New Zealand

New Zealand - Oceania.

New Zealand Flag image courtsey: nz.com

A Part of the Greater Oceania

Oceania denotes the mid-south part of the Pacific Ocean with numerous scattered islands. There are about 25,000 islands in this area including Australia and New Zealand. New Zealand is a ‘small’ and ‘young’ nation- small as it has only a combined area of about 268680 Sq. K M- comparable to Britain, and ‘young’ as it has only a short history of about 700 years of human inhabitation. The capital of New Zealand is Wellington, Oak Land, Hamilton, Christ Church are the main cities. Though small in size the nation’s principled stand on ecology, non-proliferation of atomic weapons, and international as well as domestic affairs makes New Zealand a leader as well as model for all peace loving, and ecology-friendly people of the world.

Bold women and model men.

In gender equality New Zealand leads other nations by leaps and bounds; it has already implemented reforms several ‘advanced’ nations can’t even think of. It is the first nation in the world which granted equal voting rights to women. The British Queen - even though ceremoniously- is the head of this New Zealand. Its Governor General (Sylvia Cartright), Prime Minister (Helen Clark), Speaker (Margaret Wilson) and Chief Justice (Sean Alias) like these there are no center of power not accessible to its women and they have creditably managed these posts; inviting accolades from all parts of the world. These are reforms even the most ‘advanced’ nations can’t even dream of.

No pretensions.

New Zealand Map courtsey: earlham.edu

New Zealand has no pretensions to pronounce about its sovereignty and it still shows its lenience to the British Crown. To understand the frank and no-nonsense approach to sovereignty that should be read with the hypocrisy of the so called big and ‘sovereign’ nations who claim to be sovereign letting its own people to starve. New Zealand by God’s grace is not led by propagandists; matured political decisions and foreign policies has been the norm for this tiny nation of islands.

A country of long white clouds!

New Zealand is comprised of two large and several small islands in the Oceana Region at the southern part of Australia. The Tasman Sea divides the two nations; there is a distance of about 2000 KM between these two countries. The indigenous people of New Zealand call their land ‘Aotearoa’ (ao = cloud + tea = white + roa = long) meaning long white cloud. No one is sure how such a beautiful name came to be called. Maoris the original inhabitants forms a miniscule minority (they constitute less than 15% of the present day population) owing to the influx of Europeans, but their culture and welfare are well cared after.

A paradise almost lost!

New Zealand image courtsey: rental-car-in-new-zealand.com

The Maori culture is the basis of New Zealand’s heritage; their ancestors were Polynesians who brought along with them a unique and beautiful life-style when migrated to this uninhabited land as fishermen and hunters. The early history of New Zealand is marred by blatant exploitation of the innocent tribes. The Maoris loved art and they decorate their boats, tools, weapons and houses with beautiful images, they decorate their own body lavishly with heavy ornaments. Incessant migration of Europeans worked havoc in a society; their land was looted, their culture was adulterated and they were driven out from their villages many perished in newly introduced diseases while many died in confrontation with the migrants who had guns.

The Empire interferes.

In1839 the British Government took charge of the New Zealand administration and ever since much of the wrongs committed have been corrected. An agreement signed between Britain and Maori chieftains (Waitangi agreement; to commemorate this event every 6the of February is celebrated here as Waitangi Day) gave supreme power to the British Crown over New Zealand and brought an end to the repression of the tribals by unscrupulous migrants. The present day government is sensitive not only of the rights of the tribals but the whole ecology of the nation as well.

A tourists’ paradise.

New Zealand image courtsey: wayfaring.info

Government’s stringent measures have made New Zealand one of the most unpolluted places on the earth. New Zealand Nuclear Free, Disarmament and Arms Control Act 1987 is a model act for every nations. This act bans entry of nuclear powered ships or nuclear arms in that nation’s sea limit. With size comparable to Great Britain and with just 4 million it is one of the least crowded place on earth, giving tourists with enough privacy and leisure. Its vast meadows, scenic mountain chains and steaming volcanoes all are fit not for thrill seekers who demand nothing but sheer pleasure. There are much more for those who seek rest and recuperation as well as. Its sweeping coastlines and well identified fjords have been ideal for honeymooners.

An Eden Garden.

