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Community Lite Blogs

Kinari: Breaks Stereotypes with Debut Album ‘Kattar Kinnar

She stressed that ‘gaana’ songs, ballroom beats and ‘mujra’ numbers in her debut album ‘Kattar Kinnar’ are her musical inspirations. Also Khushi Shaikh, who is someone she deeply respects…writes Sukant Deepak

She says everyone always wants her to talk about struggles, about how she might be suffering, and she feels that is what the audience wants to know.

“But for me, it is paramount that my music makes people dance, and celebrate, while also being honest and real,” said Kinari, recipient of the Toto Music Awards 2024, who has emerged as one of the foremost voices for the LGBTQ+ community in Delhi’s rap scene.

She stressed that ‘gaana’ songs, ballroom beats and ‘mujra’ numbers in her debut album ‘Kattar Kinnar’ are her musical inspirations. Also Khushi Shaikh, who is someone she deeply respects.

Kinari said, “Samples from her iconic vlogs and videos feature heavily as part of the sonic landscape of my album. This is why it was so incredible that she danced for my album’s party,” said Kinari.

The opening ‘mujra’ performance by Khushi Shaikh, a trans model and dancer who is quite popular on social media, and samples from Shaikh’s vlogs — a collaboration between ‘mujra’ and rap, both by trans artistes — was the first such commercial gig of its kind in Delhi that happened on March 3.

The album will be officially released in mid-March.

For someone who learnt casio at school, and is self-trained, Kinari said she has always been alive to the local music scene around her, including wedding bands outside her window in Khirki, or ‘gaana’ music playing in her hometown Chennai while growing up.

Listening to hip-hop from a young age, she feels it is the best medium to express herself.

“I cannot even think of choosing any other musical styles. There is much more to hip-hop than song and dance. Let us not forget that across the world, artists of this genre speak about social issues and bring contemporary realities alive with their music. Like MC Altaf says, ‘If you listen to hip-hop, become a good person/become a helping hand to wanderer struggling/do good work before you die’,” asserted this 25-year-old, who is Delhi’s first transgender rapper.

Talking about her debut album, a sonic expression of life in Delhi’s Khirkee Extension that switches fluidly from Hindi to English, she highlighted her heritage by intertwining the beat of wedding bands outside her window with the coruscating pulse of ‘gaana’ songs and cuts of Mari Selvaraj films. The album is an expression of not just the sweet side of being a transgender.

“It is also about some bitter truths. It was written and produced in Delhi. I want to share with people the pleasure and power of Tamil ‘gaana’ and Delhi ‘mujra’ dance throughout the album, which has helped me keep going through the daily harshness of life in the city. My song ‘Baahar’ talks more about this, the dichotomy between my day-to-day life in Khirki Extension as a language teacher, and the nights as the Indian hip-hop scene’s exciting new rapper,” she said.

And did she face any roadblocks owing to her gender identity?

“The main difficulty is not being transgender in the music industry, but being one in Delhi. I make music that I love to make and listen to. I will keep doing this even if the industry does not accept it. I believe in staying close to music and not losing faith,” she said.

Raving about Miss Boogie’s latest album ‘The Breakdown’, she asserted that her inspirations keep changing over time.

“There are so many transgender and marginalised artistes who are making great music today,” concludes Kinari, who after the album’s release will be going on her first multi-city tour this summer.

ALSO READ-Airbnb Celebrates Women’s Role in Inclusive Community

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Community India News Politics

‘Ram Mandir was already there’

On PM Modi’s poll promise of providing jobs to youths, the TMC MP from Asansol said, “They had said that when they come to power, the youth in the country will be empowered. They had said that they would give two crore jobs every year. Where is the guarantee?”…reports Asian Lite News

Days after Bhojpuri singer Pawan Singh withdrew his candidacy from the Asansol Lok Sabha constituency, Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Shatrughan Sinha asserted that the Ram Mandir already existed in Ayodhya, adding that BJP did Pran Pratishtha in an incomplete temple.

