IIT Kanpur’s Cultural Festival Antaragni ‘18 National Prelims At Delhi On 30th September

By Shivam Malhotra

 

 

“Ever wondered what it would be like to lose all the worldly worries and let your soul immerse in pure ecstasy? Ever thought how it would feel if all notions of time and being just vanished and all you could feelis your body swaying to the melodies of life and your mind exploring new levels of euphoria? Come, join us as we embark on a quest to leave everything behind and explore our true selves. Jump in this wagon of celebration and let yourself be led by the very craving of freedom and tranquillity. Sit back, close your eyes and follow the Phoenix, for now, you are En Route Nirvana.”

 

Antaragni, a place to let your creative horses run free, the cultural fest of IIT Kanpur is back with its 53rd edition. Transcending all barriers of enthusiasm, it gets bigger and bigger every year and this year is no exception! From 25th October to 28th October, Antaragni will host a plethora of events-blending a series of fine-arts, socio-cultural and literary events, along with a variety of workshops, exhibitions and informal events.

 

Taking a deeper look into Antaragni reveals its magnificence moreso. The International Carnival at Antaragni has been a host to internationally acclaimed talent like Cleva girls, The Flying Eyes, The Bonny Men etc.. The major highlights of the festival are the four Professional Nights (aka Pro-Nites) – Fusion, Electronic Dance Music, Rock and Bollywood– making each night a unique and memorable one. These concerts have witnessed globally popular and eminent personalities including KSHMR, Mike Candys,Madboy Mink,Sonu Nigam, Shankar-Ehsaan-Loy, Sunidhi Chauhan, Vishal-Shekhar and bands like The Indian Ocean.

IIT Kanpur gets completely transformed during the four days of Antaragni. A few truly entertaining events that come to mind are- Mr and Miss Antaragni (Personality Pageant), India haat, Director’s Cut, Kavi Sammelan, Calypso etc. Students from various colleges also compete against each other in the fields of Dance, Dramatics, Musicals, Fine Arts, Films and photography as well as English and Hindi literary events. Hindi literary events will be judged by established Hindi Writer Nasera Sharma, Leeladhar Jagoodi, Ravindra Prabhat, Pankaj Chaturvedi & Abhishek Shukla. This is also the time when glamour is at its peak on campus with a large number of Bollywood celebrities making their presence felt at India’s biggest inter-college fashion show- Ritambhara! The biggest, meanest and coolest rock fiesta in the country, Synchronicity! Informal events like blind dates, ballroom dance etc are also organised to keep the atmosphere interesting.

A huge shout out to our Delhi crowd for we have something really interesting coming up for you guys. Antaragni announces it DJ War preliminaries and the national preliminaries in the form of Roadtrip. Let’sexplore the uncapped talent as the DJ War (Delhi edition) prelims of Antaragni will take place at Et Al : The Lounge Bar on 29th September from 8pm to 11pm. Come and be a part of this enchanting musical gala featuring one of the most talented DJs in Delhi. Also do not make the mistake of missing out on the National Prelims for various events ranging from dance to literary events in Hindu College,Delhi on the 30th of September!

For more information about the preliminaries and the main festival please visit the facebook page or website of Antaragni, IIT Kanpur.

So here’s to all the experiences, we haven’t bourne yet. To the people, we have not met yet. To all the feelings, we have not felt yet and to the Nirvana, we have not experienced yet. Antaragni. Is. Coming. Are you?

Lalu Prasad found guilty in fourth fodder scam, sentenced to 14 years in jail and fined Rs 60 Lakh

(File Photo: PTI)

Ranchi: RJD supremo Lalu Prasad was on Saturday sentenced to 14 years in jail and fined Rs 60 lakh by a special CBI court in the fourth fodder scam case pertaining to fraudulent withdrawal of Rs 3.13 crore from the Dumka treasury in the early 1990s, a CBI counsel said.

CBI judge Shiv Pal Singh awarded two sentences of seven years each to the former Bihar chief minister under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Prevention of Corruption Acts, he said.

Prabhat Kumar, Lalu Prasad's counsel, told journalists that he will appeal to a higher court against the judgment.

Minutes are the court pronounced the sentence, Lalu’s son and heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav said he feared for his father’s life. “We will challenge it in High Court. We will decide further strategy on the basis of overall judgement in all four cases. I am sure there is threat to his (Lalu’s) life looking at the conspiracy being planned by the BJP,” Tejashwi said.

Prasad has been serving the prison term in Birsa Munda Jail in Ranchi since December 23 last year after being convicted in the second fodder scam case pertaining to illegal withdrawal of money from the Deogarh treasury.

The RJD supremo is currently undergoing treatment at the Rajendra Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Ranchi, where he was admitted last week after he complained of chest pain and discomfort in jail.

(With PTI inputs)

Virat Kohli Opts for County Stint Before India's Tour of England

Virat Kohli has decided to go the extra yard to prepare for the upcoming England tour after the IPL. The Indian captain has opted for a short county stint after the IPL to help prepare for the Test series which begins on August 1, the Times of India have reported.

Kohli, who will turn out for Surrey in June and play his home games at the historic Kia Oval in London will be the first Indian to join their roster. Surrey are listed to play three four day games in June against the likes of Hampshire, Somerset and Yorkshire, all of which Kohli is expected to play.

"Virat Kohli will be playing for the top English County side Surrey in the month of June. The BCCI has allowed him to fully focus on the England Test series along with Cheteshwar Pujara (Yorkshire), Ravichandran Ashwin (Warwickshire) and Ishant Sharma (Sussex). Virat will miss the Test match against Afghanistan in Bangalore from June 14-18," COA chief Vinod Rai told PTI during an interaction.

"The decision has been taken in consultation with the players as we felt after the South Africa series, our Test team needs more time to acclimatise before the England Test series. 

