Tag: The Nehru Centre London

Hindi Diwas celebrations at the Nehru Centre

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 2 October 2023
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Dignitaries at Hindi Yuva Sangam

A program titled Hindi Yuva Sangam was hosted at the Nehru Centre marking Hindi Diwas recently. Youth between 16 to 22 years have participated in this event organised by Sangam, supported by Katha UK and International Kavi Sangam.

Virendra Sharma MP, Coordination Minister Deepak Choudhary, Attache- Hindi Dr Nandita Sahu at the High Commission of India, India’s renowned Ram Katha reciter Shri Rajan Maharaj, media personality Ravi Sharma were among the dignitaries present. Writer Ashish Mishra has conducted the interesting event.

Presentation at Hindi Yuva Sangam

Twelve Participants Abhiraj Singh, Ishika Pandey, Devansh Jha, Jahnavi Sharma, Krishnam Aachari, Mehak Chandel, Rahul Sethiya, Roma Kakran, Saira Khan, Sapna Thakur, Sattviki Pandey and Sneha Chaubey have recited their Hindi poems and articles on chosen topics.

General Secretary of Katha UK and senior literateur Tejendra Sharma MBE joined by a few of the dignitaries made independent evaluations of the presentations. Krishnam Aachari got first place, followed by Sneha Chaubey in second and Rahul Sethiya in third place.

All participants were given citations, trophies, and awards. Gyan Sharma of Sangam spoke of the six teams named after rivers of India – Brahmaputra, Ganga, Godavari, Kaveri, Narmada, and Yamuna.

The program was also supported by members of IDUK, Bihari Connect, Gurukul UK, UPCAUK, FOMPUK, Phoenix, Jalaram Caterer, City Sweet, and MATV, among others.

Audience at Hindi Yuva Sangam

Hindi Yuva Sangam

Tags Hindi Diwas, India, London, The Nehru Centre London

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Bollywood and UK stars join Amish Tripathi for book launch

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 20 March 2023
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Indian HC Vikram Doraiswami, Amish Tripathi, Sonam Kapoor, Gurinder Chadha, Anita Rani celebrate the launch of War of Lanka book

On Thursday evening , 16th March, a host of UK stars and Bollywood celebrities including TV’s Anita Rani, Actress Sonam Kapoor, director Gurinder Chadha, Vue Cinemas’ Tim Richards, presenter Anita Anand, and CEO of HarperCollins Publishers Charlie Redmayne gathered at the London’s Taj hotel in St James to celebrate the launch of renowned author Amish Tripathi’s fourth book in the blockbuster Ram Chandra series, War of Lanka, published by HarperCollins.

Amish Tripathi with Sonam Kapoor

Tripathi is currently the Director of the Nehru Centre and the Minister (Culture & Education) at the High Commission of India in the UK.

In a lively conversation Sonam and Amish discussed writing about ancient texts, they talked about his journey into publishing, how he went from finance to fiction, self-publishing the first book in the bestselling Shiva Trilogy after it was rejected by over 20 publishers across India and how his books have mass audience appeal.

The Shiva Trilogy is now the fastest-selling book series in Indian publishing history, while the Ram Chandra is the second-fastest selling. Amish has gone on to be a phenomenon in Indian publishing selling over 6.5 million copies of his books in the Indian subcontinent.

Amish Tripathi with Gurinder Chadha

Besides being India’s fastest-selling author, Amish is also a TV documentary host and a diplomat, working as Minister (Culture & Education) at the High Commission of India in the UK.

The Chief Guest of the function was the Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami, who spoke of his love for Amish’s books from before Amish joined the diplomatic service.

Speaking about his latest novel, author Amish said: “I am humbled to already receive the love of millions of Indian readers for my books and I am very excited to be introducing these stories to UK readers for the first time with my fourth book War of Lanka, which is based on the Indian epic Ramayan; a tale of war, love, and betrayal.”

(L-R) The Taj general manager, the Indian High Commissioner, His Excellency Vikram Doraiswami,Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, CEO of HarperCollins Charlie Redmayne and author Amish Tripathi

“The war at the end of the Ramayan, which represents the victory of Good over Evil, is what gave rise to the festival of lights, Diwali, which is celebrated to this day! I can’t wait for the discussions they encourage; offering new perspectives on old philosophies. I am grateful to HarperCollins for making it happen.”

ALSO READ: Sanskrit play aromatises the Nehru Centre London

Tags Amish Tripathi, Book launch, London, The Nehru Centre London

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Sanskrit play aromatises the Nehru Centre London

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 12 February 2023
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Believed to be written in the 7th century by Bodhayana, Bhagavadajjukam is a satirical comedy and a literary masterpiece…reports Asian Lite News

Sanskrit play Bhagavadajjukam was staged at the Nehru Centre to a full hall of audience on 10^th February evening, marking Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations in the UK. The unique first-of-its-kind programme was organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence, in collaboration with the Central Sanskrit University, India whose artist delegation arrived in the UK earlier in the week.

