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“Avoid short-cuts, don’t compromise and degrade your art”

By
Web Team
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Dr Uma Rele, Uma Rele, Uma Rele Interview, Afternoon voice interviewDr. Uma Rele is a renowned exponent of Bharatanatyam and a dance educationist who is heading the prestigious Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya. Being an exceptionally well-trained, highly qualified dancer, proficient performer, and an excellent theoretician, Dr. Rele talks about the significance of dance education in India, her journey, and the challenges of the classical dancers today in an exclusive chat with Editor-in-Chief Dr. Vaidehi Taman.

What is the similarity between You, your senior generation Dancer Kanak Rele, and your next Generation Vaidehi Lal?

The similarity between three of us is the love for dance, tradition, culture and of course taking up the responsibility of propagation and dissemination of Dance Academics through Nalanda.

 What has motivated you to be a Dancer?

I have always been intrigued by Bharatanatyam — its beauty, its nuances, the way it communicates without speaking a word, and its expressiveness. I always wanted to learn it as a serious study which brought me to Nalanda where I did my Graduation, Post-Graduation, and Ph.D. in Dance.

 How would you analyse your growth as a Learner of dance to a Teacher to the position of a Principal?

I am still a learner and will remain till the last breath but yes the thirst of learning and understanding has increased more the moment I started teaching. As the concepts of the world of Dance became clearer, like a diver, who dives deeper and deeper in the ocean to find treasures, I feel I go through the similar experiences every day and every moment as a teacher.

The interest of philosophical, aesthetic, and theoretical aspects of dance helped me to strengthen my “content” aspect of my dance “form”.

As the Principal of Nalanda, my responsibilities have increased to carry on the mantle of Dance Education and Academics at the University level established by my mentor and mother-in-law Padma Bhushan Dr. (Smt.) Kanak Rele. I also feel that today students of Nalanda should be able to multi-task in the field of Dance and in Nalanda, we must equip them well to sustain themselves in the outside world.

Tell us something about Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya.

Nalanda Dance Research Centre’s Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya is a college of Indian Classical Dance permanently affiliated to the University of Mumbai awarding Degrees of Bachelors, Masters, and Ph.D. in Dance. Bachelors degree in Bharatanatyam and Mohiniyattam and Masters degree in Bharatanatyam, Mohiniyattam, and Kathak. We have Part-Time Courses of Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma in Kathak of one-year duration each. This year we have commenced with Certificate, Diploma, and Advanced Diploma in Odissi. We also have Certificate Courses in Folk dances of Maharashtra and Gujarat. These all are under the umbrella of the University of Mumbai.

It is extremely important to have classical dance education. The dance was always a part of our education system but when we speak about taking up dance as a profession, be it classical, folk or western, it is pertinent to understand the various allied arts and relevant theoretical aspects too. Today, when people have started learning Dance through YouTube, etc. and performing without understanding the depths of the Shastras, the paucity of creativity and dancing at the surface level is revealed clearly while performing.

 What are the challenges these days for classical dancers?

Challenges for the classical dancers these days are to learn, practise, and perform a classical dance in its pristine purity. The lifestyle today has changed and we have less exposure towards our mythology which is the core of Indian Classical Dance; so, every time while teaching dance, one has to be aware to give the kids lessons on the basics of the Indian tradition, mythology, and allied concepts.

 What are your biggest achievements?

Biggest Achievement is yet to come in my life. However, I am trying to become a role model in every aspect of mine – Dancer, Teacher, and Researcher are my aims besides being an ideal family person.

How important is classical dance education in India?

Classical Dance Education is extremely pertinent in today’s scenario. Without understanding the Shastras and the allied subjects, it is impossible to become a performer, teacher/choreographer, and researchers. Shortcuts and hob-nobbing from one guru to another without loyalty has become very common. YouTube can also teach an item so you can only learn superficially and that cannot sustain you for a longer time. Dance Education gives a stronger base to you and your art.

Why Classical dance is less preferred to contemporary dance form? Is it complicated to understand or difficult to learn?

I genuinely do not feel that classical dance is less preferred. I have come across many organisers and collaborated with various contemporary dancers and all those times my personal experiences have been very inclusive and memorable. I have been given utmost respect and love and a warm welcome as a classical Dancer. So far as I am concerned, classical dance is always preferred and given its due as and where it fits the frame of the events.

Classical dance is both complicated to understand and difficult to learn; hence, we call it a ‘Sadhana’ and compare it to doing ‘Tapascharya’. As an artist, while performing or even as an audience, one needs to be a true ‘Rasika’ to appreciate Indian Classical Dance. When we perform, we believe in elevating our audience to the right level so that they understand the philosophies and connect with us, this is done through having an introduction of each piece where we give a detailed explanation of our performance to our audience.

Which role of yours is most difficult – Dancer, Dance Teacher or Researcher?

They are all intertwining roles and continuous too. However, being a Dance Teacher is the biggest responsibility and to generate interest in Dance, Dance Education and motivating and inspiring a student to reach a research-level is a continuous process. All these add to your aspect of research and your knowledge.

 What is that one quality of Dr. Kanak Rele Ji that you want to be in you?

I would like to inculcate the unflinching devotion and dedication to Dance, determination and many more other qualities of Kanak Rele Ji (Mummy).

What is that one quality of yours that you want your next generation Vaidehi to adopt from you?

Actually, Vaidehi has been imbued with many qualities like sincerity, dedication, hard work, intelligence, deliberation, etc. So, I think she should continue with the same and may God bless her with all the choicest of blessings to carry the Parampara ahead.

Tell us something about your journey as a mother to the teacher, in your daughter’s life, and dancer to daughter-in-law in Kanak Ji’s life.

Mother to teacher: I feel one becomes more critical when she starts teaching her own child. The expectation from your own child is always more, so, I feel there have been times when I have been stricter with her. Since she is the elder one, I think too much was expected from her both in dance and in studies.

Student to daughter-in-law: I consciously avoid this transition even today. I always say to everyone that I have been Kanak Ji’s student first and last. But, frankly, my relationship as a daughter-in-law is more in the house. Also, I proudly say that it’s the Guru-Shishya Parampara continued or re-defined where I stay and have become a family member like any student in Guru’s Ashrama. So, my transition has been from a student to daughter- in- law. However, a student always remains a student.

How do you evaluate yourself as an independent individual?

