Mahindra group is known for their interest in art and culture and their various acclaimed festivals like the Mahindra Theatre Festival and the Lit-Fest (literature festival) et al, as part of their CSR. Held against the serene backdrop of River Ganga in Varanasi recently, the first edition of Mahindra Kabira Festival was their latest venture. Thoughtfully conceived and efficiently executed by Sanjoy Roy and his Team Work, the three day festival brought together diverse musical traditions, including classical, traditional and contemporary forms, to discussions, talks and visual arts, reflecting the diversity and richness of India’s cultural heritage. The Darbhanga and Assi Ghats of River Ganga at Varanasi reverberated with the poetry of  Kabir from morning till night, where each morning opened with the poetry of Kabir set to morning Ragas till late in the evening concerts.

 The dawn of the inaugural day saw the serene ambiance of sunrise at Darbhanga Ghat with the melodious Flute recital by Atul Shankar. Shabnam Birmani and Vipul Rikhi took over thereafter and sang Nirgun Bhajans of Kabir and the parallel themes by Bulle Shah, Sheikh Farid and others that echoed Kabir’s philosophy. Shabnam kept explaining the meaning of each composition underlining the deep resonance of Kabir’s philosophy. The other artistes of the morning ragas were Debashish Dey and Azeem Ahmed Alvi.  There was an enriching forenoon for the literature enthusiasts with author Amish Tripathi, who brought alive the myths associated with the city of Varanasi, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, established around the 11th century BC. After the music and literary sessions, it was time to view the city’s bylanes through a guided heritage walk that took one through temple courtyards and the myriad ghats that reflect the city’s daily life.

 The evenings began with Ganga Aarti and the soul stirring performances by musicians like Pt Rajan and Sajan Mishra, Pt Ajay Chakraborty, Vidya Shah, Mukhtiar Ali and the “Kabir-Bani” by  Prahlad Tipanya, who enthralled the audience with his trademark singing while simultaneously discussing the philosophy of the 15th century mystic poet in the Malwi folk style rooted in Madhya Pradesh.

 To represent the contemporary music, there was the Kabir Cafe Band led by Neraj Arya, who aims to make Kabir's verses accessible to all. This five-member contemporary band, presented their interpretation of Kabir through music filled with pop, reggae, rock, folk fusion and Carnatic flavours establishing an instant rapport with the audience, making them dance.  The Mahindra Kabira Festival not only witnessed a fabulous feast of performances by Kabir stalwarts on the ancient Ghats of Varanasi and in its stately palaces adding to the prevailing spiritual ambience of Varanasi in a significant way but also promised to return next year.

 “The purpose of the Mahindra Kabira Festival is to make the works of the mystic saint poet accessible to a new audience through unique interpretations encompassing music, poetry, art and culture, bringing alive the true flavour of Kabir in his birthplace that happens to be one of India’s holiest cities,” said Jay Shah, head of Cultural Outreach, Mahindra and Mahindra in his concluding remarks. Sanjoy Roy, MD Team-Work Arts added, “The continuous movement of humanity on the river is reflective of life itself.  Ma Ganga is truly magical as it veers north and passes along the banks of the Varanasi ~ a city that has seen life for over three millennia. What an honour to have been welcomed by its people in this incredible coming together of music, literature and heritage, celebrating life itself.” 

A top UN envoy today pleaded with the Security Council to help break the siege of Aleppo, warning residents of the Syrian city were at risk of extermination.

“For the sake of humanity we call on — we plead — with the parties and those with influence to do everything in their power to protect civilians and enable access to the besieged part of eastern Aleppo before it becomes one giant graveyard,” said Stephen O'Brien, the UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs. 

The winter session of Odisha Assembly beginning on Thursday is poised to be stormy with opposition Congress and BJP bracing up to flay the BJD government on a host of issues including death of over 100 children in Malkangiri due to Japanese Encephalitis (JE).

Congress is all set to take on the government over failure in taking effective steps to contain the deadly JE in the tribal-dominated Malkangiri as the disease has claimed the lives of more than 100 children, said Congress stalwart and leader of Opposition Narasingha Mishra.

The party would also raise the issue relating to false statement allegedly given by Odisha Chief Minister on Mahanadi issue in the state Assembly in 2010 during the month-long winter session, he said.

'Deteriorating' law and order situation, gunning down of tribal and dalits at Gumudumaha in Kandhamal district, death of tribal infants at Nagaga in Jajpur district due to alleged malnourishment, pathetic health care services and education would also be raised, said the Congress leader.

Similarly, BJP would also raise issues like worsening law and order situation, dismal healthcare scenario, Mahanadi river water row and plight of farmers and distress sale of paddy and deteriorating education system, said senior leaders including leader of legislature party leader K V Singhdeo and MLA Pradeep Purohit.

The ruling BJD on its part said that the party is fully prepared to counter the opposition attack.

Stating that the government is ready to discuss issues to be raised in the house, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Bikram Keshari Arukha said BJD would raise the Mahanadi river water issue, problem relating to Polavaram project being taken up in Andhra Pradesh and the centre's alleged negligence and slash in central funds.