Before human migration 75% of the land of the present day New Zealand was pristine forests there were no beings of the mammalian groups excluding bats. The isolated geography of New Zealand made it a haven numerous endemic species of animals, insects and birds (much of them like Moa became extinct due to human interference) kiwi, kakapo, taka he (all flightless birds), many types of frogs, spiders, weta (deinacrida rugosa - largest insect in the world belonging to the grass-hopper group about six inches in length) they too are facing extinction. Katipo a poisonous spider is also peculiar to New Zealand.

The economy.

Since 1990 New Zealand has opted for a free market and the bureaucratic impediments that bound the nation backwards have been unshackled now it has matured in to a modern economy still it continues to be heavily dependent on agriculture, horticulture and fishing as well as lumbering. Telecommunications, railway and even radio have been privatized for increased efficiency. In Human Development Index New Zealand stands 19^th among world nations. About 65% of its GDP comes from services sector while that of industry is less than 28%. The strange thing remains that New Zealand although a strong ally of the west remains the first nation which signed a free trade agreement with China (2004).

Mineral resources.

New Zealand image courtsey: lloydi.com

Only 5% of the land is used for agriculture and 30% of the land area remains as forest, these forests are virtual gold mines as rich timber is available in abundance, the government is against over exploitation of the forest and they are well protected for. New Zealand is rich in mineral resources like natural gas, iron ore, coal, river-sand, gold, lime-stone, silver etc. It has proven deposits of oil also making it a safe bet in any sort of energy crisis; its rivers give abundance of hydel power.

Sports and games.

People of New Zealand are a game loving lot; rugby remains as the prime attraction, but cricket is also a very prominent game (New Zealand cricket team is a power to reckon with), foot ball, bowling, golf, kayaking, cycling all are very popular games played here. It would be worthwhile to remember that it was New Zealand which hosted the first Rugby World Cup in 1987. New Zealand’s National Rugby Team ‘The All Blacks’ is a world winner.

Its people.

New Zealand’s total population is about 4 million; of which 80% are of European origin (the Maoris call them Pakohas and they are comprised of the British, Irish, German, and Italian ancestry). Christianity is the main religion but other religions like Buddhism, Judaism and Hinduism etc also exist. The Maoris constitute the biggest group among the minorities (about 15% of the total population, they enjoy special privileges under the law framed exclusively for their protection and well being). There are schools to educate Maori culture and Maori TV is engaged in protecting and educating this culture. Among various minorities there are people of Asian ancestry most of them are Buddhists but there are people who follow Hindu trait also. It is a pleasant thing to note that they all live in very cordial atmosphere. Of all the good aspects of this nation this truly secular government approach seems to be the most notable.

Argentina

Argentina (Argentine Republic) – South America.

Argentina image courtsey: wikimedia.org

Silver glitters!

The word argentum in Latin means silver and ‘Argentina’ means the glitter of silver. The Spanish voyagers under Juan Diaz de Solis who landed there (in AD 1516) found local people wearing silver ornament aplenty and they came to a conclusion that there may be mountains of silver on this part of the land! They named this land Rio de la Plata (plata also stands for silver in Spanish) meaning river of silver. Spanish people flocked there in search of the ‘silver mountain’ though they could not find it these trysts enabled them to colonize the fertile land in as early as 1580. It was in Buenos Aires Spain established their first colony which later grew in to a mega city and still continues as Argentina’s capital.

In tune with the Incas.

There are evidences that Argentina’s Patagonia region had human inhabitation since 11000 BC, during 1AD a civilization based on maize cultivation flourished in places like Santa Maria, Huarpes, Diaguilas etc. Argentina’s recorded history starts from 1480 when the king of Inca Empire – Pachachutec – invaded northern Argentina and established an integrated empire by name ‘Collasyu’ comprising many areas previously remained scattered. Even then Argentina’s central regions were mainly inhabited by nomadic tribes. The central and southern areas; known as Mampas and Patagonia; inhabited by nomads were integrated by Mapuches in the seventeenth century.

All factors too good, but!

Argentina Map courtsey: lib.utexas.edu

Formerly Argentina included the present day Uruguay, Paraguay and Bolivia which have been separated in course of time. Argentina is the second largest nation in area as well as the largest economy in the South American continent after Brazil. Argentina is blessed with rich natural resources, a very favorable climate; its work-force is well educated but all these could not prevent the financial melt-down the nation experienced during 2001 -02. Argentina’s debt zoomed, inflation spiraled, and job rates nose-dived.

In soup!

