Latest news with #Guna
Time of India
04-08-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Mounika Devi and Dhrvanth's Kalisundam Raa completes 500 episodes
The Telugu serial 'Kalisundam Raa' celebrated its 500th episode with a grand event on set, attended by the cast and crew. The romantic family drama, starring Mounika Devi and Dhrvanth, has captivated audiences with its relatable characters and engaging plotlines. The beloved Telugu serial Kalisundam Raa has achieved a significant milestone, completing 500 episodes. This romantic family drama has struck a chord with audiences through its heartfelt storytelling, relatable characters, and consistently strong production values, solidifying its place among the top-rated shows in Telugu television. The 500th episode celebration was held on the show's set, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion. A festive atmosphere filled the studio with a grand '500 Episodes' banner, floral arrangements, and a multi-tiered cake. The lead actors, Mounika Devi and Dhrvanth, kicked off the celebration with a ceremonial cake-cutting. The event also featured a screening of the serial's most memorable moments, followed by a live rendition of the show's theme song by a local music troupe. Fans were included in the celebrations through a special live interaction on social media, creating an emotional connection with the loyal viewership. Kalisundam Raa centers on the lives of Janani , a devoted homemaker, and Guna, a compassionate doctor. Janani's world revolves around her family, while Guna is committed to serving his patients. Their evolving love story, shaped by family pressures, societal expectations, and personal sacrifices, has captivated audiences with its emotional depth and realism. The show's lead performances, Mounika Devi as Janani and Dhrvanth as Guna, have received widespread appreciation. Preethi Nigam plays the antagonist, whose manipulative and cunning character adds further tension and drama to the narrative. Even after 500 episodes, Kalisundam Raa continues to maintain strong TRP ratings, thanks to its engaging plotlines and evolving characters. The milestone episode brought an emotional high point as Janani takes a bold stand in support of Guna during a crisis at the hospital, further deepening their bond. Additionally, a new subplot involving Guna's cousin, Arjun, has stirred intrigue, hinting at a hidden family secret that may alter the couple's future.
Time of India
14-07-2025
- Time of India
Farmer bids suicide afterland ruling
Lucknow: A farmer from Parsa village under Safdarganj police station in Barabanki district allegedly attempted suicide by consuming a poisonous substance after being distressed over a land inheritance order passed in haste by an acting tehsildar. The incident prompted sub-divisional magistrate (SDM) of Sirauli Gauspur to order a review of the order and ensure the farmer received medical treatment on Monday. Farmer Lallaram was reportedly upset after the tehsildar issued an order on July 11 in a property dispute case despite the next date for the online hearing scheduled for July 14. His son alleged the acting tehsildar passed the order without hearing their side. The move, he said, caused emotional trauma to his father, leading him to consume poison on July 12. According to complainant Shamsher Verma, his uncle Balgovind passed away on March 6, 2024. Subsequently, a woman named Guna from Gonda, who allegedly changed her Aadhaar details to claim herself as Balgovind's wife Sheetladei alias Guna, filed for inheritance of his property before the tehsildar court. The court ruled in her favour.
