New Delhi, May 13: An old family radio, a typewriter, a cane chair, old mugs and several other humble items of day-to-day use are the inspiration behind an ongoing exhibition at the Lalit Kala Akademi here.

Titled "Yesterday Once More", the exhibition presents works of young artist Jasleena Singh, who has always had a love for the realist elements of objects around her. The display kicked off on May 11 and will remain open for public viewing till May 17. 

Singh's show is a three part compositional set of realist works that celebrate all things old. The lantern series, the tea series and the retro series have all been presented as little studies of still life and socio cultural lifestyles that go back to deeper reflections.

"My work is about objects used in our day to day lives, which are now rarely used or just lying rusted in a corner," Singh said. 

"This body of work is fuelled with old school styling and day-to-day used instruments. I believe life is about cherishing our history and reminiscing the past. These works include my very own personal take on art with joy and pastel shades of the retro era. 

"Ranging from literal interpretations to metaphorical synthesis, these paintings incorporate dreams, emotions and expressions that influence my work. This old worldly charm is the essence of my work, and I create humble still life studies through these elements of daily use," she added. 

This debut includes Singh's very own personal take on art with joy and pastel shades of the retro era. Ranging from literal interpretations to metaphorical synthesis, these paintings incorporate dreams, emotions and expressions that influence her work.

Through this body of work, the artist claimed, she is trying to portray the rich legacy and cultural history of the bygone era, while showing the displacement and migration, which was brought to independence after a huge long struggle.

Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.



New Delhi: In a recent ruling, the Delhi High Court stated that individuals with no allegations of deceit should be entrusted with the responsibility of handling pilgrims keeping in mind the sanctity of Hajj.

Justice Subramonium Prasad highlighted the provision in the Haj Policy, granting the Central Government authority to bar Hajj Group Organizers (HGOs) against whom complaints of misconduct have been lodged, particularly concerning their dealings with pilgrims.

The court's stance came in response to a plea filed by Al Islam Tour Corporation challenging the Centre's decision to blacklist it for ten years, starting from Hajj 2021. This decision followed a complaint from a Hajj pilgrim, accusing the corporation of defrauding him in 2013 by accepting Rs. 13 lakhs for pilgrimage expenses but failing to refund the money upon cancellation.

Dismissing the plea, the court noted that the petitioner wasn't registered as an HGO for Hajj 2018 and thus shouldn't have been involved in any Hajj-related activities without proper registration.

The court underscored the significance of the Hajj pilgrimage for many Indians, often being a once-in-a-lifetime journey for the less privileged who may spend their entire savings on it.

Furthermore, the court said that while the majority of Indian pilgrims obtain permission from the Hajj Committee, some experienced private tour operators are also authorised to facilitate the pilgrimage.

Considering the objectives of the Hajj Policy and the seriousness of the complaint against the petitioner, the court deemed the imposed penalty justified and saw no need for modification.