Welcome to Surabhi

EPISODE 1

KALARIPAYATTU
The traditional martial art of Kerala is an amazing combination of grace and agility. Perhaps one of the oldest living martial arts, Kalaripayattu is learnt in a special gymnasium with due reverence for the guru and the presiding deity.

DR. L. SUBRAMANIAM
The famous violin maestro and composer, shares subtle details of his technique and mastery over the violin. Includes glimpses of his performance at the New York Philharmonic and playing with Yehudi Menuhin.

POTTERY IN AMBALA, GUJARAT
Using simple time tested techniques and local material, the Rathwa tribals make lacquered earthen vessels, in the Chhota Udaipur district in North Gujarat.

PALACE IN LEH (SHEY)
Restoration work in a palace that carries the rich legacy of Buddhist spiritual art in the valley of Jammu and Kashmir, a land truly blessed by the Gods.

JANTAR MANTAR
The remarkable astronomical observatory in Jaipur. This is the largest and best preserved of the five observatories built by King Sawai Jai Singh II, in different parts of the country.

EPISODE 2

PUPPETRY CONVENTION
An international puppetry convention in Delhi showcases the contrasts between Indian and foreign forms of puppetry.

POTTERY IN MANIPUR
Nilmanidevi creates fabulous earthenware pots without a potter's wheel.

TANPURA MAKING
Traditional Indian musical instruments like the sitar / tanpura are made from vegetable gourds at a well-known centre at Miraj.

SUN TEMPLE, KONARK
The remarkable sculptural splendour of the Sun temple in Orissa, which was created in the form of the chariot of the sun god.

SWAMINARAYAN MANDIR
The unique and striking features of the architecture of this temple in Ahmedabad.

MANDIR MODELS IN MAMALLAPURAM
Five stone Raths or chariots stand in one complex. Sculpted from a single granite formation, each of them represents a different style of architecture.

EPISODE 3

NINASAM OF HEGGODU
A report on the organisation that has been cultivating aesthetic and cultural sensibilities in remote areas of Karnataka.

ASTAD DEBOO
A leading exponent of contemporary dance, Astad Deboo shares the contributions of various dance forms to his style. Includes excerpts from his modern experimental dance performance.

METAL MIRRORS, KERALA
Master craftsman, Subramanium Achari, creates before us a mirror made entirely out of metal. But the proportions of the key components of the alloy are a family secret.

GANVAI HAAT
A weekly bazaar in Chhota Udaipur, Gujarat, as an integral feature of the Indian village life and its economy. The products on sale range from vegetables and spices to cattle.

JHULTE MINAR
The twin towers linked at the base speak of the genius of the architect Siddi Bashir who built this swinging monument in Ahmedabad 500 years ago. Why one minar swings when the other is shaken remains a riddle.

BAWRI (STEPWELL)
In Gujarat, the Dada Harir Vav is much more than a subterranean architectural achievement. It is a specimen of the traditional Indian wisdom of water harvesting and management

EPISODE 4

KAVI BHARATI
A report on the poet's convention held at Bharat Bhavan, Bhopal.

PATTACHITRA
In Raghurajpur, Orissa, crafts are a way of life and creation of artistic objects is the occupation in most households of the village.

KRISHEN KHANNA
An international artist and a member of the Progressive Artists Group. Among his favourite subjects are trucks and bandwalas.

UTENSILS MUSEUM, AHMEDABAD
A collection of 3,500 household vessels and 850 sarota or betelnut crackers display the role of aesthetics in everyday life in Gujarat.

TEA MAKING, LADAKH
Teatime in Leh is a different experience. Learn to make the Gurgur Chai with butter and salt.

IRULAS, THE SNAKE CATCHERS OF TAMIL NADU
The tribal techniques and modern medicine - a unique conjunction in action.

EPISODE 5

ARTISTS AGAINST COMMUNALISM
On January 1st, 1991, Sahmat organized performances by prominent artistes on a common platform, as a form of protest against communalism.

AMATEUR THEATRE
What draws people to perform on stage without pay? Interviews with members of Group theatre, Calcutta.

GANJIFA PLAYING CARDS
India?s unique playing cards are still made in Sawantwadi, Maharashtra. An enactment of how the game of cards was played is also presented.

