Category: London Diary

Categories
Lite Blogs London Diary London News

An Iconic Venue for a Countryside Dream Wedding: Stapleford Park Hotel, Leicestershire

Stapleford Park country house hotel sits in the heart of England near Melton Mowbray, in Leicestershire, within the East Midlands. Understated luxury at one of the greatest English country estates, makes it the perfect venue for a wedding adventure to begin. A feature by lifestyle columnist Riccha Grrover for Asian Lite International.

Stapleford Park is an enchanting hotel situated in the heart of rural Leicestershire. Nestled amidst 500 acres of lush greenery and furnished with romantic florals, it is the perfect location for weddings, engagements and other memorable celebrations. Whether you are looking for a traditional wedding breakfast or a civil ceremony, Stapleford Park will make your wedding dreams come true.

Whether you’re looking for an intimate wedding for 8, or a decadent party for 180, their beautifully appointed private rooms & Grand Hall were built for this very reason – to entertain and in style. At the end of the celebrations, wedding guests can retire to their individually designed bedroom. Stapleford Park has all of the ingredients for hosting the perfect wedding festivities. A total of 48 rooms boast an array of elegant suites with beautiful decor. With original features and unique design, there is a perfect space for everyone at Stapleford Park. There are even pet-friendly rooms, so your guests’ with  four-legged friends can also celebrate with you.

Their Head Chef and his experienced team serve only the finest ingredients with a decadent and bespoke personally tailored to your occasion. Stapleford Park’s award-winning in-house catering team take inspiration from locally sourced ingredients, producing decadent and delish creations for you and your guests to savour. However, should the couple wish they can even bring in their preferred caterer. 

On the wedding day the guests can curve through the gated entrance, taking in the late 17th century house with its bays and eaves blended with the Tudor old wing, the bride can descend gracefully down the grand main staircase, suffused with light from the glass dome above. The blessing can be conducted in an exquisitely sheltered church on the estate, just a short walk from the main house. With the elegant grandeur of the Main House and the tranquil landscaped gardens providing the perfect backdrop, any wedding at Stapleford Park is truly iconic.

Now coming to the practical arrangements; the dedicated and passionate events team at Stapleford Park have a wealth of experience, and will be on hand at all times before and on your bid day, so you can relax and enjoy your special celebrations in the trust and knowledge that you are in safe and expert hands .

And if you are looking to calm those pre-wedding nerves or unwind after the celebrations and hosting, you can spend a few hours chilling in their luxury spa and wellness centre. With a huge range of treatments and packages to choose from, it will really add the icing to your wedding treats.

With a range of options available, discerning couples and families can choose a tailor-made wedding package that feels right for them and make Stapleford Park the perfect venue for your wedding celebrations to remember.

With a touch of British antiquity in every space, precious memories of esteemed  royalty including King George VI and Edward VIII, emanate through the sprawling, timeless estate. The impressive gardens maintain their magnificence, creating a stunning backdrop for wedding photography with its arched hedges, whimsical walkways and perfectly manicured lawns.

Eloic Montagnier, General Manager at Stapleford Park, said: “In collaboration with the couple getting married our talented and award-winning team thoughtfully design a wedding celebration that uniquely reflects their character, commitment and shared values.

 The beautifully appointed private rooms and Grand Hall at Stapleford Park were built to entertain. The options include an intimate civil ceremony in our lovely Morning and Gilt Room overlooking the tranquil parkland, a blessing in the 18th century Church on the estate or an exclusive hire of the country house for a decadent party of up to 180 guests.”

GM added, “Each wedding is a truly grandeur experience for all with impressive elements such as the gated entrance on arrival, the 17th century architecture blended with the Tudor old wing, the elegant staircase and the stunning 500 acres of Capability Brown landscape. Our Head Chef and his brigade serve a tailored and decadent menu using the finest ingredients but couples can also opt for a preferred catering arrangement if more suited. At the end of the celebrations, guests can retire to their bedroom; each one individual in style and designed by iconic British names including Mulberry, Nina Campbell, and Wedgewood. A wedding at Stapleford Park is truly iconic.”

