Latest news with #Allahabad
Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Khaleej Times
UAE's Adbhut is making amazing music that belongs to everyone
In a world that often defines people by their limitations, Adbhut — meaning 'amazing' in Hindi — flips the narrative. Formed in early 2023, this groundbreaking band of young adults of determination is redefining what it means to be a musician, a performer, and a changemaker. They're not just playing music — they're playing with purpose, proving that talent knows no bounds. The spark behind this quiet but powerful movement came from Neena Raina, a certified neuro-linguistic programming coach, hypnotherapist, inclusion advocate, and mother determined to create space for her son Varun's musical gift to shine. The result is Adbhut — not a novelty act, but a bold statement: art belongs to everyone. 'Adbhut isn't about sympathy,' Neena says. 'It's about building livelihoods, dignity, and a future where inclusion is the norm — not the exception.' Each member of Adbhut brings their own melody to this extraordinary symphony: Varun Raina's musical journey is a story of determination. Diagnosed with autism and non-verbal until age 11, Varun found his voice in music long before he could express it in words. Today, his deep love for both Indian classical and Western music is reflected in his rich vocal performances. A graduate in Hindustani classical music from Prayag University, Allahabad, and a certified vocalist under the ABRSM curriculum, he has performed across the UAE and continues to win hearts with every note. He has also done three years of professional film acting courses. 'Music makes me feel free,' says Varun, now 25. 'It's how I tell the world who I am.' Lead drummer Raihan Mohammed Aslam showed his interest in music by tapping to any song from as early as two. He was gifted his first drum set by his cousin Naeem—and the rest is history. He began formal training with Mr David Kinyanjui at Melodica Music School and later became part of the school band. He rose to prominence after being placed second in a competition against 120 neurotypical children. Now 18, Raihan is pursuing a BTEC in Business from CIS Dubai and recently passed Grade 7 Drums from Trinity College London with distinction. His parents, Aslam and Zameera, have been his constant pillars of support. 'His rhythm is his voice,' they state in unison. 'And now, the world is finally listening.' Diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and other learning difficulties, keyboardist Rashan David's musical potential emerged early. Around age five, his school teachers noticed his keen interest in music during lab sessions and encouraged his parents to explore it further. A small keyboard and a dedicated teacher set him on a lifelong path of musical discovery. Despite challenges in mainstream schooling, Rashan persevered. He recently completed a degree in Business Management with Data Analytics and has over 11 years of formal music training, including advanced piano studies. 'Music helped Rashan focus,' says his father David. 'It gave him structure, joy, and a sense of identity.' Aisiri Shetty, the band's powerhouse female singer, has her base in Carnatic music. Whether harmonising with Varun or commanding solos, her voice is both grounding and transcendent—proof that talent knows no bounds. 'She first sang on stage when she was 10. She had never performed as a singer before. When the opportunity came, she stepped up with incredible confidence. We were so nervous, our hearts were pounding — but she showed no fear. That performance changed everything. It gave me confidence in her. She showed me she could do more than I ever expected and that was the beginning,' says her father Roshan Shetty. For Manonmani, the long drive from Abu Dhabi is a small effort compared to the joy of seeing her son, Hari Niranjan, thrive. A Grade 11 CBSE student at Asian International Private School, Al Dhanna, Hari showed early sensitivity to sound, which blossomed into a deep love for music. What began as a quiet connection became a powerful form of expression and confidence. During the pandemic, he taught himself to play the flute recorder through YouTube tutorials. Today, he's a dedicated member of Adbhut, the UAE's first inclusive music band. 'For Hari, it's not just about performing—it's about belonging and being heard,' says Manonmani. 'Watching him grow into a confident, joyful young man has been the most rewarding experience of my life.' Backed by a village Since its inception, Adbhut has performed at festivals, cultural programmes, and corporate events across the UAE—including standout moments at the Museum of the Future and UAE's Got Talent. Each performance is not just a musical showcase, but a celebration of ability, diversity, and resilience. Behind Adbhut's success lies a dedicated community of mentors, parents, educators, and volunteers. People like Sowmya Krishnamachari, a seasoned vocalist and event organiser, have played an instrumental role in shaping the band's musical direction. With her understanding of both music and special needs, she helps bridge the gap between talent and opportunity — selecting songs, arranging practices, and nurturing the group's cohesion. Having organised inclusive events like Choti Si Aasha at AR Rahman's Firdaus Studio in Expo city, Sowmya now plays a pivotal role in identifying talent, connecting the dots, and polishing these performers for the stage. 'She understands their capabilities and brings out their best,' shares Neena. 'She's not just a mentor — she's a bridge.' Also vital are the parents, many of whom invest their own time, money, and energy in organizing rehearsals, booking jam studios and ensuring the group meets weekly, either in person or online. Being amazing Adbhut is more than music. It is inclusion in action. 'We are not about charity. We are about change,' Neena explains. 'These young adults are professionals in their own right. With the right support, they can build livelihoods through music. We need society to listen not just with their ears, but with their hearts. These young adults have something important to say—through rhythm, melody, and passion.'
