Central News Hub

Month: September 2022

  • ‘Need to secure stability of Indo-Pacific’

    ‘Need to secure stability of Indo-Pacific’

    External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar emphasised creating stronger defence industrial collaboration and military exercises between India and US during the talks with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin

    During his bilateral talks with US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin in the Pentagon, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said that the stability, security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific should be secured as the global situation has become very challenging.

    “So for me, our meeting today and my presence here today I do share with you that the global situation has become a far more challenging variety of reasons. Indo-Pacific in particular, it’s important that the stability, security and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific should be secured which is best done amongst others,” Jaishankar said during the opening remarks at Pentagon.

    He also emphasised creating stronger defence industrial collaboration and military exercises between India and US during the talks.

    Both the leaders expressed commitment to deepening bilateral defence cooperation and expanding information-sharing and logistics cooperation to drive deeper operational coordination between the US and Indian militaries, said Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Brig. Gen. Pat Ryder in a readout.

    Austin and Jaishankar also discussed new opportunities for bilateral defence industrial cooperation in support of India’s contributions as a regional security provider.

    The two sides are also looking forward to the launch of a new defence dialogue later this year as the United States and India work more closely across space, cyber, artificial intelligence, and other domains, the statement read.

    Furthermore, Lloyd Austin and S Jaishankar underscored the value of the deepening collaboration between the United States, India, Australia, Japan, and European partners and both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to working together as steadfast partners to advance the United States and India’s shared vision for a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific.

    During his opening remarks in Washington, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin sharply criticised China for “unprecedented provocations in the Taiwan Strait” during bilateral talks with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar at the Pentagon and said that India and US, the two great democracies are working together toward a brighter future for the Indo-Pacific as the world faces sustained challenges to peace, security and prosperity in the region and beyond.

    “Our bilateral defence ties are just one way that our two great democracies are working together toward a brighter future for the Indo-Pacific. The United States In India, along with a dozen other Indo-Pacific partners, pushing to expand our region’s prosperity for the Indo-Pacific Economic framework,” Austin said.

    Referring to QUAD- the strategic coalition of leading Indo-Pacific democracies comprising India, Australia, Japan and the US, Austin also underscored the current concerns over maritime security in Taiwan and Indo-Pacific.

    Austin also lambasted China for supporting Russia’s invasion in Ukraine and said, “China (Peoples Republic of China) continues to support Russia amid its unprovoked and cruel invasion. So we face sustained challenges to peace, security and prosperity in the region and beyond.”

    Notably, External Affairs Minister, Jaishankar was welcomed by US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin to the Pentagon in an enhanced honour cordon ceremony on Thursday.

    This meeting comes a day before Jaishankar meets his US counterpart Sec Anthony Blinken.

    The External Affairs Minister concluded the high-level United Nations General Assembly debate in New York on Saturday. Jaishankar was in New York from September 18 to 24.

    In Washington, Jaishankar is expected to meet US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior officials of the Biden Administration. A round table focused on science and technology is also on the agenda for Washington.

    ALSO READ-Blinken ramps up criticism of Russia for war in Ukraine

  • ECB expects economic activity to slow

    ECB expects economic activity to slow

    The euro area economy grew by 0.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2022, Lagarde explained, mainly owing to strong consumer spending on services as the economy reopened…reports Asian Lite News

    The European Central Bank (ECB) expects economic activity in Europe to slow down substantially in the coming months, due to skyrocketing prices, decreased spending power and overall uncertainty, ECB President Christine Lagarde said.

    Addressing a hearing of the European Parliament’s Economic and Monetary Affairs Committee, Lagarde on Monday added: “We expect to raise interest rates further over the next several meetings, to dampen demand and guard against the risk of a persistent upward shift in inflation expectations.”

    “Our future policy rate decisions will continue to be data-dependent and follow a meeting-by-meeting approach,” she said.

    The euro area economy grew by 0.8 per cent in the second quarter of 2022, Lagarde explained, mainly owing to strong consumer spending on services as the economy reopened.

    However, growth is expected to slow substantially. This is mainly due to high inflation, slower demand for services, a weakening global demand and worsening terms of trade. Falling household and business confidence due to a high level of uncertainty are also contributing factors.

    The Russia-Ukraine conflict has “cast a shadow over Europe” with economic consequences, she said.

    The “outlook is darkening,” while inflation remains “far too high” and is “likely to stay above our target for an extended period”.

    “The risks to the inflation outlook are primarily on the upside, mainly reflecting the possibility of further major disruptions in energy supplies,” the ECB chief added.