TUNES FROM A BAMBOO STICK
In Bastar, a hollow bamboo stick is moved through air to create musical tunes.

EPISODE 6

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY, DURG, M.P.
Excavation of megalithic burial sites reveals signs of an ancient culture.

METAL CASTING (FOLK LOST WAX PROCESS)
Using a 5,000-year-old Indian technique, master craftsman Jaydev Bhagel at work in Bastar, M.P.

ASIATIC SOCIETY LIBRARY, MUMBAI
A collection of over three lakh books, including rare manuscripts, poses problems of preservation. A report on the institution's efforts to find support for its upkeep.

SURABHI, THE VEDIC MYTH
The myth about the cow as a mother goddess is graphically presented.

VANASHREE, TREES IN INDIAN MYTHOLOGY
A pictorial narration of the reverence for nature in Indian tradition.

EPISODE 7

G. ARAVINDAN
Homage to the noted filmmaker and excerpts from his films.

LAJJA GAURI, GOA
Discovery of a 2,500-year-old mother goddess figure in laterite.

ELEPHANTA FESTIVAL, MAHARASHTRA
A festival of dance and music against the backdrop of the Elephanta caves.

TERRACOTTA, GUJARAT
Shantibhai, master craftsman, at work on traditional terracotta motifs which are given as votive offerings to gods.

NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF INDIA (DELHI)
A profile of the institution, which has completed 100 years and a glimpse of the rare manuscripts and books preserved there.

EPISODE 8

THE 7TH TRIENNALE
A report on India's premier international art exhibition and the views of prominent artists and critics.

WOOD CARVING
Adivasis of Bastar have their own tradition of woodcarving.

OPERA HOUSE, MUMBAI
The prominent theatre where once Prithviraj and Lata Mangeshkar gave their memorable performances, today lies neglected and in danger of being pulled down.

MANIPURI MARTIAL ART
How training is imparted in a traditional form.

REMO FERNANDES
Sings a song expressing rage at the contemporary situation.

RAVI SHANKAR
Conducts an orchestra with a message for harmony - One India.

EPISODE 9

RANN OF KUTCH
Artefacts of Indus valley civilization and the signs of an ancient language.

KISHORI AMONKAR
An accomplished vocalist who does not confine herself to any particular style.

SARASWATI MAHAL LIBRARY, THANJAVUR
Noted for its collection of ancient manuscripts and scholars who work on translation.

INDIAN MUSEUM
The museum houses some unique collections like the Bharhut gate.

MOGHUL GARDENS, RASHTRAPATI BHAVAN
The sprawling gardens outside the Indian President's residence in New Delhi are thrown open to visitors in February each year.

EPISODE 10

DARPANA ACADEMY
Profile of the institution in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, that imparts training in Bharata Natyam, puppetry and dance-drama forms. Features Mrinalini and Mallika Sarabhai.

METAL CASTING, TAMIL NADU
In Swamimalai Village, near Thanjavur, Sri. Karunanithi Sthapathy's workshop executes major idol casting works.

LEH PALACE
The palace has remarkable architectural features though it was built with only locally available material. The Leh palace is in urgent need of restoration.

NATIONAL MUSEUM RESTORATION SECTION
The National Museum, Delhi, has an exclusive restoration section that takes care of rare books and records.

NAUCHANDI MELA, MEERUT
The tradition of this festival goes back hundreds of years. It is held every year in March/April, near a temple in Meerut.

EPISODE 11
THE NEK RAKSHAK GROUP, TIRUMALA
Dr. Anand's group uses folk theatre to communicate health messages in rural areas.

DHONDUTAI KULKARNI
Classical vocalist and Sangeet Natak Academy award winner.

COMPUTER ART
Well-known Indian painters experiment with this new technology.

HYDERABAD
A tribute to the city on its 400th anniversary.

TRADITIONAL WRESTLING IN BENARAS
Men in action in akhadas or traditional gymnasiums

EPISODE 12

SPIC - MACAY
Interviews with members of this voluntary group. Includes a musical program with the sarod player, Buddhadev Dasgupta.

T.S NAGARAJAN, PHOTOGRAPHER
A series of photographs of Chettinad houses, the grand old mansions which are the favourite subject of T.S.Nagarajan.

