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Time of India
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Celebrating Pandit Bhajan Sopori Day: A historic musical tribute in Delhi
Pandit Bhajan Sopori Day was marked by many Hazri performances The capital witnessed a historic and emotionally resonant celebration of music on the occasion of Pandit Bhajan Sopori Day, observed on June 2, the Nirvana Divas of the legendary Pandit Bhajan Sopori, revered as the Saint of Santoor. The event, held at Jhankar Hall, New Delhi, was marked by Hazri performances of a galaxy of musicians of India, bringing together the rich tapestry of India's musical heritage in a unique gathering featuring just the music fraternity. The event saw heartfelt performances and offerings by musicians of all age groups like Pandit Ramkumar Mishra, Ustad Akram Khan, Ustad Rafiuddin Sabri, Anand Mishra, Zargam Khan, Rudraksh Srivastav (Tabla Solo), Pt. Chetan Joshi, Anjanaye Joshi, Krishna Prasanna, Raag Yaman (Flute), Vidushi Sudha Raghuraman (Carnatic Vocal), Ustad Murad Ali, Gauri Banerjee (Sarangi), Rajkumar Majumdar (Santoor), Prabhat Kumar (Sarod), S. Shridhar, Shubham Sarkar (Violin), Avinash Kumar, Rindhana Rahasya, Ghulam Hasan, Swati Tiwari, Nitin Sharma, Tanushree Kashyap (Vocal), Vignesh Jairaman (Mridangam), Pandit Shubh Maharaj, Pandit Pradip Sarkar, Sachin Sharma, Sagar Gujrati, Saptak Sharma, Manoj Shrivastav, Chanchal Singh, Ujith Uday, Balram Sisodia (Tabla accompaniment), Zakir Dholpuri, Ujjwal Kumar (Harmonium accompaniment), Shambhu Sisodia (Sarangi accompaniment) and many others. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Pinga-Pinga e HBP? Tome isso 1x ao dia se tem mais de 40 anos Portal Saúde do Homem Clique aqui Undo The musical homage lasted over eight hours, an extraordinary and rare occurrence in today's musical landscape especially Delhi NCR. Esteemed artists from across generations and genres participated in this soulful tribute, including stalwarts such as Vidushi Shanno Khurana, Pandit Sajan Mishra, Pandit Vidyadhar Vyas, Dr. Suneera Kasliwal, Vidushi Sumitra Guha, Pt. Vijay Shankar Mishra, Vidushi Anupam Mahajan, Pandit Rajnish Mishra, Ustad Mohsin Khan, Pandit Ajay P Jha, Ustad Akhtar Hasan, Ustad Asghar Hussain, Guru Pratibha Prahlad, Ragini Mahraj, Shivan Venrma, Swaransh Mishra, Adnan Khan, Rishi Shankar Upadhyay, Shubhashish Pakhak, Zuheb Khan, Parveen Sethi, Aman Nath, Yesudas BC, Director Doordarshan Sh. Sathish Namboodiripad, Anita Singh, Ranjana Narayan, Sadhna Shrivastav, Shailaja Khanna, Bharti Dhingra, Media personalities and others including members of Sopori family like Dr. Aparna Sopori, Pt. Abhay Rustum Sopori, Sohrab Sopori, Soumil Sopori and Soham Sopori, Ravindra Sharma and Disciples of Sopori Sufiana Gharana of Kashmir, Pandit Bhajan Sopori and Pt. Abhay Rustum Sopori like Usha Kher, Divyansh Srivastava, Anoushka Majumdar, Poushali Dutta, Akash Daniel, Abeer Tikoo, amongst others. The musical fraternity, deeply moved by the occasion, described it as a rare coming together of senior and young musicians from Delhi and beyond. Pandit Ram Kumar Mishra, the eminent Tabla maestro, remarked, 'This is perhaps the first time in over 50-60 years that Delhi NCR has witnessed such a grand music session featuring the entire fraternity, truly a rare and historic moment in Indian music.' Throughout the evening, musicians offered floral and musical tributes, invoking the divine presence of Pandit Bhajan Sopori and recalling his monumental contributions not just to music, but to humanity. Pandit Vijay Shankar Mishra noted, 'Pandit Bhajan Sopori ji was not only a musical genius who gave Santoor the stature of a complete Indian classical solo instrument and to have composed over 8,000 to 10,000 songs in various languages, but also a great humanitarian who provided a platform for countless musicians across generations and relentlessly promoted classical, folk, and light music throughout the country. ' Maestro Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori, son and musical successor of Pt. Bhajan Sopori, expressed his heartfelt gratitude saying that the day has become truly memorable because of every musician and thanked everyone for their presence, their music, and love.
