The Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Modern Business Practices

By
Cscope Staff
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In the rapidly evolving landscape of modern business, artificial intelligence (AI) stands out as one of the most transformative technologies. From automating routine tasks to providing deep insights through data analysis, AI is reshaping industries and driving innovation at an unprecedented pace. This article explores the multifaceted impact of AI on contemporary business practices, highlighting its benefits, challenges, and future prospects.

Transforming Business Operations

AI has revolutionized business operations by automating routine tasks, leading to increased efficiency and productivity. In manufacturing, AI-driven robots perform repetitive tasks with precision and speed, reducing human error and labor costs. For example, AI algorithms optimize supply chain management by predicting demand, managing inventory, and identifying inefficiencies, thus ensuring timely delivery and cost savings.

In the realm of customer service, AI-powered chatbots and virtual assistants provide 24/7 support, handling a wide range of queries and freeing up human agents to focus on more complex issues. These AI tools use natural language processing (NLP) to understand and respond to customer inquiries, enhancing customer satisfaction and engagement.

Enhancing Decision-Making

artificial-intelligence-Enhancing Decision-Making

AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data and extract actionable insights is transforming decision-making processes across industries. Businesses are leveraging AI-powered analytics to gain a competitive edge. For instance, AI algorithms analyze market trends, consumer behavior, and sales data to provide recommendations for marketing strategies, product development, and pricing models.

Financial institutions use AI to assess credit risk, detect fraud, and optimize investment portfolios. By analyzing historical data and identifying patterns, AI models predict market movements and guide investment decisions, leading to better financial outcomes. In healthcare, AI assists in diagnosing diseases, predicting patient outcomes, and personalizing treatment plans, ultimately improving patient care and reducing costs.

Driving Innovation

Artificial-Intelligence Driving Innovation

AI is a catalyst for innovation, enabling businesses to develop new products, services, and business models. In the automotive industry, AI drives advancements in autonomous vehicles, which have the potential to revolutionize transportation. Companies like Tesla and Waymo are leveraging AI to develop self-driving cars that can navigate complex environments, enhancing safety and efficiency.

AI is also transforming the retail sector through personalized shopping experiences. E-commerce giants like Amazon use AI algorithms to recommend products based on customers’ browsing and purchasing history. This level of personalization enhances customer satisfaction and boosts sales. Moreover, AI-driven logistics and delivery systems ensure faster and more accurate order fulfillment, further enhancing the customer experience.

Challenges and Ethical Considerations

Artificial-Intelligence-Challenges-and-Ethical-Considerations

Despite its numerous benefits, the adoption of AI in business comes with challenges and ethical considerations. One of the primary concerns is the potential displacement of jobs due to automation. While AI can increase efficiency, it also poses a threat to jobs that involve routine and repetitive tasks. Businesses must navigate this challenge by reskilling and upskilling their workforce to ensure employees can adapt to new roles that require human creativity and problem-solving.

Another significant challenge is data privacy and security. AI systems rely on vast amounts of data to function effectively, raising concerns about how this data is collected, stored, and used. Businesses must implement robust data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information and comply with regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Ethical considerations also play a crucial role in AI adoption. Bias in AI algorithms can lead to unfair and discriminatory outcomes. For example, biased AI models in hiring processes can perpetuate gender and racial inequalities. Businesses must ensure that their AI systems are transparent, fair, and accountable. This involves regularly auditing AI algorithms, addressing biases, and involving diverse teams in AI development.

The Future of AI in Business

The Future of AI in Business

The future of AI in business is promising, with continuous advancements expected to drive further transformation. One of the key trends is the integration of AI with other emerging technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, and 5G. This convergence will enable the creation of intelligent ecosystems where devices communicate and collaborate seamlessly, enhancing efficiency and innovation.

AI is also expected to play a significant role in sustainability efforts. Businesses are leveraging AI to optimize energy consumption, reduce waste, and develop sustainable products. For example, AI-powered systems monitor and manage energy usage in real-time, identifying opportunities for energy savings. In agriculture, AI-driven technologies optimize irrigation, monitor crop health, and predict yields, promoting sustainable farming practices.

Furthermore, the democratization of AI is set to empower small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Advances in AI tools and platforms are making AI more accessible and affordable, enabling SMEs to harness its benefits. This democratization will drive innovation and competitiveness across industries, fostering a more inclusive business environment.

Conclusion

Artificial intelligence is undeniably reshaping modern business practices, driving efficiency, innovation, and competitive advantage. From automating routine tasks to providing deep insights through data analysis, AI is transforming industries and enabling businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape. However, the adoption of AI also presents challenges and ethical considerations that businesses must navigate to ensure responsible and equitable use of the technology.

As AI continues to advance, its integration with other emerging technologies and its role in sustainability efforts will further enhance its impact on business. The democratization of AI will empower businesses of all sizes to leverage its benefits, fostering innovation and competitiveness. In this era of rapid technological change, businesses that embrace AI and navigate its challenges will be well-positioned to succeed and lead in the 21st century.

The Evolution of Remote Work: Transforming Business in the 21st Century

By
Cscope Staff
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The global business landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade, with one of the most significant shifts being the rise of remote work. While remote work has been a growing trend for years, the COVID-19 pandemic accelerated its adoption across various industries, forcing companies to adapt quickly to a new way of operating. This evolution in work culture has profound implications for businesses, employees, and the broader economy. As we explore the drivers, benefits, challenges, and future of remote work, it becomes clear that this shift is not just a temporary response to a crisis but a fundamental change in how businesses operate.

Drivers of Remote Work Adoption

Drivers of Remote Work Adoption

Several factors have driven the adoption of remote work. Technological advancements have played a crucial role, making it easier for employees to work from anywhere. High-speed internet, cloud computing, collaboration tools like Slack and Microsoft Teams, and video conferencing platforms such as Zoom have enabled seamless communication and collaboration regardless of location.

The changing workforce demographics have also contributed to this shift. Millennials and Generation Z, who prioritize flexibility and work-life balance, are becoming the dominant groups in the workforce. They value the ability to work remotely and are more likely to choose employers who offer such options.

Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic served as a catalyst, compelling businesses worldwide to implement remote work policies almost overnight. Companies that were initially resistant to remote work were forced to adapt, discovering in the process that productivity could be maintained or even improved outside the traditional office setting.

Benefits of Remote Work

Benefits of Remote Work

The rise of remote work has brought numerous benefits for both businesses and employees. For companies, remote work can lead to significant cost savings. By reducing the need for large office spaces, businesses can cut down on real estate and utility expenses. Some companies have even downsized their physical offices or shifted to entirely remote operations, reallocating those funds to other critical areas like technology and employee development.

Remote work also allows businesses to tap into a global talent pool. Employers are no longer restricted to hiring candidates within commuting distance of a physical office. This expanded reach enables companies to find the best talent, regardless of geographic location, fostering greater diversity and inclusion within their teams.

For employees, remote work offers increased flexibility, which can lead to better work-life balance. Without the need to commute, employees can save time and reduce stress, leading to higher job satisfaction and overall well-being. This flexibility also enables employees to work during their most productive hours, which can vary from person to person, potentially boosting overall productivity.

Challenges of Remote Work

Challenges of Remote Work

Despite its many benefits, remote work also presents several challenges. One of the most significant issues is maintaining effective communication and collaboration. While technology has made it easier to stay connected, it can still be challenging to replicate the spontaneous interactions and camaraderie that occur naturally in an office environment. Businesses must find ways to foster a sense of community and ensure that remote employees remain engaged and connected.

Another challenge is managing remote teams. Supervisors and managers need to adapt their leadership styles to effectively support and motivate remote workers. This includes setting clear expectations, providing regular feedback, and ensuring that remote employees have the resources they need to succeed. Additionally, managers must be vigilant about the potential for employee burnout, as the lines between work and personal life can blur in a remote setting.

Data security is another critical concern. With employees accessing company networks from various locations, the risk of security breaches and data leaks increases. Businesses must implement robust cybersecurity measures, including secure VPNs, multi-factor authentication, and regular security training for employees, to protect sensitive information.

The Future of Remote Work

The Future of Remote Work

As we look to the future, it is clear that remote work is here to stay, but its form may continue to evolve. Many companies are adopting hybrid work models, where employees split their time between working remotely and working in the office. This approach aims to combine the benefits of remote work with the advantages of in-person collaboration.

