Art and Culture

The Sangeet Natak Akademi, India’s national academy for music, dance, and drama, confers two prestigious awards to recognize and celebrate excellence in the performing arts:

• Akademi Ratna (Akademi Fellow): This is the highest honor bestowed by the Akademi, limited to a maximum of 40 living individuals.
• Akademi Puraskar (Akademi Award): This award recognizes outstanding contributions from artists across various performing arts disciplines.

On February 21-22, 2024, the General Council of the Sangeet Natak Akademi selected six eminent personalities as Akademi Fellows (Akademi Ratna):

1. Vinayak Khedekar (Hindustani classical vocalist): A renowned exponent of the Agra gharana of Hindustani classical music, known for his soulful renditions and mastery of intricate taals.
2. R. Visweswaran (Kathakali exponent): A prolific Kathakali artist and scholar, he has significantly contributed to the preservation and propagation of this classical dance form from Kerala.
3. Sunayana Hazarilal (Odissi dancer): A leading Odissi dancer and choreographer, known for her grace, innovative interpretations, and dedication to promoting the dance form globally.
4. Raja & Radha Reddy (Kuchipudi dancers): This husband-and-wife duo are legendary Kuchipudi dancers and teachers who have revolutionized the art form through their innovative choreography and dedication to its propagation.
5. Dulal Roy (Folk singer and researcher): A renowned Baul singer and researcher from West Bengal, known for his evocative renditions and commitment to preserving and promoting Baul music, a mystical Bengali folk tradition.
6. D.P. Sinha (Scholar and administrator): A distinguished scholar and administrator who has made significant contributions to the field of Indian theatre and performing arts through research, writing, and leadership roles.

These six individuals have enriched the Indian cultural landscape through their exceptional talent, dedication, and contributions to their respective art forms. They serve as an inspiration to aspiring artists and a testament to the vibrancy and diversity of India’s performing arts tradition.

Q. What is the highest honor bestowed by the Sangeet Natak Akademi?

• a) Sangeet Natak Ratha
• b) Akademi Purana
• c) Akademi Ratna (Akademi Fellow)
• d) Natya Natak Samman

Ans : c) Akademi Ratna (Akademi Fellow)

Veteran singer Pankaj Udhas passed away in Mumbai on February 26, 2024, at the age of 73, following a prolonged illness.

• Pankaj Udhas was renowned for his ghazals, including hits like “Chitthi Aayi Hai” from Naam, “Na Kajre Ki Dhar” from Mohra, “Chandi Jaisa Rang”, “Ek Taraf Uska Ghar”, and “Ahista”.
• Pankaj Udhas is survived by his wife Farida Udhas, daughters Nayaab and Reva Udhas, and brothers Nirmal and Manhar Udhas, both of whom are also singers.

Q: What was Pankaj Udhas famous for?

a) Pop music
b) Bollywood item songs
c) Ghazals
d) Classical music

Ans : c) Ghazals

The prestigious 58th Jnanpith Award has been conferred upon lyricist and poet Gulzar and Sanskrit scholar Jagadguru Rambhadracharya. Here are the key details:

Gulzar:

Background: Gulzar, whose real name is Sampooran Singh Kalra, is celebrated for his contributions to Hindi cinema and is recognized as one of the finest Urdu poets of our time.

Previous Honors:

• Sahitya Akademi Award for Urdu (2002)
• Dadasaheb Phalke Award (2013)
• Padma Bhushan (2004)
• Multiple National Film Awards

Notable Works:

• Gulzar’s poetic and lyrical genius shines through songs like “Jai Ho” from the film “Slumdog Millionaire” (which won an Oscar in 2009 and a Grammy in 2010), as well as compositions for critically acclaimed movies such as “Maachis” (1996), “Omkara” (2006), “Dil Se…” (1998), and “Guru” (2007).
• He has also directed timeless award-winning classics like “Koshish” (1972), “Parichay” (1972), “Mausam” (1975), “Ijaazat” (1977), and the television serial “Mirza Ghalib” (1988).
• Gulzar’s poetry includes the innovative genre called “Triveni,” a non-mukaffa poem of three lines.

