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The Hindu
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Actor Rajendra Prasad calls for integration of arts and culture into education system
Tollywood actor Rajendra Prasad on Sunday said that arts should be recognised as pillars of a country's unique identity. The actor was speaking at 'Telugu Tejalaku Kalaabhishekam', a felicitation programme for artists held at Nagaiah Kalakshetram. Mr. Rajendra Prasad was conferred with 'Vishwa Navarasa Natachakravarti' and the NTR International Award at the event. Mr. Prasad said that art was an embodiment of power that awakens dormant societies. He urged the State governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana to integrate culture and arts into the mainstream education system to make it holistic. The convention was jointly hosted by the Indian Telugu Writers' Federation and the M.V. Keshava Reddy Memorial Foundation. Noted writer Marripudi Devender Rao presided over the event. Over 200 artists from all over India participated in the function. Noted lyricist Suddala Ashok Teja said that such occasions would help revive traditional art forms. As many as 262 artists and cultural contributors were presented the 'Kalajyothi National Awards 2025.'
Hans India
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Hans India
Bihar: Team of over 700 scientists to reach out to farmers under 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan'
Patna: Days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call for 'Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan' (Developed Agriculture Resolution Campaign), scientists and experts have embarked on a mission to impress upon the villagers about changing patterns in agriculture and also about the need to bring reforms in the sector. In Bihar's Samastipur, a team of 720 scientists have been formed by Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, which, along with 1756 agricultural officers, has visited 993 villages so far. The team of scientists reached out to 96,475 farmers, listened to their problems and also told them the 'solutions'. Speaking at a recent event, PM Modi had said, 'The monsoon is approaching, preparations for the Kharif season are underway, and during the next 12 to 15 days, over 2,000 teams comprising scientists, experts, officials, and progressive farmers will be visiting villages across the country. These teams will reach out to millions of farmers in more than 700 districts.' 'In today's rapidly changing times, there is a need to bring comprehensive reforms to Indian agriculture. Our farmers have filled food reserves by producing record yields. However, markets are evolving, and consumer preferences are changing. Therefore, this is a humble effort to bring about changes in the agricultural system by working together with farmers and state governments. The goal is to modernise Indian agriculture, and for that, this campaign aims to initiate direct discussions with farmers,' he added. The campaign, led by Dr PS Pandey, Vice Chancellor of Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, is set to run till June 12. The Vice Chancellor said that for a prosperous country, farmers have to be prosperous, and in view of this, Sankalp Abhiyan has been started by the Prime Minister. Under the campaign, teams of agricultural scientists are visiting different villages and directly communicating with farmers, listening to their problems and also suggesting solutions. He said that 174 teams have been formed in Bihar and Jharkhand, which will reach out and communicate with close to 1 lakh, while 130 teams are working in Bihar, which have to reach out to 6,45,000 farmers. He informed that 38 teams have been formed by Dr Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University, Pusa, through 16 agricultural science centres in 13 districts, whose target is to communicate with 1,90,000 farmers.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Mr & Mrs Sundaram: Mavericks of the sky
A pilot losing a paper map to a gust of wind wouldn't seem like a big deal today. But this was 1947, when there was no GPS, and the aircraft, a Dakota (a military transport plane widely used in World War II). Among the passengers was Rajendra Prasad , President of the Constituent Assembly. The plane, piloted by Captain V Sundaram and Captain Usha Sundaram, was en route from Trichy to Trivandrum when the map flew out of her hands through a crack in the sliding window. "Here we are, in the middle of bad weather, over unfamiliar terrain, with no map to guide us. Trivandrum has no radio facilities," writes Captain Sundaram in his autobiography 'An Airman's Saga'. Luckily, they soon spotted Cape Comorin in the distance and followed the coastline, descending safely while dodging dark clouds and lightning strikes. At a time of piston engines and manual controls, when India relied on foreign pilots for official flights, the Indian couple flew a cross-country route from the UK to Madras, spread over 27 flying hours. Best known for setting a flight record, the couple — parents of Blue Cross India co-founder Chinny Krishna — also undertook many iconic but lesser-known journeys in pre- and post-Independence India. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Descubre cómo Amazon CFD puede ayudarte a invertir como un pro Empezar ahora Subscríbete Undo Chosen by Jawaharlal Nehru and later Sardar Patel, the duo flew across the subcontinent and modern-day Pakistan during the country's formation, becoming perhaps the only Indian couple to pilot national leaders, chief ministers, and prime ministers. "Patel wanted to visit all 300 princely states and meet nawabs, nizams, and local rulers to urge them to join the Indian Union. And he insisted on Indian pilots, nationalism was in the air," says their son, Suresh Sundaram, now in his 80s. "Much of the terrain was unmapped. They flew to places where no planes had landed, guessing routes and weather conditions." Equally iconic was their UK to India journey to deliver a new De Havilland Dove aircraft for the Madras govt. "The moment we saw the Dove on the apron at Hatfield airport, we painted 'Government of Madras' on the fuselage and the Indian tricolour on the fins. We named her 'Hanuman' and marked it on the nose," writes Sundaram. "The British owner was about to give my father flying instructions," adds Suresh. "But after watching his test flight, he said, 'There's nothing more I can teach you'. " On June 7, 1948, a "cold, crisp morning", the couple began their 6,000-mile journey from the English Channel. After smooth stopovers in Toulouse, Geneva, Rome, Athens, and Nicosia, they encountered a dust haze en route to Baghdad, so thick they couldn't see 100 yards ahead. "Flying under these conditions would be nothing short of foolhardiness, so we decided to turn back and head for Habania, where a civilian aeroplane wouldn't be accepted ordinarily. But this was an emergency," writes Sundaram. RAF officials marked the runway with oil barrels for visibility, allowing the couple to land at an airfield in central Iraq, says Suresh. After an overnight halt, they flew to Sharjah, only to face an even worse dust storm. With near-zero visibility, they descended to 500ft, unsure if they were over water or desert. After nearly two weeks, they reached Madras and were welcomed as heroes. "My mother could fly solo, turn co-pilot, and also take on the role of flight attendant, serving tea or coffee to high-profile passengers, all in a sari," says daughter Viji, a US-based journalist. Usha earned her pilot's licence at 22, inspired by her husband. She began as his co-pilot but soon flew solo. "The day of her maiden solo flight, my father meant to telegram her parents 'Usha did solo', but wrote 'Usha died solo' by mistake, causing chaos for a while," says Viji. Within a few years of marriage, the couple had three children, so Usha wasn't able to accompany her husband on all of his adventures. Sundaram writes of a solo trip with Patel from Calcutta to Guwahati, which required flying over East Pakistan, then considered enemy territory. When Sundaram expressed concern, Patel said matter-of-factly, "What's wrong with Pakistan? Let's fly over and see their country." But as they flew over East Pakistan, a wireless message crackled in from Dacca: "Greetings from the govt and people of Pakistan to Sardar Patel. Welcome to fly over Pakistan." In August 1947, amid Partition, Captain Sundaram was part of a little-known refugee rescue mission. With people fleeing both ways, by train, steamer, and plane, seats were in such demand that some offered to pay in "gold and diamonds". But there was a problem. There were enough aeroplanes – Dakotas – lying idle, but not enough pilots. Sundaram offered his services to Bombay-based Mistry Airways, which was flying to Multan in Pakistan's Punjab province. He travelled to Juhu in Bombay, where a Dakota VT-AZY was ready for them. Sundaram's assignment was clear, to fly as many trips as possible with no more than 30 refugees per flight, no luggage. Though the plane seated 28, desperate refugees begged for space. Captain Sundaram took the risk, boarding 40 extra passengers. Sundaram writes that passengers were crammed on the floor, seats, even the lavatory. Despite being 10,000 pounds overweight, the Dakota made it safely to Jodhpur. Among the refugees was an old man, his wife, and six children, who refused to part with his luggage. On landing, the old man told Sundaram the cloth bundle he'd thrown out held cash and jewels worth more than a lakh of rupees. They arrived penniless. "That old man was Kishinchand Chellaram, who later built a textile empire in Chennai," says Suresh. Post-retirement, the couple turned to animal welfare and co-founded the Blue Cross India in 1969, but continued to fly recreationally until 1996. Email your feedback with name and address to
