"Dream, Dream, Dream! Conduct these dreams into thoughts, and then transform them into action."

- Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam

#Kalyan

Star Citizens

The Voice That Conquered Hearts: Suman Kalyanpur's Musical Odyssey

In the golden era of Hindi film music in the 1960s and 1970s, there were many great singers, but only a few left a lasting impact on the hearts of millions of music lovers. Suman Kalyanpur, with her soulful voice and melodious renditions, was one such singer who continues to be an inspiration to aspiring singers even today. This year, Suman Kalyanpur received the Padma Bhushan, the nation's third-highest civilian award, from the honorable President Droupadi Murmu, a testament to her remarkable career spanning over five decades. She was considered the best in the industry even while there were so-called legends. Suman Kalyanpur began her career in 1954 with her debut song "Koi Pukare Dheere Se Tujhe" for the film Mangu. From then on, she never looked back. She went on to sing for movies in several languages such as Hindi, Marathi, Assamese, Gujarati, Kannada, Maithili, Bhojpuri, Rajasthani, Bengali, Odia, and Punjabi.  The Marathi language has witnessed a musical revolution with an array of unforgettable songs that have left an indelible mark on people's hearts. Among the many gems, "Nimbonichya Zadamaage," "Jithe Sagara Dharni Milte," "Are Sansara" and Ketakichya Bani Tithe Nachla Mor" have reached soaring heights of popularity, captivating audiences with their enchanting melodies and soulful lyrics. These songs have become an integral part of Marathi culture, evoking intense emotions and memories that will stay with us forever. She collaborated with some of the greatest singers of her time, such as Mohammed Rafi, Mukesh, Hemant Kumar, and Manna Dey, and made significant contributions to the Indian music industry. Suman Kalyanpur's voice touched the hearts of many music lovers. Her unique identity in the industry was carved out of her immense talent and hard work. She was one of the most respected singers in the Indian music industry and received numerous awards and accolades throughout her career. Suman Kalyanpur and Mohammed Rafi performed over 140 duets together, with "Aaj Kal Tere Mere" possibly being the best. She has sung for some of the most iconic songs in Hindi cinema, leaving a legacy that will live on forever. Some notable songs are "Parbaton Ke Pedon Par" (Shagun, 1964), "Tumne Pukara Aur Hum Chale Aaye" (Rajkumar, 1964), "Baad Muddat Ke Yeh Ghadi Aaye" (Jahan Ara, 1964), and "Mohabbat Isko Kehte Hain" (1965). Suman Kalyanpur's unbridled love for music and unwavering commitment to her artistry has ignited a spark of inspiration in the hearts of millions. Her musical legacy is set to blaze a trail that will last an eternity, serving as a guiding light for generations to come.

25 Mar 2023
Star Citizens

Meet the Girl Who Became the First Indian Footballer to Play in UEFA Champions League

Manisha Kalyan, who hails from Himachal Pradesh, has been playing football since she was a child and has represented India at the international level. Last year, she became the first Indian footballer to play in the UEFA Champions League.  The 22-year-old striker played for Goteborg FC in their match against FC Rosengard, which ended in a 1-1 draw. She was signed by the football club earlier this year and has been training with the team for several months. The UEFA Champions League is the most prestigious competition in football, featuring some of the best teams from across Europe. Kalyan's participation in the tournament is a significant milestone for Indian football and a testament to her talent and hard work. While the match ended in a draw, Kalyan's debut in the tournament was a historic moment for Indian football and a source of inspiration for young players across the country. Kalyan's success also highlights the growing interest and investment in women's football in India. The country has seen a surge in interest in the sport in recent years, with the Indian Women's League and other initiatives aimed at promoting women's football and providing opportunities for young players.

21 Mar 2023
Star Citizens

Meet Kalyan Singh: The 2022 Padma Vibhushan Awardee

Kalyan Singh, a prominent Indian politician and former Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, has been awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 2022, one of India's highest civilian awards. Singh has had a long and illustrious career in politics, beginning as a member of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the 1980s. He served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh twice, first from 1991 to 1992 and then again from 1997 to 1999. During his tenure as Chief Minister, Singh is credited with implementing several development projects and initiatives in the state, particularly in the areas of education, healthcare, and infrastructure. In addition to his work in Uttar Pradesh, Singh has also played a key role in national politics. He was a member of the Rajya Sabha, the upper house of the Indian parliament, from 2000 to 2016. He also served as the Governor of Rajasthan from 2014 to 2019. Singh has received several awards and honors throughout his career, including the Padma Bhushan in 1991 and the Uttar Pradesh Ratna in 2015. However, the Padma Vibhushan is considered the highest honor, given for exceptional and distinguished service in any field. The award recognizes Singh's contributions to the development and progress of Uttar Pradesh and India as a whole. His work as Chief Minister and Governor, as well as his service in parliament, have had a positive impact on the lives of countless citizens. The Padma Vibhushan is a fitting recognition of Singh's dedication and service to the nation. His contributions to the development and progress of India will be remembered for years to come.  