The Print
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Print
Yoga, haldi doodh, and now Kolhapuris—Indian culture needs protection from Western plagiarism
In 2013, Nike printed a Samoan tattoo pattern on women's sportswear, leading to an outcry about cultural disrespect. In 2019, the brand was forced to withdraw a range of Air Force 1 sneakers for wrongful representation of designs from Panama's indigenous Guna tribe. And now Prada has said it was 'inspired by' the ubiquitous Kolhapuri—the trademark look of Indian Leftist socialists and the 'cool' young people of all ages—and turned it into a Rs 1.2 lakh luxury adornment. These repeated instances give rise to a debate on the intellectual property rights of a culture and its economic exploitation by a different, often dominant one. Last week, Italian fashion house Prada faced criticism for picking up the simple Kolhapuri chappals—which symbolise the common man in India—and introducing them as a sandal in its Spring Summer 2026 collection. It's not the first time luxury brands have picked up elements from a culture and slapped them on clothes and accessories without a second thought. Not all ideas are unique. In the creative world, it is easy to get 'inspired' by someone else's work. But when your product is merely a copy of an object from another culture, can it even be called yours? And if you seek to profit from it by selling it at several times the price of the original, is it not simply cultural appropriation of the highest order? Art has a provenance; should culture then not have similar protections? The Cambridge Dictionary defines 'cultural appropriation' as the 'act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture'. This usually involves members of a majority or dominant group adopting cultural elements of a minority group in an exploitative, disrespectful, or stereotypical manner. In her research article, Racial Plagiarism and Fashion, American cultural theorist Minh-Ha T Pham explains that 'racialized groups' resources of knowledge, labor and cultural heritage are exploited for the benefit of dominant groups and in ways that maintain dominant socio economic relationships'. Prada's appropriation of the Kolhapuri is an instance of racial plagiarism. Economically dominant nations or civilisations 'borrow' traditions of ancient civilisations and religions, and turn them into profit–generating machines for the so–called civilised world. As a citizen of India that represents an ancient civilisation, and as a practising lawyer, I would like to initiate discussion on both national and international law governing plagiarism jurisdiction. Cultural appropriation of haldi doodh Whenever I injured myself or fell sick as a child, my mom had a magic drink that not only soothed my sore body but my bruised spirit as well. It was haldi doodh, a milk-and-turmeric drink which was as delicious as it was healthy. It is the tonic that I, as the mother of two rambunctious boys, used as an elixir. Imagine my shock, when, during a visit to New York in 2015–16, my host offered me a 'magical drink that would take away my tiredness', and I was served haldi doodh for $12 in a fancy coffee outlet. For years, turmeric was the 'curry ingredient that leaves indelible yellow stains on appliances and fingernails'. Yet suddenly, adding a pinch to milk gave it a Midas touch, turning it into a 'Golden Drink'. Instagram influencers couldn't stop extolling the benefits of consuming Turmeric Latte, and it became the go-to health drink for fit, fair, blonde Western women, replacing the morning cup of coffee. With its origins in ancient Ayurveda wisdom, Turmeric Latte is a prime example of the cultural appropriation of Indian traditions. My mother's simple haldi doodh, passed on to her from the many generations of mothers that came before her, is now a multi-million-dollar industry. Had she patented this drink, I could've retired comfortably and made adequate financial provision for the next five generations. Here are the numbers for turmeric milk mix, an industry of $201.9 million in 2023, expected to increase to $326.7 million by 2031. The larger turmeric market was valued at $4.3 billion in 2023. You can get turmeric ginger shots in any wellness or health shop in any part of the world, drawing from our use of adrak and haldi in traditional recipes. Also read: From cotton to carbon fibre, Modi government is quietly rewriting India's textile script Cultural appropriation of yoga We recently celebrated the 11th International Day of Yoga, which has finally been attributed to ancient Indian/Hindu culture thanks to the efforts of PM Narendra Modi. 