India Between the Pages – Best Books on India that Describe the Land & Culture

July 22, 2020

Books are the eyes and ears of the world. Much before technology captured over our imagination, it was books that helped us explore the unexplored and discover world’s we sometimes didn’t even know existed. And even today, in spite of gadgets beeping and streaming information and imagination, books still remain a fervent source of joy and revelation.

Of course, we can go on and on about the role and impact of books in our lives. However, narrowing it down, let’s look at how books have brought to life the geography and culture of a place. India is a geographically and culturally vastly spread country and a large number of authors have been able to successfully explain and portray the nation’s different landscapes through their books and writings. There are many novels and works of both fiction and non-fiction that are set against the locations of the country. These books have managed to invoke a realistic sense of the place from where they have bred their content and characters. The feel of the towns, cities and people is tangible and extremely apt. One can almost hear the conversations, see the attached imagery, smell the adjoining aromas and feel the warmth of the air and soil.

Here is taking a look at some of books that are set against the backdrop of different parts of India. Here the locational setting is as much a part of the narrative as the story or plot itself. And hence, in many ways, these books help to discover India, its history, culture, undertones and various other nuances.

The God of Small Things –

Arundhati Roy’s Man Booker Prize winner novel is a treat to read. Unfolding against the lushness of Kerala, the book captures the society’s thoughts, culinary delights, dialects and much more. The story set against the Christian community in a small village of Kerala paints the landscape of God’s own country with clarity and detail.

Man-eaters of Kumaon –

Written by ‘safari sahib’ Jim Corbett the book gives a great insight into the biodiversity of India. We tend to think of city or village surroundings while exploring a place and often forget that the flora and fauna are also important pieces that make up the collage of a destination.

All Roads Lead to Ganga –

Ruskin Bond is no stranger when it comes to setting brilliant stories against the backdrop of various stunning local locations. The Ganga and surrounding hills are lovingly described in this book. The countryside, the simplicity of live and the natural beauty of Uttarakhand make up the core of the narrative.

A Fine Balance –

Set against the period of Emergency, Rohinton Mistry’s book revolves around the tryst of four lives with corruption, caste, poverty, hunger etc. However, the book also helps understand the city of Mumbai in the early 70’s like no other.

The White Tiger –

Aravind Adiga’s cut throat narrative centers around the life of its protagonist Balram. Starting out from a small village to becoming the driver in Delhi and then up until his final elevation as an entrepreneur in Bangalore the book sets the ball rolling for conversations around the more than obvious lifestyle and attitude challenges of the lower and upper class.

Shantaram –

Life in and of Mumbai is the book’s main essence. Written by Gregory David Roberts the book explores the underworld, the enemies, criminals and friends, as well as, the stark realities of the city. City landmarks interwoven in the story bring the city of Mumbai alive on its pages.

City of Djinns –

William Dalrymple has some of his finest literary works set in India. The City of Djinns talks about Delhi’s ‘dead’ cities as he explores its history and current position. With a foundation of solid research the book is entertaining and informative. The Nine Lives is another book worth mentioning here where Dalrymple explores the lives of nine people set against their own physical and cultural backgrounds in India.

This if of course, a very basic list with many more books written by both Indian and foreign authors that highlight the Indian way of life, as well are set against the imagery of the land itself. There are novels, works of fiction and non-fiction that can identify the pulse of cities, towns and physical landscapes. In the digital age where visual identification helps to make a stronger connect, perhaps the description and stories in books might seem to have taken a backseat. Yet, the joy of understanding and building a view in your head is a far more enriching experience than sometimes just watching it in reality.

If you are doing your thesis on Indian literature you can find professional dissertation writers who can help you in your literary work.

Also Read –
Top Seven Banned Books in India
Must Read Booker Prize Nominated Books from Indian Authors

Vijay Joshi – A Traditional Phad Artist With Tints Of Modernity

Prarthana Asija

July 20, 2020

Rajasthan is at the heart of India. It is commercially and aesthetically valued for its cultural heritage. Its out-and-out immersion in history, folklore and traditions are made global by those who have been blessed to be born in such a family setting. ‘Phad Painting’ is one such art form that is thoroughly preserved and upskilled by the Joshi’s of Shahpura in Bhilwara district.

Phad means narrating, reading out or singing a musical rendition from such paintings. The Bhopa and Bhopi community of nomads wandered from one place to another singing such tales to villagers. These paintings were unrolled and performed as a narration by the Bhopas and Bhopis in front of the locals as a source of income for the former and as a source of entertainment for the latter.

Artist-at-work-phad.-Shanti-Lal-Joshi — National Awardee Sri Shanti Lal Joshi

The long history of Phad Paintings has been limited and accessible only to the Joshi family. Vijay terms this as a ‘generation art’. With a family scale of 22 members, each of them are practitioners as well as connoisseurs of their intra-generational art form.

Shanti Lal Joshi, father of Vijay Joshi has been a National Award winner in 1991. Now, Vijay Joshi has whole-heartedly undertaken the task of establishing the existence of Phad Paintings throughout the world.

