In March, the monthly concert was performed by Sangeetha Vidushi Ms. hosted from Ohio, USA. the young and talented Violinist Ms. Medha Lalyit Iyer was accompanied on Violin and the Mridangam Maestro Sri. Lalit Subramanian was accompanied on Mridangam

From the International Chamber, Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust, Smt. Priya Varma has delivered the welcome address; Sri. KP Raj Mohan Varma, the vice chairman, has delivered the keynote address; Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Dr. Jayaprakasha Sharma, head of the Department of Arts & Literature, has delivered the felicitation speech; and Sri. PK Sajith Kumar Varma, the international coordinator, has delivered the vote of thanks.

These monthly concerts are focused to promote and propagate Carnatic Music along with Music Veterans, promoting Talented, upcoming and amateur Musicians and Artists Internationally. Each monthly programme will be telecasted through various Media and Channels of India and abroad. The Recorded Link of the concert also will be circulated internationally Including various Music Colleges, Music Academies, Department Authorities, Music Institutes, Sangeetha Sabhas, Music Trusts,  Fine Arts Societies & Reputed Music Organizations and Music Teachers in India and Internationally.  PK Koyickal Trust International Chamber will be rewarded and recognized each Artists with Participating Certificates.

The concerts are designed in alternative months to provide opportunities to the Artists to participate from India and abroad. The International Monthly Concerts will be organizing on EVERY 2^nd FRIDAYS, the special day of Goddesses Durga Devvi, Lakshmi Devi and Saraswathy Devi. www.pkkoyickaltrust.com

www.pkkoyickaltrust.com

The post The first international concert from abroad in 2026 and the 2nd consecutive year of the monthly Carnatic Music concert series of the International Chamber, Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust, Tripunithura, Kerala, have been hosted from OHIO, U.S.A. Vocal Sangeetha Vidushi Ms. Dhivya Senthil Murugan, Violinist Ms. Medha Lalyt Iyer, and Mridangam Vidwan Sri Lalit Subramanian have accompanied on 13-02-2026 from OHIO, USA. appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan (Violin) Prof.S Easwara Varma and Violin Vidushi Dr. Vrinda Varma have been performed Violin Duet Concert from Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala.  The facmous accompaniment artists for Mridangam Vidwan Sri. Nanjil A R Arul,  for Ghatom Vidwan Sri Adichanalloor M Anilkumar and for Morsing Vidwan Sri. Thamarakkudi Rajasekharan participated in the concert.

During the Inaugural Ceremony, from International Chamber, PK Koyickal Trust, Sri. KP Raj Mohan Varma, Vice Chairman has delivered Welcome Address, Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Sri. Tripunithura N Radhakrishnan, the Chief Advisory Board Member has delivered Keynote Address, Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Sri. Nedumangad Sivanandan, the Chief Advisory Board Member has delivered Special Address, Sri, M V Sunil, the President of Sree Poornathrayeesha Sangeetha Sabha and Sri. K Anand, the Managing Trustee of Sri. Adi Sankara Trust have delivered Felicitation Speech and Sri. PK Sajith Kumar Varma, the International Coordinator of International Chamber, PK Koyickal Trust has delivered Vote of Thanks.

These monthly concerts are focused to promote and propagate Carnatic Music along with Music Veterans, promoting Talented, upcoming and amateur Musicians and Artists Internationally. Each monthly programme will be telecasted through various Media and Channels of India and abroad. The Recorded Link of the concert also will be circulated internationally Including various Music Colleges, Music Academies, Department Authorities, Music Institutes, Sangeetha Sabhas, Music Trusts,  Fine Arts Societies & Reputed Music Organizations and Music Teachers in India and Internationally.  PK Koyickal Trust International Chamber will be rewarded and recognized each Artists with Participating Certificates.

The concerts are designed in alternative months to provide opportunities to the Artists to participate from India and abroad. The International Monthly Concerts will be organizing on EVERY 2^nd FRIDAYS, the special day of Goddesses Durga Devvi, Lakshmi Devi and Saraswathy Devi.

www.pkkoyickaltrust.com

The post SRUTHI MATHA –  LAYA PITHA the 2nd Year Inaugural Concert of the monthly concert series of International Chamber, PK Koyickal Trust has been hosted from Thiruvananthapuram, KERALA. Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Prof. S Easwara Varma  and Dr. Vrinda Varma performed VIOLIN DUET concert on 13-02-2026. appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

While details about his condition remain limited, doctors are closely monitoring his health, and there are speculations that he might undergo an angiogram. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin has assured fans that Rahman is in stable condition and is expected to recover soon.
The news of his hospitalization has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, with fans and colleagues wishing him a speedy recovery. Rahman, 57, remains one of the most influential musicians in Indian cinema, with a career spanning over three decades.

