Richard Brinsley Sheridan

Today is the birth anniversary of Richard Brinsley Sheridan, an Irish playwright, satirist and a parliamentarian . Known mostly for his satirical and humorous plays - 'The Rivals' and 'The School for Scandal' he created an immortal character like Mrs. Malaprop who makes use of wrong words with almost similar sounds. Malapropism became an accepted figure of speech.

Our humble tributes to the playwright !

Swami Dayanand

Today is the death anniversary of Swami Dayanand Saraswati , a Hindu Religious leader . He is known as the founder of Arya Samaj, an order based on Vedic teachings.His book 'Satyarth Prakash' is a treatise of sorts.
The DAV educational institutions named after him have countywide presence and have done a lot in the field of education.
Our humble tributes to the great Religious leader & a social reformer !

V.Shantaram

Today is the death anniversary of V.Shantaram, the iconic film director, producer and an actor. Known mostly for his film Doctor Kotnis Ki Amar Kahani, and Do Aankhen Barah Haath,he also made classic films like Jhanak Jhanak Payal Baje, Navrang,Amar Bhoopali, Pinjra and Duniya Na Mane.He also produced the films Geet Gaya Pattharon Ne and Jal Bin Machhli Nritya Bin Bijli.

He cast his wife Sandhya in Do Aankhen Barah Haath & Navrang and his daughter Rajshri in Geet Gaya Pattharon Ne.

In fact his production house is known as Rajshri Productions.

His films Amar Bhoopali and Do Aankhen Barah Haath won international acclaim as well.

He was a recipient of Padma Vibhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award.

He died this day in 1990 aged 89.

Our humble tributes !

James Boswell

Today is the birth anniversary of James Boswell, the Scottish biographer. He is best known for his biography of Samuel Johnson, one of his contemporary authors.This biography written by him apart from being a classic of English literature is a benchmark for biographers to follow so much so that every Great person is said to feel the need for a Boswell to document his life and times.
Our humble tributes to the outstanding biographer !

Kamladevi Chattopadhyay

Today is the death anniversary of Kamladevi Chattopadhyay, the Indian Independence activist, and a promoter of Indian Handicrafts,handlooms and theatre.She did pioneering work in women empowerment through financial independence and cooperative movement.The institutions like National School of Drama, Sangeet Natak Academy, Central Cottage Industries Emporium and Craft Council of India , to a larger extent owe their existence to her vision.

A recipient of Ramon Magsaysay Award, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, she died this day in 1988 aged 85.

Our humble tributes !

Sister Nivedita

Today is the birth anniversary of Sister Nivedita alias Margaret Elizabeth Noble, a Scottish -Irish teacher, social worker .She met Swami Vivekananda in London in 1895 and became his follower.She came to India and founded Ramakrishna Sarada Mission and Sister Nivedita Girls' School.

Nivedita was the name given to her by Swami Vivekananda who initiated her into Vedanta. Under a vow of celibacy, she made social service her life long mission and did pioneering work.

She wrote about a dozen books including Kali , The Mother and The web of Indian Life.

Our humble tributes to the great Lady !

श्रीलाल शुक्ल

प्रसिद्ध हिन्दी उपन्यास 'राग दरबारी' के रचयिता व ख्यात नाम व्यंग्यकार श्रीलाल शुक्ल की आज पुण्यतिथि है। राज्य प्रशासनिक सेवा व भारतीय प्रशासनिक सेवा के अधिकारी रहे शुक्ल जी ने , उपन्यास, कथा ,आलोचना, निबन्ध एवं व्यंग्य विधा की विपुल सम्पदा से हिन्दी साहित्य जगत को समृद्ध किया है। 

साहित्य अकादमी एवं पद्मभूषण के साथ साथ अन्य कई पुरस्कारों से सम्मानित इस महान साहित्यकार को हमारी विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि !

R.K.Laxman

Today is the birth anniverary of the legendary cartoonist R.K.Laxman. His drawings of the common man , the crows and the cartoon strip 'You said it' can never be forgotten. In fact the cartoon strip adorned the pages of Times of India for five decades.

A younger brother of the noted author R.K.Narayan, he also drew sketches for the cover of his books and novels.
Apart from drawing cartoons and sketches,he wrote novel and travelogue as well.
He was also a recipient of Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and Ramon Magsaysay Award .

Our tributes to the genius !

JEEWAN

Today is the birth anniversary of JEEWAN ,the Bollywood actor. Born Omkar Nath Dhar this day in 1915 in Srinagar , he was a Kashmiri who remained active in films for five decades i.e. ‘40s through ‘80s.He had acted as Narad Muni in almost 60 films and in a radio program presented by him and dedicated to army jawans he had stated that God dare not send him to hell as he had chanted Nayaran Narayan thousands of times.

