Latest news with #Vij
Mint
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Mint
In Pics: Meet the ‘History Hunter' whose passion for the past is uncovering forgotten treasures
In Pics: Meet the 'History Hunter' whose passion for the past is uncovering forgotten treasures 7 Photos . Updated: 02 Jun 2025, 02:41 PM IST Share Via Aditya Vij, an Indian anthropologist, has turned his New Delhi residence into a museum, showcasing an extensive collection of artefacts and devoting his life to preserving antiquities. 1/7Anthropologist Aditya Vij poses with his collection of artefacts at his residence in New Delhi. (AP) 2/7A peek into Aditya Vij's collection reveals antique paintings that reflect diverse cultures across various historical periods. (AP) 3/7Aditya Vij showcases his vast collection of music players through the ages, from radios to cassette recorders. (AP) 4/7Vij believes that every collectable he rescues is a small triumph over time. (AP) 5/7Vij aims to inspire and educate future generations through his collection, which includes artifacts that date back centuries. (AP) 6/7Aditya Vij's New Delhi house is filled with collectables that reflect his quiet determination to preserve what history risks forgetting. (AP)
Economic Times
2 days ago
- General
- Economic Times
India's self-proclaimed 'history hunter' is on a drive to salvage the past for future generations
AP Aditya Vij, an Indian anthropologist and an avid collector of artifacts Cameras from a bygone era. Rusty typewriters. Vintage radios. Matchboxes once used to light contraband cigarettes. In an age of new technology and artificial intelligence, a visit to the New Delhi home of Aditya Vij is like stepping into a time machine. Every corner of his museum feels like a carefully constructed history chapter. The anthropologist is an avid collector of artifacts and has dedicated his life to antiquities. Over decades, he has doggedly collected thousands of items that span several centuries and documented their relevance and the impact they have had on society. Each collectable he has salvaged feels like a victory against time, Vij says, underscoring his belief that maybe one individual's attempts can quietly resist their erasure from people's memory. "The deepest emotion I feel while collecting these items is the sense of satisfaction that I managed to save a piece of history," said Vij, during an interview surrounded by his priceless collection of vintage cameras and gramophones. The excitement of the hunt Fossils of fish, snails, tadpoles and fern leaves that date back millions of years are Vij's most ancient items. But he has a passion for another trove of objects that date back to around 1915: thousands upon thousands of matchboxes. His obsession began at the age of 8 when he discovered his first matchbox while wandering on the roads with his father. Today, the 51-year-old possesses more than 22,000 matchboxes. A few of them are over a century old and their cover labels showcase different forms of religious representations and political scenarios of the times they were produced. "It is not just the possession of these trinkets, but the process of hunting for them is what adds a layer of excitement for me," Vij said, adding that matchboxes symbolize different cultures at different times. 'Vigilance and quick action' He says the preservation of memory through these collectables pushes people to think about the craftsmanship of a time where life was slower and decisions were more deliberate. Some of his possessions were acquired by a chance. Many years ago, Vij says, he spotted a scrap dealer about to break an old radio with a hammer. He shouted from across the street and stopped the man. The scrap dealer, taken by surprise, explained how he would get good money out of the parts. Vij offered to buy it. Today, that radio sits amongst his existing collection of vintages. "Thirty more seconds and I would have lost it, and sometimes that's what it takes - vigilance and quick action," he said. Vij describes his journey that of a man "who links the past to the future" and aspires to create a museum out of his house that will act as a physical space where younger generations get to learn about innovations from the past. Otherwise, Vij says, these unassuming objects would be forever lost in the vast expanse of new technology. "What was once familiar has become rare, often forgotten, and has left behind only traces of nostalgia and memories," he said. 'Urgency to preserve history' Vij also gets requests from parents who want him to show their children how his collectables were put in use during the past. Some want their children to see how a typewriter works, or how pictures were clicked using a film camera. Others come to see how some household devices used to operate, like the rotary telephones, tube radios, pressing irons, ice cream makers, and lanterns. "When they (kids) tell me how they had no idea about the existence of these objects, that is when I feel a stronger urgency to preserve history," he said. Over the past few years, Vij says, technology has evolved rapidly and the gadgets from his childhood were made obsolete overnight. He believes archiving them is necessary. "I hope the younger generations realize the importance of history and carry it forward by preserving it," he said