“They (BJP) have spent so much money for darshan in the temple. The temple was already there. Was Pran Pratishtha not done earlier? The temple was small. You (PM Modi) have only magnified it and that too, you also did Pran Pratishtha in an incomplete temple,” Sinha said speaking at a public meeting at Asansol on Tuesday.

Taking a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s electoral assurances, the actor-turned-politician at a public gathering in Asansol said, “PM Modi keeps talikng on giving guarantees. First, fulfil whatever guarantees you have given. You used to speak about inflation earlier. Today, inflation has risen to such an extent that it is at a 60-year high. Whether it is price of oil, fruits, vegetables or other edible items.”

On PM Modi’s poll promise of providing jobs to youths, the TMC MP from Asansol said, “They had said that when they come to power, the youth in the country will be empowered. They had said that they would give two crore jobs every year. Where is the guarantee?”

“The young generation is more than 60 per cent of the total demography today and among them, 60 per cent are unemployed. Imagine the frustration among them. Youth are committing suicide. And they are diverting people’s attention from real issues and sticking to temples and mosques,” Sinha said.

Sinha also hit out at the Prime Minister for promising to double farmers income by 2022.

ALSO READ-Karnataka Assembly roiled by Ayodhya Ram Mandir issues

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Community Lite Blogs

Mumbai Queer Pride March 2024 Set for February 3rd

The Mumbai Queer Pride March 2024 is scheduled to take place on February 3, organised by Mumbai Queer Pride (MQP), a collective of Queer (LGBTQIA+) individuals and organisations. The march will begin at 3 PM, next to August Kranti Maidan, the historic site of the Quit India movement.

The Mumbai Queer Pride March is:

•             A celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community’s diversity and resilience

•             A call for action on the issues and challenges we face

•             A demand for rights like marriage equality and adoption for queer persons

•             A demand for strong anti-discrimination and anti-violence laws

•             A demand to set up functional Welfare Boards and Councils for protecting & furthering the rights of Transgender persons

•             A demand to end stigma & discrimination against people living with HIV and provide them with access to health care, education, employment, housing, etc. 

•             A call to immediately end discrimination, abuse and violence of all sorts.

The march will feature volunteers, activists, artists, thinkers, movie makers, actors, and allies from various other social movements, as well as parents, teachers, students, and corporate goers supporting the above causes and beyond. The march is preceded by a month-long calendar of events, including workshops for advocacy and education, panel discussions, film screenings, book readings, performances and many more.

The MQP welcomes the participation and solidarity of intersectional movements in the march. The organisers highlight that the upcoming Pride March is for LGBTQIA+ Pride and the Causes that intersect with it, and the attendees’ posters and messages need to reflect that.

ALSO READ-Rainbow Lit Fest Celebrates Queer Inclusivity in New Delhi

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Community Lite Blogs

Rainbow Lit Fest Celebrates Queer Inclusivity in New Delhi

The winners of the first-ever Rainbow Awards for Literature and Journalism will be announced and felicitated on Day 2. The Fest will also see queer-run enterprises at work through stalls and pop-ups. In addition, there would be a bookstore run by the ‘queer-friendly’ Kunzum…reports Asian Lite News

The Rainbow Lit Fest – Queer and Inclusive is set to take place on 9th and 10th December 2023 at the Gulmohar Park Club, New Delhi. Bringing together diverse voices from across the nation, the Rainbow Lit Fest seeks to discuss queerness, find common ground and stitch more informed narratives about the LGBTQIA+ community.

This year, over 60 speakers, entertainers and performers will participate in the festival. In about 30 sessions covering a wide variety of topics, they will celebrate queerness and love while encouraging inclusivity. The festival will open with a spotlight session with director Jaydeep Sarkar (maker of the new queer docuseries Rainbow Rishta). There will be more such spotlight sessions with Saurabh Kirpal (senior advocate & author), actor Kalki Koechlin, Seema Anand (London-based mythologist; intimacy columnist) and Hoshang Merchant (modern India’s first openly gay poet).

