An innovative Israeli company is pioneering the future of food by introducing 3D printed meat. Using state-of-the-art technology, they're crafting meat from either plant-based ingredients or animal cells. This approach promises numerous benefits including greater sustainability, improved animal welfare, unparalleled customization, and potential solutions to food security challenges. While the innovation has the potential to revolutionize our culinary landscape, it also faces challenges such as public acceptance and regulatory issues. This development not only showcases a technological marvel but also hints at a transformative shift in our relationship with food, positioning Israel at the helm of a possible global culinary revolution.
Antonio Xavier Vaz, better known as Chic Chocolate, was a popular jazz musician in Bombay. He also worked as a composer and trumpet player for Hindi film scores. Chic Chocolate and Chris Perry led a two-trumpet barrage at the Green's Hotel. Chic Chocolate was a nightclub performer for most of his career, but he was also a talented film composer, recording and arranging soundtracks for several films. Chic was a successful Bollywood music composer. In 1951, he worked as a music director for the first time on Nadaan. Aa Teri Tasvir Bana Lu by Talat Mahmood and Sari Duniya Ko Piichhe Chodkar by Lata Mangeshkar were two of Nadaan's most popular songs. Chic Chocolate was a part of C. Ramchandra's team. Two of Ramachandra's most popular Bollywood songs are Gore Gore O Banke Chore from Samadhi and Shola Jo Bhadke from Albela. Chic Chocolate is to be credited for these songs. Lata Mangeshkar sang the song Koi Dard Hamara Kya Samjhe in the 1952 film Rangili, on which they collaborated. He is remembered today for his collaboration with Madan Mohan and his work with Naasir in the 1956 film Kar Bhala. Chic worked as the film's assistant music director. The movie Albela featured him in a song sequence with his band dressed in frilly Latin-inspired costumes and a cameo appearance. Chic wore the costumes from the film for his subsequent live performances. Chic and his family, including his wife Martha and their children, lived in a Colaba apartment until he died in May 1967, at 51. Chetan Anand's Aakhri Khat was released shortly after. Several shots in the movie showed Chic Chocolate playing his trumpet from the bandstand during the blues song Rut Jawan.
Kalaimamani Smt. Priya Murle, is a senior disciple of Padmashree Prof. Sudharani Ragupathy and was a senior teacher at Shree Bharatalaya, prior to founding Shri Silambam Academy of Fine Arts. Intense training and commitment to the art form have marked Priya's career in Bharatanatyam. Priya has a multi- dimensional approach to dance. A versatile performer, choreographer and teacher, she also has a keen interest in Music, Nattuvangam and Sanskrit. She has done research in the field of aesthetics and has worked on the Rasa Theory as part of her M.Phil. Dissertation. She has numerous performances to her credit and is particularly well known for her powerful rendering of Jathis. She has performed in all the major Sabhas of Chennai and other places in India. She performs regularly in both solo and group presentations. She has travelled extensively to Spain, Russia, United States, Canada, Switzerland and Norway, giving performances, lectures, demonstrations and conducting dance workshops. She is also been to the Reunion Islands as a Jury of Bharathanatyam examination and given Priya was also part of the editorial team of Shree Bharatalaya and assisted in bringing out the Handbook on Bharatanatyam, titled “LaghuBharatham”: Volumes I, II and III. Priya was the convenor for Natyadharshan conference (2018 and 2019) conducted annually by Karthik Fine Arts. Titled “Kadamba”, the flowering path, the conferences received rave reviews in its first year. The Government of Tamilnadu has awarded Priya Murle the title “Kalaimamani” for the year 2017, for her tremendous contribution to the classical dance field. She has also received senior scholarship for dance awarded by the Department of Culture (Govt. of India), Bharat Kala Ratna Award by Trinity Fine Arts of India, Narthaki award by Brahma Gana Sabha, Yuva Kala Bharathi title by Bharath Kalachar, Nadanamamani title and Shriram Award of Excellence by Sri Kartik Fine Arts amongst many the awards and accolades. Priya also serves as the Vice President of ABHAI (Association of Bharatanatyam Artistes of India).
