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Hindustan Times
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Kaluram Bamaniya: 'Kabir invites us to go within'
You began your musical journey at the age of nine first as a manjira player with your uncle, father and grandfather. In 2024, you were awarded the Padma Shri. How do you look back at your journey? When I look back, I feel that all the hard work I have put in throughout my life has borne fruit. I have had the good fortune to meet many wonderful and kind people. I am grateful for the opportunity to spread the words of Kabir far and wide through my music. Since I received the Padma Shri, I have been even more deeply engaged in this work. I have hardly spent any time at home because I keep getting invited somewhere or the other to sing. People have been showering me with a lot of affection. During your concert at the Rajasthan International Folk Festival in Jodhpur, you said that Kabir, whose verses you sing, spoke out against the caste system. Kabir's poetry is reaching audiences all over India via music concerts. Do you believe the act of listening to these bhajans weakens the caste system? Yes, of course! Listening to these bhajans makes a world of difference. Kabir's words touch people. In fact, he launches a direct attack that pierces people's hearts and makes them burst wide open. That is the power of a saint's voice! I wish more people had a chance to hear and really understand what Kabir has to say. We don't have enough platforms for them to encounter Kabir in a deep way. If we did, it would transform them completely. What is the difference between encountering Kabir through oral folk traditions passed down from generation to generation in villages, and through concerts by urban singers who have learnt from these traditions and tweaked songs to suit their own style? I believe that, when this tweaking happens, the earthiness that gives folk music a fragrance of its own is lost. The element of renunciation in those songs is compromised. But I do not oppose anyone singing Kabir in their own style. If that helps people awaken, why not? Most people who attend concerts prefer listening to bhajans that offer comfort or uplift them. Several Kabir bhajans that you sang at Jodhpur RIFF like Jaao Nugri Kaya and Hoshiyar Rehna Re Nagar Mein Chor Aavega were about death, a subject that unsettles and scares people. What made you choose them? Kabir tells us, 'Don't be scared!' If we live our life with complete awareness, our fear of death will vanish. In any case, it is only the physical body that dies. Life continues. Between bhajans, you spoke about Kabir's critique of organised religion and urged your audience to not cling so tightly to their identities that they hurt others in the name of religion. When you share such ideas, do you find that people are open to listening? Yes, they are receptive. They listen and contemplate. These thoughts churn inside them for a long time. Some of them even call me to have long phone conversations. Apart from Kabir, you also sing the verses of Mirabai, Gorakhnath, Bannanath and other saints. What are the major differences that you find between them? Frankly, I do not see much of a difference. They said similar things in different time periods. But, from a spiritual point of view, I find Kabir to be the forerunner among them. One of the sakhis (couplets) that you recited was 'Patthar pooje hari mile, toh main poojun pahaad/ Yaa se toh chaaki bhali, jo pees khaaye sansaar.' Here, Kabir appeals to his listeners to question rituals like idol worship instead of participating in them mechanically. While explaining this, you spoke about how people are abandoning inner enquiry and limiting themselves to being part of a herd. Why is this happening? Kabir's message is very simple and direct. He asks us to stop wandering and searching outside. He invites us to go within. That's where all the answers are to be found. But people are led astray because there are so many people waiting to misguide them. How do you feel about conversations around copyright in the world of folk music? I do not have much to say on this subject. If someone copies me, I do not mind. Let them do that. As long as they are spreading the words of Kabir, why should I have a problem? Let those words travel freely so that they can reach more people and transform their hearts. Everything that I have learnt is from the oral traditions. I do not own the words or the tunes. Drawing inspiration from Kabir, have you thought of writing poems of your own? I have written a bit but I do not know if I will write any further. Kabir has left behind so much – like the countless grains of sand that you will find in the Ganga River. Have you considered experimenting with any new instruments? I am happy singing Kabir vaani with the accompaniment of just a tambura and a khartal. I had introduced the violin in my mandali (group) for a while but it did not work for me. It is a Western instrument. It does not go well with the sound and spirit of our folk music. Many folk artists, who are not as well-known as you, suffer tremendous financial insecurities due to lack of regular income. As a Padma Shri awardee, what advice would you offer the government with respect to what they can do to support folk singers? The government can and should do more to support folk singers. They will not be able to pursue and preserve these traditional art forms for long without financial support. The Ministry of Culture should think seriously about various ways to make this happen. Artists can be given fellowships, performance opportunities, and monthly retainers to help them. What message would you like to give your fans? Today, a lot of young people are struggling with addictions. I appeal to everyone to stop consuming tobacco, beedi, cigarette, ganja. Kabir was strongly against the consumption of these harmful substances. He said that they cause physical and mental harm, and ruin a person's life, so it is best to stay faraway from them. Do you plan to run a nashamukti (de-addiction) campaign using Kabir's poetry? I raise awareness against addiction, the caste system and communal violence whenever I sing Kabir's verses. But my impact is quite limited as compared to big film actors who endorse these harmful addictive substances. Anyway, I will continue to do my best. Chintan Girish Modi is a writer, educator and cultural commentator. He is @chintanwriting on Instagram and X.