'The theme of this year's International Day of Yoga is 'Yoga For One Earth, For One Health'. This theme reflects a deep truth: the health of every entity on Earth is interconnected,' he said at Visakhapatnam on 21 June. If not for these efforts, yoga was a classic case of cultural appropriation. It evoked the image of foreigners practising 'downward dog' pose in upscale 5th Avenue New York Yoga Studios. Western brands like Lululemon and Alo Yoga commercialise the practice as purely physical fitness, often removing Sanskrit terms, spiritual roots, and Hindu ethos. An entire industry has sprung up around yoga instructors, apparel, mats and even yoga balms. The estimated size of this market was $107.1 billion in 2023. I have encountered Spanish-speaking yoga instructors in South America who have perfected the art of breathing. They start the class with a namaste and end with chanting 'Om', with some dwelling deep into the idea of the soul, body, and mind connection. Others had no idea or interest in the subject. I grew up watching Dhirendra Brahmachari on the Black & White TV screen, who was often projected as a political companion of Indira Gandhi. Years later, Baba Ramdev took swadeshi and yoga to another level, making it into a successful business while keeping the spiritual practice alive. Indians are happy to accept a White person teaching them their own अधो मुख श्वानासन as the 'mountain' pose. Other asanas were also renamed to sound 'cool': वीरभद्रासन became the warrior pose, भुजन्गासन became the cobra pose, गौमुखासन became the cow pose, and धनुरासन became the bow pose. Yoga finds mention in the ancient Indian text, the Rig Veda. It was one of the six orthodox schools (darshanas) of Hinduism. This must be clarified to the world, or else there's every possibility of it becoming another case of cultural appropriation. 'I'm happy that people find healing and spiritual freedom in something from my cultural roots. But I still find myself resentful that I was made to feel shame for my culture, including my yoga practice, and now it is frequently seen as glamorous, trendy, and often has been divorced from its true meaning,' wrote Indian American Yoga Teacher Rina Deshpande. Recognising the cultural roots of practices and traditions is an important practice in an ethical life. Also read: Early Harappan burial discovery is changing how we understand Gujarat's past Bindi, Ma Kali, and other desecrations For years, the bindi, a religious symbol marking the Ajna Chakra and at times, symbolic of the sanctity of marriage for Hindu women, was used to culturally intimidate Hindus. A hate gang called the Dotbusters operated in Jersey City in the late 1980s. 'We will go to any extreme to get Indians to move out of Jersey City. If I'm walking down the street and I see a Hindu and the setting is right, I will hit him or her… They are a weak race physically and mentally… We will never be stopped,' read the gang's manifesto in The Jersey Journal. Today, celebrities such as Katie Perry, Rihanna, Selena Gomez, Vanessa Hudgens, and others have sported Bindis at Coachella. They've made it a cool 'boho' accessory without the cultural context and the suffering that brown women had to endure. For culturally sensitive people, it's not a fashion accessory but a symbol of culture, religion, and spirituality. Another case of cultural appropriation of ancient Hindu culture is the use of imagery featuring the Hindu deity Kali and the Buddha. In a recent distasteful music video, a Canadian rapper dressed up as the goddess. Pasting images of religious icons on T–shirts would constitute blasphemy in other religions. Yet, the disrespect for Hinduism is rampant. Also read: Why India needs to play hardball on UNSC reform Prada and the ubiquitous Kolhapuri chappals Prada's Spring Summer 2026 collection has introduced the very Indian Kolhapuri on European ramps—a move I welcome. At the same time, there is a deeper problem here. 'Prada is selling products looking like Kolhapuri chappals for over ₹1 lakh. Our artisans make the same by hand for ₹400. They lose, while global brands cash in on our culture,' wrote Harsh Goenka, perfectly voicing my angst. It's perfectly alright for Prada to be 'inspired' by the humble Kolhapuri—robbing cultural heritage and stealing the livelihood of the poor artisanal cobbler from Maharashtra—without crediting the artisan or the community as the source of inspiration. But if the proverbial sandal was on the other foot, Prada would go after the poor cobbler and bankrupt him, alleging him to be a counterfeiter who had stolen Prada's design. This is not the first time design houses have been 'inspired' by Indian/Hindu cultural artefacts. Gucci's sari gown for Alia Bhatt, South American brand Rapsodia copying the work of Anupamaa Dayal, and the Dior sharara worn by Chiara King, are some examples. And who can forget the controversy when Dior copied block printing designs from People Tree? The designs had been handcrafted for over 15 years by Rajasthani block printers. International brands bring global attention to Indian handlooms and arts, which I appreciate. However, the question remains: who profits from this elite fashion's appropriation of heritage? There needs to be a larger debate on intellectual property, cultural credit, and economic justice, especially in the context of ancient Hindu religious symbols, philosophies, and principles of dharma and wellness. The government should consider enacting policies that prevent the economic plundering of Indian culture by foreign conglomerates. After all, is Prada's appropriation of the Kolhapuri not similar to the colonial–era plundering of Indian art and relics? Meenakashi Lekhi is a BJP leader, lawyer and social activist. Her X handle is @M_Lekhi. Views are personal. (Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
United News of India
26-06-2025
- Business
- United News of India
New Gwalior–Bengaluru direct train service launched