Businesses are also rethinking the design and function of their office spaces. Rather than large open-plan offices, companies are creating flexible, collaborative spaces that employees can use as needed. These spaces are designed to facilitate teamwork and innovation, providing a conducive environment for activities that are challenging to perform remotely.

Furthermore, the rise of remote work has implications for urban planning and real estate. As more employees work from home, there may be a shift away from large corporate headquarters in major cities to smaller, decentralized offices or coworking spaces in suburban and rural areas. This could lead to changes in real estate demand and development patterns, as well as a potential redistribution of economic activity.

Conclusion

The evolution of remote work represents a significant shift in the way businesses operate. Driven by technological advancements, changing workforce demographics, and the COVID-19 pandemic, remote work has become a viable and often preferred option for many companies and employees. While it brings numerous benefits, including cost savings, access to a global talent pool, and improved work-life balance, it also presents challenges in communication, management, and data security.

As businesses continue to navigate this new landscape, the adoption of hybrid work models and the reimagining of office spaces will likely shape the future of work. The ability to adapt to these changes and harness the potential of remote work will be crucial for businesses seeking to thrive in the 21st century.

How Airlines are Prioritising Safety in Modern Air Travel

By
Cscope Staff
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Image – Wikimedia

When was the last time you thought about how safe air travel really is? It’s easy to get on a plane, buckle up, and let the pilot handle the journey, but behind every flight is a series of well-thought-out safety measures designed to protect passengers from takeoff to landing. Air travel is statistically one of the safest modes of transportation, and that’s no accident. It’s the result of intense planning, constant monitoring, and the adoption of advanced technology.

Stringent Maintenance Protocols

The importance of aircraft maintenance can’t be overstated. Maintenance teams check everything from the engines to the landing gear, and even the hydraulic systems, yes, this includes things like hydraulic fluid, which helps aircraft perform at peak efficiency.

Using high-quality materials like MIL-PRF-87257 fluid isn’t just a cost; it’s an investment in safety. This specific hydraulic fluid is known for its superior performance in extreme temperatures, preventing system failures that could potentially compromise flight safety.

Advanced Technology for Real-Time Monitoring

Modern airplanes are equipped with advanced technology that allows for real-time monitoring of various systems. While the pilot focuses on flying, a network of sensors monitors engine performance, fuel levels, cabin pressure, and even turbulence patterns. If something seems off, the system immediately alerts the crew, allowing them to make adjustments or communicate with ground control.

The integration of artificial intelligence (AI) in monitoring has made this even more efficient. AI can analyze vast amounts of data in real time, offering recommendations or triggering safety protocols faster than any human could. So, when you’re cruising at 30,000 feet, there’s not just a pilot looking after you—there’s a whole network of technology keeping things in check.

Pilot Training and Simulations

Flying a plane might look straightforward from the passenger seat, but pilots go through rigorous training before they ever take control of an aircraft. Even after years of experience, continuous training is a must.

Why so much emphasis on simulation? It’s simple: it’s one of the most effective ways to prepare pilots for real-world emergencies. In the highly unlikely event that something goes wrong during a flight, the crew is well-equipped to manage the situation.

  • Emergency landings – Practicing safe landings in unexpected scenarios.
  • Engine failures – Handling complete engine shutdowns while in flight.
  • Severe weather – Navigating through thunderstorms, turbulence, and extreme conditions.
  • Medical emergencies – Responding quickly to onboard medical situations.
  • Security threats – Managing situations involving disruptive passengers or potential security risks.

Cabin Crew Safety Protocols

While pilots may be the stars of the show, the cabin crew plays an equally important role in keeping passengers safe. They do more than just serve drinks—they’re trained to handle medical emergencies, evacuations, and a range of safety procedures. Before each flight, cabin crew members perform checks to ensure all safety equipment is in place and functioning, including life vests, oxygen masks, and emergency exits.

A well-prepared cabin crew can defuse potentially dangerous situations, allowing the flight to continue safely.

Enhanced Security Measures

It’s no surprise that security at airports is tight—modern aviation wouldn’t be what it is today without enhanced security protocols. But safety doesn’t just start at the gate; it begins long before passengers even board the aircraft. Airlines work in coordination with airport authorities to screen for potential threats. From baggage screening to full-body scanners, every step is taken to ensure that no dangerous materials make it onto the plane.

Beyond the airport, airlines also focus on cybersecurity. With more aircraft relying on digital systems, the threat of cyberattacks has grown. From global carriers to airlines in Kazakhstan now employ cybersecurity experts to monitor and protect these systems, ensuring that critical functions like navigation and communication remain secure.

Aircraft Design and Testing

Airlines don’t just rely on existing aircraft technology—they are continually working with manufacturers to develop safer, more efficient planes. Every new aircraft goes through extensive testing before it’s allowed to carry passengers. This includes testing for how well it performs under different weather conditions, stress testing the materials used, and even crash simulations.

The goal is to identify and address any potential weaknesses long before the plane ever leaves the ground. Safety improvements don’t stop with new models either; older planes are continually updated with the latest technology to meet current safety standards.

The safety of air travel isn’t just a matter of luck. From the use of advanced technology and high-quality materials like MIL-PRF-87257 hydraulic fluid to the rigorous training of pilots and cabin crew, every detail is carefully considered. Airlines prioritize safety at every stage of your journey—from the moment you check in to the moment your feet touch the ground at your destination.

Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya, Tribal Attire at its Best

By
Rupsha Sen
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Image – Euwan Marbaniang

Culture of Meghalaya

Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful states of North-East India. The place is known for its rich biodiversity, culture and traditions, heritage, natural beauty, serene mountains and hills and its peaceful and calm environment. Meghalaya  is home to various tribes and communities who have their own customs, culture and traditions which they like to showcase through their traditional outfits and attire. Some of these tribes are the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia. One of the main and primary sources of income and livelihood in Meghalaya is through weaving. The Garos are the most talented, skilled and experienced weavers of the area. 

All of these tribes have their own distinct features like the way of dressing and clothing. Even today, women in Meghalaya can be seen wearing their traditional attire. Going deep into understanding the people of Meghalaya’s culture and traditions which are related to their attire, the first attire we will talk about is known as ‘Jainsem’.

1. Jainsem

Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya People-Jainsem
Image Source

Jainsem is a traditional outfit of the women in Meghalaya, more specifically the women of the Khasi tribe. Jainsem is a piece of clothing which is usually made of mulberry silk. It is worn with a blouse and a cotton shawl over it which is known as tap-moh khlieh. A Jainsem covers a woman’s entire lower body from their waist to their ankles.

2. Jainkup

Traditional-Dresses-of-Meghalaya-People-Jainkup
Image – Neelima v/Flickr

Jainkup is made for and worn mostly by the elder women of the Khasi tribe. It is made of woolen cloth. This is worn with a full sleeve blouse and a full neck work. The women compliment and accessorize these with pure gold and silver ornaments and jewellery. 

These are mostly worn by women during the Khasi festivals, especially the festival of Ka Shad Suk Mynsiem. The female dancers wear Jainsem and Jainkup and compliment their dresses with necklaces made up of red coral beads covered in foil, beaded jewellery with various colors and designs, golden earrings and a golden or silver crown which consists of silver threads in its back. Their dress also comprises two rectangular pieces of clothing which are decorated and embellished with gold threads. This overall attire makes a woman look very sophisticated and stylish. 

3. Dakmanda

Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya People-Dak Manda
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Dakmanda is a handmade and hand woven small piece of clothing like a lungi which is wrapped around the waist. It is worn mostly by the women of the Garo tribe. The women wear a blouse along with a Dakmanda. The traditional dresses of the women of the Garo tribe vary depending on where they are residing, whether it is a densely populated or crowded area where the women wear long cotton dresses or it is faraway village in the hills where they wear an eking, which is a small cloth wrapped around their waist. 

4. Kyrshah

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Image Source

The main and primary source of income and occupation for the people of Meghalaya is agriculture and around 80% of the population of Meghalaya’s livelihood depends entirely on it. During the harvest and post-harvest season, the men of the Jaintia tribe cover their heads with a checkered piece of garment known as a Kyrshah. At the time of festivals, occasions or events, the women contrast it with beautiful outfits which include a velvet blouse and an ankle-length sarong known as a Thoh Khyrwang and gold and silver ornaments and jewellery. Both men and women dress at their finest in beautiful attire during festivals.  

