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In remembrance: From our Archives – a conversation with India’s greatest singer, Lata Mangeshkar

Lata Mangeshkar, a name so familiar, so much our own, a name which reached the greatest of heights, attained so much glory and fame, and yet remained so humble, so grounded. Yes, I could feel all this and the simplicity of this great personality, India’s greatest singer and a legend…

We all have heard that Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru had cried when he heard Lata Mangeshkar sing, “Ae Mere Watan ke logo”, when and where did this happen, Lata didi shared those memorable moments. She took us back to the days when she worked along with other legendary singers– Mohd Rafi, Kishore Kumar, Mukesh…some nostalgic moments, some which brought a smile, and all through this, you could feel her simplicity and her greatness.

This was way back, it seems, but this conversation will always remain fresh – showing the simplicity of a person who attained the greatest of heights – do listen – in, for the rebroadcast, with the Nightingale of India, the Queen of Melody, on our show, From our Archives, today, 6th February – which marks as the day she left us – on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST.

Save the dates for Ballimaran – The Piyush Mishra Project LIVE in Concert

Ballimaaraan – The Piyush Mishra Project is a live concert with a full band. It is a musical homage to the doyen of Urdu poetry, Mirza Ghalib. The band’s genre-bending music is a fusion of retro with contemporary tunes and has a youthful, rebellious vibe. Ghalib spent his last 10 years of life in a haveli on Ballimaaraan lane in Old Delhi near Chawri Bazaar, close to Chandni Chowk. Mishra derived the name of his show from there. Known for its powerful and free-flowing lyrics, the music feels like an engaging conversation. Since its inception in 2016, songs like Aarambh, Husna, Ghar and many others have become popular among the youth.

Piyush Mishra is known for his effortless performances in movies like Tamasha, Gangs of Wasseypur and others. Witness an enigmatic and energetic celebration in the first-ever US tour of Piyush Mishra’s Ballimaaraan.

The tickets for the show are available for purchase at Parashare.com

Press Release by the Consulate General of India, New York

The 75th Republic Day of India was celebrated at the Consulate General of India, New York with a flag hoisting ceremony on Thursday, January 26th, 2024. Consul General Mr. Binaya Srikanta Pradhan unfurled the national flag. Over 150 members of the Indian American community and friends of India joined as the national anthem was sung. The Consul General then read out the Address of the President of India which she had delivered on the eve of India’s Republic Day. A short cultural program of patriotic songs was presented by Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, USA. A large number of members of the Indian diaspora and friends of India participated in the celebration filling the hall with patriotic fervor. New Jersey State Senator, Mr. Raj Mukherji graced the occasion with his presence and spoke about the strong US-India partnership. Artists from Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan presented Patriotic songs. The event was webcast live through the Consulate’s social media platforms.

In the evening, the Consul General hosted a reception that was attended by prominent members of the diaspora, elected officials, members of the diplomatic corps, friends from the media, and people from different walks of life. Among the esteemed guests were Congressman Michael Lawler, Mayor of Edison Township Mr. Sam Joshi, and senior diplomats and officers from the NYC Mayor’s office and NY State Governor’s office.Video messages conveying congratulations on the 75th Republic Day were played by notable figures, including New York State Governor Ms. Kathy Hochul, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick, among other dignitaries.

The program included a video showcasing the Consulate’s activities across the ten states in the northeast U.S. The event also saw vibrant cultural performances from young but very talented artist, Ms. Maheshwari Jagabattula and a captivating performance from Grammy award winner, Ms. Falu Shah. Guests were then treated to a delightful Indian dinner, featuring a diverse array of regional cuisines from various parts of India. The celebration embodied the spirit of unity, diversity, and shared heritage, marking a memorable Republic Day for all in attendance. New York 29 January 2024

From our Archives – a conversation with one of India’s finest actors, Parikshit Sahni

Parikshit Sahni is one of India’s finest actors. He is the son of actor Balraj Sahni and nephew of writer Bhisham Sahni.