    “While these risk factors are the same for growth, their effect would be the opposite: they would increase inflation but reduce growth.”

    These developments have led to a downward revision of the latest ECB staff projections for economic growth for the remainder of the current year, and throughout 2023. Staff now expect the economy to grow by 3.1 per cent in 2022, by 0.9 per cent in 2023 and 1.9 per cent in 2024.

    Lagarde said it is “essential” that “temporary and targeted” fiscal support is used to shield households from the impact of higher prices, as this limits the risk of fueling inflationary pressures.

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  • Sonia seeks report on Rajasthan crisis

    Sonia seeks report on Rajasthan crisis

    Congress leaders Ajay Maken and Mallikarjun Kharge are set to submit the report to Congress interim chief Sonia Gandhi

    Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi on Monday sought detailed report on the drama in party-ruled Rajasthan, where a number of MLAs supporting Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, came out in open revolt, from state in charge Ajay Maken.

    A meeting on Rajasthan was held at Gandhi’s 10, Janpath residence with Ajay Maken, senior leader Mallikarjun Kharge and General Secretary, Organisation, K.C. Venugopal present.

    Both Maken and Kharge, who were in Jaipur on Sunday, briefed her about the sequence of events in the state.

    “I have briefed Congress President… she has sought a detailed report which I will send to her..,” Maken told media persons after the meeting.

    Maken, who was in Jaipur along with Kharge to convene the CLP meeting on Sunday for deciding the new CM face but instead faced a high-voltage drama, on Monday told the media that three members from the Gehlot camp had met them with three proposals, which they did not accept as it raised conflict of interest.

    Status quo likely

     In wake of embarrassment for the Congress in Rajasthan with a number of MLAs, close to Chief Ashok Gehlot, openly revolting, sources said that the party may adopt a wait and watch strategy and maintain status quo till election of the new chief but no final decision has been taken till now by party President Sonia Gandhi.

    A meeting is going on between Sonia Gandhi, Kamal Nath and Priyanka Gandhi to chalk out strategy for Rajasthan. Gehlot, who is set to file papers for the Congress Presidential election, was tipped to quit in favour of Sachin Pilot but his supporters came out strongly against it, and the Congress legislature party meet on Sunday had to be called off.

    With party observers slamming some actions of loyalists of Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, sources said decision on issuing show cause notices to miffed MLAs, who have been vocal in public, will be taken after interim chief looks Sonia Gandhi into the report by the observers sent to the state.

    “Status-quo to be maintained till Congress president election nominations. Decision on issuing of show cause notices to miffed MLAs, vocal in public, will be taken after interim chief takes action on a report by observers,” a source said.

    The process for filing nominations for Congress presidential elections will end on September 30.

    Maken, who is AICC incharge of Rajasthan, said the three ministers who met them at Gehlot’s residence put forward three conditions.

    He said they demanded that a decision on a CLP resolution should be after the declaration of Congress presidential poll results on October 19. Rejecting the condition, Maken said a resolution is not passed with conditions and also noted that any such move will be “a conflict of interest” for Gehlot.

    He said the ministers also demanded that MLAs should meet the observers in groups and this was not acceptable. “We wanted to meet every MLA individually so that the decision is free and fair,” Maken said.

    He said the three ministers also said that a successor to Gehlot should be chosen from among 102 MLAs, who had stood by him during the crisis in 2020. The Gehlot government had faced political crisis in 2020 over demands led by Sachin Pilot and MLAs loyal to him.

    Maken on Sunday met three members from the Gehlot camp – Shanti Dhariwal, C.P. Joshi and Pratap Khachriyawas who had put forward their proposals.

    ALSO READ-Cong leadership upset over Rajasthan drama

  • Truss thanks Saudi Crown Prince  

    Truss thanks Saudi Crown Prince  

    The crown prince also said he looked forward to working with Truss for the benefit of the Kingdom and the UK…reports Asian Lite News

    Britain’s prime minister thanked Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for his role in securing the release of five British detainees held by Russia-backed forces in Ukraine last week, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

    Liz Truss expressed her thanks during a phone call with Prince Mohammed during which he congratulated her on her new role and wished her success.

    The crown prince also said he looked forward to working with Truss for the benefit of the Kingdom and the UK.

    Prince Mohammed also extended his condolences to the prime minister on the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and congratulated King Charles III on his accession to the throne.

    The two leaders also reviewed bilateral relations between their countries and ways to develop them within the framework of the Saudi-British Strategic Partnership Council.