ANTHROPOLOGICAL MUSEUM (OPEN AIR)
Near Bhopal, spread over 250 acres, are typical tribal homes from remote areas transplanted and reconstructed with traditional decorations.

SAND SCULPTURE
Manmohan Mahapatra and Benno Kaiser of Germany at work on the beach.

TRADITIONAL MEDICINE
Featuring an Ojha, the traditional herbal cure practitioner. Also a look at the recent revival of interest in Ayurvedic medicine.

EPISODE 13

STREET THEATRE DAY
On 12th April, prominent artists communicate ideas about freedom and secularism.

MANIPURI FOLK THEATRE
An all women's group enacts a folk story in graceful dance-like movements.

CARTOON EXHIBITION
An all-India competition with a distinguished jury.

THANGKA PAINTING
The meticulous spiritual painting of the Buddhist lamas of Ladakh.

COMPUTER CALLIGRAPHY, MUMBAI
Prof. R. K. Joshi speaks about using computer techniques to achieve calligraphic effects.

EPISODE 14

NATIONAL FILM AWARDS (FEATURES SECTION)
Star winners and participants as well as excerpts from films.

RITU VARMA, MADHYA PRADESH
A 14-year-old Pandavani singer from Chhattisgarh in a dazzling performance of folk theatre

BUDDHIST STUPA AT SANCHI
The historical legacy of this ancient monument.

ANCIENT MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS
Balkumar Dave has researched, collected and reproduced musical instruments from the earliest stringed bow to the many stringed Yazi.

EPISODE 15

NATIONAL FILM AWARDS (NON-FEATURE SECTION)
Filmmakers speak on the difficulties of documentary filmmaking. Excerpts from award wining films.

ANCIENT FORT NEAR GOA
A recent discovery of parts of the wall of a prominent ancient port along Zuari river, dated to pre-Kadamba period of history.

TIE AND DYE
The traditional fabric colouring technique from Gujarat.

CHHATTISGARH SCULPTURES
Erotic sculpture in this town echo Khajuraho and raise questions about its origins.

EPISODE 16

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DISCOVERY IN ADAM
Archaeologist Dr. Amarendranath speaks about the recent discovery of a buried inhabitation in interior Maharashtra.

BADRI NARAYAN
A well-known painter who also works with children.

HANDMADE PAPER
The method of its manufacture in a workshop in Sanganer, near Jaipur.

CAVE PAINTING
Prehistoric cave paintings discovered in Bhimbetka, near Bhopal. Dr. Wakankar, the discoverer, features in a rare film excerpt.

ELECTRONIC PERCUSSION ACCOMPANIMENT
Computer engineer, Raj Narain, designed two programmable percussion accompaniments: Talmala for North Indian and Talometer for South Indian (Carnatic) classical music.

EPISODE 17

NUTAN
Homage to the film actress. Interviews with her mother, Shobhana Samarth and director Bimal Dutt. Selected excerpts showing Nutan in varied roles.

POTTERY IN KARAGIRI, VELLORE
Only two craftsmen today practice a dying tradition in pottery.

LOHARS OF RAJASTHAN
Brief sketch of this community, which once made iron weapons in Chittor and now ekes out a nomadic existence making household implements.

FOLK TOYS
Sudharshan Khanna of NID, Ahmedabad explains the science behind the traditional toys and their usefulness as teaching aids

THE SOVA BAZAAR PALACE, CALCUTTA
How a historical mansion is being restored to its original appearance.

EPISODE 18

GOA'S CHOIR
A profile of this amateur group that is to perform in Rome.

CORPORATE SPONSORSHIP OF ART
An enquiry into this modern development, interviews of prominent persons from the arts and media.

PARI MAHAL, KASHMIR
It was built in idyllic surroundings by Shah Jahan?s son Dara Shikoh, as a meeting place for spiritual seekers.

TYPEWRITER ART
The incredibly detailed and meticulous work of creating pictures with a typewriter, as mastered by G.Vanalkar.

MIRROR OF INDIA: AN AUDIO-VISUAL
Two French photographers juxtapose subjects in contemporary photographs with their renderings in earlier traditional forms of paintings and sculpture.

EPISODE 19

CHOLAMANDALAM, CHENNAI
Founded by K.C.S Panikkar 25 years ago, this community of artists practicing in different media continues to be a vigorous centre of artistic activity in the country.