Parikshit Sahni is known for playing the lead in the TV series Barrister Vinod, Gul Gulshan Gulfaam (Doordarshan), and Gaatha (Star Plus). He has also appeared in three of Rajkumar Hirani’s blockbuster films Lage Raho Munna Bhai, 3 Idiots, and PK. He starred in the classic Punjabi film Marhi Da Diva (1989), with Raj Babbar, Pankaj Kapur, Kanwaljit Singh, and Deepti Naval. He played a remarkable role in the Hindi film Pavitra Paapi (1970) which was based on a Punjabi novel by Nanak Singh (a famous novelist). Pavitra Paapi also featured his real-life father, Balraj Sahni in a pivotal role. Courtesy https://merasangeet.com/page/2/

Do listen – in this conversation, recorded many years back – yet again today, 29th January, on our show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

From our Archives – In conversation with Anup Jalota, the Bhajan Samraat

Anup Jalota, is an Indian singer, musician and actor best known for his contributions to the Bhajan genre of Indian Music. He is popularly known as the “Bhajan Samraat”. He was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2012, by the Government of India.

Anup Jalota was born in Nainital, Uttrakhand and hails from the Sham Chowrasi Gharana of Punjab. He was educated in Lucknow’s Bhatkhande Music Institute. His father, Purshottam Das Jalota, was also a prominent Bhajan singer. Courtesy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anup_Jalota

This conversation was recorded many years back – wherein we talk about Anup Jalota ji’s musical safar, about the various forms of music and much more.

Today, we bring to you, this conversation from our archives – incase you missed it earlier – tune -in for sure on 20th January, on our Hindi Radio Show, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

President, Vice President and Treasurer , India Association of Greater Boston, talk about the India’s Republic Day Event

It was really nice talking about the upcoming event – India’s Republic Day Event – Our guests: Tanu Phoenix, President, IAGB – Her overall career profile includes Public and Private School Teacher, Professional Orator, Dancer and Event Coordinator. Her passion and versatility in her community service realm of work enable her to excel in her professional life as a demanding, high visibility HR Leader in a high-end Consulting, Data science & Technology Services firm. Tanu also serves as a board Secretary of Saheli Boston; she is a Founder Member of IAB having been its Cultural Director since its inception until 2022. She also volunteers at multiple homeless shelters, senior care homes, rehabs and food pantries.

Nilesh Agrawal, Vice President IAGB – He is a senior IT Project Manager and manages the database team globally as Dba manager. He has over 20+ years of it experience. He has a Master’s degree in Computer Management from Pune University. He is an active Director of Admin in Shishu Bharati School and an executive committee member in various New England Organizations such as Hindi Manch – Baal Yuva Vibhag and Dharma Center of America Lowell. He is a community leader, involved with various voluntary non-profit organizations, and helps in various IAGB initiatives such as civic collaboration, giving back to the community. 

Deepak Garg, Treasurer, IAGB –  In his long-standing career of 22 years, Deepak is currently a Vice President, Loan Officer at Leader Bank. He has been an Executive Director at IAGB in IAGB’s previous Executive Committee. He is a member of the Warrant Committee with the Town of Belmont and also working as a Treasurer at the Belmont Pan Asian Coalition. He was an Executive Director at UIANE, 2 years ago. He has been volunteering with town school organizations as a treasurer for 4 years and just finished his 2 year term with FBE as their Treasurer. He has a double MBA in Finance and Marketing along with a Bachelors in Electrical Engineering. He is committed to continue actively with IAGB and help grow the community

Do listen in to this wonderful conversation and learn about the Republic Day Event in detail – on 19th January, on our Show, Saat Samundar Paar, on MeraSangeet Gold – at 9:00 AM,1:00 PM,5:00 PM, and 9:00 PM – EST. You can also catch the interview on MeraSangeet East at 11:00 AM EST.

From our Archives – Conversation with the popular Indian Actor, Padmini Kolhapure, on our Hindi Radio Show

Padmini Kolhapure is an Indian actress, who works primarily in Hindi films. She began her acting career in 1972 at the age of seven, and her early works include Zindagi (1976) and Dream Girl (1977). She had her breakthrough with the film Satyam Shivam Sundaram (1978), starring as the young Roopa. She is the recipient of two Filmfare Awards.

At the age of 15, Kolhapure won the Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actress for her performance in the revenge drama Insaf Ka Tarazu (1980), and at the age of 17, won the Filmfare Award for Best Actress for the musical romantic drama Prem Rog (1982), thus becoming the second-youngest actress to win the awards in the respective categories. She was also nominated for the Best Supporting Actress for her role in Souten (1983) and also received another Best Actress nomination for Pyar Jhukta Nahin (1985). Courtesy https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Padmini_Kolhapure

Do listen – in to this wonderful conversation, from many years back, with Padmini Kolhapure, on our show, From our Archives, today, 9th January, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST.

