who cherish this architectural masterpiece. However, the event also underscores the ongoing challenges of safeguarding public gatherings in a world of heightened security concerns.

When Ami Doshi, a new immigrant from India, attended her first Thanksgiving as a middle schooler, she was taken aback by the concept of eating a rare bird as the centerpiece of the celebration. “I actually had no idea what a turkey was,” Doshi, now in her early 40s, recalled. Her concerns, however, went beyond unfamiliarity, rooted in her moral beliefs. “When you kill a bird, they can feel it, they can see it… Why is a pet’s life more important than a bird’s life?” she asked.

Doshi, a lifelong vegetarian and follower of the Jain faith, adheres to the principle of ahimsa, or nonviolence. This fundamental tenet involves avoiding harm to all living beings in thought, word, and action. Many Jains also refrain from eating root vegetables, such as onions and garlic, out of respect for the insects and microorganisms disrupted during harvesting. To Doshi, it seemed paradoxical to express gratitude with a meal that involved the loss of a life.

For Jains in the U.S., who number around 200,000, participating in the quintessentially American Thanksgiving holiday required adaptation. Over the years, Jains have redefined the occasion, creating a unique tradition of temple prayers for lives lost, community service, and vegan feasts.

“We figured out a place for us,” said Nirva Patel, a second-generation Jain American and executive director of the Brooks McCormick Jr. Animal Law & Policy Program at Harvard Law School. For Patel, Thanksgiving is an opportunity to emphasize gratitude, family, and mindfulness, all aligned with Jain values. “We kind of pulled the good from that holiday, and we’re doing it in our own curated way,” she explained.

Patel, who produced the 2018 vegan documentary The Game Changers, hosts a plant-based potluck each year. A plastic turkey centerpiece at her table sparks meaningful discussions about traditions and values. Reflecting on her childhood in suburban Massachusetts, she shared that Thanksgiving often felt alien. “It was very, very foreign… to see kids and teachers celebrating a turkey, coloring printouts of turkeys, and then talking about carving them up and eating them,” she said. “You just kind of stayed silent in the back of the classroom.”

Her experiences at Farm Sanctuary, where she served as chair of the animal advocacy group, deepened her connection with turkeys. The sanctuary’s “Celebration for the Turkeys” featured meals prepared for rescued birds, offering an alternative perspective on these creatures. “It really makes you think about this beautiful creature that is being so exploited,” Patel noted.

For Patel, encouraging others to embrace her values is less about persuasion and more about embodying compassion. “Getting people on board is really about having convictions of your own beliefs and being unapologetic about it, but also not being harsh,” she said. “The best thing we can do is just be as compassionate as possible in our thoughts, in our actions, and realize that everything starts with what’s on your plate.”

Rahul Jain, a Washington-based consultant who moved to the U.S. 25 years ago, observed that Jains initially approached Thanksgiving cautiously. Some practiced Ayambil, a ritual fast involving simple, bland foods to foster spiritual discipline. Others attended temple services, chanting mantras to seek forgiveness for the 50 million turkeys slaughtered annually.

Over time, younger Jains have embraced the holiday, aligning it with the Jain festival of Paryushana, where gratitude for friends and family is central. “If you put the food aside, the concept of giving thanks is quite remarkable,” said Jain. He drew parallels between Thanksgiving and aparigraha, the Jain principle of nonattachment. “You’re saying, ‘I am grateful for what I have. I don’t need more.’”

Celebrations today often combine vegetarian feasts, prayer, and even backyard football. Rahul Jain emphasized the importance of coexistence. “I can’t change every single human being in the world to match with my ideas… As long as we can all live in harmony and peace is what Jainism stands for.”

Sulekh Jain, a retired aerospace engineer and Jain community leader, recalled his experiences arriving in the U.S. in the 1960s. Back then, there were few Jains, no organized community infrastructure, and no temples. He co-founded JAINA, the Federation of Jain Associations in North America, in 1980 to build a support network.

Over the years, he has seen Jain values gain broader acceptance, partly due to the growing popularity of veganism and environmental awareness. “Every day has gotten easier and easier to follow Jain values,” Sulekh Jain remarked. However, he lamented the increasing commercialization of Thanksgiving, which he believes detracts from its essence. “When we say ‘Happy Thanksgiving,’ let’s make that happy Thanksgiving a reality, and save this environment and save this planet,” he said, pointing out that meat production is a major contributor to climate change.

Manish Mehta, chair of JAINA’s diaspora committee, highlighted the community’s focus on sustainability. Jains are mindful of their “carbon footprint and karmic footprint,” organizing vegan food drives throughout the year to serve the needy. These efforts, which distribute hundreds of thousands of meals, also prioritize eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable cutlery and minimizing food waste.

Mehta emphasized that Jain values guide every aspect of their lives, including Thanksgiving. “Jains are trying to evolve practices and adapt to a North American lifestyle,” he said, adding that their traditions are preserved while they contribute to American society. “For us, compassion is kind of in our DNA.”

Thanksgiving has become a meaningful occasion for Jains in the U.S. By integrating their core beliefs into the holiday, they demonstrate that gratitude and compassion transcend cultural boundaries. From vegan feasts and prayer services to sustainability initiatives, their approach reflects a harmonious blend of American traditions and Jain principles, offering a unique perspective on what it means to give thanks.

Fiji has taken a significant step in promoting one of the world’s oldest classical languages with the official launch of the Tamil Teaching Program on November 27. This initiative highlights efforts to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Tamil and strengthen ties with the Tamil-speaking community in the region.

The program was inaugurated by the High Commissioner of India to Fiji, P. S. Karthigeyan, during the 93rd Then India Sanmarga Ikya Sangam (TISI Sangam) Convention held at Churchill Park in Lautoka. His participation emphasized the importance of the collaboration between the Indian and Fijian governments in promoting linguistic and cultural preservation.

Adding to the cultural significance of the event, students from the Indian Cultural Centre in Suva performed a vibrant Bharatnatyam dance, a classical art form rooted in Indian traditions. This performance underscored the deep cultural connections between India and Fiji while providing an enriching experience for attendees.

The Tamil Teaching Program is funded by the Government of India through its Ministry of External Affairs and is being implemented in partnership with Fiji’s Ministry of Education, the Fijian Government, and TISI Sangam, a prominent organization representing Fiji’s Tamil diaspora.

As part of the initiative, two Tamil language educators from India will be stationed at Sangam schools in Rakiraki and Labasa to lead the teaching efforts. These educators are expected to play a crucial role in imparting language skills and fostering a deeper understanding of Tamil culture among the students.

“This program reflects our shared commitment to preserving the Tamil heritage and fostering cross-cultural ties,” said Karthigeyan during the inauguration. His statement highlighted the program’s broader objective of reinforcing the enduring connection between India and Fiji’s Tamil diaspora.

By introducing this initiative, Fiji aims to not only preserve Tamil as a classical language but also strengthen the cultural identity of its Tamil-speaking community. The program is a testament to the ongoing collaboration between the two nations and their dedication to fostering mutual cultural enrichment.

