One woman reports a rape every 15 minutes in India
One woman reported a rape every 15 minutes on average in India in 2018, according to government data released on Thursday, underlining its dismal reputation as one of the worst places in the world to be female. The highly publicised gang rape and murder of a woman in a bus in New Delhi in 2012 brought tens of thousands onto...
Why everybody should read the Harry Potter series at least once in their lives
The Harry Potter series is renowned across the world for its good writing and fantasy world. But it also teaches us a lot of life lessons and helps us understand the importance and the power of love and friendship. Here are some lessons which the Harry Potter series taught us. Heroes come in all shapes and sizes: This is an underlying...
A bowl of traditional Goan Vonn to celebrate Easter
Growing up in the cosmopolitan city of Mumbai in India, I very unwittingly was initiated into our rich heritage of Goan and Indian traditions. Goa - The Portuguese ruled over this beautiful state of sun and gorgeous beaches for almost 450 years up until 1961! That meant that our Goan cuisine and the states religious beliefs had Portuguese influences as...
Reasons to rejoice during the Chinese New Year of the Ox celebrations
I wish all my friends celebrating Lunar New Year “Gong Xi Fa Cai” and “Kung Hei Fat Choi” with lots of happiness and strength for the year of Ox. May the new year bring all the good things in life you truly deserve. Celebrations in Hong Kong There will soon be reasons to rejoice in Hong Kong, with the government relaxing restrictions...
Samskrtam: the language of culture
An evening to celebrate 'Samskrtam the language of culture' through cultural programmes and an inspiring talk on "Sanskriti and Universal Culture" was organised by Samskriti Bharati UK, along with Nehru Centre and High Commission of India on 1 May. I was honoured to be able to host the programme. The esteemed guests were Mr. Nandkumar G - Head of Communications, Samskriti...
Ava’s Ark: an animal lover whose passion is her profession
If it's one thing that anyone close to me knows it is that I am an animal lover and, like with most animals, when our happy spirits meet its always love at first sight. As my passion for animals grew, the need to understand their behaviour and patterns grew as well. I decided to get a certification which would help...
Unique Indian spirituality paintings to be exhibited at the Nehru Centre
Sushma Johari Madan is a spiritual artist, incorporeal teacher and the author of two books on Indian mythology. Sushma's exclusive collection of paintings titled “Ancient beliefs or Science?” will be showcased at the Nehru Centre for the first time from 22 to 25 July. The event is open to all and Sushma encourages everyone to take time out to...
Gaurav Bakshi’s “#Gadhvi” brings a new flavour to London Indian Film Festival during it’s world premiere at the Barbican
The 10th Edition of the London Indian Film Festival (LIFF) showcased an extraordinary social and political satire about a man who could be Mahatma Gandhi's reincarnation, in the film strand Film, Power & Politics at the Barbican and Cineworld Wembley, in June. It is the 150th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi this year and director Gaurav Bakshi really wanted his...
Lockdown Diaries: Migrants miseries multiply in India as government continues with its mum’s the word
The Covid-19 pandemic has revealed the open secret of the Indian economy, and its inability and failure to support the backbone of the industrial prowess - the 114 million strong, ductile and undemanding work-force and migrant labourers that have been left in the lurch during the eight-week-long lockdown (as we go to print.) Mass exodus The workplaces are shut or denied...
Legendary contemporary dancer Astad A Deboo passes away in Mumbai
It is with deep sorrow we inform you of the sad demise of the famous Indian dancer Astad Adarbad Deboo, aged 73, in Mumbai on the morning of Thursday 10 December. The dance pioneer, and Padma Shri winner's death is being mourned by artists, friends and family in India and across the globe. Astad was born on 13 July...
