Recent Ghazal and Song Programme Videos
17 Dec 2010 1 Comment
in Live Ghazal and Song Programmes
I along with my wife, Sarita, deliver decent ghazal programmes that includes old bollywood songs as well. We have been delivering live programmes more than a decade. You can go through some of our videos below.
We do have our own ghazal and geet compositions and entertain farmaishi ghazals sung by famous ghazal singers such as Jagjit Singh, Ghulam Ali, Mehdi Hassan, Talat Aziz etc. and songs of Lata Mangeshkar, Asha Bhonsle, Geeta Dutt, etc.
FOR MORE VIDEOS PLEASE GO TO YOUTUBE AND ENTER NISHANT AKSHAR
Lost my Wallet! Learnt a lesson but.
27 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Personal
Today was an eventful day. I lost my wallet. Gone with it my pan card, driving license, some documents, and above all, hard earned cash. In fact, it slipped out of my shorts.
As I am of the opinion that if something like this happens, you must learn a lesson, here is what I learnt from the incident:
- It’s always better not to keep your important documents in your wallet. After losing my Pan Card, I was just thinking that what was ‘that’ doing in my wallet. Well, this is what realization is, you see.
- Driving License is something, which you cannot avoid. However, it is good to keep it elsewhere as wallet is vulnerable to stealing, if not getting lost.
- Above all, don’t keep your wallet in your short’s pocket. Usually they are not that deep. Learn from my mistake my friends as I paid the price for it instead of paying the price to the chemist ( I was about to pay to the chemist).
Well, I could not do anything other than blocking my debit/credit cards instantaneously. Anyway whatever happens just happens. You have to take it into your stride. Here I am doing it!
Advantages of Online Music Classes
25 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Online Music Classes - Indian Classical Music (Vocal Only)
- Save Time and Money
- Get Personalized Attention
- No Transportation Hassles, Pollution
- More Convenient Music Learning Environment
- Safe For Female Candidates
- No Distractions During the Session
- Comfortable and Secure Music Sessions
- Can Opt for Voice Only Mode without Camera
Online Music Classes – Indian Classical Music (Vocal)
25 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Online Music Classes - Indian Classical Music (Vocal Only)
Here’s your chance to learn Indian Music, directly from me, over the Internet!
Online Music Lessons in Indian Classical Vocal (Khyal and Thumri) are delivered.
The lessons are delivered by me and Sarita, my wife.
Now, you don’t have to go anywhere to learn Indian Classical Music as you can do so in Real-Time Live mode lessons, delivered on the Internet through the advanced Internet technology.
DEMO CLASS AVAILABLE
Welcome to the gift of Information Technology, which we use it to assist you to realize your true musical potential.
Lesson Fees:
Please note that the fee structure varies for the Indian students and Foreign students.
1 hour slots (ideal for Indian Music Lessons)
For registration for the First Semester, the required payment is Rs. 3500/- (which includes one time registration charges + 1 month fee)
For following months the required payment is Rs. 2400 @ Rs.300/- per class for 8 classes in a month)
For 30 minute slots
For Registration for the First Semester the required payment is Rs. 2000/-(which includes one times registration charges + one month fee)
For following months the required payment is Rs. 1200 @ Rs.150/- per class for 8 classes in a month)
*** Special Note:
Payments are currently made via Online Transfer (account with ICICI Bank). We can also provide IFSC Code in case transferring from non-ICICI Bank)
If for some reason you want to avoid this payment system you can talk to me directly or write to me.
Getting Started:
To begin online music sessions, you’ll need to set up an appointment.
Note: We do provide lessons to Foreign Students as well. However, the fee structure is entirely different from the above mentioned fee details. If you are one of them, do contact personally.
Schedule a Session:
As online music classes for Indian Classical Music involves genuine private appointments with a live online instructor, you are required to seek a well defined schedule before starting your interactive sessions.
Please feel free to call any of the following numbers:
+91 0 9810034468
+91 0120 4242455
UK Suspends Speed Cameras, It’s Just Like Indian Roads Now!
25 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Personal
I could not think, even in my wildest dreams! When the world plunges into recession, it resorts to some interesting solutions. Now, here’s something mind blowing.
The Government of United Kingdom axes speed camera funds. WOW!
We, in India, always thought that the UK is far disciplined than India, when it comes to ordinary roads. Well, you need to change your opinion now.
As the Government has announced to get rid of speed cameras installed on the UK roads, it has resorted to this decision as it seem them as the “cash cows” for local councils.
Here’s an interesting comment by the Junior transport minister Mike Penning said that the cameras were being used primarily as a source of revenue for local authorities and not for road safety.
Mr Penning pointed out that the number of speed cameras in the country has grown by three times and largely perceived as the “cash cows”.
My interpretation, of the above issue, is interesting. We (some strict disciplinarians) always dreamed of getting speed cameras installed on our roads. We always looked to west as better organized and equipped in handling its day to day pursuits.
Well, it proves that everything’s economic, you see!
I am impressed. This world is realizing the importance of equality now. 
Minimum Wage Law in Hon Kong – A Sigh of Relief
19 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Personal
In its first ever attempt to resolve a decade old confrontation; Hong Kong passed its first minimum wage law.
It took 40 odd hours, which involved heated debate between the city’s business sector and labour groups, to resolve the issue in the favour of labour. Indeed, it’s a historic moment for Hong Kong.