A protracted war with Britain over the ownership of Falklands Island, political instability and intermittent military rules and faulty financial policy all led to hyper inflation which made Argentinean products uncompetitive leading to excessive imports. Argentinean industries were forced to down shutters, unemployment rose to 25%. Peso-which was artificially over valued- crashed and this resource rich nation became bankrupt. Argentina became a hot subject among international economists who resorted to blame game to prove their points. However a revival package from International Monetary Fund could set the economy back on the rails.

A claim for everything.

Geographically Argentina is sandwiched between the Andes and the Atlantic neighboring countries are Bolivia, Paraguay (in the north) Uruguay, Brazil (north-west) and Chile in the west as well as south. It has a total area of 2,766,890 sq kilometers and a population 36,260,000. The official language is Spanish, literacy is 92%. The Head of the Nation is President and its currency is Peso. It has total 215500 km long railway and two major ports (La Plata and Bahia Blanca. La Plata, Rosario, Thordhoba, San Miguel de Tuchman, Santa Fe, Mendoza are the main cities. (Argentina is a perpetual claimer for the nearby isles like Falklands, South Georgia and South Sandwich. They claim for the Antarctica Region as well. Argentina has a claim over the Antarctic continent but the Falkland fiasco keeps it off from jumping in to an immediate war with other claimants!)

Altiplano.

The Andes Altiplano is the second highest plateau in the world (number one in height is the Tibetan plateau). It is 11,000 feet above sea-level and sparsely populated. There are numerous live volcanoes in these high and dry lands. The significance to this desert as that it is the driest part in the world – drier than Sahara the mother of all deserts. Atacama Desert lies on the South-Western part of the Altiplano, while the dense Amazon forests cover its eastern part.

The mammoth of a lake!

Argentina travel image courtsey: whitman.edu

Geologists are of opinion that this part was once (in the Pliocene age) a huge lake by name Ballivian Lake! The ground rose to this height to form the Altiplano and the present Titicaca Lake, and salt lakes like Oruro, Salar de Uyuni, Salar de Coipasa are all the vestiges of this huge extinct lake, what strange facts? But it is the 1460 Sq. KM wide Lago Argentina (Argentinean lake) located at the Patagonian area of Santa Cruz which is dearer to Argentineans; as it is their source of pure water.

Sports and games.

Argentina Football Jersey image courtsey: prosport.ca

Almost all nations coming under South American Continent are most known for their gaming skills Soccer is for them their life-blood not just the king of all games. Argentineans are also known for their ability in Horse Polo (pato), rugby, tennis, and hockey. For Argentina it is a footballer their national icon and not rulers or bards. The one and only Mara Dona who entered in the field as a boy under sixteen and reigned the field for over two decades. He is mischievous, an anarchist, a prankster, a rebel, controversial and at the same time a superb artist in the world of soccer. Mara Dona brought in the coveted World Cup for Argentina in 1978 and 1786. It was Mara Dona who raised ‘Napoli’ an unknown small foot ball club in the ranks of the number one in the world. Daniel Pascerella, Mario Kempes, Gabriel Bathisthutta were all the best players Argentina has presented to the world.

Buenos Aires

Argentina vacation image courtsey: ocs.lsu.edu

Buenos Aires is not just capital of Argentina it is one of the most fashionable cities in the world (called as the Paris of the south) as well as the cultural capital of South America. it is called also as Capital Federal in Argentina to distinguish the capital region from greater Buenos Aires region. Teatro Colon- one of the greatest opera-house in the world, world’s number one foot ball clubs like Boca Juniors, River Plate, San Lorenzo de Almagro, Athletica Furacan all are located in this great city it is in the brothels of Buenos Aires Tango music had its origin. 9de Julio Avenue is the broadest in the world which is 140 meters in breadth. Buenos Aires has a population of 3 million about one out of 12 Argentineans live in the capital! A distinction few national capitals enjoy.

The National Park.

The Glaciers Park (Parque Nacional Los Glaciares) in Santa Cruz is 4460 Sq. Kilometer wide and a major destination of international tourists. it is a vast expanse of glaciers; known as ‘the snow caps of the Andes’ (which has a collection of 47 glaciers), This national park is also a UNESCO approved heritage site comprising two lakes (Viadma and Argentinean) both are contributors of the Santa Cruz River. This eco system has dense forest between glaciers and Patagonian grass lands all these terrains together house about one thousand species of birds and animals.

First and foremost.

• Argentina has the credit to host the first National University in the South American Continent National University of Cordoba (Universidad Nacional de Cordoba).