Press Release by the Consulate General of India, New York

 ‘One District One Product’ is among the several initiatives of the Government of India in line with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of “Aatma Nirbhar Bharat”, a self reliant India. The idea is to select, brand, and promote One Product from each District of the country, harnessing traditional strengths and technology for holistic development.

The prestigious ODOP Awards were conferred upon Indian Districts, States and Indian Missions abroad by, EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar and Commerce and Industry Minister,  Mr. Piyush Goyal on January 3 as part of the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Utsav’. The Awards aim to recognize and honor those who have demonstrated exceptional accomplishments in furthering economic development through the ODOP approach. Consulate General of India in New York was among the three Indian Missions to receive the prestigious ODOP Award 2023. It was declared the runners-up in the category of India’s Foreign Missions for its contribution in promoting ODOP items in the world.

India’s Consulate General in New York, with active guidance and support of MEA and Department of Commerce, has undertaken major campaign to showcase and promote One District One Product items of India in the Unites States. Some of the popular products include Araku Coffee, Assam and Darjeeling Tea, ittar (perfume) from Kannauj, Lakadong turmeric, jute and textiles products, millet-based food items, Dhokra metal handicrafts and Longpi pottery, among others. In 2022, Consulate organized an ODOP float at the iconic ‘India Day Parade’ in Manhattan and also put up ODOP stall at Times Square on the occasion of International Yoga Day which created widespread awareness in New York and around about ODOP items. Besides these, numerous trade shows, product launches and other events have been hosted and organized by the Consulate to promote and popularize these distinctive expressions of India’s diversity, heritage, culture and economic potential.

The ODOP initiative stands as a testament to the Government of India’s commitment to promoting the country’s unique products globally, paving the way for a self-reliant  India on the global stage.

From our Archives – Conversation with the popular Indian singer, Sadhana Sargam

Sadhana Sargam is an Indian singer. She is a recipient of the National Film Award and Filmfare Awards South. She has also won five Maharashtra State Film Awards, four Gujarat State Film Awards, and one Orissa State Film.

Sadhana sang the popular song Ek Anek Aur Ekta for Doordarshan at the age 6. She made her playback debut in Kanku Pagli, a Gujarati film. Her first Hindi song was the solo “Door Nahin Rehna” from the film Rustom. However, Rustom was delayed and was released only in 1985, and Sargam ’s first released film was Subhash Ghai’s Vidhaata (1982) in which she sang the song “Saat Saheliyan” for actress Padmini Kolhapure.[6] The song, composed by Kalyanji-Anandji, also had the voices of Kishore Kumar and Alka Yagnik. Courtesyhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadhana_Sargam

We bring to you an interview, recorded many years back. Do tune – in for the rebroadcast for sure, this weekend, 30th and 31st December, on our Show, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST.

From our Archives – conversation with one of India’s finest actors, Farooq Shaikh Sahaab

Farooq Shaikh was an Indian actor and television presenter. His major contribution was in Parallel Cinema or the New Indian Cinema.

A very popular actor, Farooq Shaikh acted with so much ease, portraying the characters so well, that he seemed to fit into each role, perfectly. He gives the due for this for having worked with the directors that he did in his initial films. He talks about this in detail.

So, learn about this and much more about the late actors’ journey, about his many films, so many memories, today on our show.

This conversation goes back many years back with Farooq Shaikh Sahaab. Do listen – in to it, for sure, today, 29th December, on our Hindi Radio Show, From our Archives, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

 

From our Archives – conversation with Atul Karwal, an Indian Police Service Officer

Atul Karwal is a 1988 batch Indian Police Service Officer from the Gujarat cadre. He has served in various capacities. He is the first Officer from the All India Services to have scaled the world’s highest peak, the Mt. Everest in May 2008. This also led him to write, the book, “Think Everest”.

This conversation was recorded way back, in the summer of 2010, and it holds all the home truths- today as well, just as these did when we spoke – that about life, about success, about setting goals and achieving them, about being content with what we have, about living in the moment and much more.

Do listen in to the conversation, from our Archives – tune- in for sure, today, 15th of August, on our Hindi Radio Show, on MeraSangeet Gold at 2:00 PM EST and on MeraSangeet USA at 5:00 PM – EST

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