A top location for weddings Stapleford Park is voted as one of the top 50 wedding venues in the UK and is renowned for being one of the top-most romantic wedding locations in England. The location is idyllic for a country house wedding in a peaceful environment and tranquil atmosphere. The great thing about this location is that you can acquire all the help you need from wedding event coordinators to pampering sessions with spa therapists, this makes the organising process a lot calmer and less frantic. Highly Recommended!

Categories
London Diary London News UK News

Saree walkathon in London on National Handloom Day

The proceeds from the event were given to a community of weavers in Nanoor, West Bengal…reports Asian Lite News

Around 500 women are set to participate in a first-of-its-kind saree walkathon, which will be held in London to mark National Handloom Day on August 7, and raise awareness about Indian handloom.

The women, wearing the drapes representing different states of India, will walk past the iconic and historical landmarks on August 6, London-based news website UK Malayalees reported.

The walkathon will begin from Trafalgar Square and move to the historic Parliament Square in Westminster, London, via 10 Downing Street.

The event is organised by the British Women In Sarees group and is supported by the Inspiring Indian Women group.

“The modern Indian woman of today believes in traversing the world beyond her cocoon and she does all that and more, in a saree while redefining the codes of power dressing,” Dipti Jain of British Women in Sarees group, which is hosting the event, told ukmalayalees.com.

“The British Women in Sarees group was formed out of this idea. It is a group of empowered women who take pride in flaunting handloom sarees and representing the unique cultural melting pot that is India. It is a not-for-profit organisation which likes to organise events to promote our National Heritage and make everyone around the world aware of the toil, handwork and artistry which goes behind weaving each of these masterpieces,” Jain told the website.

She had also organised the very first event at the Ladies Day Royal Ascot Races on June 16, 2022 in Berkshire, where several women from the Indian subcontinent turned up in sarees.

“As residents of UK, we felt elated and proud of the inclusivity that the stage provided us to pay homage to our roots, India. The world watched us but the limelight that our sarees fetched provided us the platform to raise awareness about the plight of artisans and weavers who need support to continue and pass on their craft to the next generation,” Jain said.

The proceeds from the event were given to a community of weavers in Nanoor, West Bengal.

“As we grow bigger, we intend to reach out, grow and connect with more artisans and weavers who need support. This will be our way of preserving ancient handicrafts,” she told UKMalayalees.

At the upcoming walkathon, a team of 30 women from Kerala will be showcasing the traditional settu mundu and handloom sarees bought directly from the weavers to support them.

They will also do a traditional Kerala dance at the Parliament Square before finishing off with a tribute to Mahatma Gandhi.

ALSO READ-London spikes Labour dreams

Categories
Arts & Culture Lite Blogs London Diary

India at the London design forum

The Indian pavilion uses the visual metaphor of a charpai, a traditional woven daybed found all over India, to evoke the essence of a modern Indian city chowk-an outdoor market at the intersection of streets. The charpai’s weave serves as a metaphor for Indian craftsmanship and is a timeless fashion icon…reports Asian Lite News

The Netherlands’ national museum and institute for architecture, design, and digital culture, the Nieuwe Instituut, will serve as the creative director of the fourth London Design Biennale, which will run from June 1 to June 25, 2023.

Participants from all over the world will be asked to envision and put into action new forms of international collaboration and participation-including with each other-through the use of design. The event will take over the entirety of Somerset House, including the Edmond J. Safra Fountain Court and River Terrace.

The India Pavilion at the London Design Biennale 2023 will be designed by The Design Village (TDV) and Studio Archohm. ‘The Global Game: Remapping Collaborations’ will be the focus of the fourth iteration. Chowk & Charpai: An Urban Living Room, a multi-sensory evocation of the essence of a modern Indian metropolis curated by The Design Village and created by Studio Archohm.

Speaking about the opportunity Mridu Sahai, co-founder at The Design Village expressed: “We are delighted to represent India at this global design forum amongst 40 other countries and organisations. Somerset House is such an august cultural destination; we are excited to showcase the essence of contemporary India.” The exhibition not only highlights the vital role of design in addressing challenges and providing solutions but encourages international collaboration and forges future partnerships.

The Indian pavilion uses the visual metaphor of a charpai, a traditional woven daybed found all over India, to evoke the essence of a modern Indian city chowk-an outdoor market at the intersection of streets. The charpai’s weave serves as a metaphor for Indian craftsmanship and is a timeless fashion icon.