Yes, I have been a very independent person as an individual. My husband Rahul has been very supportive and understanding. He has always given unswerving support to my decisions. My full family has been absolutely supportive and have been a strong backbone. In fact, my decision to continue my studies till Ph.D. in Dance was encouraged by the family including my children Vaidehi and Nikunj.

Even the decisions for the additional Dance courses in Nalanda have been always supported by University, Colleagues, and Family.

Independent decisions have been respected and supported by everyone including my son-in-law Mehul who gave my personality a new boost as a dancer by making me a fit and healthy human being. Coming back on stage and strengthening my confidence have added much colour to my individuality.

Other than dance what another thing you wanted to peruse?

I love to sing, in fact, there was a time in my life where I had to choose between professional singing and professional dancing and I chose the latter. I have learnt classical vocal as a youngster for a few years. Music, especially singing, has been contributed to me from my parents, especially the mother’s side. My father and mother always wanted me to pursue singing. Maybe soon I will start with that.

Any inclination to join politics in future?

I did my Graduation (Bachelors) in Economics and Political Science. So, I was always attracted to Political Science as a subject but joining politics looks to be a far-fetched idea in the current scenario in my life.

If given a chance, what would be your suggestion to the government towards making Dance a curriculum in school education?

Today, Dance has been engulfed in the school curriculum is certain boards. The students of Nalanda do visit some selected government schools to teach dance and cultivate an interest in dance in the young minds. Dance, especially the Classical form, increases concentration, memory, understanding, and discipline!

What is your message to all aspirating dancers? 

Please work hard with full dedication towards your art form. Be loyal to your Guru and do not take short cuts in your profession. Do not compromise and degrade your art and know it thoroughly in all its effulgence and carry it ahead towards the younger generation.

Evolution from print to digital has been excellent in India: Vicky Nanjappa

By
Web Team
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Vicky Nanjappa,vicky,nanjappaHow do you see the media evolving in India?

The media has evolved exceptionally fast in India. It is quite commendable how the country has adopted various types of news mediums, which also includes social media. In short, the evolution from print to digital has been excellent in India.

What is your take on the mushrooming publications and TV channels?

This is an area of concern. Every second day, a new portal or television channel is being launched. With the news flow increasing on social media, I feel that it has become overkill. I wish there were some regulations on this front, so that the readers and viewers could make an informed choice.

What according to you is the narrative of the fourth estate?

The narrative has not exactly been what one would have hoped for. It has all become about taking sides today. The compulsions are very high considering the economics of the business as well. Every media needs advertisements to survive and hence they are left with no option but to take sides. The fact that those in politics are investing in news mediums has also changed the narrative for the worse.

As a responsible citizen of this country, if given a chance, what corrections you want to make in today’s journalism?

I would like to hit the rewind button taking the media back to what it was 20 years ago. Hard-hitting investigative journalism should make its return, where reporters along with their editors spent hours sometimes even days to plan and then break a major story. Today, it is a breaking news era and that has killed journalism to a large extent. There is no time to plan a story. I wish the focus gets back to a big story or expose rather than work the entire day on breaking news alone.

There’s an uproar that democracy is in danger. What is your take on this?

That depends. That a narrative set by a few who would not agree with the views of the ruling dispensation. There was a similar debate during the days of the Emergency. Similar discussions had cropped up when judges in the Supreme Court had been superseded. In this context, I would like to bring your attention to the press conference by the judges of the Supreme Court. They argued that the CJI was allowing cases at will. The press conference too tried to state that democracy was in danger. Has anything changed in the Supreme Court? CJI continues to be the master of the roster. Inquiries are heard ex-parte and findings are concealed. However, there is one thing I would like to add here. No matter what anyone says, democracy will never be broken in this country.

What’s your message to our readers?

You are lucky to be reading Afternoon Voice. You are lucky that you still read in-depth, good stories in print. Cherish it.

How do you want us to improve as a Parallel media after 10 years of the successful journey?

My advice would be more visibility on social media. Expand to neighbouring states. More importantly, continue with all the good work you have been doing.

‘Unbiased’ Journalism can’t expire

By
Vaidehi Taman
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August 8 is here and Afternoon Voice completes its 11 years. This was a very long period of struggle to keep this paper and media house alive. My team is always limited; if one comes in, we train them in every aspect of media and once they learn and leave, we again hire and train newcomers until they learn and decide to leave for better prospects. I am very proud to say that we have mentored many journalists and copy editors those are today in every segment of the mainstream media. Be it NDTV, or be it TOI or Republic TV.

All my team members have excelled in all the spheres of media. This is the only media house that never worked on barriers. From college dropouts to strugglers and degree-holders, everyone was given the equal opportunity to explore, empower, and learn. Today, when I look back at the 11 long years of the journey, I see hundreds of Youngsters getting trained here and resuming in big media houses. I see this as a fulfillment.

The story of Afternoon Voice started with a rebel who was challenged in Afternoon Despatch and Courier to get another job in the media industry if she leaves the publication on her own will. Today, that newspaper is dispatched to an unknown address; it succumbed to the circumstances and shut down. Now, I can say, there is only one Afternoon in the market and that is We the ‘Afternoon Voice”.

We are a very small group but our mission is big. We want to fight the odds and the evils in the fourth estate and strengthen the democracy. We don’t follow any ideology or political party and we just follow the Correct News. Most of the time, many do not like us because we attack the wrong and appreciate the right of everyone in the power corridors while making them accountable with constructive criticism.

These days media is abused, they are alleged with numerous adjectives. Their credibility has declined. I don’t blame anyone for this, neither the media nor the people of this country. The journalists abide by the accountability before the society in general, before the law, and before the professional connotation.

Even the readers and the citizens of this country need to introspect about the double standards that they carry. Everyone wants a journalist to be honest and unbiased. The question is that, do we really respect the neutral reporters, newspapers, and broadcasters? Ask me what the pain of being Impartial is. They are attacked from all the sides and on the other hand, for not taking one particular stand, no one stands by them. This happens to me. I criticise and praise every political party. Whenever I write something against Congress, I am labeled as a BJP supporter and if I write against Prime Minister Modi, I am branded as the Congress paid media or an AAP supporter. People want clean journalism but they don’t really like neutral journalists because they are not always what they expect to be. They speak their mind being unbiased but that is harsh and not easy to digest.