This launch is anticipated to have a lasting impact, ensuring that Tamil continues to thrive as a linguistic and cultural treasure in Fiji, while also promoting broader engagement between the Tamil diaspora and their ancestral roots in India.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas is once again bringing together the holiday spirit and cultural diversity through the 21st annual “Christmas Trees from Around the World” exhibition. This year’s display highlights the unique holiday traditions of nearly 100 nationalities, offering a vibrant showcase of global cultures. The event features 3-foot trees, each decorated by members of different ethnic and religious communities. These handcrafted trees are adorned with ornaments and decorations that reflect the distinctive customs of their respective cultures.

The public is invited to join the celebration on Friday, Dec. 6, from 5 to 6:30 p.m., at the Treasurer’s Office located at 118 N. Clark St., Room 112, Chicago. The festive display will remain open for viewing from Dec. 2, 2024, through Jan. 2, 2025. This event provides an opportunity for residents and visitors to experience a global celebration of the season, with an emphasis on unity and diversity.

The “Christmas Trees from Around the World” exhibition goes beyond traditional Christmas trees, offering a glimpse into diverse global practices. Along with the Christmas-themed trees, the display includes other holiday symbols representing various cultural and religious observances. Among these are a Christian Nativity scene, an African American Kwanzaa Kinara, a Hindu Prayer Thali, and a Jewish Menorah, each symbolizing the rich tapestry of traditions celebrated in Cook County.

“This event reflects Chicago’s rich cultural diversity,” said Pappas. “Through my work with residents from across the globe, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the vibrant traditions and cultures that make our city a true melting pot.” Pappas’ words highlight the essence of the event—celebrating the multicultural community of Chicago and the greater Cook County area.

Each tree in the display is thoughtfully decorated, with ornaments and symbols that showcase various countries and cultures. Decorations range from flags and dolls to flowers and candles, representing a wide array of nations such as Albania, India, Italy, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Scotland, Thailand, Ukraine, and many others. These creative and diverse decorations highlight the global connections that Cook County’s residents share, offering a chance for everyone to reflect on the meaning of the holiday season through a different cultural lens.

The event underscores the importance of coming together to celebrate shared values and traditions. Visitors to the display can also view photos and videos from past exhibitions online, offering a broader perspective on how this annual event has grown and evolved over the years. The exhibition serves as a reminder of the strength found in cultural exchange and the ways in which different communities contribute to the fabric of the region.

This year’s event is a testament to the vibrancy of the community and the lasting impact of cultural diversity in shaping holiday celebrations. As Cook County Treasurer, Pappas continues to work alongside residents from around the world, fostering a sense of unity and understanding through these celebrations. This holiday display is a perfect example of how different cultures can coexist and thrive in the same community, sharing their traditions with pride and joy.

As visitors take in the holiday cheer, they are invited to reflect on the shared joy of the season while learning more about the rich cultural heritage of their neighbors. The event not only celebrates the holidays but also highlights the ongoing importance of fostering inclusivity and respect within the community.

The “Christmas Trees from Around the World” exhibit is more than just a display of holiday decorations; it is a cultural event that brings together people from all walks of life. It serves as a reminder that while our individual traditions may differ, the holiday season provides a common ground for celebration and togetherness. Whether you come for the festivities, the decorations, or the chance to learn about other cultures, this event is sure to leave visitors with a greater appreciation for the diverse world we live in.

For those unable to attend in person, the online gallery offers an opportunity to experience the creativity and joy of the exhibit. The “Christmas Trees from Around the World” celebration is a wonderful example of how a simple tradition can be transformed into a powerful tool for building community and fostering greater understanding across cultures.

This year’s exhibit, like those in the past, reminds us that the holidays are not just a time for personal reflection and celebration but also an occasion to embrace the diversity that surrounds us. Cook County residents are encouraged to participate in the event and share in the collective celebration of the season.

As Pappas continues to highlight the importance of cultural diversity through events like this, the “Christmas Trees from Around the World” celebration becomes more than a holiday tradition; it is a powerful statement of unity in diversity. By showcasing the various cultural expressions of the holiday season, Pappas and the Cook County Treasurer’s Office provide a platform for all residents to feel seen, celebrated, and connected.

This display is a reminder of the beauty found in diversity and the power of coming together to celebrate shared values. Through this annual event, Pappas has created a space where people of all backgrounds can unite in the spirit of the holiday season, fostering greater appreciation for one another’s traditions and cultures. Whether through the vibrant ornaments, the symbolic decorations, or the connections made between community members, the “Christmas Trees from Around the World” exhibit is a shining example of the strength found in diversity.

Feeling anxious before a job interview or an important exam is a common experience. The restlessness and nervous energy associated with such situations can be overwhelming. Fortunately, incorporating specific yoga asanas and breathing techniques into your routine can help alleviate stress and improve focus.

When facing performance anxiety, your body often enters a fight-or-flight response. This state can lead to physical symptoms like an increased heart rate, shallow breathing, and muscle tension. Yoga provides an effective remedy by promoting relaxation and mitigating the physiological effects of stress.

Below are some yoga practices to help ease your mind and body before a big day:

Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (Alternate Nostril Breathing)

This breathing technique helps balance the nervous system and enhance concentration. Follow these steps:

1. Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position with your back straight.
2. Relax your shoulders and close your eyes.
3. Place your left hand on your left knee, palm facing upward.
4. Use your right thumb to gently close your right nostril.
5. Take a deep breath in through your left nostril, then close it with your ring finger.
6. Exhale through your right nostril.
7. Inhale through the right nostril, close it, and exhale through the left nostril.
8. Repeat this cycle for five to seven rounds.
9. Lower your hand and remain seated, observing the sensations in your body.
10. When ready, slowly open your eyes.

Nadi Shodhana calms the mind, reduces anxiety, and improves focus, making it an excellent pre-performance practice.

Shishu Asana (Child’s Pose)

Child’s Pose is a gentle yoga posture that promotes relaxation and reduces tension in the back, shoulders, and chest. Follow these steps to perform it:

1. Begin by sitting on your heels, allowing your hips to rest on them.
2. Lean forward, bringing your forehead to rest on the floor.
3. Extend your arms along your sides, palms facing downward.
4. Slowly press your chest towards your thighs for a gentle stretch.
5. Hold the position for a few breaths, allowing your body to relax.
6. When ready, sit up slowly, rising one vertebra at a time, and return to a seated position.

This pose encourages a sense of safety and grounding, helping to ease an overactive mind.

Matsyasana (Fish Pose)

The Fish Pose helps open up the chest and lungs, improving oxygen intake and reducing stress. Here’s how to perform it:

1. Lie flat on your back with your legs together and your arms by your sides.
2. Slide your hands under your thighs, palms facing downward, with your hands close to your buttocks.
3. Press your forearms into the floor to lift your chest, creating an arch in your upper back.
4. Tilt your head backward until the crown of your head lightly touches the floor.
5. Ensure the weight of your body is supported by your elbows and not your head.
6. Breathe evenly, maintaining the arch for about one minute.
7. To release, lift your head slightly, lower your torso back to the floor, and relax your body.

Matsyasana not only reduces anxiety but also improves posture and helps you feel more energized.

By practicing these techniques regularly, you can effectively manage pre-interview or pre-exam stress. Incorporating yoga into your routine can empower you to approach challenges with a calm and composed mindset.