His very presence in the cast would guarantee that some sinister designs were a part of the storyline .He was also the most hated villain of Hindi Cinema which is a tribute to his acting talent. Almost all the films he acted in were hits. .

Our humble tributes to this marvellous Actor !

Shafi Inamdar

Today is the birth anniversary of Shafi Inamdar, a film and TV actor.He started his film career with film Vijeta and also worked in Ardh Satya. A versatile and talented actor, he also gave memorable performances in films like

Aaj Ki Awaz, Awaam, Anokha Rishta, Amrit , Nazrana.

Jurm,Dada Suhaagan, Kudrat ka Kanoon , and Love 86. The TV serial Yeh Jo Hai Zindagi , Teri Bhi Chup Meri Bhi Chup, and Aadha Sach Aadha Jhooth in which he worked also became very popular.In 1985, he was nominated for the Best Supporting Actor award for the film Aaj Ki Awaaz.

He died on 13 March, 1996 aged 50.

Our humble tributes !

अशफाक़ उल्लाह खान

महान क्रांतिकारी व स्वतन्त्रता सेनानी अशफाक़ उल्लाह खान की आज जयंती है। उल्लेखनीय है कि शहीद अशफाक़ उल्लाह खान को शहीद राम प्रसाद बिस्मिल व शहीद ठाकुर रोशन सिंह के साथ एक ही दिन यानि 19 दिसम्बर 1927 को फांसी दी गई थी।

हँसते हँसते मातृभूमि के लिए मृत्यु का वरण करने वाले इस देश भक्त की स्मृति को

कोटिश: नमन !

Swami Ram Tirth

Today is the birth anniversary of Swami Ram Tirth also known as Swami Rama, a teacher of Hindu religion and philosophy. Born this day in 1873 in Gujranwala of undivided Punjab, he lost his mother while some days' old. He was brought up by his elder brother.A brilliant student, he passed his M.A. in Mathematics and landed a job as Professor in Government College Lahore. A chance meeting with Swami Vivekananda at Lahore in 1897, resulted in his inclination towards Vedanta .

He quit his job, left his family and became a Sannyasi in 1899.On a travel sponsored by the Maharaja of Tehri,he went to Japan to teach Hindu philosophy particularly practical Vedanta and then to the United States to pursue his teachings like Swami Vivekananda before him. An advocate of youth education, he helped institute many scholarships for education of Indian youth abroad.He also advocated women education .He returned to India in 1904 and sometime later withdrew from public life and went to Himalayas. He started writing a book also but the project remained incomplete as his soul left the mortal body on 17th October, 1906 while he was just five days short of completing 33 years.

Our humble tributes to the Noble soul !

Nain Singh Rawat

Google doodle informs that today is the birth anniversary of Nain Singh Rawat, the 19th century explorer, who explored the Himalayas for the Britishers. He mapped the trade route through Nepal to Tibet and was also the first to map the location and altitude of Lhasa. 

Today is his 187th birth anniversary .

Our humble tributes !

YASH CHOPRA

Today is the death anniversary of YASH CHOPRA, the noted film producer and director of Hindi Cinema. A younger brother of the iconic Producer / Director B.R.Chopra, he started as an assistant to I.S. Jauhar. His maiden directorial venture was B.R.Chopra's Dhool ka Phool which became a box office hit. Another movie Dharamputra also was popular at the box office. To him goes the credit of directing Waqt , the first multistar movie of Hindi Cinema.In 1969 he directed two more movies for B.R.Chopra namely Aadmi aur Insaan & Ittefaq, the latter without any song.

Starting his own Yash Raj Films in 1971, he gave many hits like Deewar, Kabhi Kabhi, Silsila etc. Passing through a lean phase in most part of the '80s, success came to him again with Chandni, a heroine oriented film with Sridevi in the lead.His 1991 movie Lamhe despite having all the merits of a good movie, did not do well at the box office.He was also associated with the movies Noorie, Dil Toh Paagal Hai, Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jaayenge , Trishul, Kala Patthar,Vijay, Faasle, Darr, Parampara, Veer Zara and many others.

Many awards and honours came his way. 

He died this day in 2011 aged 80.

Our humble tributes !