• Its capital Buenos Aires is the first city in South America to install electrical street lights.

• Buenos Aires has got another first as the first sub-way in the southern hemisphere was constructed there.

• The first child to be born in Antarctica was Argentinean –Emilio Pama.

• The last but not the least Che Guerra the ‘darling all radicals’ was also an Argentinean.

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Jewellery

Jewellery.

Jewellery

Has been here for long time!

From time immemorial jewellery (also spelt as jewelry derived from the French word jovel originated from Latin jocale) had been here adorning men and women spelling their class, rank, and social status. 100,00years old remnants of nassarius (shells of marine mollusks) have been found by archeologists to prove the history of ornaments. For poor people of India their daughters’ marriage is a nightmare as huge quantity of jewellery is the pre-requisite (dowry) to be paid to bridegroom!

It is here to stay!

The passing of time could change the stuff of which ornaments are made of; while their functions remain the same. Cowries, animal bones, tooth, wood, shells and carved stone gave way to silver, gold, platinum, precious stones etc. Beads, shells or bird-feathers worn by tribal chieftains to exhibit their social status were replaced by expensive watches, suits, foot-wears- jewellery worn by the new breed of tribal chiefs –businessmen, industrialists and mafia dons.

Religious value.

Ornaments have much religious significance too, a gold plate worn by Indian woman is her ultimate possession to which she may cling, for her it is not just an ornament but a symbol of all her marital bliss and her whole right as a proud wedded wife, which she will not lose even at the cost of her life. Red saffron dot on forehead of Hindu women, glossary with cross worn by Christians, the bangle worn by members of Sikh religion all are more than just ornaments. For Muslims jewellery is taboo for men while permitted for women. Certain sects of Christians ban their members from wearing ornaments.

Gold and marriage!

Hip Hop Jewellery

Gold is inseparably associated with Indian social life, the main function of marriage is tying of ‘mangala sutra’ (an oval shaped gold leaf - wedding bands) on the neck of the bride by the groom. When a girl is married of certain amount of gold is given to her as ornaments; the quantity of gold definitely depends upon the financial capacity of her father. The gold is measured in sovereigns (one sovereign weighing 8 grams). During the wedding ceremony, the quantity of ornaments (thousands of sovereigns) makes the girl difficult to stand up wearing it and has to be packed separately for convenience! The recent trend is replacing some gold with diamonds and other jewels. India is the world’s largest market for gold and emerging as a prominent place for gems and jewellery; even world gold prize fluctuate with India’s marriage season.

Authority.

The tribe which is greediest for ornaments are dictators who fill whole of their body with ornaments like medals, strings and colorful plates with numerous cores, akin to the radio frequency ID tagged to the materials from a department store! Just think of the ‘V’ shaped core worn by military officers, the emblem on the cap, the cross-belt, pistol, ID card that dangles from neck to pocket etc are ornaments that add beauty to the wearer as well as recognition symbols of rank and power..

Voodoo plates.

There are ornaments of other significance very popular in countries less developed; they are silver or golden boxes which contain folded thin metal sheets on which some witch-craft (sorcery) symbols are drawn or written, these are supplied by astrologers and toots. These materials give confidence to those who wear it; and at times the confidence makes them win. These practices are not unique to backward countries; they are popular in countries with high education levels where they are known in names like amulets, talisman etc. These things are believed to ward off evils and bring luck so that even hard-core ‘rationalists’ wear it in secret! The difference from ordinary people is that they wear it in public as a semi-ornament.

Ornaments of god!

Jewellery India

Ornaments- a weakness of human heart makes him adorn not only his pet animals, houses, vehicles but even the images of gods whom he adores are being adorned (covered!) with ornaments! The images of Hindu gods are practically a good display of all sorts of ornaments. A car worth millions of dollars itself is serving all the purpose of an ornament - good quality cars are available in one tenth of the cost. Millions are spent extra to adorn a car with all ornaments as the car itself is an ornament. One can pull out his heart and donate; but not the ‘icon’ that adorns the genuineness of his car. What does it mean a Benz without its three spoke ring or a Ford without its blue oval?

But it is worth it!

In one idle morning take a soft piece of cloth rub (caress) your dear car and watch how it shines, the million dollars spent never goes waste after all the money earned here have to be spent here, none can take it to the netherworld. While in a party watch you dear wife mingling with her friends in all smiles, in her favorite designer costume and dazzling diamond necklace, the sight may be so fulfilling that all the money spent is worth. Putting the buck in some banks never lifts the spirit that high!

