Beethoven’s 9th Symphony – Friedrich Schiller The Poet & The Composer
BY DR KAUSTAV BHATTACHARYYA Recently a literary evening was hosted by the Hotel Den located in Whitefield, Bengaluru with the occasion being the bicentennial or 200th Anniversary of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony and made special by the presence of German Professor and academic Dr. Juana Christina von Stein on her debut visit to India. Dr. Juana von Stein was the Guest Speaker on the occasion which … Continue reading Beethoven’s 9th Symphony – Friedrich Schiller The Poet & The Composer
If I Were an Indian
BY DOMINIC WIGHTMAN If I were an Indian, I would embrace the rich heritage of my country, crafted over thousands of years of civilisation, intricate traditions, and a myriad of cultural influences. India boasts a history that is both ancient and profound, from the Indus Valley Civilisation, with its sophisticated urban planning, to the Vedic texts that laid the philosophical foundations of Indian thought. I … Continue reading If I Were an Indian
Exploring Tagore’s Realm of Love
BY RUCHIRA GHOSH The Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore is to Bengali literature what Shakespeare is to English literature. Dislodge both, and their magnificent edifices would come crumbling down. It would be no exaggeration to say that Tagore’s versatility and the vast range of themes he addresses often leave readers and audiences overwhelmed—or, to use a colloquial term, mind-boggled. His subjects span the changing seasons, lyrics … Continue reading Exploring Tagore’s Realm of Love
Pseudorealism at Bangalore
BY SOURAV DUTTA Indian visual art started getting closer to the European modern art movements sometime in the 1960s and 70s. Until then, most of India’s best-known visual artists, like Jamini Roy and Nandalal Bose, primarily drew their inspiration from Indian folk traditions or frescoes of an earlier era, as seen in the caves of Ajanta and Ellora. However, the liberalization of the economy in … Continue reading Pseudorealism at Bangalore
A Guide to Indian Etiquette
BY RITA PANANI India, a land of vibrant colors, ancient traditions, and diverse cultures, presents a fascinating tapestry of social customs and etiquette. While a nation of warmth and hospitality, India also boasts a rich tapestry of cultural nuances that can be both intriguing and challenging for the unfamiliar visitor. This article delves into the intricacies of Indian etiquette, offering insights into the customs that … Continue reading A Guide to Indian Etiquette
India’s Tech Titans
BY RITA PANANI India, once known for its ancient wisdom and spiritual heritage, has rapidly transformed into a global powerhouse of technology. In recent years, a constellation of Indian tech giants has emerged, challenging the dominance of Silicon Valley and redefining the global tech landscape. This article delves into the rise of India’s tech titans, exploring the factors driving their success and examining their impact … Continue reading India’s Tech Titans
Professor K.S. Krishnan: Understated Brilliance and Citizen-Scientist
BY DR KAUSTAV BHATTACHARYYA LAUNCH OF THE ARCHIVES OF PROFESSOR K.S. KRISHNAN AT THE NCBS ARCHIVES: I first came across Professor Krishnan’s legacy through writings on science as an instrument for post-Independence nation-building in India. I stumbled upon this very poignant remark by India’s first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, about Professor K.S. Krishnan: “What is remarkable about Krishnan is not that he is a … Continue reading Professor K.S. Krishnan: Understated Brilliance and Citizen-Scientist
The Prince of Wales Museum
BY RITA PANANI In the bustling heart of Mumbai lies a hidden gem, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, formerly known as the Prince of Wales Museum. This architectural marvel, an epitome of Indo-Saracenic style, stands as a testament to India’s rich historical and cultural tapestry. Established in the early 20th century, the museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts spanning various eras of Indian … Continue reading The Prince of Wales Museum
Majuli
BY RITA PANANI The remote village of Majuli in Assam is not just any ordinary village. It is the world’s largest river island, nestled in the mighty Brahmaputra River. This enchanting piece of land is a hub of rich culture, traditions, and breathtaking natural beauty. The serene landscapes, with lush green paddy fields and vibrant flora, are a testament to nature’s grandeur. The island is … Continue reading Majuli
The Lovely Danseuse for Whom Kuchipudi is Life
BY RUCHIRA GHOSH From the remote suburbs of Liluah near Kolkata to the national capital, Kuchipudi danseuse Ayana Mukherji has indeed come a long way. She works as a dance consultant with premier schools in and around the national capital. In her words, “Creating curriculum, capacity development of teachers, creating new methodology to teach classical dance in schools…” Besides regular public performances, she teaches dance … Continue reading The Lovely Danseuse for Whom Kuchipudi is Life