Kalaimamani Gopika Varma - a brief description Sangeet Natak Academy Award, Kalaimamani award, Nritya Choodamani award from Krishna Gana Sabha - a student of Guru Kalayna Kutti Amma, Guru Kalamandalam Krishnan Nair, and Kavalam Narayana Panicker - not to mention the training she received from Smt. Girija and Smt. Chandrika Kurup, both senior students of Smt. Kalyani Kuttyamma, and also from Kalyani Kutti Amma's daughter Smt. Sreedevi Rajan. She is married to Prince Poorurttathi Thirunal Marthanda Varma ,descendent of Maharaja Swathi Thirunal of the ancient Travancore family, that is very well known for patronage of the arts. Maharaja Swathi Thirunal is deemed to have resurrected Mohiniattam and restored the wonderful art form to its right place. She considers every dance of hers as an offering to the divine; Sri Padmanbhaswamy, the tutelary deity of the Travancore Royal family. She runs a school called Dasyam, in Chennai, India.
Fif Fernandes, in her own words: "As director and founder of MeDiClown Academy (a registered activity of the Auroville Foundation) , I ignite the power of human potential, sparking well being through laughter, love, joy and play. I design and implement retreats, courses, seminars and workshops in healthcare, hospitals, education and organizations to alleviate mental illness and stress. We focus on happiness and relaxation to enhance productivity, creativity and gain a greater sense of inner and outer peace. I have been a Specialist Advisor, Trainer and Examiner for Physicians, Medical Students and Foreign Trained Physicians for 28 years. I have worked in paediatric and adult acute, urgent care settings as a Therapeutic / Medical Clown with children and adults in Oncology, Emergency, Intensive Care, Palliative, and other inpatient and outpatient wards. My specialized work and avant garde approach in the hospitals has led to invitations to present keynote addresses and workshops at international conferences. I have received my BFA (Drama) Specializing in Theatre for Young Audiences from the University of Calgary, holds certificates as an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher, Certified Laughter Yoga Teacher, Certified Yoga Teacher and I am a Humor Academy Graduate (HAG) from the Association of Applied Therapeutic Humor in the USA. Also, as a television and stage director, producer, writer and actor, I received over a dozen national and international awards; most recently "Friends of India Brand India" globally in the field of Heath and Fitness and "YES! i am the CHANGE" - YES Bank Foundation."
Born in India, Ajitha currently lives in the United States of America. Her educational background is a Bachelors in Architectural Engineering & Masters in International Business. While serving as Senior Vice President at a multinational bank, she is also pursuing her passion for being an entrepreneur. QUOTE "I am also a creative, visual & performing artist. Music, Singing, Art (Painting, Jewelry Making, Drawing) and Dancing are my passions since childhood. Above all, being a conduit for witnessing healing in others, give me a sense of deeper purpose. I am equally, if not more, passionate about serving and helping others in ways that I can. This website is my conduit to the world where I share my passions as a service to you! I am also available for speaking opportunities. Please send me a message on ajithas@innovagaia.com or via the "Contact" page. Love to hear from you!" END QUOTE
Padma Srinath has been in the Early Childhood field for well over 4 decades. She believes strongly in following the children's developmental needs to frame a curriculum which has more of talking rather than chalking. Maya Nayar, is a certified school psychologist and learning disabilities teacher consultant in the US public education system. In my conversation, I asked Padma, amongst other things, if all children are born equal. She had a very direct answer to this question. Listen to the podcast to know what she said.