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Tobacco consumption doubles infertility risk: Experts
Lucknow: Though often associated with cancer only, tobacco consumption also doubles infertility risk and even causes mental health disorders like anxiety and depression. This was stated by health experts at KGMU on the eve of World No Tobacco Day raising concerns about the rising threat of tobacco and nicotine products. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now "Tobacco doesn't just damage the lungs—it harms almost every organ. It damages sperm, lowers hormone levels, and reduces overall reproductive health. This means its use can double the risk of infertility in men, reduce women's reproductive capacity by 30%, and cause birth complications including low birth weight and stillbirths," said Prof Ved Prakash, head of the department of pulmonary and critical care medicine. He added people often associate tobacco only with cancer, but it is a slow poison that also causes heart attacks, strokes, asthma and even anxiety and depression. Former HOD of the pulmonary department Prof Rajendra Prasad said: "The illusion that new-age tobacco products like e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches are safer is extremely dangerous. These products contain high levels of addictive nicotine and act as a gateway to traditional tobacco use, especially among teenagers." Smoking tobacco increases the risk of lung and other cancers up to 30 times, heart attack risk up to 6 times and asthma up to 3 times. In another programme, Dr Abhimanyu Kadapathri, consultant - head and neck surgical oncology, Apollo Hospitals Lucknow, said the most commonly used forms of tobacco include smokeless ones like khaini, gutkha and pan masala while smoking forms include bidi, cigarette and hookah. Experts also highlighted the massive economic burden. Tobacco use cost India nearly Rs 1.78 lakh crore in healthcare expenses in 2017-18 alone. This accounts for about 1% of the country's GDP. Prof Ved Prakash warned, "Every puff of smoke takes you a step closer to death. There is no safe form or amount of tobacco. We urge people to stop now and choose a healthier life."
Hans India
30-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hans India
‘Shashtipoorthi' review: A heartfelt family drama rooted in values and emotions
Veteran actor Dr. Rajendra Prasad leads the charge in Shashtipoorthi, a touching family drama that delves into the emotional complexities of familial bonds and traditional values. Directed by Pawan Prabha and produced by Rupesh under MAA AAIE Productions, the film also stars Archana, Rupesh, and Akanksha Singh in pivotal roles. Released on May 30, let's see how the film fares at box-office. Story: Shashtipoorthi unfolds around a deeply emotional and value-rich narrative that seems tailor-made for Rajendra Prasad. The story, set against the backdrop of a modern Indian family, explores interpersonal relationships, love, and generational values. The plot weaves through poignant moments of connection, self-discovery, and emotional reconciliation. A romantic subplot also adds depth, offering a sensitive and realistic portrayal of love — something rarely seen in recent cinema. Performances: Rajendra Prasad is outstanding, embodying his role with grace and authenticity. Archana delivers yet another powerful performance that anchors the emotional arc of the film. Rupesh and Akanksha Singh complement the leads well, offering earnest and compelling portrayals. The chemistry and nuanced acting by the entire cast contribute significantly to the film's emotional impact. Technicalities: Director Pawan Prabha makes the film stands out as a message-driven story crafted with simplicity and sincerity. His writing and direction are sensitive and grounded, drawing from relevant societal themes. Music legend Ilaiyaraaja's score elevates the film's emotional resonance. His compositions, including a soulful track sung by Yuvan Shankar Raja, are memorable and fitting. The songs, especially those rooted in classical aesthetics, complement the story beautifully. Thota Tharani's art direction deserves a special mention — his visuals add texture and depth, making the world of Shashtipoorthi feel authentic and vibrant. The production design and visual tone are subtle yet effective. Analysis: Shashtipoorthi is a rare gem — a clean, message-oriented family film that avoids unnecessary commercial gimmicks. It celebrates the essence of relationships and traditions without veering into melodrama. The cast and crew should be appreciated for their sincere storytelling and performances. In an era of spectacle-driven cinema, Shashtipoorthi serves as a reminder that genuine emotions, strong performances, and meaningful storytelling can still strike a chord. A must-watch for those who cherish rooted, heartfelt cinema. Rating: 3/5