Today journalism is in the custody of corporate houses, mafia, and politicians. If the media goes in wasted people’s hand, you cannot expect a hundred per cent truthfulness. Their banner power is bigger than the Reporter, Anchor, or the Editor. People don’t want to give priority to the small media groups as their reach is limited.

We avoid making mistakes if at all, we immediately correct them. We are not robots. Expression of emotions is expected. This journey was not easy.

Starting from year one, one of the first problems which we faced was finances. The lack of finances where one lady had to toss the gambling coin in the air with a possibility of either getting it or losing it all and guess what, we had the ‘heads’ and ‘tails’ soon followed.

It was totally a game of guts that we did. A wise once said that if you speak a lie, you need to remember it and be smarter but if you speak the truth, you just have to remember the event and the God stands right next to you for the rest.

I convey my high regards to all my readers who have kept Afternoon Voice strong and high respect to the people who have taken the time out and contributed in our journey, and thanks is a small word for them. We stand up with the pride of being what we are today and will continue carrying on with it. Any hurdles may come but we are committed to being…UNSTOPPABLE!

We have grown year by year. Every time with new challenges and new experiments, we have come here and going ahead is another goal.

My readers played a very crucial role by making this drive fruitful.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

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Shravan begins: Festivities to follow soon

By
C K Subramaniam
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Shravan Festivals,ganpati,ganesh chaturthi,navratri,dassera,dussehra,shravan,pongal,dahi handi,festivalsIndia is a land of festivals. Different parts of the year are marked with various festivals celebrated in equally diverse ways. From the New Year, we welcome festivities and enjoy each and every one of the festivals in a most customary way. In January comes Makara Sankranti which marks the start of the Sun’s northern course, known as the Uttarayana Patha. Termed as Pongal in Tamil Nadu, it is celebrated with a popular dish with the same name. Farmers worship their harvested crops during this festival. In Western India, people exchange jaggery coated sesame seeds, Til-Gul.

Indian Festivals are related to health and wealth. Kite festival is not an exception. Both Makar Sankranti (Uttarayan) and Basant Panchami come in the winter season. Makar Sankranti (Utran) comes on a fixed date of January according to the solar calendar but Basant Panchami is observed according to the lunar calendar. It usually comes in the month of January or February. Sun rays are very good for health in the winter season.

Indian sub-continent is a hot weather country and winter is not very long here. Sun rays are harmful in the summer. Hence, Indian people can take sunbath in winter only. Kite flying is a good way to get direct sun rays.

During February-March, the colourful festival of Holi is celebrated. Bonfires are lit in the evening of the first day. The second day is Rangapanchami when people irrespective caste and creed play colours.

Hence, the biggest celebration of Holi takes place at Mathura.

Shravan month will end by August 22. The series of festivities start from Independence Day. In the month of August, Gokulashtami is also celebrated. At midnight, the birth of Lord Krishna is replicated with pomp and ceremony. The next day is the Dahi Handi celebration when an earthenware pot filled with milk, curd, butter, honey, and fruits are suspended from a height. Young men and boys, called Govindas construct a human pyramid to reach the pot and claim the contents after breaking it.

Currency notes tied to the rope by which the pot is suspended, are distributed among the participants. The act replicates Lord Krishna’s love for milk and butter.

Every year during August or September, the birth of Ganesha is celebrated with the Hindu festival, Ganesh Chathurthi. During this time, participants worship Ganesha idols for 10 days and then immerse them in the sea or in other pools of water. Many of the ingredients to create the Ganesha idols are pollutants, and when millions of these idols are immersed into local seawater, lakes, ponds and wells, the water becomes polluted with toxins and kills marine life, year after year, causing great dame to the underwater ecosystem. Through this festival, Lokmanya Bal Gangadhar Tilak had begun uniting Hindus and educating them about the evils of colonization.

October is the month when Navratri, a festival devoted to the Goddess Durga is celebrated over nine days. Bengali’s celebrate by worshipping Kali. The Dussehra festival mood and the spiritual feeling of Bengal came to the satellite city. Dussehra is being celebrated all over India in different ways. For example, Gujaratis play Garba during the nine-day festival and some of them observe fast as well. South Indians celebrate Navratri in a unique way by placing beautifully decorated dolls at home. The celebration started after Amavasya day and Golu will commence from the next day. In Northern India, the tenth day called Dussehra is celebrated to commemorate the victory of Lord Rama over the demon-king Ravana. Giant effigies of Ravana are publicly burnt and Ramlila is also performed.

A few weeks later is Diwali, the festival of lights. Diwali celebrations start well ahead with people going in for high-level preparations for the festivity. The festival of lights around is the corner and we long to go for an environmentally safe Diwali. The celebrations associated with Diwali are also known to take a toll on the environment, including health risks among various individuals including young children and the senior citizens. It is our earnest desire to ensure that the festival is celebrated with joy yet without causing any substantial damage to the environment. The festival starts with high spirits and Diwali start with Dhanteras. Diwali signifies the victory of divine forces over those of wickedness.

Festivities go on throughout the year but of late we have learned to celebrate most of the festivals in an eco-friendly way and people realise the importance of keeping air pollution-free. Thus we keep maintaining festivities with celebrations but at the same keep things within the certain level and make it more memorable rather than making it miserable.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

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Media should follow people’s narrative: Kanchan Srivastava

By
Web Team
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Kanchan Srivastava, Afternoon voice interview, interview of Kanchan SrivastavaHow do you see the media evolving in India?

Evolution is a continuous process and in the case of Indian media, this process has been rapid so far. Newspapers, Radio, Doordarshan, TV channels, and now digital platforms — media has come a long way in 70 years. The current decade will be defined as the “age of innovation in media” in terms of format and content both. Newspapers are coming up with WhatsApp editions, those who don’t have access to media are conducting video shows and FB lives themselves, Youtube channels and social media have spiced up the media space as never before. Every citizen with a smartphone is a journalist now. Shelf value of the good stories and expose has gone up. Media houses don’t mind following exclusive stories broken by others giving them the due credit. Two-way communications on a digital platform have helped readers to callout journalists and media houses for their flaws, mistakes, and hypocrisy publicly.

What is your take on the mushrooming publications and TV channels?

There are stringent norms for approval of the publications and TV channels. However, they are largely ignored as politicians, government officials and media owners are hands in gloves in looting public money in the name of government advertisements.

What according to you is the narrative of the fourth estate?