Vijay-Joshi-Traditional-Phad-Artist-01 — Vijay Joshi

Vijay, the 13th generation practitioner, entered the Shahpura School at the age of 9 where phad painting was taught. This is when he came to terms with his age old family business. He revealed that he found solace in this art form, as if he was specifically chosen to be part of the Joshi family by God. Later, he explained to us the significance of Phad Paintings: these paintings will travel with you as a running temple because they constitute every symbol, every motif that exists in a Lord Ganesha or Lord Vishnu temple. These are narratives which were, in the past, carried by priest-singers of the Rabari tribe who performed stories of their local deities from epics, namely Devnarayan (painting available in size 5/36) and Pabuji (painting available in size 5/18). Devnarayan ji was an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and Pabuji was an incarnation of Lord Lakshman.

He believes his paintings offer a thanks to the deities and hence, his modus operandi revolves around the naturalness of it. A thick homemade parchment type cloth is made as a base for the phad painting which prolongs its durability. Colors, too, are made naturally out of stones by crushing them. The process isn’t painless, rather it is time consuming. It takes up to three months to make the colour schemes. To add to the toil, you can clearly imagine how much time it would take to make one Phad Painting! He states,

« When an artist is involved in his work, he forgets everything and it becomes priceless. »

An interesting part of the conversation revealed that Phad culture was highly uncommunicative and reserved in nature. He mentioned that these Paintings were a clandestine activity in front of the females of their household who were destined to be married off to another family. Their concern was if such an art form surfaced outside the periphery of their family, it would hinder the age old legacy. But the bahus who were married into the family were weaved into the family through Phad Painting lessons. The denouement of patriarchal and backward practices sooner or later perished for good. In the present day scenario, Joshi family have opened their arms by discarding this adage and are unreservedly telling, re-telling and communicating their experiences to every woman of their house. Not just this but Vijay is internationalising the impact of Phad paintings. He offers workshops to students in and around india. He has institutionalised the existence of the internet for giving workshops online. In December 2019, Vijay exhibited his artworks at the Mexico Museum.

Recently, he diligently modernised the traditional Phad Paintings considering the global pandemic. His CoronaVirus Awareness Phad Painting caught the attention of the public and also brought to vanguard the capabilities of an artist of modern India. In his painting named ‘Stay Home, Stay Safe’, he drew the characters and motifs in light of the present circumstances. To name a few activities being undertaken in the painting are the practice of yoga, social distancing and habituating the people with adorning masks as an everyday accessory. The modern journey didn’t stop there: they have introduced phad painted masks too!

Vijay mentioned that his art work will surface the internet community in October, most probably on his website. The subjects of his paintings will be mythology, history, collages, line work amongst others. Moreover, he customises his paintings. You can appreciate his work by connecting with him over a call on 09414677750 or visit the link below. You can also connect with him over instagram; his instagram handle is @vijaijosi

Romancing the Real Life Mysticism of Sherlock Holmes’ in Ooty

Vageesha Mishra

July 17, 2020

Tucked away in the misty mountains through the meandering roads, lies a promise of a walk down the cobbled paths of Sherlock Holmes‘ mysterious world.

With crunchy echoes of their steps, those who have devoured the many volumes of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s collection, would be running their eyes across in bewilderment.

Heady smell of thick wooden rooms to the whole ambience, is an attempt to capture the awe-inspiring and eerie feels locked in the pages of Doyle’s books. The stories, led by the genious detective, Sherlock Holmes, will keep one at the edge of their seat. His eccentricity is addictive as are the conversations with his closest ally, Dr Watson. The many mysteries Holmes unravel would rush to a fans’ mind under those arched roofs.

It would seem like being thrown into the era of Holmes! There’s foggy weather and occasional drizzling. A chess board, perched above a table between chairs, in the league of many antique looking artefacts adorning the place.

Cackling sounds coming off crimson fireplaces, Potraits featuring Holmes, Watson and Irene Adler. Wooden furniture, smoke rings over chimneys, and constant greens, cloaking it from the rest of the world!

Being a Sherlock fan, I knew that this hotel had to be explored when holidaying in Ooty. It was just a few days before Christmas and from gorging on the baked goodies to soaking in the sun at the beautiful garden, Sherlock’s experience was one like never before! So, here it is a photo feature to give you a glimpse.

More info on Sherlock Hotel is here

Best Beaches in Andaman You Must Visit

Caleidoscope

July 15, 2020

Best-Beaches-in-Andaman-You-Must-Visit — Image – Ralexander

AndamanAndamanA

The coastal states in India host some of the most gorgeous beaches of the country. Goa and Maharashtra on the Konkan coast, Kerala on the Malabar coast, and Tamil Nadu on the Coromandel coast are well-known places for a beach vacation.

But away from the popular tourist circuit, nearly 1300 km from mainland India, lies a captivating beach destination. Some call it ‘India’s best-kept secret’. This is Andaman Islands, an archipelago in the Bay of Bengal comprising 572 islands.

Prior to India’s independence, these remote islands served as a penal colony. From a colonial prison to an enchanting beach spot, Andaman Islands have come a long way. Besides monsoon (June to September), all other seasons are good for a trip to Andaman.

How To Get There:

The Andaman archipelago is connected to other parts of India, mainly by flight. Port Blair, the capital city of the archipelago houses a domestic airport with direct flights from Kolkata, Chennai, and Hyderabad.

An alternative way to reach Andaman is through the sea route from Chennai port or Visakhapatnam (Vizag) port. It takes a minimum of two days by ship from any of the ports. I chose a flight, since I wanted more time in hand to explore the place.

Havelock and Neil are the two most famous islands in Andaman. Havelock Island is officially renamed as ‘Swaraj Dweep’ and Neil Island as ‘Shaheed Dweep’. Both are connected to Port Blair by ferry.