God and his heaven.

In fact god must have gifted us with money to be flaunted, putting all in some bank and living like a beggar must be unforgivable crime before the almighty, “my dear little idiot, your place is not here go that way to the hell, because you seemed happy with that set-up” the Almighty may shoo away a miser who put all in bank and lived a life like a beggar and begged admission to paradise after death – those who flaunt already live in heaven.

Ringing in quality.

jewellery Pearl

Wearing bulk ornaments the old day order is passe, minimum ornaments that spell class is in vogue but the slimming in quantity has never to do anything with cost; as the present day neck-lace or rings are worth pounds of gold worn in the past. Designer wears studded with class diamonds, gems and rare pearls worth a fortune; but it is worth it, as diamonds are for ever, or rather for a fistful of diamonds! Love and ornaments seem proportionate as more one loves his wife the more ornaments he fetch for her!

The new breed in the fore!

Jewellers

Making of jewellery was for long time a job of the local craftsman and they were made in traditional design and traditional methods. Rich families had captive craftsmen for the purpose. As a result the necklace worn by great grandma was not different from what the mothers wore. But in recent years a lot of fashion has come in especially in the case of Wedding Rings.

The modern-day wizards!

All that has changed as modern making methods and designs conquered the field. Designer ornaments and jewellery design has turned to be big business, world class designers work day and night to craft a piece that can catch the eye of a buyer who can afford it.

National asset!

All said and done jewels and jewellery is here to stay making our women more beautiful and elating the ego of our officers, after all our officers and our beautiful women are the assets of any nation let confidence and beauty overflow and the nation get enriched.

Khayyam and Jaidev’s relationship with Mohammad Rafi

Khayyam and Jaidev’s relationship with Mohammad Rafi

When we visualise the golden era of music in Indian cinema we primarily think about the giant music directors like Shankar Jaikishan, Naushad, etc., or lyricists like Shakeel Badayani, Shailendra, Majrooh Sultanpuri or singers like Rafi, Lata who made major contribution to the music of that age. Among the legendary giants there were other composers who composed music for less number of films but created their identity and everlasting appeal even with the less number of compositions. Jaidev and Khayyam are two composers who received numerous awards for their classic performance and still remain few of the offbeat composers without whom the firmament of music would be colourless.


Jaidev who came to Bombay initially from Ludhiyana to become an actor learnt music from K. Jaokar and Janardan Jaokar and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan and after ashort span of stay in his home town Ludhiyana, returned to Bombay with his immense command of folk and classical music. As he initially worked with Navketan Banner, he got a scope of working with SD Burman also. His debue with Chetan Anand’s film Joru Ka Bhai, 1955, gave him opportunity to compose independant music but he got recognition with the film Humdono in 1961.


Humdono was also the starting point of Jaidev’s relationship with the man with the golden voice, Mohammad Rafi. The unique style of Jaidev included his tunes which appeared not to end with the antara or the sanchari and uniting them with the mukhra unlike other composers. Rafi’s voice had the effect of sedative which doctor’s prescribe for patients who cant sleep in the song “Abhi na jao chor kar, ki dil abhi bhara nahi” in Hum Dono. The way Rafi pronounced adhuri yaas, hardly any playback singer can think even today. The emotions of the character were kept intact and the musical value of the song was enhanced by Rafi in a tremendous way in Humdono. The ghazal in the film “kabhi khud pe kabhi halat pe rona aya” can be categorised as one of the ten best ghazals Rafi did sing in his life. At the same time the other song “main zindagi ka saath nibhata chala gaya” which showed the carefree attitude of Dev Anand, who got admitted in military in the film, had the effect of santoor and the prelude and interlude followed the main song of Rafi that music lovers even memorised them as a song itself. Lata Mangeshkar’s performance in the song “Allah tero naam” in raag gara was probably one of her best performances ever. Jaidev’s return path of the sanchari was again evident in the classical bhajan which is still sung sometimes as prayer song at other times in temples and places of worship. The other film he composed music for include Mujhe Jeene Do, 1963, where Lata’s song “Nadi nare na jao sham” became hit. As it was female oriented film with Wahida Rehman providing the lead performance there were hardly sequences for male songs.