Media should follow people’s narrative, not the one set by politicians.

As a responsible citizen of this country, if given a chance, what corrections you want to make in today’s journalism?

Some organisations make money by extortion and blackmail. They get away as they are either supported or owned political parties. To maintain the credibility and neutrality of the fourth pillar of the democracy, all such dubious operators shall be punished. Those who don’t follow the basic principles and ethics of journalism should be ousted from the profession. Most organisations make profits by grabbing government advertisements, subsidised paper, inflating the circulation figures and offering much fewer salaries than the prescribed norms. The balance-sheets of all media houses should be made public.

There’s an uproar that democracy is in danger. What is your take on this?

Major institutions in the country such as CBI, ED, Income Tax, NITI Aayog have been heavily politicised which has dented their credibility to some extent. Some statistical parameters such as calculation of GDP has been changed which is being questioned by the experts. Some data like employment figures have not been released which further raises questions over the intentions of the government. So far, the government has not been able to justify these anomalies. Those who speak out against the government have often found themselves in trouble. Students have been jailed for showing black flags to ruling politicians. Media is largely under pressure or has adopted self-censorship. A democratic system doesn’t work like this.

What’s your message to our readers?

At a time when TV channels and social media are increasingly occupying space, newspapers are still the first choice of all serious readers. It is the same awaken lot which watches the budget speech or a cricket match on TV channels, but look for the newspapers next morning to gather fine details, in-depth knowledge, and anecdotes. Keep reading the newspapers.

How do you want us to improve as a Parallel media after all these years of the successful journey?

Connect with the readers and engage them in as many ways as possible. Ground reporting, coverage of hyperlocal issues, and incorporating readers’ views in major stories can help in this regard.

“I miss old-world charm in present cinema”

By
Web Team
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Rati Agnihotri,rati,agnihotri

Renowned actress Rati Agnihotri was born in Uttar Pradesh’s Bareilly in a conservative Punjabi family. She acted in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, and Kannada films and has many successful and glaring pieces of work in her kitty. In a conversation with the Editor-in-Chief, Dr. Vaidehi Taman, Agnihotri, known as one of the ‘glamorous moms in films’, beautifully illustrated her 41-year-old journey in the industry. She said that the change in the film industry is natural but sometimes the old world charm of films seems missing in the present-day cinema.

How did you decide to act in films?

Well, I did not decide to work in films. It just happened by a fluke. I was handling a play in the annual day function in the school and Tamil director Bharathiraja was sitting in the audience. He was planning to cast his first film. He saw my performance. He called my dad and he went furious at this. I managed to convince my dad for working in films.

At such a young age, you became the heart-throb of Indian youth. How did you handle that fame?

Well, I have been fortunate enough for such recognition and adulation. It was a surreal feeling. I remember the first time I went to the theatre. In those days, there was a box to sit and privately watch the play. There were shouting, clapping, and rejoicing. I clearly remember that my first shot was about youth having some flaw. I felt I was walking in the clouds. My parents were completely grounded. They taught me ‘Do your job, do your hundred per cent. Everything else will come and go but your work will be appreciated’.

Tell us about your journey from films to stage and now as a business entrepreneur.

Well, since I entered the film industry early in life, the journey still goes on. In between, I tried stage which is the true test of an actor as you have your audience right there in front of you. After that, I took a shift to do something constructive. I worked with my sister. It was another phase of my life. I always love serving good food in an elegant way at home. That is another extension of my personality.

How did you cope up with life when it was in turbulence?

Life is beautiful, life is tough, and life is strange. Life is joy, life is happiness, and Life is a mix-box of chocolates.

What has changed in the film Industry now as compared to then?

Change in the film industry — change is constant, change is appreciated, and change is always welcome. Sometimes, I do miss the old-world charm of films in our present-day cinema. Yet we do make silly films. Sometimes I just feel a little style is missing.

Have you ever wanted to be the producer or director of the films?

Not at all! No director, no producer, just acting in front of the camera. I love my space. That’s where I belong that’s where I always will be.

Thirty-seven to thirty-eight years in cinema feels like a lifetime but still, I feel it just started. I guess that’s my passion for work, my passion for the industry and I will keep going on. I am open to scripts when I am in the country if it fits my time span.

Tell us about your 38 years journey in the film industry. Why did you choose to stay away from Mumbai and travel the most?

Yes, well, I have always been in Mumbai. My son is a young man now and he has his own life. He doesn’t need me around all the time. And, I wanted and loved to do certain things that I have done throughout my life and I am doing now

What is your plan for the future?

I live for the now, in the present. We live today. Tomorrow is another day. Live for today, live to its fullest. Enjoy life, be happy, stay blessed, and stay healthy. That is the motto of my life.

What is your message to our readers?

I take this opportunity to thank everybody for watching my work for all these years. Thank you, everyone, who has always motivated me to go on, do different work, make my own path, and stick by my beliefs. Thank you for appreciating all I have done. You’ll have been the backbone of my work in the industry for last so many years. Stay blessed.

Ravish Kumar changing syntax of present media

By
Vaidehi Taman
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Ravish Kumar,Ravish,Kumar,NDTV,journalist,anchor,magsaysay award,award

Recently, senior journalist Ravish Kumar was awarded this year’s Ramon Magsaysay Award, which is regarded as Asia’s Nobel Prize. Ravish Kumar, who has become the voice of people, is among five individuals who were declared winners of the award, which is Asia’s highest honour and celebrates greatness of spirit and transformative leadership in Asia. He is the sixth journalist who won this award. Earlier, Amitabh Chaudhary (1961), BG Verghese (1975), Arun Shourie (1982), RK Lakshman (1984) and P. Sainath (2007), had received this award. Ravish Kumar (44), born in Jitwarpur village in Bihar, joined New Delhi Television Network (NDTV) in 1996 and worked his way up from being a field reporter. After NDTV launched its 24-hour Hindi-language news channel – NDTV India – targeting the country’s around 57 crore native speakers of Hindi, he was given his own daily show, “Prime Time.”  Ravish Kumar’s “Prime Time” programme “deals with real-life, under-reported problems of ordinary people”.

