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Indian Express
an hour ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Vivek Soni on Aap Jaisa Koi: ‘Any story told through the personal lens will touch people's heart'
Exuding old-school charm, the upcoming 'Aap Jaisa Koi' is a modern love story in which 'a buttoned-up older man falls for a feisty young woman'. Directed by Vivek Soni, it follows the story of Shrirenu (R Madhavan), a reserved Sanskrit teacher, and Madhu (Fatima Sana Shaikh), a spirited French instructor as they navigate layered family ties. The film produced by Dharmatic Entertainment will premiere on Netflix on July 11. Soni, who has earlier helmed 'Meenakshi Sundareshwar' (2021), featuring Sanya Malhotra and Abhimanyu Dassani, and is set to direct Ananya Panday's 'Chand Mera Dil', talks about directing R Madhavan and his creative process. Excerpts: Tell us about your journey from making social drama 'Bawdi' (2012) to directing a rom-com feature. I made 'Bawdi', a short film, as part of my film direction course from Whistling Woods International. I co-wrote 'Meenakshi Sundareshwar' with my friend Aarsh Vora. We developed it with Dharma and later Netflix came on board. In the case of 'Aap Jaisa Koi', Netflix approached Dharma with the story that's written by Radhika Anand and Jehan Handa. When they shared it with me, it was a 10-page-long story; I loved it. Both my feature films are love stories at heart and speak about different aspects of life. R Madhavan returns as a romantic hero after a gap. How did he come on board? After we finished writing the screenplay, we approached him and he liked the story. He is an actor who balances warmth and nuance in his performance. He also fits into the age bracket of the character — above 40. Have you done the de-aging for him? No. He just shaved his beard. Did you do any workshops for Madhavan and Fatima? We did readings together. I follow the process of meeting the actors individually first, going through the script, scenes and character graph. I did that separately with Maddy Sir and Fatima. Then we sat together and went over the script and details. It might come across as a cliché but the entire 36-day shoot with them was memorable. Your films 'Meenakshi Sundareshwar' and 'Love Storiyaan's Love on Air' (2024) episode, as well as 'Aap Jaisa Koi' are set in different parts of the country. The location is one of the most crucial aspects of the story. Before starting any project, I take into account the kind of landscape I am getting to explore through the story. This determines the costumes, sounds and visuals. With 'Meenakshi Sundareshwar', I explored Tamil Nadu. When I did 'Love Storiyaan', I got a chance to shoot in Meghalaya. For 'Aap Jaisa Koi', I wanted to explore Kolkata. Do you think romance as a genre lacks freshness today? There are good romantic stories told in Malayalam and Tamil cinema. When people go to a theatre, they want a spectacle. It is also about what's being consumed. However, I believe any story that's told through a personal lens is going to touch people's hearts. What are the things on top of your mind while you are writing or developing a project? One thumb rule is to give it a personal touch. For example, if it's the scene of a man proposing to a woman, the act should not come across as generic. Their individuality should reflect in that scene. From growing up in Rajasthan to making films in Mumbai, how did you make that journey? I'm from Rajasthan's Bhilwara. After I finished my schooling there, I lived in Kota to prepare for engineering. From 2004 to 2008, I studied at Hyderabad's ICFAI Foundation for Higher Education. After that I moved to Mumbai and worked in advertising. Later, I joined Whistling Woods International to study direction for two years. Are you inspired by any particular filmmakers? Since my childhood I have been a movie-buff. While preparing for this film, I revisited the works of filmmakers such as Satyajit Ray, Rituparno Ghosh, Aki Kaurismäki, Wes Anderson, Billy Wilder, Wong Kar-wai and Paul Thomas Anderson. It was an intuitive decision.
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Business Standard
4 hours ago
- Health
- Business Standard
International Yoga Day 2025 essays for students in 100, 200, and 300 words
International Yoga Day is celebrated annually on June 21 to raise awareness about the physical, mental, and spiritual benefits of practising yoga. Established by the United Nations in 2015 after India's proposal, the day is marked by widespread yoga events in schools, offices, and public areas. To encourage student participation and understanding, many schools conduct essay writing competitions. Here are some helpful ideas and sample content to support students in preparing for Yoga Day 2025. International Yoga Day essay for students in 100 words International Yoga Day is celebrated every year on June 21 to spread awareness about the benefits of yoga. Yoga is an ancient Indian practice that promotes physical, mental, and spiritual well-being. It includes exercises, breathing techniques, and meditation that help reduce stress, improve flexibility, and boost overall health. The United Nations declared June 21 as International Yoga Day in 2015, following a proposal by India. Since then, people across the world have taken part in mass yoga sessions in schools, parks, and public spaces. Yoga helps people of all ages maintain balance in life. It encourages discipline, peace of mind, and a healthy lifestyle. Schools often conduct essay competitions, workshops, and demonstrations to celebrate this day. International Yoga Day is not just an event—it's a reminder of the importance of health and harmony in our fast-paced lives. International Yoga Day 2025 essay for students in 200 words International Yoga Day is observed on June 21 each year to raise awareness about the many benefits of yoga. Yoga, which originated in India over 5,000 years ago, is much more than just physical exercise. It is a combination of physical postures, breathing techniques, and meditation that helps promote inner peace and well-being. The idea of celebrating a day dedicated to yoga was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 at the United Nations. The proposal was supported by over 170 countries, and the first International Yoga Day was celebrated on June 21, 2015. This day is celebrated across the globe with mass yoga events held in schools, parks, community centres, and offices. It promotes the message of unity, health, and inner peace. Many educational institutions hold yoga workshops, essay writing, and poster-making competitions to engage students. Yoga is especially relevant in today's world, where stress and lifestyle diseases are on the rise. Regular yoga practice improves flexibility, concentration, and immunity, while also calming the mind. International Yoga Day reminds us to take care of our body and mind through this time-tested practice. It inspires people to adopt a healthier and more peaceful way of life. International Yoga Day 2025 essay for students in 300 words International Yoga Day is observed every year on June 21 to celebrate and promote the ancient Indian practice of yoga. The word yoga is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Yuj', which means to unite—symbolising the union of the body, mind, and spirit. Yoga is not only a physical exercise but also a way of life that encourages discipline, mindfulness, and inner peace. The idea of a global Yoga Day was proposed by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2014 at the United Nations General Assembly. His suggestion received overwhelming support, and the UN officially declared June 21 as International Yoga Day. The date was chosen because it is the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere, symbolising light and energy. Since its first celebration in 2015, International Yoga Day has grown into a global movement. People from all walks of life participate in yoga sessions held in parks, community halls, offices, and schools. Governments and organisations across the world promote the practice through demonstrations, seminars, and wellness programs. Yoga offers a wide range of benefits. Physically, it improves flexibility, strength, and posture. Mentally, it reduces stress, anxiety, and fatigue, while enhancing focus and emotional stability. It is a holistic approach to health that requires no special equipment and can be practised by people of all ages. In schools, the day is often marked by yoga demonstrations, essay writing, and art competitions to help students understand its significance. It also inspires them to incorporate yoga into their daily routines for better concentration, calmness, and confidence. International Yoga Day is more than just a celebration; it is a reminder of the importance of balance, harmony, and well-being in our fast-paced lives. By embracing yoga, we take a meaningful step toward a healthier, more peaceful world.
India Today
6 hours ago
- India Today
29-year-old dies after tree fall in Bengaluru, Eshwar Khandre orders safety drive
Karnataka Forest Minister Eshwar Khandre has directed officials to launch an urgent campaign to identify and trim dangerous trees across the state. This comes as heavy rain and wind toppled trees and branches across Bengaluru, leading to injuries and at a tree protection event near Bengaluru Cantonment, where he helped remove concrete encroachments around roadside trees, the minister said, 'Tree roots are weakening due to slabs, tiles and cement being placed around them. This has to stop.'advertisementKhandre reiterated that all urban local bodies, highway authorities, horticulture department and social forestry divisions must act immediately to remove concrete and asphalt around trees, as already directed in a government order. Khandre also expressed sorrow over the recent death of 29-year-old Akshay Shivaram, who suffered fatal skull injuries after a tree branch fell on him while riding a an HR executive who had been battling for life after a tree branch fell on his head on June 15 while he was riding his scooter, died on Thursday, police officials confirmed. The incident occurred near Brahma Chaitanya Temple in Hanumanthnagar, in South had suffered severe injuries to his skull and brain and was admitted to a private hospital in Jayanagar. He had slipped into a coma shortly after. 'We were informed of the death at about 1 pm,' said a Jayanagar police month, in a similar accident, a man died and another was seriously injured after a tree fell on them while they were riding a bike in Bengaluru's Koramangala area on May 21. The incident occurred at around 2.45 pm, during a spell of strong said Tree Authority meetings must be conducted regularly, and vulnerable trees should be identified and attended to without say many trees are hollow or have shallow roots due to years of improper planting practices and water blockage. The National Green Tribunal has also ruled that concrete around tree trunks must be forward, the minister said, at least a one-metre radius of soil must be left open around every tree planted along the roadside to ensure root access to the increasing tendency to remove trees in the name of cleanliness or aesthetics, Khandre said: 'Everyone needs oxygen, but not everyone wants a tree in front of their house.' He urged the public not to cut trees illegally or pave over their ended with a Sanskrit quote: Vriksho Rakshati Rakshitah – 'The one who protects trees is protected by them.'ENCROACHMENTS WORTH RS 4,000 CRORE CLEAREDThe Minister also revealed that of the 2,041 acres of forest land encroached in Bengaluru Urban district, 128 acres, worth nearly Rs 4,000 crore, have been recovered over the past two years. He personally inspected the pruning and clearance work being undertaken across the called a Garden City, Bengaluru must reclaim its green legacy, he said, calling for collective action to protect the city's rapidly shrinking tree cover. IN THIS STORY#Karnataka#Bengaluru
NDTV
6 hours ago
- Health
- NDTV
International Yoga Day 2025: Date, Theme, History, Significance, And More
International Day of Yoga 2025: The International Day of Yoga is observed on June 21 every year to celebrate the ancient Indian practice, known to elevate the physical and mental well-being of its practitioners. The word 'yoga', derived from Sanskrit, means to join or to unite, symbolising the union of body and consciousness. The International Day of Yoga aims to raise awareness of the many benefits of practising yoga. History of International Yoga Day The idea for International Yoga Day was proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the opening address of the 69th session of the UN General Assembly on September 27, 2014. "Yoga is an invaluable gift from our ancient tradition. Yoga embodies unity of mind and body, thought and action -- a holistic approach [that] is valuable to our health and our well-being. Yoga is not just about exercise; it is a way to discover the sense of oneness with yourself, the world and the nature," PM Modi said in his address at the time. Subsequently, on December 11, 2014, the UN proclaimed June 21 as the International Day of Yoga by resolution 69/131, with a record 175 member states endorsing it. Why was June 21 picked for International Yoga Day? June 21 was picked for International Yoga Day as it is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. This day represents a symbolic harmony between nature and human wellness and is important in many cultures. International Yoga Day Theme 2025 International Day of Yoga is being observed for the 11th consecutive time, with this year's theme being "Yoga for One Earth, One Health". The theme emphasises that personal wellness and planetary health are inseparably linked. "In caring for ourselves, we begin to care for the Earth, reflecting the enduring Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam -- the world is one family," the UN said in a press release. International Day of Yoga celebrations A grand International Yoga Day event is being organised at the UN headquarters (UNHQ) in New York by the Permanent Mission of India to the UN in collaboration with the UN Secretariat. The event will take place in the North Lawn Area of the building between 5 to 6:30 PM (EDT). In India, PM Modi will be leading the International Yoga Day celebrations in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where approximately three to five lakh people are expected to perform yoga simultaneously along a 26-kilometre stretch from RK Beach to Bhogapuram. The event is being billed as one of the world's largest yoga gatherings. Significance of Yoga Yoga is much more than a physical activity. It involves self-awareness, meditation, breath work and chanting. Performing yoga asanas is beneficial to your overall well-being. Raises Awareness: T he most prominent aspect is raising global awareness about yoga. International Yoga Day puts a spotlight on this ancient practice, encouraging people to explore its potential for improving their lives. Celebrates Benefits: T he day celebrates the numerous benefits of yoga for both physical and mental well-being. This includes promoting yoga for stress management, flexibility, strength, and overall health. Unites the World: International Yoga Day fosters a sense of global unity and cultural exchange. People from all backgrounds and nationalities come together to celebrate yoga, creating a sense of community around this shared practice.