The United States has returned more than 1,400 looted artifacts, valued at approximately $10 million, to India, marking a significant step in an ongoing effort to repatriate stolen cultural property from South and Southeast Asia. The Manhattan District Attorney’s office announced the repatriation on Wednesday, underscoring the success of its continued investigations into art trafficking networks.

Among the items returned were several that had previously been displayed at the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. One such artifact is a sandstone sculpture of a celestial dancer that was illicitly taken from central India, smuggled to London, and eventually sold to a Met patron. This patron later donated the piece to the museum, unaware of its questionable origins.

The repatriation efforts are part of an extensive investigation into art trafficking rings, including those connected to convicted traffickers like Nancy Wiener and Subhash Kapoor. Kapoor, an American antiquities dealer, was sentenced to ten years in prison for orchestrating a multimillion-dollar looting network through his gallery in New York. According to the Manhattan District Attorney’s office, these investigations have led to significant recoveries.

Kapoor’s criminal activities were exposed after he was apprehended in Germany in 2011, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant by the U.S. in 2012. Although he remains in custody in India, he faces pending extradition to the U.S. to answer for his crimes.

“Today’s repatriation marks another victory in what has been a multiyear international investigation into antiquities trafficked by one of history’s most prolific offenders,” said William Walker, the special agent in charge of Homeland Security Investigations in New York. His statement highlighted the importance of the ongoing work in returning stolen cultural heritage.

The items were officially handed over during a ceremony held at the Indian consulate in New York on Wednesday. This event represents a notable success in the larger initiative to combat art trafficking.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s Antiquities Trafficking Unit, established over a decade ago, has played a crucial role in these efforts. Comprising a team of lawyers, investigators, and art experts, the unit has successfully recovered 5,800 antiquities, collectively valued at nearly $460 million. Additionally, the unit has convicted 16 individuals involved in trafficking offenses and pursued extradition for six others linked to stolen cultural property.

The significance of these repatriations has been further emphasized by a recent agreement between the U.S. and India. Signed in July, the deal aims to strengthen the protection of cultural property, curb illegal trade, and streamline the repatriation of stolen antiquities. This agreement demonstrates both nations’ commitment to preserving cultural heritage and combatting art trafficking.

The return of these artifacts is a part of a broader global movement to address the growing problem of illicit cultural property trafficking. Through collaboration between law enforcement agencies, museums, and cultural institutions, efforts like these are helping to reverse the effects of art theft, returning valuable pieces of history to their rightful homes.

An exhibition commemorating the life and work of Swami Vivekananda, highlighting his enduring global influence on spirituality and bridge-building, was recently showcased at the United Nations. This event aimed to underscore Vivekananda’s vision of interconnectedness and his profound contributions to fostering understanding between diverse cultures.

“Vivekananda stands taller and taller, inspiring people across the world, not only in India,” remarked Swami Sarvapriyananda, resident minister of the New York Vedanta Society, at the exhibition’s opening. He emphasized Vivekananda’s ever-growing influence, suggesting that his teachings resonate universally, expanding beyond geographical boundaries. Sarvapriyananda continued, “He built a bridge between the East and the West when he traveled to the World Parliament of Religions in Chicago in 1893, and the bridge is very strong, and very vibrant today.”

India’s Consul General in New York, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, added that Vivekananda’s teachings on humanity’s unity, which draw from ancient Hindu philosophy, hold particular relevance at the UN—a space dedicated to fostering global harmony and understanding. This alignment underscores the shared values between the UN’s mission and Vivekananda’s message.

The event was organized by the Society for Enlightenment and Transformation (SEAT), a part of the UN Staff Recreation Council (UNSRC), with support from the Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS), who curated the exhibits displayed. According to UNSRC President Peter Dawkins, the exhibition serves to spotlight Vivekananda’s enduring relevance, particularly within the context of the UN’s core values. “We’re hoping to raise awareness of the life of Vivekananda, what he brought to the West, in particular, his strong connection to New York and also, if not directly, but indirectly, to the United Nations,” Dawkins explained.

This exhibition sought not only to educate but also to remind the world of Vivekananda’s ideas about service, selflessness, and unity. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, an outreach coordinator for the HSS, commented on the appeal of Vivekananda’s teachings, especially among younger generations. He noted that Vivekananda’s call for “seva, which is selfless service,” continues to resonate powerfully with the youth today, inspiring them to contribute positively to society.

Vivekananda’s role as a figure of Indian pride and national identity was also highlighted. Sarvapriyananda credited him with providing India with a renewed sense of self-worth and a forward-looking national identity, a perspective many historians share. “Somebody called him the unconscious father of modern Indian nationalism,” Sarvapriyananda said, noting that Vivekananda’s influence on India’s freedom movement stemmed from his emphasis on self-respect and cultural pride, fostering a modern Indian identity.

Education and scientific thought were also close to Vivekananda’s heart, and his influence extended into these domains, bridging spirituality and science. Panels at the exhibition depicted his interactions with renowned scientists like Nikola Tesla, showcasing Vivekananda’s belief in a harmonious relationship between science and spirituality. Sarvapriyananda recounted that Vivekananda’s vision indirectly inspired the establishment of the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru. Jamsetji Nusserwanji Tata, a prominent Indian industrialist, was inspired to establish the institute after meeting Vivekananda on a ship en route to the United States. Sarvapriyananda noted that the institute has become a foundation for scientific and engineering education in India, producing thousands of professionals who have made significant contributions globally, especially in the United States.

This exhibition at the UN underscored Vivekananda’s legacy as a universal symbol of wisdom and unity, his influence still palpable in education, science, and spirituality worldwide.

Diwali at Times Square 2024 may be over but the memory of it will last a lifetime for those who witnessed the festival in the heart of New York City on Saturday, October 19^th, 2024.

“Our objective from the beginning has been to take India to mainstream America” “and today, I’m excited to share that thanks to the support of the mainstream media and more Corporate Sponsors aligning to support us this year, we are achieving that goal” said the Founder of Diwali at Times Square, Neeta Bhasin.  She also emphasized the importance of instilling Indian American youth with a sense of pride for their heritage, while also fostering cross-cultural exchange.

Diwali at Times Square was honoured to welcome the Office of Faith-Based and Community Partnerships of NYC for the first time ever as a presenting partner alongside KIA who returned as a presenting sponsor of the festival and Procter & Gamble who joined the festival as a gold sponsor.

The festival showcased the “Colors of India and America” featuring performances of different states of India and highlighted performances of other ethnic communities like Indo-Caribbean, Africa and Mexico.

One of the biggest attractions in Diwali Bazaar was ‘Kids Zone’, where children were painting Diyas (clay) and creating beautiful Rangoli art and enjoy interactive reading sessions. Additionally, there was food sampling from some of our sponsors and free henna before Karva Chauth (the fast Indian women keep for their husband’s long life) that attracted thousands of people to Diwali Bazaar

The Diya (lamp) lighting ceremony on stage was synchronized with the countdown on the One Times Square tower and it was inaugurated by the Consul General of India, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan, Senator Chuck Schumer, NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, NYPD Commissioner, NYC Commissioner of Immigration, NYC Commissioner of International Trade Affairs, Dilip Chauhan, Deputy Commissioner International Affairs, Justice Karen Gopee, along with our honorees and sponsors.

