Live
Nithya Rajendran, a celebrated classical vocalist with over 30 years of experience, blends her deep expertise in Carnatic and Hindustani music with a passion for music therapy and spiritual growth. As the founder of Music Vruksh, she has created a platform to explore the emotional and therapeutic power of music. In this interview, Nithya shares insights into her journey, the role of music in healing, and her vision for making classical music accessible to all
Nithya Rajendran, a celebrated classical vocalist with over 30 years of experience, is the founder of Music Vruksh. A dual-trained artist in both Carnatic and Hindustani classical traditions, Nithya’s work uniquely combines musical artistry, therapeutic insight, and spiritual depth. Growing up in a family of musicians, she was influenced by her grand uncle, Guruji A S Raghavan, renowned for his Thirupuggazh compositions. Through Music Vruksh, Nithya seeks to preserve Indian classical traditions while exploring the therapeutic potential of music.
“My upbringing in a musically inclined family made music an organic part of my life,” Nithya shares. “Music was always encouraged by my parents, who supported me by sending me to competitions and musical festivals from a young age. I started my Carnatic music training at five and began performing by the age of six or seven. Despite exploring other careers in advertising and photography, music remained a constant presence. About 15 years ago, I decided to focus entirely on music, and it has become the thread tying my life together.”
Regarding her formal education in classical music, Nithya says, “My educational background in classical music has been extensive and foundational. I’m a high-graded artist with All India Radio in both Hindustani and Carnatic classical music, which reflects my proficiency in these two rich musical traditions. I hold a distinction from Mumbai University in Hindustani classical music, which deepened my theoretical and practical understanding. Performing extensively over the years has further enriched my craft and musical journey.”
Describing her typical day, Nithya emphasizes the importance of balance. “Balancing my various roles—mother, daughter, daughter-in-law, singer, teacher, and entrepreneur—is essential,” she reflects. “I begin each day with contemplation and meditation to center myself. I prioritize my tasks while giving equal importance to work, personal life, and self-care. When working on music, I am fully immersed, and when with family, I give them my undivided attention. Physical fitness, yoga, and meditation are integral to my routine, helping me maintain stamina for performances and emotional well-being.”
Inspiration for Nithya comes from many sources. “Inspiration can come from anyone—my students, family, and even strangers. It could be a child’s curiosity, the wisdom of the elderly, or the resilience of everyday people. My musical inspirations include legends like Bhimsen Joshi and M S Subbulakshmi, but I also find inspiration in a dedicated student’s passion. Inspiration is everywhere, and embracing diverse influences helps me grow and evolve.”
Reflecting on the Music Vruksh Baithak, she says, “The Baithak is a celebration of Music Vruksh’s vision, blending my passion for teaching, performing, and the therapeutic power of music. It’s a space where I share my compositions and students gain confidence performing on stage. It’s incredibly rewarding to see students grow, and the Baithak signifies the inclusive community we’ve built.”
On music as a therapeutic tool, Nithya explains, “Music has a profound emotional impact. Ragas unlock specific emotional memories, helping to access and express feelings—much like therapy. In my performances and teachings, I focus on the emotional connection to music, fostering mindfulness and emotional awareness, which are key steps toward healing. I aim to spread classical music’s transformative power, helping people find peace and emotional fulfillment through ragas.”
Discussing the challenges of promoting music therapy, Nithya sees these not as obstacles but as opportunities for growth. “I’ve witnessed the power of music in helping people with issues like addiction, depression, and stress. The relief they experience through ragas validates music’s healing potential. Each of these experiences has been transformative and rewarding.”
Inclusivity in classical music is another priority for Nithya. “Inclusivity should be reflected in how we communicate and engage with others, whether they are learners or audiences. Our academy embraces students of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of experience. We aim to make classical music accessible to everyone. Whether performing for traditional classical music lovers or newcomers, I strive to create an inclusive atmosphere that welcomes people to appreciate the beauty of music.”
Nithya believes classical music is particularly empowering for women. “Music therapy can provide a profound spiritual connection that benefits everyone, but for women, it offers emotional balance and resilience. Women often juggle multiple roles, and classical music’s soothing and centering effect can help them navigate emotional and physiological challenges. Music also fosters community and emotional support among women. Through workshops and community events, I have promoted classical music’s therapeutic benefits, helping women thrive emotionally and socially.”
In conclusion, Nithya Rajendran’s work through Music Vruksh is a testament to her dedication to preserving Indian classical music while unlocking its therapeutic potential. By integrating music into daily life, whether through teaching, performing, or therapeutic practices, Nithya continues to inspire and empower others, creating a harmonious space where music heals, connects, and transforms.
