After 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 PintoNearly 45 per cent of core skills are projected to change by 2030 and India will need 3.2 million additional green skilled workers by then, a report said on Wednesday. The report from KPMG in India and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) said the current MSME talent landscape is characterised by fragmented skill levels, limited formal skilling exposure, and varying degrees of digital readiness. Only about 10 per cent of the MSME workforce have formal vocational training and nearly 69 per cent of MSMEs struggle to source skilled talent, the report said. The report outlined how India’s MSMEs can build digitally fluent, AI enabled and green ready talent to remain competitive. India's MSME sector employs 32.84 crore people and contributes 30.1 per cent of GDP and is at a defining moment where talent will determine long term resilience and growth, it added. Each MSME worker delivers only 14 per cent of the productivity of a large enterprise worker, pointing out huge room for growth in India's MSME sector. The future of MSME work will be shaped by the twin transition and AI adoption, moving work from manual tasks to human–machine collaboration. The report outlined six strategic imperatives such as building an AI ready workforce, apprenticeships aligned with digital tools, skills first hiring, ONDC led digital market access, cluster based skill ecosystems, and inclusive talent practices driving transition readiness. "AI will change how MSMEs operate, but skills will determine whether it creates advantage or risk. The twin transition demands a digitally fluent, sustainability aware workforce ready to innovate at speed", said Sunit Sinha, Partner and Head, Human Capital Advisory, KPMG in India. Naveen Aggarwal, office managing partner, Delhi-NCR, KPMG in India called MSMEs the heartbeat of India's economic ambition, adding that the next wave of growth will be led by those that invest in high value talent and governed capability. 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.
12 February,2026 12:59 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSGoa hosted the first-ever tropical edition of Casa Bacardi on February 7-8, offering people across the globe a two-day blend of music, art, and interactive experiences. The highly anticipated music festival at W Goa featured multiple stages, with performances ranging from sunlit afternoon sets to late-night electronic and Afrobeat sessions. Artists from India and abroad, including ARTBAT, Da Capo, Sistek, Kilimanjaro, Lifafa, TechPanda x Kenzani, Anyasa, and Onfaya, performed across three stages – Treehouse, Rockpool, and Cave. While the main attraction of the event was ARTBAT, the other artists at different stages made the people groove to their tunes. The Afro-inspired electronic music was a notable highlight, reflecting growing trends among young audiences in India. Expressing her views on the experience, Bacardi marketing director Goodies Narayanan emphasised, “Casa Bacardi in Goa truly brought the philosophy of ‘Do What Moves You’ to life. The inaugural edition of this festival was about evolving with the people.” Casa Bacardi was more than music The atmosphere in W Goa was not just about good music; the event included workshops and participatory experiences such as mixology sessions, drum circles, Afro Kizomba dance classes, light-painting photography, and DIY decor activities that made the festival an amazing experience. While the attendees also engaged with curated bar spaces from international and local bars, the Caribbean-inspired cocktails took the experience to a whole new level. Highlight of the festival While Goa is widely celebrated for its breathtaking beachside sunsets, the Casa Bacardi festival took the experience to a whole new level during the much-anticipated sundowner session. Attendees were treated to electrifying sets by DJ Sistek, perfectly timed with the golden hours, creating moments that had everyone dancing and soaking in the atmosphere and making memories that last forever. The festival successfully blended Goa’s natural charm with high-energy entertainment, proving once again why the region is a top destination for both relaxation and revelry. While the Casa Bacardi’s Tropical Edition this year in Goa aimed to offer a more intimate and expressive experience for attendees, it also set the tone for a new kind of cultural experience reimagined for young India that is more intimate, expressive, and deeply rooted in shared moments that truly move them.
12 February,2026 09:41 AM IST | Goa | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