Now if you are wondering, which beaches are a must-visit? Here is a list of the Best Beaches in Andaman that must feature in your Andaman itinerary.

Radhanagar Beach

Radhanagar beach is an iconic beach in Havelock Island. This beach gained a lot of popularity after winning the ‘Asia’s Best Beach’ accolade by Time Magazine in 2004.

It looks no less than a slice of heaven on earth. The turquoise water sea in the backdrop of lush green forests and a wide stretch of white sand make a perfect beach scenery.

Locally called beach number 7, this is an excellent beach for swimming and sunbathing. The water is so crystal clear here that I could see tiny ornamental fishes with bare eyes. From the Havelock Island jetty, it is a 20-minute drive to Radhanagar beach.

Elephant Beach

Another picture-postcard beach in Havelock, Elephant beach is famed for its pristine coral reefs and lively marine life. I took a ferry from Havelock dock to reach here. There is also a 2-km long nature trail through dense forests if you wish to go off the beaten track.

This beach offers a mind-blowing snorkelling experience. Peeping in the mysterious world of fishes was like a dream come true. They were so close that I even touched some of them. Aside from this, adventure seekers can enjoy a plethora of water sports, like jet ski, sea kart, parasailing.

Laxmanpur Beach

Set amidst thick tropical forests of Neil Island, Laxmanpur beach is almost 2 km away from Neil Island jetty. This beach is segregated into two, Laxmanpur beach number 1 and 2. The white sand beach number 1 is known for its breathtaking sunset view. Relatively silent during the daytime, it starts buzzing with visitors during sunset hours.

The trail leading to Laxmanpur beach number 2 is a bit challenging that passes through rugged and sharp-edged corals. The major highlight of this beach is a natural rock formation resembling a bridge. Referred to as the Natural Bridge of Neil Island, this structure is made of corals. Over a period of thousands of years, the strong sea waves have carved out such a shape.

Bharatpur Beach

One of the finest sandy beaches in Neil Island, Bharatpur beach is within walking distance of Neil jetty. The sea is so clean here that one can see straight to the bottom. Diving experience in the blue water sea at this beach is all about kaleidoscopic corals, beautiful fishes, and incredible sea creatures.

Glass-bottom boat rides are also offered at this beach. If you are not comfortable diving or snorkelling, you can explore the vast undersea kingdom sitting inside a boat.

Chidiya Tapu Beach

Renowned as the best sunset point in Port Blair, Chidiya Tapu beach is positioned at the southernmost tip of the island. It is a 20-km drive from Port Blair city. Owing to the abundance of a wide variety of birds, the island gets its name Chidiya Tapu (meaning Bird Island).

Nearly empty during morning hours, visitors flock in the evening to enjoy a splendid sunset at the beach. The sky gets painted in rich hues of orange and red as the sun falls behind the horizon. Adding to the panoramic beauty of the beach are the remains of huge trees uprooted in the tsunami of 2004. These spots have turned into selfie points for visitors.

On exploring a bit more, I discovered a nature trail hidden away in the woods near the shore. It begins from Chidiya Tapu beach and passes through hilly forests to eventually reach another beautiful beach, known as Munda Pahad beach.

The unspoiled best beaches in Andaman offer many distinctive experiences to cherish lifelong. Which one do you wish to visit?

Author: Rashmi K

An avid traveller, Rashmi believes there is nothing more fulfilling than wandering in nature.

She shares her experiences from nature and wildlife travel through her blog WildlifeZones.com.

Qawwali – Music that Touches the Spiritual Strings

Cscope Staff

July 13, 2020

Qawwali-Music-that-Touches-the-Spiritual-Strings-1 — Abida Parveen – Via Flickr

‘Na dawa chaahiye, Na shafa chahhiye, main mareez e muhabbat hoon, mujhko toh bas aik nazarya habeeb e khuda chaahiye.’

The earning for a ‘nazar’ or look by the Almighty Khuda is the underlying meaning of this qawwali phrase. And there is no better way to understand the essence of this form of art without understanding and acknowledging its definitive spiritual purpose.

Qawwali is a form of devotional music that finds its roots in the Sufi Islamic culture. Though prevalently performed at the dargahs or shrines of Sufi saints across South Asia, the qawwali has become a part of mainstream music too.

Thanks to some stalwarts, such as Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Aziz Mian and the Sabri Brothers who have released their renditions in albums and stage performances that made qawwali a very recognizable and known face of music.

History of Qawwali

Amir Khusrow or Amir Khusrau Dehlavi is often called the founder of qawwali. Born in the 13^th century, Khusrow is credited with bringing together Arabic, Persian, Turkish and Indian musical influences together to create the qawwali as we know today. Student and disciple of Nizamuddin Auliya of Delhi a Sufi saint of the Chisti order is also one of the most famous saints of India.

Qawwali Rhythm and Flow

Qawwali stands out for its powerful impact on the listener. All musical renditions or songs do have an influence on the listener. But qawwali tries to reach a crescendo of passion and involvement where the listener imperatively gets hypnotized and moved by the compositions.

A party of eight to nine musicians with a lead singer and a few side singers together perform the qawwali. The musical instruments include the harmonium, tabla and dholak. The musicians and singers build up the songs to reach high energy levels.