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Business Standard
26-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
Arunachal attracts investment proposals worth Rs 6,357 cr at NE summit
Arunachal Pradesh has attracted investment proposals worth Rs 6,357 crore through the signing of 16 memoranda of understanding (MoUs) during the Rising Northeast Investors Summit, held in New Delhi from May 23 to 24, an official statement said here. The agreements include key sectors such as agri-biofuel, afforestation, healthcare, education, information technology, tourism, and renewable energy. The MoUs were signed between the state Planning & Investment secretary, and representatives from various companies, the statement said. Among the major projects is a Rs 2,324 crore investment proposal by Agri-Biofuel Global Ltd to convert agricultural waste into aviation and maritime fuel, while Developer Group India Pvt Ltd committed Rs 1,760 crore for afforestation and carbon credit monetisation, along with additional investments for bamboo plantations. Inlamobi Pvt Ltd has proposed Rs 1,000 crore to set up a European Blue Valley Fragrances & Flavours Ayush cluster, while Medhavi Group will invest Rs 178 crore to establish a skill, innovation and tribal entrepreneurship university at Ziro, expected to generate over 430 direct jobs. Farm Native Group will invest Rs 150 crore in a 250-bed super specialty hospital, projected to create over 1,000 direct and indirect jobs. Other agreements include proposals for setting up data centres, tourism infrastructure, and spiritual and heritage tourism, the statement said. These investments are set to create thousands of employment opportunities, enhance healthcare and education, and promote sustainable growth in the state, it said. Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein, who also oversees the Planning & Investment portfolio, witnessed the MoU signings. Mein welcomed the investors and described the event as a transformational milestone for Arunachal Pradesh, highlighting the state's growing appeal as an investment destination and its commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. The deputy chief minister also commended the Planning and Investment department for fostering an investor-friendly environment and driving these strategic partnerships. Industry giants Mukesh Ambani, Gautam Adani, and Anil Agarwal collectively announced investments exceeding Rs 1.55 lakh crore for the North Eastern region during the summit's inaugural day, marking a historic commitment to the region's growth.
India Gazette
25-05-2025
- Business
- India Gazette
Arunachal govt signs MoUs worth Rs 6,357 crore during Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025
New Delhi [India], May 25 (ANI): The Arunachal Pradesh government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 6,357 crore with 16 investors across diverse sectors during the two-day Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025, which was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, from May 23 to 24, , to attract investment in the North East Region, as per the official statement. According to the official statement, during the two-day investment summit, the MoUs were signed by the Secretary of Planning & Investment, the Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and the investors' representatives. MoUs were made with Agri-Biofuel Global Ltd. on converting Agri-waste into aviation and maritime fuel for Rs 2,324 crore; with Developer Group India Pvt. Ltd on afforestation and carbon credit monetization for Rs 1,760 crore, on Beema Bamboo Plantation for Bio Fuel for Rs 570 crore and Trial Plantation of Moso Bamboo worth Rs 55 crore. MoU were also signed with Inlamobi Pvt Ltd. for proposed investment of Rs 1,000 crore to establish European Blue Valley Fragrances & Flavours, Ayush Cluster; with Medhavi Group for an investment of Rs 178 crore to establish an Skill, Innovation & Tribal Entrepreneurship University at Ziro which is expected to generate over 430 direct employment opportunities; with Farm Native Group, for the establishment of a 250-bed Super Speciality Hospital involving an investment of Rs 150 crore with a projection to create between 900-1,100 direct jobs and an additional 1,000-1,500 indirect employment opportunities. Additionally, MoUs were also inked with Zedsoftpoint for an investment of Rs 150 crore in Data Centres, IT & ITeS; Vishwakarma & Co. for Rs 100 crore to develop a tourism-focused hotel in Ziro. Other MoUs signed also include proposals related to renewable energy, bamboo processing, herbal and turmeric product development, and promotion of spiritual and heritage tourism. According to the official statement, these investments are expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities for our youth and enhance skill development, innovation, health care services, and agriculture and allied sectors in the State. Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, who is also the Minister-In-Charge of Planning & Investment, witnessed the signing of several significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Department of Planning & Investment, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and various private sector investors. Welcoming all the investors, Mein said that these MoUs represent a transformational moment for Arunachal Pradesh. 'They reflect growing investor confidence in the State's potential and reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development,' he said. He invites them to be a part of Arunachal Pradesh's growth story. Mein also commended the Department of Planning & Investment for its proactive efforts in facilitating these partnerships and fostering an investor-friendly environment. 'These investments are expected to play a vital role in enhancing socio-economic development, creating employment opportunities, and strengthening infrastructure across Arunachal Pradesh and the Northeast Region. The State continues to position itself as an emerging investment destination in the region,' he said in the official statement. (ANI)