© 2024 Hyderabad Media House Limited/The Hans India. All rights reserved. Powered by hocalwire.com
Jour : 5 janvier 2025
Global Mining’s Dangerous New Reality: Guns, Hostages, Arrests – The Wall Street Journal
Global Mining’s Dangerous New Reality: Guns, Hostages, Arrests The Wall Street Journal
source
New Ohio law will allow Hindu students to observe Diwali and other religious holidays – WTOL
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
Next up in 5
Example video title will go here for this video
OHIO, USA — In December, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a new law allowing students to take school days off for religious holidays.
The law will go into effect next school year.
The law will require all K-12 schools in Ohio to give school off for students for 3 religious holidays per year.
One of the co-sponsors of the bill, State Senator Niraj Antani, says Hindu students will now be able to take off school for the Hindu festival of Diwali in the fall as well as 2 other holidays.
Diwali is Hindu festival that is celebrated all across India, according to Dr. Lakshmanrao Bhandaru, a retired endocrinologist and practicing Hindu who spoke with WTOL 11 at the Hindu Temple of Toledo on Sunday about what the new law means for students.
The festival celebrates the triumph of good over evil in people.
“When we talk about good over evil, they are not outside,” said Dr. Bhandaru. “All these festivals remind us to work hard to remove the demonic qualities – anger, too much desire – All these 6 qualities we have to get rid of and then practice the good qualities.”
Ohio State student Pranav Dixit says the law will allow students an opportunity to fully celebrate the festival without school obligations getting in the way.
“In high school, we grew up without the law and so we had to set aside time to celebrate with our family and then come to the temple to celebrate with the whole community as a whole and so we had to sort of set aside time away from our homework,” said Daxit.
According to State Senator Antani, Ohio will be the first state in the country that requires schools to give Hindu students a day off for Diwali.
The law will require parents or guardians to inform the school of the religious holiday the student will be taking off within 14 days of the first day of the school year.
In addition, schools will be required to not penalize students academically for taking the religious holiday off from school and provide reasonable alternatives for any exams missed.
You can read the full text of the new law here.
Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings.
Local health podcasters "Two Cool Dudes" will present at "When the Sun Goes Down, Find Your Light" event – Gettysburg Connection
Local podcasters, the “Two Cool Dudes” of Anthony Johnson and Lawrence Williams, will collaborate with Healthy Adams Behavioral Health Task Force members to bring the When the Sun Goes Down, Find your light event to Gettysburg High School on Jan. 22 at 6:15 p.m.
The duo’s mission is to de-stigmatize mental health issues; the program will offer an insightful exploration of mental wellness.
Although it is held at the high school, “the event is for everyone,” said Johnson.
The Weary Arts Group will also be performing, adding a unique twist to stories that will be shared by some of the podcast’s past guests.
Representatives from local agencies will be on hand to provide valuable information about the resources and services they offer.
The duo’s work is cathartic and brings discussion of mental health issues on a personal basis. “We still have struggles. What we go through on a daily basis from what we’ve been through helps us to give back,” said Johnson. “I have 2 kids in school. I know how things can seem because of depression, politics, loss of a loved one, the way the world is today and so on.”
Hearing two African-American men talk about mental health concerns, thoughts, and feelings helps to normalize every day struggles in the surrounding community. “It’s ok not to be OK,” they say.
The podcast helps the duo meet others where they are and get link them to local resources. “We hope to revamp the podcast in 2025 and do some more recordings to help others,” said Williams.
This is a free community event, but participants are asked to register using the QR codes on the flyer and consider making a donation to the Healthy Adams County Task Force.
Amy Thomas, Contributing Editor, is responsible for community outreach, including our social media presence. She, her husband, and her two children reside in Adams County. Amy also works in early childhood education and occupational therapy, and volunteers with local organizations.
Comments must include your first and last name and an email address for verification.
Click here to view our comments policy
Click here to view all comments
Chinese botanical medicine eases a cancer treatment side effect – Medical Xpress
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is Free on Epic Game Store Today; Claim It Now! – Beebom
Epic Games store enters 2025 with a bang and the 15th free mystery game revealed is Kingdom Come: Deliverance. You have only 24 hours to claim this epic open-world RPG adventure.
The Epic Games Store mystery game 2024 event is going with a mixed feeling so far. With only one game remaining to be revealed, Epic had to reveal a game worth the wait before the final one. And so did they! Originally released in 2018, Kingdom Come is one of the iconic RPG experiences that contains everything you desire from the adventure of the Holy Roman Empire.