That Was Also A Diwali

It was the Diwali of 1998. I was posted at Rekong Peo the District HQ of Kinnaur.My wife along with the kids had gone visiting her parents at Shimla to attend some family function , so I was alone. In the morning a colleague who also happened to be my class pal in the University campus, turned up and suggested that we call on the Deputy Commissioner to offer Diwali greetings.The Deputy Commissioner, more friendly than bossy, welcomed us . Pleasantries over , he disclosed to us the sad news of an Army helicopter crash in which two young Army Officers had lost their lives, and that he was going to the spot along with the Superintendent of Police. He left for the spot asking us to have tea which he had got prepared for us. My horse sense suggested that I sit in the office to receive directions or messages , if anything was required to be done. The entire day was spent in the office , attending to some matters. At 7:30 or so I left the office and came back to my residence . The boy who cooked for me in absence of my wife told me that a person had come in a vehicle and left a box of apples and a bottle of ACP – Aristocrat Premium as a Diwali gift. It was not unusual to be offered sweets or apples as a Diwali gift by a few known persons , but a teetotaler like me being presented with a bottle of whisky by a person unknown was something very strange. Needless to say that the bottle remained with me for quite a few days as a memento only to be offered to a close friend later.

Om Puri

Today is the birth anniversary of OM Puri, the highly talented actor of Hindi Cinema who also worked in British and Hollywood films.Born Om Prakash Puri this day in 1950 at Ambala in today's Haryana, he was forced to work at a very young age and did odd jobs due to family circumstances. His passion for theatre and acting led him to National School of Drama and later to Film and Television Institute,Pune.

Om Puri made his debut in Marathi film Ghasiram Kotwal based on 1972 play of Vijay Tendulkar and was recognized as an actor.He made his mark in mainstream as well as Art Cinema and worked with the likes of Amrish Puri, Nasiruddin Shah, Shabana Azmi and, Smita Patil in films Aakrosh, Arohan, Sadgati, and Tamas Ardh Satya , Mirch Masala and Dharavi in which his performance was widely acclaimed.

A versatile actor, he also worked in comedy films like Jaane Bhi Do Yaaro , Chachi 420 ,Hera Pheri, Malamaal and many others. His talent was spotted by the Western film world. He had a role in Richard Attenborough's international film Gandhi He also worked in British films like City of Joy, Wolf , The Ghost and the Darkness,My Son, the Fanatic,

Such A Long Journey, East and East , West is West and some others.

His role of Zia ul Haq in Star Wars also brought him acclaim.

His TV serial Kakka ji Kahin became very popular. 

His second wife Nandita Puri, a journalist came up with his biography titled The Unlikely Hero.... which being a no holds barred candid account , caused him anguish and due to some other reasons also, the couple parted ways. 

Many awards and honours came his way like the National Award for the Best Actor which he won twice, The Film Fare Award for Best Actor, The Lifetime Achievement Award and Padma Shri. 

He died on January 6 this year of heart attack aged 66.

Our humble tributes to the highly talented and a versatile actor !

P.G.Wodehouse

Today is the birth anniversary of Sir Pelham Grenville Wodehouse, KBE British born humorist short story writer and a novelist. Born in 1881, he spent some part of his childhood in Hong Kong where his father happened to be employed. He and his brothers were sent back to England for College education. Later he shifted to France and was taken prisoner by the invading German forces during the early years of Second World War. On release after a year he made some broadcasts from German Radio which offended the British establishment so much that he could not go back to his country again.

He obtained American citizenship also and settled there.A prolific writer he wrote many short stories and novels mainly of humorist nature.

Wodehouse is mostly remembered for the creation of Reginald Jeeves, an imaginary character that figures in many of his novels as well as short stories written between 1915 and 1974.

Immortalised and made popular by repeated use in Wodehouse's works, Jeeves has become an accepted term for a loyal , faithful and resourceful servant or a valet, who has readymade solutions for any of the problems that the employer faces. The term finds entry in the Oxford English Dictionary just like Robinson Crusoe's aide Man Friday.

Blessed with a long life , Wodehouse died on 14th of February, 1975 aged 93.

Our humble tributes !

