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India Gazette
12 hours ago
- General
- India Gazette
"Books are beautiful!": National Gallery of Modern Art celebrates National Reading Day
By Amrashree Mishra New Delhi [India], June 19 (ANI): The National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) celebrated the National Reading Day here on Thursday by creating a unique bridge, bringing literature and art together. In an open reading session, people poured in from all walks of life and slipped away into the wondrous world of literature, but with a twist. The tales of Ramayana, the history of terracotta art and Le Corbusier's designs of Chandigarh found a way to people's hearts through a fascinating collection of books as the medium. Present at the event Suman Gupta, an educator, smiled, 'Books are beautiful!' Speaking to ANI, she said such events enhance the 'emotional and intelligence quotient' of children. 'Books are beautiful, they are illustrative. Events like these cultivate reading habit in children and allow them to travel the world through books. Artistic illustrations such as Ramlila in books blends and brings together art and literature.' While lauding the noble initiative, she suggested that the government should have collaborations with schools and increase the frequency of such events so that we create a future where children are emotionally aware, are familiar with cultural diversity and know their heritage. Swati Tiwari, Assistant Curator at NGMA, told ANI, 'Every year on June 19, India celebrates National Reading Day, a day to celebrate the value and delight of reading and to remind us that books are our teachers and lifelong friends.' Noting that the day marks the contributions of readers and encourages individuals of all ages to develop the habit of reading, she told ANI, 'This day honours PN Panicker, the founder of Kerala's Library Movement, whose idea made reading available to everyone. It's a great time to read again, discover new books, and inspire others to discover the joys of reading'. PN Panicker is known as the father of library and literacy movement in Kerala, which eventually spread across India. Born in 1909, he passed away on June 19, 1995. The National Reading Day marks his contribution to the Indian society. Praising his contributions, former President Ramnath Kovind had said that Panicker wanted to remove the evil of illiteracy with a potent message - 'Vayichu Valaruka' which means 'Read and Grow'. The celebration of National Reading Day becomes significant as 2025 marks the 115th birth anniversary of India's most beloved librarian- PN Panicker. Assistant Curator Tiwari in her concluding remarks said, 'With the intent to raise the awareness about reading, the NGMA is celebrating National Reading Day'. Gagandeep, a working professional, said, 'This is a really nice initiative as it allows the younger generation to bond and connect with books. The reading session at an art gallery takes us away from screens and we are able to explore art!' Yukta, a student, said, 'The reading session is a great way for us to pick up a new habit and bring the younger generation along too!' Hritik Dev Gohil, a working professional, expressed joy on attending the event. 'Art and literature freshen up the minds. They connect us to our childhood. Epics like Ramayana which we see here paintings and in books is a great bridge'. The National Gallery of Modern Art brought literature to the younger generation through vivid arts, a tech savvy gallery and plethora of inspiration, leaving visitors awe-inspired. (ANI)
India Gazette
3 days ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
"Our skies were filled with drones": Indian students in Tehran recall tumultuous moments amid Israel-Iran conflict
By Amrashree Mishra Tehran [Iran], June 17 (ANI): As tensions continue to rise in West Asia, Indian students in Tehran recalled the initial hours of the conflict between Israel and Iran. Noting that around 140 Indian students were present at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences on the first day of military action by Israel, the students talked of the support provided by the senior officials of the varsity but also appealed for their evacuation in the wake of uncertainty over the situation amid rising tensions. Students ANI spoke to are pursuing MBBS at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences and the Islamic Azad University and talked about their experience since the military action began. 'The condition was getting worse here every minute,' one of the students recalled. 'On Friday dawn, at around 3:20 am, we heard a blast. It was a huge sound. When we looked out of our windows, there was black smoke and when we went downstairs, we heard more blasts,' another student said. 'After 2-3 hours, we heard boom of fighter jets. We have been really scared... Our skies were filled with the (Friday) evening to the next day's morning, we heard sounds continuously. There was a complete blackout and were sitting under the dormitory,' the student added. The students said that they received support from the university authorities. 'Our University (Tehran University of Medical Sciences) has been very helpful. As soon as the blasts happened, our Vice-Dean came to check upon us and calmed us. By the evening our Dean also arrived and assured us that nothing will happen. That was a very dangerous night which we faced. We don't have the heart the spend one more night here,' a student said. The students, who come from different parts of India, have been pursuing their education for varied periods of time. The students said they have been in touch with the Indian Embassy and have been assured all support. The students said they want to be evacuated at the earliest. 'We trust in India's power and really want to be evacuated,' a student said. They recalled the government's efforts to bring back Indian students during Russia-Ukraine conflict. On Sunday, the Embassy of India in Iran issued several helpline numbers and created a Telegram Link for communication with Indian nationals currently in Iran. The Embassy shared details in a series of posts on X, saying that the Telegram link is 'ONLY' for Indian nationals in Iran. 'We request everyone in Iran to join the below given Telegram Link to receive updates on the situation from the Embassy. Kindly note that this Telegram Link is ONLY for those Indian Nationals who are currently in Iran. it said on X. Asking the nationals not to give into panic, the Embassy asked people to exercise caution and remain in contact with the Embassy in Tehran. Tensions have been rising between Israel and Iran in West Asia. On June 13, Israel launched a massive airstrike on Iranian military and nuclear sites, dubbed 'Operation Rising Lion'. Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel has launched Operation Rising Lion, a targeted military operation to roll back the 'Iranian threat to Israel's very survival' adding that the mission would continue 'for as many days as it takes to remove this threat.' In response, Iranian News Agency IRNA said the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC), in response to the Israeli aggression, has launched a large-scale drone and missile operation 'Operation True Promise 3' targeting Israeli fighter jet fuel production facilities and energy supply centres. The strikes were conducted in direct retaliation against Israeli 'aggression'. (ANI)