Time of India
3 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Pebbles of progress
'If you want to feed a person for a day give him a fish, if you wish to feed him for a lifetime, teach him how to fish.' Dr Ajit Varwandkar is a Career Psychologist and a Thought process Transformation Expert by profession. He is working on enhancing employability through career guidance and training. Just capacity development is not his motto; enabling youth is the intent. He started his career as a mechanical engineer and eventually went into clinical psychology, management and doctoral research. He is an avid trainer of Thought Engineering for corporate and educational institutes. He is a music lover and plays the Indian classical percussion instrument – Tabla. He is the author of the book Think Success and Be Successful. He loves to write inspirational blogs on self-improvement and career development issues. He believes in living life at zero complaint level and is always keen to focus on solutions than on excuses. LESS ... MORE We often chase success as if it's a race to be won in a day. But the truth is, success usually visits those who stay committed to small, steady steps, even when no one is watching and even when progress is painfully slow. Let me tell you the story of a farmer named Ravi who lived in a small village. His crops dried up every summer because his well had no water. People advised him to buy water, but Ravi had a different idea. He believed in creating a lasting solution. So, each morning, he picked up his spade and dug a little deeper into the hard, dry earth. Just an hour a day. His neighbors laughed. 'Why waste time?' they mocked. But Ravi remembered his father's words: 'Steady work moves mountains.' Weeks passed. There was no water. just dust and sweat. Still, Ravi continued. One morning, a miracle happened – moist soil appeared. Then came the water. By the next summer, while others watched their crops wither, Ravi's fields were green and thriving. Ravi's story reminds us that steady effort beats noisy intentions. You may recall the classic tale of the thirsty crow. Finding a pitcher with water too low to reach, the crow didn't complain or fly away. Instead, it patiently dropped pebbles into the jar, one by one. It took time. It took effort. But in the end, the water rose high enough to quench the crow's thirst. That crow didn't need magic. It needed patience. I also remember a real-life example from a crowded marketplace: a young girl named Meena ran a tiny tea stall. Her business was slow, not because her tea was bad, but because people didn't even notice her faded signboard. She wanted to paint a new one, but didn't have the money. Rather than borrow, she made a small decision: she would save a few coins every single day. Now, think about how easy it would have been for her to give up halfway? Or to borrow the money just like others told her to? But Meena stuck to her plan. She knew her pace was slow, but she trusted it. Eventually, she had enough to pay an artist to paint a bright, eye-catching sign. Customers started pouring in. Her stall buzzed with life, all because of consistent savings and values she never compromised. Consistency not only fuels success, it builds character. But what happens when consistency fails? Let's peek into one of the oldest Indian stories, the tale of the monkey and the crocodile, from the Panchatantra. A monkey lived in a tree and shared his fruits daily with a crocodile. Over time, they became friends. But the crocodile's wife didn't like this friendship and tricked her husband into inviting the monkey for a meal, with a plan to eat his heart. On the way, the crocodile revealed the trap. The monkey didn't panic. Calm and clever, he replied, 'Oh! I left my heart on the tree. Take me back.' The crocodile believed him, swam back, and the monkey quickly jumped to safety. The crocodile's inconsistent loyalty to his friend cost him everything. At the same time, the monkey's consistent calmness and presence of mind saved him. In all these stories, one common thread shines bright: the power of consistency. Whether it's a farmer digging daily, a crow dropping pebbles, or a girl saving coins, small steps repeated with discipline lead to big outcomes. Today, more than ever, we are surrounded by distractions. Social media, fast-paced trends, and the pressure to 'go viral' often make us believe that slow and steady is boring or outdated. But if you look closely, every masterpiece – a painting, a successful business, or a fulfilling career was built one stroke, one idea, one hour at a time. We don't need to be perfect. We just need to be consistent. So, whatever your goal: studies, health, sports, or art, ask yourself: What small thing can I do today that, if repeated, will change my future? Then do it. And tomorrow, do it again. That's how magic is made. Not with shortcuts but with steps. Not with speed but with steadiness. Consistency is not a loud drumbeat; it's the quiet rhythm of progress. Whether you're digging a dry well, saving coins, or facing challenges with calm wit, small efforts done daily can reshape your destiny. In a world full of fast fixes, it's the slow builders who create lasting legacies. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