The BCCI were in talks with the various counties as we wanted our main players to get county exposure," 

India’s tour to England which begins on August 1st will see the sides take on each other in five Test matches, followed by three ODIs and three T20

Important for celebrities to speak up, bring change: Deepika Padukone

New Delhi, March 24 (IANS): As multiple Bollywood films are celebrating how weaknesses can be turned into strengths, leading actress Deepika Padukone says it is important for celebrities to use their place of influence and power to bring about change in society.

“I think it is extremely important for those who are in positions of influence or power to bring about social change. It is extremely important for them to speak up about whatever issue it might be,” Deepika told IANS in interview.

Of late, film actors and filmmakers are attempting storylines which have a strong underlying message that can bring change in society. The latest example is Rani Mukerji’s “Hichki”, which talks about how a woman with Tourette Syndrome, a neuropsychiatric disorder, makes it her strength and becomes a teacher.

Deepika, one of Bollywood’s top-earning actresses, believes people can see if you do not have genuine connect or if it is not authentic.

“For many years, people always said, ‘You know you are successful, you should do work in social sectors as well or associate with an NGO’. There were so many options (for me), but I didn’t feel like I was being honest to them.

“It didn’t come naturally to me until I came across mental health, also because of my personal experience,” said the actress, who had earlier opened up about her battle with depression.

She feels speaking up for a cause has to be an “organic” process.

“I don’t think there is any fixed time as to when one should do it. I think you should do it when you feel it is right.”

Deepika was here along with her mother and younger sister to launch a report on Public Perception Towards Mental Health in India by her foundation The Live Love Laugh Foundation (TLLLF), which aims to reduce the stigma around mental health.

The report’s findings indicate that a majority of people feel that mental illness is still considered a severe disorder like schizophrenia and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

But are celebrities not more prone to depression and stress, especially when they are constantly under the scanner, more so with the emergence of social media?

“No. I think I have understood the correlation between consumption of social media and when it helps. I always believed that whatever you consume, you consume in moderation.

“If you consume too much, it could have various sorts of impact, not just on your mental health but physical health too. I know people who are up at social media in the wee hours and probably letting it eat up their sleep time.

“As long as anything that you consume, whether it is social media or otherwise, is done in moderation, and you are aware about your social health, I think you are on the right path,” said the 32-year-old.

At the end of the day, the only thing that matters to her is “peace of mind”.

Deepika said she wants to see India as the happiest nation in the world.

“My vision for the Foundation is that we become the happiest country in the world. I see Bhutan having their happiness minister, and even some of the Scandinavian countries have the highest rate of mental happiness and I want India to be there, sooner or later,” she signed off.

Pics of Porn Star Stormy Who Had an 'Affair' With Donald Trump

An adult film actress who said she had an affair with President Donald Trump offered to return the $130,000 she was paid for agreeing not to discuss the alleged relationship. Earlier, President Donald Trump's personal attorney said he paid $130,000 out of his own pocket to a porn actress. (Image: courtesy by AP)

Stormy Daniels — whose real name is Stephanie Clifford — is willing to repay the money she received as part of a 2016 agreement, as long as she can speak openly about the situation, according to a copy of a letter from Clifford's attorney obtained by The Associated Press. (Image: courtesy by AFP)

What happened between Donald Trump and Stormy Daniels more than a decade ago have the woman firmly denying an extramarital affair with Trump and then playing coy about that denial. (Image: courtesy by Reuters)

Stormy Daniels, the woman who allegedly had a sexual relationship with Donald Trump in 2006, said in a statement issued that the alleged affair never occurred. (Image: courtesy by AFP)

However, Daniels appeared to disown the statement in an appearance on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live!," saying she didn't know where it came from and the signature didn't look like hers. (Image: courtesy by AFP)

Stormy Daniels' real name is Stephanie Clifford. Her tale of what happened with Trump at a celebrity golf tournament in Nevada became a point of fascination after The Wall Street Journal reported earlier this month that the president's longtime personal lawyer had arranged a $130,000 payment to Clifford in October 2016 to keep her from publicly discussing the alleged sexual encounter during the presidential campaign. (Image: courtesy by AFP)

Lotus will bloom again in Gorakhpur, Phulpur: Keshav Prasad

By Arunav Sinha

Lucknow, Feb 26 (PTI) Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya today expressed confidence that the BJP would sweep the March 11 bypolls to the Gorakhpur and Phulpur Lok Sabha seats.

The bypolls were necessitated after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Maurya vacated the Gorakhpur and Phulpur seats respectively, following their election to the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council.

"The lotus (BJP's poll symbol) will bloom in both the seats. I have no doubt about this. The very fact that people are talking mostly about the BJP's winning margin is itself an indicator that the party is going to win.

"You can be rest assured that we are going to improve our margin in both the seats," Maurya told PTI in an interview here today.

Taking a jibe at the opposition, he said, "As soon as the bye-elections were announced, the opposition parties started discussing the victory margin. This is a clear indication that the lotus will bloom in Gorakhpur and Phulpur."

The deputy chief minister, a former president of the state BJP, said as far as the vote-share was concerned, "60 per cent is ours and the rest is for the others to share".

On whether he wanted one of his family members to contest from Phulpur, Maurya said, "Party workers, owing to their affection towards me, floated the idea that someone from my family should contest the bypolls.

"However, I am a kaaryakarta-waadi (workers-centric) person, and not a parivaar-waadi (believer in dynastic politics). I am a member of the BJP's big family."

Referring to the BJP's winning show in the 2014 general election and 2017 Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls, he expressed confidence that the "lotus will bloom in 2018 (bypolls) and it will lay a strong foundation for the 2019 Lok Sabha election".

The bye-elections are expected to witness a triangular contest between the ruling BJP, the Samajwadi Party (SP) and the Congress.

The saffron party has fielded Kaushalendra Singh Patel from Phulpur and Upendra Dutt Shukla from Gorakhpur against the SP's Pravin Nishad and Nagendra Pratap Singh Patel respectively.