According to a report on NDTV, he’s also being treated for dehydration.

Personal and professional life
Rahman has been in the spotlight recently not just for his musical contributions but also for personal reasons. In November 2024, he and his ex-wife Saira Banu announced their separation after 29 years of marriage. The couple has three children – Raheema, Khatija, and Ameen.
On the work front, Rahman has had a busy year, with multiple projects across various languages. He composed music for “Kadhalikka Neramillai” and the upcoming “Chhaava”. He is also involved in Mani Ratnam’s “Thug Life”, starring Kamal Haasan, slated for release on June 10. Other projects in the pipeline include “Lahore 1947,” “Tere Ishq Mein,” “Ramayana,” and “RC 16”.

Fans await further updates
As the news spreads, fans and well-wishers have flooded social media with prayers and messages of support for the composer. While no official statement has been released by his family or management, the industry is hopeful for his swift recovery.

Further updates on his health are awaited.

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Hussain succumbed to complications from idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis after being hospitalized for two weeks and later moved to the ICU.
In a statement, his family said, “He leaves behind an extraordinary legacy cherished by countless music lovers around the globe, with an influence that will resonate for generations to come.”

Hussain’s manager, Nirmala Bachani, stated that the maestro had been dealing with blood pressure-related issues.
Earlier reports of Hussain’s death had surfaced, prompting his sister, Khursheed, to inform PTI that while he was “very, very critical,” he was “still breathing at the moment.” The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting had initially announced his passing on social media but later deleted the statement.
Hailed as the greatest tabla virtuoso of his generation, Zakir Hussain was born on March 9, 1951, and was the son of legendary tabla maestro Ustad Alla Rakha. He is survived by his wife, Antonia Minnecola, and daughters, Anisa and Isabella Qureshi.
Hussain’s illustrious career earned him four Grammy Awards, including three at the 66th Grammy Awards earlier this year. His award-winning work on Pashto was recognised in the ‘Best Global Music Performance’ category.

The maestro recently announced the As We Speak India tour with fellow Grammy winners Béla Fleck, Edgar Meyer, and Rakesh Chaurasia, scheduled for January 2025. Organized by Perfect Harmony Productions and Panache Media, the multi-city tour was set to feature performances in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

Hussain’s unparalleled contributions to global music and his extraordinary ability to blend Indian classical rhythms with global influences have left an indelible mark on the world of music.

The post Indian tabla maestro Zakir Hussain dies at 73, confirms family appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Secunderabad: A Ganesh idol set up in Telangana’s Secunderabad has stirred up controversy over what many termed its ‘Muslim-like’ appearance, India Today reported.

Organisers of the annual Ganpati festival, the Young Leo’s Youth Association, said that the theme of the idol was inspired by the Bollywood film ‘Bajirao Mastani’.

The dress of the Ganesh idol, which is claimed to be resembling the actor Ranveer Singh’s attire in the movie, caused the row.

It is reported that the attire has raised heckles among some groups who called it ‘inappropriate’.

However, some section termed the theme an expression of secularism..But the final outcome did not align with their vision, one of the organisers of the event clarified.One member of the organising committee said that Bajirao Mastani theme was not deliberately chosen but things led to misunderstanding, adding that ‘Our goal was never to hurt anyone’s feelings.’Expressing disappointment at the backlash on social media, organisers reportedly said that miscommunication with the artist was responsible for the design.The Young Leo’s Youth Association said it would continue with celebration, adding that ‘we don’t wish to escalate the situation’.

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New Delhi: 

Former US President Donald Trump narrowly escaped an alleged assassination attempt on Sunday in Florida, according to the FBI. A 58-year-old suspect, Ryan Wesley Routh, was arrested after Secret Service agents opened fire near the boundary of Trump’s golf course. A high-powered AK-47-style rifle with a scope and a GoPro camera was recovered at the scene.

When Secret Service agents opened fire, Routh reportedly bolted out of the shrubbery he was hiding in and escaped in a black car. Authorities were able to track down the car after witnesses helped police identify it. 