India Gazette
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- India Gazette
Fragrant Ragaz Set to Enchant Pune: A First-of-Its-Kind Multi-Sensory Raga Experience
SMPL New Delhi [India], June 6: In a world where art forms often exist in silos, Fragrant Ragaz emerges as a pioneering experience that dissolves boundaries, inviting audiences to engage with Indian classical music through all five senses. This patented concept transforms the traditional listening experience into a multi-sensory journey, where ragas are not only heard but also seen, touched, tasted, and smelled. The Visionaries Behind the Experience At the helm of Fragrant Ragaz are two visionaries: Dr. Kaustuv Kanti Ganguli, a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist and professor of music AI, and Mohanish Jaju, an innovator with a passion for sensory storytelling. Dr. Ganguli's deep understanding of ragas and their emotional nuances, combined with Jaju's expertise in creating immersive environments, culminates in an experience that redefines how audiences connect with music. Their collaboration is not just a fusion of music and technology but a holistic approach to experiencing art. By integrating elements like aroma, texture, and taste, they aim to evoke the rasa--the emotional essence--of each raga, offering a profound connection that resonates on multiple sensory levels. A Symphony of Senses Fragrant Ragaz is structured as a journey through three distinct chambers, each meticulously designed to engage different senses: 1. The Aroma Chamber: Here, specific fragrances corresponding to particular ragas envelop the space, allowing participants to 'smell' the mood and emotion of the music. 2. The Texture and Taste Chamber: Textures and flavors are curated to align with the raga's character, enabling attendees to 'feel' and 'taste' the music's essence. 3. The Visual and Auditory Chamber: A live concert featuring vocals, Sarangi, keyboard, and Tabla is enhanced with visual projections, creating a synesthetic experience where sight and sound converge. This immersive walk culminates in a live performance, where the boundaries between performer and audience blur, and the raga is experienced as a living, breathing entity. Collaborations That Elevate the Experience The richness of Fragrant Ragaz is amplified by collaborations with experts in various sensory domains: - Devendra Sugandhi, Aroma Partner: 'Fragrance has the power to transport us to different emotional landscapes. By aligning specific scents with ragas, we create an olfactory pathway to the soul of the music.' - Chef Sarvesh, Food Partner: 'Taste is deeply linked to memory and emotion. By pairing flavors with musical notes, we offer a palate that resonates with the raga's mood.' - Between-D-Notess, Music Partner: 'Our goal is to create an immersive soundscape that triggers memory, not only complementing but also enhancing the multi-sensory elements, making raga a holistic experience.' A Patented Innovation Fragrant Ragaz builds on patents in mapping musical versus fragrance notes, filed in the USA, UAE, and India, underscoring its uniqueness and the innovative approach to experiencing immersive music spaces. This recognition not only validates the concept but also sets a precedent for future explorations in multi-sensory art forms. The Road Ahead Following a successful showcase at the notable event at the G5A Foundation in Mumbai, Fragrant Ragaz is set to enchant audiences in Pune. Tickets are available through a secure Razorpay gateway, ensuring a seamless booking experience. The event will feature a 30-minute guided walk with slots available from 4pm to 7:30pm, followed by the world's first immersive Raga Music live concert starting at 8:30pm. As the world seeks deeper, more meaningful connections with art, Fragrant Ragaz stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities when tradition meets innovation. For more information, visit - (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Business Standard
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Business Standard
Fragrant Ragaz Set to Enchant Pune: A First-of-Its-Kind Multi-Sensory Raga Experience