The songs themselves follow a sequence or have meaning to the occasion. If a qawwali is sung during the death anniversary or urs of a saint, a Rang or poem by Amir Khusrow is sung, whereas on the birthday the Badhawa is sung.

The different types of a qawwali song depend on their content. Some of these include the Hamd or thankfulness to the God or Allah, a na’at or song in praise of the Prophet Muhammad, a manqabat in praise of Imam Ali or a Sufi saint, a marsiya that laments on the death of a saint or Imam, such as Imam Hussain.

Ghazals are also a Sufi origin form of art. And though qawwali also like ghazals, speak of the devotion and love, they are rendered in the style of qawwali as opposed to ghazals which can be poetry and also the way of singing or rendering.

Qawwali Mannerisms

Qawwali is recognized by the way it is performed. The singers and musicians sit crossed-legged and with the accompaniment of the instruments the songs begin.

As the tempo increases, there is clapping to the beats of the song and slowly but surely the strength and pitch of the song rise. The whole musical ambience turns into each participant and listener finding their beat and rhythm to the rising composition.

The songs are usually long, ranging from 15 to 20 minutes or more. And though the songs have a distinct Islamic meaning and purpose, they resonate with the listeners of all faiths. This is because the idea is to seek the divine power which is all empowering and all knowing.

Qawwali – Society and integration

Qawwali-in India — Ajmer Sharif Dargah – Wikimedia

Women were not a part of the qawwali performances earlier as they were not supposed to perform with men. But this has changed in recent times. Women qawwali singers are also well-known today, such as Abida Parveen and The Nooran Sisters (Jyoti and Sultana).

Qawwali is most popular in North India and also in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

For me and I guess for many who have seen a live qawwali performance, understand what its role in a sense of togetherness means. What starts off with a few singers and musicians ends with a large crowd joining in. People clap together, sway together and some even sit next to the qawwals to become a part of the performance. The rhythm moves beyond just musical notes, but encompasses a wide intangible sense of being one. There is a conforming pattern, yet the conformation is not binding. The actual lead singers are in a league of their own, but the listeners who may not even have an understanding of music let alone signing, also are immersed in its being.

Nooran-Sisters-Qawwali-Society-and-integration — Nooran Sisters (Jyoti and Sultana) Image Source

Qawwali is a reminder of how everyone can come together to help each other elevate themselves in thought and spiritual connect. And perhaps, this is the need of the hour more than ever today.

Why Every Indian Should Watch Modern Love Series

Vidhi Bubna

July 9, 2020

Modern Love is a show which is available on Amazon Prime. I truly enjoyed the show because it added a new perspective to what love could be. Being an Indian, I have been taught certain moral principles in love and the show made me realise that I need to get free of those moral principles to be able to love deeper. A woman cheating on a man is considered as a sin in the Hindu context, for that is why Sita was asked to do the Agni Pariksha even after accompanying Ram to his banishment for 14 years. In the show, the man gets back with the woman he loves despite her having cheated on him. This event in the show reminded me of a quote by Nietzsche – “Whatever happens in love is beyond good and evil.” The show depicts that love exists beyond the basic moral values which we have been taught.

Bipolar is a mental disorder in which people feel extremes of emotions due to an imbalance of chemicals in the brain. There is very little mental health literacy in India and stigma regarding mental health is also highly prevalent. In the show, there is a woman who suffers from bipolar but decided to find love in her life regardless. She believes that a man will love her no matter what. In Indian society, where women are often taught to “behave” and “act in ways which don’t trouble the man”, bipolar would be a very stigmatised issue in a woman’s life. Society would force the opinion down on the woman that she would never find a man. The show helps many people break free from that mentality and makes them realise that love can be found no matter the circumstances in this world if you are willing to find it. The loving and joyous nature of the woman suffering from bipolar is also highlighted in the show which makes men realise that there is often a backstory to how women are acting and focuses on the idea of a woman having her own narrative about her experiences.

The episode where a teenage girl starts crushing on a much older job colleague would be an unimaginable situation in Indian society with multiple repercussions. However, she only likes the older man in the show because she does not have a father and sees him taking a fatherly role. The older colleague however mistakes it for love and tries to make a move on her. In Indian society, we are not allowed to talk about social issues like this openly and often whisper, gossip or talk about it in hushed tones. The show creates an openness about the situation and explains how it can be easy for older people to exploit younger one’s vulnerabilities without understanding them. In Indian society, girls are abused by older men in their households, and are often afraid to talk about it with their own families. Watching the show creates awareness among both younger and older generations about social vulnerabilities and their effects. Though the show does not explicitly have an abusive situation, it highlights how people who are vulnerable can often be misunderstood.

One of my favourite episodes is the very first one where the female lead has a best friend as the building watchman. The relationship which the woman and the watchman share is unimaginable in Indian society because of classist structures. A woman in India would be advised to keep her distance from the watchman instead of interacting with him. The show sheds light on the relationship which we can share with anyone in society regardless of the social structures which separate us. The show gives a message to the audience to be open minded in every way when it concerns love.

Since Indians are often rigid about the rules in love, it is essential to watch the show to develop open mindedness and understanding. The show helps us understand the nature of love better and helps us break free from the rules created by society. This show is a must watch for everyone. I really enjoyed watching the show, let me know in the comments if you did too!

