Latest news with #PadmaBhushan
Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
Shakti Bhatt Prize concludes with 2025 award to Zara Chowdhary for debut memoir ‘The Lucky Ones'
The Shakti Bhatt Prize, one of South Asia's most respected literary awards, will come to a close this year, the Foundation announced, with Zara Chowdhary named its final recipient for her debut memoir The Lucky Ones. First instituted in 2008 to recognize debut authors from the subcontinent, the Shakti Bhatt Prize has, over 17 years, evolved into a broader recognition of literary excellence across genres and geographies in South Asia. Its conclusion marks the end of an influential chapter in the region's literary history. Originally called The Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize, the award was created in memory of editor and writer Shakti Bhatt, and quickly became a launchpad for new literary voices. It celebrated writers from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and across the diaspora, championing works that were bold, urgent, and unafraid to challenge the status quo. Over the years, the prize has recognized a diverse array of genres, from fiction and memoir to journalism and political critique. Some of its most notable awardees include: In later years, the prize shifted its focus from first books to lifetime contributions, allowing it to honour more established voices. Yet, its return to debut writing for the final award with Zara Chowdhary feels like a full-circle moment. This year's winner, Zara Chowdhary, was recognised for The Lucky Ones, a memoir that recounts the 2002 Gujarat riots through the lens of a 16-year-old Muslim girl growing up in Ahmedabad. The book interweaves personal memory with historical trauma, tracing her family's multigenerational story against the backdrop of sectarian violence and social unrest. It has been praised for its emotional depth and literary craftsmanship. The Foundation credited its longevity to the support of prominent patrons, including journalist and Padma Bhushan awardee TJS George, journalist Sheela Bhatt, Stanford professor Thomas Kailath, and author Arshia Sattar. Their backing helped sustain the prize through changing political and cultural climates, offering recognition, and often moral courage, to voices from the margins.
The Hindu
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
Zara Chowdhary wins 2025 Shakti Bhatt award for debut memoir
Zara Chowdhary has won the 2025 Shakti Bhatt award for her debut memoir The Lucky Ones. Ms. Chowdhary is a writer, producer, and educator from Chennai, India. She spent her first decade as an adult working in film, advertising and media production. The book mines generational family trauma to document three months of sectarian violence in Ms. Chowdhary's hometown Ahmedabad during the 2002 Gujarat riots. Her account, when she was just 16, is also the story of a trapped, severely dysfunctional family caught up in the tides of Indian history. Prize to be discontinued Meanwhile, the Shakti Bhatt Foundation said the Prize would be discontinued after this year's award. 'We are pleased to end the prize the way it began, in 2008, by awarding a debut author,' an official statement issued by the foundation said. Originally called The Shakti Bhatt First Book Prize, in later years it became a prize that honoured a writer's body of work. For 17 years, the prize recognised and celebrated literature from the South Asian subcontinent, awarding writers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and every corner of India, it said. 'The Shakti Bhatt Foundation which set up the prize would not have succeeded without the financial backing of senior journalist, author and Padma Bhushan recipient TJS George, and contributions from journalist Sheela Bhatt and Hitachi America Professor of Engineering emeritus at Stanford University and Padma Bhushan awardee, Professor Thomas Kailath and author Arshia Sattar,' the statement added. Some of the earlier awardees include Mohammed Hanif (A Case of Exploding Mangoes, 2008), Mridula Koshy (If It Is Sweet, 2009), Akshaya Mukul (Gita Press and the Making of India, 2016), Tony Joseph (Early Indians: The Story of Our Ancestors and Where We Came From, 2019) and Anand Teltumbde and Gautam Navlakha (Body of Work, 2020).
