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NORTH AMERICAN Newsline MARCH 08, 2024 | The Indian Eye 34

have historical relations, which are now entering a new era of increased cooper- He learnt Gurbani Kirtan based
ation and collaboration. I remain committed to working towards strengthening on 31 ragas of Guru Granth Sahib
the economic and bilateral trade relationships between our two great nations.” from renowned Sangeet Kirtankar Dr
This is part of honorary awards to foreign nationals approved by His Maj-
esty The King in 2024. This award recognise foreign and Commonwealth na- Gurnam Singh, former head of Gur-
bani Sangeet Chair of Punjabi Uni-
tionals who have made an outstanding contribution to the UK. versity through Baljinder Singh, the
The 66-year-old entrepreneur stated that he was “deeply humbled” by the
gracious recognition from King Charles. head of the Rara Sahib Samprada.
The Sikh holy scripture, Guru
FIROZ MERCHANT Granth Sahib, is composed in and di-
vided into a total of 60 ragas. This is a
Philanthropist donates Rs 2.25 Cr combination of 31 single raags and 29
mixed raags (a raag composed by com-
to free 900 prisoners in the UAE bining two or three raags together).
Album
containing
Gurbani
Shabad Keertan in 31 ragas sung by 12-year-old Arjanveer Singh was jointly
released by Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh, SGPC president Har-
jinder Singh Dhami, Rara Sahib Samprada head Baba Baljinder Singh and
others at Akal Takht secretariat in Amritsar on Saturday. Dhami congratulat-
ed the family of the child.
RIMLI ROY

Surati founder receives the NJ

State Council Fellowship award

imli Roy, Surati Founder and
Artistic Director has received
Rthe NJ State Council on the
Arts 2024 Individual Artist Fellow-
ship award. Ms Roy is a recipient in
the Interdisciplinary category which
n a pre-Ramzan gesture, a UAE-based Indian entrepreneur and philan- uses two or more artistic forms from
thropist has donated 1 million dirhams (approximately INR 2.5 crore) to the categories listed for this award in
Iensure the release of 900 prisoners from jails across the Gulf nation. Firoz alternate years. She is also a past re-
Merchant, 66, is the owner of Pure Gold Jewellers, donated the money to the cipient of the Folk Arts Apprentice-
UAE authorities, a testament to the holy month’s message of humility, human- ship award from the NJSCA and the
ity, forgiveness, and kindness. Sunshine Award in 2023.
“Prominent Dubai-based Indian businessman and philanthropist Firoz “The New Jersey State Council on
Merchant of Pure Gold has donated close to Rs 2.25 Crores (AED 1 million) the Arts is pleased to share the excit-
to ensure the release of 900 prisoners from jails across the Arabian nation,” ing news that Ms Rimli Roy is among 76 artists selected from 692 eligible appli-
said a statement from his office. cants in six artistic disciplines to be awarded a 2024 Individual Artist Fellowship.
Under the aegis of The Forgotten Society initiative founded in 2008, Mer- Your work was reviewed by a panel of peers working in your field, and they
chant has already been instrumental in obtaining the release of 900 prisoners evaluated it to be of very high artistic quality. A Fellowship ...will be awarded to
across the UAE since the beginning of 2024, including 495 prisoners from you in recognition of the outstanding work you are doing and in the hope that it
Ajman, 170 prisoners from Fujairah, 121 prisoners from Dubai, 69 prisoners will enable you to further your artistic goals, “ stated NJSCA.
from Umm Al Quwain and 28 from Ras Al Khaimah. Roy is an artiste, dancer, choreographer, producer, director, actor, visionary
With the help of the Director Generals of Police at the Central Jails across and humanitarian from Kolkata, India who embarked on her artistic journey at
the UAE, Merchant has already made possible the release of over 20,000 pris- the age of 4, immersing herself first in classical Indian dance forms like Odissi,
oners over the years from a wide range of denominations, nationalities, and Bharatnatyam, Manipuri under renowned gurus of India, while also learning
religions. He gets their debt paid and donates funds for their air tickets to fly Western classical pianoforte under the tutelage of the Trinity College of Music,
back to their home country. London as well as Indian Classical music (Hindustani vocals and harmonium).
Her quest led her to explore beyond traditional practices. Significant mile-
ARJANVEER SINGH stones in her journey are the creation of productions like “Glimpses of India”
and “Ramaavan – A Musical” that seamlessly blend genres from the East and
NY Sikh boy rolls out album of the West. Ms. Roy’s artistry has graced iconic venues such as the United Na-
tions, The Kennedy Center and The Library of Congress in D.C, The Lincoln
Gurbani Shabad Kirtan Center in NYC, The Reichhold Center at the U.S Virgin Islands, The Indian
Consulate in NYC, Times Square NYC, and The Alaska Performing Arts Cen-
ter. Beyond her performances, she nurtures budding dancers and collaborates
2-year-old Arjanveer Singh has released his album of Gurbani Shabad with tri-state organizations to democratize the arts. Her ensemble beautifully
Kirtan in 31 ragas of Guru Granth Sahib. A prodigy based at Albany, New reflects her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusivity.
1 York he learned the recital of Gurbani Kirtan in classical Ragas pointed
towards his dedication towards Gurmat philosophy.
About his feat he said it was an initiative aimed at connecting children
worldwide with the ‘Ragatmic Shabad Kirtan’ of Guru Granth Sahib. He ren- To read more about Indian diaspora and Global Indians,
dered Gurbani Kirtain in Ragas such as Aasaa, Wadhans, Sorath and others. log on to and follow our website www.TheIndianEYE.com

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