Gauri Day: Re-Constructing the Fourth Estate

The New Indian Express | Bengaluru [29.01.2024]

--- “In Solidarity with Gauri Lankesh” --- 

Photograph by:Bruce K. Thangkhal

Photo Date: 28 January 2024

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Larsen beats Herrick in Men's Double Badminton Final 2024

THE much awaited Men's Double Badminton Final match -- a neck-to-neck competition -- between the defending champion Larsen and Herrick House took place in the Badminton Court of United Theological College, Bengaluru on Monday evening (22 Jan 2024).

The first set shows Herrick players leading since the shutter began to fly over the net and scored 21 points over Larsen, which scored 13 points.

In the second set, Larsen players came up improving gradually. Thus Herrick got 7 points lesser than Larsen's 21.

The final set shows a tough battle for each team. Herrick leads from the start. 

Nevertheless, Larsen draw its strength towards the end of the match. Thus prediction was not easy seeing the tough-match. Herrick ended up with 17 points, while Larsen rose to 21.

Larsen retained its defending title.

Larsen scripted another history in UTC by becoming the champion of Men's Double Badminton 2024 and 2023 respectively.

--- ACTION PICS ----

LARSEN (red): Echu Konyak & DK Angkham Maring | HERRICK (yellow): Zadingluaia Chinzah & Neise Mor

VIDEO

Click this link: UTC Men’s Double Badminton Final 2024

MELC consecrates Rev Khup Do Khen as its Bishop

The Manipur Evangelical Lutheran Church (MELC) held its 4th Bishop Consecration 2024 at MELC HQ Church, Zomi Colony, Lamka, Manipur on Sunday, 21 January 2024.

On Sunday, Rev. Khup Do Khen was consecrated as the new Bishop of Manipur Evangelical Lutheran Church by Rt Rev Dr SK Manlun, Bishop of MELC.

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Pongal celebrated with pomp and gaiety in UTC

THE harvest festival of Pongal was celebrated here in UTC Library Lawn, Bengaluru on 17th January 2024. Pongal is a festival of prosperity – celebrating the new harvest every year by the Tamil Community in India.

Here in the southern part of India, Pongal is a farmer’s festival celebrating the diverse produce of nature as a gift of hard work by humans with the help of animals along with them. Cows plays a major role in the traditional farming, so they are revered during this festival.

Various produces like freshly harvested paddy, sugarcane, turmeric, milk, and various other crops are offered as a respect and gratitude to mother Earth. People celebrate prosperity and nature’s gifts.

During this season the animals which helped the farmers will be worshiped and honoured.

As a symbol of respect animals will be decorated colourfully and people also visit their relatives and friends after months of hard work. Eventually this comes as the first festival celebrated in the English New Year in the Southern part of India.

Celebrated over four days, Pongal also marks the beginning of the Tamil month called Thai, which is considered an auspicious month. It usually falls on the 14th or 15th of January each year.

Day 1 | Bhogi Pongal: Pongal is also the name of the dish made and eaten during this festival. It is a mixture of boiled sweet rice. It is derived from the Tamil word ‘Pongu’, which means “to boil over”.

Day 2 | Surya Pongal: The second day is the main day of Pongal and is celebrated as Surya Pongal. On this day, the Sun God is honoured. Colourful decorative floor patterns called kolam are drawn at the entrance of one’s home, and each household cooks a pot of fresh rice with milk at auspicious timings.

As the milk boils freely over the pot, family members shout out happily “Pongalo Pongal”! After the Pongal is offered to the Sun God, they would feast on several Pongal dishes that are prepared especially for the day.

Day 3 | Maatu Pongal: The third day of Pongal is called Maatu Pongal.  This day is devoted to honour and worship the cattle (Maatu) to remember the work they do – ploughing the land. Cows are bathed and adorned with multi-coloured beads, flowers garlands, and bells. In Singapore, thanksgiving prayers would be conducted for the cattle at some dairy farms owned by Indians.

Day 4 | Kaanum Pongal: The fourth day of Pongal is called Kaanum Pongal. On this day, importance is given to the community and to strengthen ties. Families gather together to have a sumptuous meal. Younger members seek the blessings of the older members of their families. It is also a day for traditional Indian folk dances such as mayilattam and kolattam.

Here in UTC, the Pongal Worship 2024 began with Bharathnatiyam dance, which was performed during the Lamp Lighting ceremony.

Then it proceeds on according to the Worship Order – Welcome Note, Call to Worship, Opening Prayer, Opening Song (Thamil vazhattum senthamil vazhattum/ Thamil vazhvangi vazhvathupol manitham vazhattum = Long live Tamil, long live Humanity and long live All the languages), Confession, Absolution, Thanksgiving (Oyill Attam is performed as an act of thanksgiving for God’s abundant rejuvenation), Scripture Reading, Reflection, Affirmation of Faith, Intercession, Closing Prayer, and Benediction.

It ended solemnly with “Tamil Thai Valthu”, the state anthem of Tamil Nadu. The celebration was held under the aegis of UTC Tamil Fellowship.

Here’s the glimpses of Pongal Celebration through the lens of Mr Akhil Charles, BD-IV.

Pic: PONGU

Pongalo Pongal! 

Pongalo Pongal ! 

Pongalo Pongal ! 

Pic: Kabaddi runners up: BD I

Pic: Kabaddi champion: BD IV

Bullock Cart Ride

“We enjoyed Pongal very much. We are happy to be in the midst of the festive revelers. 

Thanks to UTC Tamil Fellowship, God bless you all!”

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VIDEOS

UTC PONGAL 2024

Kabaddi Final: BD 1 v BD 4 [full coverage]

UTC Pongal Movie Night

                                                                                                             “சிறுவயதில் பள்ளிப் புத்தகத்தில் பொங்கல் பண்டிகையை மட்டும் படித்தேன், அது என்னவாக இருக்கும் என்று கனவு கண்டு, இன்று கண்டு, உணர்கிறேன், ருசித்தேன், அனுபவித்தேன், பொங்கல் பண்டிகையைக் கற்றுக்கொள்வது அற்புதமான கதை. இந்த விழா நம் தமிழைக் காட்டுகிறது. சகோதர சகோதரிகள் கடின உழைப்பாளிகள்!"

 மூலம்

புரூஸ் கே. தங்கல்,

மணிப்பூர்.

                                                                                                                                                    

~ BKT, BD III

  19-01-2024