Sureetha Kareem is the Congress candidate from Gorakhpur. The party has fielded Manish Mishra from Phulpur.

"Voters are very clear as regards which party can usher in development, provide jobs, ensure safety and a robust law-and-order situation in the state. They know that it is the BJP, which is a pro-poor political party, is working to ensure that the benefits of development reach the last person, and also that it can take a tough stand against corruption," Maurya said.

For the BJP, Gorakhpur is significant as it is the bastion of the chief minister, who has represented the seat in the Lok Sabha five times. Prior to Adityanath, the seat was thrice represented in Parliament by his mentor Avaidyanath.

Phulpur, on the other hand, was once the bastion of the Congress and represented by India's first prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. It had, for the first time, witnessed a saffron surge in the 2014 Lok Sabha election, when Maurya won the seat.

Voting for the bypolls will be held on March 11 and the results will be declared on March 14.

Bombay HC refuses to defer deadline to link Aadhaar with ration card

Mumbai, Feb 25 (PTI) The Bombay High Court has refused to defer the March 31 deadline imposed by the Union government for linking Aadhaar to ration card. 

A bench of justices Shantanu Kemkar and Rajesh Ketkar, however, directed the Maharashtra government to look into the grievances of technological glitches faced by residents of the state in the digitisation of their ration card, and subsequently, in linking it to their Aadhaar card. The bench was hearing a petition filed by Nashik resident Aziz Pathan. 

According to the plea filed in 2015, the Maharashtra government issued a resolution notifying a scheme for digitisation of ration cards. The scheme was launched in compliance with an order of the apex court and was aimed at streamlining and bringing about more transparency in the public distribution system (PDS).

The scheme includes digitisation of ration cards, installation of electronic point of sale devices at fair price shops and issuance of food grains through biometric authentication. It stipulates including the beneficiaries' Aadhaar numbers in their ration card database. However, according to the plea, several beneficiaries from Nashik district were facing problems in the digitisation of their ration card, and their biometric authentication. 

Pathan said there were inconsistencies in the biometric machines and the upgraded ration cards of several residents of Nashik bore incorrect names, addresses, and employment and caste details. He said because of these inconsistencies, the residents were facing difficulties in linking their Aadhaar cards with ration cards and as a result, the linking process was getting delayed. Pathan urged the court to grant an interim relief by deferring the March 31 deadline, and directing the state government to ensure the affected citizens did not lose out on receiving food grain subsidies and other benefits under the PDS, if they failed to link the ration cards with the Aadhaar by March 31 this year. 

The bench, however, refused to defer the deadline saying that going by Pathan's plea, it seemed the problem was limited to Nashik district alone. The court asked Pathan to approach the state authorities for redressal of his grievance. 

The bench also directed the Maharashtra government's food, civil supplies and consumer protection department to grant an urgent hearing to Pathan, and to address his grievance within a week's time. The bench, on February 23, directed the department to look into the reasons for such frequent mistakes in the digitisation process across Nashik. 

"We are of the opinion that the grievance is mainly restricted to Nashik district. We think the petitioner can approach the food supplies department in Mantralaya (the state secretariat) and make a representation there and apprise the authorities of the issues faced by citizens in his district," the bench said. 

"The secretary of the department concerned must also treat this petition as a representation and look into the problems faced by the residents in the digitisation of their ration cards," the bench said. "We expect the secretary to take appropriate decision expeditiously and within a maximum period of one week," it said.

PSG coach 'optimistic' injured Neymar will recover to face Real

Paris, Feb 25 (AFP) Paris Saint-Germain coach Unai Emery remains optimistic that superstar Neymar will be fit to face Real Madrid in their do-or-die Champions League clash despite suffering an ankle injury in Sunday's 3-0 victory over Marseille.

Neymar, the world's most expensive footballer, was stretchered off 10 minutes from time at the Parc des Princes as PSG opened up a 14-point lead in Ligue 1.

The 26-year-old was on his own when he innocuously rolled his ankle and flopped to the ground in pain.

"The first examination in the locker room revealed that it was a twist to the ankle. Now we will do a medical examination to find out what this twist is," said Emery, whose team face Real at home on March 6 in the Champions League last 16 where they need to overturn a 3-1 deficit.

"We will wait for the examination, we will be optimistic. If I had to say today (whether or not he will face Real) I would rather say yes to being optimistic."

PSG skipper Thiago Silva told Canal: "Neymar already had a swollen ankle. I am not a doctor, but I don't think he'll be available on Wednesday (when PSG face Marseille again in the French Cup). He has to rest."

It was an otherwise easy night for the big-spending Parisians as teenager Kylian Mbappe became the youngest scorer in the French 'Classique'.

Uruguayan goal-machine Edinson Cavani was also on the scoresheet while Neymar had a hand in PSG's other goal.

With Monaco drawing 3-3 at Toulouse on Saturday and Lyon held 1-1 at home to local rivals Saint-Etienne earlier on Sunday, it meant none of PSG's three nearest challengers managed to win.

Monaco remain second with Marseille third, two points behind, and Lyon a further five adrift.

This result was never in doubt and Emery even had the luxury of bringing off Mbappe, 19, after an hour to give Argentine international Angel Di Maria a half-hour run out.

PSG were off to a flying start through Mbappe but Marseille were in part the architects of their own downfall.

France midfielder Adrien Rabiot tried to thread a through ball on 10 minutes to Mbappe, cutting in from the right.

Former Aston Villa full-back Jordan Amavi was in place to intercept the ball but he slipped and succeeded only helping it onto teenage star Mbappe, who jinked inside onto his left foot and dragged a low shot inside Yohann Pele's near post.

As expected, the hosts were dictating the tempo and dominating the ball, but Neymar was off target with a header from a Dani Alves cross.

The second came before the half hour mark, though, and again it owed much to poor Marseille defending.

Layvin Kurzawa slipped Rabiot into the inside left channel in the visitors' box and he picked out Brazilian Neymar with a cut-back.