शैलेश मटियानी

आज ख्यातनाम कहानीकार व उपन्यासकार शैलेश मटियानी की जयंती है। उत्तराखंड के एक छोटे से गाँव बाड़ेछीना,ज़िला अलमोड़ा, उत्तराखंड में 1931 को जन्मे रमेश सिंह मटियानी ‘शैलेश’ ने बचपन से ही संघर्षपूर्ण जीवन जीया व कठिनाइयाँ झेलीं । छोटी सी उम्र में पिता को खोया व जीवन यापन के लिए चाचा से जुड़े ।परिवार की इतनी साधारण पृष्ठ भूमि कि गर्व करने लायक कुछ नहीं बल्कि लेखन आरंभ करने और लेखक बन जाने के बाद भी पिता और चाचा के नाम के साथ नाम जोड़ कर तीखे कटाक्ष और तंज़ का सामना करने को मजबूर होना उनकी नियति में शुमार रहा। उत्तराखंड से दिल्ली, कानपुर , मुजफ्फनगर आदि होते हुए बंबई पहुँचना और इस इरादे से कई बार जान बूझ कर अपने आप को पुलिस के हवाले करना कि रोटी और सोने का जुगाड़ थाने में हो जाए- ऐसे अनुभवों से गुज़र कर या अभाव और कठिनाइयों कि आंच में तप कर यदि कोई लेखक बनता है तो ज़ाहिर है यथार्थवादी ही होगा ।

कुछ अरसा पूर्व उनकी चर्चित कहानी ‘मैमूद’ गूगल के सौजन्य से नेट पर मिल गयी । यूं तो कहानी के शीर्षक से पहले ही अंदाज़ा हो गया था कि मैमूद शब्द महमूद का ही स्थानीय बोलचाल में परिवर्तित रूप है। कहानी के शुरू में ही महमूद का परिचय मिल जाता है और आश्चर्यजनक रूप से वह व्यक्ति न हो कर एक पालतू बकरा है जिसे उसकी मालकिन जद्दन बच्चों से भी ज़्यादा प्यार करती है। यहाँ तक कि अपनी एक साथिन रहिमन के ‘ बकरे की माँ कब तक खैर मनाएगी’ जैसी आम कहावत मुंह से निकालने पर उससे उलझ पड़ती है ।
खैर कहानी में मोड़ तब आता है जब कोई रिश्तेदार जद्दन के घर आने वाले होते हैं और उनकी आव भगत में कोई कोर कसर न रह जाए, इस बात कि चिंता परिवार वालों को आ घेरती है । बिरादरी में गोश्त परोसा जाना दावत का एक ज़रूरी हिस्सा है, तो अन्य विकल्प जो कि आर्थिक तंगी की वजह से अपनाना असंभव जान पड़ता है, की अपेक्षा, बात महमूद पर आती है कि क्यों न मेहमानों को उसी का गोश्त परोसा जाए। एक तरफ निर्धनता और दूसरी तरफ बिरादरी में नाक कटने से बचाने की चिंता क्योंकि उनके घर जाने पर रिश्तेदारों ने भी आवभगत में कोई कमी न रखी थी। कोई चारा न देख जद्दन मातमपुरसी का बहाना बना कर कहीं रिश्तेदारी के लिए प्रस्थान कर जाती है, क्योंकि अपने सामने वह ऐसा होते हुए नहीं देख सकती .रात को जद्दन के वापिस आने तक सब कुछ हो चुका होता है। जद्दन दुखी भी है और क्षुब्ध भी इसलिए खाना खाने से इंकार कर देती है ।
आखिर ‘बकरे की माँ कब तक खैर मनाएगी’ कहावत ही साक्षात रूप ले लेती है, और वह भी इतनी जल्दी ।
शैलेश मटियानी की यह कहानी बहुत कुछ सोचने पर मजबूर करती है ।