Other prominent speakers include Alankrita Shrivastava (Director & Writer), actor Mona Ambegaonkar, Jaya Sharma (queer feminist activist), Urvashi Butalia (author and activist), Akhil Katyal (poet and queer activist), Poonam Saxena (senior journalist, translator, author), Rituparna Borah (queer feminist, writer, founder – Nazariya – QFRG), Niladri R Chatterjee (author and translator) and Rohin Bhatt (lawyer and activist).

Exploring themes of love and the law, social hierarchies and identities, the relationship between mythology, literature and culture, the overlap between queer rights and feminism, among other things, the conversations will revolve around the Rainbow Lit Fest’s aim to unravel queer history, acknowledge present realities and work towards a hopeful future. Special ‘Spotlights on History’ include revisiting India’s first Stonewall moment with activist Arif Jafar, and another remembering historian and gay rights activist Saleem Kidwai.

Besides history and academia, the Fest delves into the sub-continent’s rich culture of folklore and fluidity to bring together an immersive two-day experience. Five films that cover different aspects of queerness will be screened at the festival, including the award-winning My Mother’s Girlfriend and Muhafiz, among others. Mumbai-based Tamasha Theatre is set to perform Be-loved, an intriguing saga exploring love and freedom through a queer lens, for the first time in Delhi. Performances by queer artists feature musician John Oinam and band, drag performer Lush Monsoon, Geetanjali & Katukaleen rendering Kumaoni folk music, trans performer Avatari Devi, and Gayathri Sharma & Bhadra Sinha in a Bharatnatyam production representing the Ardhanarishvara philosophy.

The winners of the first-ever Rainbow Awards for Literature and Journalism will be announced and felicitated on Day 2. The Fest will also see queer-run enterprises at work through stalls and pop-ups. In addition, there would be a bookstore run by the ‘queer-friendly’ Kunzum. 

The festival is being supported by Delhi Queer Spaces, Naz Foundation, Nazariya – QFRG, Keshav Suri Foundation, Official Humans of Queer, The Pink List, The Q-knit, Queering in Chandigarh, Sweekar – The Rainbow Parents and Yes We Exist. Everything from the fest’s location – Gulmohar Park, which saw the early risings of the gay movement at the residence-cum-office of the Naz Foundation back in 2001 – to its belief system – that literature and art should speak for as many as possible, particularly those who aren’t usually heard – sets the Rainbow Lit Fest – Queer & Inclusiveapart.

Festival Director and Founder, Sharif D Rangnekar said, “After the Supreme Court verdict on marriage equality, there is a greater need for the community to come together and voice their views. Conversations around lived experiences are extremely essential in giving the community a sense of space, identity and belonging, while also informing the audience of queerness and the expanse of love and choice.”

ALSO READ-Sahela’: A Film Inspired by Personal Journey of Self-Discovery

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-Top News Community UAE News

Pope to UAE Sikhs: Faith and service are intimately linked

“Faith and service, as you are aware, are intimately linked.”, said His Holiness Pope Francis

Members of the Sikh Delegation from Guru Nanak Darbar of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates met His Holiness Pope Francis at the Apostolic Palace in Vatican on 11th November 2023.

His Holiness expressed his joy to receive the diverse delegation and to learn about the faith-inspired service they offer the communities in those countries that have become their home and encouraged them to continue their selfless service which leads to God.

Such efforts, the Pope noted, “bear witness to your endeavour to live by faith and to contribute to the good of society,” especially as they seek to integrate themselves but at the same time “remain steadfast to your own specific identity.”

The Pope expressed gratitude for their commitment to building bridges among people, and serving the poor, the needy, and the suffering, noting that, in doing so, they acknowledge the ways their own lives have been blessed and enriched.