The forward's poked finish was heading off target until his compatriot and Marseille centre-back Rolando thrust out a boot and inadvertently directed the ball into the goal.

- Showboating - 

 ===============

The match was as good as over and PSG had barely needed to break sweat. Ten minutes before half time and the men in blue were already breaking out the showboating tricks and flicks, with Rabiot's backheel setting up Neymar to curl a long-range strike just past the post.

Marseille barely had a sniff and when midfielder Andre Anguissa got up to meet a header in the box, it looped up harmlessly and landed in goalkeeper Alphonse Areola's arms.

It took just 10 more minutes after the break for PSG to extend their advantage as Neymar was allowed time and space to reach the byline on the left.

His cross picked out Cavani, whose first touch with his left was sublime to turn marker Rolando, while his right-footed finish was unstoppable.

Marseille were barely putting up a fight, but substitute Clinton N'Jie managed to get himself booked for needlessly lashing out at Marquinhos and then clashing with Dani Alves, who also saw yellow.

After Neymar was stretchered off, the pacey N'Jie almost gave Marseille hope but having rounded Areola, his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by sliding PSG captain Thiago Silva.

Areola also made smart saves to deny Florian

Sridevi: The diva who lit up Indian cinema screen

Mumbai, Feb 25 (PTI) Those expressive eyes and the mischievous smile sent hearts aquiver and lit up the cinema screens, making Sridevi Bollywood's first female superstar.

Sridevi's sudden death at the age of 54 in Dubai due to cardiac arrest yesterday has left family and fans in shock and grief. This 'Chandni' left the world too soon.

The actor, wife of producer Boney Kapoor, died late at Saturday night reportedly due to cardiac arrest in Dubai, where she had gone along with her family to attend her nephew Mohit Marwah's wedding.

In an impressive career, spanning five-decades, the actor ruled the commercial cinema space in the '80s and '90s like no heroine had done before.

In an industry dominated by male superstars, Sridevi reversed the trend by her sheer acting prowess. Her name, most of the times, was a guarantee enough for a film's success.

An extremely shy person in real life, Sridevi came alive in front of the cameras, playing a variety of roles. Such was her popularity that her style and dance moves would be copied by her fans country over. She was 'Miss Hawa Hawaaii' and 'Chandni' for them.

Sridevi started acting at the age of four and made her debut with M A Thirumugham's "Thunaivan". She continued acting in Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam and Kannada films but it was her career in Bollywood that made her a household name in the country.

She made her Bollywood debut as a child artiste in 1975 hit "Julie" but continued ruling the South Indian film industry where she established herself as a leading heroine with films such as "16 Vayathinile", "Sigappu Rojakkal", "Meendum Kokila" and "Moondram Pirai".

In Bollywood, she made her debut in 1978 as a lead actor in "Solva Sawan".

She gained commercial success with the 1983 film "Himmatwala" opposite Jeetendra, which also established her as one of the best dancers in cinema. She was grace-personified dressed as an apsara (a celestial beauty in Hindu mythology) performing on the hit track 'Nainon mein sapna'.

The year 1983 also saw Sridevi give stellar performances in both critically acclaimed and box-office hits such as "Sadma", where she played the role of a woman who loses her memory.

Both she and actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan played the roles in the Hindi remake of their 1982 Tamil movie, "Moondram Pirai". The climax of the heart-wrenching movie was deemed as poetic as the entire plot, with the song 'Ae zindagi gale laga le' as an ode to the philosophy of uncertainty in life.

Sridevi followed it up with a number of commercial hits such as "Mawaali", "Tohfa", "Masterji" and "Nazrana".

In 1987 came Shekhar Kapur's "Mr India", a film which was produced by her future husband Boney Kapoor.

Sridevi gave a memorable performance as crime reporter Seema Sohni. She was one of the few female actors who left the audience spellbound with both her comic timing and sensuality.

How her undercover scribe transformed into Ms Hawa Hawaaii, thanks to her dancing skills in one of the popular songs, is one of the most memorable scenes of the film.

Owing to the cult status the song went on to achieve, the Kavita Krishnamurthy number has been recreated a number of times in films such as "Shaitan" and most recently in Vidya Balan's "Tumhari Sulu".

And so will 'Kaate nahi kat-te', an iconic sultry number which saw the actor romance an invisible man in a song revelling in a never-before-seen boldness and fantasy.

Filmmaker Yash Chopra cast her in the title role of "Chandni" in the 1989 film, another iconic film of her career. Such was her performance in the film that fans came to recognise her with the name of Chandni.

Impressed with her performance in the film, Chopra cast her again in "Lamhe" in a dual role, where she played the mother and the daughter.

It did not do well at the box office at that time but has come to be known one the best films of Sridevi, Chopra and Anil Kapoor's careers. The film was said to be ahead of its times as it dealt with a woman falling for an older man who is in love with her dead mother.

Her other major box office hits of the era were "Chaalbaaz", where she played the role of twins, "Nagina", and "Khuda Gawah" opposite Amitabh Bachchan.

Her pairing with Anil Kapoor, her "Mr India" co-star and brother-in-law, was particularly successful and she would work with him again in "Laadla" and "Judaai".

After "Judaai", Sridevi took a break from acting to focus on her marriage with Boney Kapoor. She had two daughters -- Janhvi and Khushi -- with Kapoor.

The actor made a successful comeback to cinema 15 years later with Gauri Shinde's "English Vinglish", playing a housewife who learns English after feeling left out in her family.

She also had a starring role in Tamil film "Puli" and followed "English Vinglish" with another successful outing in "Mom", which also featured Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna.

The actor's elder daughter Janhvi is on the cusp of her own cinematic journey with "Dhadak", a remake of the Marathi blockbuster "Sairat". Unfortunately, Sridevi will not be there to witness it.

add add I was astounded by Sridevi's rise, says Kamal Haasan

Chennai, Feb 25 (PTI) Actor-turned-politician Kamal Haasan has said legendary actor Sridevi surprised him with her dedication to the craft of acting and he was blown away by her ability to grow as an artiste.