If you love a story-rich RPG, this is one of the best choices out there. The game is more than just combat, leveling up and progress. In Kingdom Come: Deliverance, your goal is to break the chains and witness a path only you can take.
Unveil an inclusive character creator and take on multiple side stories that feel as important. Apart from the iconic story-telling, the game comes with a classic action-adventure style combat. Being a son of the blacksmith, the combat coming forth will be challenging.
Keep in mind that there is no story unless you create one. Yes, the path you choose, the choices you make, or the allies/enemies you pair with will decide your fate. This complements the already realistic open world of Bohemia.
Kingdom Come: Deliverance is usually at a price of $29.99 and getting such a critically acclaimed game for free is a steal deal. Claim Kingdom Come: Deliverance for free from the Epic Games Store mystery event now.
A gaming nerd who cover all thing video games. Spending time looking through the games and gaming industry was always a dream. Thanks to Beebom, I live it. Once I am done gaming, I write. Once I am done writing, I game.
01
02
03
04
05
Expert Sounds Alarm Over Double-Click Cyberattacks on Major Browsers – NTD
A new and “extremely rampant” cyberthreat has emerged that involves exploiting mouse double-click timing to bypass protections on web browsers and trick users into authorizing unintended actions such as sharing sensitive data or approving malicious app access, according to cybersecurity expert Paulos Yibelo.
Dubbed “double clickjacking,” the new threat manipulates browser users into unknowingly interacting with sensitive elements, such as login authorizations or account permissions, by seamlessly switching the context of a webpage during a double-click action, according to Yibelo, who detailed the exploit in a recent blog post.
Double clickjacking attacks typically begin with a malicious webpage presenting an innocuous prompt, such as a CAPTCHA or a verification request, asking the user to double-click to proceed. When the user clicks the first time, the attack triggers a new browser window to open while manipulating the original window’s content. In the split second between the user’s first and second clicks, the original content is replaced with sensitive elements like permission requests or account authorization dialogs. The second click interacts with the replaced content, authorizing actions the user never intended to approve.
Double clickjacking is a novel variation of clickjacking, an attack that has been around for years. Clickjacking attacks enable malicious websites to trick users into clicking hidden buttons that they never intended to interact with, giving rise to the risk of unauthorized transactions, data breaches, or control over user accounts.
The original clickjacking attack has been rendered impractical because modern browsers have introduced protections to prevent malicious websites from embedding sensitive content in hidden frames or executing unauthorized actions. However, double clickjacking circumvents these defenses by exploiting the sequence and timing of user interactions, specifically during double-click actions, making it a more sophisticated and dangerous threat.
“While it might sound like a small change, it opens the door to new UI manipulation attacks that bypass all known clickjacking protections, including the X-Frame-Options header or a SameSite: Lax/Strict cookie,” Yibelo notes. “This technique seemingly affects almost every website, leading to account takeovers on many major platforms.”
Double clickjacking is dangerous for several reasons, according to Yibelo. Not only does it bypass traditional clickjacking protections, it can also attack browser extensions—not just the websites themselves. Yibelo says proof-of-concept attacks have demonstrated how it could exploit popular browser-based crypto wallets to authorize unauthorized web3 transactions. It could also be used to disable VPN extensions, potentially exposing a user’s IP address.
Further, double clickjacking is “extremely rampant,” according to Yibelo, who says that all websites that he has tested are vulnerable to it by default. It also requires minimal user interaction, only requiring the user to double-click as opposed to filling out forms or performing multiple steps.
Yibelo says long-term solutions to guard against double clickjacking exploits would require browser updates and new standards. In the meantime, he recommends that developers use a relatively simple JavaScript approach on their websites that would eliminate the risk of double clickjacking by disabling critical buttons by default unless a gesture like moving the mouse or using the keyboard is detected.
He also urges users to be wary of prompts requiring double-clicks, especially on unfamiliar websites. Keeping browsers and extensions updated ensures that the latest security patches are in place, helping reducing vulnerabilities to exploits. Also, using anti-malware and security tools can help detect and block suspicious behavior in real time.
From The Epoch Times
Increased security at Camp Pendleton after recent terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas – ABC 10 News San Diego KGTV
Menu
CAMP PENDLETON (KGTV) — The recent terror attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas are the reasons for newly heightened security at all military installations in the U.S.
That includes here at home at Camp Pendleton and the Naval Base in San Diego, where all entry gates have heightened security.
A longer wait with upped security at the entry gates, including 100% ID checks and random inspections.
In a statement to ABC 10News, Camp Pendleton 1st Lieutenant Jorin Hollenbeak said, “Due to the recent events in New Orleans and Las Vegas, Commander NORTHCOM has directed all military installations in the U.S. to immediately implement heightened security measures at all entry gates…”
The Trusted Traveler Program has also been suspended.