    ALSO READ-Saudi unveils more renewable energy projects

  • Fed-up with joint pain?

    Fed-up with joint pain?

    Exercises for hydrotherapy are typically carried out with the assistance of a physical therapist, somewhat similar to water aerobics sessions…writes DR BABINA NM

    A particularly effective treatment for illnesses like arthritis and its complications is hydrotherapy or water therapy. In contrast to aqua aerobics, which typically entails physically demanding activities in the water, hydrotherapy exercise incorporates specialised movements that are performed in a warm-water swimming pool. The water is maintained between 32 and 36 degrees Celsius.

    Hydrotherapy, also known as aquatic therapy, can be beneficial for those with joint discomfort. It is utilised particularly for those who have undergone joint replacement surgery, as well as for those with back pain, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and osteoarthritis.

    What is Hydrotherapy exercise and how to do It?

    Exercise that is done in a swimming pool is referred to as hydrotherapy exercise. The pool’s depth is between the shoulders and the waist, and the water is kept at a comfortable temperature.

    Exercises for hydrotherapy are typically carried out with the assistance of a physical therapist, somewhat similar to water aerobics sessions.

    Apart from reducing the symptoms of joint pain and arthritis, hydrotherapy is also used to:

    Promote relaxation

    Improve blood circulation

    Ease anxiety, depression and pain

    Treat musculoskeletal problems

    Role of Hydrotherapy in People with Joint Pain or Arthritis

    Those who have attempted to walk underwater know that it is more difficult to do so than it is on dry land. Walking becomes more difficult because of the water’s resistance, which contributes to the development of muscle strength. However, since there is no gravity underwater, patients can use their muscles more actively and feel more comfortable. Patients’ muscles that are generally not used during land therapy are activated by the therapy.

    Regular exercise is crucial and advantageous for persons with arthritis, according to research. Daily physical activity can enhance joint functionality, lessen symptoms like fatigue, reduce hospitalisation risk, and lower the risk of developing chronic diseases like heart disease that are linked to inflammatory arthritis, per a review written by the Best Practice & Research Clinical Rheumatology.

    Surprisingly, the majority of arthritis sufferers avoid activities because they think doing them will make their disease worse and make them feel awful. Despite the fact that land treatment is crucial for treating arthritic symptoms and joint pain, most patients report that these exercises hurt their joints and they don’t like doing them.

    However, such patients find alleviation with hydrotherapy. Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who had hydrotherapy experienced less joint soreness and pain, according to a study published in the journal Musculoskeletal Care. Additionally, it improved their attitude, and they enjoyed the workout.

    Restore Your Heart with Meditation(IANSLIFE)

    Benefits of Hydrotherapy

    It can be an effective therapy to treat chronic pain

    The therapy helps to loosen the tight, tense muscles while promoting relaxation. It also enhances the digestion activity and the metabolic rate

    The water in the pool provides resistance to moving the joints. When someone pushes their legs and arms against the water, it assists in improving the muscle strength

    Hydrotherapy also increases cardiorespiratory fitness, which is essential for good heart health

    Studies have also shown that specific inflammatory markers can decrease with hydrotherapy

    It also stimulates blood circulation across the body

    Compared to land therapy, hydrotherapy may be more comfortable for people with arthritis or joint discomfort. When performing hydrotherapy exercises, it’s crucial not to attempt it on your own and to always get professional assistance from a physical therapist.

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  • Fashion for Chitrangda is very classic, simple and straight

    Fashion for Chitrangda is very classic, simple and straight

    There is always style over comfort because of our professional commitments. I am always dying to get into my pyjamas once I get back home. So yes, it is style over comfort for…says Chitrangda Singh

    With the onset of the joyous and exuberant days of festivities ahead, one cannot help but feel resolute and optimistic. In a tribute to the anticipation of the heartening days ahead, homegrown, everyday wear brand, trueBrowns launches its latest collection, Maati, in association with ace actor, Chitrangda Singh, not only helming the hat of the co-creator but, also as the face of this festive edit.

    Maati presents an alluring selection of 59 styles, quintessential for the upcoming festive days, integrating luxe fabrics, and exclusive designs, however, not drifting away from its core design mantra – comfort. With Chitrangda preaching the same design aesthetic as that of the brand, which is, minimalism, the collection brings to the foreground, pieces that address, functional festive. Comprising of fusion wear with ethnic silhouettes and modern cuts, the brand has played with an extensive range of hues, varying from dainty pastels to festive brights.