Indeed, the true path to God, as your Holy Scripture Guru Granth Sahib – “Sukhmani Sahib”…ang (page) 286 says,” the Pope continued, “lies in the service of our fellow human beings.” The Gospel brings us these words of Jesus: “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me to drink, I was stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me” (Mt. 25:35-36). Selfless service rendered in particular to the least in our midst, and to those on the peripheries of society, besides makes us consciously aware of our own littleness and insufficiency, bring us closer to God.  May service, then, always remain your way of life and may you be a blessing to all whom you serve in promoting the spirit of fraternity, equality, justice and peace.

Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai has also been instrumental in promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding. Through its various initiatives, such as seminars, workshops, and interfaith prayer gatherings, the Gurudwara has facilitated meaningful conversations between different religious communities, promoting respect, harmony, and a shared vision of peaceful coexistence.

Sharing material wealth and largesse is a calling as is service and the cleansing of the soul by engaging in the most menial of tasks which we perform with joy in our hearts even when it is penance for a transgression we may have committed. It is with these priorities that the House of Worship – The Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara was built in the UAE, mentions Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai.

The challenges we face in the world today are manifold. We see wars, conflicts, and violence often occurring in the name of religion, and our environment is suffering due to our unsustainable practices. It is in times like these that the importance of unity, compassion and cooperation among people of all faith becomes even more evident. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we, as individuals and as members of various faith communities, join hands to address the pressing global issues of our time. Together, we can strive for a world where the principles of love, compassion, and shared responsibility for our planet prevail over division and conflict. In the spirit of interfaith dialogue and cooperation, we can make a significant difference in creating a more peaceful and sustainable future for all, quotes Mr. Kandhari.

The Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, Vatican City sends you cordial greetings on the occasion of the Birth Anniversary of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji, celebrated worldwide this year on 27 November. May all your festive events bring you joy and peace and help enhance the spirit of unity and solidarity in your families and communities.  As believers with shared convictions and concerns for the wellbeing of all and that of the earth, may we Christians and Sikhs, joining hands with everyone who cares for the welfare of humanity, endeavour to do all we can to bring about a positive change in climatic conditions and become responsible and genuine stewards of creation!

We wish you all a Happy Prakash Diwas of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Ji!

On this auspicious occasion of the birthday anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, I extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to the entire Sikh community at Guru Nanak Darbar Gurudwara Dubai. As we celebrate this joyous occasion, let us also remember the importance of unity and harmony. In the spirit of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s teachings, let us come together as a community to support one another, regardless of differences, and work towards creating a more compassionate and inclusive society. May we continue to walk the path of righteousness and spread the message of Guru Nanak Dev Ji to all corners of the world, Surender Singh Kandhari, Chairman, Gurudwara Guru Nanak Darbar Dubai.

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Asia News Community UK News

Let’s Talk Lung Cancer

Giant lung roadshow tours England to encourage South Asian community to act on early lung cancer symptoms. The roadshow will travel around the country throughout the month of November – Lung Cancer Awareness Month – as part of the NHS Help Us, Help You campaign. The roadshow aims to begin conversations about the illness and its symptoms

The NHS will visit thousands of people in England’s lung cancer hotspots with giant inflatable lungs this month, to raise awareness of potential cancer symptoms and help catch cancer earlier.

The Let’s Talk Lung Cancer roadshow, run between NHS England and Roy Castle Lung Foundation, kicks off as new survey data reveals that just a third of (33%) South Asian respondents would see their GP if they had a cough for three weeks or more. While more than a quarter (28%) of South Asian individuals surveyed believe that lung cancer only affects smokers.

Over half (55%) of South Asian survey respondents also believed that or were unsure whether lung cancer only affects a small number of people every year in England, when in fact it’s the leading cause of cancer deaths in the UK. 

Nasim Panjwani

Nasim, 65 , is recovering from lung cancer following removal of part of her left lung. She initially went to see her GP as she was losing weight and didn’t know why.

“I have never smoked, so I didn’t ever think it could be lung cancer,” said Nasim. “However, when my friends and family started pointing out that I was looking thin I thought I should get checked out.’ 

