Latest news with #SPICMACAY
New Indian Express
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
SPIC MACAY fest: A cultural jamboree that took Hyderabad's breath away
Mornings began with yoga, Shramdaan, and workshops led by master artisans, while evenings came alive with magical folk performances and classical art by legendary maestros — this was the vibrant experience at the 10th Annual International Convention of SPIC MACAY held at IIT-Hyderabad. 'We were excited to be involved. Indian education has traditionally been left-brain centric. There is a strong need for balance, as innovation arises from a balanced mind — and SPIC MACAY fosters that,' IIT-H director Budaraju Srinivasa Murty told CE. Day 1: A deep dive into devotion
Hans India
28-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
SPIC MACAY is a movement portraying Indian cultural strength, says Governor
Hyderabad: Governor Jishnu Dev Varma said SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) is a movement, 'portraying our culture that is growing from strength to strength bringing out the Sanskriti (Soul of the nation) as a collective consciousness through which the nation was once formed through thinkers, philosophers and, through the teaching of the Vedas and Upanishads.' Inaugurating the 10th International Convention of SPIC MACAY at IIT Hyderabad late on Monday evening, he said, 'Dharma is the way we think and religion is the way we worship, and do not be confused with their representations'. Sharing his experience with SPIC MACAY, he expressed his happiness over the dance form of Tripura – 'Hojagiri' being preserved, including it as one of the art forms to be performed at the 10th International Convention being held at IIT Hyderabad, and more so when he is representing the beautiful state of Telangana during his tenure as the Governor. He said that Hindustani music was popular in Tripura during the Maharaja's times, which is being revived through SPIC MACAY. He recollected his visits as the guest of honour to the previous international conventions of SPIC MACAY held in Delhi, Kharagpur and Nagpur and that he has been and continues to be a member of SPIC MACAY. He congratulated IIT Hyderabad for hosting such a prestigious event. More than 1,500 students & volunteers from across India and overseas have gathered at IITH for this immersive experience. The day began with a holistic breakfast, setting the tone for a balanced and mindful routine. In the forenoon, participants watched 'Gandhi', the Oscar-winning biopic directed by Sir Richard Attenborough. The screening was followed by a discussion led by Dr Kiran Seth, Founder of SPIC MACAY, who reflected on the film's philosophical depth and its portrayal of Gandhian ideals such as simplicity, discipline, and inner strength. The orientation session was led by Dr Kiran Seth, who encouraged students to view the convention as an inner journey—similar to a stay in an ashram—characterised by simplicity, discipline, and reflection. Following this, an orientation for the faculty coordinators was conducted emphasising their crucial role in guiding and supporting students throughout the week. Earlier, a Nadaswaram recital by Padma Shri Vidwan Sheikh Mahboob Subhani and Vidwan Kaleeshabi Mahaboob filled the air with auspicious sounds. The performance is rooted in temple tradition. Following the formal inauguration, Padma Bhushan awardees Raja and Radha Reddy presented an evocative Kuchipudi recital. Their performance, featuring excerpts from 'Bhama Kalapam' and other classical compositions, displayed grace, expressive clarity, and devotion.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
10th international convention of SPIC MACAY inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad
The 10th International Convention of SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) was inaugurated by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at IIT Hyderabad on Monday (May 26, 2025). The week-long exploration of India's classical and spiritual traditions saw over 1,500 students and volunteers from across India and abroad. The convention opened with a screening of film 'Gandhi', followed by an orientation led by SPIC MACAY founder Kiran Seth. He urged students to treat the convention as an inner journey—akin to a stay in an ashram—with simplicity, discipline, and reflection. The opening day saw Nadaswaram recital by Vidwan Sheikh Mahboob Subhani and Vidwan Kaleeshabi Mahaboob, and the evening concluded with Kuchipudi by Raja and Radha Reddy with excerpts from Bhama Kalapam, and Hindustani violin concert by N. Rajam, who brought out the emotive essence of the ragas, and offered a tranquil end to the first day proceedings.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Youth tune into tradition at SPIC MACAY extravaganza
