Latest news with #Nadaswaram
Hans India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Hans India
Nayi Brahmin Community Protests High Court Ruling, Demands Protection of Traditional Livelihood and Identity
Gadwal: In a passionate press meet held by the Nayi Brahmin Seva Sangham in Ayija town, representatives of the traditional barber community (Nayi Brahmins) expressed deep concern and emotional anguish over a recent High Court judgment that stated that any individual from any caste is allowed to take up the traditional occupation of barbering. Key Concerns and Objections Raised by the Nayi Brahmin Community: 1. Historical and Generational Livelihood: The leaders emphasized that barbering has been the sole livelihood of Nayi Brahmins for generations, and their ancestors dedicated their lives to the service without diversifying into other professions. They questioned the intent behind the court's verdict, asking: 'How do we justify the sacrifices made by our forefathers who never abandoned this profession?' 2. Cultural and Ritual Importance: The community highlighted their indispensable role in both auspicious and inauspicious Hindu rituals—from birth ceremonies to funeral rites. They posed the question: > 'Can any ritual from birth to death take place without the presence of a Nayi Brahmin?' 3. Religious Significance in Temples: Citing traditions, they pointed out that Nayi Brahmins are the first to awaken the deity in temples with Mangala Vaidyams (auspicious instruments like Nadaswaram and Melam). They questioned whether such sacred traditions could be altered. 4. Pioneers of Surgical Practices: The leaders took pride in their ancestral mastery of shaving with surgical blades, calling themselves 'descendants of Dhanvantari' (the deity of medicine), and questioned whether other communities could truly understand or replicate their skill with such reverence. 5. Economic and Cultural Threat: The community alleged a coordinated attempt to displace them by enabling people from other castes and even religions to open "modern salons" and importing workers from other states, which threatens the livelihood of local, impoverished Nayi Brahmin families. 6. Lack of Alternatives and Economic Backwardness: Many in the community, they said, lack access to quality education and healthcare due to insufficient income, and despite willingness, cannot switch professions. They described a grim reality of being stuck in a dying livelihood. 7. Neglect in Governance and Politics: They pointed out the lack of political representation and unfulfilled promises from previous governments—no permanent temple jobs, no minimum wages, no financial support—leaving the community both economically and politically powerless. 8. Warning to Authorities: In a stern message, the leaders warned that if others encroach upon their traditional occupation, the Nayi Brahmin community nationwide would unite to organize mass protests and demonstrations. They cautioned the authorities not to test their patience, hinting at a rise in community assertion and rights mobilization. > 'So far, you've seen our patience. In the coming days, you'll witness our courage and unity,' said Seva Sangham President Shekhar Pandey, joined by District Publicity Secretary Somashekar. The press meet reveals a deep sense of betrayal and cultural erosion felt by the Nayi Brahmin community. Their emotional appeals underscore a larger question that India is grappling with — how to balance tradition and social mobility. While the High Court's ruling aims at breaking caste-based occupational boundaries and promoting equality, communities like the Nayi Brahmins feel excluded from development and abandoned economically after dedicating generations to a single caste-based profession. This issue highlights: The tensions between social justice and heritage preservation. The urgent need for economic rehabilitation, skill development, and representation for backward communities if traditional occupations are opened up. A rising sense of identity politics among small, often-overlooked caste groups. Unless addressed with sensitivity and inclusive policymaking, such verdicts, even if constitutionally sound, may deepen social unrest. The Nayi Brahmin Seva Sangham's message is loud and clear: they seek respect for their legacy, protection of their livelihood, and a dignified place in modern India. They are not just protesting a legal ruling—they are demanding recognition, rehabilitation, and representation.
The Hindu
01-06-2025
- General
- The Hindu
TTD opens admissions for SV Music and Dance college and Dolu school
The Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams (TTD) has invited applications from eligible students for admission to various courses for the academic year 2025-26 at Sri Venkateswara College of Music and Dance as well as Sri Venkateswara Nadaswaram & Dolu School, Tirupati. Applications will be accepted starting from Monday (June 2). The college offers full-time Visharada (diploma) and Praveena (Advanced diploma) courses in Vocal, Veena, flute, violin, Nadaswaram, Dolu, Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, dance, Harikatha, Mridangam and Ghatam. Similarly, the school offers full-time certificate and diploma courses. Classes will commence from June 27 and hostel facilities will be open for students coming from other regions. Those interested can obtain the application form during college working hours by submitting a demand draft for ₹50 in the name of 'The Executive Officer, TTD'. The eligibility criterion for admission into the college and the school is eighth standard pass and fifth standard, respectively. For additional details, contact 9440793205 or 9848374408.