The diva, who passed away late last night in Dubai at the age of 54 reportedly due to cardiac arrest, had acted with the actor in 27 films, including director K Balachander's "Moondru Mudichu", which also featured South superstar Rajinikanth.

In a video message, Haasan remembered Sridevi as an "astounding talent", which was "no luck" but a result of her hard-working nature throughout a career spanning almost five decades.

"Sridevi Kapoor's astounding talent was no luck. It was well-deserved and she worked for it from her childhood. I'm also a child actor, I've known her from her teens. She was still a child then when she came to work with me and Mr Balachander, my mentor sometimes gave me the responsibility of working with her, correcting her and shaping her acting, even her dance moves.

"When she came she was not as talented as she is, she was. But she developed everyday she learnt. I was astounded by her climb and every step of it she worked for. She was very fond of me and I was very fond of her. We were working so continuously that our personal lives were on the periphery... So the kind of dedication she had truly matched mine and so it's no wonder that we were fond of each other," the 63-year-old actor said.

Haasan recounted his last meeting with Sridevi which took place in January.

"We were not prone to showing emotion but we both hugged each other and I'm very grateful for that hug... 'Sadma' song rings in my ears now. I think that (is) favourite lullaby for this talented, beautiful Sridevi. That's our lullaby for her," he added talking about the Yesudas song "Surmayi ankhiyon mein" from the 1983 hit movie.

The actor also praised his deceased co-star as a dedicated mother to her two daughters - Janhvi and Khushi and offered his condolences to her husband, producer Boney Kapoor.

Fans gather outside Sridevi's house, mortal remains to arrive tonight

Mumbai, Feb 25 (PTI) The air outside Sridevi's residence is heavy with grief as fans of the veteran actor continue to queue up to catch one last glimpse of their 'Chandni'.

Sridevi, 54, died late at Saturday night reportedly due to cardiac arrest in Dubai, where she had gone to attend her nephew Mohit Marwah's wedding.

Ever since the news broke out, Sridevi's Lokhandwala home - where she used to live with her husband Boney Kapoor and two daughters Janhvi and Khushi - witnessed a steady stream of ardent fans assembling outside her house to pay their respects.

According to an Airports Authority of India source, a private jet is being flown to Dubai to carry the late actor's mortal remains.

The aircraft which will bring Sridevi's body is likely to depart from Mumbai around 1 pm and will arrive in Dubai at 4 pm. It is expected to reach Mumbai around 8 pm.

Meanwhile, no celebrity has visited her residence yet.

Two police vans have been stationed and the security, too, has been beefed up to avoid any commotion outside her residence.

The actor, who started off her career down South as a child artiste, became a prominent Bollywood star in the early '80s with box-office hits such as "Mawaali" (1983), "Tohfa" (1984), "Mr India" (1987) and "Chandni" (1989) among others to her credit.

Her outings in "Sadma" (1983), "ChaalBaaz" (1989), "Lamhe" (1991), and "Gumrah" (1993) earned her critical acclaim, establishing her as one of the most sought after actors of her era.

Sridevi went on a hiatus for 15 years after starring in home production -- "Judaai" -- co-starring with her brother-in-law actor Anil Kapoor and Urmila Matondkar.

It was director Gauri Shinde's "English Vinglish" in 2012 that marked her comeback to the silver screen.

Sridevi was last seen in revenge-drama -- "Mom" -- alongside Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Akshaye Khanna. She shot for a special appearance in superstar Shah Rukh Khan's upcoming film -- "Zero" -- which releases in December.

After shooting, students make emotional return to Florida school

Washington, Feb 26 (AFP) Students and teachers returned to a Florida school for the first time since 17 people were killed there, consoling each other even as they called for swift action to address gun violence.

"Imagine (being) in a plane crash and then having to get on the same plane every day and fly somewhere else -- it's never going to be the same," David Hogg, a survivor of the February 14 shooting at a Parkland, Florida high school, told ABC television's "This Week."

The school held a voluntary "orientation" Sunday, with teachers and staff due back starting Monday and classes resuming on Wednesday -- a prospect described as "daunting" and "scary," but which is also a step for survivors to move forward after the attack.

One teacher who had already been back told NPR radio that the shock of returning to a classroom left exactly as it had been during the attack -- notebooks still on desks, the calendar still set to February 14 -- made her so physically ill she had to leave.

But Cameron Kasky, a student who survived the attack, tweeted a picture of people on campus, saying: "It is GOOD TO BE HOME."

"I have all my friends here with me and it just makes me feel like I'm not alone in this situation," student Michelle Dittmeier, who attended the orientation, told ABC.

Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School also received support from alumni, with previous graduating classes making banners to decorate the school, the WSVN news reported.

Amid ardent demands by students like Hogg for action, President Donald Trump has said he is open to raising the minimum age for gun purchases and to banning so-called bump stocks, which can effectively convert semi-automatic weapons into automatic firearms.

Speaking at the Governors Ball ahead of meetings with the top officials from all 50 states on Monday, Trump said that school safety is a top priority: "I think we'll make that first on our list."

A new CNN poll, conducted a week after the Florida shooting, shows surging public support for stricter gun laws -- surpassing levels seen even after other horrific shootings of recent years -- and for a ban on powerful semi-automatic weapons like the AR-15 used in Parkland.

Overall, 70 percent of those surveyed said they supported stricter gun laws, up from 52 percent in October, and 57 percent favored a ban on semi-automatic arms, an increase from 49 per cent.

Florida Governor Rick Scott has laid out a plan to station a police officer at every public school in the state, raise the legal age for gun purchases from 18 to 21 and pass a "red flag" law for authorities to more easily remove guns from the mentally ill or people with violent histories.

The age change and "red flag" law are staunchly opposed by the influential National Rifle Association, of which Scott is a member.