“We have somebody in custody right now that is a potential suspect,” Palm Beach County Sheriff Ric Bradshaw told a press conference, as quoted by news agency AFP.

Who Is Ryan Wesley Routh?

According to the New York Times, Routh is a former construction worker from North Carolina Greensboro. Routh had no formal military background but expressed strong desires to participate in armed conflict in the past, particularly in Ukraine after Russia’s 2022 invasion. In one post on X, formerly known as Twitter, Routh declared his willingness to “fight and die” in Ukraine. He also advocated for civilians to change the course of global conflicts.

“I AM WILLING TO FLY TO KRAKOW AND GO TO THE BORDER OF UKRAINE TO VOLUNTEER AND FIGHT AND DIE,” he wrote.

According to the New York Times, on the messaging application Signal, Routh wrote, “Civilians must change this war and prevent future wars” as part of his profile bio. 

“Each one of us must do our part daily in the smallest steps help support human rights, freedom and democracy; we each must help the Chinese,” his bio on WhatsApp reads. 

Routh’s activities didn’t stop at online declarations. In a 2023 interview with The New York Times, he claimed to have travelled to Ukraine to support the war effort and recruit Afghan soldiers. 

This wasn’t Routh’s first brush with violence. In 2002, he was arrested after barricading himself inside a building with a fully automatic weapon in Greensboro. The charges were serious, though the outcome of the case remains unclear.

Donald Trump “Safe”

“President Trump is safe following gunshots in his vicinity,” his campaign spokesman Steven Cheung said in a statement.

Listen to the latest songs, only on JioSaavn.com

“Fear not! I am safe and well, and no one was hurt. Thank God!” Trump himself said in a website fundraising message, as quoted by news agency AFP 

he latest shooting incident comes weeks after Trump was the Target of another assassination attempt while addressing a rally in Pennsylvania. The would-be assassin fired a bullet from his sniper from a distance, which grazed the former US President’s ear. The suspect was then shot dead by authorities. 

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Two days after talks between her and protesting doctors broke down, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee landed up at the dharna site of junior doctors. She said that if the agitators could trust her, she would be ready to consider their demands, but that she needs time.

Banerjee added that the administrative and police officials whose resignations the junior doctors have demanded are not her “friends” — she needs “time to probe” them.

She claimed this would be her last attempt to appeal to junior doctors.

On Thursday, scheduled talks between the state government and junior doctors broke down over the issue of livestreaming at Nabanna. While the CM waited inside Nabanna, junior doctors stayed outside after the state government denied their demand for a live telecast of the meeting.

At the dharna, junior doctors welcomed her and said they are open to discussions with the government “anywhere”, but stated that they would stick to their five-point demands.

At around 1 pm on Saturday, she and Rajeev Kumar, director-general of West Bengal police, had reached. “I have personally come here to you. My post is not a big thing. People’s posts are big. I could not sleep last night. I felt the pain. You were sitting on dharna while it was raining last night… I too spent sleepless nights because I am your guardian,” said the Chief Minister, holding a microphone.

“If you return to work. I promise I will study your demands and talk to the officers. I will look into your demands with sensitivity. If you trust me, give me some time. I will take action against anyone guilty,” she said.

“You all are brothers and sisters. Please return to work. We have started work for the development of infrastructure in hospitals,” Banerjee added.

“I will make principals chairmen in all Rogi Kalyan Samitis (patient welfare committees) in all hospitals of the state,” she said. Earlier, political personalities, MLAs, and MPs would hold these posts. “In the Samitis, all including students will have proper representation,” the Chief Minister said.

“As a CM, elder sister, and one among your agitation, I will try to solve your problems. I cannot force you. I can only appeal to you. I went on hunger strike for 26 days when the CPIM was in power. No one came to me then. I will not take any action against you. We are not the Uttar Pradesh police. We need you back to work. Think and decide,” she said.

“We need to probe anyone’s role before we can take action. It cannot be done overnight… If I can come to your dharna manch, trust me and give me some time. No complaint of corruption has come to me. If there is a complaint, we will investigate and give punishment,” Banerjee reiterated, adding: “I promise there will be no injustice,” before leaving the site.