Manipuri Dance – Fraught with Grace & Blissful Enchantment

Tasneem Sariya

July 6, 2020

India is a land of many classical dances. The Manipuri dance form is one of the classical dances of India originating in the state of Manipur. Manipur is a beautiful and mesmerizing north-eastern state fraught with richness in culture and physical landscapes. Unsurprisingly, the Manipuri dance finds its continuation and a legacy of grace and elegance evolving and nurturing itself in its land origin.

History of Manipuri Dance

History Manipuri aDance — Image – Public.Resource.Org

The people of Manipur believe themselves originally to be Gandharvas or divine dancers and musicians as referred in Vedic texts. Called Gandharva Desa in many ancient Sanskrit texts, as well as, various references in Mahabharata throw light on the fact that Manipur has always been regarded as an abode of musical creativity. Women have traditionally had a larger role to play in the dance form, since it was believed that the Goddess Usha taught and motivated girls to learn the dance passed down from one generation to another. Other ancient references to the dance form include the performance of the art during the Lai Haraoba or traditional festival by the ethnic locals of the region called Meitei.

Though ancient history points towards the importance of dance, it was during the medieval periods that the Manipuri dance form evolved to match largely its current style. The dance revolved around Vaishnavism which was practiced by the kings and royalty of Manipur during the 15th century and which was later declared as the state religion.

Manipuri dance flourished the most during the rule of Maharaja Bhagyachandra in the 18th century. He was instrumental in documenting the Manipuri style and evolving the dance theme on Krishna and Ras Lila.

With the colonial era, as many other dance forms, Manipuri dance also witnessed a massive decline and ridicule. However, Rabindranath Tagore was introduced to the dance in 1919 and it left him so impressed that he invited gurus to teach the dance at his Shantiniketan center. This gave Manipuri dance a much needed impetus, until it bounced back to its glory and full potential.

Style and Structure of Manipuri Dance

Manipuri dance is essentially a group dance. Though majority of the themes center around Ras Lila, Krishna and Radha the other themes include Shaivism, Shaktism and paying homage to local deities. The dance form is largely performed with a spiritual bend and traditionally the dance was performed in front of temples. The Manipur kings have composed many of the Ras Lilas, whereas, other compositions are by noted poets, such as Vidyapati, Jayadeva and Chandidas.

Many gestures and movements of the Manipuri dance form find their presence in the Natyashastra, the earliest foundation of almost all classical dance forms in India. The Manipuri dance however, is slightly different from other classical Indian dances on a few counts. The dance is almost always a group choreography and effort. Also, Manipuri dance performers do not wear the foot ankle bells also called ghunghroo or payals. The movement of feet in this dance form is subtle and there are no sharp or sudden deflections of the body. On the contrary, the dance style is elegant, fluid and in case of the women dancers, the feet rarely rise above the knee level. Men on the other perform a more energetic version which also includes acrobatic movements, leaps and jumps.

Costumes and Music of Manipuri Dance

Perhaps the most striking identification of the Manipuri dance for a layman that instantly stands out is the costume. The dance costume is traditional and very unique. The women dancers wear the bridal costume called Potloi. The Kumil is the barrel shaped skirt which is decorated elaborately with gold and silver embroidery. The top consists of a blouse that flowers at the base near the hip, whereas the head is covered with a translucent veil. The women dancers usually also wear garlands or flowers around their waist and hands. The male dancers are dressed in the traditional dhoti.

Musical instruments include the pung or a barrel drum, cymbals or kartals, pena a stringed instrument along with the harmonium, flute etc.

The drum in fact, is a prominent instrument and various dance forms in Manipur, such as the Pung Cholom are often performed with enthusiasm.

Some of the most popular artists of Manipuri dance include Guru Bipin Singh, Guru Senarik Rajkumar, Guru Chandrakanta Singh, Bibhaboti Devi, Guru Haricharan Singh, Kalabati Devi, Charu Mathur, the Jhaveri sisters, Devyani Chalia and more.

Recommended Books on Manipuri Dance & Culture

We Recommend…

Manipuri Dance and Culture an anthology

Indian Doctors Who Changed Lives and Brought Many Smiles!

Tasneem Sariya

July 1, 2020

Indian-Doctors-Who-Changed-Lives — Image – Wikimedia

Doctors are regarded as healers or saviors. And though the profession has been under the scanner often as medical assistance has become more commercialized and a lucrative means of business, doctors nonetheless are usually looked up to. It is probably because of the years of learning, hard work and the fact that they often work tirelessly to better another life.

In recent times with the coronavirus scare, doctors have become our frontline warriors, defying various odds to put others before their own self and families. Their relentless efforts in working with patients round the clock in this hour of need have raised them as a force to reckon with. It also provokes us to rewind and learn a bit more about some of the most inspiring and path breaking doctors of our country. Because though the present state of affairs definitely merits a strong recognition of the fraternity, it is also perhaps a good time to acknowledge medical experts who over the years have helped exalt the position of the profession from a mere career option to a truly life changing experience.

These are some of the best brains of the country who have stepped up to reach out and expand their scope as doctors, moving much beyond the call of the duty and trailing a blaze of inspiration for generations to come. Yet, at the same time, they have done so by bettering, healing, recovering and saving each life, one at a time.

Doctor with a mind of their own

Dr. Bidhan Chandra Roy in whose memory Doctor’s Day is celebrated on 1 July was a great influence on the profession. He established the Indian Medical Association in 1928 and had a big role in the setting up of the Indian Institute of Mental Health.