JAGJIT SINGH
Almost singly responsible for the rise in the popularity of Ghazals, Jagjit Singh explains the nuances of Ghazal?singing.

KELUCHARAN MOHAPATRA
The renowned Odissi guru takes a ?master class? with his disciples.

INDIAN VERSES AND METEOROLOGY
Some traditional sayings and couplets as examples of how they were codifications of weather predictions.

EMBROIDERY IN KUTCH
A small village in Kutch has become famous for its embroidery and patch-work. It now receives visitors from all over the world.

EPISODE 20

KANGRA VALLEY
About 350 years ago, Raja Jagat Singh built a temple in the valley with detailed miniatures of Krishna motifs. Restoration work is now revealing their beautiful forms.

ALARMEL VALLI
The Padmashri award winner speaks about her chosen dance form, Bharata Natyam.

DHOLANI SINGERS
In Rajasthan today, there are very few families specialising in singing folk songs for marriages and other social functions. A report on a vanishing tradition.

KARAGIRI (POTTERY), VELLORE
The making of a Surahi that becomes a riddle.

MANIPURI POLO
Polo is believed to have originated in Manipur. But only in recent years has its decline been reversed in its home state.

EPISODE 21

HEMIS FESTIVAL
Hemis is held at the main monastery in Leh. The Lamas perform a ritual dance wearing masks and traditional dress. Hemis is the largest monastery in Ladakh nestling in the mountain range of the Himalayas on the road between Manali and Leh.

STONE AGE SITE, ANANDPUR VILLAGE
Indiscriminate quarrying is destroying the largest stone-age site in India. Tools found at the site near Anandpur village have been excavated or found on the surface. Used nearly 120,000 years ago by early man who lived in these Aravalli Hills, the site has been discovered only in 1976.

SHENOY?S HOUSE
A unique house has been built by Vijay Shenoy from discarded pieces of old traditional houses in Karnataka. He based his design on the Vastu Shastra, an ancient treatise that lays down the principles of Indian architecture, design and construction

LEAF WHISTLE
The Gaddi shepherds, a nomadic tribe of Himachal Pradesh, in the foothills of the Himalayas, has a unique way of whistling tunes with a basuti leaf.

78 R.P.M. SOCIETY
A rich and rare collection of records can be found in Ulhasnagar, a suburb of Mumbai, thanks to the efforts of enthusiastic members of the Society of Indian Records Collectors.

EPISODE 22

SURABHI THEATRE GROUP, A.P.
In the year 1880, Govind Rao of Varanasi, laid the foundation of this theatre group. Members of a single family have been practising folk theatre since then including mythological tales with stage effects.

SONADHAR VISHWAKARMA
The household of Sonadhar Vishwakarma, an ironsmith in Kusma village, Bastar, a tribal area of Madhya Pradesh, Central India. Iron work is an ancient craft and the traditional family occupation

FLOWER MARKET, DADAR, MUMBAI
Flowers arrive at night by road and by plane from far and near to the Dadar market. The people in the flower business are at work late at night and into the morning as they get together a great variety of flowers for sale in a metropolitan suburb.

ZARDOZI
An ancient art of embroidering with gold and silver wires. Dress designers can help revive a dying tradition, which flourished under the royal patronage of the maharajas.

FLOATING FIELDS OF KASHMIR
A variety of fruits and vegetables are cultivated on the surface of the Dal lake and sold from shops on boats.

EPISODE 23

MANGO FESTIVAL
There are references to mangoes in our folk tales, songs and art since ancient times. A wide variety of mangoes on display at the fair in Saharanpur and New Delhi

K.K. HEBBAR
On his 80th birth anniversary, a tribute to the master who has been called The Indian Rembrandt. A gigantic figure who bestrides the world of Indian art like a colossus. K.K. Hebbar is an artist whose muse is steeped in Indian values and emotions. But the title that describes him best is `Master of the Singing Line?.

KATHAKALI EXPRESSIONS
Kalamandalam ? a unique institution situated in Kerala where the traditional dance, Kathakali, is preserved and taught in its purest form. The institution was founded in 1930 by the famous Malayali poet, Vallothol Narayan Menon and his friend, Mukund Raja.