In the other film Kinare Kinare, in 1963, Jaidev asked Rafi to sing duet song with Usha Mangeshkar titled “maya anchal jale kaya ka abhiman”. His other notable songs for Rafi include “aaj ki raat hai bus jalwa dikhane ke liye” and “roop ki dhoop to dhalke rahegi” from the film Jiyo Aur Jeene Do, in 1969. Both were successful with Jaidev’s folk effect in the respective songs.


In the 1970s, Jaidev shifted towards Ghazal singer Bhupinder Singh for most of his songs, with “Do Diwane Shahar Me” and “Ek Akela is shahar me” from the film Gharonda, 1977, directed by Gulzar with Amol Palekar in the lead role. Runa Laila’s song “tumke hona ho mukhko to itna yakeen hai” looked like it was never going to end with the brilliant lyrics of gulzar. The violin was played so brilliantly in the song “Ek akela is shahar me” depicting urbanised folk songs, that it identified the pathos of Jaidev who was a loner in life. The other successful film of Jaidev included Dooriyan, 1979, acted by Uttamkumar and Sharmila Tagore. There Bhupinder Sing’s song “Zindagi zindagi o mere ghar ana ana zindagi” and “zindagi me jab tumhare gham nahi the”showed Jaidev’s unconventional movement in the rise and fall of the antara and sanchari. Jaidev along with Madanmohan had composed music for Rishi Kapoor’s film Laila Majnu, 1977, where Rafi’s songs “barbad muhobbat ki dua saath liye ja”, “is reshmi pazeeb ki jhankar ke sadpe”, “likhkar tera naam zameen par” were superhits and marked Rafi’s tremendous combination with Rishi Kapoor.

Jaidev received national award for the brilliant composition of music in the films Reshma Aur Shera, Gaman and Ankahi, most of which included Rajasthani folk music. Jaidev never got the recognition which he deserved. It is a pity that Jaidev got a scope of composing music for female oriented films where he made the best use of Lata Mangeshkar, because Rafi could have made enormous contribution to Jaidev’s remote style of music composition. Even then the combination of Rafi and Jaidev carry enormous musical value for music lovers across the country.


Khayyam better known as Mohammad Zahur Khaiyyam is the other music composer, who had such an immortal appeal in his compositions, yet had not received the recognition he deserved. He was born in Jullundher, Punjab in 1927, and learnt music from Pandit Amarnath and Hunslal Bhagatram. Khayyam initially used Tala Mehmood in the song “Sham-e-gham ki kasam” in Dilip Kumar’s Footpath, 1954, where he made his debue and Mukesh in the songs “Woh subah kabhi to ayegi” and “phir na kije meri gustaq nigaho ka gila” in Raj kapoor’s Phir Subah Hogi, 1958. Although Rafi had one song “jo bor kare yar ko us yaar se touba” in Phir Subah Hogi, 1958 where it was a duet with Mukesh singing for Raj Kapoor and Rafi singing for Rehman.


But Khayyam acknowledged the golden voice of Rafi in the film Shola Aur Shabnam, 1961, where most of the lyrics were written by Kaifi Azmi and Rafi’s songs “dhunti rehti yeh ankhe mujhme”, “jeet hi lenge bazzi hum tum”, “pehle to aankh milna”, “phool ko dhoonde pyaasa bhawra” had a soft, passionate flavour of the soil of mountains. The songs were picturised on Dharmender. In the film Shagun, 1964, the song “parbaton ke paron par sham ka basera hai” sung by Rafi carried the intoxicating appeal of Khayyam. The next film Mohabbat is ko kahte hai, 1965, picturised on Shashi Kapoor had a fantastic duet song of Rafi and Lata titled “thehriye hosh me alun to chale jaiyega” which was a form of a poetry where each of the poets answered one another. In Akhri Khat, in 1966, Rafi’s song “aur thori der theher” had the same folk effect of Khayyam. Lata Mangeshkar was brilliant with her performance of “baharo mera jeevan bhi sawaaro” and “mere chanda mere nanhe” in the same film.


In the 1970s, Khaiyyam composed music in lesser films but again came up with creative music and received the filmfare award for composing music for the film Kabhi Kabhi, 1975, where the title song written by Sahir Ludhianvi and sung by Mukesh and Lata were well acclaimed by music lovers of India. His composition in Umrao Jaan, 1981, brought him the second filmfare award and amazed the musical pandits with classical mujra, which became extinct from bollywood music at that time. His songs in the film Bazaar, 1982, picturised on Nasiruddin Shah, titled “karoge yaad to” had ghazal andaz and Bhupinder Singh was sublime with his performance.