So, just in a few months time, the government-appointed task group is set to propose a minimum wage level.
However, the tenets of implementing the law are a matter of debate.
Significance of this Decision in a Capitalist Economy
Well, the decision to go for the law was taken since it was felt that there are some practices, which are bearing negative results especially for the labour class. The whole point is that the workers must be secured to a certain level.
It is great to note that the government is set to control the legal framework for setting the minimum wage.
The Unions Demand
Unions have pushed for the demand to get 4.2 US dollars an hour against 2-3 dollars, the current wage in nearly most of the private firms.
Even in major countries such as London and New York, the rates are set between 7.25 and 8.80 US dollars.
Regulatory measures amidst the free economy conundrum are direly needed in my opinion. I heartily support this decision.
Gurgaon Music Festival – Set to Celebrate, May it Reverberate!
18 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
While browsing my copy of Hindustan Times, I came across an interesting advertisement, ‘It is time for Gugaon to celebrate’. What for, I thought!
Surprisingly, my eyes started glancing through the legendary musicians. Oh, that’s it! In fact, I was looking for such kind of treat and knowing that it is all set to captivate Gurgaon this time, I felt good.
Significance of Gurgaon First Music Festival
Just a few days back, there was much hue and cry in Gurgaon. It remained in news for wrong reasons. Though a highly commercialized city, it witnesses traffic jams, water logging, and many more similar problems.
Anyway, the Gurgaon Music Festival, to be held from July 16 to Aug 1 is delightful. If on the one hand, it’s going to build reputation for the city, on the other it’s set to galvanize the people to do something substantial. Music Festivals, when organized on such a massive scale involving senior musicians, always bear positive results for the community.
So, here we are with the biggest ever cultural extravaganza for the residents of Gurgaon. It will be held at Epicenter and Gurgaon Gymkhana, easily accessible for the residents of Gurgaon.
With eminent personalities out there in the middle of the city, Gurgaon is bound to witness its status exalting beyond imagination.
My only wish is that as Gurgaon is set to Celebrate, may it reverberate to NOIDA soon!
Be there to be a part of this memorable music event!
My Tribute to Czech Music and Mozart Authority, Charles Mackerras
15 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Personal
For those who witnessed the opening concert at the Sydney Opera House with Charles Mackerras, it was a mournful evening. An authority on Czech Music and Mozart, the Australian conductor Sir Charles Mackerras died in London. He was 84.
It was the same man who became the first non-Briton to conduct the BBC Symphony Orchestra. It was in 1980s in wake of the Last Night of the Proms.
He was born in New York in 1925 to Australian parents. Went to Australia for studying oboe and piano at the New South Wales Conservatorium. Thereafter, he went to Prague and was known as an authority on both Czech music, particularly Janáček, and Mozart.
Recognized for his pioneering efforts, it was he who delivered first London performance of Janáček’s Katya Kabanova in 1951. The venue was at Sadler’s Wells. He also went on to become musical director of Sadler’s Wells.
His high stature in music can be ascertained with the fact that he conducted 26 operas at Covent Garden, by 15 different composers.
Mackerras had a long association with the Sydney Symphony since he remained the principal oboist in 1946. Also its chief conductor in 1973, he was knighted in 1979.
My tribute to Sir Charles Mackerras, an eminent conductor and a special part of the Sydney Symphony family. He will be loved through the generations to come.
Does Healing Music Work?
14 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
Music can heal as well. Just browsing through the Internet or nearby audio, we find a wide variety of music healing audio/video collection. Music labeled with “Healing Music” is indeed selling like hot cake. Be it in the name of relaxation, meditation, stress reduction, or pain relief, Healing Music CDs claim that they have been capable of healing.
What’s “healing music” in fact?
Undoubtedly, music is capable of stirring our innermost feelings and emotions. The language of music is indeed universal and gets ourselves connected deeply and uniquely.
It is undeniable that there are certain types of music, which are capable of energizing you, move you to tears, or strike the perfect accord with your pleasant past experiences. Of course, there is a type of music, which relaxes, de-stress, and makes you feel happier. Well, there is music for one’s soul too.
My Opinion from Music Teaching point of view
While I conduct music classes in Noida imparting Indian Classical Music training, I question my students on this issue. Well, the answers, which I receive are astonishing. Some students say that they actually feel light and calm during the practice sessions. What’s more, there are students, who even claim that their overall behaviour has changed considerably since learning Indian Classical Music.
Now, coming on to the healing part of music, anything that carries an element to relax and calm you, is capable of healing you as well. As it has been proved medically that more relaxed you are, better health you gain, it leads us to the conclusion that music heals.
Chicken or the Egg? It’s Chicken says British Scientists
14 Jul 2010 Leave a Comment
in Personal
Are you still perplexed with the age old question, which came first, the chicken or the egg?
Well, British scientists have an answer for you. They say, and with confidence, it’s chicken.
So, here we are with scientific and philosophical mystery solved. Thanks to the researchers at Sheffield and Warwick universities. Daily Mail newspaper must also be congratulated for disseminating the information.
How did they prove it?
The scientists claim that they have found protein only in a chicken’s ovaries, which is essential to form the egg. The egg can only exist when supported by a chicken, who keeps it inside.
There’s nothing to argue and prove now! 
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