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Time of India
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
The Karma conundrum
Thirukkural with the Times explores real-world lessons from the classic Tamil text 'Thirukkural'. Written by Tamil poet and philosopher Thiruvalluvar, the Kural consists of 1,330 short couplets of seven words each. This text is divided into three books with teachings on virtue, wealth, and love and is considered one of the great works ever on ethics and morality. The Kural has influenced scholars and leaders across social, political, and philosophical spheres. Motivational speaker, author and diversity champion Bharathi Bhaskar explores the masterpiece. Aayiram Nilave Vaa Dil Deewana Manram Vandha Thendralukku Shankara Tere Mere Beech Mein Ilaya Nila doli I am not above you. Thirukkural Arattaru Idhuvene Veandaa Civigai Poruthanodu Oorndhan Idai Judge not the inequalities of life as the result of righteousness and its reverse By comparison of the man riding on the palanquin with its bearers. Where do they play SPB's songs? A few nights ago, sleep eluded me. I tossed, turned, and finally surrendered to wakefulness. I reached for my phone, seeking solace in music. As always, my playlist led me back to the 1990s, and the first notes played, I sat up in sudden realization. The date had just turned to June 4. SPB's birthday.S P Balasubrahmanyam. A voice that painted decades of Indian cinema with its warmth. A legend who gifted us more than 40,000 songs—, and my eternal favorite,. Though he has passed, his voice lingers—breathing through our memories.I cannot speak for what men feel when he sings, but I know what women hear—the tenderness we long for, the gentleness of love, the strength of restraint, the shimmer of longing. It has weight, and wings. It lifts us when we're low and stills us when we that night, I realized it was not just the magic of his voice that bound us to him. It was something deeper—his humility .I recalled a stage performance. SPB was singing live, captivating the audience. During the second background interlude, a short but vital flute solo was to emerge. It didn't. Arunmozhi, the flutist, missed his the professional, continued unflinchingly and ended the song to thunderous applause. But he didn't exit. He turned to the audience and spoke—gently, generously—about the skill of the flutist and the difficulty of his art. He asked the audience permission to replay the interlude. This time, Arunmozhi played it perfectly, and the applause was saw the crestfallen face of a fellow musician and chose compassion. And then there was another moment—captured in a video that went viral after his passing. On his way to Sabarimala, unable to make the climb, SPB sat on a—a palanquin carried by porters. Before sitting, he touched the feet of the men who would carry him. It was not a ritual—it was reverence. A silent apology. A humble bow to those who bore his weight. A quiet assertion:In that instant, a couplet fromstirred within me:Traditionally, this couplet has been interpreted through the lens of karma: that one's position in life—rider or bearer—is a consequence of past virtue or vice. But a few commentators differed and viewed through a different if Thiruvalluvar wasn't affirming karma, but questioning our habit of justifying inequality through it? What if he was asking us not to preach to the rider, drunk on privilege—or to the bearer, bowed by burden? Perhaps he was reminding us that the journey matters more than the height. That the destination awaits us all—riders and bearers seemed to have lived that message. Never pompous, always gracious. He knew that fame is not a summit, but a platform held up by others. He respected every hand that steadied him—no matter how was not just the voice of a generation. He was its someone were to offer me a choice between heaven and hell, I would ask just one question:
Hans India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Hans India
A Voice That Never Slept: Yashwant MG Sets World Record with 24-Hour SPB Song Marathon
Mangaluru: In a musical homage to the late playback legend S.P. Balasubrahmanyam (SPB), a singer from Mangaluru has etched his name into the Golden Book of World Records by rendering SPB's iconic songs for a full 24 hours without a break—well, almost. Yashwant M.G., an acclaimed Hindustani vocalist and music teacher, took on the marathon challenge to mark SPB's birth anniversary on June 4. Beginning at precisely 3 PM on June 3, his voice did not fall silent until the clock struck 3 PM the next day—celebrating the very man whose voice shaped the soundscape of Indian cinema for decades. Supported by a dedicated live band and a quietly focused team, Yashwant's performance was not just a test of vocal endurance—it was a labour of love and a cultural statement. It paid tribute to a singer who delivered over 40,000 songs across 16 languages and left an indelible legacy in the world of music. A Carefully Orchestrated Tribute The performance, titled Baalagaana Yashoyana (roughly translated as "Journey of Victory through Childhood Songs"), was meticulously planned and professionally executed. Every hour, the team followed an official rule: five minutes of break time allowed for hydration, light meals, and vocal rest. Yet, as Yashwant later said, 'The music gave me more energy than any food could.' Accompanying Yashwant was a band of seasoned musicians: Rajagopal on guitar, Deepak Jayasheelan on keyboard, Vaman K. on drums and rhythm, Prajwal Acharya on tabla, Varsha Basrur on flute, and Sumukh Acharya on sitar. Together, they maintained the sonic flow of the performance with admirable finesse. Each song chosen came from SPB's vast and beloved discography—ranging from soulful classical numbers to peppy film tracks across Kannada, Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi. While the challenge demanded physical stamina, Yashwant said the emotional impact of the songs posed the greater challenge. 