The 51st edition of Saarang 2025, the annual cultural festival of IIT-Madras, will begin on Friday with a focus on cinema as its theme. The festival will feature performances by folk artists, including a Japanese orchestra, an Italian progressive metal band, and a Polish accordionist in the international music festival. Indian musicians such as DJ Frozt, Antariksh, Mysore Express, and playback singer Amit Trivedi will also perform. The spotlight lecture series will be hosted by K.S. Chitra, Niharika N.M., Sandy Master, Lydian Nadaswaram, and Kishen Das. The festival will include a dance drama presentation on patriotism, Moovarnam, which will be staged in the presence of R. Varadarajan, father of deceased Army officer Mukund.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/iit-ms-saarang-to-feature-indian-folk-art-cinema-themed-events/article69076319.eceThe Indian Army has replaced a painting of the 1971 surrender with a new artwork in the Army Chief's lounge. The original painting depicted the signing of the instrument of surrender by Pakistan in Dhaka, which led to the creation of an independent Bangladesh. The new painting, titled "Karam Kshetra-Field of Deeds", was painted by Lt. Col. Thomas Jacob and features a backdrop of snow-capped mountains and various military equipment. Several veterans have expressed their disappointment over the removal of the historic painting, which they see as an attempt to diminish its importance and erase its legacy from collective memory. The issue has been raised in Parliament with Congress MP Manickam Tagore moving an adjournment motion to discuss it.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/amid-criticism-iconic-1971-painting-moved-to-manekshaw-centre-which-army-termed-was-the-most-befitting-place/article68992694.eceThe Indian Army has clarified that a 1971 war painting, which was removed from its original location, has not been destroyed but shifted to a new location. The move sparked controversy among opposition leaders and military veterans who accused the government of erasing military history. The painting, which commemorated India's victory in the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War, was replaced with artwork by artist Jatin Das at the Army Chief's lounge.
https://indiatoday.in/india/story/1971-bangladesh-war-pakistan-surrender-painting-new-location-army-row-2650830-2024-12-17