ON THE RECORD

Art Exposed

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by Ankita Khare
54 galleries - 17 international ones, over Rs 40 million worth of art work. Almost 5000 footfalls each day. And huge sales...India Art Summit--the name still echoes in the art industry even after a week since it ended. The main attraction was the global appeal that the event had. Art pieces from around the world were available all under one roof.

The event was supported by Sotheby's in collaboration with organisations in support of the fine arts including Asia Art Archive, Asia Society, Lalit Kala Academy, The Devi Foundation, and The British Council. A well organised affair, India Art Summit was undoubtedly an event worth visiting. Check out the audio clip below to experience this grand fair. Know what was there what wasn't......

Music in Jail

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By Ankita Khare
Tihar jail---what comes to your mind when you hear this word. Violent prisoners? Harsh police officers? Fights? Injuries? Iron bars? Concrete?
Tihar’s Association Barrack (where under trials are kept) will break your belief. Lush green trees; a small library; carom board; TT Table and a silent ambience defines this ward.
What’s more now…. this place has Music too.
The jail authorities have brought in music therapy to reduce depression and criminal instincts among first time offenders.
Furthermore, the music also helps in keeping under trials away from the negative influences of other inmates held back for serious crimes.
To know more about music in jail, listen to the audio clip below.

THE 62nd YEAR

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A kite market in celebration of independence day...
by Kriti Gupta

The great Indian democracy turned 62 this year. And the country celebrated this occasion with the same vigour as it does every year.

Prior to 15th August, several bazaars were organised with Independence day as the theme. These showcased all things Indian such as - chudis, mehndi, Indian street food and so on. There was a special kite gallery and even a space for Bollywood at some places.

Indian flags, kites and Bollywood...

On the day, the flag hoisting ceremony was held with Red Fort as a backdrop. The Prime Minister's speech focused on an integrated India that rejected sectarian politics. For most people though, it was a time to sit and home, laze around and enjoy the holiday (or take a vacation because of the long weekend).

Kite flying around this time predictably increased. However, on 15th August, the rain god played villain and dampened the spirits of kite flying enthusiasts in the morning. Later in the day, the weather cleared providing ample breeze for the sport and several competitions were held across the city of Delhi in celebration of Independence.

Independence has given us space to grow and freedom to breathe. Celebrations of this kind are only an ideal given the importance of this day in our history.

Impressions of India at 62

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August 15th 1947 - India kept its tryst with destiny and it has been 62 long, eventful years since then. The significance of this day goes beyond a public holiday or playing patriotic songs on the radio.

India is a country of great paradoxes and all that exists in between. Perhaps herein lies its uniqueness, permit me to move over the brouhaha about being a multicultural, multiethnic, secular country. At 62, India is young, very young and herein lies our hope. The Great Indian Dream. Let us on this Independence Day, neither celebrate or berate, just look within. There is reason to cheer and many more reasons to reflect.




How frequently do we demand freedom denied?


Is there good news for everyone or just a handful?


In our bid to move forward are we leaving behind many?


Have we created boundaries which are now impossible to get rid of?


How often do we trample over the ideals on which the country was created?


Let us think over all these questions and salute the resilient spirit of a billion people

The Sultan swings it for Delhi

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Wasim: live-wire


Ektaa Malik
Wasim Akram - the name sends shivers down the spine of many a batsman in world cricket. Thankfully for them the “sultan of swing” has retired from all forms of the game. The 6 feet 2 inches bowler from Lahore who was once spotted by Imran Khan is now in the capital to make another quickie; but this time for India. The 43 years old left-arm pacer known for his variety is now bowling on a completely different pitch.

At the Stephens cricket ground to nurture young talent Wasim was seen involved with a group of 15 years olds trying to play for Team India. The four-day bowling skill camp organised by the Delhi Development & Cricket Association has given a unique opportunity to a group of 18 young boys not only to learn the nuances of fast bowling but also to interact with Wasim bhai on a one to one basis.

Former Pakistan captain, Wasim has been known for his outstanding support to the Indian bowlers and has always been generous with his tips and suggestions to them. This bowling camp is a classic example of the desire and willingness of Wasim to share his experience and spread the art. Wasim has been quite instrumental in shaping up the skills of Indian fast bowlers especially Zaheer Khan and Irfan Pathan. Not only Zaheer and Irfan, but any left arm pacer in the world has Wasim in mind when he makes his foray into the world of cricket.

When asked about the future of bowling and talent present in India he said, “There’s no dearth of talent in India, but the question remains as to how that talent is honed and brought forward.” But he maintained “that the key to success is hard work and hard work alone. India like Pakistan has abundance of talent but it’s lost somewhere in between. Be it the loose domestic structure or the nepotism in the selection process.”

The man, who made his international cricket debut way back in 1984 (against New Zealand in Faisalabad) is a treat to watch on the field. His dominating presence and contagious levels of energy mixed with raw talent on the ground made an eclectic mix for a humid Saturday morning.

With a total wicket tally of 916 in both forms of the game the man can still pack a witty punch with the over eager youngsters. Even after 6 years of retirement the Punjabi speaking Wasim bhai remains a force to be reckoned with - be it his charming persona, the winning smile and the easy going demeanour. However all these take a back seat when he is training the youngsters. He never takes his eyes off the ball. The love for the game is still very much apparent in him. With a smile he concluded that he’ll be back soon in India for the Champions’ league.


Brainstorming on the field