'I grew up with SPB's voice. Singing his songs one after another made me relive my entire musical journey,' he said. Official Recognition To ensure authenticity, D. Manish Vishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, was present to oversee the event and certify the attempt. According to him, this 24-hour uninterrupted musical feat was among the most disciplined and emotionally resonant record attempts he had witnessed. Interestingly, the previous record involved a 12-hour performance of singer Mukesh's Hindi film songs sung in Marathi. Yashwant's effort, therefore, not only broke that benchmark but did so with pan-Indian linguistic representation—true to SPB's multilingual legacy. Who Is Yashwant M.G.? The singer behind this feat is no stranger to accolades. A Hindustani classical vocalist trained under the late Madhav Acharya and Pandit Mahabaleshwar Bhagwat, Yashwant holds postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit, Kannada, History, and Hindi. He currently serves as an examiner at Gangubai Hangal Music University in Mysuru. His career has included stints in the NCC Army (18th Karnataka Battalion), and he is deeply rooted in the Vedic and Sanskrit priestly traditions. Musically, he has bagged top honours in various national TV reality shows—including ETV's Edetumbi Haaduvenu (2005), Suvarna TV's Confident Star Singer (2008), and Udaya TV's Sangeetha Mahayuddha (2010). He also composed the full-length Vande Mataram anthem for a world record attempt in 2018, and debuted as a film music director in the Kannada movie Kanasu Kannu Teredaga. In 2024, he reached the semifinals of Zee Sa Re Ga Ma Pa. To date, Yashwant has performed over 3,000 concerts globally and trained more than 5,000 students in Indian music. More Than a Record While the Golden Book of World Records will formally verify and certify the feat in the coming days, the emotional and musical resonance of the event is already being felt across the region. For many attendees, it felt like SPB himself had briefly returned, his spirit channelled through another devoted voice. 'I did not feel sleepy, nor did my voice waver,' Yashwant said after the final song. 'It was as though SPB himself gave me the strength to complete this journey.' In a world that often chases headlines, this was a moment that chased history—and sang it.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tribute to SPB: Singer to attempt 24-hour singing marathon
Mangaluru: In a heartfelt tribute to the legendary playback singer late SP Balasubrahmanyam, a Hindustani vocalist and music director from the city, is set to embark on a 24-hour non-stop singing marathon in an attempt to enter the Golden Book of World Records. Vidwan Yashwanth MG,42, will perform 240 Kannada songs from 3 pm on June 3 to 3 pm on June 4 at the Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall in the city. Of these, 90% will be film songs, while the rest include bhavageete and devotional numbers. He will be accompanied by a six-member live orchestra featuring Raj Gopal (guitar), Deepak Jayasheelan (keyboard), Vaman K (drums & rhythm), Prajwal Acharya (tabla), Varsha Basrur (flute), and Sumuk Acharya (sitar). A winner of the 2005 season of a popular reality show, hosted by SPB, Yashwanth told reporters on Wednesday, that the event is a long-cherished dream dedicated to his idol. "I wanted to do this 7-8 years ago when SPB was alive, but financial limitations held me back. This is my humble tribute to the man who inspired generations," he said. During the performance, Yashwanth will only take a five-minute break every hour. He will sing only solo tracks with no chorus backing, and has prepared an additional 20 songs as a reserve in case he finishes early. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo As per medical advice, he will consume only liquids throughout the marathon. Interestingly, Yashwanth has not undergone any specific training for the feat. "My past experience with overnight bhajans and the mental and physical resilience developed as a NCC Army officer will support me," he said. Pointing out that SPB rendered over 40,000 songs in Kannada alone, Yashwanth noted that no one previously attempted such a record singing SPB's Kannada songs non-stop. "There's a known 12-hour record for Marathi songs by Mukesh Kumar, but this is something unique," he added. Dr Manish Vishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, will be present to witness the attempt.