Dr. Upendranath Brahmachari discovered the ‘Urea Stibamine’ a vital key in the treatment of the Kala-azar and was also nominated for the Noble Prize for his outstanding contribution in the field of medicine.

Dr. Anandi Gopal Joshi was the first Indian female to graduate with a degree in medicine from the USA. This happened way back in 1886 and paved the way for women to venture into the medical field.

Dr. Kadambini Ganguly was amongst the first women practitioners of India along with Anandi Gopal Joshi. Her revolutionary journey to the realization of her dream is nothing short of tremendously inspiring where she went to London to continue her study after becoming the first woman to get admission in Calcutta Medical College

Dr. Muthulakshmi Reddy was one of the first Indian women doctors who later went on to establish the Cancer Institute in Chennai. The institute found another stalwart in its realm when Dr. V Shanta decided to join the Cancer Institute instead taking up the more preferred female medical courses of gynecology and obstetrics.

Where Dr. Padmavati Iyer was the first Indian woman cardiologist, Dr. Ajita Chakraborty was one of the first female psychiatrists of India.

Dr. Indira Hinduja has delivered India’s first test tube and GIFT baby. Dr. Kamini Rao is another name that has made massive strides in the field of reproductive endocrinology and fertility.

Dr. Neelam Kler is known for her work in the field of neonatal care or neonatology. Dr. Subhadra Nair is the first gynecologist to be honored with the Padma Shri, whereas, Dr. KM Cherian performed the first successful heart bypass surgery in India. Others include Dr. Sunil Pradhan the neurologist, Dr. Ashok Rajgopal the orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Sundaram Natarajan the ophthalmologist etc. who all have been conferred with various awards, including the Padma Shri.

The list of renowned doctors who became the front runners in their fields is undoubtedly long, as much as it is also moves beyond the scope of the profession alone. These spearheading personalities fought for the larger causes of girl education, of breaking the glass ceiling and demanding for equality and for finding, choosing and establishing institutes and networks that laid the base for long term treatment and health care.

Doctors with a heart of gold

Where some doctors have contributed to the field of medicine through their brilliance and understanding of their craft, there are others who have gained huge respect for their selfless services.

Prakash Amte, son of Baba Amte who has a medical degree is known for his philanthropic work in the Gadchiroli district of Maharashtra. Dr. Abhay and Rani Bang have taken healthcare to the poorest rural areas of Maharashtra and converted the villages into sustainable healthcare centers. Dr. Taru Jindal a gynecologist has spent her best years in the villages of Bihar providing better healthcare to the women and children of the districts.

Similarly, there are doctors who have been treating the needy for free or who have worked towards making models that help in sustainable and universal medical care. Be it Dr. Bhakti Yadav who has been offering free treatment to her patients since 1948, Dr. Manoj Kumar who doesn’t charge anything for his services in mental healthcare, Dr. Manoj Durairaj a cardiac specialists who treats people from low income families for free, Dr. Abhijit Sonawane who started the ‘Doctors for Beggars’ initiative or Dr. Yogi Aeron a plastic surgeon who treats for free in the remote villages of the Himalayas, the list here is pretty long too. Dr. Nordan Otzer the ‘nomadic doctor’ spreads awareness about different physical ailments in Ladakh, Dr. Bindu Menon travels in her small van to the villages of Andhra on weekends for healthcare services or the only doctor in the Dhadgaon Rural Hospital Dr. Santhosh Parmar who manages everything in the hospital are shining examples of doctors who have crossed and moved much ahead their professional calling, converting their careers into a truly selfless enterprise.

There are many more doctors, nurses and healthcare professionals who in their own little and large ways have chartered their way into the hearts of those who really needed them. They have flaunted their vast knowledge through humbleness, their experience through selflessness and their calm demeanor through a raging determination to serve as many as they can. We need such doctors who uphold the high standards of the profession. And we hope that those who choose to fall behind or take advantage of their superior understanding find ways to remember that it is indeed a privilege to serve.

Get the Best Luxury India Tour Packages by LIH Tours and Travels

Caleidoscope

July 1, 2020

Get the best Golden Triangle India Tour by LIH.

A unique blend of traditional and western culture and architecture is the most popular combination of the three cities- Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur. This strange blend is also known as the Golden Triangle Tour of India. The overcrowded but full of life streets of Delhi city, the heart-pouring beauty of Mughal architecture, and the pure Rajasthani ancient monuments of Jaipur is what makes India the most-admired amongst lordes all over the world. This travel package is a treat for the explorers and a feast to foreign travelers.

The best and unique thing about the Golden Triangle Tour of India is that when these three cities are framed in a circuit on the map of India, it measures equidistant of approximately 200-230 kilometers from each other to form an imaginary triangle in the heart of India. You can travel from one destination to another of Golden Triangle in just 3-4 hours by road journey or trains and buses. If you are planning a Delhi vacation, a romantic holiday in India, or witnessing various festivals of India to explore India’s culture, then Golden Triangle is the perfect travel set for you and your loved ones.

If you’re looking for Golden Triangle Travel packages that will make you witness the traditional culture and lifestyle in the most luxurious way, then book your tour with the best travel agent- Leisure Indian Holidays. LIH tours and travels make sure to provide the customers with every tiniest thing they want in their dream India holiday. LIH offers a 6Days/5 Nights Golden Triangle Tour Package with a minimal amount of USD 335 per person.