A chat with Dr. A.R. Ramdas Hailing from Trichur, the cultural capital of Kerala in southern India, Dr. A. R. Ramadas is the medical director of of Vaidyagrama. He is also a founding member of Punarnava Ayurveda Trust. He inherits a strong family line of Ayurveda practitioners, serving the sick for more than half a century. Dr. Ramadas completed his B.A.M.S. (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine and Surgery) from Ayurveda College in Coimbatore, Tamilnadu, then underwent 3 years’ training in Nethra Chikitsa/Ophthalmology under the guidance of Manakunnath Gopalan Vaidyar. He then trained under the well-known pediatrician C.N.S. Gangadharan Vaidyar. He also has an M.S. Psychotherapy and Counseling from Institute of Behavioral and Management Sciences in Chittur, Andhra Pradesh. In 1992, he joined as consultant physician in his family firm Rajendra Pharmacy and R.P.M. Ayurvedic Nursing Home, which he headed for a while. He managed the first overseas center of Punarnava in Vietnam in 2007. In more than 3 decades of practice, he has treated over 50,000 patients from various parts of India and abroad for conditions relating to neuro-musculo-skeletal, endocrine, skin, gastro-intestinal, respiratory, cardiac, psychiatric and reproductive health systems. One of his patients describes him as “a soft and kind soul, full of compassion and an inborn healing ability.”
Suhir Ponncchamy is the director of ‘On Path to Liberation’ and several other features and short films. A Sri Lankan by birth, and an American by choice, Suhir is an amalgam of multi-cultures. We quote what he said in an interview with a prestigious magazine: "I am the best at casting. I know how to choose the right people. For me, it is the intelligence that is needed. Then comes screen presence. If a person is beautiful, the audience would watch him/her for some time. But after a point, they need more. But if a person is talented and can get into the skin of the role, maybe the audience would get bored for a minute. But, real talent attracts the audience and connects with them. So, that is why the audience never forgets talented people. But beauty fades away very soon". Well said Suhir! He learned his craft from the Tisch School of the Arts. His movie Ahead Xing is available on Amazon Prime. Here is a small chit-chat with Suhir, exclusive for the listeners of WIT CAST!
The COVID19 virus has forced the schools to shut down and it is amazing how the teachers were able to cope so well with it. Overnight, they were asked to do online lessons and apart from a few tech glitches, far and few, they have been able to do an admirable job so far. Here is one teacher's perspective of the challenge. She is a teacher in one of the largest public school systems in NJ, USA and also a Learning Disabilities Teacher consultant and a qualified school psychologist as well.
He is known as the “Isai Puyal” (Musical Storm) in Tamil Nadu and the “Mozart of Madras” globally. Allah Rakha Rahman, or A.R. Rahman, is more than just a composer; he is a global musical phenomenon whose work effortlessly transcends geographical and cultural boundaries. His unique position in the world of music is underscored by accolades earned both in his homeland India, including the prestigious Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awards, and on the international stage, where he has garnered Academy Awards, Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award.Rahman’s singular contribution lies in his revolutionary redefinition of contemporary Indian music. He achieved this through an innovative and seamless alchemy, fusing diverse musical traditions. The intricate melodies and rhythms of Indian classical music (Carnatic and Hindustani), the earthiness of folk traditions, and the spiritual depth of Sufi Qawwali merge organically with the structures of Western classical music, the allure of pop, the energy of rock and jazz, and the futuristic soundscapes of electronic music. Equally pivotal has been his role as a technological pioneer, embracing synthesizers, MIDI, digital audio workstations, and advanced sound engineering techniques to craft his signature sound. For a deeper analysis, please go to my blog about him.
Picture this: March 8, 2025, London’s Eventim Apollo theatre, all decked up, and our very own Isaignani Ilaiyaraaja dropping his first-ever western classical symphony, Valiant, with the Royal Philharmonic Concert Orchestra. Bro, idhu nijamave oru periya vishayam! (Man, this is truly a big deal!) The 81-year-old legend took the stage—or rather, his music did—and gave the world a 45-minute symphony that’s got everyone talking. Add some of his mass film songs, and the concert stretched to a solid 90 minutes of pure goosebumps. For us Tamizh folks, it’s like seeing our Raaja Sir conquer the world, vera level da!