    Elated with coming on board as the co-creator and face of this collection, Chitrangda Singh, says, “trueBrowns is a brand that speaks volumes about today’s traditional yet modern woman. I have always believed in standing tall and strong because I sincerely feel that women are allowed to make their own choices and decisions.” We caught up with Chitrangda to get more details on the collaboration. Read Excerpts:

    Style over comfort?

    Chitrangada: There is always style over comfort because of our professional commitments. I am always dying to get into my pyjamas once I get back home. So yes, it is style over comfort for me.

    Your go to style and fashion aesthetic?

    Chitrangada: For me, it has always been very classic, simple, straight lines along with clean silhouettes. I personally love colours, therefore anything with jewel tones that one can play with, as in my opinion they work beautifully on our brown skin tone. I believe that less is more aesthetically. I love working with classics, with a more vintage look and cut as I feel that, that is something that has always worked for me.

    You have over a million followers on Instagram, how important is it to be a celebrity influencer in this day and age to remain relevant?

    Chitrangada: I believe it is important. Social media has become such a relevant part of our lives, and not only for celebrities but everyone in general. It has become a necessity to communicate with people and for us, even more. Having said that, I am not someone who is fiercely active on social media, I feel that you remain relevant with the kind of work that you put out. For me as an actor, it is important that my work is relevant.

    Of course, one is so much more beyond being just an actor but, you must be real and authentic too. It is impossible to keep up a facade for too long. I do not believe in faking it just to increase my follower count. Staying true to yourself will get you genuine followers with whom you will enjoy interactions too.

    Would you like to foray into OTT and do you have any projects in the pipeline?

    Chitrangada: Well, I have already forayed into OTT with Modern Love, which was an anthology. It was titled, Cutting Chai and I worked with Arshad Warsi for the same. I am yet to do a full flagged series which I am awaiting and I hope I can come by something which is interesting enough. I feel when you are part of a series, it is very important for the content to be good enough to hold the audiences for such a long period of time as opposed to a two-hour long film. I am really looking forward to it and this is the way to go. OTT is the future and I hope I get something exciting soon.

    How did you choose trueBrowns for the association and what synergies do you feel compliment your own?

    Chitrangada: Well, with trueBrowns, I thought it was very instant because like I said, my go-to is always clean silhouettes, minimal style, with a certain feminine feel to the whole look. The brand caters to all kinds of styles, be it a day or an evening look. It is for the everyday Indian women who are not trying to be western all the time and are more rooted in their tradition. The colours of the collection also compliment the Indian skin colour which makes it more relatable to us. There are a lot of jewel tones, which are part of my personal collection too, keeping it very simple and having a high quality of fabric which helps in draping. All these elements instantly checked my list and made me agree to be a part of it. The whole ideology behind the brand and the way Udita portrays Indian women and creates that benchmark of what real Indian women are, that is, traditional yet modern in their own way. The entire thought process behind this brand was so relatable for me and after I met her, it was an instant yes. I really enjoyed working on the new collection and I am happy to have started this relationship with them.

    Delighted with the latest collection and getting Chitrangda on board, Udita Bansal, Founder, trueBrowns, says, “This is our first celebrity collaboration and we could not have asked for someone better suited than Chitrangda to accompany us on this journey. It is extremely fortunate that our vision, design aesthetics, and views have been so in sync and that is reflected in the collection itself. The collaboration has been very harmonious and we hope that this association is just the first of many more to come.”

    Chitrangada Singh reveals strength of her ‘Bob Biswas’ character

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  • ‘Magic happens when we are in it together’

    ‘Magic happens when we are in it together’

    Aishwarya also spoke about how pan-India films are taking cinema in different languages to larger sections of the population…reports Asian Lite News

    Aishwarya Rai has said that she owes a debt of gratitude to the ace director Mani Ratnam and praised him for making an ambitious historical epic dram such as ‘Ponniyin Selvan: I’.

    The actress, who has been previously cast by Mani Ratnam in ‘Iruvar’, ‘Guru’ and ‘Raavan’, was in the Capital with the multi-lingual film’s leading stars Chiyaan Vikram, Jayam Ravi, Karthi and Trisha. She emphasised that “the entire cast is fortunate to be part of this film”.

    Aishwarya continued: “I have always been fortunate to be part of larger-than-life projects, but what makes this special is that it is Mani sir’s film. This movie is a labour of love and the guru is Mani Sir. It is such an enticing, intriguing and exciting film. How fortunate we are that we are a part of this magnum opus.”