Hindustan Times
5 days ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
UP CM inaugurates advocate chambers, parking building at Allahabad High Court
Prayagraj , Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday said that in the rule of law, the litigant is as important as the bar and bench, a statement said. Adityanath addressed a gathering after the inauguration ceremony of advocate chambers and parking building constructed for ₹680 crore within the Allahabad High Court premises. Chief Justice of India Justice Bhushan Ramakrishna Gavai was also present at the event. Adityanath said, "In the rule of law, the litigant is as important as the bar and bench." During the event, Adityanath recalled the 2017 programme organised at the Allahabad High Court where the prime minister had emphasised that the first condition of good governance is the rule of law, the statement read. He expressed empathy for advocates, noting that despite working under difficult conditions such as broken chambers or even under trees they continue to strive for justice. Highlighting the significance of the day, the chief minister said, "Today marks the 300th birth anniversary of Lokmata Ahilyabai Holkar. This year is also the Amrit Mahotsav year of the implementation of the Constitution of India." Adityanath said that once the Integrated Court Complex is constructed, litigants will have access to all judicial services under one roof, including chambers and parking for advocates, as well as housing facilities for judicial officers. Adityanath also said that although multilevel parking structures have been built, they often remain unused. He urged urban bodies to allow commercial use of some parking space to ensure success. "At times, either the chief justice or we did not like the proposed designs. Eventually, we instructed the executing agencies to create a model that could serve as a standard. Along with integrated court complexes, provisions for parking and advocate chambers were included." "Of the proposals we submitted, approvals have been received for seven districts from here, and ₹1,700 crore has already been released for those. Cases of the remaining three districts have also been resolved by the court," he said. He emphasised that this initiative to build quality complexes will become a model. Both the Centre and state governments are committed to providing maximum facilities at district courts and addressing advocates' challenges. The chief minister highlighted that the Advocate Fund amount has been increased from ₹1.5 lakh to ₹5 lakh, and the age limit raised from 60 to 70 years. Additionally, a separate corpus fund of ₹500 crore has been established. In case of an accident involving an advocate, the trustee committee will utilise this fund to support the affected family. New advocates are also receiving assistance for journals, magazines, and books during their first three years. Adityanath recalled the successful Maha Kumbh held in Prayagraj, which attracted over 66 crore devotees from across India and abroad. The Allahabad High Court played a significant role in it. He said that if everyone fulfils their responsibilities in line with the spirit of the Constitution envisioned by Baba Saheb, meaningful results can be achieved. He stated that the multilevel parking and advocate chambers have been constructed excellently. He assured that any funds required for their expansion would be made available soon, enabling even better infrastructure in the land of justice, knowledge, and religion. On this occasion, Supreme Court judges Justice Suryakant, Justice Vikram Nath, Justice J.K. Maheshwari, Justice Pankaj Mittal, Justice Manoj Mishra, Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court Justice Arun Bhansali, Chief Justice of Delhi High Court Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, UP Advocate General Ajay Kumar Mishra, and others were present.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Spark Cup women's cricket begins
Kanpur: Shibu Singh Pal 's unbeaten knock of 84 runs and Ekta Singh's four wicket haul helped KCA (Red) beat Allahabad cricket Association by 5 wickets in the inaugural match of the third Dr Gaur Hari Singhania memorial state level women cricket championship for Spark Cup being played at Kamla Club on Monday. Allahabad girls, batting first, posted 179 runs in 35 overs. For KCA, Ekta Singh and Archana Devi picked 4 and 3 wickets respectively. KCA Red , in reply, scored 181 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 31.4 overs and won the match. Shibu Singh Pal hit an unbeaten 84 runs. Radha Pandey of Allahabad captured 4 wickets for 40 runs. After the match, Shibu Singh Pal was adjudged as woman of the match. Earlier morning, Neetu David, chairman Women selection committee of BCCI, inaugurated championship. Former test cricketer Rita Dey, Seema Sinha, PS Negi, Dinesh Katiyar were present. tnn