“When they’ve suspended the trusted traveler program, is that they’re going to do 100% no exceptions ID check for everybody, right, whereas sometimes if you’re a service member or you’re a contractor with a DOD ID card, and you go up to the gate, they might wave you through, trusting that you’ve vetted the passengers in your vehicle,” said Shawn VanDiver, the founder of the Truman National Security Project San Diego Chapter.
He said security changes at military bases happen consistently.
“We see the threat postures of bases and government installations, and even private sector installations, or private sector buildings, fluctuate all the time,” said VanDiver. “And again, sometimes it’s local threat, sometimes it’s to just keep people on their toes.”
The Naval Base is also included in those military institutions that are impacted by this security.
Diverse scope of work in Artificial Intelligence – The Hindu
January 5, 2025e-Paper
The Hindu On Books Books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features.
Data Point Decoding the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers
First Day First Show News and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming.
Health Matters Ramya Kannan writes to you on getting to good health, and staying there
The View From India Looking at World Affairs from the Indian perspective.
Science For All The weekly newsletter from science writers takes the jargon out of science and puts the fun in!
Karnataka Today Your daily dose of news highlights from Karnataka
Today's Cache Your download of the top 5 technology stories of the day.
January 5, 2025e-Paper
Published – January 05, 2025 08:30 am IST
The overall scope of AI extends beyond this to complex work in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, Science, research, environment, transportation and more. | Photo Credit: Getty Images/iStockPhoto
There has seldom been as crucial a juncture in human history as right now. The phenomenon that is Artificial Intelligence (AI) has completely transformed human lives in the last few years. The growing emphasis on AI has been further supplemented by its role in promoting innovation in the global business space.
As this paradigm shift takes place, AI is being increasingly used in Large Language Models (LLMs), through its innovative generative capacity, for content creation. However, the true potential of AI extends to more complex procedures, as this new-age technology’s foundational objective has always been to streamline how humans operate, and offer solutions that not only reduce timeframes but also enhance quality of life.
In 2023, worldwide spending on AI-centric systems was estimated at $154 billion, with the banking and retail industries making the largest investments. A major part of this push was focused on Generative AI (GenAI), highlighting the growing emphasis on GenAI-related operations such as content creation. However, the overall scope of AI extends beyond this to complex work in sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, Science, research, environment, transportation and more.
For example, AI has transformed customer engagement, an aspect that is being extensively used by retail companies in Customer Relationship Management (CRM) to help customers choose, customise products, services, payment methods and so on. In the electronics industry, manufacturers are integrating AI as part of appliances, computer accessories, and white goods to enhance the output, streamline processes, reduce expenses and amplify affordability.
The growing emphasis on AI in all paths of life opens up a unique opportunity for students to develop innovative models that can help in various sectors. As a direct result of the increased infusion of capital in the space, corporations are hiring more talent to develop state-of-the-art AI models, highlighting the increased demand for skilled professionals. For example, the scope of AI in the healthcare domain includes diagnosis, medical image analysis, virtual health assistants, predictive analysis, remote monitoring, drug adherence, research, treatment planning and patient care. The integration of AI-powered medical assistants can not only help future-proof medical science but also increase the chance of new drug discovery, personalised medicine, genomics and new advancements.
In the manufacturing and industrial sector, AI can lead to streamlining processes, predictive maintenance, quality control, mitigating inefficiencies, inventory management, supply chain optimisation, reducing production costs and more.
In education, AI is already leading to personalised learning, natural language processing (NLP) for language learning, smart content recommendations, virtual classrooms, automated tutoring, and innovative features like speech-to-text and vice versa for distinct learning requirements.
Finance, research and development, transportation, smart cities, defence and numerous other sectors are increasingly witnessing AI integration. This widespread effort is leading to more relevance for algorithmic methodologies, including assessments, new developments and other aspects.
As a result, many companies are investing significant capital, time and expertise to create new-age solutions, with these efforts further supplemented by governmental participation. This comprehensive push is also being powered by a population that prefers more streamlined and efficient ways to completing tasks. As we step into a new age of innovation, today’s students must look at new ways to design and sustain a new world.
The writer is Founder and CEO, GUVI Geek Networks.
Published – January 05, 2025 08:30 am IST
education / The Hindu Education Plus / careers / students / higher education / university / universities and colleges / technology (general) / Artificial Intelligence
Copyright© 2025, THG PUBLISHING PVT LTD. or its affiliated companies. All rights reserved.
BACK TO TOP
Terms & conditions | Institutional Subscriber
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.