Diagnosing lung cancer early dramatically increases people’s chances of survival – those diagnosed at stages one or two are nearly 20 times more likely to survive for five years or more than those whose cancer is caught at later stages. As such, Nasim wants to encourage more people to come forward if they have symptoms.

Nasim said:The best thing that could come from my diagnosis and treatment would be that others read my story and go and see their GP as a result. If you’ve had a cough for three weeks or more, or something feels not quite right, please get medical advice and give yourself the best chance.”

As part of the roadshow, specialist teams of volunteers will assist the campaign to educate the public and help catch more cancers early. Thousands of people are expected to see the giant inflatable lungs in communities across the country – including supermarkets, shopping centres and local high streets – with the public urged to get checked if they have signs and symptoms.

The inflatable organs allow visitors to observe and learn about typical lung structures, lung health, and the effects of smoking.

Community engagement teams and volunteers will be on hand to talk to members of the public and encourage those with suspected symptoms to visit their GP as soon as possible.

This comes as survey data also shows that just over a third (34%) of South Asian people surveyed would visit their GP if they had a chest infection that kept coming back, and a similar percentage would do the same if they had a loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss (36%), which are lesser-known signs of lung cancer.

Dr. Jyoti Sood said: “Tens of thousands of people are diagnosed with lung cancer every year in England, but it’s clear from the survey that many people in our community still think it’s not something that can affect them. This campaign is really important in raising awareness of the symptoms – like a cough lasting for three weeks or more – and encouraging people to get seen by a medical professional as early as possible. We know that early diagnosis gives the best chance of effective treatment and survival.’

Chief Executive of Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation, Paula Chadwick, said: “It is staggering that so many of those surveyed still do not know how prevalent lung cancer is. We believe this stems from a reluctance, even aversion, to talking about lung cancer, and that is largely because of its links to smoking and associated stigma.

“That’s why these events are so important. They give us the opportunity to have one-on-one conversations with people who may not realise they are at risk, who may not recognise potential symptoms or could feel unable to act on them.

“If we can help just one person get diagnosed earlier when lung cancer can be treated more easily, then that is worth doing”.

The roadshow will travel around the country throughout the month of November – Lung Cancer Awareness Month – as part of the NHS Help Us, Help You campaign. The roadshow aims to begin conversations about the illness and its symptoms.

The NHS’s Help Us, Help You lung cancer campaign focuses specifically on raising awareness of the key symptom of lung cancer – a cough that lasts for three weeks or more. While it might seem like nothing serious, if it is cancer, finding it early means it’s more treatable and can save lives. The campaign will encourage those who have this symptom to contact their GP practice and remind the public that the NHS wants to see them.

In addition to the symptom of a cough for three weeks or more, other symptoms of lung cancer include:

  • chest infections that keep coming back
  • coughing up blood
  • a long-standing cough that gets worse
  • an ache or pain when breathing or coughing
  • persistent breathlessness
  • persistent tiredness or lack of energy
  • loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss.
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Community India News London News

International Conference on Sindh Organised in London

Organised at the University of Westminster Harrow Campus, the day long event had attendees descending in London from different parts of the world.

Robust panel discussions and presentations on the challenges of Sindhi community adorned the 35th International Conference on Sindh by World Sindhi Congress recently. Organised at the University of Westminster Harrow Campus, the day long event had attendees descending in London from different parts of the world.

Starting with the panel on British-Sindhi Diaspora, the topics ranged from Mismanagement of Indus Water to Human Rights and Forced Conversions of Sindhi Hindu girls in Pakistan (video presentations), to Self-determination right and global Sindhi alliances. A welcome message was rendered by Fahmida Khushik and Rukshana Bhutto, and introductory lines about the conference and WSC by Hafeezan Wadhio, followed by panel discussions.

Stellar panels included Shahzado Wadhio (Sindhi Sangat UK), Fahmida Khushik (International Sindhi Women Organisation, UK), Faraz Ahmed Khokhar (Sindhi Youth Club, UK), Imdad Odho (Radio Voice of Sindh, London), Ved Luhana (World Sindhi Congress, UK), Chandru Gidoomal (Sindhi Association of UK), Qambar Baloch (Baloch Human Rights Council, UK), Dr Lakhu Luhana (World Sindhi Congress), Prof. Fiona McConnell (Oxford University), representatives of Baloch Movement, Hassan Dost Baloch, Kim Putheaney (Global Human Rights Defence- GHDR, Netherlands), Prof. Rafiq A Chandio (University of Sindh), Prof. Ishtiaq Ahmed (Sweden), Ms Veengas (The Rise News, Sindh), Harris Khalique (Human Rights Commission, Pakistan), Hajan Kalhoro (WSC, Canada), Narayan Bablani (India), Dr Maqbool Halepota (Sindhi Association of America- SANA), and Dr Rubina Shaikh (Chair, WSC). Gul Sanai, Fahmida Khushik, Dr Sagir Shaikh, Farhan Kaghzi, and Dr Hidayat Bhutto have moderated the panels that were thought-provoking.

A minute’s silence was observed to pay respectful tributes to deceased Gul Hassan Kalmati, Raj Kumar Wanjara, Sundar Agnani and Bashir Ahmed Shahani. Poetry for the Soul by Roohi Kalhoro, Harris Khalique & Sami Baloch, and Sindhi Live Music Concert by Pooja Vazirani (India), Alghozo player Nathan Torrence (USA) captivated the attendees. Umed Leghari outlined plans of World Sindhi Congress for the forthcoming year and Fiza Kalhoro presented the conference resolutions.

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-Top News Australia Community

Australia Votes in Historic Indigenous Voice Referendum

In order for the constitution to be changed, the “yes” vote must secure a double majority.

Polling booths across Australia opened on Saturday for the country’s first ever referendum in the 21st century, with voters to decide on whether or not to establish an Indigenous Voice to Parliament.

Millions of Australians will on Saturday vote “yes” or “no” on the proposal to alter the constitution to recognise the First Peoples of Australia by establishing the voice, which would advise the federal Parliament on all issues affecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, reports Xinhua news agency.

In order for the constitution to be changed, the “yes” vote must secure a double majority, meaning that more than 50 per cent voters nationally, as well as a majority in at least four out of Australia’s six states, must vote in favor.

In a final pitch to voters on Friday, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said the referendum was an opportunity for Australia to “do better”.

“We have an opportunity for Australians to do better. To do better to show respect for the first Australians, but to do something for ourselves, as well, because we will feel better. We will feel better about ourselves on Sunday with a Yes vote,” he said at a press conference in South Australia.

The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) personnel will start counting the votes as they close at 6 p.m. on Saturday.

According to the AEC, voting is mandatory for Australians aged 18 and over who are registered on the electoral roll (about 17.7 million people), while by the close of business on Wednesday, approximately four million people have voted at an early voting centre.  

The Voice to Parliament was recommended by a historic document in 2017 called the Uluru Statement from the Heart.

Drafted by more than 250 Indigenous leaders, the statement is considered the best — though not unanimous — call to action for reforms on issues affecting First Nations Australians.

It also lays out a longer process of treaty-making and truth-telling.

The issue, however has been a fierce topic of debate for years as country has not had a successful referendum in almost 50 years.

If approved, the vote would recognise Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the country’s constitution, and establish a permanent body for them to give advice on laws.

The composition, functions and powers of the body, whose advice would not be binding, would then be designed and debated by Parliament.

ALSO READ: Australia Interested in Business Tie-Up With Kerala

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Community Kerala

MASHE … The story of Ki Ki Master Of Palakkad

Unfortunately, opportunities for English education were scarce in his village in Palakkad. Undeterred, Vappa embarked on a grueling journey, walking 20 miles each day (as owning a bicycle was a luxury for a farmer’s family) to attend school in Alathur and later to join a Teacher’s Training College in Coimbatore. He became the first from the Ravuther families in Palakkad to attain this qualification … writes Kaliph Anaz to mark Teacher’s Day

Today is Teacher’s Day. I am reminded of my Vappa (grandpa), Mohammed Ravuther, affectionately known as Thoppi Vappa due to his ever-present Hat. He was a teacher, and being a part of his family, I feel a deep connection to the teaching world. My own career began in teaching and still occasionally finds its way back there like teaching journalism at Kerala Media Academy. They say we owe our success to our parents’ sacrifices, and while that is true, in our Aattukkara Family, credit also goes to my Grand Dad, who changed the fate of our humble farming Ravuther family.

Vappa’s family had relocated from Thirunelveli from Tamil Nadu to British Malabar during a severe drought in their village. They eked out a living in Palakkad through farming, weaving, and raising goats, earning them the moniker “Aattukara,” the family with goats as its symbol. Vappa himself contributed to the family’s labour force. However, fate took an unexpected turn when he had a chance encounter with a Dorai (British Officer). Vappa was determined to learn the language of the rulers of Malabar, the Ghora Sahibs, who spoke English and held power. Instead of sticking to his mother tongue, Tamil, he resolved to master the language of the Ghoras.

Mohammed Ravuther aka Ki Ki Master

Unfortunately, opportunities for English education were scarce in his village. Undeterred, he embarked on a gruelling journey, walking 20 miles each day (as owning a bicycle was a luxury for a farmer’s family) to attend school in Alathur and later to join a Teacher’s Training College in Coimbatore. He became the first from the Ravuther families in Palakkad to attain this qualification. Due to his soft-spoken nature, people affectionately referred to him as “Ki Ki Master” – the master with a feeble voice. All six of his sons went on to become government officers – eldest son Abdul Kareem, Post-master, P&T Department; Mohammed Ismail, Teacher; Abdul Azeez, Engineer, P&T Department; Abdul Khader, Station Master, Indian Railways; Abdul Rahman, Indian Air Force; Akbar Basha, Defence, Cordite Factory, Aruvankadu. All of whom chose to remain in independent India despite tempting offers to relocate to Pakistan. We were born here, we will die here!

Vappa was a strict teacher who did not shy away from using the cane, a common practice in those days. Many households displayed a cane on their walls as both a warning and a deterrent from trouble. We grew up as a family of educated (Padichavar), thanks to Vappa’s influence. He instilled in us the habit of reading “The Hindu,” a Palakkad tradition that evolved as we grew, starting with reading the headlines in primary school, moving on to copy in secondary school, and ultimately comprehending “The Hindu” editorials in college. A graduate in Palakkad means a guy who can understand The Hindu, including its editorials without referring to a dictionary.

Periyappa Kareem Master, Mohammed Ravuther aka Ki Ki Master and Abdul Azeez Ravuther

During vacations in Palakkad, Vappa would take us to meet his outstanding students at Civil Station, District Court, Colleges, and Schools. These accomplished civil servants would stand before him with unwavering respect, reverting to the role of students in front of their master. I still cherish memories of my Grandpa, who was meticulous about grammar (Wren & Martin) and vocabulary, the two pillars of mastering any language. He set aside all other subjects to teach us English and introduced me to the works of Dickens. Poor Oliver, the innocent protagonist; the conniving Fagin; the stern Mr. Bumble – these characters have left an indelible mark on my mind. He was also an ardent fan of MGR and Sivaji, and I watched MGR’s “Nadodi Mannan” and Sivaji’s “Gauravam” with him at New Theatre and Gowder Talkies, creating unforgettable memories. I vividly recall the sight of him, radiating with pride, as Sivaji’s Veerapandiya Katta Bomman boldly challenged Jackson Dorai with that iconic dialogue that ends with the curse…. Maanam Kettavane (Shameless!). He might have found great satisfaction in witnessing a Tamilian boldly labelling an Englishman as “shameless.” After all, his forefathers had stood alongside Tipu Sultan in defiance of the English, leaving behind a proud legacy for the Ravuthers.

