ITV

Category: eNews

  • Lollapalooza India 2024 redefines the festival experience

    Lollapalooza India 2024 redefines the festival experience

    Mumbai: Following the resounding success of the Asia-first edition last year, the iconic, global multi-genre music festival Lollapalooza India 2024 is now gearing up for an even more exciting second edition with a steadfast community-first approach, curating a world of non-stop entertainment that is immersive, interactive, holistic and transcendental. Carrying forward its legacy, the iconic music festival has collaborated with leading global and Indian brands across various industries spanning auto, CPG, retail, beauty, fintech, and food & beverages industries to elevate the on-ground consumer engagement and festival experience surrounding the music.

    Scheduled on 27 – 28 January, Lollapalooza India 2024 will once again transform the iconic Mahalaxmi Race Course, Mumbai into a captivating haven for all music enthusiasts, showcasing an eclectic line-up of 40 plus renowned artists from around the globe across a two-day extravaganza. BookMyShow Live, the live entertainment experiential division of BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination will spearhead Lollapalooza India as the promoter and co-producer for the festival’s Indian edition along with global producers, Perry Farrell and C3 Presents.

    Some of the biggest brands from the world and India including Budweiser Beats Energy Drink, Johnnie Walker Refreshing Mixer Non-Alcoholic, NEXA, RuPay, Levi’s®, Maybelline New York, CRED and Bisleri Vedica Himalayan Spring Water along with Maharashtra Tourism have come together to collaborate with Lollapalooza India 2024 curating integrated immersive experiences & unforgettable moments that resonate with the audience.

    Brand partners are investing heavily in festival experiences such as Lollapalooza India 2024 and other BookMyShow Live Intellectual Properties (IPs) towards marketing, curating on-ground live experiences that act as real-time consumer touchpoints where young, digitally savvy, spending audiences are present. Live events have become an integral part of the marketing mix across the board, even as brands in B2B or B2B2C industries are eyeing this space as a lucrative opportunity along with B2C brands, and this trend will remain unaffected as long there is a promise of quality and relevance. This has created an opportunity for like-minded brands across sectors to invest strategically in building salience and brand love through entertainment, which is a core part of the consumer’s ecosystem.

    Budweiser Beats Energy Drink as Co-Presenting Sponsor continues to honour Lollapalooza’s legacy with the main stage, the Budweiser BudX stage. This main stage at the festival will feature highly anticipated headliners Jonas Brothers and Sting, along with iconic artists who are absolute crowd favourites. Going beyond conventional partnerships, Budweiser is actively co-creating experiences at the music festival, as it joins the Lollapalooza India bandwagon once again. At Lollapalooza India 2024, Budweiser will launch ‘BudX Uncovered’, an initiative to spotlight breakout artists, with two surprise acts on its stage. Through the ‘Bud and Burgers’ initiative, top chefs compete to create burgers that pair perfectly with Budweiser beer, that festival attendees can vote for to crown the ‘King of Burgers’! The ‘Brew District’ will enhance the festival experience with immersive attractions like Bud’s iconic Ferris Wheel, a viewing deck for some Lolla-favs, tattoo and hairstyling stations, arcade arenas and more. Lolla attendees can also get featured on the Budweiser BudX Stage through the ‘Bud Cam’ and win attractive prizes.

    Johnnie Walker Refreshing Mixer Non-Alcoholic, also the Co-Presenting Sponsors for Lollapalooza India 2024 and a big advocate for progress, hailed the inaugural edition as exceptional. The Walkers & Co. stage this year, will feature headliners Halsey and OneRepublic while the vibrant Walkers & Co lounge will stand out as a space encouraging bold creativity, self-expression and a testament to the festival’s commitment to collective progress and innovation. Building on its ethos of empowering a community of walkers to always keep walking, this year, Walkers & Co. lounge is focussing on an interplay of interactivity and visually stunning displays created in collaboration with Aashna Malik, a multidisciplinary artist who uses a combination of traditional and digital media to investigate ideas of perception, distortion, immersion and experience. The Walkers & Co Lounge will give the festival goers a chance to dive into Cymatics Installation to feel the beats, see the ripples and let motion be their playful guide. Also part of the lounge is a Kinetic Wall that will give people a chance to dance to their heartbeats. The Tech Drum Circle will allow people to become part of a lively symphony through joyful sounds and movement, bringing the iconic Striding Man to life through rhythmic beats. Additionally, festival-goers will get a chance to personalise their merchandise through screen printing, giving them an unforgettable keepsake.

    NEXA, Maruti Suzuki’s premium retail channel and Co-Presenting Sponsors of Lollapalooza India 2024 are set to deliver an unparalleled festival experience with the premium ‘NEXA Lounge’. The elevated deck lounge will include reserved tables, a complimentary curated premium culinary and beverage experience, limited front stage access with an open bar, valet and exclusive festival shuttles to the entry point, between the performance stages and more. Music has always been an important pillar for NEXA and the brand will celebrate it through the specialised ‘NEXA Stage’ at Lollapalooza India 2024, featuring coveted international and home-grown artists such as Caribou and Eric Nam that Indian audiences are waiting for, with bated breath. NEXA cars customised in Lollapalooza themes carrying the vibe, culture and colours of the festival as they have taken over the streets of India across Mumbai, Delhi-NCR, Bengaluru and Pune amongst others in the run-up to the festival featuring a troupe of hip-hop dancers that electrified five iconic locations in each city, drawing massive crowds! NEXA also collaborated with renowned artist Anime who added an urban touch by creating a graffiti art canvas that perfectly blends NEXA’s brand ethos with Lollapalooza India. The lively journey continues with NEXA’s entertaining multi-episode YouTube series, ‘NEXA Car-a-oke.’ Hosted by Nikhil Kini, the series features engaging conversations with influential figures in the music industry, including Tsumyoki, Dhruv Viswanath, Gaia Meera, Frizzell D’Souza, Anoushka Maskey, Shaan Kambli.

    Iconic denim brand Levi’s returns to Lollapalooza India 2024 following the phenomenal response to their consumer engagement installations and activities at the festival’s inaugural edition. The one-of-a-kind ‘Levi’s Tailorshop’ is all set to be a crowd-favourite, community hotspot once again, unveiling 15 designs inspired by music, moments and memories in collaboration with renowned artists Aaquib Wani, Mira F. Malhotra and Anirudh Mehta a.k.a Big Fat Minimalist. Festival-goers have the opportunity to personalize their Levi’s festival product with these limited-edition designs through tailored panelling, heat press stickers and screen prints, expressing their individual style through Levi’s iconic denim only at Lollapalooza India 2024. Levi’s aims to elevate the experience at Lollapalooza India 2024, leveraging the festival as a strategic touchpoint to connect with a targeted audience deeply embedded in pop culture.

