Latest news with #Ajayan
Observer
18-07-2025
- Business
- Observer
Frames of tradition at Nizwa Goat Market
Photographer Ajayan Poyyara, an Indian visual storyteller based in Muscat, has turned his lens towards the lively Nizwa Goat Market, vividly documenting its spirited trade and deep-rooted traditions. Guided by American mentor Mike Macartney through a Photographic Society of America (PSA) online course, his images reveal intimate moments of negotiation, community and the powerful human-animal connection at the heart of this iconic Omani scene. with my stuff He has brought the bustling spirit of the iconic Nizwa Goat Market to life through a striking series of images crafted under the mentorship of American instructor Mike Macartney of the PSA. Mike, a seasoned street and art photographer known for his work with Olympus cameras and iPhones, designed the intensive online course as an 18-week programme. Spanning seven thematic modules — from the fundamentals of street photography and legal considerations to portraits and night scenes — the course pushed participants to capture authentic urban stories through their lenses. For his final project, Ajayan focused on the animal auction at Nizwa Souq, widely known as the Nizwa Goat Market, one of Oman's most dynamic and traditional events. Arriving early in the morning, he documented each stage: the tense arrival of livestock, the parade of animals through the crowded arena, negotiations between buyers and sellers; and the eventual loading of purchased animals onto trucks. Among his five submitted images, 'The Struggle for Survival' captures a bull hesitating at the edge of a pick-up truck, its wary eye revealing an almost human apprehension of its fate. 'Parade Before Slaughter' depicts the swirl of auction activity, with sellers showcasing animals and buyers inspecting them in a charged atmosphere. In 'Trading with Tradition', Ajayan photographs a rare scene of Bedouin women negotiating a sale, highlighting a culturally rich and seldom-seen interaction. In 'Happy with My Stuff', a buyer in a dishdasha proudly walks alongside his assistant carrying two goats in an unusual, almost playful manner. 'Despatch of the Goods' shows two assistants lifting a goat into a truck, closely observed by a young boy, emphasising the communal nature of market life. Reflecting on Ajayan's work, Mike noted, 'I am happy to see how culturally aware Ajayan is in his street photography. As an American, I operate in a different environment — I avoid photographing children even though it's legal here and each photographer navigates their own ethical choices. Ajayan's sensitivity and respect for local traditions stand out'. Parade of animals at the Nizwa souq Through his images from the Wilayat of Nizwa, Al Dakhiliyah Governorate, Ajayan offers viewers a vivid, intimate glimpse into Oman's traditional heart — a story of trade, emotion and community, captured frame by frame. Ajayan described the project as a culmination of everything he learned during the course. 'I thoroughly enjoyed this journey with Mike. His constructive feedback and mentorship have not only refined my technical approach but also built my confidence as a street photographer', he said. Parade before slaughter Mike, former president and vice-president of the Thousand Oaks Photo Group (TOPG) in California, is recognised for his focus on urban storytelling and non-traditional landscapes. His workshops and online programmes continue to inspire photographers globally, encouraging authentic and personal visual narratives. Ajayan also expressed gratitude to the Photographic Society of America and to Stephanie Sioras, PSA Education Service Administrator, for providing him with the opportunity to develop his skills further. Ajayan Poyyara, Oman-based photographer The PSA founded in 1934, is a world-wide organisation providing abundant resources for photographers, from the novice to the professional. PSA offers online learning, webinars, study groups, discounts, competitions, mentors and consultants. Mike Macartney, American mentor at PSA
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Exalogic case: CM Pinarayi Vijayan's replies vague, petitioner tells Kerala HC
Kochi: M R Ajayan, the petitioner seeking a CBI probe into the controversial CMRL-Exalogic case, has filed a counter-affidavit stating that chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan , a respondent in the petition, offered only vague denials and evasive responses to the allegations against him. Ajayan also sought a court-monitored investigation by the CBI into the allegations raised in the petition. He alleged that Exalogic received Rs 1.72 crore from Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) as illegal gratification. The petitioner further sought an investigation into the alleged political nexus involving the CM and the companies concerned. In his counter-affidavit, CM Vijayan described the petition as 'politically instigated litigation.' In response, Ajayan asserted that he has no political agenda and seeks no personal gain. The PIL, he said, is based on publicly available records and adjudicated facts, and is aimed at securing an independent investigation in the interest of justice, transparency and the constitutional right to know. Follow more information on Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad here . Get real-time live updates on rescue operations and check full list of passengers onboard AI 171 .