SMPL New Delhi [India], June 6: In a world where art forms often exist in silos, Fragrant Ragaz emerges as a pioneering experience that dissolves boundaries, inviting audiences to engage with Indian classical music through all five senses. This patented concept transforms the traditional listening experience into a multi-sensory journey, where ragas are not only heard but also seen, touched, tasted, and smelled. The Visionaries Behind the Experience At the helm of Fragrant Ragaz are two visionaries: Dr. Kaustuv Kanti Ganguli, a distinguished Hindustani classical vocalist and professor of music AI, and Mohanish Jaju, an innovator with a passion for sensory storytelling. Dr. Ganguli's deep understanding of ragas and their emotional nuances, combined with Jaju's expertise in creating immersive environments, culminates in an experience that redefines how audiences connect with music. Their collaboration is not just a fusion of music and technology but a holistic approach to experiencing art. By integrating elements like aroma, texture, and taste, they aim to evoke the rasa--the emotional essence--of each raga, offering a profound connection that resonates on multiple sensory levels. A Symphony of Senses Fragrant Ragaz is structured as a journey through three distinct chambers, each meticulously designed to engage different senses: 1. The Aroma Chamber: Here, specific fragrances corresponding to particular ragas envelop the space, allowing participants to "smell" the mood and emotion of the music. 2. The Texture and Taste Chamber: Textures and flavors are curated to align with the raga's character, enabling attendees to "feel" and "taste" the music's essence. 3. The Visual and Auditory Chamber: A live concert featuring vocals, Sarangi, keyboard, and Tabla is enhanced with visual projections, creating a synesthetic experience where sight and sound converge. This immersive walk culminates in a live performance, where the boundaries between performer and audience blur, and the raga is experienced as a living, breathing entity. Collaborations That Elevate the Experience The richness of Fragrant Ragaz is amplified by collaborations with experts in various sensory domains: - Devendra Sugandhi, Aroma Partner: "Fragrance has the power to transport us to different emotional landscapes. By aligning specific scents with ragas, we create an olfactory pathway to the soul of the music." - Chef Sarvesh, Food Partner: "Taste is deeply linked to memory and emotion. By pairing flavors with musical notes, we offer a palate that resonates with the raga's mood." - Between-D-Notess, Music Partner: "Our goal is to create an immersive soundscape that triggers memory, not only complementing but also enhancing the multi-sensory elements, making raga a holistic experience." A Patented Innovation Fragrant Ragaz builds on patents in mapping musical versus fragrance notes, filed in the USA, UAE, and India, underscoring its uniqueness and the innovative approach to experiencing immersive music spaces. This recognition not only validates the concept but also sets a precedent for future explorations in multi-sensory art forms. The Road Ahead Following a successful showcase at the notable event at the G5A Foundation in Mumbai, Fragrant Ragaz is set to enchant audiences in Pune. Tickets are available through a secure Razorpay gateway, ensuring a seamless booking experience. The event will feature a 30-minute guided walk with slots available from 4pm to 7:30pm, followed by the world's first immersive Raga Music live concert starting at 8:30pm. As the world seeks deeper, more meaningful connections with art, Fragrant Ragaz stands as a testament to the boundless possibilities when tradition meets innovation. For more information, visit -
Time of India
31-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Stop the blame game
'If you want to feed a person for a day give him a fish, if you wish to feed him for a lifetime, teach him how to fish.' Dr Ajit Varwandkar is a Career Psychologist and a Thought process Transformation Expert by profession. He is working on enhancing employability through career guidance and training. Just capacity development is not his motto; enabling youth is the intent. He started his career as a mechanical engineer and eventually went into clinical psychology, management and doctoral research. He is an avid trainer of Thought Engineering for corporate and educational institutes. He is a music lover and plays the Indian classical percussion instrument – Tabla. He is the author of the book Think Success and Be Successful. He loves to write inspirational blogs on self-improvement and career development issues. He believes in living life at zero complaint level