Scott, who holds the NRA's highest rating of A+, noted on "Fox News Sunday" that "there will be some that disagree. But... I want my state to be safe."

Trump had Scott stand up to applause on Sunday, telling him: "You're doing a great job."

Florida was also the scene of a June 2016 shooting at an Orlando nightclub that left 49 people dead.

Hema Malini condoles Sridevi's death

File Photo

Mathura, Feb 25 (PTI) Actor-turned-politician Hema Malini today condoled the death of Sridevi, saying she had achieved the highest position in Bollywood because of her dedication to her work.

"I value her for her sanskars as in spite of achieving the highest position of 'superstar' in Bollywood, she never compromised with the south Indian sanskars inculcated in her," Hema Malini said.

She said she can't believe Sridevi was no more.

Hema Malini said Sridevi was healthy and energetic when she had met her recently.

Sridevi achieved the highest position in Bollywood because of her work and dedication, she said.

Sridevi, who charmed audience with her stellar performances in films such as 'Mr India', 'Chaalbaaz' and 'Lamhe' passed away in Dubai last night. She was 54.

Rupee gains 6 paise against dollar in opening trade

Mumbai, Feb 26 (PTI) The rupee strengthened by 6 paise to 64.67 against the dollar at the forex market today on fresh selling of the American currency by exporters and banks amid strength in domestic equities.

Dealers said dollar's weakness against other currencies overseas and early gains in domestic equity markets supported the rupee.

On Friday, the rupee had gained 31 paise to end at 64.73 against the US dollar.

The dollar eased after climbing Friday on the back of the comments from the US Fed cementing expectations of more aggressive US rate hikes this year.

The euro's gains, however, are being tamed by uncertainty ahead of elections in Italy, one of the eurozone's biggest economies.

Meanwhile, the benchmark BSE Sensex rose by 133.78 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 34,275.93 in opening trade today.

According to the provisional exchange data, foreign investors sold shares worth Rs 486.32 crore on net basis on Friday.

add add Former Cabinet secretary T S R Subramanian passes away

New Delhi, Feb 26 (PTI) Former Cabinet secretary T S R Subramanian has passed away, officials said today. He was 79.

Extremely shocked to hear the sad news of the demise of T S R Subramanian. He was the tallest amongst all and is a big loss for the IAS fraternity and the nation. Deepest condolences to all family members. We hope and pray that your ideas and thoughts will continue to guide us, the IAS association said in a tweet.

His cremation will take place at the Lodhi Road crematorium here at 5.30 pm, the association said.

Subramanian was the Cabinet secretary from August 1, 1996, to March 31, 1998.

The cause of death and other details were immediately not known.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Minister of State (MoS) for Personnel Jitendra Singh and other senior IAS officers have condoled his death.

Former Cabinet secretary T S R Subramanian is no more. Saddened by the news. He was affable, full of ideas and energetic. In many a debate on TV channels, shared thoughts with him. Condolences to his family and his fraternity, she said.

The MoS said, "Saddened by news of the demise of former Cabinet secretary T S R Subramanian. My condolences to the entire IAS fraternity and his family."

Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy, Anil Swarup, said: Bichde sab bari bari (all left one by one)."

One of the most outstanding officer T S R Subramanian is no more. Rest in Peace. RIP, he said on Twitter.

Sensex rises 134 pts; Nifty tops 10,500 on global cues

Mumbai, Feb 26 (PTI) The benchmark BSE Sensex rose over 134 points today on sustained buying in key frontline counters led by metal, auto, capital goods and banking stocks.

Sentiments bolstered in all Asian markets following positive cues from Wall Street.

Also, continued buying by domestic institutional investors (DIIs) and strengthening rupee boosted market mood, brokers said.

The BSE Sensex rose 133.78 points, or 0.39 per cent, to 34,275.93. All sectoral indices were trading 

higher, led by metals, auto, capital goods and banking stocks that gained up to 1.34 per cent.

The gauge had gained 322.65 points in the previous session on Friday.

The broader Nifty 50 index was also trading above the key 10,500-level at 10,529.10, a gain of 38.05 points, or 0.36 per cent.

Major gainers were Tata Motors, Adani Ports, Bajaj Auto and Maruti, rising up to 2.26 per cent.

On a net basis, DIIs bought equities to the tune of Rs 1,514.03 crore, while foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) sold shares worth Rs 486.32 crore on Friday, provisional data showed.

Among Asian markets, Japan's Nikkei was trading higher by 0.82 per cent. Hong Kong's Hang Seng up 0.54 per cent and Shanghai Composite 0.31 per cent higher.

The US Dow Jones Industrial Average ended 1.39 per cent higher on Friday's trade.

May to make key Brexit speech next Friday: Downing Street

London, Feb 23 (AFP) Prime Minister Theresa May will make a keynote speech next Friday on Britain's relationship with the EU after Brexit following a "very positive" meeting of her senior ministers, her spokesman said. "The prime minister will be setting out more detail of the government's position on Friday," he said. 

Confirmation of the much-anticipated speech comes after May gathered around a dozen of her senior ministers for an "away day" at her country retreat in Chequers yesterday. 

Their discussions lasted eight hours as they sought to thrash out their considerable differences on how closely aligned Britain should stay with the EU once it leaves the single market and customs union. "It was a very positive meeting and a step forward, agreeing a basis of the prime minister's speech on our future relationship," the spokesman said. 

The full cabinet will discuss the plans at their regular weekly meeting on Tuesday. The prime minister's speech is expected to take place somewhere in Britain, after May chose Florence, Italy for her last big Brexit address in September.