The Hindu
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
10th international convention of SPIC MACAY inaugurated at IIT Hyderabad
The 10th International Convention of SPIC MACAY (Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth) was inaugurated by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma at IIT Hyderabad on Monday (May 26, 2025). The week-long exploration of India's classical and spiritual traditions saw over 1,500 students and volunteers from across India and abroad. The convention opened with a screening of film 'Gandhi', followed by an orientation led by SPIC MACAY founder Kiran Seth. He urged students to treat the convention as an inner journey—akin to a stay in an ashram—with simplicity, discipline, and reflection. The opening day saw Nadaswaram recital by Vidwan Sheikh Mahboob Subhani and Vidwan Kaleeshabi Mahaboob, and the evening concluded with Kuchipudi by Raja and Radha Reddy with excerpts from Bhama Kalapam, and Hindustani violin concert by N. Rajam, who brought out the emotive essence of the ragas, and offered a tranquil end to the first day proceedings.
The Hindu
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
All set for SPIC MACAY fest at IITH from May 26
The 10th annual international convention of the Society for the Promotion of Indian Classical Music and Culture Amongst Youth (SPIC MACAY) will kick off at the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad on Monday (May 26). With over 1,400 students and volunteers from across India and abroad, the weeklong immersive exposure to Indian classical music, dance, and arts will feature at least 25 Padma award winners and another 25 Sangeet Natak Akademi award winners, among several accompanying artistes. 'I was so inspired, taken into a tranquil world, when I first attended the SPIC MACAY at IIT Madras last year. I wanted them to come to IITH and approached them instantly,' IITH Director BS Murty said on its journey here. 'I was almost in tears watching 82-year-old Padma Subrahmanyam perform for one-and-a-half hours and the way she brought out the excellence,' he added. In the run up to the event, from January to April, IITH hosted Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Vidwan L. Subramaniam and Padma Subrahmanyam. The event on Monday will be formally inaugurated by Governor Jishnu Dev Varma. Apart from orientation, the day's schedule feature screening of Sir Richard Attenborough Gandhi, Nadaswaram, Kuchipudi, and Hindustani, Violin lecdem and performances. Ashram way of life But day two will begin at 4 a.m. offering traditional methods of learning, away from urban distractions and a strict ban on cellphones in all events, and focused on self-discipline and reflection, the schedule till the penultimate day on May 31 begins at 4 a.m. with Hatha Yoga or meditation. Dinner too will be served last by 6 p.m. Overnight sessions by Pandits, Vidwans and Ustad will continue from 8.45 p.m. till 6 a.m. The convention also includes talks, spiritual sessions, workshops and crafts, community work, and interaction with legendary artistes. The heritage tour on Sunday exploring five separate themes of architecture, local experience, spiritual heritage and cultural memory include walks at forts, tombs, palaces, temples, mosques and churches, and museums. According to the organisers, all the events are crafted carefully with performers of greatest acclaim from each field. Fundamentally, the events are educative in nature and not focused on entertainment. SPIC-MACAY founder Kiran Seth, national chairperson Radha Mohan Tiwari, and other officials and volunteers were present in the media address here on Saturday. More details on the event can be had on
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Hyderabad's Shilparamam turns global village as Miss World 2025 contestants experience Telangana's living traditions
Shilparamam, the cultural village nestled in the heart of Hyderabad, was transformed into a global stage on Thursday (May 22, 2025) as 40 European contestants participating in the Miss World 2025 were welcomed to dive into Telangana's rich crafts heritage. The visit offered the contestants a snapshot of India's living traditions, celebrated through colour, craft, and community. The visit began with a traditional welcome, melodic strains of the Nadaswaram filled the air as the contestants were presented with marigold bouquets. A photo session soon followed, capturing moments of cross-cultural camaraderie against the backdrop of Telangana's artistic landscape. The contestants explored Shilparamam's artisan stalls and walked through the village museum, where life-sized models depicted rural lifestyles from across the country. A brief but joyful celebration of Bathukamma, Telangana's floral festival, saw the contestants join a traditional dance. One of the highlights of the visit was the hands-on experience at the Brundavanam Craft Experience Zone. Here, the contestants tried their hand at traditional art forms such as pottery, Cheriyal mask painting, and basket weaving. Under the guidance of local artisans, these 10 to 15 minute sessions offered them a connection to India's age-old crafts. The contestants also interacted with women from Self Help Groups (SHGs) whose livelihood initiatives were centred around traditional crafts. A short presentation highlighted how these women-led enterprises are not only preserving cultural heritage but also strengthening rural economies.
