21st century worst time for humanity: Ustad Amjad Ali Khan
Kolkata, Jan 27: Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan feels the 21st century is the "worst" time for humanity, a phase in which people are killing each other on account of religion.
"We need peace in the world, but unfortunately politics is now based on religion, politicians plays around with religion for selfish interests. So that is the unfortunate part, not only in India but all over the world," the 'Padma Vibhushan' told PTI.
Khan was speaking on the sidelines of the Tata Steel Kolkata Literary Meet here.
"The 21st century should have been very peaceful, successful. But, it has turned to be the worst time all over the world. People are afraid to travel and there is no security," he said.
Recalling the words of his father Masoom Ali Khan that "all of us have a common God and we are a common race", the 73-year-old maestro said, "I wish this message was given by priests of every religion."
Khan said every human being has to make efforts to maintain peace and harmony in the world.
Without elaborating, he pointed out that there had been instances of "radicalisation of research scholars" and said it shows education has not created compassion and kindness in humans.
During a discussion at the literary meet, Khan said to a question about the role of tradition and convention in arts, "If you want to do something (different), if God is kind, you might come up with something new within the tradition.
"If your composition is beautiful, the raga becomes more interesting. It is important for any young musician to give more importance to composition."
To another question, he recalled having recorded a 'Tribute To Tagore' album with late Rabindra Sangeet exponent Suchitra Mitra.
"I had travelled with Mitra in Bengal (during the recording of the album), and I realised how Tagore took liberty in his ragas and how beautifully it came out. I thought only a genius can take such liberty," Khan said.
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UP: Fake IAS officer marries woman, flees with Rs 15 lakh dowry
Gorakhpur (UP) (PTI): A newly married man fled with the Rs 15 lakh given to him as dowry by the bride's family, and it came to light later that he was an alleged serial scammer, police said on Sunday.
The accused, identified as Pritam Kumar Nishad from Etawah, allegedly posed as an IAS officer to deceive the woman into marrying him. He is currently absconding with his sister, and a case has been filed against him for cheating, dowry harassment, and forgery, officials said.
According to the police, the woman's family claimed that they spent nearly Rs 30 lakh for the wedding that was solemnised on March 11.
The match was arranged through a matrimonial group, where the accused introduced himself as an IAS officer, sharing purported interview clips, office visuals, and photographs with politicians to gain the family's trust.
Despite initially claiming he would marry without dowry, the accused allegedly demanded Rs 15 lakh shortly before the engagement. The bride's family paid Rs 10 lakh in cash during the engagement and the remaining Rs 5 lakh on the wedding day, the police said.
The fraud came to light on Saturday after the woman reached Etawah, and a wedding attendee informed the family that the accused was not a civil servant. When her relatives visited the address provided by him, they found her in a small rented room, while the accused and his sister had fled, the police added.
The woman has also alleged that the accused planned to take her to Goa and sell her, and accused him of inappropriate behaviour.
The police suspect that the accused may have been involved in multiple such marriages in the past. Based on a complaint lodged at the cantonment police station, an FIR was registered on Saturday evening.
Senior Superintendent of Police Dr Kaustubh said efforts are underway to arrest the accused.
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