Travel Itinerary of 6Days/5Nights Delhi-Agra-Jaipur Tour

Here we are sharing the complete travel itinerary with you that includes everything you need to know about your journey, including places to visit, popular activities of the three cities, and other relevant information.

Day 1-2: New Delhi – Heritage & Bustling Markets

After taking a flight from your hometown, you will arrive at the Indira Gandhi Airport in Delhi, which is also famous as the busiest hub that connects all the major countries of the world. Connect to the LIH representative at the airport only and get yourself loaded in a luxurious car. You will reach your pre-booked hotel after a luxury car ride where you will check-in and take some rest before starting your journey. You can do whatever you want to do in India’s capital region as you get to stay for 2 days in the city.

You can start your journey by visiting all the famous and must-visit places in Delhi. Start your tour by firstly visiting the magnificent heritage sites like Red Fort (or Lal Quila), Humayun’s Tomb, India Gate, ancient and spiritual monuments like Swaminarayan Akshardham Temple- the biggest temple in Delhi located across a huge area and famous for its pink sculptures and big lush-green and attractive gardens.

Later on in the evening, you can do some shopping in India’s famous markets like Sarojini and Palika Bazaar or explore the largest market of Asia- Sardar Bazaar of Delhi and Chandni Chowk. But don’t forget to relish some spicy but tasty Delhi street food in the markets to make your time filled with flavors.

Get back to your hotel room and enjoy some quality time with your closed ones before leaving for the next destination Agra the following day.

Day 3: Agra: Wonder Taj Mahal & Mehtab Bagh

Get up early in the morning, get some delicious breakfast at your luxury hotel and pack your bags as you’ll be going to the next destination of your Golden Triangle Tour.

Agra is located around 240 kilometers from Delhi, and you’ll be covering this distance in full royal style by a road trip in an XUV. After you arrive in Agra, check-in to your next pre-booked hotel room and rejuvenate yourself from the travel tiredness by taking a shower. You are now going to visit the most famous sight of India- the Taj Mahal. Agra is famous by another name – the City of Mughal and it got the name because the city is renowned for its luxurious Mughal Renaissance and India’s most exquisite Mughal architecture. Agra is also a home for various UNESCO world heritage sites and the world-famous sweet- Agre ka Petha.

The famous attractions of Agra are Mehtab Bagh, the Taj Mahal, Itmad-Ud-Daulah, and the old town- Fatehpur Sikri.

Day 4:-5: Jaipur – Heritage Sites & Traditional Markets

Enjoy a peaceful morning in the Mughal’s city and get some breakfast. You are now leaving for the last but an amazing destination of your Golden Triangle Tour Package – the Pink City of India. Get yourself in a luxury car for a road trip from Agra to Jaipur, which are approximately 250 kilometers away from each other. You are now welcomed in Jaipur by our agent, who will take you to the next pre-booked hotel and help you in completing all check-in formalities. After taking some rest in the room, you can start your exploring to places in the Pink City of India.

Visit the most adorable and enthralling site of the city- Hawa Mahal, located in the central city. The Palace of Winds is known because of its phenomenal artwork as it is an epitome of Wind and Majesty. Hawa Mahal was built in 1799 by the Rajput Maharaja-Sawai Man Singh and painted it with the bright pink color. Later on, because of the pink color of the Palace, the city was known as “the Gulabi Nagri” or the Pink City of India. Jaipur is home to traditional Rajasthani culture and tradition known for various festivals, including Pushkar Festival, Elephant festival, and Chaksu Festival.

You can explore the famous Rajput architecture in Jaipur that are famous worldwide, such as Galta Ji, Amber Fort, Jal Mahal Palace, and City Palace, where you can enjoy famous rickshaw rides. At night, you can visit one of the best and prominent cultural sites – Chokhi Dhani. Chokhi Dhani is a well-known Rajasthani style site where you can enjoy delicious cuisines (like Dal Bati Churma), enjoy folk music, and camel & elephant rides to make your visit memorable in Jaipur.

Day 6: Departure

The next morning and last day of your 6 Days Golden Triangle Tour will come to an end as you leave for Delhi to catch a flight to your hometown. Our representative will take you to Delhi on a road journey of 3 hours. Reach Indira Gandhi International airport and go back to your home city with lots of memories and beautiful experiences.

Highlights of Golden Triangle Tour by Leisure Indian Holidays

Jaipur-Royal-Food — Jaipur Royal Food – Wikimedia

The travel packages offered by LIH tours and travels will take you to all the famous places and world heritage sites of the three cities- Delhi, Agra, and Jaipur, in the most comfortable and luxurious way. You will get to stay in the most royal palace-turned hotels of India so that you can witness the country’s real culture and tradition. Here are the highlights of your Golden Triangle Tour India:

Adore the most-alluring site of India- the Taj Mahal
Shop at the famous markets of Jaipur and Delhi
Relish some mouth-watering Mughal and Rajputi cuisines
An India tour filled with luxury and royalty
Enjoy activities like camel rides, hot-air balloons, and boat rides in the three cities.

Conclusion

The Golden Triangle is one of the most-opted trips set by people who want to see the real Indian culture and tourists who visit India for the first time. LIH travels the best tour operator that offers the comfortable and luxurious Golden Triangle Tour India. Get into the fascinating world of the Mughal and Rajput culture and ancient times of Kings and Queens. So what are you waiting for? Get your ideal Golden Triangle travel set online with Leisure Indian Holidays- the best tour operator in India?.