As Somerset House soaks up the British sun, the pavilion will act as a sizable urban charpai sculpture that softly shades the building. The charpai’s weave creates a play of light and shadow to create a chowk, or public square, where random encounters occur. The oversized web of the charpai symbolises India, a country with a modern perspective and deep cultural roots.

Through the elements of touch, sound, sight, smell, and taste, the chowk will represent Indian urbanity which adjusts and adapts through dense landscapes. The chowk is an epitome of resilience, endurance, and resurrection: juxtapositions that speak of democracy and autonomy, ego and humility, hope and pride, rapture, and rejuvenation – this plural paradox is its true eloquence.

The London Design Biennale, which was founded in 2016 by Sir John Sorrell CBE and Ben Evans CBE, encourages international cooperation and the significance of design around the world. Since its beginning, the Biennale has welcomed the most thrilling and ambitious artists, designers, and cultural organisations to the city.

ALSO READ-Nature, life reflect in Alam’s art in Biennale

Categories
Lite Blogs London Diary UK News

Int’l Dogra Society celebrates Lohri in London, Jammu style!

Mr Virendera Sharma, Member of Parliament, Ealing & Southall graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering talking about beautiful Jammu & Kashmir and the importance of keeping our culture alive specially abroad…reports Asian Lite News

International Dogra Society (IDS) hosted J&K winter harvest festival Lohri in London on 14th January (first event post Covid). The function showcased Jammu & Dogra traditions to the fullest including bonfire, tricholi, chajja’s, Dogri lohri songs as well as Lohri haar (necklace for new born & newly wedded couples). 

During the function a thoughtful musical tribute was given to Padamshri Padma Sachdev ji (Bobboji). Lalit Sharma, Founder & Director International Dogra Society spoke about late Padma Sachdev ji’s crucial contribution towards promoting Dogri language & culture, and for bringing Dogri as a language on the world map.

Lalit fondly mentioned the story how Padma Sachdev ji requested Lata Mangeshkar ji to sing her Dogri songs and made them eternal. Poonam Bhandari from Norwich, UK beautifully sang the famous Lori (lullaby) “Tu malla tu, log pannan thikariyan” written by Padma ji and sung by Lataji. 

Mr Virendera Sharma, Member of Parliament, Ealing & Southall graced the occasion as the Chief Guest and addressed the gathering talking about beautiful Jammu & Kashmir and the importance of keeping our culture alive specially abroad. He also lauded the excellent effort by the team of International Dogra Society in showcasing the unique cultural heritage of Jammu. 

The function like always was supported & attended by our Kashmiri Pandit brethren in large numbers along with Dogra’s living in the UK countrywide who travelled to London specially for the event, plus the Indian diaspora in London. 

ALSO READ-Britannia Marie Gold’s My Startup campaign for Indian homemakers

Categories
Lite Blogs London Diary

Manchester Museum exploring the tie between South Asia and Britain’s legacy

The first permanent gallery in the UK dedicated to South Asian diaspora.(photo:IANSLIFE)

A series of events, performance and public programme will launch, with a dedicated performance space at the centre of the gallery, which will be shaped by ideas and contributions from the Collective and programmed in collaboration with both local and international artists and performers…reports Asian Lite News

Following a significant capital redevelopment, the University of Manchester’s Manchester Museum will reopen to the public on February 18, 2023. This new multilingual gallery will explore the relationship between South Asia and Britain’s legacy of Empire and offer new perspectives on British Asian and South Asian culture and creativity.

The South Asia Gallery Collective, a group of 30 remarkable people that includes community leaders, educators, artists, historians, journalists, and musicians, has co-curated the gallery in a unique way. The exhibition will present a variety of human stories that provide visitors a window into South Asia by showcasing over 140 antique artefacts from the collections of the Manchester Museum and British Museum, coupled with new modern commissions and personal objects contributed by the Collective. Through the use of six main themes-Past & Present, Lived Environments, Innovation & Language, Sound, Music & Dance, British Asian, and Movement & Empire-the gallery’s story-led design will represent various voices

In Past & Present, the general public will examine the historic Indus Valley Civilization through a modern lens and share perspectives that go beyond those of archaeologists. It will also highlight influential female figures from the Mughal Empire, like Nur Jahan, to encourage discussion about the place of women in history. Through the relationship between Manchester’s cotton industry and the Indian independence movement, it will demonstrate the significance of Gandhi’s 1931 visit to the Lancashire cotton mill town of Darwen.