Nyay yatra a flop, Tejashwi's statements absurd: Sushil Modi

Patna, Feb 22 (PTI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi today lambasted RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, terming his state-wide "Nyay Yatra" as a flop and charging him with making "absurd statements to gain sympathy". The senior BJP leader was responding to allegations by Yadav, the leader of the opposition in the state assembly, that the Nitish Kumar government was getting his phones tapped and attempts had been made to lace his food with poisonous and narcotic substances. "Who would dare to touch a person whose elder brother had the temerity to threaten that the Prime Minister would be skinned", Sushil remarked sarcastically in a tweet. 

The Bihar Deputy CM was referring to the outbursts of Tej Pratap Yadav, Tejashwi's elder brother, who had said in November last year that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be skinned if his father and RJD supremo Lalu Prasad suffered any physical harm after downgrading of security cover. "It is a family which remained in power for 15 years, recalling which people of Bihar still shudder. Whom do people, who became MLAs and ministers by virtue of the family's dynasty politics, fear for their lives", Sushil added. After the Grand Alliance's victory in the 2015 assembly polls in Bihar, Tejashwi Yadav had become the Deputy CM while Tej Pratap was made the health minister. The two brothers had made successful electoral debut in the polls. 

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar walked out of the alliance last year following corruption cases against Tejashwi Yadav and formed a new government with the BJP. "People are making absurd statements to gain sympathy after the Nyay Yatra has turned out to be a flop", Sushil Modi said in response to Tejashwi Yadav's allegation yesterday that the Nitish Kumar government had hatched a "serious conspiracy" to derail his state-wide tour. 

In an obvious dig at Tej Pratap's statement that Nitish and Sushil had "let loose ghosts" inside the bungalow allotted to him while he was the health minister, the Deputy CM said "Nitish Kumar had, six months ago, showed the maha bhoots (big ghosts) their place. They had been misusing their political position to grab land and build malls, flats and farm houses". The entire family of Lalu Prasad is facing probe by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate in cases relating to money laundering and benami land transactions. 

"Ghosts would soon be driven away from all government bungalows", Sushil said in an obvious reference to Tejashwi Yadav who is yet to vacate the bungalow allotted to him, adjacent to the CM's official residence, while he was the Deputy Chief Minister.

Editor-in-chief of 'National Herald' passes away

Chennai, Feb 24 (PTI) Veteran journalist and editor-in-chief of Delhi-based National Herald, Neelabh Mishra, died at a private hospital here today following an illness. Congress chief Rahul Gandhi condoled the demise of Mishra, and described him an as "editor's editor." "National Herald announces the passing away of our editor-in-chief, leader and friend Neelabh Mishra, aged 57, on February 24. 

He is survived by his long-time partner Kavita Srivastava, brother Shailoj Kumar, sister-in-law Sudha, and niece Nawasha," a statement put up on the 'National Herald' website said. Mishra, who was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai earlier this month, "was critically ill with complications resulting from non-alcoholic liver cirrhosis," it said. "He developed multiple organ failure before a liver transplant could be carried out. He breathed his last (today) surrounded by his relatives, friends and comrades," the statement said. 

His cremation is scheduled at Nungambakkam here later in the day, sources close to him said. In 2016, Mishra 'steered' the re-launch of National Herald, founded by former prime minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, as a digital news website, the statement said. 

Last year, he re-launched the 'National Herald on Sunday' newspaper, and then its sister publications 'Navjivan' and 'Qaumi Awaz' as news websites, the statement added. 

Mishra started off his over three decades of journalistic career as a reporter with 'Navbharat Times' in his hometown Patna in Bihar and later moved to Rajasthan as the Jaipur correspondent for 'News Time'. He also set up Eenadu TV in Rajasthan in 1998, it said adding, prior to his stint in 'National Herald', he worked as Editor of 'Outlook Hindi' for several years. Meanwhile, Gandhi condoled the death of Mishra. "A man who spoke truth to power. 

An institution builder. On Neelabh Mishra's tragic passing away this morning, my deepest condolences to his family, friends, colleagues and admirers. #NationalHerald," he said in a tweet from his official handle 'Office of RG.

Modi, Trudeau discuss terrorism, trade ties

Photo Courtesy by PTI 

New Delhi, Feb 23 (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Canadian counterpart Justin Trudeau on Friday held extensive talks on key issues of counter-terrorism and extremism as well as ways to boost trade ties, after which the two sides inked six pacts, including on energy cooperation After their nearly two-hour long meeting, Modi, while addressing a joint media event with the Canadian prime minister, said they discussed the entire gamut of the bilateral partnership Asserting that it is important that the two countries work together to fight terrorism, Modi said there should be no place for those who misuse religion for political goals. 

The prime minister also made it clear that those who challenge India's sovereignty and unity will not be tolerated Modi's remarks come amidst criticism of the Trudeau government's soft approach towards the Khalistan issue. 

Observing that Trudeau has visited various parts of India in last few days, Modi said the Canadian leader must have experienced the diversity of the country. 

On his part, Trudeau described India as a natural partner for commercial cooperation. Earlier, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj called on the Canadian prime minister and discussed various issues of mutual interest Swaraj had a warm meeting with Trudeau and discussed ways to strengthen and deepen the partnership between the two countries, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted.

Rasbatiya

(Short Story)

Realistic Rural woman painting by ilayaraja

This time the monsoon was delay and was not enough to harvest the farm of fill up the big ponds the river Ghagra keep flowing neither Grandmother's tricks nor children's tricks of unclothing succeeded in the rain. Only one sound come from everywhere "all clouds gives water". On the request of children God gave the water but that too like the urine of God India. Rain water was not enough as the small ponds were also not filled up. Only mud and mud everywhere. Like the clouds were there lightning sounds were also heard it was appearing that it will rain heavily. After that we will go to our grand nana's place and enjoy the sweets and drinks over there. But the almighty's vision was something else. Now with the water of tube well we are sowing the crop of rice. If the crop will not grow as required then we will be of a very little value.

Suddenly Rasbatia went quiet and spanking on her forehead. She said after a long time men has come back and I was busy telling tales. OK leave it tell me how is the food cooked.

Just like Holy water.