5. Mekhla

Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya People-Mekhla
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Mekhla is one of the most popular, fashionable and admired traditional outfits of Meghalaya. It is weaved from the beautiful and eye-catching Muga silk which makes it the most gorgeous and stunning piece of cloth. Mekhla is a very elegant and attractive outfit. 

Traditional Dress of Meghalaya Men

Traditional Dress of Meghalaya Men
Image – Euwan Marbaniang

As far as the men of Meghalaya are concerned, the traditional attire of the men of the Khasi tribe and the Jaintia tribe are the same.

Jacket or Shirt and Unstitched Dhoti

Their traditional outfits include a long, unstitched cloth wrapped around the waist. They wear an unstitched dhoti which they compliment with an embroidered or embellished shirt or jacket. During their festivals like Ka Pom-Blang Nongkrem, the men also carry a sword in one hand. They also wear a beautiful silk turban, especially during the festival of Ka Shad Suk Mynsie. This can be seen worn by the male dancers during the festivals. The people there wear all these outfits with pride as they believe these showcase their heritage and culture. 

Traditional-Dresses-of-Meghalaya-Men
Image – Wikimedia

Even though the women in Meghalaya can still be seen wearing their traditional attires, the men have restricted their traditional outfits and clothing only to festivals and special occasions to keep in touch with their culture and heritage. 

Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya People-Traditional Outfits of Men in Meghalaya
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The traditional attire of the men of the Garo tribe includes a hand-woven loincloth which they weave by themselves. After agriculture, weaving is the main source of income for the people of Meghalaya and the men of Garo tribe are the most skilled and talented weavers. They earn their livelihood through weaving. 

Traditional Wedding Dresses of Meghalaya

The bride on her wedding wears a traditional Khasi outfit which is a Jainsem or a Dhara. This is a yellow or saffron colored mulberry silk piece of cloth. Their entire outfit comprises several pieces of clothing and jewellery. They wear a gold or silver crown which has a peak attached to its back. The outfit includes two pieces of contrasting fabrics which are worn on each shoulder. The entire attire gives the bride’s body a cylindrical shape and the bride looks very beautiful and elegant.

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The groom on his wedding day also wears a traditional outfit known as a Jymphong. A Jymphong is a sleeveless coat which looks similar to a western waistcoat. It has yellow lines, floral motifs and symbolic red cock motif with a v-shaped neck, leaving the arms exposed. It is fastened and tied at the front with the help of Chinese frog fasteners. It is usually deep blue in color and decorated with silver or golden tassels at the bottom end of the garment. For the waist downwards, the men wear a red colored dhoti known as a Jainboh. A Jainboh is made of silk and has golden threads on its border. For important occasions like festivals or weddings, the Khasi men also wear a turban known as a Jainspong, which is usually yellow and red or maroon in color.

Jewellery and Ornaments of Meghalaya

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Image – Wikimedia

Traditional dresses of Meghalaya are well complemented with artistic jewellery pieces, let’s take a look at some of the important jewellery and ornament pieces.

1. Kynjri Ksiar

Jewellery and Ornaments of Meghalaya
Image – Vanlal Tochhawng/Flickr

This is another unique and beautiful piece of ornament worn especially by the women of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes. The Kynjri Ksiar is a 24 carat gold pendant adorned by the women during festivals or occasions.

2. Paila

Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya People-Paila
Image Source

Another piece of jewellery the Khasi and Jaintia women are fond of is gold and coral bead necklaces known as Paila. Paila is a string of thick red coral beads in which the beads are hollow but filled with lac. The jewellery of the Khasi and Jaintia tribes are pretty much alike and they like to wear these on festive occasions. 

3. Rigitok

Traditional-Dresses-of-Meghalaya-People-Rigitok
Image – Wikimedia

For the people of the Garo tribe, they wear a necklace known as Rigitok, which consists of thin fluted stems of glass strung with fine thread. This is worn by both the men and the women of the tribe on occasions. 

4. Nadongbi nr sisha 

Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya Nadongbi nr sisha 
Image – Wikimedia

Nadongbi nr Sisha is a brass ring worn around the earlobe. It is worn by the Khasi and Jaintia community. 

5.  Ripok

Traditional-Dresses-of-Meghalaya-Ripok
Image Courtesy – Pintrest

It is a traditional necklace adorned by the Garo community. It is made of long barrel-shaped beads of red glass or cornelian or of silver or brass. Some of the Ripok necklaces especially worn during special occasions. 

6. Jaksil

Jaksil is an elbow ring worn by the rich men of Meghalaya especially during the Gana ceremonies.   

Key Takeaways

Traditional-Dresses-of-Meghalaya-Wedding
Image – Nori Syamsunder Rao/Flickr

As we already know that Meghalaya is one of the most beautiful and culturally rich regions of the country with various tribes residing there, some of which are the Garo, Khasi and Jaintia tribes. Each of these tribes has their own distinct way of clothing and traditional outfits. The people of Meghalaya take immense pride in the rich culture and heritage which they like to showcase through their attire and outfits. Their dressing style and outfits are quite simple yet they look extremely beautiful, elegant and eye-catching. Even today, the women in Meghalaya can be seen wearing their traditional attire while men have restricted their outfits only to special occasions like festivals or weddings.

FAQs about Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya

Question: What is the traditional dress of Meghalaya?

Answer: Meghalaya is a diverse state in terms of their traditional dresses, it varies from tribe to tribe, some of them are Jainsem, Jainkup, Dakmanda, and Mekhala.

Question: What is the dress of Shillong?

Answer: The traditional dress of Shillong includes the dhara also called nara, the shawls, which are handmade by Khasi women and the Jainsem. 

Question: What is the traditional embroidery of Meghalaya?

Answer: The traditional craft of embroidery practiced by the Khasi tribe is Khneng embroidery, also called Kanwandi embroidery. 

Question: What are the traditional ornaments of Meghalaya?

Answer: Kynjri Ksiar, Paila and Rigitok are some of the traditional ornaments crafted and adorned by the people of Meghalaya. 

Question: What are Garo ornaments called? 

Answer: The Garo community wears many jewelleries such as narikki, nadernong, natapsi, jasan or sangong, rikgittok, Jaksil and Sengki, and do.me. 

Few Lines on Traditional Dresses of Meghalaya

  1. Meghalaya is a diverse state in terms of culture, heritage and traditions.
  2. There are various tribes in Meghalaya having their own customs, culture and traditions which reflects in their costumes they wear.
  3. Though men’s traditional dresses have been confined to be worn during occasions, women of the tribes still continue to wear it on a daily basis. 
  4. There is Jeinsem, Jainkup, Mekhla, Kyrshah among the traditional dresses that are worn in Meghalya.
  5. Men of Meghalaya wear an unstitched dhoti along with an embroidered or embellished shirt or jacket.
  6. During festivals, men wear different outfits to present their culture, like during the festival of Ka Shad Suk Mynsie, men wear a beautiful silk turban.
  7. In Meghalaya the brides and groom wear different traditional dresses adorned with several pieces of jwellery.

Investment Trends to Try in the Age of Digital Assets

By
Cscope Staff
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0

Investment Trends to Try in the Age of Digital AssetsAs we move into the final months of 2024, we’re seeing several investment trends emerging. These are shaped by advances in technology, rising environmental concerns, and shifting consumer behaviours. 

Here, we explore some of the most promising investment opportunities for the rest of the year. 

Digital assets and cryptocurrency

In recent years, digital assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum have gained significant traction. Once considered niche or speculative, these virtual currencies are now moving into the mainstream. Institutional investors, corporations, and even governments are exploring how blockchain technology and digital currencies could transform financial markets. 

This year, cryptocurrency has remained a compelling option for those looking to diversify their portfolios. However, if you’re yet to invest, be mindful of volatility and stay informed about regulatory changes. As the market grows, more financial products tied to digital assets like exchange-traded funds (ETFs) are expected to emerge, making it easier to invest in this sector.

Sustainable investing

Sustainable investing has gained tremendous momentum in recent years, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. In the coming months, green investments are expected to take centre stage as environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors become integral to investment strategies. According to recent data, $30.3 trillion is invested globally in sustainable investing assets, and they are expected to grow exponentially in the coming years.

This trend is being driven by several factors, including regulatory shifts, consumer demand for ethical practices, and the growing recognition that sustainable investments often yield competitive returns. 

Investing in green bonds, ESG funds, and companies focused on sustainability is not only an ethical choice but also a financially sound one. As climate change becomes an ever-present global issue, investments that align with a low-carbon future are expected to perform well over the long term.

Diversifying in a digital world

While traditional assets like stocks and bonds still play a crucial role, integrating newer asset classes such as cryptocurrencies can enhance portfolio resilience. For many investors, this means balancing long-standing investments with a stake in the fast-growing digital economy.

Crypto trading is one of the key avenues for gaining exposure to digital assets. However, it’s essential to approach this market with care. While the potential returns can be high, the risks are equally substantial. Pairing traditional investments with cryptocurrencies or blockchain-related stocks can offer investors exposure to high-growth opportunities while balancing out the risk.

Staying ahead of the curve

To stay competitive, investors need to be proactive and informed. The fast pace of change in the digital and green sectors means that staying updated on market trends is crucial. Working with financial advisors who understand emerging markets can help investors make informed decisions. Alternatively, investors can use digital platforms that offer real-time insights and market analysis, providing them with the tools they need to act swiftly in volatile markets.

Walkthrough the Cities with Stunning Street Art in India

By
Shiksha
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0

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India, one of the culturally prosperous countries of the world has now adopted the theme of street art as one of the major forms of representation and protest. Lovers of art and murals are getting a treat as Indian cities use walls and infrastructures to create beautifully mesmerizing graffiti art. This artistic revolution has not only proven to enhance the aesthetics of public areas but also compel people to think critically and speak out about various issues affecting the society, amplify local heroes, and bring out the best of the country’s human resource in the art world. Effective this instalment, we will be featuring some of the Indian cities that are famous and possess mouthwatering street art and the identity they convey with the art they paint.

Suggested Story: Street Art in India – The Rise of True Expressions

Delhi: The Urban Canvas

Cities-with-Stunning-Street-Art-in-India-Delhi
Image – Meena Kadri/Flickr

New Delhi, the capital city of India, which is also famed as a menu of fast-escalating street art across India. The city now boasts graffiti on many of the street’s walls that has attracted artists from all over the globe hence representing a rich artistic culture. Such efforts owing to the St+art India Foundation have been of great help in the promotion of street art in Delhi. Places such as Lodhi Art District can be best understood in this regard where large walls of the residential and the commercial buildings undergo mural painting with large numbers of different themes including social crisis, abstract painting etc.

Noteworthy among them is the huge painting of Mahatma Gandhi that artfully covers a wall in the Lodhi Art District in Delhi. The same is true with this piece and other similar creations; they beautify the place and at the same time are symbolic representations of India’s historical and cultural development. Apart from this, Indian metros and cities including Delhi experience street art festivals and workshops quite often which also engage the public and increase the scope for artists’ cooperation and presentation of new murals.

Mumbai: The City of Dreams and Murals

Cities-with-Stunning-Street-Art-in-India-Mumbai
Image – Wikimedia

Mumbai more commonly known as the city of dreams is one of the famous places that boasts of marvelous street art. Street art in the form of murals as well as graffiti are evident in the city, which is illustrative of its rich and diverse demography. The Mahim Art District is one that has gained recognition as one of the hubs for street art, thanks to various artists as well as art groups and collaborations. The walls are a conversation here: they tell the narrative of the vitality of Mumbai, the struggle, and the change that is constant about this city.

Among all the famous paintings located in Mumbai, the mural of Dabbawalas can be considered the most unique one, as it depicts the faceted lunchbox delivery people. This piece embodies Mumbai itself and its inhabitants with their hardest working and adaptability. Further, the Kala Ghoda Art Festival held annually features some street art by inviting artists, who paint Live art and murals which transform streets of the city into an Open-Air gallery albeit temporarily with great brilliance.

Suggested Story: Mumbai Street Art – A Deep Perspective of Vivid Expressions

Bengaluru: The Silicon Valley of India and Its New Creativity Barrier

Cities-with-Stunning-Street-Art-in-India-Bengaluru
Image – Zehawk/Flickr

The city also contributes a huge portion to the IT industry hence often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India but it is also a city with a growing street art culture. The urban places within the city are escalating as the platforms for the artists who need a surface on which they could portray their persons and depict societal concerns. With the increasing trend, many parts of Bangalore can be observed for colorful murals and business like graffiti especially in the Church Street and MG Road areas.

The initiative named as the Aravani Art Project, which is an organization, which aims at making a platform for the third – gender people of India, has contributed immensely to the art walls of Bengaluru. Not only do they paint beautiful murals, but these murals communicate big ideas about the world we inhabit and who should belong. Another creative project is the Wall Art Festival by Srishti Institute of Art, Design & Technology – a student work with local artists that turned the walls of the city into artwork, fresh and young.

Kolkata: The City of Fun and Creativity

Cities-with-Stunning-Street-Art-in-India-Kolkata
Image – Binoy Mishra/Flickr

Notably, Kolkata, the city that has always welcomed literature and art, is dotted with some stunning new age artworks that are at once original, innovative, and vintage. Street art in Kolkata: Every wall of the city is showcased with artwork depending on the first, second and third perspectives: the history of Kolkata, freedom struggle of India and the contemporary lifestyle. Specifically, New Alipore has remained a focus of interest, where a number of graphic and figurative paintings are distinguishable as murals and graffiti.

The art of stenciling has progressed from the streets of Kolkata and the walls of New Alipore have borne witness to this with the “Walk of Art”. The spirit of joy of the city and its inhabitants can be seen in many graffiti walls depicting Rabindranath Tagore, Satyajit Ray and other legends on arts and literature fields. Further, the regional annual street art festival such as “Kolkata Street Art Festival ” has been discussed on how it mobilized artists from different parts of India and transformed public space into an open gallery and included community participation as an important factor of art transformation.

Chennai: The Gateway to South India’s Art Scene

Cities-with-Stunning-Street-Art-in-India-Chennai
Image – Wikimedia

It’s possible to state that the citizens of Chennai with their ancient history and ethno difference chose active adorning of streets with the pieces of street art, which are rather provocative. The society of the city walls is expanding and more and more messages and paintings calling for change in the local and global context are being created on them. Out of all the regions of Chennai, the two regions of Egmore and Besant Nagar are two of the regions in Chennai that have the greatest level of noise and graffiti.

Street art is a part of the Chennai Photo Biennale, an international photography festival; the participants are painting models of large street facades and, in some cases, sidewalks as well. This intervention has brought an idea of the world’s masterpiece from the classical/mold to the contemporary style in Chennai walls. Correctly, mural painting is a special type of art that offers plenty of aspects of Tamil, conventions, gods and ancient myths and historical past of Chennai in really fine detail.

Pune: The Cultural Capital of Maharashtra

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Image – Paul Varuni/Flickr

Pune is referred to as the cultural capital of Maharashtra, and the youth culture of this city is newest and most vibrant; the same can be said for street art. The graffiti on buildings that are especially in FC Road and Viman Nagar are very colorful that depict the rich culture of Pune and the modern day culture as well.

Nevertheless, one of the most traditional types of street art projects in Pune is the Pune Urban Art Project that intends to enhance the city’s open spaces with artwork. The project has entailed the development of several exquisite murals such as those done in honoring great historical icons of the city. Street art is also encouraged significantly by the Pune’s Biennale; artists belonging to different fields participate in the project to produce street-artworks that are appealing to the aesthetic sensibilities and communicate social justice.

Hyderabad: The City of Pearls and Artistic Walls

Cities-with-Stunning-Street-Art-in-India-Hyderabad
Image – Wikimedia

However, this south Indian city famous for its citadel structures and historical significance is not only restricted to street arts. The city has used a mix of cultural and modern arts on the walls especially on the now young Technology city, HITEC City and the affluent Jubilee Hills.

This organization, St+art India Foundation has also caused a dent on Hyderabad as they have invited local and international artists to do street art festivals. It depicts Hyderabad’s specific features, including the main attractions, historical moments in the city’s history, and other attributes that would make people feel proud of their city. Also, the city’s technological advance and the increasing number of IT and start-ups is traced in some murals of the city streets.