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Arunachal signs MoUs worth Rs 6,357 crore at Rising Northeast Investors Summit
Arunachal Pradesh signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 6,357 crore with 16 investors across diverse sectors during the two days Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025 which was held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. MoUs were made with Agri-Biofuel Global Ltd. on converting Agri-waste into aviation and maritime fuel for Rs 2,324 crore; with Developer Group India Pvt. Ltd. on afforestation and carbon credit monetization for Rs 1,760 crore, on Beema Bamboo Plantation for Bio Fuel for Rs 570 Crore & Trial Plantation of Moso Bamboo worth Rs 55 Crore. MoU were also signed with Inlamobi Pvt. Ltd. for proposed investment of Rs 1,000 crore to establish European Blue Valley Fragrances & Flavours, Ayush Cluster; with Medhavi Group for an investment of Rs 178 crore to establish an Skill, Innovation & Tribal Entrepreneurship University at Ziro which is expected to generate over 430 direct employment opportunities; with Farm Native Group, for the establishment of a 250-bed Super Speciality Hospital involving an investment of Rs 150 crore with a projection to create between 900–1,100 direct jobs and an additional 1,000–1,500 indirect employment opportunities. Additionally, MoU were also inked with Zedsoftpoint for an investment of Rs 150 crore in Data Centres, IT & ITeS; Vishwakarma & Co. for Rs 100 crore to develop a tourism-focused hotel in Ziro. Other MoUs signed also include proposals related to renewable energy, bamboo processing, herbal and turmeric product development, and promotion of spiritual & heritage tourism. These investments are expected to generate thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities for our youths besides enhancing skill development, innovation, health care services and agriculture & allied sectors in the State. Deputy Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh, Chowna Mein, who is also the Minister-In-Charge of Planning & Investment witnessed the signing of several significant Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) between the Department of Planning & Investment, Government of Arunachal Pradesh, and various private sector investors. Mein said that these MoUs represent a transformational moment for Arunachal Pradesh. They reflect growing investor confidence in the State's potential and reinforce our commitment to inclusive and sustainable development. He invites them to be a part of Arunachal Pradesh's growth story. Mein also commended the Department of Planning & Investment for its proactive efforts in facilitating these partnerships and fostering an investor-friendly environment.
Hindustan Times
25-05-2025
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Arunachal govt inks MoUs worth ₹6,357 crore at Rising Northeast Investors Summit
The Arunachal Pradesh government signed memorandum of understanding (MoUs) worth ₹6,357 crore with 16 companies across a wide range of sectors during the two-day Rising Northeast Investors Summit 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi from May 23 to 24. The MoUs were inked between the state's department of planning and investment and representatives of private investors in a bid to attract investments in agriculture, healthcare, renewable energy, tourism and IT, among other sectors. Key agreements include a ₹2,324 crore deal with Agri-Biofuel Global Ltd. to convert agricultural waste into aviation and maritime fuel, and a ₹1,760 crore MoU with Developer Group India Pvt. Ltd for afforestation and carbon credit monetisation. The same group also signed additional MoUs for Beema Bamboo Plantation for Biofuel ( ₹570 crore) and Moso Bamboo trial plantations ( ₹55 crore). Also Read: After JNU, Jamia, IIT Roorkee cancels MoU with Turkish university Inlamobi Pvt. Ltd. committed ₹1,000 crore to establish the European Blue Valley Fragrances & Flavours Ayush Cluster, while the Medhavi Group signed a ₹178 crore MoU to set up a Skill, Innovation and Tribal Entrepreneurship University at Ziro, expected to create over 430 direct jobs. MoUs were also signed for renewable energy, bamboo processing, herbal and turmeric products, and promotion of spiritual and heritage tourism. Deputy chief minister Chowna Mein, who is also the minister-in-charge of planning and investment, said the summit marked a transformative phase for Arunachal Pradesh's economic growth. 'These MoUs reflect the growing investor confidence in Arunachal Pradesh and underline our commitment to inclusive, sustainable development. I welcome all investors to be a part of our growth journey,' Mein said, while commending the department for creating a business-friendly ecosystem. The investments are expected to significantly boost employment, infrastructure, healthcare, innovation, and agriculture in Arunachal and the wider Northeast region, he added.