The Consul General of India, Binaya Srikanta Pradhan emphasized on the deeper meaning of the festival saying “I have realized that Diwali at Times Square is more than just a festival – it is a celebration of our shared values, culture, togetherness, love, and diversity”

Senator Chuck Schumer appreciated the contribution of South Asian community to NYC by saying “The more South Asians we have in NYC, the better NYC is” and I want to salute the fact that Diwali is now a school holiday

NYC Mayor Eric Adams said “What better place to celebrate the festival of lights than in the crossroads of the world.  I’m proud to be with our Hindu brother and sisters today for the annual Diwali at Times Square celebration as we push away the darkness and welcome the light all cross our city”

Chandrika Tandon, Grammy Award Nominee and Founder of the Krishnamurthy Tandon Foundation the recipient of the “Woman of the Year Award” expressed her gratitude and shared this honour with everyone in the audience.

Raja Rajamannar, Chief Marketing & Communications Officer, Mastercard was honoured with the “Man of the Year Award” and was humbled to accept the recognition which he shared with his wife Jyothi

House of Spices ‘This year, we are proud to debut our latest Diwali campaign at the event. We are confident this campaign will resonate deeply with every Indian student, helping them feel connected to home, even from thousands of miles away.

The program ended with the ‘Light Up Times Square Concert’ where national and international performers from musical industry rocked the stage. The energy of the performers and the attendees really brightened Times Square.

Grammy Award Nominee Chandrika Tandon and the Young People’s Chorus of New York City started the program with Ganesha (Removal of Obstacle God) Prayers.

Sparsh Shah, an American rapper, singer, songwriter and inspirational speaker who has a very rare disorder Osteogenesis Imperfecta also known as Brittle Bone Disorder rocked the stage with his performance.

Shannon K, a rising star from LA is a singer and songwriter mesmerized the audience with her performance.

Preeti and Pinky from India sang their famous songs of 90’s that are viral in social media. People are still dancing on those popular songs.

Sukhbir Singh, ‘Prince of Bhangra’ whose music varies from pure Punjabi to fusion, shook the entire stage with his the most energetic performance forced people to dance with him on every song specially ‘Oh Ho HoHo’

The finale performer Raghav made every age group to sing with him on his famous songs including ‘Ange Eyes’ that topped the charts across the world in late 90s.

Diwali at Times Square was celebrated in association with “Samman for All”; its mission is to facilitate people from the lower-economic strata to achieve their dreams by providing them with tools for sustainable living and empowerment,

“Diwali celebration serves as a powerful symbol of unity, bridging cultural ties and fostering diversity”

Special Thanks to all our partners, Presenting Sponsors NYC Faith-Based and Community Partnership, Kia USA. Proctor and Gamble first time supporter. Northwell Health,  State Bank of India, House of Spices-Laxmi, Dabur, Bru, Jennifer Furniture, Instarem, Caravela Resort, Tribeca Rooftop-360, Benares, Crest Hollow. Special thanks to our hosts, Shanelle Kaul, CBS News Network broadcaster, Jennifer Bisram, CBS News New York broadcaster, Anushka Arora, RJ from London and Rita Kakati Shah.  Thanks to Sunita SadhnaniFounde of GLAMOROUS Event Planners & Productions and other partners. Without their support this festival will not be possible.

Diwali at Times Square will celebrate its 10^th year anniversary in 2025. The plan for this milestone has already started and the festival will be full of surprises and excitement!

When viewed from above, satellite images reveal a faint strip connecting India and Sri Lanka. Known as Adam’s Bridge, Ram’s Bridge, or Ram Setu, this natural chain of limestone shoals stretches across the Indian Ocean for 30 miles (48 kilometers). With a blend of geological, historical, and mythological significance, Adam’s Bridge has become a subject of intrigue for scientists, scholars, and spiritual believers alike. Here, we delve into the formation’s rich background across history, mythology, and scientific exploration.

Adam’s Bridge, bridging India’s Rameswaram and Sri Lanka’s Mannar Island, has long fascinated historians and archaeologists. For centuries, this land bridge was traversable on foot up until the 15th century, shaped by natural forces over thousands of years. According to geological research, such as that by the Geological Survey of India (GSI), the Rameswaram and Talaimannar landmasses likely became exposed as sea levels shifted between 7,000 and 18,000 years ago. This shift led to the emergence of the shoals we see today, with coral forming over sand deposits to create the visible structure.

Through thousands of years of shifting landscapes, natural forces drove India and Sri Lanka further apart, forming the Palk Strait. Deposits from the Kaveri River and strong coastal currents molded the present-day islands and sandbanks collectively known as Adam’s Bridge. “Some corals in the area date back 125,000 years,” researchers have noted, underscoring the deep history behind this geological wonder.

There are two predominant theories about how Adam’s Bridge came to exist. One theory suggests that the shoals emerged through sustained sediment deposition, leading to the formation of barrier islands. Another perspective posits that the Bridge may represent an ancient shoreline, hinting that India and Sri Lanka were once connected by land.

The idea of constructing a navigable channel between southern India and northern Sri Lanka has intrigued engineers for centuries. In 1782, English oceanographer James Rennel proposed a maritime route through these waters. This concept took form in the Sethusamudram Shipping Canal Project, initially proposed in 1955, which aimed to create a 167-kilometer channel through the Palk Strait, linking it to the Gulf of Mannar. Such a channel would save up to 36 hours of travel time for maritime routes and reduce distances by over 400 kilometers.

Despite the logistical advantages, the project has encountered significant challenges and delays. In 2005, the Indian government greenlit the initiative, which involved dredging the shallow seabed. However, environmentalists raised alarms, warning that dredging could destroy fragile coral ecosystems and disrupt the livelihoods of local fishing communities. Concerns were also raised about potential environmental hazards, including the possibility of releasing thorium deposits, an element found in India’s seabed that could increase the area’s vulnerability to natural disasters like tsunamis.

Beyond environmental concerns, the project stirred religious and cultural sensitivities. For many, Ram Setu is more than a geological formation; it is a revered cultural structure believed to have been constructed by Lord Rama’s divine intervention. This view has spurred strong resistance from various religious groups and political parties, ultimately halting the project. In 2013, the Indian Supreme Court acknowledged these sentiments, ruling in favor of protecting the Bridge on cultural grounds. As a result, the Sethusamudram project remains stalled, and its future remains uncertain amid ongoing debates.

Beyond its historical and geological facets, Adam’s Bridge is a significant symbol in both Hindu and Abrahamic mythology. In the Hindu epic Ramayana, dating back to 1000-500 BC, the Bridge plays a pivotal role in Lord Rama’s journey to rescue his wife, Sita, from the demon king Ravana of Lanka. According to legend, Lord Rama’s army, the Vanara Sena (Army of Ape Men), constructed the Bridge by writing Rama’s name on stones that floated on the water through divine grace, providing a path from India to Lanka.

The Bridge’s mythological significance extends to the Abrahamic traditions as well. Islamic and Christian folklore identify this formation as Adam’s path after he was expelled from paradise. According to certain traditions, Adam is believed to have traveled across the Bridge from Sri Lanka’s Adam’s Peak to India. This connection is echoed in ancient texts, including Ibn Khordadbeh’s 9th-century work, Kitāb al-Masālik wa-l-Mamālik, where it is referred to as Set Bandhai or “Bridge of the Sea.” Additionally, the 11th-century writings of Al-Biruni add to its mythic reputation.