    She added: “Magic happens when we are in it together. What a great team. From the cast to the camera persons, to everyone else — all have contributed to the making of this film. Thank you so much, Mani sir for making me a part of this film.”

    Aishwarya also spoke about how pan-India films are taking cinema in different languages to larger sections of the population.

    “I feel it is a great time as cinema is accessible through different platforms and people are embracing it with open arms in all parts of the country,” she said.

    In the movie, Aishwarya plays the queen Nandini of Pazhuvoor. The film’s promotions sum up the thought behind the character with the words: “Vengeance has a beautiful face.”

    ‘Ponniyin Selvan: I’ is a period drama based on popular Tamil writer Kalki Krishnamurthy’s 1955 novel of the same name.

    Tech advances made ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ possible

    Mani Ratnam, the maestro who is bringing his epic film ‘Ponniyin Selvan: I’ to the theatres this week, had earlier attempted to adapt Kalki Krishnamurthy’s eponymous novel into a film not once, but twice.

    The first time, it was in the 1990s, and the second time, in the 2010s, but somehow neither effort materialised into a film. The filmmaker is happy that the film wasn’t made back then

    In a conversation Ratnam said, “In a way, I am glad this film didn’t materialise back then because I feel today we are far more equipped to handle such a subject on screen given the technological advances. This film is made for the big screen as it has an expansive set design, action, costumes, photography and pretty much everything.”

    ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ is “one of the earliest books” that the auteur had read even before he thought of becoming a filmmaker.

    When asked what intrigued him to adapt this story for the screen and the reason behind his perseverance for this “dream project”, he noted: “The film’s story is a historical fiction and deals with the Chola period. It is told in a very adventurous way, quite in the space of Alexandre Dumas [the French author of ‘The Three Musketeers’]. Kalki’s writing in the novel is very vivid and that shaped my vision to tell this story on the big screen.”

    ALSO READ-‘Ponni Nadhi’, the first single from ‘Ponniyin Selvan’ launched

  • UN chief calls for all-out efforts to eliminate N-threat

    UN chief calls for all-out efforts to eliminate N-threat

    In late August, the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons failed to result in the adoption of an outcome document…reports Asian Lite News

    UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for the use of every means to eliminate the nuclear threat.

    Guterres made the appeal at a UN General Assembly high-level meeting to commemorate and promote the International Day for the Total Elimination of Nuclear Weapons, which falls on September 26.

    “We come together on this international day to speak with one voice. To stand in defence of our world — and our future. And to reject the claim that nuclear disarmament is some impossible utopian dream,” he said on Monday.

    He noted that the elimination of nuclear weapons would be the greatest gift “we could bestow on future generations”.

    In late August, the 10th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons failed to result in the adoption of an outcome document.

    Expressing disappointment about the conference’s failure to reach a substantive outcome, Guterres vowed that “we will not give up”.

    “I urge all states to use every avenue of dialogue, diplomacy and negotiation to ease tensions, reduce risk and eliminate the nuclear threat,” he said.

    Guterres also called for a new vision for nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.

    He highlighted the need to take into account the evolving nuclear order, including all types of nuclear weapons and their means of delivery, as well as the need to address the blurring lines between strategic and conventional weapons, and the nexus with new domains of cyber and outer space.

    The UN chief urged General Assembly delegates to seize the opportunity and make new commitment to work toward a peaceful future.

    “Without eliminating nuclear weapons, there can be no peace. There can be no trust. And there can be no sustainable future,” he added.

    ALSO READ-India wins global praise at UNGA

  • Nakashima wins maiden ATP Tour title at San Diego

    Nakashima wins maiden ATP Tour title at San Diego

    While there was little to separate the two players in the rallies, Nakashima’s serve made the difference…reports Asian Lite News

    Brandon Nakashima, the 21-year-old home-grown tennis player, completed a dream week by defeating third seed Marcos Giron 6-4, 6-4 in an all-American final to win the San Diego Open — his maiden ATP Tour title.

    Turning out in his third ATP Tour final, and his first of this year, the San Diego native won the ATP 250 event to move up 21 places to a career-high No. 48 in the ATP Live Rankings.

    “It feels like a dream out here,” Nakashima was quoted as saying by atptour.com. “My first ATP title in my hometown. To be able to capture my first title here, it’s unbelievable. Amazing atmosphere out here tonight, and I just really want to say thank you for coming out and showing your support.”

    While there was little to separate the two players in the rallies, Nakashima’s serve made the difference.

