Art
Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival 2020

29th Year of Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival 2020 was launched with its first concert yesterday at Siri Fort Auditorium, New Delhi. It will be followed by Hyderabad on 6th January, Pune on 8th January, Bangalore on 15th January with Flamenco Dance performance and the festival will culminate on 16th January in Chennai with an Indian Classical Concert.

LGMF was started in 1992 by Viji and Dr. L. Subramaniam in the memory of his father, mentor and guru Prof.V. Lakshminarayana. This year’s LGMF is a musical tribute to Mahatma Gandhi to celebrate his 150th birth year and it was a great success. LGMF helps to preserve and nurture Indian classical music for posterity. LGMF through global collaborations have taken special initiatives to inspire future generations of musicians to gain knowledge of different genre of music.
The Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival is an opportunity for the future generations to learn from maestros from around the world.
Lakshminarayana Global Centre of Excellence (LGCE), was started by Dr. L. Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurti to bridge the gap between Gurukul and University education system, giving global exposure to undergraduate and graduate students with special focus on practical aspect of their music speciality, LGCE will give importance to performance training as much as theoretical education.
Schott Music – the leading publisher for classical and contemporary music, has published many of the orchestral composition written for the festival by Dr. L Subramaniam.
Subramaniam Academy of Performing Arts (SaPa), founded by Dr. L. Subramaniam and Kavita Krishnamurti Subramaniam in 2007. It was their dream to create a home for global music in India.
SaPa is headed by Bindu and Ambi Subramaniam and is imparting music education to more than 30,000 children in various schools of the country. Since it’s inception, SaPa has been focused on nurturing the next generation of performers and creating global musical exchanges and dialogues.
Prof.V. Lakshminarayana believed that a person who wasn’t involved in some form of culture was never truly complete.
Following eminent guests were present at the concert:
1. Mr Akhilesh Mishra- Director General, Indian Centre for Cultural Relations (ICCR)
2. H.E. Mr. François Delhaye- Ambassador of Belgium
3. Ignacio Vitórica Hamilton- First Secretary, Embassy of Spain
Dr L. Subramaniam said, “Lakshminarayana Global Music Festival (LGMF) brings together the world’s greatest artists on one platform to spread awareness on global cultures to India and on Indian classical music abroad, globally“
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Dr L. Subramaniam, Kavita Krishnamurti and Symphony Orchestra of Castile and Leon from Spain performed the following in concert:
1. J. Turina. La oración del torero (Orchestra solo)
2. Spring Rhapsody (Orchestra solo)- Composed by Dr. L. Subramaniam
Spring Rhapsody is a composition based on different South Indian classical ragas and changing rhythmic cycles, derived from South Indian tala systems. The harmony, which is used, is derived from the ragas, which enhances the Indian flavour and mood. This composition was commissioned by New England Conservatory and is dedicated to J. S. Bach. It is written for Woodwinds (Flute, Oboe and Clarinet) and strings. It,s in three movements- Rubato, Rubato espressivo and Allegro.
Movement one Rubato starts with Flute solo section, sounding like improvisation going into the rhythmic section and there are trade-offs between different Orchestral instruments ending with a rhythmic motif repeated three times. The second movement Rubato expressive starts in time signature 5/ 4 changing to 4/ 4, 3/ 4 etc. bringing in a serene mood. Third movement Allegro starts with changing time signatures and goes into a trade-off section between the woodwinds and the motif gets shorter leading to the recapitulation of the main theme. This piece is also classical contemporary composition based on Indian and western classical music using raga based harmony and complex rhythmic structure. Published by Schott Music International.
3. Raghupathi Raghava Raja Ram (Orchestra & Kavita Krishnamurti)
Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram (Ram Dhun) is a notable bhajan (devotional song) that was widely popularised by Mahatma Gandhi
4. Vaishnava Jana To (Orchestra & Kavita Krishnamurti)
Vaishnava Jana To, a bhajan was sung by Kavita ji. The poet Narsinh Mehta in the Gujarati language wrote this bhajan in the 15th century. This song became popular during the lifetime of Mahatma Gandhi and was rendered as bhajan in his Sabarmati Ashram by vocalists and instrumentalists like Gotuvadyam Narayana Iyengar. The poem speaks about the life, ideals and mentality of a Vaishnava Jana (a follower of Vishnu). It was popular among freedom fighters throughout India.
5. Jo Tum Todo (Orchestra & Kavita Krishnamurti)
Composed by Kavita Krishnamurti and arranged by Dr. L. Subramaniam
6. Nadapriya (Orchestra & Dr. Subramaniam)
Nada Priya is a composition composed by Dr L. Subramaniam for Violin solo, Indian Percussion, Woodwinds and Strings. The composition is based on raga Harmony and the first moment starts with time signature 7,8 alternating 3,4 changing to 6,8 and 12,8 making it rhythmically interesting. First moment was based on Kanakangi, first of the 72 parent scales in South Indian classical music. Second moment started with viola section playing the theme based on 14th parent scale Vakulabharanam, and it created the impression of improvisation. This was further developed by the violin soloist and in the end the entire orchestra joined in the mainstream. Here once again there were different time signatures incorporated in the section.
The third moment was based on derived scale raga Shuddha Saveri of South Indian Classical music (Carnatic music) with quick change in time signatures. The cadenza which is improvised by the violin soloist followings which there’s a trade-off section between orchestra and violin soloists staring 3 notes per beat increasing in steps to 4,5,6,7 notes per beat. The performance ended with a rhythmic cadence. Published by Schott Music International.
The Regional Government of Castile and Leon formed the Symphony Orchestra of Castile and Leon from Spain in 1991. During the last two and a half decades, the Castile and Leon Orchestra has performed in hundreds of concerts together with a wide list of artists.
Art
From Social Stigma to Olympic Glory: Dreamers Chronicles Sakshi Malik’s Fight to Redefine Wrestling for Girls