As Khayyam, like Jaidev, composed music in mostly offbeat films their presence was felt whenever the directors came up with thoughtful stories, powerful direction and rich lyrics. Although they have provided less number of songs for Rafi but the creations of the combination should be restored for the epic value of the folk and classical effects in the songs.


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1.

Bhupinder Singh in his TV interview in DD1 Channel said he was an absolute admirer of Rafi. He said he got a scope of acting in Chetan Anand’s Haqeeqat, 1964 where the songs were composed by MadanMohan. There was a song “hoke majboor usne bulaya hoga” which had to be sung by Bhupinder, Tala Mehmood, Manna Dey and Rafi. He wanted to share the microphone with Rafi. As Rafi was shorter in height than Bhupinder a tool was provided during the recording to match both Rafi and Bhupinder.The song was very successful and was a landmark in Bhupinder Singh’s life.

Article By Souvik Chatterji

Master of Law from Warwick University, Coventry, UK.
Master of Law from Case Western Reserve Univerwsity, Cleveland, Ohio,USA.


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Navaratri

Navaratri – The Nine Holy Nights.

Navaratri festival

A celebration of womanhood.

October 12, 2007 is a very special day for the Hindus as it marks the beginnings of the Navaratri festivals; a celebration that spans nine nights; each day with its own significance. It all starts from the bright fortnight day of the month Puruttasi as per the Indian Calendar (September 12^th to 21^st) when the Sun enters the Asterism Sign (location of a prominent group of stars) as per astrology. The most significant part of these continuous celebrations of nine consecutive nights is that it is entirely dedicated to Durga a symbol of womanhood in its frighteningly virile forms.

Durga the fearsome goddess!

Navaratri Pictures courtsey: mayukhi.com

Durga the goddess worshipped during Navaratri is dark, tongue protruding, bears the head of one demon in one hand and a hack on the other hand and she stands on the top of a man. She wears a necklace made of skulls! One lion leaning against her right leg and there is a demon with bison-head towards her left leg. It is believed that she is blood-thirsty and like sacrifice of animals!

Nine nights – nine roles.

Standing apart from the usual concept that Indian culture promotes the docile and submissive image of woman, Goddess ‘Durga’ or ‘Kali’ is worshipped as the embodiment of courage and determination. Durga is a woman goddess of many splendors, in fact she represents a mystical woman who can be a goddess, a consort, and at the same time an annihilator. Based on her moods she has nine names like, Kumari, Trimurti, Kalyani, Rohini, Kalika, Chandika, Sambhavi, Durga and Subhadra.

Nine sources of power.

Navaratri festival image courtsey: t2india.com

It is explained that Durga is the embodiment of woman-power and these names stated above are only the nine sources of power of which she is made of.

Kumari is playful and innocent form of Durga it is innocent and lovable. Trimurti is the giver of good children. Kalyani is giver of good education and reliable friendships. Rohini keeps a girl away from sinful deeds and thoughts. Kalika is the giver of courage. Chandika is the giver of wealth. Sambhavi assures success in enterprises. Durga is the annihilator of impediments. Subhadra is the giver of cherished objects.

The other side of the trinity.

As per the Indian concepts there is a trinity in gods as Brahma is for creation and Vishnu for preservation and Shiva for destruction. The womanhood also has the trinity as Saraswathy the consort of Brahma (she is the goddess of letters and worshipping her is believed to be useful in gaining knowledge) is to deal with creation and Lakshmi (is the goddess of wealth and worshipping is good for financial security) with Vishnu for preservation and Kali or Durga the wife of Lord Shiva represents the destructive aspects of the universe in tune with her husband Shiva. The personified aspect of universal power is known in different names, in her mild aspect she is Parvati or Uma, but she is known as Kali or Durga.

Myth an asset.

India is a land of myths, if the myths are considered an asset of a nation India is the richest nation in the world, in that count it can easily outstrip Greece which is the next best. Behind Navaratri celebrations also there are so many of them, as the most prominent myth may be this.

Lord Shiva and his tapas

Lord Shiva has ascetic qualities with him; he occasionally goes in to deep ‘tapas’ (a meditational trance with penance). On one such occasion his penance lasted too long and it began to affect the day to day affairs of the world; as Shiva is a god with many portfolios (he is the god of virility and his absence had a telling effect on men; they too began to develop aversion to sexual life. The Devas (demigods) of heaven thought of rescuing humanity by luring Shiva in to action.