इसी प्रकार एक अन्य कहानी ‘उसने तो नहीं कहा था’ जो मासिक पत्रिका ‘वागर्थ’ । के किसी अंक में पढ़ने का संयोग हुआ जिसके शीर्षक ने ही बरबस ध्यान खींचा। शैलेश मटियानी की इस कहानी में दो फौजी- जसवंत सिंह और कुंवर सिंह- व एक महिला लछिमा ठकुराइन है ।दोनों ही लछिमा ठकुराइन से प्यार करते हैं इस कारण एक दूसरे की जान भी लेने पर उतारू प्रतिद्वंद्वी प्रतीत होते हैं . परन्तु मोर्चे पर तैनाती के समय, जान लेने का ‘सुअवसर’ प्राप्त होने पर भी एक फौजी, दूसरे की जान बचाता है और गोली चलाने वाले शत्रु सैनिक को ढेर कर देता है. लछिमा ठकुराइन पत्नी तो सिर्फ एक की है पर प्यार दोनों से बराबर करती है। ’उसने तो नहीं कहा था’ पर इस महान कृत्य के पीछे प्रेरणा लछिमा ठकुराइन ही है।इस कहानी में प्रेम का उदात्त स्वरूप प्रस्तुत किया गया है और एक कुशल कथा शिल्पी के हाथों यह कहानी भी बेजोड़ बन पड़ी है ।
एक अन्य कहानी जो मैंने पढ़ी है वह ‘अर्द्धांगिनी’ है ।इस कहानी के केंद्र में सूबेदार नैन सिंह है जो अपनी पत्नी से बहुत प्यार करता है ।कहानी उसके गाँव जाते समय आखिरी बस के छूट जाने व संयोग से एक ट्रक में लिफ्ट मिल जाने से शुरू होती है । ट्रक ड्राईवर से परिचय निकलता है तो सफर भी बातचीत में खूब कटता है पर नैन सिंह सारा समय अपनी सूबेदारनी के बारे में ही सोचता रहता है और ढाबे में पराठे बना कर परोसने वाली महिला में भी उसे सूबेदारनी की झलक मिलती है । छुट्टियों के दिन मानो पंख लगा कर उड़ते हैं । जब चार- पाँच दिन शेष रहते हैं तो नैन सिंह अपनी पत्नी को ले कर चल पड़ता है और एकांत पा कर विभिन्न मुद्राओं में उसके चित्र कैमरे में क़ैद करता है । सूबेदारनी भी बिना ना नुकर और नखरे के फोटो खिंचवाती है । आखिर वापिस जाने का दिन आ जाता है । समान उठाने के लिए कहने के बावजूद जब कोई नहीं आता तो कोई जोखिम न उठाते हुए सूबेदारनी अपने सिर पर नैन सिंह का सामान उठा लेती है और जहां पर कुली मिलता है, वहाँ तक पहुंचा देती है और टकटकी लगा पर अपने पति को नजरों से दूर होते हुए निहारती है ।यह एक विलक्षण प्रेम कथा है बिना किसी तिकोन, एक तरफा प्यार, या बेवफ़ाई के प्रसंग के ,एक विशुद्ध दाम्पत्य प्रेम कथा ।
जब वो अपनी रचनाओं में पहाड़ के दर्द को बयाँ करते हैं तो आंचलिक कथाकार/उपन्यासकार होने का आभास देते हैं पर महानगरों की विसंगतियों, विषमताओं का उनके द्वारा किया गया वर्णन उनके लेखन को विस्तार देता है।
कुछ आलोचक तो यहाँ तक भी कहते हैं कि विश्व स्तरीय उत्कृष्ट कहानियां जितनी संख्या में शैलेश जी ने रचीं उतनी और किसी और लेखक ने नहीं ।
शारदा सम्मान और लोहिया पुरस्कार समेत अनेक सम्मान और पुरस्कार भी उन्हें मिले, यहाँ तक कि फणीशवरनाथ रेणु पुरस्कार भी, जब कि रचना कर्म में शैलेश मटियानी ‘रेणु’ से वरिष्ठ थे और श्रेष्ठता में भी उनसे कहीं उन्नीस नहीं । इसे विडम्बना कहा गया है जो ये शायद है भी । तीस उपन्यासों, अनेक कहानी संग्रहों व कुछ लेखों के साथ वो हिन्दी साहित्य के शिखर पर अपना स्थान रखते हैं ।
इस महान साहित्यकार को हमारी विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि !

Ashok Kumar

Today is the birth anniversary of the great Bollywood actor Ashok Kumar aka Dadamoni.Acknowledged as the first superstar of Hindi cinema , he was a highly talented actor of the class of other greats like Balraj Sahni and Moti Lal whom acting came naturally.

After a small role - which he got by default in film Jeewan Naiya, the real debut came in film Achhoot Kanya opposite Devika Rani,which was a block buster.

The pair worked together in films like Janmabhoomi,Izzat,Saviitri and Vachan,all popular hits.Ashok Kumar's next heroine was Leela Chitnis,with whom he paired in movies like Kangan, Bandhan, Azad and Jhoola, which were popular hits.His stardom arrived with the 1943 film Kismet,the greatest hit of pre- independence era.

Ashok Kumar never looked back after that and in a career spanning six decades acted in popular hits like Saajan,Sangram,Mahal and Samadhi.His other notable films include Bandini, Parineeta, Bhai Bhai, Chalti ka naam Gaadi, Howrah Bridge, Ashirwaad, Victoria No. 203,Intaqaam etc etc.

He was a recipient of Padma Bhushan and Dadasaheb Phalke Award besides many other honours that came his way.

Our humble tributes to the legendary actor !