Ahmedabad: Heritage City with a Twist

Cities-with-Stunning-Street-Art-in-India-Ahmedabad
Image – Rajesh_India/Flickr

Street art has become the phenomenon where a city can unite its traditions and modernity: this is actually proven in the example of Ahmedabad, the architectural gem with the numerous historical sights. The pictorial depictions on these murals are mind boggling and depict the city’s social texture and forward looking perspective both in the older and more modern parts of the city. The governmental body known as the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation has contributed to the funding of other street art projects and has inspired artists with ideas regarding revitalizing areas of public property. For instance, in the old areas of Ahmedabad there are murals in the “Heritage Walk” area representing different aspects of the city’s past as well as of the present, in new areas of the city the representative themes and styles dominate. The annual “Ahmedabad Art Festival” also fosters street art where artists are encouraged to make arts that will attract the attention of the people in Ahmedabad.

Takeaways

Street art of India is truly evolving and rapidly demonstrating the cultural aspect along with contemporary issues existing in the country. Whether in the crowded lanes of Delhi or Mumbai or in the silicon valleys of Bengaluru and Hyderabad and then in the cultural cities of Kolkata and Chennai and the heritage city of Ahmedabad – each city has its own swag and it has been depicted very well through street art here.

These murals and graffiti are aesthetic masterpieces not just on walls but also with a view to inspiring society, history as well as culture. For they involve people, encourage local talents, and to an extent turn public areas into artwork depicting the subjects they are built around.

Thus, as street art stays on an exciting upward spiral in Indian cities, it will only add more significance and cultural contribution to the streets’ appearances of the country. To the locals and tourists alike, these artworks are a revelation to the multifaceted persona of India’s essence, in ways that may not just be comprehended through the face value experiences of their eyes.

Bengal School of Art: Reviving India’s Cultural Soul Through Art

By
Gauri Goel
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0

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The Bengal School of Art was one of the most prominent Indian painting movements in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It was the ideal shift from European academic realism to project a form that resembled the Indian style. Having emerged as a response to Western influence on Indian art, the Bengal School was founded as a revival of traditional Indian techniques, themes, and philosophies of art. It was essentially related to the search for the cultural identity of India in the colonial era and formed an important component of the general nationalist movement.

Historical Background 

Top-Indian-Artists-Raja-Ravi-Varma
Raja Ravi Varma Style of Painting

In the 19th century, British colonizers introduced Western artistic traditions to India. Raja Ravi Varma introduced European academic realism in Indian art, blending Western techniques with Indian subjects. However, this overwhelming domination of British colonial culture was deemed by most intellectuals and artists alike to destroy the indigenous essence and spiritual depth of Indian art. The Bengal School of Art was a reaction to this, led by such people who wanted Indian art to revert to its cultural roots and classical forms.

Establishment of The Bengal School of Art

Establishment of The Bengal School of Art
Images : Satyasri Ukil via Govt. College of Art & Craft, Calcutta

It was around 1905 that the Bengal School of Art was established through the inspiration that came largely from Ernest Binfield Havell, the principal of the Government College of Art in Calcutta, and Abanindranath Tagore, the Indian artist-intellectual. Interested profoundly in Indian art and culture urged his students to give up on academics based on European standards and look for their ideals in Indian classical art forms like Mughal miniatures, Ajanta frescoes, and Rajasthani paintings.

Abanindranath Tagore is also considered the father of modern Indian art. He was one of the most influential artists in the adoption of Indian themes and techniques in his work, as opposed to the dominant realism of the day. His painting Bharat Mata, done in 1905, became an iconic representation on behalf of Indian nationalism and an epitome representing the essence of the philosophy of the Bengal School. Tagore drew inspiration from Indian literature, mythology, and religious texts, aiming to infuse his paintings with a profound sense of spirituality and depth.

Bengal School of Art Philosophy

Bengal-School-of-Art-Style-and-Philosophy
New Clouds, 1937 by Nandalal Bose

The Bengal School’s artistic style was deeply rooted in India’s traditional art forms. The artists embraced indigenous techniques, such as tempera painting, and often depicted mythological and historical themes. Most works were done with delicate lines, a very muted color palette, and spiritual depth opposite to the realism imbued in Western art. Key players in developing this style included the likes of Nandalal Bose and Asit Kumar Haldar, whose reported work influenced Mughal miniatures, Rajasthani paintings, and Ajanta frescoes.

Suggested Story: Miniature Paintings of India: Evolution of Different Art Schools

Key Figures of the Bengal School of Art

Key-Figures-of-the-Bengal-School-of-Art
Abanindranath Tagore & E. B. Havell

Although the central figure was Abanindranath Tagore, many artists contributed to the development of the Bengal School of Art. These include:

  • E. B. Havell: He was an English art teacher who initiated this movement to foster interest in traditional forms of Indian art. Havell urged students to delve deep into the rich heritage of Indian art to nourish the movement in the academic arena.
  • Nandalal Bose: He is claimed to be the second most important artist of the Bengal School. His works were based on Indian mythology, rural life, and spirituality. He was a key figure in the emergence of modern Indian art after independence.
  • Asit Kumar Haldar: He was one of the students of Abanindranath Tagore. His works carried the elements of Indian epics and classical literature in his style, maintaining contact with the art of ancient India.
  • Kshitindranath Majumdar: Another important figure of the Bengal School, his paintings take up religious and mythological themes with an emphasis on Indian spirituality.

Suggested Story: Top Indian Artists That Every Indian Should Know

Characteristics and Style of the Bengal School

Characteristics-and-Style-of-the-Bengal-School-01
The return of Rama by Abanindranath Tagore  – Wikimedia

The Bengal School of Art acquired a special style distinguishing it from Western-influenced academic art during British rule. Some key features include:

  • Influence of Traditional Indian Art: Most of the work here came from the traditional ‘classic’ art forms of India, like Mughal miniatures and Ajanta cave paintings. They leaned more toward delicate lines, rhythm, and restrained use of colors.
  • Spiritual and Mythological Themes: The artists of the Bengal School commonly presented religious and mythological themes.
  • Muted Color Palettes: Soft and subdued, the palette was influenced by traditional Indian ink. Artists avoided brightness in colors like that used in European realism; instead, they used earthy tones that facilitated spiritual representation.
  • Flat Perspective and Simplified Forms: While the illusory depth and perspective marked the defining features of the Western tradition, the conventionally symbolic convention of space achieved simplicity in stylization.

Famous Paintings of the Bengal School

The Bengal School contributed a lot to Indian art. Some of these works are considered to be part of India’s artistic heritage. The most representative paintings include :

Bharat Mata by Abanindranath Tagore:

Famous-Paintings-of-the-Bengal-School-Bharat-Mata-by-Abanindranath-Tagore-01
Image – Wikimedia

It was a painting that personified India as the mother goddess way back in 1905. Wearing saffron-colored attire with a holy vase in its hands, it had come to symbolize Indian Nationalism and the Swadeshi movement.

Shiva Drinking the World Poison by Nandalal Bose:

Famous-Paintings-of-the-Bengal-School-Shiva-Drinking-the-World-Poison-by-Nandalal-Bose
Image – picryl.com

This painting shows Lord Shiva drinking poison to save the world from poisoning, an act within Hindu mythology. This is a depiction of sacrifice and protection from the gods themselves.

Passing of Shah Jahan by Abanindranath Tagore:

Famous-Paintings-of-the-Bengal-School-Passing-of-Shah-Jahan-by-Abanindranath-Tagore
Image – Wikimedia

This Mughal miniature-influenced painting depicts the last days of the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan and is a reflection of loss and reminiscence.

Sati by Nandalal Bose:

Famous-Paintings-of-the-Bengal-School-Sati-by-Nandalal-Bose

It is an expression of the Hindu myth about Sati, who sacrifices herself for her husband. Bose brings spiritual depth and richness to Indian mythology.

Krishna Lila by Asit Kumar Haldar:

Famous-Paintings-of-the-Bengal-School-Krishna-Lila-by-Asit-Kumar-Haldar

A series of paintings done by Haldar graciously illustrates some scenes from Krishna’s life, merging traditional Indian forms with the emphasis on spirituality characteristic of the Bengal School.

Nationalist Influence and Political Context

The Bengal School was not restricted to an art movement alone but is intrinsically linked with the Indian freedom movement. The Swadeshi movement boycotted British goods, revitalized Indian industries, and found its voice in the form of the Bengal School. Artists like Abanindranath Tagore filled their works with cultural nationalism, weaving images in the tapestry of India’s fight for freedom.