A mission impossible.

They deputed Kamadeva (Indian version for cupid) to invoke sexual urge in Shiva so he may end his penance (Kamadeva has a bow made of a sugar-cane stem and arrows of fragrant flowers; he can shoot flowery arrows in to the breasts of people; those who are struck with this flowery arrow will immediately get bitten by love-bug). But these were valid only on ordinary mortals; to his dismay when the poor cupid realized the fact it was too late!. When the arrow was shot Shiva could sense something wrong and he opened his eyes!

Death of Kamadeva!

When Shiva was woken up from a trance he could see the mischief cupid played and the culprit was caught red handed! In a fury Shiva opened his third eye (Shiva has a hidden third eye on his forehead) and burned cupid in to ashes (it is in the myths that the third eye of Shiva has a power to radiate laser-like rays that can burn anything it comes in to contact). Cupid had to pay with his life for his ignorance.

Death of cupid a very bad news!

The death of Kamadeva (cupid) was not good news to the world and Lord Ganesha was deputed by the inmates of heaven to solve the issue. He retrieved the ashes of the cupid and recreated another one and Shiva; repented of his drastic action invoked life in to the ash-clay idol. But the end product turned out to be not what the makers indented but a ferocious demon by name Bhandasura (the duty of Shiva was destruction and he meddling with creation caused all the chaos!) who went away with intensions akin to demons and he practiced severe penance (tapas) and made Shiva appear before him. As Bhandasura’s maker Shiva could do nothing but to give the boon he required - as no man on earth can kill him.

Birth of a Monster!

With the power of the boon Bhandasura started a killing spree butchering anyone whom he had seen and there was another headache for the mandarins of heaven. As no man could kill the demon the onus of the job had to be shouldered by a woman this was the purpose of the birth of Durga the goddess. She took nine roles one each of the Navaratri nights (nights are the time for demons) and tried to exterminate the demon but success eluded her.

Victorious 10^th day!

Durga at last took a different shape of a very enchanting woman and approached Shiva and succeeded in revoking his support to the demon. On the tenth night she set for the head of the demon and fulfilled her mission. (It is said that in her efforts to please Lord Shiva she gained a bonus also as Subramanya the god was born in that association. Navaratris are the nine nights of her struggle with the demon and Vijaya Desami (victorious 10^th) is her day of victory.

Celebrations.

Navaratri image courtsey: asianculturalcentervt.org

It was said in the beginning that the celebration of Navaratri includes nine nights, the first night begins with the worship of goddess Gauri seated on an elephant this is Gaja Gauri Vrata (worship of goddess seated on elephant), this is done by women for the longevity of their husbands. The ninth day is for Goddess Saraswati - the goddess of knowledge - here the worshipped (Saraswati Puja) objects are books, intended for the betterment of educative skills of students.

Kolu (arrangement of small idols), Bhajans and Keerthans (hymns).

On these nine nights little girls are given special treats like new dress, toys, sweets as per their desire, in fact these all celebrations are for the honor of womanhood and girls stand on the threshold like a half blown flower. During these days all houses set beautiful settings for exhibiting small images of deities, as well as dolls of all hues, it is the duty of virgin girls to set ‘kolu’ (as this settings is called). In the evenings prayers (bhajans, and keertans- both are melodious songs in praise of gods) sung by the family members little girls from the neighbors also join the concert and either a feast or light refreshment of banana and jaggery (coarse dark sugar pellets) are served for the participants.

Welcome to the world of letters!

Navaratri celebrations in India

Initiation to the world of letters is done on Vijaya Desami day, young children are lead to the most literate man of the village and made to sit in his lap, there will be a platter before him the child’s right-hand forefinger is guided to write the letter ‘A’ (first alphabet in its mother tongue). It is believed that the child will gain power from the guru (the initiator) and grow as a bright student.

For the school going ones freedom from home-work.

The Navaratri festivals are also known as Dasahara, and Puja festival, during these period students are free from reading and writing lessons! Their books will be placed very near to the image of Goddess Saraswati. At the end of Navaratri (the tenth day known as Vijaya Desami) students will take bath early morning go to the temple, pray, apply sandal paste on their forehead and come before the place where the books and image of Saraswati is placed squat and take the book, open it and read a page. This is the symbolic opening of the education year that is to start from that day.