Three years back, I met Ravish Kumar in Ghaziabad, with one of my writer friend who gave me this surprise. We were casually discussing about the book “Ishq Mein Shahar Hona” authored by Ravish Kumar himself. The book is about the unification of different romances that goes on in every corner of the busy Delhi. After reading this book, you will entirely see the different picture of the national capital. Very emotional yet gives space for reasoning, and that is what Ravish Kumar is all about. He compels people to think, to react and to change monotonous perceptions. I am his one of the greatest fans, read his posts religiously, and never miss his anchored show ‘Prime Time’. The ease that he deals with every subject fascinates me the most.

On that day, my friend said, “We are meeting Ravish Kumar”, believe me my happiness knew no boundaries. I dressed well, covered all my tattoos, tried to be decent and matured. We were supposed to meet him at a mall. When we reached the spot what I saw, a casual man in casual outfits and in simple slippers, a book in hand which was supposed to be reviewed by him, no attitude, behaving just like you and me. He gave us quality time. We spoke on various subjects from politics to a social crime. I had so many pre-set notions about him but overwhelmed to see a brutally honest person with unbiased approach to every aspect. He had volumes to talk good about Narendra Modi at the same time he had his own observations about Sangh – BJP and other political parties. He holds no bias or pre-conception for anyone. Rather, I being little out spoken and criticised many politicians and parties, but he was silently listening to me. He was trying to understand my anger. I was expressing my anguish as a journalist but he was giving ear and strength to my words. I wonder from where, he gathers so much of patience.

I posted a photo with him on Twitter and on Facebook, traumatised to read remarks by some followers. Comments like “Does he chew gutka?” Did he ask you your caste before meeting? Many people have notion that he is an AAP’s supporter, he is caste prejudice. Some even think that he is against the upper caste Hindus, but believe me he is not like that. He is open to every thought, every aspect and every subject that journalists of today need to look at. He is a great thinker yet modest enough to express. He can’t scream or overpower his guests but gives space to people for reasons. Yes, his long pauses and silence bothers because he leaves that vacuum for you to decide. On the other hand, many tweeples expressed their love for him; they all want him to be back on social media. One guy gave special message in Hindi which translates as ‘Ask him to come back on twitter; there is no fun without him. Leaving the haters apart, he has mass following and fans too.

He is one of the rarest journalists those who cover topics concerning to politics and society. Observed mostly for his offbeat approach in explaining the current plight of society, he is one of the few writers who began writing micro fiction stories. He has been praised for conducting interviews and debates in an unbiased and neutral fashion. He had created buzz all over social media through his episode of ‘nationalist v/s anti-nationalist’ saga which is dividing the nation on ideological lines. Ravish did not shy away from slamming prime time news anchors Deepak Chaurasia and Arnab Goswami for blatantly taking the far-right stand. The entire episode was largely a 41-minute monologue, soiled with sound clips of ‘personalities’, organisations and political parties associated with JNU row. These ‘personalities’ also include the TRP drawing faces of ‘9 PM news shows’ and news hours of various channels, where the anchors shout their lungs out to suppress the voices. In such era, Ravish delivered beautiful presentation with facts and figures on JNU saga, no noises, no panelists and no melodrama, just a dark screen and captions with darkest facts. Probably this is the reason the propagandists opened attack on Ravish Kumar. Many politicos avoid going on his show because they feared to get exposed. He is one of the few Hindi news reporters who doesn’t insult the intelligence of his viewers and doesn’t make a tamasha out of the news. One should never miss his first six minutes on Prime Time. Ravish Kumar’s calm presence, hard-hitting stories; changes syntax of present media.

Irony is that, people allege media by giving various adjectives like Bazaroo, bikau, paid media, presstitutes. They pretend to be craving for honest journalists and journalism, however, honest journalists are often attacked because they don’t buy their logics and ideology. There are many ‘hate agents’ promoting biased opinions through their so called media platforms by doing 24/7 bootlicking to one political party, their reporters literally turned to be PR agents. Such hate mongers in media are respected because they have mortgaged their ethics and integrity to leaders and government. They never dare to evaluate government or their ministers. Anyway, let me stop here; the more I will write about bonded journalism the more I would be frustrated.

Coming back to my topic, Ravish Kumar is the best journalist, who chose sensible issues for debate. He does not yell at the top of his voice. You will definitely fall in love with his way of talking. His simplicity and serenity in language will make you his fan. Politeness while conducting debate and sense of humour literally kills. His topics for debates are interesting and at the end, he concludes it very well. He is the one who recently gave message that without any guest, he can carry on debates and provoke the thoughts of viewers. We need more anchors and journalists like him, to fight the odds in the society and in the 4th estate collectively. You hate him or love him, he is unique and most promising media persona but living in this era with honest journalism is the most difficult task.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)

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Devendra Fadnavis : Maharashtra on road of success

By
Moumita Mukherjee
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Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra, Chief Minister, CM Fadnavis, Maharashtra Chief MinisterThe Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis-led Maharashtra government which came into action in 2014 hand in hand with Shiv Sena will be completing its first term soon. While the post of the Chief Minister has always been a power struggle game for both the Shiv Sena and BJP leaders, and there are fresh talks of Yuva Sena chief Aaditya Thackeray being the frontrunner for the post, the incumbent CM has expressed full confidence that he would return for a second term on the top post after the Assembly polls slated for later this year; he also said that his work will speak for him.

“I am the Chief Minister of not just the BJP but also the Shiv Sena, RPI, Rashtriya Samaj Paksh (all allies in the state government). People will decide who will be the next Chief Minister. You need not worry. Our work will speak for us,” Fadnavis told the party workers at a state executive meeting held in Mumbai last month. The CM has also advised people not to fall in the trap of any reported tussle over the CM’s seat.

When Fadnavis took over the helm of the state in 2014, he promised to bring in transparency and accountability in Mumbai’s civic administration and run an efficient and transparent government. His vision for the state to run smoothly included a people-centric government, ‘including a thrust on urban infrastructure, public services and a more robust investment in rural and agrarian sectors’.

The government of the 18th Chief Minister of Maharashtra Fadnavis who is also the second youngest to hold the post in the state after Sharad Pawar promised to prioritise its focus on the quick decision-making and development with thrust on industrialisation, transparency, fiscal prudence, and infrastructure growth. The government has also set in motion various initiatives, and on many occasions, it has balanced them through regional or community specific measures, to avoid political landmines. The achievements of this government are many, but here we would like to highlight a few –

MARATHA RESERVATION

The Maratha community that roughly forms one-third of the state population had the demand for reservation for a long time. The Devendra Fadnavis-led government in Maharashtra had approved 16 per cent reservation for the Marathas in jobs and education in November last year following state-wide protests.