Dina Pathak

Today is the death anniversary of Dina Pathak, the popular actress who played the quintessential mother / grandmother in many of the Bollywood films.She belonged to the Gujarati theatre,where she acted in and directed plays.She is remembered for her stellar performance in films like Koshish,Mirch Masala, Mohan Joshi Hazir Ho, and Umrao Jaan, besides registering her powerful presence in Saara Akaash, Satyakam,Saat Hindustani, Khoobsoorat,Sacha Jhootha,Golmaal, Khandaan and many others.

She also acted in Gujarati films like Bhavni Bhavai.
She was a recipient of Sangeet Natak Academy Award
Our humble tributes to the great film and theatre personality !

Jagjit Singh

Today is the death anniversary of Jagjit Singh, the renowned Ghazal singer, composer and music director. Known as the Ghazal King ,he along with his singer wife Chitra Singh made waves during the 70s and 80s with soulful renditions of Urdu ghazals and Punjabi songs.Stricken and shaken with the personal tragedy of the loss of a young son, the couple came out with 'Marasim' a collection of sad soulful ghazals which was their last album together,as Chitra felt too overwhelmed to continue singing.

A singer with a huge fan following in India and Pakistan, his live concerts were something to marvel at.A singer across the border mostly sings his songs .

A recipient of Sahitya Academy award in 1998 & Padma Bhushan in 2003, Government of India also issued a commemorative postal stamp in his honour in 2014.

Our humble tributes to the maestro !

Henry Cavendish

Today is the birth anniversary of Henry Cavendish, FRS, the eminent British Scientist who discovered Hydrogen.He called it 'inflammable air'. However it was another scientist named Antoine Lavoisier,who gave the name Hydrogen to the element.The accompanying picture was there in some of Chemistry textbooks in our time and fascinated us.
Our humble tributes !

R.K.Narayan

Today is the birth anniversary of R.K.Narayan, the eminent Indian writer in English, who alongside Mulk Raj Anand and Raja Rao enjoys the pride of place for being the early writer to be published abroad.The British writer Graham Greene was his admirer and helped getting him published in England.An imaginary place called Malgudi forms the centrepiece of his fiction and one of his works is titled Malgudi Days.Malgudi Days was also made into a TV serial. 

His semi autobiographical Trilogy consisting of Swami and Friends, Bachelor of Arts and The English Teacher, are his masterpieces. His novel Guide was made into a classic film of the same name.

For the narrative style and his characterisation, he is often compared with William Faulkner and Guy de Maupassant.

He was a recipient of Sahitya Academy Award and was also honoured with Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan.

He served a tenure as nominated Rajyasabha MP.

Our humble tributes to the great writer !

John Lennon

Today is the birth anniversary of John Winston Ono Lennon or John Lennon, MBE, a cofounder of the Rock band The Beatles, that became a rage in the '60s and the '70s Western and Pop music.John Lennon, a leading member of the group was a singer, musician and a song writer. He had the most successful song writing partnership with Paul McCartney, another member of the group.
Born this day in 1940, he died young aged 40 on 8th December 1980.

Our humble tributes !

Ravindra Jain

Today is the death anniversary of Ravindra Jain , a highly talented music composer and a lyricist.Born with visual handicap, he was a gifted singer and started singing bhajans at public functions at a very young age.Seeing his talent his father had him trained in classical music by various Gurus.

He started his career in the films in the early '70s and the music composed by him for the film Saudagar brought him name, fame and recognition.He went on to compose music for films like Chor Machaye Shor,Geet Gata Chal, Chitchor, Dulhan Wahi Jo Piya Man Bhaye,Paheli and Akhiyon Ke Jharokhon Se.

All the melodies became hits.He also composed music for Ram Teri Ganga Maili, Do Jasoos, Henna,Pati Patni Aur Woh , Insaaf ka Tarazoo etc etc and also for some mythological films.

He was an acclaimed poet and a lyricist.

Invited as one of the judges to some talent hunt programs on TV, he was seen reciting poetry instantly composed . This left one amazing.

Many awards and honours came his way including the Film fare Best Music Director award.

He died this day in 2015 of multiple organ failure aged 71.

Our humble tributes !