Time of India
2 days ago
- General
- Time of India
India's self-proclaimed 'history hunter' is on a drive to salvage the past for future generations
Cameras from a bygone era. Rusty typewriters. Vintage radios. Matchboxes once used to light contraband cigarettes. In an age of new technology and artificial intelligence, a visit to the New Delhi home of Aditya Vij is like stepping into a time machine. Every corner of his museum feels like a carefully constructed history chapter. The anthropologist is an avid collector of artifacts and has dedicated his life to antiquities. Over decades, he has doggedly collected thousands of items that span several centuries and documented their relevance and the impact they have had on society. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Each collectable he has salvaged feels like a victory against time, Vij says, underscoring his belief that maybe one individual's attempts can quietly resist their erasure from people's memory. "The deepest emotion I feel while collecting these items is the sense of satisfaction that I managed to save a piece of history," said Vij, during an interview surrounded by his priceless collection of vintage cameras and gramophones. Live Events The excitement of the hunt Fossils of fish, snails, tadpoles and fern leaves that date back millions of years are Vij's most ancient items. But he has a passion for another trove of objects that date back to around 1915: thousands upon thousands of matchboxes. His obsession began at the age of 8 when he discovered his first matchbox while wandering on the roads with his father. Today, the 51-year-old possesses more than 22,000 matchboxes. A few of them are over a century old and their cover labels showcase different forms of religious representations and political scenarios of the times they were produced. "It is not just the possession of these trinkets, but the process of hunting for them is what adds a layer of excitement for me," Vij said, adding that matchboxes symbolize different cultures at different times. 'Vigilance and quick action' He says the preservation of memory through these collectables pushes people to think about the craftsmanship of a time where life was slower and decisions were more deliberate. Some of his possessions were acquired by a chance. Many years ago, Vij says, he spotted a scrap dealer about to break an old radio with a hammer. He shouted from across the street and stopped the man. The scrap dealer, taken by surprise, explained how he would get good money out of the parts. Vij offered to buy it. Today, that radio sits amongst his existing collection of vintages. "Thirty more seconds and I would have lost it, and sometimes that's what it takes - vigilance and quick action," he said. Vij describes his journey that of a man "who links the past to the future" and aspires to create a museum out of his house that will act as a physical space where younger generations get to learn about innovations from the past. Otherwise, Vij says, these unassuming objects would be forever lost in the vast expanse of new technology. "What was once familiar has become rare, often forgotten, and has left behind only traces of nostalgia and memories," he said. 'Urgency to preserve history ' Vij also gets requests from parents who want him to show their children how his collectables were put in use during the past. Some want their children to see how a typewriter works, or how pictures were clicked using a film camera. Others come to see how some household devices used to operate, like the rotary telephones, tube radios, pressing irons, ice cream makers, and lanterns. "When they (kids) tell me how they had no idea about the existence of these objects, that is when I feel a stronger urgency to preserve history," he said. Over the past few years, Vij says, technology has evolved rapidly and the gadgets from his childhood were made obsolete overnight. He believes archiving them is necessary. "I hope the younger generations realize the importance of history and carry it forward by preserving it," he said
Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Anil Vij Urges Youth to Limit Screen Time, Announces Rs 12.5 Lakh Grant for Meritorious Students