New Delhi, June 26 (UNI) The much-awaited direct train service between Gwalior and Bengaluru, Karnataka was officially launched on Thursday, marking a significant milestone in improving connectivity between central India and the southern tech hub. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, speaking to reporters here ahead of the virtual launch, said, 'This new Gwalior–Bengaluru train will serve as a direct link between central India and the southern IT hub. It is expected to benefit both daily commuters and long-distance travelers, particularly students and professionals relocating to Karnataka.' The launch event was also virtually attended by Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and Union Minister for Communications and Development of North Eastern Region, and Guna MP, Jyotiraditya Scindia. Highlighting the government's commitment to infrastructure development, the Railway Minister revealed that railway projects worth Rs1.01 lakh crore are currently underway in Madhya Pradesh. According to officials from the Ministry of Railways, the newly introduced train comprises 22 coaches, offering various options for passenger comfort. UNI AJ GNK
The Star
17-06-2025
- General
- The Star
'No children left playing': Silence fills Panama island threatened by the sea
Streets once filled with children's laughter have fallen silent on a Panamanian island where almost all residents left a year ago due to the threat of the sea swallowing their homes. The evacuation of around 1,200 members of the Indigenous Guna community to a new life on the mainland was one of the first planned migrations in Latin America due to climate change. The exodus from Gardi Sugdub in the Caribbean left those who remained with a sense of sadness, said Delfino Davies, who has a small museum on the island with spears, jars and animal bones. 'There are no friends left or children playing,' he said. Gardi Sugdub now has the silence of a 'dead island', he said. Dusty desks and empty classrooms are all that remain of a school that once bustled with children. Many of the island's wooden houses are padlocked. An aerial view of Isber Yala, a new neighbourhood on the mainland. 'There's no one here. Sometimes I get sad when I'm here alone,' Mayka Tejada, 47, said in the small store where she sells bananas, pumpkins, clothes, toys and notebooks. Like Davies and about 100 others, she decided to stay. But her mother and two children, aged 16 and 22, moved to one of the 300 houses built by the Panamanian government in a new neighbourhood called Isber Yala on the mainland, a 15-minute boat ride away. Gardi Sugdub, the size of around five football fields, is one of 49 inhabited islands in the Guna Yala archipelago – also known as San Blas – which scientists warn is in danger of disappearing by the end of the century. Martinez, originally from Gardi, has no regrets moving to Isber Yala. Sitting in a hammock in her earthen-floor house filled with the aroma of medicinal herbs, 62-year-old Luciana Perez said she had no intention of leaving. 'I was born in Gardi and I'll die here. Nothing is sinking. Scientists don't know, only God,' she said. Perez said that she was not afraid because since she was a child she had seen big waves and rising waters flooding houses at times. Steven Paton, a scientist at the Panama-based Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute, said climate change meant that sea levels were expected to rise by up to 80cm. 'Most of the Guna Yala islands are about 50cm above sea level,' he said. 'They'll be underwater.' Ana Toni, CEO of the United Nations' COP30 climate conference, said that the mass evacuation 'shows the reality we already have to face on the planet'. One of the remaining houses at Gardi Sugdub island. The arrival of the rainy season has left puddles dotting the dirt roads of Gardi Sugdub. In contrast, in the new settlement of Isber Yala – 'land of loquats' (an orange fruit) in the Guna language – the streets are paved and have sidewalks. The nearly 50sq m concrete houses have flushing toilets and there is a plot of land to grow vegetables. '(On Gardi Sugdub) we lived crowded together, and I had to go fetch water from the river in a small boat,' said Magdalena Martinez, a 75-year-old retired teacher. In Isber Yala, water is available for an hour in the morning, she said. 'I can fill the buckets. And I have electricity 24 hours a day,' said Martinez, who lives with her granddaughter in the new neighbourhood. Tejada's children also have no regrets about leaving the island, she said. 'I miss them, but they're happy there. They have a place to play football and walk around,' Tejada said. Scientists warn that islands in the Guna Yala Archipelago will completely be under water by the end of the century. While the island's school relocated to Isber Yala, its dilapidated clinic remained in Gardi Sugdub. 'Before people came on foot. Now they have to travel by land and sea to get here. There are fewer visitors,' said 46-year-old doctor John Smith. Some of the islanders divide their time between the two communities, while others visit occasionally to check on their homes. This month there will be more activity than normal: seven jars of chicha – a fermented corn drink – are ready for Isber Yala's first anniversary. Martinez is looking forward to the celebration, even though it will be bittersweet. Although she may not see it herself, 'the islands will disappear because the sea will reclaim its territory,' she said. – AFP
