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Indian Express
05-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Hidden stories: how a reluctant performance paved way for Jyotsna Bhole to become a trailblazing Marathi actor
In July 1933, a radical piece of Marathi theatre was staged in Mumbai. Andhalyachi Shala (School for the Blind) was a vehicle for a group of intellectuals to cast a woman as a lead to oppose men playing women's roles in theatre. It was written by S V Vartak and produced by the group Natya Manwantar, whose member Keshav Vaman Bhole, better known as Keshavrao Bhole, was an eminent Marathi music director and critic. He had had only one woman in mind to play the lead, his wife and vocalist Durga Kelkar who came to be known as Jyotsna Bhole after their marriage. 'When my father asked her, she firmly said she wasn't interested… She wouldn't dream of diverting from her music,' says Vandana Khandekar, the couple's daughter. At Keshavrao's urging, Jyotsna took up the lead role – becoming a pioneer among women theatre actors. 'At the show's opening, the audience showed up with bhajjis in both hands, ready to haul these at the actors to show their disapproval. However, they saw the whole play without making a sound. They congratulated my mother and she loved the bhajjis so much, she ate everything the audience brought,' says Vandana. 'She could learn everything by ear' An exponent of Hindustani classical music and an eminent singer-actor, Jyotsna Bhole, whose death anniversary is on August 5, was a trailblazer. Her journey to winning the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award and the Lata Mangeshkar Award, however, started from the small village of Bandivade in Goa where she was born on May 11, 1914, as one among 14 children. The musical heritage of her surroundings as well as her siblings' performances turned her towards the art form from an early age. 'When her sisters practised, she would sit and listen. She could learn everything by ear. It was her elder sister, Girijabai, who recognised her talent and brought her to Mumbai, where both girls trained under Vilayat Hussain Khan and later Khadim Hussain Khan of the Agra Gharana,' says Vandana. Jyotsna quickly rose to fame through school competitions and was invited to perform at the British Broadcasting Service Radio. After Class 4, she left school to dedicate herself to music. Hooked on Keshavrao Bhole's songs During the 1930s, Keshavrao was an up-and-coming musician and playwright in Mumbai's cultural scene, especially talented in bhavgeet music – a light classical form that blends poetry and music. 'The songs impressed Jyotsna and drove her crazy! It was something she had never heard before, and she was keen to learn them,' says Vandana. When Keshavrao was finally convinced to teach Jyotsna, it was the start of a relationship that would last a lifetime. They married in 1932, when Jyotsna was 18. The couple had four children, Kishor, Suhas, Anil, and Vandana. After her first play, Andhalyachi Shala, Jyotsna refused to act again, choosing to focus on her music and family. It was not until eight years later that she would return to theatre. When Keshavrao produced and directed a play, he encouraged Jyotsna to be his heroine. Stepping back into the shoes of an actor in 1941, she witnessed peak fame a year later, through her role in Kulavadhu, a play inspired by Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen's A Doll's House. 'She toured the country extensively. Keshavrao told her to pursue her passion and make a name. He promised to stay at home and take care of the family,' says Vandana. By the time Jyotsna left the state in the 1960s, she was among the most sought after singer-actors. Jyotsna takes the lead Despite her limited education, Jyotsna was inspired by her husband's works and wrote, composed, directed and acted in her musical, Aradhana. She published a letter book, Antarichya Khuna, composed of letters she had written to her daughter as she travelled to Britain and Europe, performing in places like London, Paris, and Germany without speaking much English. In 1988, her touching autobiography, Tumchi Jyotsna Bhole, was released in Marathi. At home, Jyotsna insisted on being the regular parent who was involved in her children's upbringing. 'Every Diwali, she would insist on making each sweet herself. Every birthday, she would throw parties for our friends,' Vandana recalls. The Jyotsna Bhole Swarotsav, a music festival held in her memory since 2008, saw its 14th edition hosted on June 26-27 this year. 'We celebrate the work she did for the Marathi Sangeet Rangabhoomi,' says Adhish Paigude, an organiser. The festival, which features musicians and artists inspired by Jyotsna, is organised by the Srujan Foundation and Nanded city. This year's artists include Kalapini Komkali, Jayateerth Mevundi, Shounak Abhisheki, and Yadnesh Raikar. 'To pay tribute at her festival with my violin means so much,' says Raikar, as Komkali adds, 'Without her songs, the morning never felt complete.' Antara Kulkarni is an intern with The Indian Express.