    Adding to the dynamic brand partnership roster at Lollapalooza India 2024 is Maybelline New York, the world’s leading makeup brand. Orchestrating a comprehensive campaign designed to captivate festival-goers, the brand’s focal point will be the ‘Makeup Playground’ — a never-before-seen immersive experience at the festival. This feature will showcase ‘Lolla Looks’ inspired by artists performing at the festival including Komorebi, Aarifah, Kavya and Mali, offering consumers an opportunity to explore the vibrant world of Maybelline makeup in the style of the festival. Maybelline New York will unveil a new makeup range, providing festival-goers with first access to the Tattoo Liner PLAY collection, featuring six bold, colourful and shimmery liners. Additionally, the brand will showcase the limited edition ‘Music Collection’, featuring favourites like the SuperStay Matte Ink and the viral sensation Superstay Vinyl Ink from its 2023 launch slate. This partnership reflects a shared vision of empowering young GenZ audiences through the freedom of self-expression, whether through music or make-up. Recognizing the pivotal role of music in self-identity and expression for its audiences, Maybelline New York aims to create an exciting playground to experience the world of New York trends and makeup, crafted for all.

    In keeping with Lollapalooza India’s promise of making sure that everyone stays amply hydrated at the festival, Bisleri Vedica Himalayan Spring Water has stepped in to not only provide hydration for all festival attendees but do it by creating luxe touchpoints for them. As a premium water brand, every on-ground brand interaction will be curated for a premium experience, featuring sophisticated water carts and a distinctive activation incorporating helium balloons synchronized with the tagline #FullOfAltitude. This innovative approach not only seamlessly integrates the brand but also introduces a vibrant blue hue to the artistic festival landscape.

    Another new addition to Lollapalooza India 2024’s exciting brand roster is CRED that will bring with it ‘The Claw’, a fun arcade game machine. The gameplay is straightforward where members can utilize CRED coins earned through bill payments to unlock an access token. Placing the access token into The Claw machine, can help commence play and discover the surprises destiny has in store for the player! CRED’s ‘The Claw’ promises enticing rewards including top-ups, vouchers, watches, accessories and intriguing cross-brand collaborations with other partners featured at Lollapalooza India 2024.

    Along with these brands, a Global Card payment network RuPay who helmed the early pre-sale window of tickets for Lollapalooza India 2024 will also engage with digitally-savvy audiences at the festival. RuPay Credit cardholders will get special access through exclusive aisles, special parking, additional discounts and unique experiences at the festival, in a bid to enhance the overall experience of the festival-goers.

    Spearheading Lollapalooza India as the co-producer and promoter for the festival’s Indian edition, BookMyShow, India’s leading entertainment destination, has been a driving force, presenting diverse live entertainment acts across various formats and scales, enhancing the live entertainment ecosystem. The entertainment platform itself has created an interactive installation space at Lollapalooza India 2024 which is a creative spin on Whack A Mole called ‘All The Right Moves’ that will feature the thrilling pit-stops one must have on their entertainment calendar in 2024 across music, comedy, activities and more! This engaging space will act as the ticket to entertainment with exciting offers on Lollapalooza India 2024 merchandise and the Lolla Food Park. The platform actively cultivates a digitally-savvy consumer base of young discerning audiences, seeking world-class experiences in music, comedy, performances, theatricals and more. This has opened avenues for brands to strategically invest in the heart of the entertainment ecosystem, fostering a community of relevant audiences.

    With the crème de la crème of global and Indian brands coming together to create the Lollapalooza India 2024 experience for consumers and fans alike, the world’s most diverse music festival is certainly one that is not to be missed. Featuring over 40 artists, four stages and over 20 hours of unforgettable live music, art and culture, Lollapalooza India will be a treat for Indians and Asians all across, offering not just music, but also a cultural experience of a lifetime with innovative culinary selections, art, gaming, fashion and much more to be witnessed in India.

  • Film Companion launches ‘Through the Lens’ masterclass, backed by ARRI

    Film Companion launches ‘Through the Lens’ masterclass, backed by ARRI

    Mumbai: Film Companion announces the launch of ‘Through The Lens,’ a distinguished masterclass series that underscores the brilliance of Indian cinematographers, generously supported by ARRI, a leading designer and manufacturer of camera and lighting systems for the film, broadcast, media, and entertainment industries, with a worldwide distribution and service network. Kicking off the first episode with Sudeep Chatterjee, followed by K.K. Senthil Kumar and Anil Mehta, Through The Lens is a one-of-a-kind celebration, aiming to applaud the talent behind the camera, providing an exclusive insight into their creative journey. It will be aired on Film Companion’s YouTube channel.

    Sudeep Chatterjee who will be featured in the inaugural episode of the series is renowned for his contributions to cinematic masterpieces such as Bajirao Mastani, Chak De! India, Gangubai Kathiawadi, and more. With a career spanning decades, Chatterjee has played a pivotal role in shaping the visual narrative of some of the most iconic Indian films.  

    The upcoming episodes will also feature ace cinematographer K.K. Senthil Kumar, known for the mesmerizing visuals of large-scale spectacle films like RRR, Baahubali: The Beginning, Baahubali: The Conclusion, and Magadheera. And camera virtuoso, Anil Mehta, who introduced the glamorous realism aesthetic in Hindi Cinema. His filmography includes blockbusters such as Hum Dil De Chuke Sanam, Lagaan, Kal Ho Naa Ho, Wake up Sid, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil.

    To ensure widespread accessibility, “Through The Lens” is set to be aired on Film Companion’s YouTube channel. This strategic decision reflects our commitment to reaching a global audience and fostering a community of cinephiles, aspiring filmmakers, and industry professionals.

    Watch episode one of ‘Through the Lens’ with Sudeep Chatterjee exclusively on Film Companion’s Youtube channel on 17 January at 8 pm IST.

  • Moneycontrol and hBits set to make commercial real estate accessible to all investors

    Moneycontrol and hBits set to make commercial real estate accessible to all investors

    Mumbai:  Moneycontrol, India’s leading financial news and investment platform, has partnered with hBits to transform the landscape of commercial real estate investment through fractional ownership and make it more accessible to a wider audience. This collaboration seeks to democratize access to Grade A commercial real estate properties, enabling potential investors to participate in fractional ownership through Moneycontrol’s platform.

    Moneycontrol, a trusted name in the financial sector boasting 75 million investors, offers an innovative investment service. The partnership introduces a dedicated ‘Invest Now’ tab on the Moneycontrol platform, providing a convenient gateway for potential investors to explore and engage in fractional ownership of commercial real estate. This feature will provide Moneycontrol users with an intuitive and easy-to-use interface to browse and invest in Grade A commercial properties curated by hBits, further enhancing the platform’s utility as a comprehensive financial resource.

    hBits, founded in 2018, has established itself as a pioneer in fractional ownership, offering fractional ownership in Grade A commercial properties. A concept providing lucrative investment opportunities that were previously inaccessible to the everyday investors. Their approach combines trust, transparency, and accessibility, ensuring that real estate investment is no longer the preserve of ultra-high-net-worth individuals and institutions.

    hBits has assets under management worth ~ Rs. 260 Crore and has amassed a significant user base of over 60,000 registered users. Its leadership team, with over 100 years of cumulative experience in real estate and finance, includes notable figures such as Shiv Parekh, the founder and CEO, and Samir Bhandari, the co-founder and CFO, both of whom have impressive backgrounds in global finance and real estate sectors.