Lived Environments will use objects including postcards from tea estates, 18th-century tea tokens, an opium pipe, and a movie on floating gardens in Bangladesh to highlight the value of conservation in South Asian culture and the environmental effects of the British Empire.

Innovation & Language will examine South Asian innovation through the work of three legendary figures who are frequently disregarded, including Satyendra Nath Bose, one of the key figures in the development of contemporary quantum science. Fal Sarker, a member of the collective and the grandson of Bose, will discuss Bose’s influence on the scientific community and the correspondence he had with Albert Einstein as “a labour of love to my famous ancestry and his impact on quantum physics.”

Another anthology, Sound, Music & Dance, will feature various forms of musical expression from ancient instruments such as the hakgediya, a Sri-Lankan conch shell, to the secret South Asian Daytimers raves of the 80s and 90s. A listening station will play work by Aziz Ibrahim, a musician in the Collective, recognised for playing with the Stone Roses and Simply Red, as well as developing South Asian blues which mixes English and Punjabi, whose album describes a family journey from Lahore to Manchester.

British Asian explores identity through a range of expressions from pop music to art, and celebrating stories not usually represented by mainstream British Asian culture including women and queer communities. A powerful contemporary painting by female painter Azraa Motala, will explore what it means to be British Asian today, whilst Taslima Ahmad, a Collective member will discuss garment manufacture and South Asian working lives in Manchester.

Finally Movement & Empire will look at South Asian identity in relation to voluntary and involuntary migration, including as a result of war and the trauma of Partition, which was one of the largest migrations in human history. An NHS display will celebrate the importance of the South Asian community to UK medicine, from the 1950s movement of medics to the UK to the significant contribution of the community during the Covid pandemic.

New commissions will populate the space, celebrating contemporary South Asian creativity and innovation, including a rickshaw imported from Bangladesh and decorated by communities in Manchester and a 17 metre long newly commissioned mural from British artists, The Singh Twins, illustrating an emotional map of South Asian diaspora experience.

A series of events, performance and public programme will launch, with a dedicated performance space at the centre of the gallery, which will be shaped by ideas and contributions from the Collective and programmed in collaboration with both local and international artists and performers.

Nusrat Ahmed, South Asia Gallery Curator at Manchester Museum, says: “As a first-generation British-born South Asian person, it is really exciting to be part of such a groundbreaking project. The co-curated South Asia Gallery envisages a collaborative, iterative space that will generate new perspectives and connections. We hope to engage further diaspora communities on its opening and support its continual evolution. This personalised approach humanises the gallery, telling stories about real people and their objects.”

ALSO READ-Artists back on stage with full glory

Categories
London Diary London News

GALLERY: MAYOR VISITS UEL

London Mayor Sadi Khan visits University off East London. After the visit, he tweeted: Young Londoners are the future of our city – and we need young people with the skills that will help to drive London’s economic future. Great to see the fantastic new facilities for students at UEL’s School of Business and Law.

ALSO READ-Kerala Tourism to spice up London Diwali fest

Categories
Lite Blogs London Diary

Bridgerton themed afternoon tea to be launched on March 25

Finger sandwiches and brioche sliders will comprise of Coronation chicken, fresh coriander, Clarence court egg mayonnaise, wholegrain mustard, Smoked salmon, horseradish, watercress, Organic cucumber, natural yoghurt, mint, Rare roast beef slider, black pepper mayonnaise, onion seed…reports Asian Lite News

The Lanesborough, London, announced the latest in its innovative series of seasonal afternoon teas, inspired by the hit Netflix show ‘Bridgerton’.

Created in partnership with Netflix and Shondaland, the limited-edition tea will pay homage to the Regency era; a time of great revelling and high style, of elegant parties, balls, and grand dinners, with a contemporary twist.

Launching on March 25, the Bridgerton Afternoon Tea will take place in The Lanesborough’s richly decorated dining room, naturally illuminated during the day by a domed glass roof while seductively aglow under softly lit chandeliers in the evening. A Regency icon in the capital, beneath the original skydome there is bas-relief artwork meticulously cast from 250 different mouldings, and Wedgwood china mounted on the walls, evoking a sense of Regency neoclassical grandeur.