Filipino Times
17-02-2025
- Health
- Filipino Times
UAE launches AED 220M initiative for visually impaired students in Ethiopia
The UAE government launched an initiative worth AED 220 million to develop schools for visually impaired students across Ethiopia. This is under the directives of the UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan from the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation. Currently, Ethiopia is home to an estimated 1.2 million visually impaired individuals. It has over 332,000 people classified as blind. Moreover, many of them live in rural areas where access to education and healthcare services is extremely limited. Ethiopia also faces the highest rates of trachoma, an eye disease that impacts underserved communities across the country. The newly launched program will introduce cutting-edge assistive technologies in schools, specialized curricula, and tailored vocational training programs. This initiative aims to empower Ethiopia's visually impaired population and provide them with the tools and opportunities for a brighter future. The initiative will be led by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. This foundation is an entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, which has proven its success with the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind in 2024.
TECHx
15-02-2025
- Business
- TECHx
UAE Commits US$60M to Support Visually Impaired Students in Ethiopia News Desk - 15/02/2025 ShareUnder the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has announced a new US$60 million (AED220 million) initiative aimed at developing schools to support the educational needs of visually impaired students in Ethiopia. This project will be spearheaded by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, a key entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.The initiative builds upon the success of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind in Addis Ababa, inaugurated in May 2024. The agreement was signed by Mohamed Haji AlKhoori, Director-General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, in the presence of Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State and member of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, and Zinash Tayachew, First Lady of Ethiopia.With approximately 1.2 million visually impaired individuals in Ethiopia, including 332,000 classified as blind, this initiative will provide crucial support, especially in rural areas with limited access to educational and healthcare services. Ethiopia also faces high rates of trachoma, a preventable eye disease, which disproportionately affects underserved communities.The new schools, supported by the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, will serve as centres of excellence by integrating cutting-edge assistive technologies, specialised curricula, and vocational programmes designed to help visually impaired students achieve higher education and integrate into the workforce.H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, emphasized the UAE's dedication to supporting people of determination worldwide. He stated, 'This initiative reflects our shared commitment with Ethiopia to ensure everyone, regardless of challenges, can thrive in an inclusive and equitable society.'Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan added, 'This partnership underscores our commitment to uplifting communities and expanding access to essential services, creating opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity.'First Lady Zinash Tayachew expressed gratitude for the UAE's continued support in helping ensure quality education for all Ethiopian citizens, regardless of ability, and promoting a more inclusive society.Mohamed Haji AlKhoori reaffirmed the importance of education as a fundamental right, highlighting the transformative potential of global partnerships to create lasting impact and empower future generations.Along with the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, the newly announced schools will form a comprehensive network across Ethiopia, expanding access to inclusive education and ensuring that visually impaired students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed and contribute to society.The UAE's commitment to strengthening Ethiopia's educational infrastructure is set to make a significant difference in the lives of visually impaired students, providing them with the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential.
