Latest news with #Shabri
Sinar Daily
8 hours ago
- Business
- Sinar Daily
Batik revival faces identity and style challenge
KUALA LUMPUR - Since the mandatory implementation of batik attire among civil servants in 2023, this textile craft has experienced a resurgence, capturing the interest of various generations. Despite this growing popularity aligning with the government's aspiration to preserve and strengthen batik as part of the nation's cultural heritage, in reality, local support for Malaysian batik remains inconsistent and not yet deeply rooted in society. The mandatory implementation of batik attire for civil servants since 2023 has sparked a resurgence of interest in this traditional textile, aiming to preserve and strengthen Malaysian cultural heritage. - Bernama file photo Nearly three years into its weekly adoption by civil servants every Thursday-a practice that has since garnered interest from other sectors as well-Universiti Kolej Tunku Abdul Rahman fashion lecturer Shabri Saad said that consumers still tend to favour batik from neighbouring countries over locally made ones. "Batik isn't just a pattern. It's an art form-wearable artwork. I appreciate all types of batik, whether from Malaysia, Indonesia, India, China or Cambodia. But as Malaysians, we must uphold the art that originates from our own land. "If we don't support local batik artisans, I fear one day this craft will only exist in museums,' he said, adding that the preference for foreign batik is likely due to a lack of awareness and confusion surrounding the techniques, motifs, and true cultural value of batik. With more than two decades of experience in the batik world, Shabri noted that Malaysian batik-be it from Kelantan, Terengganu, Kedah, or Melaka-each carries a distinct beauty that must be preserved. For this reason, he believes that revitalising support for local batik cannot rest solely on government efforts, including initiatives by the Malaysian Handicraft Development Corporation (Kraftangan Malaysia). Instead, it must involve collaboration with all stakeholders, including NGOs, artists, and consumers. In this context, the Master of Design Technology holder highlighted the need for local batik to evolve, particularly in terms of design-moving away from overly dense and multicoloured motifs-as today's generation tends to prefer simpler, modern, and contemporary styles. "Young people want batik that's stylish, not something that looks like it's for uncles. A good batik design is one that makes the wearer look fresh and fashionable, without compromising on its cultural essence,' he said. He also recommended exploring more sophisticated colours that align with global fashion trends, such as toned-down hues, earthy tones, or pastels, which could help elevate Malaysian batik onto the global stage. Touching on pricing, Shabri noted that printed batik should not be completely dismissed, as it can serve as an entry point for the public to appreciate local batik designs and identity, especially considering its affordability compared to hand-drawn batik. "If we reject everything that's cheap, eventually even authentic batik will lose demand. With better understanding, appreciation for real batik will naturally grow,' he added. Meanwhile, 37-year-old civil servant Debby Lucas believes batik is more than just a meaningful cultural heritage-it is also a product of craftsmanship that requires patience, precision, and high creativity. "Each motif tells a story about nature, life, and community identity. In the past, batik was only worn to formal events, but now it's a modern fashion item suitable for the office or as a statement piece on the international stage,' she said, commending batik fashion designers who cater to young people's tastes. Faizah Ibrahim, 28, said price is not a major deterrent as there are still affordable batik options that match her personal style, including pieces she purchased from the Malaysian Prisons Department gallery. "I like batik made with dyeing techniques because it's comfortable, unique, and special-the patterns are one-of-a-kind. I also prefer tailoring my clothes over fast fashion because it looks neater, lasts longer, and is eco-friendly,' she said. - BERNAMA
United News of India
04-06-2025
- General
- United News of India
MP highlights India's efforts to protect environment at BRICS meet
Vijayawada, June 4 (UNI) Telugu Desam Party Lok Sabha MP Dr Shabri Byreddy took part in the 11th BRICS Parliamentary Forum held in Brazil from June 3–5, 2025, representing India as a woman parliamentarian on an international platform. Speaking at the session on 'Empowering Women to Face the Climate Crisis', Dr. Shabri highlighted how India has always been active in protecting the environment, even before global discussions on climate change began. She referred to the Chipko Movement of the 1970s, where rural women played a key role in saving forests. She also spoke about India's progress on climate goals, including a 24% reduction in emission intensity over 2005 levels, and achieving 159 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity, already meeting its 40% target. She mentioned that India now has the largest number of Ramsar sites in entire South Asia. Dr Shabri also spoke about the need for gender-inclusive climate policies, and the important role women can play in environmental protection. She said Indian women, seen as 'Shakti', have the power to bring about change and heal the world. She also focused on the role of women in the age of Artificial Intelligence, calling for digital literacy, equal access, and inclusion in new technologies. "It was truly enriching to engage and exchange ideas with fellow parliamentarians from across the globe, especially from BRICS nations. These interactions reinforced the importance of dialogue, solidarity, and shared commitment to progress and equality," she said. She thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Chief Minister of Chandrababu Naidu for the opportunity to be a part of the international event. The delegation of parliamentarians participating in the Summit was led by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. UNI DP PRS