Whether created by natural forces or ascribed to divine construction, Adam’s Bridge is a timeless symbol, uniting lands, faiths, and generations through wonder and intrigue.

On Wednesday, Ayodhya marked Deepotsav 2024 with an extraordinary celebration as thousands gathered along the Sarayu River’s banks to celebrate Diwali. This year’s Deepotsav is particularly significant as it follows the consecration of the Ram Temple in January, marking the first Deepotsav since this event.

The celebration also saw two new Guinness World Records. One record was for the largest number of people performing a synchronized ‘diya’ rotation. The second was achieved by the Uttar Pradesh Department of Tourism and the District Administration of Ayodhya, for lighting a stunning 25,12,585 oil lamps. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath received both awards on behalf of the state, highlighting Ayodhya’s growth as a cultural hub.

The sight of over 25 lakh oil lamps adorning the Sarayu River banks created a remarkable visual, symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. This display fostered a powerful sense of unity among attendees, capturing the spirit of Deepotsav.

Chief Minister Adityanath played a central role in the celebration, ceremonially leading a chariot carrying artists dressed as Lord Ram, Sita, and Lakshman. The tableau symbolized Lord Ram’s return to Ayodhya. Several high-profile attendees joined him, including Union Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Deputy Chief Ministers Brajesh Pathak and Keshav Prasad Maurya, among others. Helicopters showered flowers over the artists portraying Ram, Sita, and Lakshman, adding grandeur to the celebrations.

A procession featuring 18 vibrant tableaux moved from Saket Mahavidyalaya to Ram Katha Park, where each tableau depicted a story from the Ramcharitmanas, celebrating Ram’s life and legacy. Firecrackers and bursts of gulal added color and sound to the festive procession, delighting spectators and reflecting Ayodhya’s rich culture.

Addressing attendees at the eighth edition of Deepotsav, CM Adityanath remarked on Ayodhya’s transformation as a sign of the “double-engine government delivering on its promise,” referring to the combined efforts of the BJP-led state and central governments. He described this year’s celebration as historic, noting that it was the first Diwali in 500 years in which “Lord Ram is now in his abode in Ayodhya.” He emphasized that the current progress in Ayodhya is just the beginning, expressing hopes that by 2047—India’s 100th year of independence—other sacred cities like Kashi and Mathura would also be revitalized to reflect Ayodhya’s transformation.

Adityanath also paid tribute to the numerous individuals who contributed to the Ram Janmabhoomi movement. “I bow to all those saints on this occasion, and to the martyrs, around 3,50,000 in number,” he said. He honored those who sacrificed their lives with the dream of seeing a temple for Lord Ram built in Ayodhya. “Their sacrifices will always be remembered as we celebrate this historic moment,” he added.

While the Deepotsav celebrations garnered widespread appreciation, they were not without controversy. Awadhesh Prasad, a member of the Samajwadi Party and MP of Faizabad, claimed that the Ayodhya administration did not invite him to participate in the event. Prasad criticized the BJP for “politicizing festivals” and said, “I extend my greetings to all residents of Ayodhya on the occasion of Diwali. I consider it my good fortune that I was elected from here. BJP is politicising our festivals too. I hope this will be a festival of brotherhood,” he told ANI. He emphasized his wish for the festival to promote unity and brotherhood, rather than division.

The Al-Khoei Benevolent Foundation has issued a stern condemnation following derogatory comments and assassination threats directed at Grand Ayatollah Sayyid Ali Al-Sistani, one of the most esteemed Shi’a Muslim spiritual leaders. These remarks were aired on the Israeli television show *The Patriots*, broadcast by Channel 14 earlier this week. Although the show is characterized as satirical, a particular segment suggested that Ayatollah Al-Sistani should be assassinated, sparking widespread outrage. The Foundation described the remarks as both propagandist and a dangerous threat.

Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani commands widespread respect across different faiths due to his unwavering advocacy for peace, moderation, and tolerance. The Al-Khoei Foundation stressed the seriousness of the assassination suggestion, particularly in the context of Channel 14’s previous statements, which have often been criticized for promoting violence and even war crimes. This recent threat, made against the backdrop of an ongoing war in Gaza and Lebanon, has only amplified concerns about the incendiary nature of the broadcast.

In its statement, the Foundation highlighted the increasing violence in the region and referenced remarks made by Israeli military officials targeting Shi’a Muslim communities. According to the Foundation, these incidents reflect broader attempts to create division within the region. They underscored that any threat to Ayatollah Al-Sistani, even if veiled within satire, should be taken seriously as it has the potential to exacerbate an already tense situation.

The Al-Khoei Foundation is widely recognized for its humanitarian, educational, and civil society initiatives. It strongly condemned the inflammatory rhetoric broadcast on *The Patriots*, warning that such speech could lead to further violence. The Foundation called attention to the devastating toll of the ongoing conflict, which has led to the loss of thousands of lives and the displacement of countless individuals. They criticized the content of the broadcast for undermining peace talks and ceasefire efforts, arguing that this type of rhetoric only hampers attempts to find a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

The Foundation urged the international community to take a firm stance against such provocations. Specifically, they called upon the United Nations, religious and political leaders, and individuals of conscience around the world to denounce these harmful remarks. The Foundation emphasized the importance of holding accountable those who incite violence, arguing that failure to do so could destabilize ongoing efforts towards peace.

Reaffirming its commitment to peace and justice, the Al-Khoei Foundation reiterated that it stands by the principles of Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani, who has always advocated for the rights of all people, particularly those facing oppression. The Foundation expressed its unwavering support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. They concluded their statement with a call for unity in protecting the values of peace, security, and universal human rights amidst the continued conflict.

The inflammatory nature of the remarks made on Channel 14 has only deepened the divide between opposing sides in the conflict. The Al-Khoei Foundation highlighted the potential consequences of such rhetoric, especially during a time when diplomatic channels should be open for dialogue and peace negotiations. Their concern is that divisive speech, particularly when broadcast on a public platform, can have a ripple effect, leading to more violence and less opportunity for peace.

The Foundation’s call to action resonates not only with the Muslim community but also with people of all faiths who value peace and human dignity. By raising awareness of the dangerous consequences of such defamatory remarks, the Foundation hopes to encourage global solidarity in the face of incitement. They stressed the need for the international community to remain vigilant against any attempts to inflame tensions further, particularly in a region already suffering from severe instability.

In the same statement, the Foundation reflected on Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani’s profound influence in fostering dialogue and reconciliation across sectarian divides. His role as a mediator in conflict situations has earned him respect from not only his followers but also from leaders around the world. The Foundation pointed out that such leadership, which is centered on compassion and understanding, should be celebrated rather than targeted with hateful rhetoric.

Moreover, the Foundation reminded the public of the broader context in which these remarks were made. With the ongoing conflict in Gaza and Lebanon causing immense suffering, they argued that now is the time for voices advocating peace and diplomacy, not for those promoting further division and violence. The Al-Khoei Foundation urged media outlets to consider the impact of their broadcasts, particularly when discussing sensitive issues related to the conflict, warning that irresponsible reporting can contribute to the cycle of violence.