Dreamers-The Storytelling Series, helmed by celebrated storyteller Sudhanshu Rai, returns with a powerful third episode that chronicles the extraordinary journey of India’s wrestling icon, Sakshi Malik, a story of belief, defiance, setbacks, and historic triumph.
In this deeply moving episode, Sudhanshu Rai brings to life Sakshi Malik’s early childhood, highlighting how her grandparents were the first to recognize her exceptional talent. Long before medals and podiums, it was their unwavering faith that nurtured a fearless young girl who dared to step onto the wrestling mat, often against boys, and stunned onlookers with her strength and skill at a time when many believed wrestling was “not a sport for women.”
The episode vividly captures the social barriers Sakshi confronted as she challenged entrenched stereotypes and proved, bout after bout, that wrestling belonged to women as much as men. Her journey didn’t just redefine perceptions, it paved the way for countless young girls who dreamed of a career in wrestling but hesitated under the weight of societal expectations. Sakshi Malik became a symbol of possibility, courage, and change.
The narrative then turns to her historic achievement as the first Indian woman wrestler to win an Olympic medal, a moment that reshaped Indian sports history and inspired a generation. Yet, Dreamers does not shy away from the harder chapters. Rai sensitively explores Sakshi’s period of struggle, when losses, even to her juniors, tested her resolve and threatened to dim her fighting spirit.
What follows is a stirring account of resilience and comeback. Rising from adversity, Sakshi Malik reclaimed her place at the top with a gold medal victory at the Commonwealth Games 2022, reaffirming her legacy not just as a champion, but as a relentless fighter who refused to give up.
Speaking about the episode, Sudhanshu Rai said, “Sakshi Malik’s story is not just about medals, it’s about mindset. It’s about family belief, social change, failure, and the courage to rise again. Dreamers exists to tell such stories that remind us why dreams matter.”
The new episode of Dreamers: The Storytelling Series stands as a tribute to every young girl who dares to dream beyond limitations, and to a champion who showed them the way.
Art
Oorjaa Introduces the Goldenrod Floor Lamp — A Luminous Ode to Nature

Oorjaa, celebrated for its commitment to conscious design and sustainable artistry, unveils its latest sculptural lighting piece — the Goldenrod Floor Lamp. True to the brand’s ethos of fusing craftsmanship, materiality, and emotion, this piece illuminates spaces with a soft, organic glow that captures the essence of mindful living.


Inspired by the delicate form of the goldenrod gall seed pod, the Goldenrod Floor Lamp extends gracefully from floor to ceiling, embodying fluidity and natural rhythm. Each curve of its form evokes the quiet elegance of nature’s patterns, while the warm amber light it radiates creates an enveloping sense of calm — perfect for winter evenings. Crafted entirely from crushed banana plant fibre paper, its texture mirrors the raw beauty of the natural world. Resting on a reclaimed wooden base, the lamp celebrates imperfections — the creases, veins, and grain — that tell a story of origin and earth. The sculptural silhouette, glowing from within, becomes both an art form and a source of gentle warmth, inviting a connection between nature and the human spirit.
The Goldenrod Floor Lamp transcends the idea of conventional lighting. Its grounding presence and poetic design make it an ideal addition to both residential and hospitality spaces. In homes, it finds harmony in living rooms, reading corners, or bedrooms, infusing each space with meditative warmth. Within boutique hotels, wellness retreats, or art-centric lobbies, it transforms atmospheres into sanctuaries of light and texture. Wherever it stands, the lamp adds a touch of organic sophistication — a sculptural statement that softly commands attention while nurturing stillness and reflection.
With the Goldenrod Floor Lamp, Oorjaa once again redefines illumination — not merely as light, but as a living expression of nature, craft, and quiet luxury.
About Oorjaa
Oorjaa is a Bangalore-based lighting design studio that reimagines the role of light through the lens of sustainability, craftsmanship, and material innovation. Oorjaa as a brand, emerged from a papermaking and lighting design studio that Jenny Pinto started in 1998. Today, the studio has grown into a collective of over 60 artisans and designers who explore the artistic and architectural possibilities of materials like banana fiber, lokta paper, upcycled cork, quarry dust, water hyacinth, and lantana—an invasive species reimagined as a creative resource.
Every Oorjaa creation tells a story of conscious design. Whether it’s a sculptural lamp for a private residence or a large-scale installation for public spaces like Bengaluru International Airport’s Terminal 2, the brand’s work blends tactile beauty with technical ingenuity. At its core, Oorjaa is about crafting with care for the future, giving form to light while honoring the cycles of the earth.
Availability:
Bangalore
128, 1st Main Rd, Paramahansa Yogananda Rd, Stage 2, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560008 (our flagship store)
25, Lavelle Road, Shanthala Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560001
Hyderabad
885, Rd No. 45, Masthan Nagar, CBI Colony, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, Telangana 500033
Chennai
Amethyst, 28, Whites Rd, Royapettah, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 600014
Art
Cultural Festival & Face of Runway 2025 – A Grand Celebration of Talent and Tradition

The Cultural Festival & Face of Runway (CFFR) was successfully held on 18th October 2025 at the Lajpat Bhawan Auditorium, marking yet another vibrant celebration of art, culture, and fashion.

The event was graced by distinguished personalities, including Chief Guest Munish Tamang, VIP Guests Amit R. Agarwal, Junaid Husain Khan, and Mohan Karki, Celebrity Guest Dr. Sunil Parashar, and Special Guest Rajni Subba.



Organized by Jitika Devi, the festival beautifully combined cultural performances with a glamorous runway show, showcasing diverse talent from across the region.

Speaking about the event, Jitika Devi shared,
“I wanted to give a perfect Deepavali gift to various talents — so that, like traditional Deepavali lamps, they glitter and illuminate the world of arts and culture. To this effect, I launched this Cultural Festival and Face of Runway, which is now celebrating its 2nd edition.”


Jitika, who launched her clothing brand Jitikd in 2022, announced that from 2025 onwards, she plans to organize CFFR every year. This year’s edition, themed around Dashain Tihar, holds special significance as it promotes rich cultural heritage while offering a perfect platform for aspiring young artists and models to shine.

Adding to the glamour of the evening, Glamour Mantra partnered as the official media partner, capturing the essence of the event and amplifying its reach to a wider audience.
The Cultural Festival & Face of Runway 2025 truly lived up to its promise — blending culture, creativity, and celebration under one roof.
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