    This integration aligns with recent regulatory changes by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), supporting fractional and small-medium Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). These legal changes are likely to encourage investment and liquidity in the real estate sector, offering an ideal environment for such an innovative collaboration. This strategic alliance signifies a pivotal move for both organizations as hBits gains access to the extensive reach and user base of Moneycontrol, while Moneycontrol expands its offerings, giving users distinctive real estate investment alternatives. This collaboration is poised to open doors to more inclusive and diversified investment avenues for retail investors, marking a significant step towards democratizing access to high-value investment opportunities in commercial real estate market.

    Moneycontrol chief revenue officer Gaurang Shah said, “We are thrilled to announce our strategic partnership with hBits, marking a significant leap in the democratization of real estate investments. The joint platform is set to revolutionize the way people engage with commercial real estate, making fractional investments more accessible than ever before. At Moneycontrol, our commitment has always been to empower investors with innovative solutions, and this collaboration aligns perfectly with that vision. Through this platform, we aim to provide our users with a seamless and user-friendly experience, allowing them to participate in the lucrative commercial real estate sector with ease. Together with hBits, we look forward to opening new doors for investors, enabling them to diversify their portfolios and achieve their financial goals.”

    “We are thrilled to announce our partnership with Moneycontrol, marking a significant milestone in our quest to make commercial real estate investment more accessible to everyone. This collaboration is a game-changer, as it allows us to introduce the concept of fractional ownership of top-tier commercial properties to a broader audience. With Moneycontrol’s extensive network, we’re poised to revolutionize the way people invest in real estate. Our combined efforts will open the doors to premium real estate investments, making them not only accessible but also affordable for everyday investors,” expressed hBits CEO Shiv Parekh.

  • VAMA.app announces partnership with Sadhna TV

    VAMA.app announces partnership with Sadhna TV

    Mumbai: VAMA.app the virtual platform transforming the traditional offline Mandir ecosystem into a digital realm, announced a partnership with Sadhna TV, a powerhouse in spiritual programming. This collaboration aims to co-create engaging content, exclusive consultations from renowned celebrity astrologers, and a monumental 24-hour Live Ram Katha event from January 14th to 31st, 2024. Every month, users of VAMA.app can expect distinctive offerings crafted to enrich their spiritual journey, nurturing a deep connection with their faith.

    Established in late 2020 by Aacharya Dev, Himanshu Semwal, and Manu Jain, VAMA.app presented a wide range of services to enhance the spiritual journey for its users. As part of this partnership, VAMA.app will bring together Sadhna TV’s revered astrologers and spiritual leaders, providing its users with unparalleled access to expert advice, profound insights, and personalised spiritual guidance. Additionally, for an uninterrupted and immersive experience of Santan Dharma, users can partake in the free 17-day Akhand Ram Katha, streaming live 24/7 exclusively on the VAMA.app platform. These services are designed to provide users with tailored spiritual insights, interactive sessions, and an unbroken connection to their faith.

    Commenting on this partnership, VAMA.app co-founder Aacharya Dev said, “Breaking down barriers of distance and time, this collaboration goes beyond being just a partnership for us. It symbolises a profound commitment to enriching spirituality and delivering transformative content directly to the hearts of our users. With Sadhna Group’s combined reach of over 200 million viewers across platforms, this partnership welcomes a vast audience eager to foster a deeper connection with their spirituality. Witness captivating live katha sessions and participate in the monumental 24-hour Live Ram Katha, all within the VAMA.app. This contributes to unprecedented accessibility to spiritual guidance and live events. Such an approach not only distinguishes us but also aligns seamlessly with our mission to inspire and nurture the spirit of Santan Dharma across India. We are excited to embark on this transformative journey, creating a more immersive and meaningful spiritual experience for our users.”

    Sharing the excitement of the collaboration, Sadhna Group, from Sadhna TV chairman Rakesh Gupta said, “This partnership marks a significant step in our commitment to bringing spiritual content to diverse audiences. By joining forces with VAMA.app, we aim to reach even more individuals, providing them with access to our esteemed spiritual figures and fostering a deeper connection to their faith.”

    The faithtech platform serves as a one-stop destination for e-pujas, e-darshans, and astrology services, boasting partnerships with over 250 temples and a network of 300 astrologers. This collaboration with Sadhna TV further solidifies VAMA.app’s position as a leader in diverse spiritual services. VAMA.app has raised a total of US$2.8 million in funding. 

  • Open Broadcast Systems releases high-performance SRT implementation

    Open Broadcast Systems releases high-performance SRT implementation

    Mumbai: Open Broadcast Systems has released a high-performance SRT implementation in its encoders and decoders. This implementation has been developed fully in-house using modern software development techniques.

    By adding SRT support to its encoders and decoders, the company can now bridge SDI and ST-2110 environments on the ground, with cloud processing environments that use the SRT protocol. SRT support sits alongside the company’s support for Zixi and RIST, allowing customers to use a wide range of industry-supported formats.

    The implementation has been extensively tested against numerous third-party products for interoperability.

    “Many content providers are using the SRT protocol to send and receive video over the internet. By creating a highly sophisticated in-house implementation, we are able to provide the highest reliability possible for our customers.” Open Broadcast Systems founder and CEO Kieran Kunhya.

    The SRT implementation is shipping to customers from today.

  • Karnataka Government and ABAI drives Bengaluru GAFX augmented intelligence for AVGC Power

    Karnataka Government and ABAI drives Bengaluru GAFX augmented intelligence for AVGC Power

    Mumbai: Flagship event in Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics (AVGC) sector by Karnataka’s Ministry of ITBT and ABAI.

    Bengaluru GAFX is all set to be held in the city from 29 – 31 January 2024 at the Lalit Ashok, Bengaluru.

    Bengaluru GAFX focused on augmented intelligence to unite the AVGC industry for knowledge exchange. The event brings together industry, academia, and government to discuss trends, challenges, and the future of Animation, Visual Effects, Games, and Comics. It aims to strengthen Karnataka’s leadership in fostering holistic growth and development of AVGC in India.

    Govt. of Karnataka Minister for Electronics, Information Technology & Biotechnology and Rural Development & Panchayat Raj Priyank Kharge expressed “As pioneers in the formulation of India’s 1st AVGC policy and initiative, Karnataka continues its leadership in this rapidly growing sector and has been the home to the world leaders in the AVGC space having left an indelible trail of success and awards on the world stage. It is our vision that Karnataka becomes the skilling epicentre for the global AVGC community as we provide a career pathway through the establishment of more incubators and accelerators in this sector. Bengaluru GAFX is a key convention for us to propagate our plans and schemes to promote our ever-expanding vision in this sector.”

    The Technicolor India ABAI president & country dead Biren Ghose said: “The sessions at Bengaluru GAFX 2024 shall celebrate the enormous successes of the past year and identify new vistas of growth and opportunity for the holistic growth & development of AVGC in India. Packed with multiple conference tracks, masterclasses, student competitions, an e-Sports competition arena, B2B networking sessions, an exhibition track and much more, Bengaluru GAFX is a must-attend event for anyone involved with imagery, animation and simulation and with the new tech in the audio-visual space has applications in several new areas. Above all, ABAI members have helped build an ecosystem taking India’s prowess in storytelling and entertainment to become a recognized “soft power” from India to the world”.

    In the decade-plus of Bengaluru GAFX, several global giants including Walt Disney Animation, Nickelodeon, Paramount, DreamWorks Animation, Netflix, Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts, Ubisoft and many others have chosen Bangalore as their production and programming hub for their creative technology activities. The city has become home to the best talent in the country and has made significant contributions to bring an increasing global work share in the creation of games, movies, and episodic content for these media & entertainment majors among many others.

    The event’s past editions have left an indelible impact on the industry, drawing over 4,500 attendees and 120 companies, and featuring a spectrum of activities from live conferences to student competitions. With the participation of 40 colleges, the event featured 18 live conferences, 45-panel speakers, 10 virtual sessions, and 30 virtual speakers across the world, with renowned speakers from Epic Games, MPC, Gamitronics, Hombale Groups, The Mill, Technicolor Games, Rockstar Games, Electronic Arts, Netsport Media and many more.

    As Bengaluru GAFX gears up for its latest edition, it aligns strategically with the launch of the Karnataka Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) Policy 3.0 (2023-28). Karnataka, renowned as India’s IT hub, is a dominant force in the AVGC-XR sector, commanding a robust 20% share of the Indian Media & Entertainment industry. The state boasts over 300 specialized AVGC studios and a workforce exceeding 15,000, providing a solid foundation for industry growth. Education is pivotal, with Karnataka housing 5 animation institutes, 3 visual effects institutes, and 12 gaming-focused institutes. Initiatives like Digital Art Centers in 27 colleges and an AVGC Finishing School further bolster the state’s commitment to nurturing talent.

    This visionary policy endeavours to position Karnataka as a global innovation leader in AVGC-XR technologies, create a robust talent pool, generate 30,000 jobs, and foster sustainability within the AVGC industry. The policy’s strategic pillars, spanning skill development to global market access, resonate with the core discussions expected at Bengaluru GAFX, making the event pivotal for shaping the future of AVGC in Karnataka and beyond.

    This edition of Bengaluru GAFX will witness a stellar lineup of speakers comprising industry veterans and thought leaders- including the winners of multiple Oscars, British Arrows, VES Awards, Cannes Golds and prestigious Indian awards. 

  • Khul Ke to reshape content era with D2M technology

    Khul Ke to reshape content era with D2M technology

    Mumbai: Aligning with the vision of an Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India, Khul Ke, a leading platform for purposeful content, has integrated with D2M technology. The company’s decision to join the D2M league stems from the excitement of establishing a direct relationship between the platform and its users, bypassing the traditional reliance on the internet. The integration presents the opportunity to bridge the gap between urban and rural areas, enabling users in remote locations to access purposeful content.

    With millions of D2M-enabled devices expected over the next one to two years, Khul Ke’s purposeful content across education, health, science and technology, sports, business, governance, and entertainment stands to benefit immensely from this expanded reach. Users will be able to access Khul Ke’s live talks, roundtable discussions, upskilling courses, and other rich content regardless of connectivity barriers.

    D2M, a new-age technology amalgamating broadband and broadcast, utilizes mobile phones to capture territorial digital TV signals. The result is a seamless streaming experience for multimedia content, including live TV matches, directly to phones without the need for an internet connection.

    D2M Broadcast Project Advisor Nandita Bakshi participated in a roundtable hosted by Khul Ke on the D2M Bharat Tech Moment. During the conversation, she emphasized and brought attention that “D2M is a first-of-its-kind, pathbreaking technology wholly conceived and developed in India – an indigenous chipset that can now connect mobiles directly via terrestrial broadcasting signals without the need for internet connectivity. This unprecedented innovation promises to be an empowering force that touches citizens across regions and socioeconomic strata, taking multimedia content and upskilling opportunities to remote areas and young aspirational populations alike. By informing, educating, and energizing the grassroots, I believe D2M will be instrumental in building an employed, skilled workforce that powers India’s continued rise.”

    Khul Ke founder & CEO Piyush Kulshreshtha said, “Our commitment to advancing technological innovation for nationwide access to purposeful content takes a significant leap forward with our integration into India’s groundbreaking D2M platform. This integration represents a pivotal chapter in our mission, enabling us to utilize targeted broadcasting and deliver engaging multimedia content in real time to millions across diverse urban and rural landscapes. Aligning seamlessly with the vocal for local ethos, this alliance showcases the power of homegrown technology to drive progress. We are very excited about this Bharat Tech Moment and are honored to leverage D2M’s potential in bridging the digital divide, reaching deep into grassroots communities to stimulate learning, discussions, and upskilling at a scale that uplifts. We anticipate this new broadcasting capability to usher in an era of active participation and personalized user experiences, setting a precedent for unprecedented connectivity and engagement.”

    Kulshreshtha attended the “Driving India’s Techade-D2M for Bharat – 5G Broadcast Summit,” a pivotal event organized by IIT Kanpur and Saankhya Labs on January 16, 2024, at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi. The summit served as a platform to discuss concrete strategies and actions to propel Direct-to-Mobile (D2M) broadcasting into the spotlight as a transformative force in the mobile broadcasting arena.

    D2M technology has extensive applications, offering direct and reliable emergency alerts independently of internet or cellular networks. It excels in disaster management by delivering targeted authentic audio content. Its terrestrial fallback feature serves as a crucial contingency for broadcasting strategic public content in the event of satellite failures. Additionally, D2M optimizes resource use by converging radio services onto a shared broadcast infrastructure, conserving spectrum, land, manpower, and public resources. This highlights D2M’s vital role in meeting communication needs and maximizing resource efficiency.

  • 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 promises two epic nights in Gujarat

    69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 promises two epic nights in Gujarat

    Mumbai: Save the date for an unforgettable two-night spectacle! The 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024, with Gujarat Tourism, promises to captivate audiences with an unprecedented scale and dazzling extravaganza.

    On 28 January, a spectacular blockbuster awaits audiences at GIFT City in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. A night where the best in Indian cinema will be honoured and celebrated promises to be a star-studded affair. The dynamic trio of Karan Johar, Ayushmann Khurrana, and Maniesh Paul play host as captivating performances by Ranbir Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Kareena Kapoor Khan, Janhvi Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan and Kartik Aaryan mesmerise the audience. The festivities commence one day earlier, on 27 January at the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre with a Curtain Raiser to the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism, in which technical award winners will be honoured with the Black Lady. An evening hosted by Karishma Tanna and Aparshakti Khurana will also have an enchanting fashion show, showcasing Shantanu & Nikhil’s sustainable collection, concluding with a mesmerizing music concert by the renowned Parthiv Gohil.

    Building excitement for this momentous cinematic celebration, key details such as performer and host names were unveiled at the Mumbai press conference attended by distinguished guests, including Hareet Shukla (IAS, principal secretary, tourism, devasthanam management, civil aviation & pilgrimage, government of Gujarat), Rohit Gopakumar (director, Times Entertainment division, Worldwide Media, entertainment TV & digital network), and Jitesh Pillaai (editor, Filmfare). The event also saw the presence of eminent figures from the Indian film industry, such as Karan Johar, Varun Dhawan, and Janhvi Kapoor, marking a noteworthy kick-off.

    Commenting on the occasion, Gujarat chief minister Bhupendrabhai Patel said, “As Gujarat prepares to welcome filmmakers to Gujarat for the prestigious 69th edition of Filmfare Awards, we look forward to a surge in tourism, and a positive impact on our local economy. This grand event will provide a unique platform for our talented artists and filmmakers to engage with the Indian Film Industry, fostering an exchange of ideas, technology, and trends. We also look forward to showcasing Gujarat’s natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, robust infrastructure along with our proactive governance and policies like Cinematic Tourism Policy and Gujarat Tourism Policy. These policies have been created with a mindset to make an effective and efficient ecosystem for filmmakers. Our aim is to be a premier film destination, attracting future projects and investments.”

    Sharing his thoughts on the association, government of Gujarat Minister for tourism, cultural activities, forest & environment and climate change Mulubhai Bera said, “Gujarat is proud to host the 69th edition of Filmfare Awards, the event will showcase the state’s commitment to nurturing creativity, fostering collaboration, and becoming a preferred destination for cinematic tourism. Gujarat’s diverse offerings in locations ranging from landscapes, beaches to the majestic forests among others provide an ideal backdrop for film shoots or tourism. With a vast variety of locations Gujarat has to offer, it is poised to become a major hub for filmmakers seeking diverse and captivating settings”

    Sharing his enthusiasm, Times Entertainment division, Worldwide Media, entertainment TV & digital network director Rohit Gopakumar expressed, “2023 undoubtedly has been a blockbuster year for Hindi Cinema and what better way of taking the 69th edition of Filmfare Awards to an amazing destination like Gujarat. This year we are hosting not one, but two back-to-back nights filled with power-packed performances and well-deserved recognitions. It’s our way to match the immense love and energy we consistently receive from our passionate fans.” He further added, “Partnerships provide an opportunity to use each other’s strengths and achieve a greater outcome. We take pride in having Hyundai Motor India as our Title Partner and Gujarat Tourism as our Destination Partner.”

    Hyundai Motor India COO Tarun Garg shared his thoughts on partnership with Filmfare Awards, “Hyundai Motor India is proud to be the title partner of the prestigious Filmfare Awards for second year in a row. At Hyundai, we truly believe in the power of cinema & entertainment that unites our great nation together. The 69th edition of Filmfare Awards will recognise the finest gems of Indian cinema promoting excellence and talent of the exceptional films released in 2023 which will lead to Progress of Art & Culture and in turn leading to ‘Progress for Humanity’ which is Hyundai’s global vision. At Hyundai, we take pride in being the key enabler of cutting-edge technology and safer mobility solutions for the masses. We are continuously evolving and innovating to stay ahead of the curve and achieve new milestones in the industry. We are thrilled to continue our association with the Filmfare awards and strongly believe that our partnership will yield great potential for us to engage with the people of India across geographies and cultures. We eagerly await to witness a night filled with glamour, entertainment, and lot of celebrations.”

    Adding to the thrill, Filmfare editor Jitesh Pillaai stated, “The year 2023 stands as an indelible chapter marked by blockbuster bonanzas and critically acclaimed masterpieces. Filmfare Awards are not just about recognizing films; it’s about celebrating a year filled with cinematic marvels and groundbreaking moments. The 69th edition of Filmfare Awards, promises to be an unparalleled spectacle. We are geared up to showcase two back-to-back nights of cinema’s celebration and breathtaking performances, which we believe are sure to match the pulsating energy of the lively audience in Gujarat.”

    Sharing his thoughts at the press conference, Karan Johar said, “It is truly an honour to be here. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Gujarat for being a pillar of support to Bollywood and the esteemed Filmfare brand. The excitement is palpable as I take on the role of hosting this edition. Celebrating amidst the rich tapestry of Gujarat’s culture, tradition, economic and technological growth makes it an unparalleled location for this event. Personally, my journey into hosting began because of Filmfare, and my emotional connection with it runs deep. Winning a Filmfare award is akin to creating history, a dream that most creative artists aspire to achieve. The emotional significance attached to it is felt by all artists. It’s the collective participation and the sense of community that bind us together in this journey. Once again, I express my gratitude to everyone for paving the way. We are eagerly looking forward to the festivities on the 27th and 28th of January.”

    Adding to it Varun Dhawan said, “Filmfare Awards are like the heartbeat of Indian cinema, pushing many artists to new heights. When I look back at my first performance, I can see things have changed, the movie scene is different, and people now see films in a more open-minded way. Thinking about the big event coming up, I can picture a full house in Gujarat, showing how much people love this cinematic celebration.”

    Janhvi Kapoor said, “I’m truly grateful to be part of this celebration, marking a milestone year for Indian cinema. Gujarat, an incredible state, has enriched us culturally and significantly contributed to cinema. Reflecting on my earliest memories with Filmfare, watching the awards with my mom was a special experience. My first stage performance was also on the Filmfare stage, and I’m excited to create more cherished memories.”

    Be a part of a glamorous extravaganza of the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism on 27 and 28 January, in the vibrant state of Gujarat.

    Here is the complete nomination list for the 69th Hyundai Filmfare Awards 2024 with Gujarat Tourism –

    Certainly! Here’s the corrected version with proper case:

    Popular Best Film

    – 12th Fail
    – Animal
    – Jawan
    – OMG 2
    – Pathaan
    – Rocky aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani

    Best Director

    – Amit Rai (OMG 2)
    – Atlee (Jawwan)
    – Karan Johar (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Sandeep Reddy Vanga (Animal)
    – Siddharth Anand (Pathaan)
    – Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail)

    Best Film Critics

    – 12th Fail (Vidhu Vinod Chopra)
    – Bheed (Anubhav Sinha)
    – Faraaz (Hansal Mehta)
    – Joram (Devashish Makhija)
    – Sam Bahadur (Meghna Gulzar)
    – Three of Us (Avinash Arun Dhaware)
    – Zwigato (Nandita Das)

    Best Actor in Leading Role (Male)

    – Ranbir Kapoor (Animal)
    – Ranveer Singh (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Shah Rukh Khan (Dunki)
    – Shah Rukh Khan (Jawwan)
    – Sunny Deol (Gadar 2)
    – Vicky Kaushal (Sam Bahadur)