Indian Express
23-04-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
‘Everything was over in an instant': Wife recounts death of Kolkata man in Pahalgam terror attack
What was meant to be the cherished final day of a family vacation in Kashmir, turned into a tragedy for the Guha family of Behala, Kolkata. Sameer Guha, a Central government employee, had travelled to Jammu and Kashmur with his wife Shabri and their daughter, a Class 12 student. But their planned return to home on Wednesday never materialised as Sameer's life was cut short in the Pahalgam terror attack on Tuesday afternoon. News of the incident reached their Kolkata residence in the dead of night, around 3 am, plunging their home on Jagat Chowdhury Road into profound grief. Relatives had been desperately trying to reach Sameer after initial reports of the attack surfaced. Finally, the devastating call came from the family's driver. Shabri made a phone call of a few seconds to her brother. 'Everything was over in an instant!' '(They were saying) inko chorna nai hai inko chorna nai hai… and they killed my husband,' Shabri later told mediapersons. Neighbours who spoke to Shabri and her daughter in the aftermath described their shock and inconsolable grief. '(The daughter) told us that they suddenly heard gunshots in the distance and a few people surrounded them. As soon as they arrived, they told everyone to lie down on the ground. Everyone had guns in their hands. We all lay down in fear. Then the militants selectively shot a few people, all male, including Sameer. They said Modi ka aadmi hai (he is a Modi supporter)… and gunned him down,' Archana Gajendra, a neighbour of the Guhas, told mediapersons. The Guha family's trip, which began on April 16, was a planned getaway — Sameer's first ever to Kashmir. Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim visited the grieving family on Wednesday morning, offering relatives condolences and support. Sameer was not the only Bengali to fall victim to the attack: Bitan Adhikari, a resident of Baishnabghata Patuli in Kolkata, and Manish Ranjan Mishra, from Jhalda in Purulia, also lost their lives. 'It is a cowardly act. Very disappointing. Where was central intelligence? The Home Minister is a flop minister. They said after the abrogation of Article 370, Kashmir is safe. Everyone believed them and went for a vacation, now who shall take the responsibility?' asked Hakim.
Times of Oman
11-02-2025
- Automotive
- Times of Oman
Kooij sprints to second victory in Tour of Oman
MUSCAT: Olav Kooij (Visma–Lease a Bike) reaffirmed his sprinting prowess by claiming his second stage victory in the Tour of Oman, powering past Giacomo Nizzolo (Q36.5 Pro Cycling Team) and Orluis Aular (Movistar Team) in a high-speed finish outside the Oman Convention and Exhibition Centre on Tuesday. The Dutchman, who also won the opening stage, capitalised on a perfectly executed lead-out to dominate the bunch sprint on the slightly uphill drag to the line. The stage started at the striking Oman Across Ages Museum, with 116 riders rolling out for the 181.5 km route. Following an 8 km neutralisation, an early breakaway formed almost immediately, featuring Kongphob Thimachai (Roojai Insurance), Abdulrehman Al Yaaqubi (Omani national team), and Muhammad Mohd Shabri (Terengganu). With none of them posing a GC threat, the peloton allowed them to build a sizeable advantage, which peaked at 9 minutes 15 seconds at the 35 km mark - the largest gap recorded in this year's race. As the race progressed, the breakaway began to splinter. Al Yaaqubi sat up with 90 km remaining, reducing the lead group to two. Seven kilometres later, Shabri suffered a puncture while navigating a twisting mountain road, narrowly avoiding a crash. Thimachai briefly waited for his companion before pressing on solo with 50 km to go. However, the peloton, led by Visma–Lease a Bike, had already begun to ramp up the pace, reducing the gap to just over two minutes. At the second intermediate sprint in Ad Dasur, Shabri took maximum points, having also won the earlier sprint in Al Alya. Behind them, Embret Svestad-Bårdseng (Arkéa–B&B Hotels) secured third place, gaining a valuable bonus second to inch closer to the top ten in the general classification. Sprint showdown in Muscat Thimachai made one final desperate attack, but his solo effort was short-lived as the peloton reeled him in with 13 km to go. From there, the stage was set for a drag race to the finish. The final kilometre featured a slight incline, but Kooij made no mistake, launching his sprint at the perfect moment to overpower his rivals and claim another emphatic win. David Gaudu (Groupama–FDJ) retained the overall lead, holding a six-second advantage over Adam Yates (UAE Team Emirates XRG) ahead of the decisive final stage on Green Mountain. With a summit finish on the horizon, the battle for overall victory is set to reach its climax.