Palakkad, with its Tipu’s Fort, Noorani Agraharam, Puthupalli Theruv, Bharatha Puzha, Malampuzha Dam & Garden, Valiyangadi, Manjakulam … felt like my very own Malgudi. There was plenty to do during vacations, and my cousins Naushad and Babu eagerly awaited my arrival. We spent hours sliding down concrete slides in front of the fort, much like Swami and his friends in Malgudi. We spoiled many trousers…

Vappa was a humble Ravuther, and people would stand in reverence as he walked down Puthuppalli Theruvu (street), addressing him as “Mashe” – Teacher. That one word encapsulated all the respect a teacher held in Kerala. MASHE … People sought his advice regarding their children’s education, and he would help write complaints, grievances, and loan applications, a tradition our family still upholds. Many of my cousins like Dr Abdul Sathar, Dilshad, Sakariya, Kamal are active in community service after retirement, carrying forward Vappa’s legacy. Vappa’s sons carry that transition in their spare time and find time to teach after retirement. As a family, we are blessed with his knowledge, discipline, and principles. The Aattukara family now boasts doctors, engineers, lawyers, journalists, pharmacists, writers, film directors, and teachers, among others, showcasing the profound impact of Thoppi Vappa’s journey.

Abdul Azeez Ravuther, Ismail Master and Abdullah Ravuther

Vappa’s decision to learn a new language and change our family’s destiny was remarkable. He was a simple Ravuther who took that crucial first step – The decision to walk 10 miles to learn a language. His first step becomes the first move for our family to rewrite our fate. We are what we are now because of him. His decision to walk 20 miles every day put our family on another pedestal.

We owe a heartfelt salute to Thoppi Vappa, the teacher who walked 20 miles each day to master a language and brighten the lives of countless others, including ours. Teaching is truly one of the noblest professions. Happy Teacher’s Day.

A scene from Veerapandiya Kattabomman, the favourite scene of Vappa
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Community India News

Sufism fostering communal harmony in Jammu and Kashmir

Arif Mohammed Khan, Governor of Kerala presided over the conference organised by Cluster University of Srinagar in collaboration with J&K Academy of Arts, Culture and Languages…reports Asian Lite News

During a conference on Sufism in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir LG Manoj Sinha expressed that Sufism embodies a way of life that promotes and advocates for communal harmony, love, and peace among individuals. The event, organized by Cluster University of Srinagar in collaboration with J&K Academy of Arts, Culture and Languages, was presided over by Governor of Kerala, Arif Mohammed Khan. In his speech, Khan acknowledged the significant contributions of Lal Ded, Nund Rishi, Sufis, and Saints from Jammu and Kashmir in enhancing the sense of unity and togetherness.

“Our ancient heritage teaches us peace, love and humanity. The people of all religions, all sects are one family. The continuity of our culture, values, traditions is the biggest power of India that empowers our great nation to flourish,” Khan said.

Sinha highlighted the influence of Sufism in the culture and traditions of Jammu Kashmir.

“Harmonious relationship among all sects, individuals and relationship with the whole existence without distinction is real Sufism. It is way of life that promotes and propagates ideals of communal harmony, love and peace among the people.

“J&K is the land of Rishis and Sufis. It is the land which respects all spiritual and religious streams. Those who had created trouble in this paradise have been decimated, and supporters of terrorism and separatism have been neutralised to establish peace and harmony in the society,” Sinha said.

LG shared the transformational journey of UT of J&K towards peace, prosperity and inclusive development.

“Earlier, shutdown calls were a regular feature in the valley by a handful of people for their vested interests. However, it was common man who used to bear the brunt. Those days are gone now,” he said.

“Peace is prevailing, nightlife has returned and people are living freely. Today is also a historic occasion when Muharram procession was taken out peacefully in Srinagar after a gap of over 30 years,” Sinha said.

Sinha also congratulated the Cluster University of Srinagar and the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages for their endeavour to promote the Sufi traditions.

He called upon the people to embrace the Rishi-Sufi traditions and eliminate all traces of communal divide to strengthen unity.

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