    Best Actor Critics

    – Abhishek Bachchan (Ghoomer)
    – Jaideep Ahlawat (Three of Us)
    – Manoj Bajpayee (Joram)
    – Pankaj Tripathi (OMG 2)
    – Rajkummar Rao (Bheed)
    – Vicky Kaushal (Sam Bahadur)
    – Vikrant Massey (12th Fail)

    Best Actor in Leading Role (Female)

    – Alia Bhatt (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Bhumi Pednekar (Thank You for Coming)
    – Deepika Padukone (Pathaan)
    – Kiara Advani (Satyaprem Ki Katha)
    – Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee v/s Norway)
    – Taapsee Pannu (Dunki)

    Best Actress Critics

    – Deepti Naval (Goldfish)
    – Fatima Sana Shaikh (Dhak Dhak)
    – Rani Mukerji (Mrs. Chatterjee v/s Norway)
    – Saiyami Kher (Ghoomer)
    – Shahana Goswami (Zwigato)
    – Shefali Shah (Three of Us)

    Best Actor in Supporting Role (Male)

    – Aditya Rawal (Faraaz)
    – Anil Kapoor (Animal)
    – Bobby Deol (Animal)
    – Emraan Hashmi (Tiger 3)
    – Tota Roy Chowdhury (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Vicky Kaushal (Dunki)

    Best Actor in Supporting Role (Female)

    – Jaya Bachchan (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Ratna Pathak Shah (Dhak Dhak)
    – Shabana Azmi (Ghoomer)
    – Shabana Azmi (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Triptii Dimri (Animal)
    – Yami Gautam (OMG 2)

    Best Lyrics

    – Amitabh Bhattacharya (Tere Vaaste – Zara Hatke Zara Bachke)
    – Amitabh Bhattacharya (Tum Kya Mile – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Gulzar (Itni Si Baat – Sam Bahadur)
    – Javed Akhtar (Nikle The Kabhi Hum Ghar Se – Dunki)
    – Kumaar (Chaleya – Jawan)
    – Siddharth-Garima (Satranga – Animal)
    – Swanand Kirkire and IP Singh (Lutt Putt Gaya – Dunki)

    Best Music Album

    – Animal (Pritam, Vishal Mishra, Manan Bhardwaj, Shreyas Puranik, Jaani, Bhupinder Babbal, Ashim Kemson, Harshwardhan Rameshwar, Gurinder Seagal)
    – Dunki (Pritam)
    – Jawan (Anirudh Ravichander)
    – Pathaan (Vishal and Shekhar)
    – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani (Pritam)
    – Tu Jhoothi Main Makkaar (Pritam)
    – Zara Hatke Zara Bachke (Sachin-Jigar)

    Best Playback Singer (Male)

    – Arijit Singh (Lutt Putt Gaya – Dunki)
    – Arijit Singh (Satranga – Animal)
    – Bhupinder Babbal (Arjan Vailly – Animal)
    – Shahid Mallya (Kudmayi – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Sonu Nigam (Nikle The Kabhi Hum Ghar Se – Dunki)
    – Varun Jain, Sachin-Jigar, Shadab Faridi, Altamash Faridi (Tere Vaaste Falak – Zara Hatke Zara Bachke)

    Best Playback Singer (Female)

    – Deepthi Suresh (Aararaari Raaro – Jawan)
    – Jonita Gandhi (Hey Fikar – 8 A.M. Metro)
    – Shilpa Rao (Besharam Rang – Pathaan)
    – Shilpa Rao (Chaleya – Jawan)
    – Shreya Ghoshal (Tum Kya Mile – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Shreya Ghoshal (Ve Kamleya – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)

    Technical Best Story

    – Amit Rai (OMG 2)
    – Anubhav Sinha (Bheed)
    – Atlee (Jawwan)
    – Devashish Makhija (Joram)
    – Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, and Sumit Roy (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Karan Shrikant Sharma (Satyaprem Ki Katha)
    – Parijat Joshi & Tarun Dudeja (Dhak Dhak)
    – Siddharth Anand (Pathaan)

    Best Screenplay

    – Amit Rai (OMG 2)
    – Ishita Moitra, Shashank Khaitan, and Sumit Roy (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Omkar Achyut Barve, Arpita Chatterjee, and Avinash Arun Dhaware (Three of Us)
    – Sandeep Reddy Vanga, Pranay Reddy Vanga, and Suresh Bandaru (Animal)
    – Shridhar Raghavan (Pathaan)
    – Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail)

    Best Dialogue

    – Abbas Tyrewala (Pathaan)
    – Amit Rai (OMG 2)
    – Ishita Moitra (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Sumit Arora (Jawwan)
    – Varun Grover & Shoaib Zulfi Nazeer (Three of Us)
    – Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail)

    Best Background Score

    – Alok Ananda Dasgupta (Three of Us)
    – Harshavardhan Rameshwar (Animal)
    – Karel Antonin (Afwaah)
    – Ketan Sodha (Sam Bahadur)
    – Sanchit Balhara, Ankit Balhara (Pathaan)
    – Shantanu Moitra (12th Fail)
    – Tapas Relia (Goldfish)

    Best Cinematography

    – Amit Roy (Animal)
    – Avinash Arun Dhaware ISC (Three of Us)
    – G.K. Vishnu (Jawwan)
    – Manush Nandan ISC (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Pratham Mehta (Faraaz)
    – Rangarajan Ramabadran (12th Fail)
    – Satchith Paulose (Pathaan)

    Best Production Design

    – Amrita Mahal Nakai (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Nikhil Kovale (OMG 2)
    – Prashant Bidkar (12th Fail)
    – Rita Ghosh (Zwigato)
    – Subrata Chakraborty and Amit Ray (Sam Bahadur)
    – Suresh Selvarajan (Animal)
    – T Muthuraj (Jawwan)

    Best Costume Design

    – Malvika Bajaj (12th Fail)
    – Manish Malhotra, Eka Lakhani (Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Sachin Lovelekar, Divvya Gambhir, and Nidhhi Gambhir (Sam Bahadur)
    – Shaleena Nathani, Kavitha J, Anirudh Singh, and Dipika Lal (Jawwan)
    – Shaleena Nathani, Mamta Anand, Niharika Jolly (Pathaan)
    – Sheetal Sharma (Animal)

    Best Sound Design

    – Anita Khushwaha (Bheed)
    – Kunal Sharma (MPSE) (Sam Bahadur)
    – Manas Choudhury, Ganesh Gangadharan (Pathaan)
    – Manav Shrotriya (12th Fail)
    – Mandar Kulkarni (Faraaz)
    – Sync Cinema (Animal)
    – Vinit D’Souza (Three of Us)

    Best Design

    – Aarif Sheikh (Pathaan)
    – Atanu Mukherjee (Afwaah)
    – Jaskunwar Kohil-Vidhu Vinod Chopra (12th Fail)
    – Ruben (Jawwan)
    – Sandeep Reddy Vanga (Animal)
    – Suvir Nath (OMG 2)