Carefully crafted by The Lanesborough’s Head Pastry Chef, Kevin Miller, the menu will pay tribute to the key families in ‘Bridgerton’, in addition to ‘Lanesborough House’ as we now know it, built-in 1825 in the fashionable classical style by William Wilkins at the highpoint of Regency era and today, London’s quintessential Regency building.

Finger sandwiches and brioche sliders will comprise of Coronation chicken, fresh coriander, Clarence court egg mayonnaise, wholegrain mustard, Smoked salmon, horseradish, watercress, Organic cucumber, natural yoghurt, mint, Rare roast beef slider, black pepper mayonnaise, onion seed.

Bridgerton Tea at The Lanesborough.

To accompany savoury flavours and The Lanesborough’s delectable scones, cream and jam, Miller’s curated cake and sweet treat concept will include five signature highlights.

. The Queen’s Diamond – dedicated to the star of the season, to celebrate great revelling and high style. Exquisite hand-crafted chocolate blended with honey, green cardamon and white chocolate ganache, displayed in a beautiful jewel-coloured ring box, is a nod to Edwina Sharma, this season’s diamond.

The Rake – in honour of Viscount Anthony, The Rake is a cake of distinction – a real big spender – good looking and refined. A dandy white shirt enveloped in a crisp tailored suit with a dashing cream cravat, the delectable cake is a chocolate sable with milk chocolate mousse and a burst of whipped passionfruit curd centre. It is finished in a dark chocolate glaze, chocolate shard collar, and a whipped passionfruit cream Chantilly cravat.

A True Love Match -a British staple inspired by the exquisite Queen Charlotte, A True Love Match is an elegant, largesse classic layered Charlotte sponge cake constructed from a delicious light vanilla sponge, layered by the seasons, with strawberry jam and vanilla twisted cream.

The Lady Whistledown – a nod to Lady Whistledown, the narrator and high society columnist in Bridgerton, this cake is reflective of her inkpot and quill. Inside is a pistachio nut financier and pistachio mousse, coated in milk chocolate and cocoa butter.

All is Fair in Love & War – the star of the show sitting atop the cake stand, All is Fair in Love & War celebrates the Bridgerton family and is pale blue in colour, embossed with a bee – the symbol of Bridgerton. The concept roots back to the earliest known origin of the sentiment ‘all is fair in love in war’, found in poet John Lyly’s 1579 novel, Euphues: The Anatomy of Wit. This dessert is to share between two; a rosewater cheesecake with a burst of raspberry jelly in the centre, on a crumble crunch base coated in sprayed-blue white chocolate. The question is, who gets the biggest slice? After all, All is Fair in Love and War…

The Pall Mall Cocktail

Inspired by the original Regency Gin Punch, the essential cocktail that formed part of quotidian social life during the Regency period, The Lanesborough’s Head of Bars, Mickael Perron has created The Pall Mall cocktail; a refreshing recipe combining Hendrick’s gin & Graham Blend No5 white port, balanced with citrus and subtle sweetness. The delectable concoction is served in an elegant high glass teacup, with a tea strainer filled with dried hibiscus flowers to infuse the drink with a pinkish colour. Finally, the cocktail is garnished with a floating lotus flower arrangement – the national flower of India that occupies a unique position in Indian culture – another nod to the Sharmas.

The Pall Mall – Non-Alcoholic

Generously presented tropical punch prepared with Atopia Non-Alcoholic spirits, Ginger & Rhubarb as well as Hedgerow Berry. Graciously mixed with London Essence roasted pineapple soda, lychee, passion & citrus. Served with Butterfly Pea Flower infusion, for a gracious finish.

The Lanesborough’s Bridgerton Afternoon Tea is priced from 65 pounds per person; from 76 pounds per person with The Pall Mall cocktail; or from 80 pounds per person with a glass of House Champagne. Children’s afternoon tea menu from 35 pounds per person for children under 12. For more information and to book, visit lanesborough.com/afternoontea or call +44 (0)20 7259 5599. Prior reservation is absolutely essential to avoid grievous disappointment and possible societal embarrassment.