Hyderabad: In an era dominated by streaming platforms and pop charts, Indian classical music is quietly staging a comeback — this time, in the hearts of the youth. At the SPIC MACAY event hosted by IIT Hyderabad on Monday, students from across the country gathered to immerse themselves in an art form they say resonated deeply with their identity, emotions, and intellect. Far from being outdated or irrelevant, classical music and dance appear to be striking a fresh chord with the younger generation. 'I got goosebumps listening to the nadaswaram performance by Padma Shri awardees Sheikh Mahaboob Subhani and Kaleeshabi Mahaboob,' said Inayat Puri, a student of Spring Dale School, Amritsar. 'Classical music is vibrant, expressive, and undiluted. It sharpens my focus and helps me cope with stress. Other forms of music don't give me the same depth or peace.' Inayat, a classical singer herself, described the event as a space for both recreation and reflection — a place where her passion for music was deepened through exposure to live, traditional performances. Her schoolmate, Saanvi Mahanadru, echoed her excitement. 'I had never seen some of these instruments before,' she said. 'It's inspiring to see how rich and diverse our musical heritage is.' The duo was especially looking forward to the concluding day's performance by the acclaimed Warsi brothers, whose qawwali is known to bridge classical and devotional traditions. For city girl Ananya Nimmala, a classical dancer and a student of Sloka, the Hyderabad Waldorf School, the turning point came during a past SPIC MACAY event, which introduced her to Bharatanatyam. 'It started as curiosity, but it transformed my life. Classical dance improved my coordination, balance, flexibility and strength,' said the teenager, who now practices daily and competes regularly. 'Further, my focus and discipline improved,' she said. Nilay Parsodkar, a BDes student at IIT Hyderabad and a tabla player, expressed delight over a full house, which saw more youngsters than elderly. 'Playing tabla is in my blood as I learnt it from my father, himself a tabla player. Even my grandfather used to listen to Marathi folk songs, and that is where the interest developed. Despite my busy schedule at IIT, I make sure that I train a few times a week as it keeps me mentally and physically well. I also try to participate in the inter-IIT cultural competitions.' The evening concluded with spellbinding Kuchipudi performances by Raja and Radha Reddy, followed by a soulful Hindustani violin concert by N Rajam. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma also attended the event in the evening.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
SPIC MACAY int'l convention to kick off at IIT-H
Hyderabad: The 10th International Convention of SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) is all set to kick off on Monday at IIT-Hyderabad. Over 1,500 students and volunteers from across India and abroad are expected to participate in the convention. To be held from May 26 to June 1, the week-long event includes an immersive experience in Indian classical arts, culture, and values. Participants will begin their days with 'Naad Yog' and yoga at 4 am, followed by intensive workshops with legendary artistes. Afternoons will feature heritage walks, craft workshops, and screenings of cinema classics. Evenings will come alive with concerts and performances by some of India's most celebrated cultural icons. The lineup includes maestros such as Pt Hariprasad Chaurasia, Begum Parween Sultana, Pt Vishwa Mohan Bhatt, N Rajam, Raja & Radha Reddy, and many more award-winning artistes from Hindustani, Carnatic, Odissi, and folk traditions. All participants will receive free accommodation and meals, and will contribute through 'shramdaan' (voluntary service) as part of the experience. "This is not just a festival, it's a journey inward," said SPIC MACAY founder Padma Shri Kiran Seth, adding, "Waking up early, immersing in our heritage, and being in silence—it transforms students from within." Professor BS Murty, director of IIT-Hyderabad, said, "We are proud to be the canvas for this cultural renaissance. IIT-H will resonate with rhythm and spirit this week." The convention is being led by convenors Kona Lakshmivalli and Kalapoorna Nalla, who called it a "living classroom where silence is the teacher and art is the syllabus." A special edition of SPIC MACAY's newsletter Sandesh will also be launched during the event.