India Today
6 days ago
- India Today
15-day national anti-drug campaign launched by Narcotics Control Bureau
In the lead-up to the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking (June 26), the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) has organised a massive awareness campaign across India called Nasha Mukt Pakhwada (Drug-Free Fortnight). Launched on June 11, 2025, this nationwide movement aims to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and encourage community involvement in building a drug-free India. Citizens from all walks of life, students, law enforcement officers, NGOs, and public figures, joined hands to spread the message 'Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs.'NCB'S COUNTRYWIDE CAMPAIGN GAINS MOMENTUMThe Nasha Mukt Pakhwada, running from June 11 to June 26, witnessed enthusiastic participation across India. Various events such as walkathons, cyclothons, and bike rallies were held to spread awareness. These events saw people from all age groups, especially the youth, participating alongside members of the Central Armed Police Forces, NGOs, and public HELD ACROSS 13 CITIES ON JUNE 22One of the biggest highlights of the campaign was the series of cyclothons and bike rallies organised by NCB's zonal units in 13 major cities on June 22, 2025. In New Delhi, the rally was flagged off by the Director General of NCB from the National Police Memorial. Over 1,000 participants, including Delhi Police, CAPFs, Brahma Kumaris, and volunteers, attended the event. Olympian Sarita Mor and other top officials also lent their AND CELEBRITIES SHOW SUPPORTThe campaign drew nationwide attention with active participation from top government leaders and celebrities. In Bengaluru, the Hon'ble Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, took part in the launch of the MANAS Mental Health & De-Addiction Helpline. Bollywood legend and Padma Bhushan awardee Mohanlal supported the awareness drive in Kerala. Olympians Pramila G. Aiyappa and Sri Aiyappa flagged off the rally in Bengaluru. Chief Minister of Tripura Dr. Manik Saha flagged off a bike rally in Agartala on June 25. 15-day national anti-drug campaign launched by Narcotics Control Bureau PUBLIC PLEDGE AND POWERFUL MESSAGESAt several events, leaders, including the Cabinet Minister of Rajasthan, Shri Avinash Gehlot, and the Minister of State for Home Affairs, Shri Jawahar Singh Bedam, took a public pledge: "Say Yes to Life, No to Drugs." The message was loud and clear: India is committed to building a healthier, drug-free society through awareness, prevention, and public URGED TO REPORT DRUG ACTIVITY VIA 1933 HELPLINENCB has also reminded citizens that they play a vital role in the fight against drug trafficking. Anyone can report suspicious activities related to drugs through the MANAS National Narcotics Helpline by calling the toll-free number 1933. The identity of the caller will remain strictly confidential.- Ends advertisement
Deccan Herald
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Deccan Herald
Bengaluru: Event to felicitate Anant Nag
Known for his performances in films like 'Ankur', 'Bayalu Dari', 'Gauri Ganesha', and 'Gaalipata', among others, Nag was recently awarded the Padma Bhushan for his contribution to cinema. Directors Sai Prakash, Phani Ramachandra, singer Manjula Gururaj, and others will attend the event, which will feature three hours of entertainment.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kerala NGO breathes fresh life into Koyilandy hookah
KOZHIKODE: In Koyilandy, tucked away in Kerala's Malabar coast, time once stood still with the hiss of hot metal, the scent of molten wax, and the clang of hammer on brass. For over 300 years, this sleepy town has helped shape an extraordinary symbol of cross-cultural legacy, royal indulgence, and skilled craftsmanship passed down like a sacred chant through generations. And, after a period in obscurity and neglect, the Malabar hookah — also known as the Koyilandy hookah — is now seeing a revival, with interest from both domestic and international buyers. These are no ordinary hookahs. Forged by the Mooshari community and finished with oversize coconut shells and ornamental brass work, they were once treasured in the Arabian Peninsula. They graced Bedouin tents and palaces alike, and were carried across the sea by Yemeni traders, who settled in Malabar centuries ago. But history, like smoke, often fades. And so nearly did this craft, until a chance documentary project by The Archival and Research Project (ARPO), a Kerala-based non-profit, unearthed not just an artifact, but a spark of revival. It turned into a mission to rescue a dying art. 'We were documenting the last of the hookah-makers,' says Sruthin Lal, ARPO's executive director. 'But once we saw the beauty of the process and the heartbreak behind its decline, we knew we couldn't walk away.' Rather than lament the loss, the team chose to act. ARPO created a digital presence for the Koyilandy hookah, and offered online promotions, featured it in niche design and heritage media and, more importantly, rebranded it as a luxury collectible steeped in history. This has been good news for 72-year-old Hashim, a long-time exporter who had been sitting on unsold stock after Covid closed international borders. 'I had given up,' he says. 'I thought no one would ever want these again.' Within months, however, Hashim sold dozens of hookahs. Buyers ranged from industrialists and authors to an ambassador and a Padma Bhushan awardee. The Malabar hookah was back not as a mass product, but as a timeless heirloom.