For example, the image of Bharat Mata became a rallying symbol of the Swadeshi movement. In one way or another, the tide of political nationalism that was already rising in India at large also resonated in the movement with the role of phenomenology in Indian identity, history, and spirituality. There was a certain resistance to the recreation of Indian culture and its values by some artists.

Decline and Legacy of the Bengal School of Art

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Santhal Girl in Modern Folk Art By Jamini Roy

While the Bengal School was phenomenally successful at the beginning of the 20th century, with the arrival of modernism in Indian art it started to decline. The artists of the time, including Rabindranath Tagore and Jamini Roy rejected spiritual and nationalist concerns of the Bengal School for more contemporary themes and techniques.

However, the influence of the Bengal School runs deep. It was a forerunner of modern Indian art in the sense of mixed tradition and innovation. For instance, even Nandalal Bose himself continued to teach a whole new generation of Indian artists, like Raja Ravi Varma and Jamini Roy, thus assuring the continuity of the school in one form or another.

Conclusion

The Bengal School of Art was one of the most important periods in Indian painting history, as it defined the revival of the native artistic tradition during the days of the British Empire. It was only with the revival of the themes of Indian spirituality, mythology, and history that artists like Abanindranath Tagore rediscovered the links that Indian art had with its very origins and shook off the tight grip of Western realism. It also became a potent symbol of the Swadeshi movement, an alignment of art to the nationalist cause. The Bengal School lost much of its greater significance when modernist movements came into prominence.

The legacy of cultural pride and artistic independence continues to thrive, serving as a source of inspiration for Indian artists even today. Its spirit of rejuvenation continues, pointing to future generations the deep artistic heritage of the land.

FAQs on Bengal School of Art

Who founded the Bengal School of Art?

The Bengal School of Art was founded by Ernest Binfield Havell and Abanindranath              Tagore around 1905 solely to revive traditional Indian art forms and shun those of the         West.

What was the main objective of the Bengal School of Art?

The Bengal School aimed to revive the indigenous art forms of India and shun the               academic Western style that prevailed throughout Indian art during the British colonial       era.

Which is the most famous painting of the Bengal School of Art?

The most well-known painting is Bharat Mata, made by Abanindranath Tagore. It                signified the cultural and spiritual identity of India during the nationalist movement.

How does the Bengal School influence Indian nationalism?

The Bengal School of Art was of immense importance in the field of cultural Indian              nationalism and promoted Swadeshi values, as well as pride in Indian artistic tradition.

Who are some of the famous artists of the Bengal School of Art?

Some of the popular ones include Abanindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose, Asit Kumar            Haldar, and Kshitindranath Majumdar amongst many others.

Few Lines on the Bengal School of Art

  1. The Bengal School of Art was the Indian Art art movement similar to West European academic realism.
  2. The Bengal School of Art was initiated by E.B. Havell and Abanindranath Tagore in the early 1900s.
  3. The art movement revived techniques of ancient Indian art forms, including Mughal miniatures.
  4. Abanindranath Tagore’s painting Bharat Mata became an iconic symbol of Indian nationalism.
  5. The spiritual and mythological overtones and subdued color are typical of the Bengal School as evidenced here alone.
  6. Other artists like Nandalal Bose furthered the movement with their depiction of Indian rural life and mythology.
  7. Though its influence waned, the Bengal School laid the foundation for modern Indian art.

Kerala Sadya: A Must Try Culinary Wonder of Malayali Culture

By
Avni Chadha
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2

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Sadya & Onam Festival

Anyone’s favorite part about festivals has to be, without a doubt, the amazing mouth-watering delicacies prepared and when it comes to the festivals of Kerala, the case is no different. Kerala or God’s Own Country is a state full of vibrant festivals with one of the most prominent being the state’s very own: Onam, a festival celebrated in the anticipation of the return of King Mahabali, a generous and benevolent king, to Kerala to visit his subjects. On this occasion, a special meal called ‘Sadya’ is prepared which consists of some delectable dishes that everyone absolutely must try out. Till you can, why not read about it and wake up your inner chef.

Kerala-Sadya
Image – Premshree Pillai/Flickr

Apart from Onam, sadya is also prepared on other joyous occasions such as weddings. Sadya, being a traditional meal, is eaten in the same regard. Served on banana leaves (of course, after all: it’s Kerala), people eat this meal sitting down on a mat and without the use of cutlery. The state of Kerala has always been one that has achieved the perfect balance between science and ancient culture. Eating with our hands is said to help in the alignment of chakras as well as the banana leaf is rich in polyphenols, an antioxidant beneficial for nutrition.

What are the 26 dishes of Sadya?

This meal consists of 26 dishes, a truly enormous amount but the reason behind this is said to be to make sure that the person consuming the meal of sadya enjoys at least 3-4 of the dishes. Putting in an unbelievable amount of effort to ensure people’s happiness sounds exactly like the warm people of Kerala. The meal is, additionally, a great representation of the Kerala cuisine, one of the various things that stands out about this state. Sadya consists of rice, fried snacks, pickles, curries, and sweets because no meal is complete without a dessert. The meal is purely vegetarian and reflects the flavors of the state. After all, spices are Kerala’s specialty.

How Sadya is Served

The Dishes of Sadya
Image – Ramesh NG/Flickr

Sadya is typically a 9-course meal, with each being truly enriching. It also occasionally has a feature dish that is made using rice, yogurt, or coconut. The dishes start with salt, the features, rice and ending with the ever-delicious payasam. You begin with upperi or as commonly called, banana chips. Everyone’s heard of banana chips but what about sweet banana chips? Shocked? Well this next dish, sharkara varatti is exactly that. Made using jaggery, this is a dish that is a must-try. On the side, you will get a delicious manga curry, to get in some tanginess. Not a fan of mango pickle? Sadya’s got you covered for you will also get a naranga curry for everyone who likes the taste of the sour lemon with your meal.

Now we come on to the dishes. A prominent one has to be ellisheri, made using coconut and pumpkin which will leave you wanting more. Another similar dish is pulissery which is made from vegetables and yogurt. Then comes one of everyone’s favorites, kaalan, a dish made from the nutritious raw banana. You can’t fully enjoy sadhya without trying out the pachadi curry, with its primary ingredient being bitter gourd. Chenna Mezhkkupuratti is unbelievably delicious for it’s the classic fried yam with spices and coconut.

Must Have Dishes in Sadya

Kerala-Sadya-03
Image – Wikimedia

It’s a fairly known fact that no meal in Kerala is complete without rice. However, in Sadya, you are provided chor, a version of rice with thicker grains, and of course, an integral part of South Indian Cuisine is sambar. If you don’t try out the pappadams, then you have no idea what you are missing out on. Other flavor-rich dishes include rasam, avial, and payasam. On top of all these dishes, you need to add just a spoonful of neyy or as more commonly known as ghee.

Then coming on to the desert, my personal favorite, we have the staple of Kerala, the amazing payasam along with poovan pazham, similar to a mini banana which is highly recommended to take with payasam. Other mouth-watering delicacies include Palada Pradhaman is made from rice, dry fruits, and milk as well as Pazham Pradhaman, a dish whose primary ingredient is jaggery and cashew which will leave you wanting more.

Takeaway

Sadya is not a mere meal but a celebration of the auspicious festival and the meal is an extended symbolization of the same. Anyone ever visiting Kerala simply must try it out. It’s a feast in every sense of the word and practically synonymous with Onam. Its flavors are spectacular and you can taste the essence of Kerala’s cuisine. So, let’s celebrate the next Onam with the delicious sadya.

Hindi Diwas – When, Why and How is it Celebrated

By
Tasneem Sariya
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0

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Out of the several facets of India, one of the most striking elements that throws light on the diversity and rich culture of the country is the usage of hundreds of languages. There are more than 121 languages in India, but 1500 plus ‘other’ languages that are either mother tongues or different dialects. However, Hindi and English are the 2 official languages of the country. On 14th September 1949, Hindi was recognized as the official language of the Republic of India. Each year Hindi Diwas is celebrated on 14th September to commemorate the occasion and to emphasise on the spread and growth of the Hindi language. 