In response to the threatening remarks, the Foundation called for renewed efforts to safeguard figures like Ayatollah Al-Sistani, whose message of peace is crucial during this period of heightened tensions. They emphasized the need for protection, not only for the Grand Ayatollah but also for other religious and political figures working towards peace in the region.

The Al-Khoei Foundation’s condemnation of the remarks broadcast on *The Patriots* aligns with its broader mission to promote tolerance, mutual respect, and understanding. As a charitable organization committed to serving humanity, the Foundation views this kind of rhetoric as an obstacle to the realization of these values. They believe that through solidarity, dialogue, and a shared commitment to justice, the international community can work together to overcome such challenges.

The statement concluded with a message of hope, despite the ongoing violence. The Foundation reiterated its commitment to peace and expressed its belief that, through collective efforts, a peaceful resolution to the conflict can be achieved. They called upon individuals, governments, and organizations worldwide to unite in rejecting violence and working towards a more just and peaceful future for all people, regardless of their religious or ethnic background.

As the situation in the Middle East continues to evolve, the Al-Khoei Foundation remains steadfast in its advocacy for peace, moderation, and dialogue. Their strong response to the defamatory remarks against Grand Ayatollah Al-Sistani serves as a reminder of the importance of responsible speech in times of conflict. The Foundation’s message is clear: there can be no place for threats or incitement in the pursuit of peace and justice.

In their final remarks, the Foundation expressed a deep sense of solidarity with all those affected by the ongoing violence, particularly the Palestinian people, and urged continued international efforts to bring about an end to the suffering. They reaffirmed their belief in the power of peaceful solutions and called for renewed commitments to protect human rights and dignity in the face of adversity.

Human history has spanned countless generations and seen the rise and fall of civilizations, shaping the world we live in today. Ancient cultures, traditions, and beliefs have evolved over millennia, and some countries have histories that stretch back thousands of years. Here’s a look at the ten oldest countries in the world, as ranked by the World Population Review.

1. Iran – 3200 BCE

Iran’s history dates back tens of thousands of years, with its first major city, Susa, built around 3200 BCE. The Iranian empire began during the Iron Age, and the Achaemenid Empire, founded by Cyrus the Great, became the largest empire in the world at the time. Spanning from the Balkans to Central Asia and North Africa, the Achaemenid Empire was a key player in global history. Cyrus is celebrated for his military conquests, but also for his relatively progressive policies, including respect for the customs and religions of the lands he conquered. Iran’s rich and ancient culture continues to influence its identity today.

2. Egypt – 3100 BCE

The Egyptian civilization dates back to around 3150 BCE when Upper and Lower Egypt were unified by King Narmer, the first king of the First Dynasty. This early period marked the start of one of the longest-lasting civilizations in history, lasting nearly 3000 years. Ancient Egypt became known for its impressive monuments, like the pyramids and the Sphinx, and for its complex society, which was deeply connected to the Nile River. Though Alexander the Great conquered Egypt in 332 BCE, its legacy endures, and its influence on the Mediterranean and beyond is undeniable.

3. Vietnam – 2879 BCE

The history of Vietnam stretches back 20,000 years, with early settlers, the Hoabinhians, occupying the area. The first legendary state of Vietnam was established around 2879 BCE, with the people in the region forming a government. The primary motivation for this was to manage the recurring floods from the Red River, protect the area from invaders, and encourage trade. Vietnam’s long history of resisting invaders, from the Chinese to the French and the Americans, has played a central role in shaping its modern identity. The Vietnamese people’s resilience is a recurring theme throughout their history.

4. Armenia – 2492 BCE

Armenia’s historical roots go deep, with evidence of human presence in the region dating back to the Lower Paleolithic period, around a million years ago. The earliest widely accepted reference to the Armenian people comes from the Behistun Inscription, a 6th-century BCE source. Armenia is a country steeped in history, and its role as one of the earliest adopters of Christianity in the 4th century remains a defining feature of its identity. While its ancient kingdom has long since faded, Armenia’s cultural and historical significance endures.

5. North Korea – 2333 BCE

According to legend, the first Korean kingdom, Gojoseon, was founded in 2333 BCE by the semi-divine figure Tangun. This date is commemorated as National Foundation Day, or Gaecheonjeol, in South Korea. While North Korea does not celebrate the day as a public holiday, a ceremony is held annually at the Mausoleum of Tangun. Korea’s long history of dynasties and external influence, particularly from China and Japan, has helped shape the distinct identities of the two Koreas today. The legend of Tangun continues to play a central role in North Korean mythology and identity.

6. China – 2070 BCE

China’s civilization is among the world’s oldest, with continuous history spanning around 4000 years, though some evidence suggests signs of civilization as far back as 5800 years ago. China’s pre-imperial history includes key dynasties such as Xia, Shang, and Zhou, which shaped the foundation of Chinese culture, government, and philosophy. The Xia Dynasty, traditionally considered the first, began around 2070 BCE. Following this, various imperial dynasties rose and fell, but China remained a dominant force in the region. Today, China stands as one of the oldest continuous civilizations, its historical influence undeniable.

7. India – 2000 BCE

India’s rich history stretches back over 5000 years, with the Indus Valley Civilization being one of the earliest advanced societies, emerging around 3000 BCE. The first humans arrived in India between 70,000 and 50,000 BCE, marking the beginning of continuous settlement. The Indus Valley Civilization, with cities like Harappa, thrived from 3300 to 1600 BCE. India also witnessed the rise of powerful empires, such as the Maurya and Gupta dynasties, which contributed significantly to mathematics, science, art, and philosophy. India’s long history of cultural diversity and exchange continues to shape its modern identity.

8. Georgia – 1300 BCE

Georgia’s history dates back much further than 1300 BCE, though this is the date commonly cited as the formation of its earliest government. Evidence of human occupation in Georgia goes back 1.8 million years, with the discovery of the Dmanisi Hominins, a subspecies of Homo erectus. This ancient country has been at the crossroads of many empires, including the Roman, Persian, and Ottoman empires. Georgia’s location in the Caucasus has made it a key strategic and cultural region throughout history, and it remains a unique blend of East and West.

9. Israel – 1300 BCE

The earliest recorded evidence of the Israelites dates to around 1200 BCE, as seen in the Merneptah Stele from ancient Egypt. These early Israelites were nomadic and tribal, eventually settling in Canaan. Over time, they established a more formal kingdom, with key figures like King David and King Solomon playing significant roles in uniting the tribes and building Jerusalem as a cultural and religious center. The historical importance of Israel, both as an ancient kingdom and as a modern nation, remains deeply significant, especially in religious and cultural contexts.

10. Sudan – 1070 BCE

The region now known as Sudan has a long history of human settlement, with evidence of habitation dating back to the Mesolithic era (30,000 to 20,000 BCE). However, Sudan’s more formal history begins around 1070 BCE, when the Kingdom of Kush rose to prominence. Kushite rulers even ruled over Egypt during the 25th Dynasty, known as the “Kushite Dynasty.” Sudan’s history is closely intertwined with that of Egypt and other neighboring regions, and it has long played an important role in the history of the African continent.