KARVA CHAUTH

This time KARVA CHAUTH has fallen on a Sunday, so no largesse of Government allowing holiday to women employees is involved. It is an important occasion . The preparations for it start quite a few days before , when women start getting for themselves new dresses and if possible , a new item of jewelry . A day before, the women apply mehendi on their palms and exchange Suhagi - bangles, ribbons, comb, looking glass, and sweets etc. -with neighbours and also relatives who happen to live nearby . Even the habitual late risers have to get up early in the morning to stuff themselves with some eatables called sargi as after that it is nirjal vrat for the whole day till the capricious Moon appears in the sky for them to look at through the atta strainer or the chhanani and offer their prayers with water.Before this, there is Vrat Pooja in the evening at the Muhurat time. The Ridge at Shimla becomes the most talked about hub of this activity.As a bachelor , for many years I have witnessed the scene at the Ridge, Shimla. The married women bedecked almost in bridal finery-shining dresses and jewelry- carrying thali full of flowers, sweets,lota filled with water and Dhoop Batti accompanied by their husbands come to see the moon and in public view , without any hesitation touch the feet of the husband- true to the Hindu tradition. The husband is the hero of the day or so is he made to feel and appear, unlike the other 364 days of the year when the wife calls the shots.This heroship also perhaps comes for a price in the shape of new clothes etc. In most of the households, the husband is used to the worship being offered albeit of a different kind .On my part , I avoid a tiff or verbal confrontation on this day . 

Happy KARWA CHAUTH !

Vinod Khanna

Today is the birth anniversary of Vinod Khanna, the dashing Bollywood hero of his times.Making his debut in Sunil Dutt's Man ka Meet in 1968, he went on to work in many films like Mere Apne, Mera Gaon Mera Desh, Muqaddar ka Sikandar, Kachche Dhaage, Gaddaar, Imtihan, Inkaar, Amar Akbar Anthony,Qurbaani, Kudrat, Achanak,Hum Tum aur Woh, Main Tulsi Tere Aangan Ki, The Burning Train, Khoob Paseena , Jurm and many many others.

He left his print in whatever role he played as Hero, villain, supporting actor or whatever.Joining politics, he was an elected M.P. and also served as a Union Minister.

He died this year on 27th April.

Our humble tributes !

MEENA SHOREY

A lesser known and the least discussed name in Hindi cinema , Meena Shorey was a beautiful and talented actress who strode the film world in the ‘40s and ‘50s in India and 1956 onwards in Pakistan. Born Khursheed Jahan in 1921 , in Raiwind, Punjab, she started her acting career in 1941 with Sohrab Modi’s film Sikander, in which she played a character role. Married for the third time to Roop Kumar Shorey in mid ‘40s, she became famous as an actress when she acted in Ek Thi Ladki , a film produced by her husband in which she appeared opposite Moti Lal, a leading actor of the time.The story of the film was written by I.S.Johar who also acted in the film . She came to be known as the ‘ Lara Lappa girl’ , after a song ‘ Lara Lappa Lara Lappa Lai Rakhda…….’ picturised on her became a hit.The song is popular and is played even today.

Her another popular film was Dholak, in which she appeared opposite Ajit . All the songs of this film became hits. The duet ‘ Magar Aye Haseena-e- Bekhabar - ….’ beautifully sung by Muhammad Rafi and Sulochana Kadam and a solo ‘ Chori Chori Aag Si Dil Mein Laga Kar Chal Diye…….’ hit the Charts. The films she acted in include Ek Thi Ladki, Dholak, Ek Do Teen, Chaman, Actress , Sikander, Aag Ka Dariya , Prithvi Vallabh , Anmol Rattan, Phir Milenge , Pattharon Ka Saudagar, Bhai Jaan , Chandu .

In 1956 on an invitation from a Pakistani producer J.C.Anand, the Shorey couple went to Pakistan and made a movie Miss 56, almost a remake of Madhubala’s block buster Mr. & Mrs. 55. While her husband returned to India, she chose to stay back in Pakistan as she was well taken there. She continued to act in films and also modelled for Lux and became the first Pakistani actress to do so. She was known as the ‘Lux Lady Of Pakistan’. Many of her films there like Sarfarosh, Sitaron Ki Duniya, Bada Aadmi, Jagga, Mausikaar , Andhi Mohabbat, Khamosh Raho became hits .

Driven to penury after her career was over, she died on February 9, 1989 in Lahore.

Our humble tributes !

आचार्य रामचन्द्र शुक्ल

हिन्दी साहित्य में आलोचना के प्रमुख स्तम्भ आचार्य रामचन्द्र शुक्ल की आज जयन्ती है। आलोचना में वैज्ञानिक दृष्टिकोण का प्रादुर्भाव उनके द्वारा ही किया गया है ।सूर, तुलसी और जायसी पर उनके द्वारा लिखी गयी आलोचना अप्रतिम है । उनके द्वारा रचित ‘हिन्दी साहित्य का इतिहास’ भी एक अनुपम धरोहर है । एक श्रेष्ठ निबंधकार के रूप में भी उनका एक विशिष्ट स्थान है । कुछ अनुवाद भी उनके द्वारा किए गए हैं ।

हिन्दी साहित्य के पुरोधा को हमारी विनम्र श्रद्धांजलि !