Opening words were rendered by Sanjay Sharma, Deputy Director of the Nehru Centre (ICCR London). Peace prayers by Samragyi Pokhrel and Samriddhi Pokhrel representing Sanskrit @ St. James, and song by Shalini Jeevanigi and Jyothirmayi Rampeta have set the Sanskrit tone to the evening. Best wishes message given by honourable Minister for Culture and Tourism Shri G. Kishan Reddy was disseminated by Sushil Rapatwar. Vandana by Ragasudha Vinjamuri invoked the presiding deity of the play. Under Prof. Ramakant Pandey’s direction, Raghavendra Bhat, Ravish Hegde, Devendra Pathak, Harish Mishra, Sushil Rapatwar, Vaidehi Phagre, Kalyani Phagre, Yogesha Bhat and Ragasudha Vinjamuri have played the roles that have immensely captivated the audience.

Believed to be written in the 7th century by Bodhayana, Bhagavadajjukam is a satirical comedy and a literary masterpiece revolving around the main characters Guru (Bhagavan), his disciple (Shandilya) and a beautiful courtesan (Ajjuka).

For the promotion of Sanskrit and other unique languages in the UK, Dr Rishi Handa- Head of Sanskrit at St James School, Acharya Durga Prasad Pokhrel and Cllr. Sharad Kumar Jha were felicitated. Shri Kapil Dev, Minister of Public Diplomacy & Consular at the High Commission of India was in attendance. Radhika Joshi anchored the event, supported by Jyothirmayi.

Central Sanskrit University has the unique distinction of being the largest and the only multi-campus language university in the world. The University also acts as the nodal agency for the implementation of Sanskrit-related policies & schemes of the Government of India and works in close coordination with the Ministry of Education. The President of India is the Visitor of the University, Union Education Minister of India is the Chancellor and Prof. Shrinivasa Varakhedi is the present Vice Chancellor of the University. The play is part of multiple projects planned between the University and Sanskruti Centre. Another performance is slated for Dublin, Ireland the following weekend, in association with the School of Philosophy and Economic Science, spearheaded by Prof. Rutger and supported by the Embassy of India in Ireland.

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/events/889341465723281

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1BVH4Mnudw

ALSO READ-Utsav – The Celebration hosted at London’s Nehru Centre

Tags India, London, sanksrit, The Nehru Centre London

India News Lite Blogs London News

Sanskrit Drama to be staged in London’s Nehru Centre

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 7 February 2023
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Delegation from Central Sanskrit University to be in the UK

Sanskrit farce Bhagavadajjukam, a humorous drama (prahasana) by Bodhayana Kavi from the 7th century is to be staged by the delegation of Central Sanskrit University, India, reports Asian Lite News

A unique and distinctive event highlighting the theatre and tradition of dramatic literature of India will be showcased at the Nehru Centre (ICCR) in London on 10th February 2023.

Sanskrit farce Bhagavadajjukam, a humorous drama (prahasana) by Bodhayana Kavi from the 7th century is to be staged by the delegation of Central Sanskrit University, India.

Deemed to be the first of its kind to be staged in Britain and Ireland marking Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations, the episode includes the transmigration of souls and witty exchanges in Sanskrit, with an English explanation provided for audiences to grasp the theme.

The philosophical discussion between the Guru and the disciple, deviation of disciple’s focus towards the courtesan resulting in satires etc. are to captivate the attendees in laughter.

The event is organised by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence in the UK and spearheaded by Prof. Rutger Kortenhorst at the School of Philosophy and Economic Science in Ireland.

Members of Sanskrit@ St James and Samskrita Bharathi UK shall be taking part. Central Sanskrit University is a premier multi-campus institution established by an Act of Parliament under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

The delegates have been associated with the study and promotion of Sanskrit language at this University.

It is interesting to note that Bhagavadajjukam was also translated into Italian about 90 years ago, while several Indian language translations have been staged throughout India in the last few decades.

ALSO READ: Utsav – The Celebration hosted at London’s Nehru Centre

Tags India, London, Sanskrit Drama, The Nehru Centre London

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National Unity Day marked at The Nehru Centre London

Post author By Newsdesk
Post date 8 November 2022
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National Unity Day at The Nehru Centre

Rashtriya Ekta Divas was marked by Sanskruti Centre for Cultural Excellence recently at the Nehru Centre (ICCR London). An excellent cultural programme depicting the unity and diversity in art forms and cultural representations was presented by 14 performers, hailing from different professional and arts streams.

Author Amish Tripathi, Director at The Nehru Centre and Minister of Culture at HCI gave a thought-provoking opening speech emphasising the need to be united.

A rich dance ballet demonstrating classical and folk-dance forms of different regions of India was presented by Anuja Tirumalasetty, Arya Arun, Vilina Ananya, Harsha Rani, Lakshmi Aveen, Manju Sunil, Mona Jethwa Patel, Dr Prtha Dasmahapatra, Reema Virdee, Sreyashi Deb Roy and Soundarya Gokulnath.

Amish Tripathi rendering opening words

These performers are from various linguistic backgrounds and are also full-time doctors, IT & medical professionals, and business entrepreneurs who passionately continue to practise & present performing arts.

Popular multi-lingual song Mile Sur Mera Tumhaara was beautifully presented by classical singer Irawati Mulmule. Solo Odissi dance recital by Dr Pritha Dasmahapatra, Bharatanatyam recital by Arya Arun and Kathak recital by Priya Kushwaha captivated the audience.

In appreciation of their presentations, the performers were felicitated with shawls by Sanjay Sharma, Deputy Director of The Nehru Centre. The program is conceived and choreographed by Ragasudha Vinjamuri, Founder of Sanskruti Centre.

Tags National Unity Day, The Nehru Centre London