ALSO READ-Ideas to kick start your self-love journey

Categories
London Diary UK News

Londoners to join war in Ukraine

His call for an international legion carried echoes of the International Brigades that fought against the fascists – backed by Nazi Germany – in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s…reports Asian Lite News

Scores of British volunteers are preparing to leave shores to join the fight in Ukraine

The Russian aggression in Ukraine is prompting scores of Londoners and members of Ukraine diaspora to join the fight to defend the homeland. Foreign Secretary Liz Truss’s support also fuelling the campaign.

Volunteers are also collecting donations, medical supplies and essential items like batteries, power-banks to support the refugees fleeing Ukraine.

Several people turned up to enrol at the Ukrainian embassy in London on Monday, after Foreign Secretary Truss said she would “absolutely” support British nationals who chose to go to help fight against the Russian invasion.

A diplomat at the embassy handed out sheets of paper to those wishing to join Ukraine’s army, containing a phone number and an email address for a contact co-ordinating the volunteers. As well as Britons, nationals from other countries were also among those volunteering to join the fight against Russia.

Meanwhile, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has announced the formation of a new “international legion” to help defend his country and appealed to foreign volunteers to come forward, promising them arms to fight against the Russian troops.

His call for an international legion carried echoes of the International Brigades that fought against the fascists – backed by Nazi Germany – in the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s.

Ukrainian foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba appeared to encourage the comparison, saying that just as Hitler had finally been defeated, “we will defeat Putin, too”.

But there is a legal hurdle for the volunteers. In 2014, the Crown Prosecution Service warned that UK nationals who went to fight in the Syrian civil war could be committing an offence, even if they joined the rebels fighting to overthrow President Bashar Assad. So the volunteers are facing terrorism charges on their return.

Meanwhile, another report says that Roman Abramovich is involved in the attempts to broker peace between Russia and Ukraine, Chelsea owner’s spokesperson claimed.

 The Russian billionaire handed “stewardship” of Chelsea to the club foundation’s trustees on Saturday amid the ongoing crisis between Russian and Ukraine, in a move aimed to protect the Stamford Bridge club. However, it has now emerged that Abramovich is attempting to help bring about an end to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

  “I can confirm that Roman Abramovich was contacted by the Ukrainian side for support in achieving a peaceful resolution and that he has been trying to help ever since. Considering what is at stake, we would ask for your understanding as to why we have commented on neither the situation as such nor his involvement. Thank you,” Abramovich’s spokesperson was quoted as saying by Skysports.

  Ukrainian film director and producer Alexander Rodnyansky also confirmed that Abramovich is involved due to his connections with both the Russian and Ukrainian Jewish communities.

 “I can confirm that the Ukrainian side has been trying to find someone in Russia willing to help them in finding a peaceful resolution,” said Rodnyansky. “They are connected to Roman Abramovich through the Jewish community and reached out to him for help.

  On Sunday, the Blues owner handed “stewardship” of Chelsea to the club foundation’s trustees. However, in Abramovich’s statement, there was no mention or condemnation of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Abramovich had said his decision was in the best interest of the club.

  “During my nearly 20-year ownership of Chelsea FC, I have always viewed my role as a custodian of the Club, whose job it is ensuring that we are as successful as we can be today, as well as build for the future, while also playing a positive role in our communities,” said Abramovich in an official statement on Sunday.

  “I have always taken decisions with the Club’s best interest at heart. I remain committed to these values. That is why I am today giving trustees of Chelsea’s charitable Foundation the stewardship and care of Chelsea FC. I believe that currently, they are in the best position to look after the interests of the Club, players, staff, and fans.”

ALSO READ-Sajid Urges Londoners to Retain NHS App

Categories
Arts & Culture Lite Blogs London Diary

JLF London brings fresh ideas in a virtual jamboree

‘JLF London at the British Library’ had a very successful curtain-raiser in June. With 2020 struck by the cloud of a global pandemic, the Festival was postponed from its customary summer dates…reports Asian Lite News.

As the world works through a new “normal” this year, Teamwork Arts, the producer of the iconic Jaipur Literature Festival, and the British Library, bring to you a virtual edition of the annual JLF London, with the magnificent piazza of the British Library replaced by the boundless possibilities of the internet.