    Best Action

    – Casey O’Neill, Craig MacRae, Sunil Rodrigues [Rod] (Pathaan)
    – Franz Spilhaus, Oh Sea Young, Sunil Rodrigues [Rod] (Tiger 3)
    – Parvez Shaikh (Sam Bahadur)
    – Ravi Varma, Shaam Kaushal, Abbas Ali Moghul, and Tinu Verma (Gadar 2)
    – Spiro Razatos, Anl Arasu, Craig MacRae, Yannick Ben, Kecha Khamphakdee, and Sunil Rodrigues (Jawwan)
    – Supreme Sundar (Animal)
    – Tim Man and Vikram Dahiya (Ganpath)

    Best VFX

    – Do It Creative Ltd, NY VFXwaala, Visual Birds, Red Chillies VFX, Famous Studios (Animal)
    – Prisca, Pixel Studios (Gadar 2)
    – Red Chillies VFX (Jawwan)
    – YFX (Pathaan)

    Best Choregraphy

    – Bosco-Caesar (Jhoome Jo Pathaan – Pathaan)
    – Ganesh Acharya (Lutt Putt Gaya – Dunki)
    – Ganesh Acharya (Tere Vaaste Falak – Zara Hatke Zara Bachke)
    – Ganesh Acharya (What Jhumka? – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)
    – Shobi Paulraj (Zinda Banda – Jawwan)
    – Vaibhavi Merchant (Dhindhora Baje – Rocky Aur Rani Kii Prem Kahani)

  • ‘Tryst with Ayodhya: Decolonisation of India’

    ‘Tryst with Ayodhya: Decolonisation of India’

    Mumbai: ‘Tryst with Ayodhya: Decolonisation of India’ by Balbir Punj is slated for release on 13 January 2024, at 2.30 pm onwards in Multipurpose Hall, Indoor Stadium, Delhi University, New Delhi. This book deals with how Bharat and Shri Rām are intertwined in several inalienable ways; the history of the occupation of the Shri Rām Janmabhoomi by invaders, the details of the struggles waged through the ages for its reclamation, the havoc caused by those in power with a colonized mindset and how the rise of Bharat in various fields is in consonance with its cultural resurgence and decolonization of Bharatiya minds.

    This book emphasises that the resistance to the construction of the temple was stirred by a colonial mindset that obviously survived the departure of Islamic and British invaders. The sole aim of the entire fight and frequent campaigns by several interested parties all along was to save the structure that had ceased to be a mosque long back and somehow prevent the construction of the temple at the Janmabhoomi site in Ayodhya. The stated position of the involved group of supposedly ‘eminent historians’ and their fellow travellers and so-called secular politicians and ‘rent-a-cause’ activists were declared false by the apex court in its judgement of 9 November 2019. They deliberately denied the Ayodhya evidence, twisted and hid facts and built a distorted narrative to egg the Muslims on to fight for a cause that had lost all relevance.

    This mischievous lot owes apologies to all Indians, especially devotees of Shri Rām, for their antics that cost the nation countless innocent lives and destruction of immensely valuable property. Above all, they damaged social and communal harmony besides causing loss of face for Bharat as a secular nation in the global arena. It’s noteworthy that the judgment delivered by the five-member Supreme Court bench was unanimous.

    With the inauguration of the Shri Ram Temple slated for 22 January 2024, a dream will come true for over a billion Hindus in India and around the world, many of whom never even imagined that the Shri Rām temple on Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya would become a reality in their lifetime. The grand temple, an architectural marvel made of chiseled pink stone ferried from neighbouring Rajasthan, is an amalgam of ancient Indian building techniques and modern technology. For countless believers the temple shall be a resurrection of Shri Rām’s divine abode.

    Needless to say, construction of the temple against overwhelming odds is an assertively vibrant statement about India’s convincing break from its hitherto colonial mindset. Several aspects of Ayodhya and the Shri Rām Janmabhoomi temple have been commented upon and debated over the past few decades, in particular post 1984. Many questions, some of them puerile, have been raised to confound the issue. Did Shri Rām really exist? What is the proof that He was born in Ayodhya? What is the evidence that the very spot of His birth is the Janmabhoomi? Is His story chronicled in the Rāmāyan merely a figment of imagination? Why does one need a temple when Shri Rām is omnipresent? Why not build a hospital or public toilets at that site since the country needs these more than another Shri Rām temple?

    Most of these questions are neither innocent nor genuine but reek of mischief. Shri Rām’s antiquity is proven by itihās, as history is termed in Indian wisdom. The Rāmāyan, along with the Mahābhārat and Purāns, is a part of itihās. The issues that Janmabhoomi is the birthplace of Shri Rām and that He is the seventh incarnation or avatar of Bhagwān Vishnu are matters of faith supported by tradition and numerous historical accounts going back several millennia. All religions in the world are invariably sustained by faith as are most of their special religious places which draw legitimacy from parables and fables their followers believe.

    The book claims that demolition of Babri structure on 6 December, 1992 was a Gandhian solution to the problem. Considered a moral compass of the world, Gandhiji was asked how to deal with a situation when a mosque is forcibly built on someone else’s land. He dealt with the vexed issue in ‘Young India’ on 5 February 1925. Here are excerpts,

    “…The question of mosques built on another’s land without his permission is incredibly simple. If A is in possession of his land and someone comes to build some things on it, be it even a mosque. A has the right at the first opportunity of pulling down the structure. Any building of the shape of a mosque is not a mosque. A building to be a mosque must be duly consecrated. A building put up on another’s land without his permission is a pure robbery. Robbery cannot be consecrated. If A has not the will or the capacity to destroy the building miscalled mosque, he has the right of going to a law court to have the building pulled down… So long as I own property, I must defend it whether by the force of law-courts or by the force of my own strong arms… “

    The author asserts that the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi would have been resolved immediately after the independence but for the colonial attitude of Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru. The author accuses Nehru nursing of hate against Hindu religion and its traditions. According to author’s assessment, Nehru was highly influenced by Marxism; and his outlook towards India and Hindus was shaped by the alien education system introduced by TB Macaulay.

    The book alleges Nehru did a volte-face on the Somnath temple issue, and had an opportunistic streak. At Sardar Patel’s instance, a cabinet meeting in December 1947, presided by Nehru had decided not only to rebuild the Somnath Temple, but also finance its reconstruction. However, at Gandhiji’s instance, it was later decided that instead of Government funding Somnath construction, it should be rebuilt with donations from public. Accordingly, a Trust headed by Dr. K. M Munshi, a cabinet minister, was formed to oversee the temple construction.

    Gandhiji was assassinated on 30 January 1948 and on 15 December 1950 Sardar Patel breathed his last. After the demise of two stalwarts— Gandhiji and Sardar Patel, the Book alleges that Nehru’s attitude towards the Somnath temple project changed completely. After a Cabinet meeting in early 1951, Pandit Nehru called Dr. Munshi, and told him, “I do not like you trying to restore Somnath. It is Hindu revivalism.” After the Somnath temple was completed, Dr Rajinder Prasad, the then President of India, was requested to inaugurate it. When, President Prasad agreed to inaugurate the temple, Nehru asked him not to do so.  The irony is, the President was merely respecting a decision that the Nehru cabinet had taken earlier. In a parliamentary democracy, the president is expected to go by the Cabinet decision. And the President was following that convention. The Prime Minister and the President had a stand-off on the issue because Nehru had conveniently changed his mind on the issue.

