
Hitting the high notes
To say that Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee is a performer is an understatement. From politics to art, Ms Banerjee displays her dazzling and varied talent whenever she gets an opportunity. Only last week, we saw the CM sharing the dais with the daughter and wife of famous composer Salil Chowdhury on the occasion of his birth anniversary. While the mother-daughter duo coaxed the chief minister to be the lead singer for the evening, Didi being the modest soul that she is opted to lend her voice to the chorus. In fact, her love for the arts is well-known. When the land acquisition battle against the Left was at its zenith, Didi was seen calmly standing on a dais painting. Then when the Trinamool Congress performed badly in the parliamentary elections, Ms Banerjee took to poetry. Truly, as Shelly wrote, our sweetest songs are those that tell of saddest thought.
With such an artistic CM at the helm, it was only a matter of time before she tried to inculcate a love for the arts in others. So last week, the Bengal government recommended the introduction of performing arts courses in undergraduate and post-graduate studies in state-aided universities, something even the Left had not thought of doing. Of course, she did not bother to fix the existing problems that higher educational institutions are facing like lack of funds and staff. But then creative geniuses cannot be helmed in by such mundane matters. Usually starting another course is the prerogative of the executive council of the institutions. But who is to argue with Mamatadi who is not one to take too kindly to being thwarted?
The state may have all sorts of problems like rural poverty and unemployment, but thanks to our Didi, people can now face their troubles with a song on their lips and a spring in their step.

Murder in Bihar’s Saran district sparks violence against police
- At least eight policemen were injured in the two-hour mayhem that began around 9.30 am.

Covaxin demonstrates prowess of Atmanirbhar Bharat, says ICMR chief
- Bharat Biotech developed the country’s first indigenous vaccine, Covaxin, in partnership with ICMR.

‘Nails put in farmers’ path, if this preparation was at borders...’: Thackeray

'Be ready to combat new and emerging diseases: VP Naidu's message to scientists

Jawans to take part in top military meet for first time, PM Modi to address it
- The military is expected to make a presentation to the PM on the situation along the borders and progress made towards the creation of theatre commands.

Nirav Modi case: Lawyer says ex-SC judge Katju made ‘contemptuous’ remarks

Anurag Kashyap, Tapsee Pannu raided in tax evasion probe: 10 points
- Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik has alleged that the raids on Anurag Kashyap and Tapsee Pannu were an attempt to suppress the voice of those who speak against the central government.

Arunachal to send proposal to govt for dereservation of some reserve forests: CM
- Khandu said, he had recently asked the chief secretary to compile details of such reserve forests and send a proposal to the Centre with a request to use such forest land for carrying out development work.

BSF jawan killed, two others injured in accident in firing range in Jaisalmer
- Five jawans were taking part in a night firing practice when the incident took place.

To improve green cover, Telangana MP helms initiative to promote planting trees
- Santosh is planning to set up a Green India Foundation to take up the tree plantation programme extensively and also spread it to other parts of the country.

Request to vaccinate Dalai Lama at his premises under consideration: authorities
- the Tibetan government-in-exile, had asked the Centre and the Kangra district medical officer to vaccinate the Dalai Lama and those working around him at the earliest,

Kerala minister says notices to investment fund board 'cheap poll gimmick'

‘Won’t lose match as stadium’s name is Narendra Modi’: Thackeray’s dig at Centre

In bid to expand base after poll debacle, JD (U) forms upper caste cell
- The focus on the upper caste, according to party leaders, is mainly to draw them closer to the party by letting them know the inclusive development that chief minister Nitish Kumar has been able to usher in over the last one and half decades.