    “No matter the score out here today, I always knew there were going to be some tough moments,” said Nakashima, who has memories of practicing with “great friend” Giron in his junior days.

    “I knew it wasn’t going to come easy. I had to battle for every game. At the beginning of the second set, a couple of tight games. I lost my serve, but I think I regrouped pretty well in the next game. Happy to close it out on my serve,” he added.

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  • Music trumps militancy in Kashmir

    Music trumps militancy in Kashmir

    Shazia Bashir is a young woman from a remote south Kashmir’s militancy prone Achabal area. So passionate she was about singing that she left school midway to follow her dream of becoming a singer…reports Asian Lite News

    Lanes and bylanes of Kashmir valley, not long ago filled with smokes and sounds of battles, are stirred by lilting tunes and mellifluous voices drifting in from young men and women heralding a new future for their home.

    Music, and Kashmir has a long tradition of music, is the new voice of Kashmir today. Young men and women are no longer misled by false ‘azadi’, they are creating the new tunes of an azadi which is unheard of in Kashmir, a freedom of lyrics and ideas that recalled the Sufi traditions of the Valley.

    There is a new storm on the horizon in the new Kashmir, led by young women with guitars and men with voices that rustle the leaves of Chinar and caress the alpine meadows. The valleys and forests, deafened by gunshots, are reverberating with songs and music inspired by Kashmir’s rich ethnic culture. A music event organiser, Asmat Ashai put it lyrically — “The moment you listen to your music, it just brings mountains and valleys right into your heart.”

    Shazia Bashir is a young woman from a remote south Kashmir’s militancy prone Achabal area. So passionate she was about singing that she left school midway to follow her dream of becoming a singer. She began to sing at public functions quite young, but it was her performance at a TV show, ‘Milay Sur’ broadcast by DD Kashir, that her voice became a regional sensation. She performs light music, ghazal, sufi besides kirtan, bhajan and lila. She is a member of an all-girl ‘Pragaash band’. In 2016, she was nominated for the Bismillah Khan award by the Sangeet Natak Academy.

    Yawar Abdal, from downtown Srinagar, has a different take off as a singer. His love for singing began quite early when he would spend hours writing songs and practising imaginary tunes. He was fired up by the music of eccelsiastical Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan and popular music band, Junoon. He wanted to sing like Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, the lilt of sufi lyrics and the breathtaking pitch of the great master enveloped him. But his family was not keen on his singing; they wanted him to pursue more regular professions. He took a degree in computers and began working in Pune where he also found cafes which invited him to sing. Soon after, he left his job and began singing full time. His first album was a hit, not the second one. He is now working on his third which he believes will go some way in fulfilling his dream, of connecting Kashmir youth to their culture, of Sufi songs and mystical lyrics.

    Today he is a confident singer, he knows what people want from him. In his words: “Today, when I look at the number of people wanting to listen to me, my eyes can’t reach to the end and I feel I can’t take a count of it. That love, passion in the eyes of my supporters keeps me going. Greeting the audience in Kashmiri at any place I go to makes me feel that I belong to the land of strong people.”

    Like Abdal, Ali Saffudin is a singer-songwriter from Srinagar’s Hassanabad area. Ali’s inspiration are poets like Faiz Ahmed, Faiz, Mehjoor, among others. He was not unaware of happenings around him. In the summer of 2016, he began writing a song about hope and yearning. Militancy was brewing around him, and then in July, Burhan Wani, a militant commander, was killed, sparking protests and violence in the valley. Saffudin could not go beyond the first line for months and it took four years for him to release the music video in May 2020. His love for music and hope trumped the violence around him.

    Isfaq Kawa from militancy prone Bandipora had escaped to Hyderabad to work as a waiter where luck turned. He spent his childhood singing publicly but could not continue due to poverty caused by violence and mayhem. In 2015, when he sang out of blue, on request, while working as a waiter in a hotel, luck smiled upon him. The standing ovation at the hotel propelled him to become a singer and gone was fear and hesitation as singing took flight. He soon became a popular singer of Kashmiri folk songs — a hit on the Internet and most-sought after artist in various cities, including Mumbai, Delhi, Chandigarh and Hyderabad. He is a powerful writer and is broadening his genre of music with his first album. He is called the Arijit Singh of Kashmir.

    It is amazing how music ebbed and flowed as militancy rose and fell in Kashmir. If a single thread were to tie the young group of singers like Saffudin, it would run parallel to the bloodied trail of militancy. But it is music and its devotees which is today taking Kashmir to a world, as great singer Led Zeppelin sings, of lilting grace.

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