Everything else remains the same – the magic of discourse, the caravan of ideas, the camaraderie of people, and the seamless flow of knowledge.

‘JLF London at the British Library’ had a very successful curtain-raiser in June. With 2020 struck by the cloud of a global pandemic, the Festival was postponed from its customary summer dates.

The much-awaited JLF London at the British Library now opens virtually tomorrow with a stellar list of leading speakers from across the globe engaging in intellectual and literary discourse. Scheduled from 24th-26th September 2021, the eighth edition of the annual Festival will explore an array of topics relevant to the contemporary world, maintaining the magnitude of programming as every year.

In the inaugural session, the audience will be addressed by Festival Co-directors Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple, Festival Producer Sanjoy K. Roy, and Head of Culture and Learning, British Library, Jamie Andrews.

JLF London will be in an entirely new avatar this year with a mix of special on-ground and virtual sessions. The rich programming includes some of the most sought-after speakers, including Asma Khan, Cat Jarman, Edmund Richardson, Elif Shafak, Makarand R. Paranjape, Rory Stewart, Saad Mohseni, Swapan Dasgupta, Tahmima Anam, Vir Sanghvi and many more, sharing their stories and ideas.”, Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, and Festival Producer said.

Namita Gokhale, award-winning author, publisher and Festival Co-director shared, “JLF returns to the British Library in a hybrid format. The rich diversity of our programming will as ever open windows to many worlds. This year marks the 75th anniversary of the Republic of India, and this reflects in our themes and sessions, as we celebrate books, ideas and dialogue.”

“JLF London is by far the most wonderful and eagerly anticipated literary festival. In these times, it’s a celebration of life and resurgence of the human spirit overcoming the adversities and traumas of the past two years! The spirit of the Festival in its hybrid form is fabulously innovative and makes authors and lovers of literature believe and hope in the future. It makes our hearts rise with sheer joy and happiness. JLF London is a symbol of hope!” said Moin Mir, who will be speaking at the Festival.

JLF London at the British Library, an annual celebration of books, creativity, dialogue and diversity, brings South Asia’s unique multilingual literary heritage to life in the heart of London. This year, the Festival will be hosted on an exclusive virtual platform. To register for the sessions, please click here.

ALSO READ-JLF to Focus on Empowering The Youth

READ MORE-Nobel Laureate Venki addresses JLF

Categories
-Top News London Diary London News

Climate change activists block Central London

Protest With a demand to immediately stop fossil fuel investment, the Impossible Rebellion has started in London! (Extinction Rebellion/ Twitter)

“We need to take drastic actions now. People in countries further south are suffering terribly, there are already wars over resources because of climate change,” she stressed…reports Asian Lite News.

Hundreds of people on Tuesday blocked roads around Parliament Street and Whitehall, in central London, on the second day of the Extinction Rebellion (XR) protest to demand urgent actions from governments to tackle climate change, a Sputnik correspondent reported.

Several protesters lied in the middle of the street in front of a large green banner reading “Government in bed with climate criminals,” while others chanted and danced to the beat of drums.

“We’re here because the government is not telling us the truth about the reality of climate change and what it will mean to our children and grandchildren and for all the generations that will come after them,” Mary, one of the XR members, told Sputnik.

According to the activist, authorities in the United Kingdom and across the world are trying to hide from people that climate is already breaking down and that there will be shortages of food and water because of this, and what is worst “they are not taking any action to stop this from happening.”

Asked about the UK government’s pledges to achieve the ‘net zero’ target by 2050 and boost the use of electric vehicles as part of Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s “Green Revolution,” Mary said they are “too little too late.”

“We need to take drastic actions now. People in countries further south are suffering terribly, there are already wars over resources because of climate change,” she stressed.

Juliana, a Brazilian national who joined the protest with her children, said she had brought them with her because “their future is at stake”

The so-called “Impossible Rebellion,” which XR said will last two weeks, started on Monday, with protests in other parts of central London. The ecological movement is also planning to target the City – the heart of UK’s financial sector – to protest against banks financing fossil fuel companies.

The protests have been peaceful so far, but the Metropolitan Police confirmed that a “number of arrests” have been made. (ANI/Sputnik)

ALSO READ-UK to accept 20k Afghan refugees

READ MORE-UK to double humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan