Arunachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein has stressed the need to preserve indigenous culture, language and historical legacy, asserting that communities must take the responsibility to safeguard their identity amid the growing influence of globalisation. Addressing a gathering at the Shapawng Yawng Manau Poi festival at Miao in Changlang district on Saturday, Mein said the festival is not merely about dance and celebration but features sacred rituals that connect people to their ancestral roots. He said such events should serve as platforms to reflect on society, heritage and the responsibility of passing cultural values to the younger generation. Highlighting the challenges of modernisation, he said that while modern education, changing fashion and outside influences cannot be stopped, communities must ensure they do not lose their identity, an official statement said. "No one will come to preserve our culture; we must protect our culture ourselves," he said, stressing that language remains the strongest pillar of identity. The deputy chief minister called for strengthening indigenous language education in schools so that preservation becomes meaningful rather than symbolic. Mein also underscored the importance of documenting and digitising ancient manuscripts, oral traditions, folklore and archival materials using modern technology. He said steps are being taken to digitise rare manuscripts and historical documents for future generations. Mein also paid floral tributes at Martyr Hill to the unsung heroes of the Singpho community. He said their sacrifices symbolise courage, dignity and resistance, and stressed the need to document the contributions of local communities, including their role during World War 2. He also visited the tea and textile exhibition showcasing the rich legacy of the Singpho community. Mein said the discovery of tea in India traces back to the Singpho tribe of the region, recalling that in 1823, Robert Bruce received tea plants and seeds from Singpho chief Beesa Gaum, which marked a turning point in the genesis of Assam Tea. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 February,2026 02:12 PM IST | Itanagar | PTIAustralian singer Reuben de Melo, who was born in Goa and moved to Australia more than two decades ago as a boy, dropped out of engineering college to pursue music and has since carved a niche for himself in the creative field. The Perth-based singer-songwriter, who won "The Voice Australia" -- a singing competition -- in 2024, is part of Australia's vibrant Indian-origin community. On Friday night, de Melo and Australia-born musician Milan Ring, who has a mixed heritage including Indian roots from her mother's side, performed at 'Gig on the Green', hosted at the Australian High Commission here. Australian envoy Philip Green, who attended the event, said efforts are being made to bring the best of Australian culture and art to India, just as "we welcome culture and art from India to Australia". "There's now more than a million people of Indian origin in Australia. That's the fastest growing community in our country, and they're doing great things in our society, and we want them to do great things for the bilateral relationship," he told PTI on the sidelines of the event. This particular facet of people of Indian origin, who have really made it in the arts and culture field in Australia, is "very special," Green said, praising the two musicians. After the show, de Melo and Ring separately interacted with PTI and shared their journeys into the creative sphere. "I moved to Perth when I was about 11 years old. I live in Perth, Western Australia. Then, I won 'The Voice Australia' in 2024, and here I am back in India, back to the motherland," said de Melo, a father of three. The Australian indie folk singer said that while "Perth is my home", he will always carry childhood memories of growing up in Goa, especially his grandmother's place, and his ancestral home. "They will always be my heaven when I leave this place, you know what I mean," de Melo said. Recalling that he and his sister, along with their parents, moved to Australia around 2003-2004, de Melo said music entered his life after the death of a close friend. "Music for me happened when I unfortunately lost a friend. He was an Aussie guy... a singer, and liked to sing at birthday parties and stuff. I picked up a guitar, and I wanted to sing," de Melo said. In a candid conversation, the singer said he completed three years of engineering before deciding to drop out and pursue music. Though he works in the mining sector and sings part-time, he shared how he drew from moments of grief in his life and turned them into lyrical compositions. "I wrote the song 'The Boys' for two colleagues in mining who we lost to acts of suicide," de Melo said. Going down memory lane, de Melo recalled how during his early days in Goa, he had developed a fascination for the Hindi film "Border". "I really liked the movie 'Border' and remember the song 'Sandese Aate Hain'. It was one of my favourite movies growing up. I wore a commando outfit every day with my toy guns," de Melo recalled. While the Perth-based singer has visited India multiple times in the past, for Sydney native Ring, visiting India was "at the top of her bucket list". India, she said, feels vibrant, colourful and full of energy and "something like a cinema scene," which prompted her to explore the country, its rich music and diverse cuisine. "It's been on top of my bucket list the whole life to come to India, and here I am. I am kind of pinching myself, it feels surreal," Ring told PTI. The musician said she has mixed heritage, including Indian heritage from her mother's side. Her maternal grandfather was born in north India, while her father is from Hong Kong, she said. Ring, who has been based in Berlin for the past couple of years, said each country and its natural sounds in streets or elsewhere feel different. "I would like to go to music events in Delhi and hear the playing of a sitar or tabla," she said. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
15 February,2026 01:59 PM IST | New Delhi | PTIAfter nearly 80 years, Sikh prayers were held at a historic gurdwara in Aitchison College at Lahore in Pakistan, college officials said Friday. Since 1947, the Aitchison Gurdwara had been closed due to lack of Sikh students but maintained by the college. "On Wednesday, a historic and emotional Sikh prayer was held at the gurdwara on the campus of Aitchison College on Mall Road in Lahore," said Dr Tarunjit Singh Butalia, an honorary envoy of Aitchison College. "The special Sikh worship at the gurdwara was held as a part of the 140th anniversary of the college, which was attended by some 100 people," Dr Butalia told PTI. "It was a nostalgic moment for me to worship at the same place that my father, grandfather, and great grandfather prayed every evening before partition while they were students at Aitchison College," he said and added he helped the college organise this event for the 140th anniversary celebrations. Aitchison College Principal Turab Hussain said, "The prayer service at the gurdwara after 1947 at Aitchison College was a spiritual moment to kick off the 140th anniversary celebrations. We look forward to many more such occasions. We hope this promotes more communal harmony, mutual understanding, and respect." The foundation stone of Aitchison College was laid on November 3, 1886 as an institution to provide education to the royals and chief families of undivided Punjab. The Aitchison Gurdwara was designed by Ram Singh, the famous Sikh architect of the then Mayo School of Arts (now National College of Arts) Lahore. The foundation stone was laid in 1910 by Maharaja Bhupinder Singh of Patiala - he himself had studied at the college from 1904 to 1908. The Patiala royal family championed the fundraising for the building. The gurdwara building was completed in the next year or two and dedicated as a functional space where Sikh boys attended daily evening prayer services. "There are currently about 15 Sikh alumni of Aitchison College living in India who fondly remember going to the Gurdwara with its black and white marble floor with its inside architecture resembling a castle," Butalia said. In addition to the gurdwara, the college also has a pre-partition era mosque and a Hindu temple. The mosque was built in 1900 by the Nawab of Bahawalpur while Maharaja of Darbhanga laid the foundation of the Hindu temple in 1910. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 February,2026 03:19 PM IST | Lahore | PTISeva Teerth, the new Prime Minister's Office (PMO), draws architectural influences from the temples of Karnataka dating back to the reign of Chalukyas, and Buddhist stupas. The Seva Teerth complex, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, will also house the Cabinet Secretariat and the National Security Council Secretariat, besides the PMO. Clad in white and red sandstone, the buildings trace their referencing material traditions to historic Indian civic and institutional architecture, officials said. This palette lends the structure a dignified, durable and timeless quality while anchoring it within a recognisable cultural context. Metal-clad domes, inspired by Buddha stupas, are introduced as contemporary accent elements, providing visual prominence while ensuring durability and ease of maintenance. The entrance portal draws inspiration from the stone screen-work of Chalukyan temples dating back to the 11th-13th centuries, while the floral stone motif is derived from square-based geometric patterns traditionally found in temple panels. After inaugurating Seva Teerth, Modi garlanded a statue of Lord Ganesha in the PMO and signed files to approve important proposals targeted at the welfare of women, farmers, youth and vulnerable citizens. The shift came on February 13, a day that marked 95 years since the formal inauguration of New Delhi as India's modern capital in 1931. PM Modi mentioned another significance of the day. He said everyone is witnessing the creation of a new history and February 13 is becoming a witness to a new beginning in India's journey of development. "The scriptures have accorded great importance to Vijaya Ekadashi. On this day, any resolve with which one moves forward is sure to bring victory. "Today, we are all entering the Seva Teerth and Kartavya Bhawan with the resolve to build a developed India. The divine blessing to be victorious in our goal is with us," he said. Jali screens are integrated along the facade to filter natural daylight into office spaces throughout the day. Beyond their environmental function, these screens reinterpret a traditional Indian architectural device that balances light, ventilation and privacy, contributing both climatic performance and cultural continuity to the design. The carved stone plinth band is inspired by the base mouldings of the 12th-century Chennakeshava temple at Belur in Karnataka's Hassan district. The design features a continuous horizontal band of repetitive floral and geometric motifs, simplified and proportioned for contemporary application while retaining the essence of traditional stone craftsmanship. The prime minister also inaugurated Kartavya Bhavan 1 and 2, which accommodate several ministries, including the finance, defence, health and family welfare, corporate affairs, education, culture, law and justice, information and broadcasting, agriculture and farmers' welfare, chemicals and fertilisers, and tribal affairs. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 February,2026 03:13 PM IST | New Delhi | PTISeven-year-old Thane boy Reyaansh Khamkar has entered the World Book of Records London for being the youngest Indian to complete 30 km solo swim in the Arabian Sea, the city Mayor's office said on Friday, February 13. Reyaansh completed the 30 km solo swim in the Arabian Sea from Malape Jetty to Vijaydurg in Maharashtra's Sindhudurg district in 7 hours, 30 minutes and 11 seconds on November 15 in 2025, the Thane Mayor's office said in a release, quoting from the certificate awarded to him. He has become the youngest Indian to achieve the feat, according to the certificate awarded to the boy by the World Book of Records London. Mayor Sharmila Pimpalolkar congratulated the young swimmer, describing the achievement as "a matter of pride for Thanekars" and said his success has brought honour to the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC). Reyaansh trains under coach Kailas Akhade of the Starfish Sports Foundation and practices regularly at TMC's Late Marotrao Shinde Tarantalao swimming pool. The mayor felicitated Reyansh, his coach and other swimmers at a function organised by the civic body. In 2024, Reyaansh, then aged 6, became the youngest swimmer to complete a challenging 15-kilometer stretch in the sea, from Malape Jetty to Waghotan Jetty, in three hours. The feat was recognised by the India Book of Records, the release said. A student of Saraswati English Medium School at Naupada, the young swimmer has won 13 medals in the past year - five gold, five silver and three bronze - across state, national and international competitions. He represented India after being selected among 15 swimmers by the Maharashtra Aquatic Association and delivered notable performances at the Asian Open Schools Swimming Championship held in Bangkok in August 2024, winning multiple medals across freestyle, breaststroke and relay events, said the release. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
14 February,2026 02:52 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIAs Valentine's Day is being observed this weekend, the focus has always been on romantic connectons but there is so much more than you can celebrate on the day dedicated to love. While many people will be celebrating their partners, you can also celebrate friendships, more particularly female friendships, that last all your life. If you are looking to unwind with your gal pals this weekend, here is a guide to get you started: Galentine's with your girliesThis Galentine’s Day, ditch the clichés and celebrate friendship the cutest way possible. Join us for Galentine’s with Your Girlies- a cozy, creative Bead Candle Workshop designed for laughs, chats, and a little bit of sparkle. Where: Doolally Taproom, Khar WestWhen: Saturday, February 14Time: 11 amEntry: Rs 599 (Includes F&B voucher)Register: doolally.in/events Celebrating gal palsMumbai-based HerStory community is a hosting a unique Galentine's experience for all the girls and their girlfriends this Valentine's Day. You can not only expect good food and drinks, but also life-long friends, and a community of people. Tuhina Upadhyay, co-founder of the event, explains, "Hosting this Galentine’s experience together with my best friend of over ten years naturally shaped the spirit of the evening. We wanted to create the kind of space we’ve always valued in our own friendship -- warm, trusting, welcoming, and conversation-led." "It’s a safe space where women can meet new people while also engaging in honest discussions around gender bias, sexism, friendship, love, and everyday lived experiences. All alongside a thoughtfully curated grazing table and our 0-proof bar programme. But, another thing that truly makes the event different is the intention behind it: women leaving with genuine friendships and connections that continue well beyond the event," adds Sanaa Mangalore, co-founder, HerStory. While the early bird is sold out, you can still register, and celebrate this Valentine's Day in a unique way. Where: Kandivali East (exact location will be shared post-registration)When: Saturday, February 14Time: 4 pm onwards Price: Rs 1,000 per person
14 February,2026 01:13 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentIndian teen pop band OutStation will join Anuv Jain as special guest performers at the Mumbai concert of his Dastakhat Tour on February 14. The inclusion of OutStation adds an exciting new chapter to a tour that has already captured the hearts of music lovers across India. The Dastakhat World Tour, marking Anuv Jain’s first global concert series, has been travelling across key cities including New Delhi, Ahmedabad, Pune, Chandigarh, Kolkata, Hyderabad and Indore, before arriving in Mumbai. Known for his heartfelt songwriting and acoustic indie-pop sound, Anuv has drawn a large audience across the India leg of the tour, which is produced and promoted by Team Innovation and TribeVibe Entertainment. OutStation, a five member teen pop band formed through Visva Records’ nationwide talent search and bootcamp, has steadily built momentum within the Indian pop space. Guided by global songwriter-producer Savan Kotecha, the band previously supported Akon on his India tour and introduced their debut single 'Tum Se', a contemporary pop ballad that marked their official entry. The track was unveiled at their self-curated OutStation Prom in Mumbai, an event that saw a growing Gen Z fanbase. During the evening, Anuv made a special appearance in support of the band’s debut, marking their return on his stage poetic. With a rapidly expanding audience and a growing live presence, OutStation is set to open the evening with a performance that complements Anuv Jain’s emotive and introspective set. The Mumbai concert promises a coming together of two distinct pop sensibilities -- both celebrating Indian music.
13 February,2026 08:23 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentRenowned Serbian performance artist Marina Abramovic has said that Eastern cultural traditions often emphasise spiritual connection and mindfulness. She was delivering a lecture on "The Past, Present, and Future of Performance Art" at the Kochi-Muziris Biennale, the popular art festival being held here on February 10. According to a press release issued by the organisers, as part of the lecture, Abramovic offered insights into the philosophy, discipline and emotional intensity behind one of contemporary art's most provocative forms. Drawing from her decades-long career, Abramovic spoke about the cultural contrasts between Eastern and Western artistic traditions. She noted that Eastern practices often emphasise spiritual connection and mindfulness, elements she has incorporated into her own artistic process through meditation and retreats. She said performance art demands a complete understanding of the body and mind, as the artist becomes both the creator and the medium. Explaining her transition from painting to performance art, Abramovic recalled the profound connection she experienced during her first live performance. She has defined performance art as a time-bound interaction between artist and audience, where the exchange of energy forms the core of the experience. Each performance, she explained, unfolds uniquely within a predetermined space and duration, making it both ephemeral and deeply immersive. In her address, she reflected on the essence of artistic identity, asserting that true artistry stems from an innate gift rather than formal training alone. While education can refine talent, she has emphasised that authentic artistic ability must exist naturally. She illustrated this idea by referencing iconic figures such as Mozart, Michelangelo, and Frida Kahlo, noting how Kahlo continued to create deeply personal art despite severe physical trauma and financial hardship during her lifetime. Abramovic has described artistic dedication as an all-consuming pursuit, comparing it to breathing. While passion defines a good artist, she has suggested that truly great artists sacrifice comfort and stability to redefine how society perceives art. Highlighting the importance of discovering one's artistic medium early, Abramovic has stressed that artists often risk losing their identity when they constantly shift between forms of expression. She has said each artist must identify the most powerful tool for communicating ideas and emotions. During her lecture, Abramovic paid special tribute to Taiwanese-American performance artist Tehching Hsieh, describing him as a pioneering figure and an artistic icon whose contributions to endurance-based performance art surpassed even her own. She also highlighted the influence of Australian artist Leigh Bowery, whose theatrical, body-centric performances challenged social norms and redefined ideas of identity, fashion and spectacle. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 February,2026 03:23 PM IST | Kochi | PTINoted Odia playback singer Geeta Patnaik was admitted to a private hospital here on Friday after she suffered a brain stroke, her family said. Her condition is stated to be very critical and she is undergoing treatment at the ICU, her husband Gopal Batra told reporters. "The doctors have not given any assurance on her recovery or survival as of now. Her blood pressure shot up and caused several clots in the brain," Batra said. Another relative of Patnaik said that she is on ventilator support and is under constant observation of neurosurgeons. Patnaik developed uneasiness while attending a literary meeting in Bhubaneswar on Thursday night and was rushed to Capital Hospital around 1 am. She was shifted to the private hospital in Cuttack around 3 am. Geeta Patnaik, a co-singer of veteran Odia singer Akshaya Mohanty, had lent her voice to many superhit old Odia songs such as 'Phur Kina Udigala Bani' of 'Jajabar' movie and remained active in the industry for around three decades. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever.
13 February,2026 02:10 PM IST | Cuttack | PTIAmerican singer-songwriter John Mayer performed his heart out on Wednesday. The concert left everybody extremely happy, even though it was rescheduled, but he didn't fail to apologise for it, while highlighting how he was really looking forward to performing in Mumbai. Addressing the attendees, he said, "I want to thank you for waiting a few weeks for me. For anybody who couldn't make it on this particular day, if you are seeing this online, I want to apologise to you for having to reschedule. But thank you so much for making it today." Mayer was instantly met with a happy fanbase for keeping them in mind, and didn't fail to go "aww". For the uninitiated, the apology comes because even as every John Mayer fan was waiting to witness the Grammy Award winner on January 22, it was later announced that he had to reschedule his performance to February 11. Many fans were disappointed with the change because they had not only booked their tickets but also accommodation, and more. In the bargain, many of them had to opt out of attending the concert because they lost a lot of money. Making up for the rescheduling, Mayer gave a performance of a lifetime for his Indian fans, who had been waiting for a long time. He not only started the concert with 'Slow Dancing In A Burning Room' and continued with 'Love on the Weekend' but even ended with 'Gravity', one of his many hits. Being very interactive with the crowd, John also admired the haircuts of Indian men in Mumbai, saying that he loved the way they took care of their 'fade' hair cut, and that made him wonder about his own. He showed more like by playing tunes from fan posters too, making it a memorable experience for all.
12 February,2026 06:16 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoGrammy Award winner John Mayer performed in Mumbai as he made his India debut on February 11, a few weeks after he was originally scheduled to perform in the country for the first time ever. While his performance was simply mesmerising, Mayer, who interacted with the crowd during his performance, was his goofy self in so many different ways, that he kept fans engaged throughout his 90 minute set, but not without appreciating Mumbaikars. Among the many aspects, he complimented Mumbai men for their haircuts, saying, "Men, your haircuts are fantastic. I've never seen more care, and talent, and skill put into the fade, and softness, and I want to run my hand through all of your hair, you're gorgeous. Suddenly, I feel like I don't have anything going on here." It was only one of the many wisecracks he had during the performance, that started with some of his biggest hits that included songs like 'Slow Dancing In A Burning Room', continue with 'Love On The Weekend', and ended with 'Gravity'. Hoping to return soon, Mayer also apologised to all fans who couldn't make it to the performance, produced and promoted by BookMyShow Live, on the rescheduled date.
12 February,2026 02:42 PM IST | Mumbai | Nascimento PintoADVERTISEMENT