On June 27, the Bombay High Court upheld the decision, but asked the state not to exceed the recommendation of the State Commission for Backward Classes that the reservation be kept at 12 per cent in education and 13 per cent in jobs. A 16 per cent quota for Marathas would take the proportion of reserved seats in the state to 68 per cent. The court said that the 50 per cent ceiling can be breached under exceptional circumstances.

Citing a Gokhale Institute of Economics report that found “40 per cent of total farmers who committed suicide were Marathas”, the court judgement notes, “This report is a reflection of the agrarian crisis in the state and since most of the Marathas are agriculturists, it brings forth the financial distress faced by the community. In the backdrop of the said scenario, the youth of this community is looking towards reservation as a solution to their progress and march towards cities…”

As per an article published on “The Wire”, the Gaikwad commission’s data do indeed paint a dismal economic picture of the Marathas. For instance, the judgement says, “On the basis of data and survey it [Gaikwad Commission] has arrived at the conclusion that 37 per cent families belonging to Marathas are below the poverty line compared to the state rural average of 24.20 per cent.”

A social group caught in the throes of economic crisis does not become socially backward. The article also includes high court judge P.S. Krishnan explaining that there will always be rich and poor people in a community but that can’t become a determinant for declaring it socially backward. He also neither observes that reservation is a tool for removing poverty nor arresting the economic decline of a social group. “Economic decline and agrarian distress can be tackled by a slew of measures appropriate to the agriculture sector, which does not include reservation,” Krishnan was quoted.

Later in July, the state legislature passed a bill bringing down reservation for the Maratha community from 16 per cent to 12 and 13 in education and government jobs respectively. Now, after both the houses of the legislature agreed passing the bill.

JALYUKT SHIVAAR ABHIYAN

In a bid to make Maharashtra a drought-free state by 2019, the Maharashtra government has launched the project “Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyaan” which involves deepening and widening of streams, construction of cement and earthen stop dams, work on nullahs and digging of farm ponds. The mobile app, developed by MRSAC, is being used to map these locations. The mapped location can be monitored through this web page. The user will be able to download the application, view instruction manual and view mapping locations along with photographs. District-wise, taluka-wise, work-wise statistics is also available both in tabular and graphics form. The project aims to make 5,000 villages free of water scarcity every year.

The Government has spent around Rs 7,500 crore in the past few years on this scheme alone. Although the state government did not give details of the Jalyukt Shivar scheme and the locations of the wells and farm ponds that it claimed to have built in the past four years, it has claimed that the scheme has changed the water story of Maharashtra for all time.

After its launch in December 2014 by the CM with an objective to harvest rainwater and enhance groundwater levels, the project reportedly has run into stormy weather for its haphazard and unscientific implementation, undue reliance on machinery, lack of transparency, and public participation. There were also allegations against the government for being implementing the majority of the scheme unscientifically. Many activists have also questioned whether the scheme can be fruitful to recharge groundwater level in the long-term.

Water which is one of the most important resources needed for the existence of living beings is also vital for economic and agricultural development. As nearly 82 per cent area of the state in Rain-fed sector and 50 per cent area is drought prone and its uncertain, insufficient, and irregular rainfall pattern adversely affects agriculture.

Maharashtra is the third largest State in Union of India considering population as well as the area. Nearly 58 per cent of the population lives in the rural area which depends largely on agriculture for their livelihood. The rainfall varies from 400 mm to 6,000 mm. The geographical area of Maharashtra has been divided into 36 districts and 358 Talukas for administrative purposes. The agriculture suffers due to uncertainty of monsoon. Nearly 148 Talukas are drought prone.

According to data, around 13,950 ponds were dug between 2014 and 2016 under the NHM, the JSY and the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana, while nearly 24,700 more were under construction under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in 2016-17. Till date staggering 1.6 lakh odd applications have been received by local authorities under the ‘Magel Tyala Shettale (Farm Pond on Demand scheme)’ ever since Fadnavis launched it in February 2016.

Besides there are also talks around the government for not taking into account the massive amount of work that goes into involving people in carrying out watershed works. While local authorities said that they are aware of the concerns engendered by the indiscriminate digging of farm ponds, they find regulation impossible.

When Afternoon Voice covered a news story on the ground reports of the success of the scheme, Maharashtra Congress spokesperson Atul Londhe attacked the ruling government saying, “Jalyukt Shivar Abhiyan is one faulty plan that fooled people. The scheme failed to take note of soil conservation. Excess use of machinery for the scheme has led to erratic digging that has made the situation worse. Water conservationist Rajendra Singh has also accepted this.”

“We have many times tried to bring this into the notice of the government but it went unheard. When the Prime Minister had announced that the government has managed to save a good quantity of water, he must answer why did the water level go down then? He must also answer where and how the entire allocated fund was used? What happened to the loan-waiver even? The present government is unaware of how to properly govern a state and they do nothing except bluffing,” Londhe casted his doubt.

On the other hand, while denying the rumours around the failure of the scheme, BJP state spokesperson Madhav Bhandari, “One has to understand the nature of water scarcity in Maharashtra and this is in connection with monsoon rainfall quality since ages. This year we have seen a very irregular monsoon i.e. only 60-701 per cent of the state’s average rainfall. The incumbent Maharashtra government has accepted the seriousness of the situation, unlike the previous government who used to declare it enough late. Those who are accusing the government for the delay in declaring a drought, I must say they are only misleading the people.”

MUMBAI-NAGPUR SUPER EXPRESSWAY

Mumbai-Nagpur Super Communication Expressway is termed as dream project of CM Devendra Fadnavis. It is also known as Maharashtra Samruddhi Mahamarg. Total length of this super expressway is 701 km. It will be an 8 lane expressway, connecting Nagpur and Mumbai. The expressway will pass through 10 districts, 26 tehsils, and 390 villages of the state. The cost of this mega project is around Rs 46,000 crores. It required the acquisition of 8,603 hectares of land.