UAE Commits US$60M to Support Visually Impaired Students in Ethiopia Under the directives of UAE President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE has announced a new US$60 million (AED220 million) initiative aimed at developing schools to support the educational needs of visually impaired students in Ethiopia. This project will be spearheaded by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, a key entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. The initiative builds upon the success of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind in Addis Ababa, inaugurated in May 2024. The agreement was signed by Mohamed Haji AlKhoori, Director-General of the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, in the presence of Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of State and member of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, and Zinash Tayachew, First Lady of Ethiopia. With approximately 1.2 million visually impaired individuals in Ethiopia, including 332,000 classified as blind, this initiative will provide crucial support, especially in rural areas with limited access to educational and healthcare services. Ethiopia also faces high rates of trachoma, a preventable eye disease, which disproportionately affects underserved communities. The new schools, supported by the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, will serve as centres of excellence by integrating cutting-edge assistive technologies, specialised curricula, and vocational programmes designed to help visually impaired students achieve higher education and integrate into the workforce. H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, emphasized the UAE's dedication to supporting people of determination worldwide. He stated, 'This initiative reflects our shared commitment with Ethiopia to ensure everyone, regardless of challenges, can thrive in an inclusive and equitable society.' Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan added, 'This partnership underscores our commitment to uplifting communities and expanding access to essential services, creating opportunities for sustainable growth and prosperity.' First Lady Zinash Tayachew expressed gratitude for the UAE's continued support in helping ensure quality education for all Ethiopian citizens, regardless of ability, and promoting a more inclusive society. Mohamed Haji AlKhoori reaffirmed the importance of education as a fundamental right, highlighting the transformative potential of global partnerships to create lasting impact and empower future generations. Along with the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, the newly announced schools will form a comprehensive network across Ethiopia, expanding access to inclusive education and ensuring that visually impaired students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed and contribute to society. The UAE's commitment to strengthening Ethiopia's educational infrastructure is set to make a significant difference in the lives of visually impaired students, providing them with the tools and opportunities to reach their full potential.
Dubai Eye
15-02-2025
- Business
- Dubai Eye
UAE signs $60m deal for visually impaired students in Ethiopia
The UAE announced a new $60 million (AED 220 million) initiative from the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation for the development of schools to support the needs of visually impaired students across Ethiopia. This initiative will be led by the Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Foundation, a portfolio entity of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, in collaboration with the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia. It builds on the success of the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind in Addis Ababa, which was inaugurated in May 2024. With an estimated 1.2 million visually impaired individuals in Ethiopia, including 332,000 classified as blind, this initiative directly addresses a pressing humanitarian need by reaching rural areas where educational and healthcare services remain limited. Ethiopia also has one of the highest global rates of trachoma, a preventable eye disease that disproportionately affects underserved communities. With the support of the Ethiopian Ministry of Education, the new schools will serve as centres of excellence, integrating cutting-edge assistive technologies, specialised curricula, and tailored vocational programmes to empower visually impaired students with the skills necessary for higher education and workforce integration. Deputy Chairman of the Presidential Court for Development and Fallen Heroes' Affairs, Chairman of the International Humanitarian and Philanthropic Council, and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Erth Zayed Philanthropies, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, said, 'The UAE remains dedicated to supporting people of determination worldwide. A key element is ensuring that visually impaired students in Ethiopia can access inspiring and inclusive learning environments that meet their specialised needs, thereby enabling them to reach their full potential. This initiative represents the shared commitment by the UAE and Ethiopia to ensure that everyone, regardless of the challenges they may face, can thrive in an inclusive and equitable global society.' Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan Al Nahyan said, "The UAE has long recognised that sustainable development and strategic collaboration are the key drivers of lasting change. This initiative reflects our unwavering commitment to uplifting communities, creating economic opportunities, and expanding access to essential services. Our partnership furthers the vision of African states to invest in education as a catalyst for future prosperity, empowering youth to realise their full potential and drive sustainable growth." First Lady Zinash Tayachew added, 'We are grateful to the UAE for their continued partnership, which supports our goal of ensuring that every citizen, regardless of their abilities, has access to quality education. Together, our shared commitment will help to create a more inclusive society where every student has the opportunity to succeed." Mohamed Haji AlKhoori said, 'Education is a fundamental right, and every child deserves the opportunity to learn in an environment that supports their unique needs. By strengthening educational systems, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive and equitable future. This initiative reaffirms the power of global partnerships in driving lasting impact, ensuring that education remains a catalyst for opportunity and empowerment for generations to come.' Together with the Sheikha Fatima bint Mubarak School for the Blind, the new schools announced today will create a network across Ethiopia to expand access to inclusive education. The UAE's commitment to strengthening Ethiopia's educational infrastructure ensures that every visually impaired child, regardless of socioeconomic background, can thrive in a supportive learning environment that empowers them to contribute to society.