Time of India
27-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Plea seeking CBI probe into Exalogic issue: Kerala HC directs CM Pinarayi Vijayan, daughter to file affidavits
Kochi: High court on Tuesday directed the respondents, including chief minister , his daughter T Veena and others, in a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a CBI investigation into alleged financial transactions between Cochin Minerals and Rutile Ltd (CMRL) and Exalogic Solutions, to file their counter affidavits by June 10. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The division bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji issued the directive while adjourning the petition filed by M R Ajayan, a senior journalist from North Paravur, to June 17. Earlier, while the matter was being heard by a vacation bench, HC had directed the assistant solicitor general (ASG), appearing for the Union govt, to submit in a sealed cover the list of persons mentioned in the order of the Interim Board of Settlement (IBS), New Delhi, dated June 12, 2023, regarding the alleged transactions between CMRL and Exalogic Solutions, a now-defunct company formerly owned by T Veena. On Tuesday, ASG A R L Sundaresan submitted that the income tax department, which is represented by separate counsel, is the competent authority to furnish such details. The department's counsel informed HC that they would comply if such a direction were issued. However, the counsels for the respondents opposed the plea, contending that granting such a request without hearing them would violate the principles of natural justice. The bench concurred with this view and directed the respondents to file their counter-affidavits. Meanwhile, the petitioner, Ajayan, filed a review petition challenging the earlier interim order requiring submission of details in a sealed cover. He sought a modification of the order and a direction to the director of income tax (investigation) to produce all statements and affidavits submitted by CMRL officials, along with entries and records allegedly evidencing payments made to the chief minister. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Ajayan's PIL seeks a CBI probe into the findings of the IBS, which purportedly revealed that CMRL had paid Rs 1.72 crore to Exalogic Solutions without any services being rendered. The petitioner alleges that the payment amounted to illegal gratification and has also sought an investigation into the alleged political nexus involving the companies and the CM.
The Hindu
10-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Santhosh Kumar, Santhosh Echikkanam, Shafi Poovathinkal win O.V. Vijayan Awards
Writers E. Santhosh Kumar, Santhosh Echikkanam and Shafi Poovathinkal have won the O.V. Vijayan Memorial Literary Awards 2024. While Mr. Santhosh Kumar won the award for his novel Jnanabharam, Mr. Echikkanam won the award for his short story anthology Kavana. Mr. Poovathinkal won the award for the unpublished young writer's story for his work titled Raqeebinum Atheedinum Idayile Nunakal. O.V. Vijayan Smaraka Samiti secretary T.R. Ajayan said here on Saturday that the awardees were selected through a rigorous screening of more than 200 writers. 'We had more than 200 works of different writers sent by different publishers and as many suggestions and recommendations by established writers. We had a mega jury of 20 writers who screened and shortlisted the works through a rigorous process,' said Mr. Ajayan. Jury members Rajesh Menon, P.R. Jayaseelan and Manoj Veettikkad said that they had thoroughly evaluated the works with utmost care to select the most deserving ones for the award. The awards for the novel and the short story collection will comprise a plaque, a citation and a cash prize of ₹25,000. The award for the young writer's unpublished story will have a cash prize of ₹10,000 along with a plaque and a citation. Mr. Rajesh Menon said that despite the modest prize money, the young writer award holds great significance owing to its association with the renowned author O.V. Vijayan. The award distribution ceremony, scheduled for May 18, may be postponed due to rising tensions along the national borders, said Mr. Ajayan.