24 Jan 2023
Star Citizens

This Dynamic Lady Works Hard to Transform a City Through Efficient Waste Management Techniques

There is no doubt that dumping grounds are an eyesore and if any city has to truly become a smart city, then it needs to have an efficient waste management system. One cannot always blame the authorities as it is the responsibility of every citizen to discard waste properly through the segregation of dry and wet waste so that all the waste just doesn’t accumulate in landfills. However, when citizens and authorities turn a blind eye to an important matter, there are few responsible and concerned citizens who rise to the occasion and take things in their stride. One such person is Sajitha Nair who has been working relentlessly towards the treatment of dumping grounds in Kalyan as well as spreading awareness about the need to segregate and discard waste in a responsible manner. Sajitha would always worry about the growing height of the Adharwadi dumping ground in Kalyan. When no action was taken in spite of numerous requests and petitions filed, Sajitha along with a team of volunteers actually got into the dumping ground and worked on it. Sourcing water from a nearby sewage treatment plant, Sajitha and her team used organic culture to decompose the filth. With her impressive waste management technology, the team succeeded in reducing the height of a section of the dumping ground by 16 feet in just 65-70 days. The engineers and waste management team of the municipality were amazed at the rapid speed of decomposition of garbage. Sajitha and her team were also invited to demonstrate her waste management technology to the CM of Maharashtra, Devendra Fadnavis who was very impressed and assured all help. Sajitha continues to give waste management training sessions to housing societies with the effect that residents are now aware of and follow the proper methods of waste disposal. She also actively participates in forums and meets that strive to enhance the quality of life in the city and is a contributor to awareness drives, cultural, social and ecological initiatives. Sajitha inspires us to come out of our comfort zones and become responsible citizens by doing what is needed for our society. Let us all be inspired by our star citizen-Sajitha Nair.

14 Oct 2019
Star Citizens

Good News

This 20-Year-Old Becomes the First Indian Footballer To Play in UEFA Women’s Champions League

Young striker Manisha Kalyan made her European Club competition debut for Apollon Ladies FC in Engomi, Cyprus, becoming the first Indian player to compete in the UEFA Women's Champions League. When the 20-year-old signed a multi-year contract with Cypriot first division champion Apollon Ladies, she became the fourth Indian women's international football player to sign for an overseas club. At the Makareio Stadium, Marilena Georgiou of Cyprus was replaced by Kalyan in the 60th minute as Apollon Ladies FC defeated Latvian first flight team SFK Riga 3-0 in their UWCL opener. Olympique Lyonnais won the 2022 UEFA Women's Champions League after a spectacular performance in a fun final against defending champion Barcelona in Turin. Kalyan made headlines last year when she scored in a friendly match against past World Cup runners-up Brazil in their home stadium. She is the second player from Gokulam, Kerala, to sign with an international team after Dangmei Grace joined FC Nasaf in Uzbekistan,  Kalyan put on a spectacular display for the national team and Gokulam Kerala in the Indian Women's League, (IWL). She was honored to be named the 2021–22 AIFF Women's Footballer of the Year.

8 Dec 2022
Good News

Now waterways from Thane, Kalyan and Vasai

If all goes well, then soon Mumbaikars can enjoy the water-ways and avoid the regular traffic chaos and pollution on the roads. Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis announced a new plan to develop water ways in Mumbai which will connect places like Thane, Kalyan, Vasai and Mira Bhayandar. The total budget stipulated for this project is Rs 280 crore. This project aims to ease the congestion that one faces in metropolitan cities. This project if goes as per the plan, then is expected to come into action in next two-three years.  The 145km Thane creek has been designated as national waterway (NW) 53. There are 14 national waterways in Maharashtra, seven along creeks and inland rivers.  If the environmental clearance is also done, then roll-on-roll-off (RORO) services (transportation of vehicles by boats) is also possible between Bhayandar and Vasai. If this project does well then it will surely give a sigh of relief to the thousands of commuters in Mumbai who have to face the traffic chaos and pollution. If developed soon, then waterways will be a boon for Mumbaikars.   

5 Apr 2017
Good News

Positive Reads

Kalyanasundaram – A life dedicated to service

P. Kalyanasundaram’s lean frame and shrill feminine voice defies his exceptional self sacrifice and extraordinary will power. Throughout his life he was engaged in uplifting the poor and needy by donating a huge part of his salary and sometimes his entire salary that he earned by working as a librarian. Kalyanasundaram was born in August 1953 in Tirunelveli district of Tamil Nadu. He lost his father at the age of one and was brought up by his mother who taught him the importance of helping the poor. Although he hailed from a rich agricultural family, he slept on pavements and railway platforms to know how it felt to be poor and without a roof over your head. He didn’t marry so that he could donate all that he earns.He found his calling in child welfare and while he was studying at the Madras University, he started the International Children’s Welfare Organisation to help slum children. That was his initiation into social service. His resolve was further strengthened when during the Indo China war, Pandit Nehru urged people to contribute to the defence fund. Large hearted Kalyanasundaram donated his gold chain to the National Defence Fund. His job as a librarian earned him Rs 140 out of which he would donate Rs 100 for children’s welfare and keep only Rs 40 as personal expenses. At a point of time, he wanted to donate his entire salary and therefore, did odd jobs in a hotel or a laundry to meet his daily needs. Not one for publicity, he continued like this for 27 years. However, in 1990 his good work came to the fore. When he received over Rs.1 lakh as arrears of his salary by the University Grants Commission, Kalyanasundaram donated it to the district collector for the higher education of orphans. The collector was impressed by his generosity and gave it wide coverage in the media. That is when his life’s work was noticed. When you do good, goodness will follow you. Kalyanasundaram was showered with  awards and recognition. The Government of India awarded him the best librarian prize. He was honoured as being the noblest by the International Biographical Centre, Cambridge. The United Nations declared him as the most outstanding people of the twentieth century. He was also honoured with the Man of the Millennium award by an American organisation. Not the one to be carried away by awards, the ever humble Kalyanasundaram donated his entire prize money, which amounted to around Rs 30 crore and didn’t keep a single penny for himself. After his retirement, Kalyanasundaram  founded an organisation called Palam which is dedicated towards the cause of the poor and the underprivileged. It serves as a link between the donors and the needy. It is the responsibility of the organization to collect money from the donors and distribute it to those who are in a need of money and assistance. Thus Kalyanasundaram’s life is a saga of self sacrifice and inspires every individual to do his bit for the society.

26 Jul 2017
Positive Reads

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