AMBALA: Haryana's cabinet minister for power, transport and labour, Anil Vij, expressed serious concern over the growing obsession of the younger generation with mobile phones, televisions, and computers. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Speaking at the 'Bhavishya Jyoti Samaroh' organized by a national daily to honor meritorious students from Ambala district, Vij urged youth to limit screen time in order to preserve mental and physical well-being. Addressing a gathering as the chief guest, Vij said, 'Today, people spend most of their time watching the world through TV screens, reacting to what they see. The younger generation is getting lost in mobile phones and digital screens. If we truly want to reform our youth, we must begin by encouraging them to use mobile phones and TVs sparingly.' At the event, minister Vij honored 125 top-performing students from various schools in the district. He also announced a personal donation of Rs 12.5 lakh from his voluntary fund, pledging Rs 10,000 to each of the recognized students as a gesture of support for their academic excellence. Highlighting both the pros and cons of technology, Vij said, 'Technology has made our society more aware and connected, but it has also distanced us from each other. In earlier times, people would gather in their neighborhoods and engage in conversations. That spirit of community is fading.' He emphasized the need for society-builders and mentors who can help shape the character of the youth. 'We need individuals who can guide the next generation toward a life of purpose and value,' he added. Stressing the adverse impact of excessive mobile phone use, Vij noted its harmful effects on mental health. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now 'The brain is constantly running, and continuous screen exposure is weakening our cognitive strength. We must adapt to technology, but also maintain a healthy distance from it,' he said. Quoting the ancient Sanskrit saying 'Tamso Ma Jyotirgamaya' (Lead me from darkness to light), Vij underlined the importance of moving from ignorance to knowledge. He reminisced about his own student days, when learning was confined to schoolbooks and long hours in the state library. 'In our times, we didn't have mobile phones or internet. We relied on books and deep reading to gain knowledge, but today, access to knowledge is unlimited. Still, the desire to learn must come from within.' Calling the felicitation of students a noble initiative, Vij appreciated the role of media houses in recognizing young talent and contributing to social change. 'Every individual has some unique talent or capability. Success is a combination of ability and opportunity. Without opportunities, even the most capable person's talent may remain undiscovered.' He lauded newspapers as the mirror of society and praised the organizing media outlet for its contribution to education and community welfare. 'The word 'NEWS' itself represents North, East, West, and South – a reflection of what's happening all around us. It is the responsibility of newspapers to present the truth and shape public thought. Amar Ujala is doing commendable work in this direction,' he remarked. The ceremony was attended by hundreds of students, their parents, and local dignitaries.
India.com
23-05-2025
- Business
- India.com
This IT firm to promote 15000 employees in India alone, 50000 worldwide, not Ratan Tata's TCS or Narayana Murthy's Infosys, but it is…
IT giant Accenture is set to promote around 15,000 employees in India in June 2024. This promotion is part of Accenture's global promotion drive, under which over 50,000 employees worldwide will get advancements in their roles. Ajay Vij, the company's Senior Managing Director in India, shared this information in an internal email to employees. He mentioned that during the entire fiscal year 2024-25, more than 43,000 employees in India would be promoted. In December, Accenture did some stay-at-level (base pay) increases for some employees. Between June and December, a majority of Indian employees will have got base pay increases. 'As a reminder, bonus and performance equity decisions for those eligible will continue to be made as part of the December cycle, and we will also continue to evaluate the opportunity for stay-at-level increases at that time,' Vij added. In September 2024, the Ireland-headquartered firm permanently shifted its promotion cycle from December to June, citing better visibility of client spending and demand. 'We've now permanently shifted that promotion cycle, so we will do our big promotion cycle in June, and our smaller one in December, to better match when our clients are setting their budgets and we have better visibility, and that's what we're seeing again. 'The justification for that is clear that we'll really know IT spending and spending on our services in the budgets in January and February,' Accenture CEO Julie Sweet had said during the company's earnings call in September. Accenture is one of the largest employers in the Indian IT services sector, with over 3,00,000 staff. Its global employee count stands at 7,74,000. Accenture reported revenues of USD 64.90 billion in FY24. (With Inputs From PTI)