How To Purchase Indian Handicrafts Online

Caleidoscope

June 30, 2020

Indian Handicrafts

As you already know, India is a place of culture. They have a lot of it! Indian handicrafts are one of the most famous souvenirs in this world that one can get. There is a whole group of Indian handicrafts, and we will just mention a few of them: pashmina shawls, pottery, carpet weaving, bamboo handicrafts, leather, shell, and many more…

Indian handicrafts are the heart and the soul of India. All of these products are being made with care and love, and a lot of hard work was put into making them the way they are.

There is no doubt that pashmina shawls are one of the most popular fashion accessories across the world. Pashminas are being made out of a fine type of wool called Kashmir. Kashmir is a super soft fabric. We assume that you did not know that most of the pashminas that are being sold worldwide actually came from India. And, you probably know that every woman that likes or follows fashion even the slightest bit owns at least one of the pashminas in their closet. They are just so soft and a must-have accessory.

Besides the pashmina shawls, Indian pottery is, as many popular magazines say the most sensual form of art that has ever existed. Pottery originally comes from North India. And there are many pottery products that you can find online, all of them are unique, in different shapes, sizes, and colors. You will not be disappointed if you decide to buy some of the Indian pottery.

In this article, we will be giving you a guide on how to find the best Indian handicrafts and which ones are safe to buy online.

Where to buy Indian handicrafts online?

There are many different Indian online stores where you can purchase their handicrafts. Some of them even ship the items worldwide. If you want to find a specific store that is legit and that has many customers, you can visit revExpo to find handicrafts reviews.

But, we will be presenting you with some of the legit stores where you can get yourself a piece of Indian handicraft.

Some of the government-approved Indian handicraft shops are Kala Madhyam, Rajasthali, and Dili Hat. We are sure that these companies are legit, but, we also like to support small businesses so that is why we recommend you search for more stores on the revExpo. You will be amazed at how much of those handicraft stores exist in India, but they have not got the recognition that they deserve.

So, the first store that we find totally safe is the Dastkar Nature Bazaar that is based in New Delhi. You can visit their website on this link here: Dastkar.org. We are sure that you will be finding the best of the best Indian handicrafts in this store. They can offer you many different objects, such as Embroidered bags, Mata-ni-pachedi paintings, and many different sarees.
The next store is the Sambhali Boutique that sells all different kinds of handicrafts. You can get many handicrafts that look really stylish, some of their handbags actually follow all of the latest trends. If you decide to buy from this Sambhali Boutique, you will be definitely getting a unique piece and everyone will look at you and envy you.
Hiralaxmi Memorial Craft Park is a store that can offer you many handmade handicrafts. They make both textile and non-textile crafts. They work with metal, mud, wood, pottery, and even silver. We must say that we adore their tie-die bandhani’s. Just in case if you do not know what a Bandhani is, it is basically a shawl colored in different colors so that it has a unique pattern designed. You can find lots and lots of different handicrafts if you just visit their online store, and you can do so by clicking on the hyperlink above.
And, the last store that we are going to be showing you is the Devrai Art Village. Trust us, their handicrafts are a true form of art. We have never, ever seen handicrafts like these. We must say that it takes a lot of talent, effort, and hard work in order to make something like this. You must see for yourself by visiting their website. They can make anything, any kind of sculpture. Eggs, animals, and even people sculptures. All of them are unique and took a lot of time to make. We simply adore their Buddha and Shiva sculptures as they look absolutely magnificent.

We hope that you will find handicrafts that you like and that you want to buy from one of these stores that we have shown you. All of them are magnificent and wonderful!

Is it safe to buy from these stores?

We think that it is beautiful that Indian people have a rich culture, and we simply adore their handicrafts. Yes, it is totally safe, and you should trust them. As we have previously mentioned, all of these websites are totally legit and professional. These stores are being visited by thousands of people daily. Some of the stores that we have mentioned are even government-approved stores. This means that you do not have to worry about getting scammed or receiving a damaged object.

We can assure you that many people across India and from around the world put their trust in these stores, and we can say that almost all of them were not disappointed. So, if you want to receive a good Indian handicraft object, you should for sure shop at one of these stores online. Avoid getting scammed, and shop safely!

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The God of Small Things –

Man-eaters of Kumaon –

All Roads Lead to Ganga –

A Fine Balance –

The White Tiger –

Shantaram –

City of Djinns –

Radhanagar Beach

Elephant Beach

Laxmanpur Beach

Bharatpur Beach

Chidiya Tapu Beach

History of Qawwali

Qawwali Rhythm and Flow

Qawwali Mannerisms

Qawwali – Society and integration

History of Manipuri Dance

Style and Structure of Manipuri Dance

Costumes and Music of Manipuri Dance

Recommended Books on Manipuri Dance & Culture

Get the best Golden Triangle India Tour by LIH.

Travel Itinerary of 6Days/5Nights Delhi-Agra-Jaipur Tour

Day 1-2: New Delhi – Heritage & Bustling Markets

Day 3: Agra: Wonder Taj Mahal & Mehtab Bagh

Day 4:-5: Jaipur – Heritage Sites & Traditional Markets

Day 6: Departure

Highlights of Golden Triangle Tour by Leisure Indian Holidays

Conclusion

Indian Handicrafts

Where to buy Indian handicrafts online?

Is it safe to buy from these stores?

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