RANDOM THOUGHTS

‘खुड्‌डे लाइन’ is a word I frequently came across in conversation during my service days especially whenever some transfer bulletin was out. Year after year it was a routine affair to get used to . The Bulletin immediately following the change of guard assumed a special significance as one saw ‘many heads rolled’. In Government service, it does not require extra intelligence to know the tilt of a particular employee towards one side or the other the reason being not ideology but personal individual preference for sentimental reasons or proximity to some people who matter in a particular kind of dispensation. The bulletin would set tongues wagging – so and so ko khudde line laga diya – ye to hona hi tha – yaar usko posting achchhi mil gayi - type of utterances taking place. Not unexpected seeing how things go and the system works . In short a see saw movement takes place. Now ‘खुड्‌डे लाइन’ is no longer a colloquial word but an accepted expression in print also where you come across ‘साइड लाइन’ as well. In fact the media and the vernacular media in particular reinforces and strengthens the public perception of a post in any department for that matter as ‘खुड्‌डे लाइन’ or of some significance.The headings of some news items in this regard read like ‘ ताजपोशी’ and ‘पर काट दिये’ It seems some posts in various departments are simply there to show the incumbents their place or औक़ात, unless the incumbent himself likes to opt for enjoy a hassle free life as there is nothing to lose , salary and facilities remaining the same. I need not discuss this further as my friends know which posts in their department or service come under the category. Not only this in secretariat postings also some departments are considered ‘prize’ and ‘plum’ though this may mean additional headache and bother only. On a personal note , I may say that I have relished such sideline postings, with least of or no public dealing, without a care in the world. I often met a few of my friends in active politics , with grimace writ large on their face, pitying me for my ‘khudde line’ postings and assuring me of a ‘plum’ posting when ‘our party’ comes in power. The day never came as I accepting the things as they were, never asked them for this favour.

Any takers !

S.D.Burman

Today is the birth anniversary of Sachin Dev Burman or S.D.Burman, the great film music director, composer and a singer.A scion of Tripura royalty, he began his career from Bengali films in 1935. His first Hindi film as composer was 1946 film Shikari.A versatile composer, the tunes he composed for film songs were folk, semi classical and classical. All well known playback singers of the day, Muhammad Rafi, Mukesh, Manna De, Hemant Kumar, Talat Mehmood, Kishore Kumar, Mahendra Kapoor,Suraiya, Lata Mangeshkar,Asha Bhosle and Geeta Dutt sang for him .

In fact Kishore Kumar owed his singing career to S.D.Burman who gave him a break and together they enjoyed some chemistry.Muhammad Rafi and Kishore Kumar sang almost an equal number of songs for him.

A veteran of about a hundred films, his Hindi films include Bhai Bhai, Taxi Driver, Sujata,Shabnam, Vidya,Afsar,Sazaa, Baazi,Bahaar, Jaal,Munim Ji, Kala Pani, Lajwanti, Solwaan Saal , Kaagaz ke Phool, Bombay ka Babu,Guide, Teen Deviyaan,Aradhana and many others.

He also sang a number of Hindi and Bengali songs.The extent of popularity can be gauged from the fact that the Cricket icon Sachin Tendulkar is named after him.

Our humble tributes to the great composer and music director !

RANDOM THOUGHTS

When I joined Government service as a Revenue Officer, I learnt many new things. We all know that work or ‘kaam’ is the basic thing that is expected of an employee in any organization , everywhere. One tries one’s best to come up to the expectations of the superiors , which is the norm. There may be diffident workers and habitual shirkers too , which also is not surprising. What I learnt about old times, simply amused me. In addition to efficiency in work, another quality expected of Revenue officers/ officials down the line as I came to know was ‘intzaam’ meaning boarding and lodging arrangements for the visiting superior officers and dignitaries. Subordinate officers and staff were expected to keep a tab on the likes and dislikes of the superiors and to have prepared and offer food items etc accordingly, in order not to earn their ire and displeasure. So ‘kaam’ & ‘intzaam’ both had to be perfect, sometimes the latter taking precedence over the former . What further amused me was to be told that sometimes the remarks that found entry in the Inspection Reports & Annual Confidential Report written in Vernacular read as ‘ kaam bhi achchha, intzaam bhi achchha’, ‘kaam achchha par intzaam theek nahin ‘, ‘ intzaam achccha par kaam theek nahin’ and lastly the most damaging ‘ na kaam achchha na intzaam achchha ‘ . 

Only God could save the person remarked upon unfavourably !