Indian Express
9 hours ago
- General
- Indian Express
CBSE's mother tongue push leaves private schools in a bind — Kendriya Vidyalayas may show the way forward
A recent CBSE circular directing schools to introduce mother tongue instruction in primary classes has left institutions in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai — which serve mobile, multilingual populations — in a bind. But a proposal under consideration for Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs), run by the Centre, may offer a way forward, officials told The Indian Express. In a circular issued to all its affiliated schools last month, the CBSE asked them to map students' mother tongues and stated that, from pre-primary to Class 2, teaching should be in the child's mother tongue or a familiar regional language. It also directed schools to realign their curriculum and teaching materials by the end of the summer break, with implementation to begin in July. Over 30,000 schools are affiliated with the CBSE. Kendriya Vidyalayas or KVs — 1,256 centrally run schools with around 13.56 lakh students — are also affiliated with the CBSE and primarily serve children of central government employees who are frequently transferred, including defence personnel and public sector employees. As a result, these schools have students from a wide range of linguistic backgrounds, a CBSE official pointed out. To implement the directive, the KVs are considering splitting classes into different sections based on the medium of instruction. For instance, in a KV located in Maharashtra, where Hindi and Marathi are the predominant languages, teaching could be conducted in separate sections according to language preference. Currently, the medium of instruction in KVs is bilingual — Hindi and English. In addition, English and Hindi are taught as subjects in the primary classes, while Hindi, English, and Sanskrit are subjects from Classes 6 to 8. This means that the sanctioned posts for language teachers in KVs are for Hindi, English, and Sanskrit. To enable teaching in the mother tongue, teachers will need to be allocated based on the findings of the language mapping exercise. A senior official in the Ministry of Education said that KVs already have a provision to arrange instruction in the regional language or mother tongue if at least 15 students in a class opt for it. Acknowledging that implementation may be particularly challenging in schools outside predominantly Hindi-speaking regions, a senior official in the Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan (KVS) said the first step would be to conduct a language mapping exercise and seek parental consent. Depending on requirements, contractual teachers may be appointed. In schools with multiple sections, it may be possible to offer instruction in one language in one section and a different language in another, the official said. CBSE officials noted that 200–300 schools, especially in metropolitan areas like Delhi and Mumbai, are likely to face difficulties due to the presence of multiple languages in a single classroom. In such cases, schools may have to divide students into sections based on language preference. Schools may also opt to teach in the local or regional language, the official added. At the primary level, students in Classes 1 and 2 are taught two languages and mathematics. With the new circular in place, mathematics will also need to be taught in the mother tongue or a familiar regional language. 'The schools will have to develop a system that works for them. We've told them that if they need more time, they can formulate a strategy and inform us,' the official said. The circular also acknowledged that some schools may need more time to transition and stated that additional time would be provided to ensure adequate resources, appropriate teacher deployment, and curriculum adjustments. For Classes 3 to 5, the circular stated that students may continue to learn in their mother tongue or a familiar regional language (R1), or be offered the option to study in a different medium (R2). In effect, this means that schools may begin English-medium instruction from Class 3 onwards, a CBSE official confirmed. The CBSE's push for mother tongue instruction aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the National Curriculum Framework for School Education (NCFSE) 2023, both of which recommend the use of the home language as the primary medium of instruction until at least the age of 8. The NCFSE states: 'Since children learn concepts most rapidly and deeply in their home language, the primary medium of instruction would optimally be the child's home language/ mother tongue/ familiar language.'