Jagadguru Rambhadracharya:

Background: Jagadguru Rambhadracharya is a renowned Hindu spiritual leader, educator, and prolific writer. He is the founder and head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot.

Literary Contributions:

He has authored over 240 books and texts, including four epics, in various Indian languages such as Sanskrit, Hindi, Awadhi, and Maithili.

Spiritual Leadership:

Rambhadracharya holds the position of one of the present four Jagadguru Ramanandacharyas of the Ramananda sect since 1982.

About Jnanpith Award

The Jnanpith Award, established in 1944, is given annually for outstanding contributions to Indian literature. This year, it is being awarded for the second time for Sanskrit language and the fifth time for Urdu language. The award includes a prize money of Rs 21 lakh, a statue of Vagdevi, and a citation

Q: Who has been honored with the 58th Jnanpith Award?

A) Gulzar
B) Jagadguru Rambhadracharya
C) Both A and B
D) None of the above

Ans : C) Both A and B

Q: Which song from the film “Slumdog Millionaire” contributed to Gulzar’s international acclaim?

A) “Jai Ho”
B) “Tere Bina”
C) “Dil Se Re”
D) “Chaiyya Chaiyya”

Ans : A) “Jai Ho”

The Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS) Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi celebrated the consecration of its idols on 14 Feb 2024, led by Mahant Swami Maharaj.

• The ceremony took place on the auspicious morning of Vasant Panchami, featuring the ritual for the main idol of Parabrahma Shri Swaminarayan Bhagwan and other deity figures in different sections of the temple.
• A grand launch ceremony and public dedication assembly are planned for the evening in the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the celebration expected to draw millions of Indians.
• The temple’s construction was facilitated by the generosity of the UAE rulers, with Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Nahyan contributing land for its construction during the “Year of Tolerance.”
• The temple symbolizes interfaith understanding and cultural exchange between India and the UAE.
• The BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East.
• The consecration event coincides with the 159th birth anniversary of Shastriji Maharaj, the founder of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, established in 1907.
• The organization had envisioned the temple since 1997.

Q: What is the significance of the BAPS Mandir in Abu Dhabi?

a) It is the largest Hindu temple in the Middle East.
b) It is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East.
c) It is a modern architectural marvel.
d) It is dedicated to promoting unity in the Indian community.

Ans : b) It is the first traditional Hindu stone temple in the Middle East.

The New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 began on 10 February 2024 at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurated the nine-day event. The theme of the Book Fair is Multi-Lingual India, A Living Tradition. This year, Saudi Arabia will be the guest of honour. 

The New Delhi World Book Fair (NDWBF), a significant event in the publishing world, is celebrating 51 years of literary excellence. NDWBF 2024 is scheduled from 10th to 18th February 2024 at the newly constructed Halls 1-5 within the centrally located Pragati Maidan in New Delhi.

Q: Where is the New Delhi World Book Fair 2024 being held?

• A) Pragati Maidan, New Delhi
• B) India Expo Centre, Greater Noida
• C) Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Delhi
• D) Thyagaraj Sports Complex, New Delhi

Ans : A) Pragati Maidan, New Delhi

The Aadi Mahotsav 2024, an annual National Tribal Festival, is all set to unfold its vibrant and culturally rich celebration. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Dates and Venue:
   • Dates: From 10th to 18th February 2024.
   • Venue: Major Dhyan Chand National Stadium, New Delhi.
2. Organizers and Purpose:
   • The event is organized by TRIFED (Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India) under the aegis of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
   • Objective: To showcase the rich diversity of India’s tribal heritage.
3. What to Expect:
   • 300+ Stalls: The festival will feature an expanded showcase with over 300 stalls.
   • Tribal Art and Handicrafts: Visitors can explore and purchase exquisite tribal art and handicrafts.
   • Natural Produce: Witness the display of natural produce from tribal communities.
   • Delectable Cuisine: A separate food court will offer tribal cuisines, known for their health benefits.
   • Cultural Programs: Enjoy evening performances by tribal artists from across the country.
   • Workshops: Engage in workshops such as crafts, painting displays, and industry-oriented B2B sessions.
   • Entrepreneurship: Industry leaders will participate, contributing to the scaling up of tribal products through entrepreneurial ventures.
4. Distinguished Guests:
   • President Smt. Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the festival.
   • Union Minister for Tribal Affairs and Agriculture, Shri Arjun Munda, will also be present.