These countries, with histories dating back thousands of years, continue to influence the world today. Their ancient cultures and legacies live on in modern societies, offering insight into humanity’s shared past and the development of civilizations over time.

While ancient wonders like the pyramids of Giza and Stonehenge are widely recognized as significant monuments of early human civilization, they are outdone by Göbekli Tepe, the world’s oldest known place of worship, which dates back an astonishing 6,500 to 7,000 years earlier. Situated in the southeastern region of modern-day Turkey, this archaeological site dates to approximately 9600 BCE and offers a unique glimpse into the early days of human settlement. It is a “tell,” or an artificial mound formed by generations of human activity in the same location. Göbekli Tepe has not only shed light on Stone Age communities but also challenged long-held assumptions about the birth of human civilization.

Since excavations began in 1995, Göbekli Tepe — which means “potbelly hill” in Turkish — has revealed a complex site containing limestone megaliths arranged in circular patterns, smaller human statues, Neolithic tools, and remains of animal bones. The megaliths, carved with images of wild animals, anthropomorphic beings, and human clothing, suggest that the site was likely used for ceremonial purposes, possibly of a spiritual or religious nature. Radiocarbon dating has determined that these ruins are at least 11,000 years old, placing them in a time when humanity was transitioning from nomadic hunting and gathering to more permanent settlements. This finding has forced anthropologists to reconsider the belief that organized religion only developed after agriculture had firmly taken root in society.

Archaeological evidence from Göbekli Tepe indicates that it may have been a larger, more permanent settlement than originally believed. Moreover, there are hints that it was not the only Neolithic temple complex in the region, suggesting that other, similar places of worship may have existed during the same period. However, despite these possibilities, Göbekli Tepe remains an unparalleled resource for learning about prehistoric humans. While we can only speculate about the meaning behind the stone arrangements and strange symbols, the site continues to be a treasure trove of information about people who lived millennia before the construction of the Egyptian pyramids.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the site is the evidence suggesting that large quantities of beer may have been produced at Göbekli Tepe. The massive limestone pillars at the site weigh several tons and were hauled up a 50-foot hill, a feat that would have required considerable manpower. How, then, were people motivated to perform such labor-intensive work without the assistance of modern machinery? Some archaeologists believe that a beer-fueled feast might have been the answer. In a 2012 paper, researchers working at the site reported the discovery of six large vessels with a 160-liter capacity. These containers contained traces of oxalate, a chemical byproduct of grain fermentation, which is essential in the production of alcohol.

Though it might seem amusing to imagine that beer was a central part of life at Göbekli Tepe, the idea that alcohol played a significant role in early human communities is not far-fetched. For years, archaeologists and historians have debated whether humans first cultivated grain to produce bread or beer. The discovery of these vessels at Göbekli Tepe pushes the timeline of alcohol production further into the past and lends credence to the idea that shared drinking experiences helped to foster social bonds in ancient societies. In the case of Göbekli Tepe, it is easy to imagine how communal celebrations involving beer may have helped bring people together to complete the otherwise arduous and unthinkable tasks of life 11,000 years ago.

As a result, Göbekli Tepe has opened a window into a long-lost world, where early humans may have gathered for both spiritual ceremonies and social celebrations involving feasts and alcohol.

Loot, a despicable word, was evidently among the first few Hindustani expressions to enter the British lexicon. It aptly illustrates the brand of British colonisation like no other word.

On a chilly evening in the first week of December in 1862, British Empire’s railway engineer E.B. Harris reached a small riverside market village called Sultanganj on the south bank of Ganges some twenty miles west of Bhagalpur. Here his 4,771 workers were excavating a vast mound of bricks on the hillside to build a railway yard. Harris, recognised among the railway engineers for the construction of the challenging Jamalpur tunnel, was alerted by the unexpected sound of field axes striking metal. The engineer rushed to the spot where at the depth of twelve feet he spotted the foot of a copper figure. Instantly a large number of people converged at the site. The workers shoved the crowds back and gently retrieved a statue entrenched in a brick-walled chamber. The copper figure was over seven feet and four inches tall and weighed five hundred kilogrammes. It was a stunning representation of Gautama Siddharth, the founder of Buddhism, who lived in India and Nepal around the 6th century BC. This was an amazing discovery.

The railway engineer with antiquarian leanings later noted, “I believe from what I can learn that nothing of the kind has ever been discovered before; certainly nothing in metal so large.” British archeologists confirmed that the copper statue was the only surviving one from the Gupta period of Indian history (4-7th century CE) and demonstrated the extraordinary skills of metal sculptors of ancient India. Some 700 years after it was made, the statue was deliberately buried in the Buddhist monastery for safekeeping from possible damage by foreign armies or rival kingdoms. The news about the chance unearthing of the statue spread swiftly and tens of thousands of Indians came out to pay their respect to the ancient sculpture known as Sultanganj Buddha. Harris, dressed in his vintage-safari hat and light-coloured suit was photographed standing next to the statue. But within two years it disappeared.

The news about the Sultanganj Buddha had reached the ears of Samuel Thornton, a railway ironmonger and the former Mayor of Birmingham. He acquired it for 200 pounds, and secretly shipped it to Britain. On its arrival at the London docks, curators of a local museum tried to pinch it but eventually it reached Birmingham safely. On 7 October 1864, Thornton, proudly presented the discovery of the British Empire to Birmingham Borough Council, writing, “…the colossal figure of Buddha, and the large marble one, to the town, to be placed in the Art Museum, now being erected, where they may be duly and properly located for the free inspection of the inhabitants of Birmingham.” Renamed ‘Birmingham Buddha’, it went on display first in the Corporation Art Gallery, then in a room in the Central Library in 1867. Eighteen years later in was placed as the most important artifact in the newly built Museum and Art Gallery inaugurated by King Edward VII when he was Prince of Wales. Since that day innumerable admirers of the British Empire romantically looking back at the Raj, have visited the Art Gallery to carefully scrutinise the Sultanganj Buddha’s arresting facial features that emphasise the rejection of the material world in favour of spiritual enlightenment. But the British Empire never set itself on the path of denying material wealth that was derived from its brutal campaign of global conquest. The Sultanganj Buddha displayed on British soil constantly reminds us of its illegitimate transfer from India. This was not a titanic achievement—it was loot.

Loot, a despicable word was evidently among the first few Hindustani expressions to enter the British lexicon. It aptly illustrates the brand of British colonisation like no other word. Late starters in the build your own global empire game, British seafarers followed the shipping fleets of Portugal, Spain, Holland, Denmark, and France towards the East. Just over a century after Vasco da Gama discovered the sea route from Europe to India, The East India Company was established in London in 1599 to reach out for India’s fabled treasures, gold, jewels, and spices. In the 17th and 18th centuries, India was prosperous while Britain was an inconsequential, feudal-ridden kingdom.