Oh shaking her head and covering her face with saree she turned. After several months seeing her husband back se was so glad that it was appearing like whole lot of love was clearly visible in her eyes.

In the village there were so many unemployed and very few were employed and of low income. Only some who have earned much education that person say bye to village. After becoming at order age Ram Avtar also did the same his mother wept and cried but of no use. Ram Avtar left for the city.

After his marriage Ram avtar went to city to earn rupees after one year he has come back to his village and when frisked by Rasbatia Ram Avtar says whenever there was a whisper then the veins of brain started humming and a felling of insecurity then only the remembrance of  village comes through. There is no any musical instrument in the city nor any folk songs being sung only the people are vanishing in the crowd and the customs & traditions are being blown out of air. Remixes are there in the city. In air conditioned chambers people sitting and giving the description of clouds and Baba Kalidas and Tulsidas singing Chumma-Chumma.

And talking in the same manner Ram Avtar went silent. Oh I am also talking meaningless. Tell me how are you and what's the news about village. Oh, don’t ask the news of the village here a canal was being dug up. In that case village head was murdered and on the other hand Satrohna………… saying this Rasbatia went numb. What happened to Satrohna. Ram Avtar spooked Rasbatia. Rasbatia replied. In this Dussehra Holidays his Chachi fixed his wedding with the daughter of teacher Trilochan of Badhaipurwa. Bedhuni only one week passed of the marriage that there was a call from army that in the KARGIL Pakistani soldiers have attacked. Chachi told him that Pakistani soldiers are very cruel beware of them.

Satrohna went back after seven days a letter came that he had reached safely and now he is being sent to KARGIL. Badhuni heaved a sign of relief and then started praying Goddesses. Here in the village rumours went around some say that Pakistani have captured KARGIL but some other say that Government is hiding the truth and Pakistani soldiers have entered too far. Some say that our country has suffered a huge loss. But some say that no it's not like this our army has driven them back.

A day passed by there was no news about Satrohna. Budhani served her mother in law used to cook food and made her mother in law eat. She used to work ship all Gods and Goddess but no news about Satrohna. No letter came from Satrohna's end.

On the day of Kalipuja Budhani cooked delicacies and served for her mother in law. After her mother in law had those delicious foods when she herself sat to have those delicacies she thought that her lips have dried up by the thirst and hunger. By the cold her body colour began to turn blue. Badhuni threw the bite on the floor she was going to eat.

Why are you doing like this asked her mother in law. Being a bahu of house you should not throw the bite on the floor. It is unfair Badhuni turned red faced. Again she tried to have one more bite from her plate. But same thing happened she felt tasteless and unable to chew but again she thought that same unusual could happen to her husband so she ate that bite but vomited. Then her mother in law did not forced her to eat. She began to think that now her tongue has lost the taste of delicious foods. As she had also lost the taste fifteen years back.

OK enough is enough now I can't hear Rasbatia. Only tell me where is Badhuni. He asked with heavy heart.

After the death of her husband people of the village started commenting they use to say that she is a witch as she has taken the life of her husband. She lived until her mother in law was alive. When her mother in law died she also had rat poison and ended her life. Saying the Rasbatia eyes were also filled with tears that hugging Ram Avtar. She said you will not go to city again leaving me.

Ram Avtar began to think about it that Rasbatia is right. Upto how much he will run in the city due to fear of his boss threats from moneylenders and  the grocers. Then he saw some ants climbing up the wall. He began to think that when these small creatures do not leave hope till their end. Then why should he leave his village from the problems. At last happy days will also come in my life and on that day I will blow the bugle.

He was lost in these thoughts then Rasbatia hooked him. Wake up its raining heavily get inside the house. I have cooked the pakories of besan and onion for you.

By Ravindra Prabhat 
Indian Short story writer, novelist,journalist,poet and blog critic.

Website: http://www.ravindraprabhat.in/
Email: ravindra.prabhat@gmail.com

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Next Parikalpana's International Hindi Utsav to be held in Mauritius.

Logo of International hindi Utsav, Mauritius/ Trend today 

Lucknow (Staff Reporter): "Hindi is getting established as a reputed language not only in India but across the world. Apart from movies and literature, blogging which has established itself as a form of new media is also helping in the spread of Hindi. So main objective of the Parikalpana's  International Hindi Utsav is to create ground for development of Hindi blogging in the World, promote Hindi literature and Indian culture, and provide opportunities for language harmony and cultural study and tourism in the world." Said Ravindra Prabhat  yesterday in Lucknow. 

Chief Editor of Parikalpana Samay and Organizer of ‘International Hindi Utsav’ Mr. Ravindra Prabhat said that after having successfully organized the conference in Delhi (India), Lucknow (India), Kathmandu (Nepal), Thimphu & Paro (Bhutan), Colombo & Kandy (Sri Lanka), Bangkok  & Pataya (Thailand), Auckland, Hamilton & Rotorua (New Zealand), Singapore,  Kualalumpur & Johor Bahru (Malaysia) and Bali & Jakarta in Indonesia. This time next International Hindi Utsav will be organized from 2nd Sept. 2018 to 8th Sept. 2018 in Mauritius. 

The host of this International Hindi Utsav Mr. Ravindra Prabhat Said that the Prime Minister of India Mr. Narendra Modi has emphasized on historical and cultural relation between India and the out side of world and sought to promote co-operation and harmony between the all countries. This Hindi Utsav being organized in Mauritius is an effort in the same direction.

Mr. Ravindra Prabhat said that on this occasion celebrities from the field of blogging, literature, social and cultural world will be felicitated.

Mr. Prabhat said that during the Hindi Utsav, study of Hindi in global perspective especially in Mauritius, promotion of Hindi literature, various dimensions of blogging as new media and role of Social Media in changing times etc. will be discussed. Indian folk singers & dancers will be performed on the stage. Exhibited Indian folk art and culture. These are traditional painting & Kavi Sammelan also performed.