Into its third edition this year, the Jaipur Literature Festival makes a grand showcase of creative and cultural stars on the literary horizon.

Authors, particularly aspiring ones, could hope to find answers to FAQs on ‘binding’ their dreams in the group discussion session involving eminent figures from preferred publishing houses. They began with debating about the differences (style of work, genre, treatment of authors etc) between established publishing houses and small independent ones. While they argued and defended their stands, it was to be surmised that in any case an author was not to expect the publisher to stay through thick and thin of his/her fortunes. The good part is that independent publishers, especially the Indian ones, apparently give you more chances than their bigger foreign counterparts. The discussion took a turn where one felt that the authors were just being spoken of as entities creating useful – or otherwise – material, all for money. It was then that a UK based author interrupted and said, “A writer is a tap that can’t be turned off - money or no money. And, publishers are damn lucky because writers are going to be here for a while…” The empathy with the creative force was touching. More touching was that the entire drift of the event was directed at combining and synergising energies to make the world a peaceful and joyful one, where all coexist. Even as we admired the proceedings, little did we realise that we were the subject of admiration too (or so my friend noticed!) Even as we ignored the solicitous smiles of one, we did get into the ‘gossip girl’ mode and realised that through the evening, amidst all the great people and great ideas being shared, quite a few other sentiments were up for exchange too. After all, what’s better than a like-minded companion for conversations over a glass of wine and live Sufi music in the background?! And, well, if your gossip instinct is at work and you are wondering about me…I am happily married! Marital status notwithstanding, anybody and everybody at the Jaipur Lit-Fest came off with an overarching sense of wellness, as far as literary pursuits of our generation were concerned…....Continue

Security – water tight!

When São Gabriel, captained by Vasco da Gama, dropped anchor at Kappad, near Kozhikode (Calicut), on the Kerala coast in 1498, the ensuing confrontation with the Zamorin sovereign in the region laid the foundation for the navy in India.

After the Zamorin (title of the ruler in Malabar) proposed a naval force under the leadership of a Muslim warrior named Kunjali Marakkar, this first navy admiral of India and his lineage went on to fight off foreign invaders for more than 100 years (1498 -1600). In recognition of the services of the distinguished warrior, Prime Minister Nehru renamed the Colaba Naval Barracks near Mumbai, INS Kunjali. Kunjali is known to have practiced “hit and run” military tactics, something the Navy trainees are taught to date.

And now more special tactics will be imparted as part of official naval training at Kunjali’s very own native place and venue of maritime exploits. The prestigious Ezhimala Naval Academy complex, which will not only be the premier officer training establishment of the Indian Navy, but also the largest Naval Academy in Asia, was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh on January 8, 2009. Hereon, Ezhimala Academy will be the home for all basic training for officer cadres of the Indian Navy.....Continue

The year '08 definitely belonged to Priyanka Chopra

Do you feel any change toward you within the industry?
The industry was never unkind even when my films didn't do well. I continued getting the chance to work with directors of repute. Yes, the audience did feel let down , and reacted. The effort that goes into my performance shouldn't show on screen. I've just begun to understand cinema.

How different are "Kaminey" and "What's Your Raashee" from what you've done so far?
Oh, very! I seem to be saying that all the time. These are very different films and characters from what I've done so far. I think in 2009 I'll extend my abilites as an actor. When I work with a director, I become very possessive of him. I feel the film is mine. And the director is my family. I can call him up at any hour to ask about my character. Every director from Goldie Behl and Tarun Mansukhani to Vishal Sir (Bhardwaj) and Harry Sir(Baweja) has become a friend. "Kaminey" however was very difficult.

Why?
It's very real… very middleclass. It's not a larger than life character. For the first time I'm playing someone who's so real. It's an electrifying character. To be able to add to the character's costume, language, body language made "Kaminey" a very special challenge. I've also given "Fashion" a piece of my heart.

How different is Harman Baweja between "Love Story 2050" and "What's Your Raashee?"
His confidence level has gone up tremendously. He's going to make heads turn in "…Raashee." Come on, he's just one film old. I took three years to come into my own. He displayed supreme confidence in his first film.

Were you more relaxed in 2008?
I'm only focusing on my work. I'm relieved to have my Dad healthy again. My Dad is a general surgeon. Both my parents are doctors. And they're running a clinic. It's a multi-facility clinic and it was always there. What was new this year were the medical community services. They had discontinued that because of my dad's illness. I remember at the age of 10, I used to accompany my parents for medical care in small towns like Rae Bareilly and Lucknow. I used to sit at the registration desk and at the makeshift pharmacy and give out medicines to the patients. I still do community work. But I don't enjoy talking about it. Now it's just between me and God. But yes, as a celebrity I can lend my name to community forums. But like I said, it's too personal...Continue