Timeline of Project

May 2016: Consultants appointed for making Detailed Project Report

January 2017: Request for Qualification (RfQ) bids opened for civil works

July 2017: Land acquisition process started

May 2018:   MSRDC opened financial bids submitted by qualified contractors

May 2018:  Maharashtra cabinet gave its official approval for Concession Agreement for the project

June 2018: Lowest bidders identified for thirteen packages, bidding for remaining packages to happen soon

November 2018: 90% land acquisition done. Work to be done in 16 packages, contractors for which are already identified. Work to start in December

December 2018: Prime Minister Narendra Modi performed ground breaking ceremony for the project on 18-December-2018

January 2019: Land acquisition complete, funding secured, expressway to be ready by December 2020, Road construction started

SHIVAJI SEA MEMORIAL

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj is a revered figure in Maharashtra’s politics. Every party tries to take credit of anything related to Shivaji Maharaj.The BJP and the Shiv Sena hope that building Shivaji sea memorial will help them to win the support of the Maratha community. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s upcoming statue in Arabian sea off Mumbai coast will cost Rs 3643.78 crore and construction of the project is expected to complete by 2022-23.

The statue will be located facing Mumbai’s Girgaum Chowpatty beach, 1.5 km away on a manmade island of rocks. The statue will be 126 metres in height, placed on top of an 84 metres high platform, making the total height of the monument 212 metres. Statue was initially planned for 192 metres, however, it was increased to 212 metres as the Fadnavis government wanted to keep the statue as the tallest in the world.

BABASAHEB AMBEDKAR MEMORIAL AT LNDU MILL

According to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial at the Indu Mills compound in Dadar will be completed by 2022.The Statue of Equality or the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Memorial is under-construction and its total height is 137 metre, including the plinth. The Ambedkar’s statue will be the third tallest statue in the world after the Statue of Unity (182 m) and the Spring Temple Buddha (153 m). The foundation stone was laid on October 11, 2015 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The contract for the construction of the statue had been awarded to the Shapoorji Pallonji Group at a cost of Rs. 783 crores. With the construction of this Memorial, CM Fadnavis has tried to target the dalit community of the state.

MUMBAI, PUNE AND NAGPUR METRO TRAINS

Work of Metro lines of 150 kms started in Mumbai.  After its completion, metropolitan region will be decongested. This was pending since the last 8 years. The state government led by CM Fadnavis started metro rail projects in Mumbai, Pune and Nagpur. Similarly, coastal road project initiated with the ‘Bhoomi Poojan’ for the First Phase from Nariman point to Bandra.

LNTERNATIONAL AIRPORT AT NAVI MUMBAI

Mumbai became a WiFi city with over 1200 hotspots. The Maharashtra Information Technology Corporation (MITC) has collaborated with US-based companies like Hewlett Packard and Fortinet for the technical aspects. Work on the Bandra-Virar and CST- Panvel elevated railway corridor, and Mumbai Trans Harbour link also started.  State housing policy announced to affordable housing for all and to set the derailed housing process in the state in motion. Process to set up lnternational airport at Navi Mumbai speeded. Project to set up 10 airports in the state in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities initiated to ensure better connectivity.

MUMBAI-DELHI INDUSTRIAL CORRIDOR

Funds to set up the Mumbai-Delhi industrial corridor allocated. Foreign lnvestment guaranteed for 712 kms Mumbai-Nagpur super expressway which will connect 24 districts of the state and take the development to all these districts. Fadnavis government closed 11 toll nakas in state and extended discounts to light motor vehicles on 52 toll nakas. The government took revolutionary steps to increase agricultural output and provide relief to farmers. 2750 megawatts of power added and load shedding ended. Revolutionary steps were also taken to improve standards of school, higher technical and medical education. Quality facilities extended to minorities and Adivasis to uplift the community. The state government sanctioned 10 SMART Cities in the state. State Tourism policy declared to ensure the state becomes tourist friendly and to focus on infrastructure at tourist spots. The Tourism Policy 2016 designates Tourism as a priority sector since it holds the potential to usher in economic development and generate high employment opportunities in Maharashtra.

OTHER IMPORTANT ACHIEVEMENTS OF FADNAVIS GOVERNMENT

Maharashtra attracted investments to the tune of 15 lakh crores during the Make In India week out of which Maharashtra tops in conversion of investment pledges to reality. Due to steps taken by Fadnavis government, state’s ranking in Ease of Doing Business goes up. The state government has taken steps to initiate Skill Development Centres in all districts to train the youth. The Fadnavis government worked in the direction of ensuring the security of women and people in the capital city of Mumbai.  For this over 5000 CCTV cameras were  installed in Mumbai. At the same time, during Fadnavis tenure, rate of conviction has gone up from 9 per cent to 52 per cent and cyber labs have been set up in all districts of the state. The government made all police stations online. Maharashtra government passed the Right to Services bill and brought 369 services under its ambit.

By Rajesh Choudhry

“Make music a part of your lives”

By
Web Team
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Soma Ghosh,Soma,Ghosh

Dr. Soma Ghosh is the daughter of freedom fighter. She was born and brought up in Benaras and the adopted daughter of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan with whom she had the opportunity to have Jugalbandi duet five times one of which was at the Rashtrapati Bhavan and once at the Parliament of India where she was felicitated by former President of India, Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, Sonia Gandhi, and Jaswant Singh and again in 2010 by former President of India Pratibha Patil. She is also the first women ever to perform in the Parliament of India. Editor-in-Chief Dr. Vaidehi Taman had a conversation with Dr. Soma Ghosh as she threw light on her musical journey.

How did music come your way?

I inherited music from my mother Archana Chakravarty who was a vocalist of Senia Gharana and my first guru. Even while in her womb, I would rest happily if she sang! As a small child, I would play but would run to her lap as soon as she started teaching her students. At the small age of four years, she heard me sing and thereafter started training me. Thus my musical journey started!

Shehnai Samrat Ustad Bismillah Khan Ji was your mentor, any unforgettable memory that you would like to share with us?

Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan was not my “guru” but definitely my mentor. He was like the Goldsmith who cut the raw diamond and presented me to the world. He gave me the wings to fearlessly fly on the musical horizon! So many memories with him; the best I may say is his ‘Manglorie Black Topiee’ that he wore for our first Jugalbandi.

He said, “Duniya Ko Mai Kaise Kahun Ki Hum Kitne Khus Hai…Mera Manglorie Topi, Jo Mai Apni Jawani Mein Pahenta Tha, Kahegi Ki Mai Dil Se Yeh Jugalbandi Kar Raha Hoon”

When he came to the auditorium for the event, he was wearing his usual Gandhi Topi. My heart sank in seeing the White Topi. I bowed and touched his feet to take his blessings before the show.