Q: What is the primary objective of the Aadi Mahotsav 2024?

• a) To promote urban art and culture
• b) To showcase the rich diversity of India’s tribal heritage
• c) To celebrate international cuisines
• d) To focus on modern technological advancements

Ans : b) To showcase the rich diversity of India’s tribal heritage

1. Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain’s fusion band Shakti won the Grammy award for Best Global Music Album for their latest release, “This Moment.”
2. The album “This Moment,” which was released in June last year, features eight songs by John McLaughlin, Zakir Khan, Shankar Mahadevan, V Selvaganesh, and Ganesh Rajagopalan.
3. Zakir Hussain also received a Grammy in the Best Global Music Performance category for his contribution to Pashto, alongside Bela Fleck and Edgar Meyer, featuring Rakesh Chaurasia.
4. Rakesh Chaurasia, a veteran Indian classical flute artist, won dual Grammys for his collaborative album “As We Speak” in the Best Contemporary Instrumental and Best Global Music Performance categories.
5. The 66th Annual Grammy Awards 2024 took place in Los Angeles on February 5, 2024.

Grammy Awards

The Grammy Awards are prestigious honors bestowed by the Recording Academy, recognizing excellence in the music industry. Often called the “music Oscars,” they cover a wide range of genres and categories, from pop and rock to classical and world music.

History: Started in 1959, initially called the Gramophone Awards, and evolved into the Grammys over time.

Q: Which prominent Indian musicians, who are part of the fusion band Shakti, won the Grammy Award in the Best Global Music Album category for their latest album “This Moment”?

A) A.R. Rahman and Lata Mangeshkar
B) Shankar Mahadevan and Zakir Hussain (Correct)
C) Hariharan and Kavita Krishnamurthy
D) Sonu Nigam and Shreya Ghoshal

Q: Which musical instrument does Rakesh Chaurasia, a veteran Indian classical musician, play?

A) Sitar
B) Tabla
C) Bansuri (Indian bamboo flute) (Correct)
D) Harmonium

The 37th Surajkund Crafts Mela 2024 is a vibrant celebration of art, culture, and heritage was inaugurated by the President of India, Draupadi Murmu on 2 February 2024.

Dates: The festivities span a fortnight from February 2nd (Friday) to February 18th (Sunday).

Venue: The enchanting fair takes place in Surajkund, Faridabad, a historic reservoir built by King Suraj Pal of the Tomar dynasty in the 10th century. The name “Surajkund” translates to “Lake of the Sun” in Hindi.

International Showcase: Artists from over 20 countries across South Asia, Africa, and Europe actively participate, making it a grand success. They use this unique platform to showcase their diverse cultures and talents.

Attractions: Visitors of all ages can enjoy a plethora of attractions, including: Traditional Folk Dances: Witness captivating folk dances that bring regional flavors to life. Musical Shows: Immerse yourself in melodious tunes and rhythmic performances. Puppet Skits: Delight in the artistry of puppetry, a time-honored form of storytelling.

About Surajkund Mela:

Situated between Lakkarpur and Baharpur villages near Faridabad, this picturesque fair aims to promote the talent and culture of local artisans. Each year, the Mela revolves around a theme based on an Indian state, influencing its architecture, spirit, and decor.

Q: Where is the Surajkund Crafts Mela held?

a) Surajkund, Gurgaon
b) Surajkund, Noida
c) Surajkund, Faridabad
d) Surajkund, Ghaziabad

Ans : c) Surajkund, Faridabad

Q: Who built the historic reservoir in Surajkund in the 10th century?

a) Akbar
b) King Suraj Pal
c) Tomar dynasty
d) Draupadi Murmu

Ans : c) Tomar dynasty