    The book asserts, Pandit Nehru’s antipathy was not limited to Somnath or the Shri Rām temple in Ayodhya; it extended to all Hindu temples as such. Delivering his inaugural address at a seminar on architecture in Delhi in 1959, Nehru said:

    “Some of the temples of the South, however, repel me in spite of their beauty. I just can’t stand them. Why? I do not know. I cannot explain that, but they are oppressive, they suppress my spirit. They do not allow me to rise, they keep me down…

    …The dark corridors — I like the sun and air and not dark corridors”.

    In contrast, he found Taj Mahal ‘astoundingly beautiful’, saying,

    “The Taj Mahal is, of course, one of the most beautiful things anywhere and it is a delight to the eye and to the spirit to see it. It represented, as all architecture represents to a large extent, the age in which it grew. You cannot isolate architecture from the age, from the social conditions, from the thinking, from the objectives and ideals of that particular age…”

    This book claims that Nehru was essentially a choice of the British who saw in him a successor who could effortlessly step into their shoes and carry on with the colonial system established by their empire. Based on sources, Author reveals that on 2 September 1946, Nehru took the following oath affirming his allegiance to the British Empire,

    FORM OF AFFIRMATION OF ALLEGIANCE

    I, Jawaharlal Nehru, do solemnly affirm that I will be faithful and bear true allegiance to His Majesty, KING GEORGE THE SIXTH, Emperor of India, His Heirs, and Successors, according to law.

    FORM OF AFFIRMATION OF OFFICE

    I, Jawaharlal Nehru, do solemnly affirm that I will well and truly serve our Sovereign, KING GEORGE THE SIXTH, Emperor of India, in the Office of Member of the Governor General’s Executive Council, and that I will do right to all manner of people after the laws and usages of India without fear or favour, affection or ill-will.”

    The book which runs into 436 pages with over 1.28 lakh words, 12 annexures and about 500 references, claims that Shri Ram Janmabhoomi had ceased to be Hindu-Muslim issue post-Independence. Quoting relevant sources, the author asserts that there was near unanimity in Ayodhya over the issue of building a temple at the Ram Janmabhoomi site, following the mysterious appearance of idols in the intervening night of December 22 and 23, 1949. All kinds of differences, be they social, political, class and caste were subsumed by the shared adoration and love for Rām Lallā and strong faith that this very piece of land was undoubtedly His Janmabhoomi. Everyone in the temple town and in Lucknow seemed at peace with the new emerging reality.

    For the believers the emergence of Rām Lallā was a divine phenomenon. A surprise statement by Abdul Barkat, a Muslim police constable on duty at the Police outpost at Rām Janmabhoomi on the night between 22 and 23 December 1949, made before a magistrate later further strengthened the devotees’ belief of the divinity of the episode that midnight. More than 12 Muslims of Ayodhya gave affidavits supporting the Hindu claim about the Ram Janmabhoomi. Baba Abhiram Das, the prime accused in the case relating to the installation of Rām Lallā in the shrine, was subsequently in 1960 gifted an ancestral house and land in Kanhipur village in neighbouring Barabanki district of Uttar Pradesh by Qayum Kidwai, a munificent Muslim. Abhiram Das built a Hanumān temple on the gifted land.

    The Hindu-Muslim dimension to the controversy was given by those who had their own ideological axe to grind. They looked at the vexed issue from a colonial perspective in which the indigenous culture and traditions held an inferior position. Basically, the colonialists were fighting to retain the status quo. The local Muslims, barring some remnants of the feudal Islamic rule, were not interested in the Babri structure because as per law and Islamic tradition it had ceased to be a mosque long back.

    This book also claims that for the Hindus, the Babri structure at Janmabhoomi was never a mosque. To them it remained a symbol of humiliation that a ruthless victor forced on the hapless vanquished to establish his supremacy.

    Why build a temple, and not university or a hospital instead? A place of worship such as temple, gurdwara, mosque, church or synagogue is a prerequisite for sustaining any faith. These religious institutions help the believers organize themselves as communities and provide the necessary ambience and facilities to help them further their spiritual and ritualistic pursuits. Apart from such regular places of worship every religion has some sites that are particularly sacred or of special interest to the followers of that particular faith because of multiple reasons; be they mythological, historical or emotional.

    For instance, Mount Sinai is a sacred site for Jews and Christians because it is there that Moses is believed to have received the Ten Commandments from God. Although there is no archeological or historical evidence to back this article of faith, except perhaps that the Commandments are mentioned in the Bible (Exodus 19-24), for the believers it is above all else a matter of faith. Other venerated places include the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, both of which are highly revered sites. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is believed to have been built over the Prophet Mohammad’s footprint in the rock. It again points to the importance and legitimacy of matters of faith and belief that no one questions. It may then be asked why were questions about the necessity for a Shri Rām temple in Ayodhya raised? Because of double standards prevalent in the Indian public life.

    The book asserts that the Ayodhya dispute was avoidable and the Ram Temple would have come up at the Janmabhoomi site without any problem after independence but for the colonial attitude of Pandit Nehru and his fellow travellers who were deeply entrenched in the system.

    Rahul Gandhi’s harping on his Brahmin lineage, wearing a janeyu over a kurta and doing selective pre-poll temple hopping are comical attempts to paper over his own and his party’s disconnect with the country. Stopping the construction of the Shri Rām temple at the Janmabhoomi was made into a litmus test for ‘secularism’ and the ‘safety’ of Muslims in the country. The unanimous verdict delivered by the Supreme Court’s constitutional bench, paving the way for the construction of the Shri Rām temple has proved beyond doubt that it was a completely false construct. Today, the magnificent Rām Lallā temple standing in Ayodhya surely sends a powerful message; the end of colonisation in Bhārat has started and almost reached a terminal stage; and with this end of the last vestiges of colonisation none can stop Bhārat’s march forward.

  • Breaking: Music Maestro Rashid Khan is no more

    Breaking: Music Maestro Rashid Khan is no more

    Mumbai: In a shocking development, music Maestro Rashid Khan passed away on Wednesday. He was battling with cancer on a ventilator and oxygen support for a few days.

    Rashid Khan is the nephew of Ustad Ghulam Mustafa Khan and his mentor and maternal uncle was Ustad Bissar Hussain Khan who passed away in 1993. Rashid Khan had a cerebral attack last month.

    He belongs to Rampur-Sahaswan Gharana and received multiple awards including the prestigious citizenship award ‘ Padmashri and Padmabhushan’.

    Reacting to the news West Bengal Chief Minister Mamta Banerjee expressed, ‘ This is a great loss for the entire country and music fraternity. I am in a lot of pain as I still can’t believe that he is no more.’

    Rashid Khan gave his first concert at the age of 11. He also experimented with music concerts in different styles. He passed away at the age of 55.