Later, speaking to mediapersons, junior doctor Aniket Mahato said, “The CM is the guardian of the state — we welcome her visiting the Dharna Manch. We have been on the streets for 35 days. It would have been better to hold discussions earlier. We are ready to talk anytime and anywhere. But there will be no compromise with our five-point demands. We want to return to work.”

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New Delhi: Residents in Manipur’s Bishnupur and Imphal East districts turned off their lights on Friday night following multiple drone sightings. This precautionary measure comes in response to recent incidents where militants used drones to drop bombs in nearby areas.

Security forces are on high alert in the peripheral regions, closely monitoring large gatherings and movements. In Bishnupur district, several illumination rounds were fired into the sky, adding to public panic and confusion. It remains unclear whether these rounds were fired by security forces or other entities.

Earlier in the day, suspected militants launched rocket attacks on the residence of Manipur’s first chief minister, Mairembam Koireng. The attack resulted in one death and six injuries. In response, security forces destroyed three militant bunkers in the neighboring Churachandpur district. The Manipur police reported that militants had deployed long-range rockets in Bishnupur, resulting in the death of a senior citizen and injuries to six others.

Aerial patrolling using a military helicopter is underway, and high-level security meetings are being held to assess the situation. The first recorded use of drones as a weapon in Manipur occurred on September 1 in Koutruk village, Imphal West district, where guns were also used, killing two and injuring nine. The following day, another drone attack in Senjam Chirang, about three kilometers away, resulted in injuries to three individuals.

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In her detailed note, Swara Bhasker expressed deep admiration for the Women In Cinema Collective (WCC), praising their bravery in confronting sexual harassment and violence in the industry. She acknowledged their efforts in urging for an expert committee to investigate and address these issues and for providing support to victims. “A big hug and gratitude to the brave women of the WCC who have consistently raised their voices and sought justice. You are heroes and are doing the work that should have been done by those in positions of power. Respect and solidarity with you!” she wrote.

Swara’s note reflected on the findings of the Hema Committee report, noting that while some details were new, the overall picture of systemic issues was all too familiar. She criticized the entertainment industry as inherently male-centric and patriarchal, emphasizing that the industry’s risk-averse and perception-sensitive nature often sidelines ethical concerns in favor of financial practicality. “Showbiz has always been a male-centric industry, a patriarchal power set-up,” she said. “It’s so much more convenient and financially practical to just carry on, even if it means ignoring ethical issues.”

Swara also questioned whether other regional film industries in India are addressing similar issues, highlighting the need for broader conversations and reforms across the industry.

The post Swara Bhasker Responds to Hema Committee Report: Describes Findings as ‘Heartbreaking’ and ‘Familiar’ appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

Activists wrecking barricades set up by the police during a rally on Tuesday (AFP)

In response to the recent clashes between Kolkata Police and protesters during a march to Nabanna, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has called for a state-wide bandh in West Bengal today, August 28, 2024. The bandh, announced by BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar, follows violent confrontations on August 27 during the ‘Nabanna Abhijan’ rally.

Background: During the rally, protesters overturned barricades, prompting police to use lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas to disperse the crowd. The ruling Trinamool Congress has criticized the protest for being violent and accused the BJP of inciting the unrest. BJP national president JP Nadda condemned the police actions, describing them as an abuse of power and an attack on democratic principles.

Details of the Bandh:

• Start Time: 6:00 AM on August 28, 2024
• Duration: 12 hours

Sukanta Majumdar’s Statement: Majumdar condemned the police’s actions against students involved in the protest, demanding the release of those detained. He criticized Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for allegedly suppressing peaceful protests and vowed to ensure that the bandh is observed.

What’s Open and Closed:

• Schools, Colleges, Government Offices, and Banks: Likely to remain open but may face disruptions due to the bandh affecting traffic and public movement.
• Essential Services: Medical facilities, drinking water services, public transport, rail services, and electricity are expected to operate normally.
• Markets and Businesses: The BJP has urged business organizations to close their markets in support of the bandh. However, the West Bengal government has stated that efforts will be made to maintain normalcy, and nothing will be officially closed due to the opposition’s strike.

Government Assurance: The West Bengal administration has promised to minimize disruptions and ensure that essential services continue without significant interruptions.

For the latest updates, residents are advised to stay informed through local news and official announcements.

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Salman Khan, a prominent figure in the Indian film industry, is indeed known for both his substantial earnings and his philanthropic efforts. According to the Times of India, his net worth is reported to be 2900 crores, which places him among the highest-paid actors in the industry. Despite his immense wealth, Salman is known for leading a relatively modest lifestyle in terms of his living arrangements, residing in a one-room apartment.

Salman has been active in charity work through his Being Human Foundation, which has gained significant attention and support. In a recent television interview, Salman clarified that while he does save a portion of his income—around ten percent—the claim that he spends 90 percent of his earnings on charity is not entirely accurate. He acknowledged that while he is committed to charitable causes, his financial contributions are balanced with other responsibilities, such as taxes.

Salman Khan’s lifestyle reflects his personal preferences. Unlike many of his Bollywood peers, he prefers not to indulge in extravagant mansions or bungalows. Instead, he cherishes his 150-acre farmhouse in Panvel. Among his collection of luxury vehicles, his bicycle holds a special place. Salman has a history of using his bicycle to travel to shooting locations, showcasing his down-to-earth nature despite his fame and success.

The post Salman Khan Clarifies Charitable Contributions and Lifestyle Choices in Latest Interview appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

The visa-free access will be available to travelers from various countries, such as the UK, the US, China, and Germany, simplifying the travel process by eliminating the need for a visa. Currently, about 20 percent of Sri Lanka’s foreign tourists are from India.

Additionally, Sri Lanka had previously waived visa fees for tourists from India and six other countries beginning in October 2023. This fee waiver has now been extended until May 31, 2024.

The Sri Lankan government hopes that this new visa-free policy will enhance tourism and attract a greater number of visitors to the country.

This version maintains the original details while providing a clear and engaging summary.

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The action came after the Special Cell of Delhi police registered a criminal conspiracy case under Section 61 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita on July 15. The anti-terror unit had been tracking the suspects since then, according to PTI.

Details of the Arrests

In Rajasthan’s Bhiwadi, six individuals were apprehended during weapons training. They are Hasan Ansari, Enamul Ansari, Altaf Ansari, Arshad Khan, Umar Farooq, and Shahbaz Ansari, all from Jharkhand but residing in Rajasthan recently.

In Ranchi, Jharkhand, five people were arrested: Ishtiyaq Ahmed, Motiur, Rizwan, Mufti Rahmatullah, and Faizan. Additionally, three individuals were detained in Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, for further questioning.

During the raids, the police recovered a range of weapons and equipment, including an AK-47 rifle, a .38 bore revolver, six live cartridges of .38 bore, 30 live cartridges of .32 bore, 30 live cartridges for the AK-47, a dummy Insas rifle, an air rifle, an iron elbow pipe, a hand grenade, a remote control mechanism, wires, a 1.5-volt AA battery, a table watch, four ground sheets, a target, a camping tent, and various food items.

Investigation Findings

According to Delhi police, the module was led by Dr. Ishtiyaq from Ranchi and aimed to establish a ‘khilafat’ while planning serious terrorist activities within India. There is speculation that the group was preparing for a terror attack in northern India during the upcoming festive season.

A senior police officer involved in the investigation revealed that the module had been active for several months, with members connecting via social media. The group had undergone weapon handling training in the Aravalli Hills of Rajasthan.

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The CBI officer revealed to PTI that Roy showed no signs of repentance during interrogation. He recounted the details of the crime without hesitation or remorse. “He narrated the entire crime with chilling detail and without any sign of remorse,” the officer said.

The victim, a doctor working a 36-hour shift, was attacked while resting in the hospital’s seminar hall. The post-mortem report indicates that she was raped, brutally beaten, and had suffered 16 external and nine internal injuries before dying from strangulation.

Sanjay Roy was apprehended the day after the crime. He was seen entering the hospital around the estimated time of the attack, and Bluetooth headphones belonging to him were found near the crime scene. Pornographic material was discovered on his mobile phone.

Technical and scientific evidence, including CCTV footage, places Roy at the crime scene. The footage shows him around the chest department at 11 am on August 8 and entering the building again at 4 am on August 9. The estimated time of the victim’s death was between 3 am and 5 am on August 9.

The CBI is investigating whether there was a larger conspiracy behind the murder. They have questioned former RG Kar Medical College principal, Dr. Sandip Ghosh, and are considering polygraph tests for Roy, Dr. Ghosh, and others involved.

Additionally, the Kolkata Police are examining allegations of financial irregularities against Dr. Sandip Ghosh. On Wednesday, Akhtar Ali, a former colleague of Dr. Ghosh, accused him of involvement in the “business of dead bodies.”

The post Psychoanalytic Profile of Kolkata Rape-Murder Accused Sanjay Roy: ‘Animal-like Instinct, No Remorse’ appeared first on The Gulf Indians.

In Patna, Bihar, police have resorted to lathicharge to disperse protesters. Prominent political figures such as Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, BSP leader Mayawati, and several Congress leaders have voiced their support for today’s Bharat Bandh.

Reason for Bharat Bandh Today

The Bharat Bandh on August 21 has been called in response to a recent Supreme Court ruling that excludes the “creamy layer” from SC/ST quotas. This decision has triggered widespread controversy, leading to today’s nationwide strike.

Supreme Court Ruling on SC/ST Quota System

On August 1, the Supreme Court authorized states to sub-classify SCs and STs when assessing their representation. The Court emphasized that such sub-classification should be based on “quantifiable and demonstrable data” regarding backwardness and representation in government jobs, rather than being influenced by “whims” or “political expediency.”

The ruling, delivered by a seven-judge bench led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, was passed by a majority of 6:1. It overturned the previous EV Chinnaiah judgment, which had deemed sub-classification within SC/STs as impermissible, arguing that SC/STs should be considered a homogeneous group.

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The case, officially titled “In Re: Alleged rape and murder incident of a trainee doctor in RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, Kolkata, and related issue,” gains particular importance as the Calcutta High Court has already intervened and transferred the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

In related news, a second-year B.Com student was arrested by the Central Division of the Kolkata Police on Monday, August 19, 2024. The student is accused of posting threatening messages about West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and revealing the victim’s identity. The police described the posts as “provocative,” potentially inciting “social unrest and promoting hatred.” The student was presented in court the same day.

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Mumbai:

Television viewers in India are dedicating an additional 53 minutes per week to watching TV compared to the previous year. This significant increase signals heightened engagement and a reinforced connection with the medium, defying trends in evolving media consumption, according to Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation.

In a dynamic content consumption landscape, Indian television not only holds its ground but also thrives, experiencing a notable 5.1% growth in Year-to-Date (YTD) data for FY’24. This surge emphasizes TV’s enduring appeal and solidifies its position as the preferred medium for a diverse audience, a press release from IBDF said.

Younger audiences, in the age group of 15-30 years, have, in fact, seen a higher growth in TV viewership compared to the overall average with growth in viewership being seen across all economic strata and markets, reaffirming television’s appeal across diverse age groups.

This growth surpasses specific regions or language segments and extends to the majority of language markets, accounting for 87% of the Indian TV population. Television’s widespread appeal underscores its profound ability to resonate with audiences from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds. The commitment of television to deliver fresh, emotionally resonant content has not only retained viewers but has also driven growth.

Mr. K. Madhavan, President of IBDF, said, “The impressive rise in television viewership underscores India as one of the few international markets witnessing consistent television growth, in spite of digital media’s rapid expansion. In today’s ‘AND’ world, where digital media excels in precise targeting and immediate rewards, television maintains its distinct advantage in the realm of long-term brand building. Television creates compelling stories that deeply connect with its audience, building trust and leaving an indelible mark across age groups.” A standout trend is the significant contribution of Indian women to television’s growth, with an impressive 59% contribution to the overall TV viewership growth. This highlights their pivotal role as key influencers and consumers shaping television viewership trends.

Deeply rooted in the cultural fabric of India, television continues to be a unifying force, bringing families together. With a massive 70% penetration and headroom for further growth (90 million households), television remains the largest reach medium, inspiring and entertaining countless families. A notable 7% increase in Pay Household viewership, with 5.8 million households transitioning from Free-to-Air (FTA) to Pay, showcases the magnetic pull of quality programming.

Television viewership growth transcends economic strata and town classes, demonstrating its inclusive nature. This growth is observed across NCCS A, B, C, DE, and various town categories, including metros, large cities, smaller towns, and rural areas.

Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation is the largest body of Television Broadcasters in India. Set up in 1999, IBDF represents and is dedicated to the promotion of television broadcasting in, to and from India. IBDF members provide channels and programmes that deliver about 90% of television viewership in India. Member offerings cater to most of India’s diversity and plurality in every language and in every genre of television viewing. IBDF has, over the years, achieved the unique position of the accredited spokes-body of the television broadcasting industry. IBDF endeavours to work closely with and align industry, policy makers, regulators and partners so that the television sector in the media and entertainment industry grows to its fullest potential in an equitable manner.

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Dr. Poornathrayee Jayaprakash Sharma

KOCHI:

Ganjira Mastreo Tripunithura N. Gopalakrishnan and well-known multilingual lyricist, musicologist, classical dancer and author Dr. Poornathrayee Jayaprakash Sharma will receive the ‘Tripunithura Aasthana Vidwan Puraskaram’ for the year 2023, according to a press release.

The award, being given away for the 10th year, was announced by the Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust, Tripnithura, which is affiliated to the Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi. The awards will be given away during the 11th Annual celebration of Parakkadathu Koyickal Trust to be held at Kalikkotta Palace, Tripunithura, Kerala on August 20, 2023. The eight-member Award Jury Committee included Sri. Nedumangadu Sivanandan, Sri. Tripunithura N. Radhakrishnan, Sri. K P Raj Mohan Varma, Sri. Tripunithura K R Chandramohan, Smt. Devi Vasudevan Namboothiri, Sri. Edappally Jaimohan, Sri. Tripunithura K Kannan, and Sri. Tripunithura P. K. Sajith Kumar.

The 11th Annual celebrations of the trust will be organised this year in a grand manner along with the International Ganesha Sangeethotsavam, which will be conducted for a continuous 12 hours. Eminent artists from 12 countries will perform at the Sangeethotsavam, which will start at 8 am from Sree Balavinayaka Temple, Kannankulangara, Tripunithura physically and will be organised online from other countries. The concluding session and the award function will be organised at Kalikkotta Palace.

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The big-budget film is produced by C Aswani Dutt, founder of Vyjayanthi Movies. Production house Vyjayanthi Movies shared Kamal Haasan’s casting announcement on its official Twitter page. The tweet read, “Welcoming the greatest actor Ulaganayagan @ikamalhaasan. Our journey becomes Universal now. #ProjectK.” The announcement video showed several clips from Kamal Haasan’s critically-acclaimed movies and introduced him as Ulaga Nayagan (universal hero), the antagonist in the film.

Amitabh Bachchan welcomed Kamal on board. He tweeted on Sunday, “Welcome Kamal .. great working with you again .. it’s been a while!”

A few weeks ago, there were reports of producer Ashwini Dutt approaching Kamal Haasan with a whopping offer of ₹150 crore to play the antagonist in Project K. A reliable source from the film’s unit had told Hindustan Times that Kamal Haasan has been approached for the film but he denied the news about the ₹150 crore offer.

C Aswani Dutt is backing the project in the 50th year of the production house’s inception. The movie is scheduled to be released in cinemas on January 12, 2024, in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam.

Project K is a science-fiction thriller which is being made on a massive budget and marks the maiden collaboration between Prabhas and Nag Ashwin of Mahanati fame. Some posters featuring Deepika and Prabhas’ silhouettes were enough to hype up the film.

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                                         After 24 years in kerala, National theatre  festival of women from all over Kerala. It’s happening first time in the history of  Capital city of Kerala. The festival organised by 

Thiruvanathapuram: A national women’s theatre festival will be organised at Vyloppilly Samskrithi Bhavan here from December 23 to 25  to mark the 23rd annivesary of Nireeksha Women’s theatre. After 24 years in kerala, National theatre  festival of women from all over Kerala. It’s happening first time in the history of  Capital city of Kerala. Many prominent  women personalities will be spearhead by  the theatre workshop, seminar, musical events, poetry presentations.The souvenir will be released to mark nireeksha’s 23 rd anniversary.

First time in the history of Theatre in Kerala ,Nireeksha ,will showcase 14 plays by Women directors in various literary  genres over three days.  It will be a space for talented women, youth, and children in a different social and cultural groups. In the time of pandamic  situatation NIREEKSHA  was the only one group held online theatre festival in Kerala.

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Ira and Nupur, who have been in a relationship for reportedly over two years

Mumbai: Superstar Aamir Khan’s daughter and theatre director Ira Khan has announced her engagement to celebrity fitness trainer Nupur Shikhare.

Ira and Nupur, who have been in a relationship for reportedly over two years, made the announcement on Instagram late Wednesday night.

In the video shared by the couple from an event in Cervia, Italy, Nupur is seen getting down on one knee with a ring in his hand and Ira accepting his proposal.

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