Time of India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Singer to attempt 24-hour singing marathon in tribute to SP Balasubrahmanyam
Late Dr. SP Balasubrahmanyam MANGALURU: In a heartfelt tribute to the legendary playback singer Late Dr SP Balasubrahmanyam, a Hindustani vocalist and music director from Mangaluru is set to embark on a 24-hour non-stop singing marathon in an attempt to enter the Golden Book of World Records. Vidwan Yashwanth MG, 42, will perform 240 Kannada songs from 3 pm on June 3 to 3 pm on June 4 at the Kudmul Ranga Rao Town Hall in the city. Of these, 90 percent will be film songs, while the rest include bhavageete and devotional numbers. He will be accompanied by a six-member live orchestra featuring Raj Gopal (Guitar), Deepak Jayasheelan (Keyboard), Vaman K (Drums & Rhythm), Prajwal Acharya (Tabla), Varsha Basrur (Flute), and Sumuk Acharya (Sitar). A winner of the 2005 season of a popular reality show, hosted by SPB, Yashwanth told reporters on Wednesday that the event is a long-cherished dream dedicated to his idol. 'I wanted to do this 7-8 years ago when SPB was alive, but financial limitations held me back. This is my humble tribute to the man who inspired generations,' he said. During the performance, Yashwanth will only take a five-minute break every hour. He will sing only solo tracks with no chorus backing and has prepared an additional 20 songs as a reserve in case he finishes early. As per medical advice, he will consume only liquids throughout the marathon. Interestingly, Yashwanth has not undergone any specific training for the feat. 'My past experience with overnight bhajans and the mental and physical resilience developed as a NCC Army officer will support me,' he said. Pointing out that SPB rendered over 40,000 songs in Kannada alone, Yashwanth noted that no one previously attempted such a record singing SPB's Kannada songs non-stop. 'There's a known 12-hour record for Marathi songs by Mukesh Kumar, but this is something unique,' he added. Dr Manish Vishnoi, Asia Head of the Golden Book of World Records, will be present to witness the attempt.
The Star
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Star
Sarawak Plantation profit buoyed by rising CPO prices
MIDF Research noted that estate operations remained resilient. PETALING JAYA: Analysts remain cautiously optimistic on Sarawak Plantation Bhd (SPB), expecting stable near-term earnings supported by higher harvestable areas and firm crude palm oil (CPO) prices. This was despite ongoing cost pressures and seasonal production challenges. For the first quarter ended March 31, 2025 (1Q25), SPB reported a net profit of RM22.63mil, or earnings per share of 8.11 sen, up from RM19.07mil or 6.84 sen a year earlier. Revenue also increased to RM135.51mil from RM127.32mil in 1Q24. According to MIDF Research, the group's performance was in line with expectations, with core profit after tax and minority interest coming in at RM18.5mil. This was underpinned by higher average selling prices of CPO and palm kernel (PK), alongside an expansion in harvestable area. 'Overall earnings were better due to a higher average CPO selling price on top of the higher harvestable area of 1,500ha,' said MIDF Research. The research house noted that estate operations remained resilient, contributing earnings of RM25.2mil. However, mill profitability fell by 30% year-on-year (y-o-y) to RM4.2mil, mainly due to a lower oil extraction rate (OER) of 19.05%. The decline in OER was attributed to delays in the evacuation of fresh fruit bunch (FFB) following prolonged wet weather from mid-January to late February. As for the production front, FFB output grew 6.1% y-o-y, with average CPO and PK selling prices rising to RM4,728 per tonne and RM3,451 per tonne, respectively. Despite this, MIDF Research highlighted that production costs climbed to RM3,300 per tonne from RM2,900 a year earlier due to the revised minimum wage policy and a reduction in external FFB purchases. The research house has maintained its 'neutral' call on SPB, with an unchanged target price of RM2.29, pegged to a forecast financial year 2025 earnings per share of 27 sen and a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.5 times.