Ever wondered if Hindu Gods could explain your computer’s inner workings? In this blog, we’re diving into the cosmic dance of Shiva and Shakti, and how their eternal balance mirrors the relationship between your computer’s hardware and software. Spoiler: Shiva’s not just chilling in the Himalayas—he’s also the reason your laptop doesn’t just sit there looking pretty. Ready to see how mythology meets your MacBook? Click the link and let’s get started!
Ever felt like life is too complicated? The Ribhu Gita says—it’s not! In Chapter 26, which Ramana Maharishi called the most important, the message is clear:✅ You are already Brahman.✅ The world is an illusion.✅ Stop overthinking and just BE.Think of it like waking up from a dream—once you realize it’s not real, all the problems vanish. No need for years of meditation or fancy rituals. Just recognize your true Self—pure Awareness.Ready to hit the cosmic “undo” button? Dive into this blog post for a modern, humorous take on one of the most powerful spiritual teachings ever!
Do we truly create our own reality, or is everything already written by fate? Neville Goddard teaches that we can manifest anything by embodying the feeling of already having it, while Ramana Maharshi insists that all is predetermined, making effort futile. At first glance, these views seem contradictory—but are they really? This podcast explores how manifestation and destiny might actually be two sides of the same coin, offering a deeper understanding of how we navigate life’s unfolding journey. Should we shape our reality or surrender to it? Perhaps the answer lies in balancing both.
Welcome, everyone, to another episode of ‘NALLA MADRAS’—where we dive into everything from soulful bhajans to, well, the more creative ways Indians have conquered the English language. Today, we’re taking you on a laugh-out-loud journey with the blog post, ‘Basically Unarmed: A Hilarious Tale of Indian English Speakers.’ You know those moments when ‘prepone’ makes its way into sentences like it belongs in the Oxford dictionary? Or when ‘off the light’ isn’t a suggestion but a direct order? Yeah, this one’s for all of us who’ve experienced the glorious chaos of Indian English—where grammar takes a backseat, but personality takes the wheel. So, grab your filter coffee or chai, and let’s jump into this linguistic rollercoaster that proves English is ours now—we just use it better. Or at least, funnier
Guru Dutt, a name synonymous with poetic storytelling and cinematic brilliance, remains one of the most revered filmmakers in the history of Indian cinema. With timeless classics like Pyaasa and Kaagaz Ke Phool, he created a unique space for himself as a pioneer whose artistry transcended the boundaries of conventional filmmaking. Though his life was tragically short, his legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and cinephiles alike.
Have you ever wondered if life operates on some hidden algorithm, much like the ones YouTube and Facebook use to serve us cat videos and conspiracy theories? One minute, you’re innocently scrolling, and the next, you’re sucked into a rabbit hole of “10 Ways to Bake Banana Bread.” But what if our body-mind complex works on a similar system, curating our experiences based on our focus? And what if Hindu philosophy has been telling us this for millennia through concepts like sharanagati or surrender?
Infinity isn’t something to conquer; it’s something to marvel at. Inspired by the intriguing wisdom of the IIT Baba, this blog dives into the paradox of knowing what you know and what you don’t know—and whether that brings you closer to understanding the infinite. Spoiler: It’s all about embracing the journey, not the destination
I was always decrying people who were vegetarians. My line would always be, "Guys, you don't know what you are missing." Then it happened. The ones I derided are now doing target practice on me, but I can see a glimmer of admiration in their eyes! While it is not easy to transition, there are plenty of resources to help you along, like cookbooks and videos. However, some restaurants, holiday packages, cruises, and the like have few vegetarian options. So do your research before ending up at a location and realize all you have is a dish of spinach with bits of bacon picked out of it.