Tell us about your journey from learning music to getting the title as Gandharva Kokila.

I have learned Hindustani Classical music from four gurus — Archana Chakravarty, Narayan Chakravarty (both of Senia Gharana), Chittaranjan Jyotishi of Gwalior Gharana, and Bageshwari Devi of Banaras Gharana. I met Ustad Bismillah Khan in Mumbai after my marriage and became overnight what I am.

Ustad Bismillah Khan gave me the title of ‘Kashi Kokila’ at the Swarangana Sangeet Sammelan. However, during a concert for the Rotary Club of Bombay, Vipin Reshammiya, the famous musician and also the father of music director Himesh Reshammiya, gave me the title of ‘Gandharva Kokila’ – the name stuck ever since.

Who has influenced you the most in Sangeet Gharanas?

Every Gharana has its strong points. I have got musical depth and flight of imagination from Senia Gharana. I have got emotional rendering in my singing from the Gwalior Gharana and the Banaras Gharana rounded up my entire musical upbringing. I must say that I got the best from all the three Gharanas!

Tell us about your Parampara concerts to help conserve the Indian culture through music. How did you develop this concept?

Naushad Ali, the legendary music director, and Ustad Bismillah Khan were discussing the dire condition of Indian musical instruments, many of which were becoming endangered. Naushad Ali entrusted me with the great responsibility of trying to save these endangered instruments. This started my Parampara series. The then President Honourable Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam strongly supported me in this noble cause and came for the inauguration of my first Parampara festival.

Tell us your voyage with Bhavanjali

After my training had reached a certain level, Guru Pt. Chittaranjan Jyotishi inspired a few of us to start performing before an audience. For this purpose, we formed Bhavanjali, a musical platform for all of us. Our first song and dance drama ran into a financial problem and taught us the importance of marketing. We learned the harsher realities of life. However, thanks to my elder brother Amitabh Chakravarty and our grit, we managed to keep Bhavanjali going for a few years and then I got married and shifted to Mumbai.

You mesmerised your audiences with a pliable voice that enables you to take the Taar Saptak without a falsetto note, how much practise made you so perfect?

Taar Saptak is a very beautiful note that can be achieved only after dedicated practice over the years. My mother and her Guru-Bhai Narayan Chakravarty made me practise this for years.

Why should music be compulsory in every school? Tell us about your huge efforts to make it reach to maximum students.

According to Dr. Kalam, humans will become like animals if there is no music in this world. Music has the biggest ‘de-stressing’ effect on humans and also on animals. Today’s children suffer from stress all the time. Their hectic lifestyle and leaning on fast rhythmic Western music keep them perpetually excited from within, and many such young boys and girls suffer heart attacks. Earlier in our school days, we used to have several extra-curricular activity classes in which we had poetry, song dance, and dramas. Gradually these classes vanished from the curriculum and students were burdened with only heavy studies. This had to change.

I then undertook several performances across Uttar Pradesh through Spickmackay and reached Ragadari singing to the students.

You have launched many music albums, which one is your own favourite and why?

You might have noticed that I have steeped myself in a particular stream of music and then done my recordings. When I was steeped only in Raagdari, I sang in duet with Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan and there are two very popular albums with Times Music. Some beautiful solo renderings of Ragas on HMV and then came to a phase of folk music as I recorded several Thumri, Hori, and Kajari albums.

Naushad Ali had taken a promise from me that I have to sing Ghazals. I took my time and steeped myself in Ghazal Gayeki. As I was recording my first Ghazal album ‘Ishq’, Naushad Ji passed away. I dedicated this tremendously popular album to Naushad Ali.

When can we see you as a playback singer for Bollywood films?

When I was steeped in Indian Classical music, my dear friend Himesh Reshammiya requested me to sing in several of his compositions. My musical state did not permit me to accept them then. However, I sang one song for him then in the film “Kutch Meetha Ho Jaye” which had Thumri rendering in the song.

Apart from music, if given a chance, will you ever join politics?

I will do whatever it takes to make sure that Indian music is saved (preserved and propagated) in its full glory. For that, if I have to join politics – so be it!

What is your plan for the future?

I was entrusted with the huge responsibility by Baba Ustad Bismillah Khan and Naushad Ali of striving to create a “Sangeet Gram” – a Gurukul where the Masters may teach aspiring students to save endangered instruments and Gharana traditions, in all forms, be it instrumental, vocal, dance form or folk music and dance.

What is your message to our readers?

I have a great belief in the therapeutic quality of Indian Classical music. In fact, I did my second Ph.D. in Music on this subject only. My request to the readers is to make music a part of their lives, listen to music whenever they can and stay healthy!!

One memorable incident to share – a Commander of a Submarine of the Indian Navy had a paralytic stroke while on duty. He recovered from it by listening to Raga Bihag duet of me and Baba. He is hale and hearty now and serving the country well.

Leaders mourn Swaraj’s demise

By
Web Team
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sushma swaraj,sushma,swaraj,sushma swaraj passes away,sushma swaraj diedPolitical leaders from various states condoled the death of former external affairs Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday. The veteran leader of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), who breathed her last at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi on Tuesday night following a massive cardiac arrest, was 67.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat expressed grief at Swaraj’s demise, saying it was an irreparable loss for the country’s politics.

“Extremely saddened to hear about Sushma Ji’s demise. It is an irreparable loss for the country’s politics. We have lost a great leader and a brilliant orator who was full of human emotions,” he said in a tweet.

Rawat prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to her family to bear the loss.

Rawat’s Punjab counterpart, Amarinder Singh, said he was shocked to learn about the former Delhi chief minister’s demise and described her as a “dynamic and sensitive” leader.

“Shocked to learn of the sudden demise of @SushmaSwaraj ji. I will always remember her as a dynamic and sensitive leader with the ability to empathise with the common people. Will miss her. May your soul rest in peace!,” the senior Congress leader said in a tweet.

Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also said he was deeply shocked to learn about Swaraj’s demise. “It is a personal loss for me,” he wrote on Twitter.

Jammu and Kashmir governor Satya Pal Malik expressed grief over Swaraj’s demise.

Describing her as a dynamic politician and a symbol of women empowerment who always worked for the country’s betterment, he said it was difficult to fill the space left behind by Swaraj.

In a condolence message, Malik prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family in this hour of grief.

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