and is always keen to focus on solutions than on excuses. LESS ... MORE Over the years, I have come to a powerful realisation – there are broadly two kinds of people in this world. The first are those who are powered by a positive mental attitude. These individuals view life through the lens of possibility, not limitation. The second type is those who find themselves crippled at the first sign of adversity. They carry within them a quiet but firm resistance to challenge, a hesitance to grow, and an ever-ready inventory of excuses. Let me begin with the first kind – the growth seekers. These are people who do not flinch in the face of failure. In fact, they almost welcome setbacks as valuable lessons in disguise. For them, problems are opportunities to wear a different hat. They live not in the illusion that life will be smooth but in the conviction that their attitude will decide their altitude. I recently read a biography of a highly successful entrepreneur. His startup failed twice, and he lost friends, money, and even self-confidence. But what he didn't lose was his vision. He started again, taking lessons from his past experiences, and today, his company employs over five hundred people. What made the difference? Mindset. On the other hand, I have seen people who stumble once and never rise again – not because the fall was fatal, but because they never prepared their character to be indomitable. They become permanent residents of the land of excuses. Their narrative is often peppered with blame – 'My boss didn't like me,' 'Luck never favours me,' or 'The system is rigged.' Slowly, they nurture beliefs that the world is unfair, others are dishonest, and success is meant only for a privileged few. Such a belief system becomes their most significant barrier. They are trapped in the web, and they spin for themselves. One such person was Laddu Pinto, a young musician from a small town. Laddu had talent, no doubt. He could create melodies that touched hearts. But he also had a habit of running away from difficulty. If a gig was canceled, he would say the organiser was biased. He would say the world didn't value art if someone else was selected over him. Over time, he found himself bitter, broke, and forgotten. One day, during a chance conversation with a street violinist in Mumbai, something changed. The violinist said, 'If your dream dies because someone didn't clap for you, it wasn't a dream – it was just a wish.' That line pierced Laddu's soul. He went home, looked in the mirror, and asked, 'What if the problem is not outside but inside me?' From that day, Laddu took a vow – no more excuses. He started again, this time with consistency and humility. He learned marketing, collaborated with other musicians, and built his online presence. It took him four years of grit, sweat, and silence. Today, Laddu Pinto performs at music festivals nationwide and teaches music to underprivileged children on weekends. What changed? His mindset. The purpose of this column is not just to highlight these two categories of people but also to encourage self-reflection. It's time to ask ourselves: Which category do I truly belong to? To aid in this self-assessment, consider keeping a journal to track your thoughts and actions or seeking feedback from trusted friends or mentors. It is excellent if you find yourself in the first group, those charged with optimism. But do not get complacent. Your attitude is your biggest strength. Keep nurturing it. Don't let one success make you arrogant or one failure make you doubt your journey. If you belong to the second group—those who feel stuck in a loop of defeat and denial—then here's a gentle reminder: change begins with self-awareness. Start small. Set one goal and stick to it. Stop the blame game. Don't wait for motivation to knock at your door—invite discipline instead. Write down your dreams. Find role models. Read their struggles. You'll realise that success is not a straight line; it's a zigzag of failed attempts, painful realisations, and relentless efforts. Build habits that support your growth. Stay away from people who constantly complain. Surround yourself with those who push you, challenge you, and believe in your potential, even when you don't. In conclusion, life offers us two choices every day: grow or excuse. One leads to strength, the other to stagnation. The road to excellence is often the tougher one, but it is also the one worth taking. Let us not be prisoners of our circumstances but architects of our future. Like Laddu Pinto, you too can rewrite your story. It all starts with one decision, to choose courage over comfort. Facebook Twitter Linkedin Email Disclaimer Views expressed above are the author's own.