Essentially India had endured as an economically flourishing and culturally rich civilisation for millennia before Britain even existed. This multicultural spiritual centre of the planet knew that the Earth went around the Sun and many centuries before the first British ship docked on an Indian port, Indian entrepreneurs had shaped trade routes to Arabia, Africa, China, West Asia, and Southeast Asia. Then in 1602, the East India Company authorised by its charter to wage war, launched its maiden voyage to defeat the European powers in gaining control over India. Though the British outwardly came to India as a business venture and the adventure of finding new lands, the lines between exploration and exploitation blurred rapidly. The Company’s directors sitting in the boardroom of the multinational business in London employed the culture of corporate violence to make war across India. The gang of bankers, buccaneers, crusaders, gold-diggers, mandarins, pirates and planters, generated almost a quarter of Britain’s trade while systematically stripping India of its riches. And after defeating the Indians in the first war of Indian independence in 1857- 58, the British Crown directly took control of India and it became the jewel of the crown. Now the Queen of the small, rainy island in the North Atlantic ruled over the biggest empire in human history on which the sun never set. For the next ninety years, Indians were subjugated by Hukumat-i-Britannia’s repressive military rule, faced stringent race and class discrimination, and witnessed human greed at its basest.

By the time East India Railway’s Harris accidentally stumbled on the Buddha statue in Sultanganj in 1862, a ruthless campaign of appropriation of Indian art and the archaeological dismemberment of India had been underway for decades. In 1800 a strange-looking tiger automaton toy was delivered to an address on Leadenhall Street in Central London. This was the East India House, the office of the Chairman of the Court of Directors of the East India Company. Carted off from Mysore it was a part of the booty lifted from Tipu Sultan’s palace. The toy was a six-foot-long mechanised wooden piece that was painted in the shape of a tiger devouring a red-coated European soldier lying on his back. An organ cleverly concealed inside the tiger’s body produced sounds imitating a man’s dying moans as well as the roar of a tiger.
From July 1808 onwards it was put on view as a piece of imperial propaganda in the Company’s reading room. It became a popular sight and its sounds caused many members of the British public to faint from fear. Even two hundred and twenty years later the wooden tiger remains the most prominent and intriguing displays at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. In 1849, the Koh-i-noor (the mountain of light), a beautiful 105.6-carat diamond that originated in the Golconda mines was removed to London under dubious circumstances. This mark of prestige and power in India for centuries was flaunted as an imperial possession in 1851 at the Great Exposition in London. In 1937 it was embedded in the royal crown of the Queen Mother and is now displayed at the Tower of London under the continual protection of the armed Yeoman Warders.

Inexplicably tourists are prohibited from photographing the famed diamond. Besides the over one-thousand-year-old sandstone sculpture of Harihara from Khajuraho now parked at the British Museum in London, one of the greatest robberies of all times from India was the famous Amaravati Railings originating from the Buddhist Stupa of Amaravati in the Guntur district. Here a magnificent architectural achievement of India, with a history that spanned seventeen centuries was ruthlessly dismantled piece by piece. In an indefensible act, the majority of the Stupa’s carved stones were hauled over to Britain. Today some of the Amaravati sculptures consisting of carved relief panels presenting narrative scenes from the life of Gautama Buddha as well as Buddhist emblems and symbols are displayed in Room 33 on the first level of the British Museum. Captain Henry Hardy Cole, the farsighted British Curator of Ancient Monuments in India during 1882-83, had unsuccessfully objected to the removal of the sculptures from the site and recorded, it is a “suicidal and indefensible policy to allow the country to be looted of original works of ancient art”.

Now it is well known that from the reign of Elizabeth I to almost the coronation of Elizabeth II there is an entire unrecorded parallel history of pillaging of Indian treasures. Far beyond the overhyped stories of the Hukumat-i-Britannia’s ceremonial durbars, maharajahs’ balls, Viceregal tiger shoots, cricket matches, Anglicized curries, parades, pageants, and shenanigans in Shimla, there exists the shameful colonial legacy of theft. Notwithstanding the British Empire’s assertion of its benevolence in introducing modern medicine, law, civil services, progressive education and railways in India all the expensive art pieces and artifacts stolen from India are now safely placed in the galleries and vaults of Britain’s museums and stately manors. They signify grave crimes that were committed in India in the name of racial superiority. The British program of plundering was essentially an indomitable endeavour to destroy India’s splendid history and obliterate our nation’s historical accomplishments as if they never existed.

Distinguished American historian Will Durant in his short pamphlet, The Case for India, remarked, “The British conquest of India was the invasion and destruction of a high civilization by a trading company utterly without scruple or principle… bribing and murdering, annexing and stealing, and beginning that career of illegal and legal plunder”. He added, that it was “the most sordid and criminal exploitation of one nation by another in all recorded history.” Recently Indian Economist Utsa Patnaik estimated that Britain decamped with a total of nearly $45 trillion from India during the period 1765 to 1938 but this excludes the environmental costs of aggressive deforestation and the institutionalized loot of Indian assets. To write a full-scale comprehensive history of the systematic ravaging of India by Hukumat-i-Britannia would be the work of many lifetimes for historians or the never-ending occupation of a government department. Consequently, there is no such record in the public domain as yet.

In the twenty-first century if British citizens look back impartially on the blotchy history of their occupation of India, they will conclude that the British Empire had a reprehensible past. On 22 September 2020, The National Trust of Britain, Europe’s largest conservation charity, with 5.6 million members; over 500 sites, and up to 14,000 employees made an astonishing disclosure. In an official report that spanned 115 pages, the National Trust admitted, that a third of the properties it manages had direct links to colonialism or slavery. The Trust that made $870 million in revenue in the past year claimed that at least 229 landed estates were purchased in Britain by those who had made their fortune either as employees of the East India Company or as independent merchants in India between 1700 and 1850.

The report highlighted the amalgamated collections of Robert Clive and his family that contained some 1,000 objects including ivories, textiles, statues of Hindu gods, ornamental silver and gold, weapons, and ceremonial armour from India that are now brandished at Powis Castle. It also confessed that the British robbed the spectacular Chinese porcelain dish originating from Shah Jahan’s treasury during the sacking of the Qaisar Bagh Palace in Lucknow in 1857. That rare Mughal heirloom is now held in the National Trust’s collection at Wallington.

In the seventy-fifth anniversary of India’s Independence, the time has come for the repatriation of the Indian works of art and artifacts from Britain. An aggressive international campaign to retrieve the stolen treasures of India needs the resources of our political, diplomatic, legal, corporate, media, and entertainment communities and the professional expertise of art historians, artists, architects, archaeologists, curators and museum directors of India. The UNESCO’s heritage department must be persuaded to join forces with Bharat Sarkar for returning these antiquities. The planned repurposing of the North and South Block on the Raisina Hill as museums in New Delhi would only be complete with the hundreds and thousands of pilfered Indian treasures lying around the world in museums and the vaults of international auction houses being secured for future generations of Indians.

In the meanwhile, at the Birmingham Museum, the Sultanganj Buddha’s hand gestures (mudras) remain symbolic and can serve as an inspiration for Britain and His Majesty’s Government to accept a historic blunder. The raising of his right hand, Abhaya means ‘no fear’ and hence shows the Buddha giving reassurance and protection, and the left hand with its palm outward and held upwards represents granting a favour. Fittingly, the fearless repatriation of the loot by Britain is the only practicable resolution that is now long overdue.

Bhuvan Lall is an author, filmmaker, scriptwriter, speaker and entrepreneur. He is also the biographer of Subhas Bose, Har Dayal and Sardar Patel. He can be reached at writerlall@gmail.com