Role of Language in India

As said, ‘Language is not a genetic gift, it is a social gift.’ India is a land of many societies, communities and hence home to a fascinating range and dialects of languages. The cultural heritage is reflected and enhanced by parlance and usage of different languages. Undoubtedly, language in India is another out of the many examples that justify and uphold the ‘unity in diversity’ tagline. Yet, it has also led to differences and divisions. Language historically has been one of the reasons on which states have been segregated. In fact, the States Reorganisation Act, 1956 reformed state boundaries based on languages spoken in the region. 

Hindi as the official language

During British India rule, the official languages included Urdu, English and Hindi. English was the main language used in administrative functions, education etc. Hindi, on the other hand, became the official language much later in the 1900 when an order was passed to allow the usage of Hindi in Devanagari script in the northwestern provinces. 

However, post Independence, both English and Hindi were vying for official language status. The tussle was such that finally a compromise was reached, that is also known as the Munshi-Ayyangar formula. 

The advocates of pushing for Hindi as the official language of the country included KM Munshi, Beohar Rajendra Simha, Kaka Kalelkar, Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Seth Govind Das and Maithili Sharan Gupt. On the other hand, several leaders, especially from southern India, such as N Gopalaswami Ayyangar, T A Ramalingam Chettiar and Frank Anthony wanted English as the official language. Three years after Independence, finally on September 14th 1949 the Munshi-Ayyangar formula was declared. Hindi would be the official language of India and English was designated as an associate official language for a time period of 15 years. Also, Hindu-Arabic numerals were established as the official numerals. 

This resolution became the foundation of Article 343-351 of the Indian Constitution. Also, in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India, 22 scheduled  languages were listed, which are considered the next most spoken and written languages of the country. Some of these include Tamil, Urdu, Telugu, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Kashmiri, Malayalam, Sindhi and more. 

However, after 15 years, the Indian Government declared that English would remain the ‘de facto formal’ language of India. Hence, today both Hindi and English are considered as the official languages of the country. 

Hindi Diwas Significance

Though Hindi became the official language of India in 1949, Hindi Diwas celebrations started only in 1953. Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister to adopt and celebrate Hindi Diwas. 

One of the main reasons to commemorate Hindi Diwas was to ensure the spread and promotion of the Hindi language. Additionally, 14 September is also the birth anniversary of Rajendra Simha who was one of the most prominent champions of advocating the status of official language to Hindi. 

Several events are conducted, especially in schools and colleges on this day. Besides, accolades and awards are given to distinguished literary artists and linguists on Hindi Diwas. 

Around 600 million people speak Hindi across the world. However, the influence of English was and continues to spread, dangering the growth and preservation of Hindi. Keeping this in mind, governments of the past deemed it necessary to observe and celebrate Hindi Diwas. With various events and programs, this day marks the significance of the language that Mahatma Gandhi called the ‘language of masses.’ The day is a reminder of integration and preservation of the language. It celebrates the cultural richness and literary heritage of Hindi and honors its status in the country. 

Moreover, Hindi Diwas also highlights the linguistic diversity of India. 

Awards and Celebrations

Various local level events are organised on Hindi Diwas all over the country. Cultural programs, literary events and competitions are held in schools and educational institutions. Also, each year a theme is assigned around which the celebrations and events revolve. 

On a larger level, the President of India awards excellence in the different fields of Hindi at the Vigyan Bhavan in New Delhi. The Rajbhasha Kirti Puruskar and Rajbhasha Gaurav Puruskar are conferred upon ministers, government departments, PSUs, nationalised banks etc. 

Facts about Hindi

  • Hindi is derived from the Persian word Hind which means the ‘Land of Indus River.’ Persian Turks invaded the northern regions of the subcontinent and in the 11th century named Hindi as the language of the land.
  • Hindi has several dialects. However, all dialects use the Devanagari script. South Indian languages use the Dravidian script. 
  • Hindi is the official language of Fiji. It is also a regional language of Suriname, Mauritius, Guyana, Trinidad & Tobago, Nepal. 
  • Hindi is considered the most spoken language in the world after English, Mandarin Chinese and Spanish. 
  • Bihar was the first Indian state to adopt Hindi as the official language by replacing it with Urdu. 
  • The first published Hindi book is Prem Sagar written by Lallu Lal in 1805. 
  • World Hindi Day is celebrated on 10th January all over the world. 

Hindi is an important language of India and is spoken by more than 40% of its population. Several important literary works are also written in Hindi, making it an integral part of the culture and social structure of the country. Hindi Diwas is thus an attempt to value the language and ensure that it does not lose its significance over western influences. 

FAQs on Hindi Diwas

When and why is Hindi Diwas celebrated?

Hindi Diwas is celebrated on 14th September to commemorate the status of Hindi as           an official language of India. 

Where is the status of Hindi mentioned in the constitution?

Article 343 of the Indian Constitution states that Hindi in Devanagari script is the official      language of the Union and will be used for all official purposes. 

In which states of India is Hindi predominantly spoken?

Hindi is spoken in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand,          Chhattisgarh, Rajasthan.

What are the initiatives taken by the government to promote Hindi?

There are several initiatives and developments undertaken by the government for the        growth of Hindi. Some of these include:

  • Establishment of Central Hindi Directorate in 1960
  • Hindi Chairs were established by ICCR (Indian Council of Cultural Relations) in foreign institutions and universities. 
  • LILA or Learn Indian Languages through AI initiated Prabodh, Praveen and Pragya levels of learning Hindi. 
  • The Rajbhasha Awards for excellence in Hindi
  • Establishment of the Hindi Sahitya Sammelan Act in 1956

What is the theme of Hindi Diwas 2024?

The theme for Hindi Diwas 2024 is ‘Hindi- the bridge between traditional knowledge and      artificial intelligence.

Few Lines on Hindi Diwas

  1. Hindi is an integral part of Indian Culture.

2. Hindi Diwas is Celebration of the language that connects all.

3. Hindi Diwas is an initiative to promote and preserve the Hindi language.

4. Embrace Hindi, the language that reflects our pride and glory.

5. Hindi Diwas, a reminder of the rich heritage of the past and the path to an enriched cultural future.

6. On Hindi Diwas let’s celebrate Hindi – the vibrant and glorious language of our past, present and future.

7. Hindi Diwas – A celebration of our linguistic heritage. 

Kapdaganda Textile – The Unique Heritage of Dongria Kandhas

By
Dr. Punyaprava Pradhan
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0

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The textile of Odisha is a reflection of rich heritage and diverse tradition in the field of textiles. Odisha is renowned for the unique tradition of textiles from the tribal regions of Odisha. Niyamgiri hill range is spread over 250 square km in southwest Odisha, situated in the eastern part of India. Dongria Kandhas are numerically the largest among the 62 tribes of Odisha. For centuries Dongria Kandhas have made “Niyamgiri” their abode. In their houses and community sacred spaces, Dongrias paint stories of their association with “Niyamgiri” in the form of mural art. Dongria kandhas are known for their colourful attire. Weaving is an age-old tradition of this tribal community of Niyamgiri hills and they preserved the age-old weaving technique. The “kapdaganda” is a woven and embroidered shawl with tribal motifs by the women of dongria kandha residing in the tribal -dominated region covering Bisamcuttack, Muniguda and Ksinghpur area of Niyamgiri hills of Rayagada district of Odisha.

dongria-kandha-tribe
Image – Rita Willaert/Flickr

It has been an age-old practice of women of Niyamgiri hill ranges to present these pieces of art (Kapdaganda) to those they love and respect.  The beautiful kapdaganda shawls have bright colours with the design of their deity- Niyamraja, the “god of mountains”, is an intricate part of Indian handloom. The organic kapdaganda shawl is ethereal and can be considered a rare piece of art. The hand -crafted motifs in the shawl mainly lines and triangular shapes reflect the importance of mountains for the community.

Origin of Kapdaganda 

Origin-of-Dongria-kandha
Image – Wikimedia

There is no historical evidence about the origin of the “kapdaganda”, but it was believed that the community members during their visit to Jeypore king’s court wore kapdaganda. The practice of using the “kapdaganda” shawl by the Dongria Kandhas started during the period of King Vikram Dev of Jeypore in the mid-17th century.

Dongria kandha Textile

Dongria-kandha-Textile
Image – Ramesh Lalwani/Flickr

Dongria Kandha men used to wear white loincloth with richly embroidered ends is termed drill or lenguti. It is 16 feet in length and 1 foot and a half in width and is wrapped around the waist several times in such a way that the two embroidered ends hang in the front and the back as a flap.

Dongria women use two pieces of cloth, and each piece is of four to five feet in length and two feet in width. The first piece is wrapped around the waist with a knot in the front. The second piece covers the upper part of the body and is tied to form a knot at the backside of the neck. Both men and women prefer to use white coarse clothes throughout the year for their comfort while doing the daily activities.

Dongria-kandha-Textile-01

Both men and women of the Dongria Kandha community wear kapdaganda, resembling a shawl, during special occasions. Hand embroidered with colourful motifs on the off-white shawl, the kapdaganda is presented to the Dhangra (boy, partner) by the Dhangri (the Kandha girl) as a symbol of love, respect, and representation of Niyamgiri. So they have an emotional attachment in the pursuit of crafting the shawl.

Significance of Motifs

Dongria-kandha-Textile-Motifs
Image – RubyGoes/Flickr

The Dongria Kandha community nurtures a deep reverence for their God, “Niyamraja”. The forests, the rivers, and the hills are the motifs of the Dongria Kandh shawl that we love and cherish. Every aspect of their life is influenced by their surrounding environment and nature, which is reflected in their weaving pattern, like the temple design seen on the pallu and border, illustrates the hills and mountains of the village. Whereas the buttas of the body represent the flower, fruits and different colour strips represent the rivers. The motifs in the shawl are mainly lines, and temple shapes   reflect the importance of mountains for the community. These motifs of temple and mountain also show the passionate connection with their surrounding environment and represent the simplicity and sustainable livelihood of this ethnic group.

The motifs of the shawl have specific significance; they start the embroidery works with the “watta”, i.e., the four straight lines of four colour starting from brown, red, yellow, and green running at the bottom of the cloth, represent the imaginary boundary wall of their habitation. It symbolises social security and protection from evil forces.  “Keriwatta”, this design is derived from the tamarind leaf. “Kuddilinga,” the triangular design    symbolises Niyamgiri Hills, the abode of “Niyamraja,” their household deity. “Karlikanna” the triangular shape design, represents the axe, which symbolises power, energy, aggressiveness, revenge, and the protector of their dongar (mountain). Being forest dwellers, everything learned by them from the forest is culturally exposed in their design.

Socio-cultural Significance of Colours

Dongria-kandha-Textile-Socio-cultural-Significance-of-Colours
Image – Anutosh Deb/Flickr

The motifs are embroidered on an off-white coarse cloth by using bright colored threads like red, green, yellow and brown. They believe that red, green, brown, and yellow colours are most auspicious and use them in their embroidery. The depiction of each colour has different meanings and purposes, and each colour conveys some implications manifested with some socio-cultural value. Sometimes they are metamorphic. These colours have also specific significance, and are related to nature.

  • Green (aka): Dongrias live on the lap of nature, so green is the most favourite one. The green represents hills, green crop fields, and their fertile mountain ecology. It also represents the germination of seeds; its growth and spread of branches symbolises the growth and development of the community.
  • Red (Kambiti): Red signifies their religious faith (emblem of blood and sacrifices of animals), energy, power, revenge, aggression, etc.
  • Yellow (Hinga): Yellow denotes peace, calm, togetherness, smile, pleasure, happiness, and their cash crop turmeric. It also symbolises their origin and represents prosperity for the family and the community.
  • Brown (Mirga): The brown represents “Dharani Penu” (the Earth), the goddess the most important to the Dongrias.

Materials and Embroidery of Kapdaganda

Materials-and-Embroidery-of-Kapdaganda

The Dongrias prefer to use white coarse organic cotton clothes as base fabric. This white cloth is locally known as Ganda kapda. They use four colours of thread, namely red, green, yellow, and brown, for the embroidery of kapdaganda, and each colour has its own significance. Originally, Dongaria Kandhas did not weave the cloth and got it from the adjacent village or haats (weekly market) from the Domb weavers by barter, in exchange of forest and agricultural produce. Earlier Dongria Kandhas used natural colours like, turmeric, wild flowers, bean leaves, roots, and even soil to dye threads for these traditional shawls.  Then the Dongaria girls, with excellent craftsmanship, embroidered the coarse off-white fabric by needle using red, green, brown, and yellow threads into a unique embroidered shawl known as Kapdaganda. The shawl features handcrafted designs made with satin stitches. These designs primarily consist of geometrical patterns arranged in colour-coded lines, rows, and triangles. The art of this unique embroidery requires a sense of arithmetic and geometry to create intricate geometrical weave patterns. Each geometrical design woven has a close intimacy to nature, as this tribal group lives close to nature and loves to protect it and believes in giving back to the nature.

Dongria Kandh women are very active and dedicated to their culture and tradition. Women embroider in their leisure time and teach the skill to every generation. This magical embroidery technique is passed down through generations. It is a way of life, and young girls learned this skill from Dongria Kandha women at a young age. It is considered the duty of elder women of the family and community to teach the young girls to knit the shawl in a definite design to carry forward the tradition to the next generation.

The embroidery of the Kapdaganda shawl is closely related to the tradition, festivals, and ethnicity of the Dongria kandhas. Dongria Kandhas now weave coarse cotton shawls from khadi yarn, which is produced locally.  Now even they changed the technique from embroidery to weaving and it takes around 4 to 5 days to make a shawl and a minimum of 8 days to produce a sari.

Initiatives to Promote Kapdaganda

Initiatives-to-Promote-Kapdaganda
Image Courtesy – flourish.shop

In recent years, there has been a growing attraction among the urban elites towards the indigenous art motifs and symbols. This attractive piece of art is not only popular in the state or nation but also widely popular in foreign countries. With their permission and involvement, dongria motifs and fabrics are now replicated in other mediums such as mobile covers, masks, handbags, jackets, belts, and many more. Now the traditional shawl replicated into beautiful hand-woven saris in cotton. The exquisite weaving and intrinsic part of Dongria Kandhas’ cultural ethos make this sari an epitome of elegance and grace, which define the women of today. This is a welcome step indeed because of the mutual agreements and involvement of the weavers and designers.

Now even woven clothes are provided by the Dongria Kandha Development Agency (DKDA) to the artisans on which they embroidered the motifs. Now some agencies and SHGs provide training to women of the Dongria Kandha community, and also help them with the marketing of their product. A shawl- selling centre and workshop for the weavers are established at Rayagada. This encourages the tourists to know, how the shawls are woven, and they also buy them directly from the weavers.

Conclusion

These attractive shawls and saris, which use one of the costly cotton materials, are much in demand in the national and international markets. Few weavers and private organisations, realising the popularity of dongria motifs, have tried to create the cheap replicas.  In the e-commerce platforms, one will be surprised to discover a huge quantity of Dongria saris for sale, but a few questions may come to our mind: whether the permission is granted from Dongrias if their designs are re-used? How ethical this practice is? How are Dongrias going to benefit financially from profit sharing? Recently, Kapdaganda Shawl received GI tags and let us hope this step will provide the tribal weavers with legal help in preventing duplication of their traditional designs.

 References

  1. Madhusmita Majhi, “Promotion of Sustainable Livelihood through Skill Development of Dongria Kondh Communities During lockdown” JFMR23069976 Volume 5, Issue 6, November-December 2023.
  2. Hand made for the 21st century, safeguarding traditional textiles(unesco)

3.Sethi .S and Naik .P, “Gender Role in Handicraft Promotion: A Case Study among Dongria Kandha Women in Rayagada District,     Odisha” Anthropology and Ethnology Open Access Journal,ISSN: 2639-2119, Volume 3 Issue 1, 2020.

  1. Banita Behera, “Persistence and Reflective of Tribal Narratives on Art and Craft: A Curatorial Study on the Particularly Vulnerable Tribes of Odisha”, (IJSR),2017.
  2. Twinkle Rastogi, “DESIGN INTERVENTION ON THE MOTIF PATTERNS OF “KAPDA GONDA” CRAFT OF DONGRIA KONDH TRIBE OF ORISSA” Journal of Visual and Performing Arts January-June 2023.
  1. A.B.Ota S. C. Mohanty, Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes Research and Training Institute,2007.
  2. TRIBAL TEXTILES OF ODISHA An Empirical Study in Eight Tribal Districts of Odisha,2016.

8. http//okgw.hmlibrary.a.in (chapter IV) dongria kandha: a brief account.

9. Raja parija. “Textile tale from Tribal Odisha .2022

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