KADRI GOPALNATH, KARNATAKA
He plays Indian classical music on the saxophone. Experiments in fusion of Indian and Western music.

EPISODE 24

ROMANCE OF ARCHAEOLOGY
A day in the life of a field archaeologist who steadily scrapes away at time and exposes the secrets of days gone by.

RAVI SHANKAR
His experiments in fusion have made an impact on the world of Western music.

BORIVALI NATIONAL PARK, MUMBAI
Perhaps one of the only national parks in the world that exists within city limits. The Borivali National Park is home to over a thousand plant species, 250 bird species, 41 mammals and hundreds of insects and other tiny creatures.

MALKHAMB
In the traditional sport of Maharashtra, young boys and girls demonstrate their skill. This ancient sports form of Maharashtra was rejuvenated and given a contemporary feel in the 18th century. The creator of Malkhamb in its modern form was Dada Balambhat Deodhar.

GANJIFA
In Vishnupur (West Bengal), a family makes ganjifa cards that show the Vaishnav math influence. In Srirangpatnam (Karnataka) there is a museum of ganjifa cards founded by Raghupati Bhatt.

EPISODE 25

POLS OF AHMEDABAD
Community living groups of houses in the narrow bylanes of Ahmedabad, provide a unique method of social networking.

HANDLOOM WEAVING, MANIPUR
Women in every house practise traditional weaving.

VISHNUPUR GHARANA
A style in the Dhrupad tradition, Dr. Debarata Singh Thakur demonstrates its nuances.

SANDALWOOD
How the fragrant wood is obtained and crafted into beautiful objects in Mysore.

KONKANI ENCYCLOPEDIA
A report on the three volume encyclopedia in Konkani compiled at the Goa University.

EPISODE 26

PARANJOTI CHOIR, MUMBAI
The choir founded by Dr. Paranjoti celebrated its 25th anniversary.

FOLK THEATRE, JAGDALPUR, M.P.
The folk artistes enact a scene from the epic Mahabharat.

SPIC - MACAY'S ANNUAL CONVENTION
Held in Mumbai, it featured performances and question answer sessions. The aims and achievements of the movements for popularising classical music are discussed.

GONCHA FESTIVAL ? JAGDALPUR
Tupki, a traditional shooter is used on this day as the town celebrates the local festival of Goncha.

THE SALE OF CALCUTTA
A document dated 10th November 1689, records the sale of 3 villages to the East India company. The family of one of the zamindars Suvarna Rao Chowdhary, who owned a large part of it, now live like ordinary citizens.

EPISODE 27

ALLEPPEY BOAT RACE, KERALA
On 10th August, long snake-boats are brought out for popular races which are an integral part of the Onam festivities.

MINGER FESTIVAL
A festival procession is taken out in Chamba, Himachal Pradesh, to make offerings of minger (flowers of maize) to the god Inderdev for a bountiful kharif crop.

SUN TEMPLE ? MODHERA, GUJARAT
The intricately carved sun temple of Modhera is evidence of sun worship in Gujarat.

YAK
At an altitude of more than 18,000 feet in the Himalayan valley, we find these animals that look like cows, grunt like pigs and have thick woolly hides like sheep. Also the Champa tribe that has its lifestyle linked to this animal.

K. SIVAPRASAD, WHISTLING RAGAS
K. Sivaprasad has developed whistling into a fine art and can even render classical ragas in this form.

EPISODE 28

PUPPETRY IN RAJASTHAN
The art of traditional puppetry with wooden kathputli or puppets still survives, but it is dwindling over the years.

MANDOLIN SRINIVAS
The young maestro who plays Indian classical music on the mandolin.

MASK MAKING, PUNE
How theatrical masks are made.

LALBHAI DALPATBHAI MUSEUM, AHMEDABAD
A noted museum of Indology. Its collection includes pictorial letters from emperors.

RICE GRAIN INSCRIPTIONS
T. Nanjappa Reddy of Bangalore has mastered this art of miniature writing on grains of rice.

EPISODE 29

FESTIVAL OF INDIA IN GERMANY
A meeting with Indian artistes who participated in a festival in Bonn to showcase Indian culture.

REMO FERNANDES
The pop star is featured in his favourite Goan surroundings.

SHASWATI MUSEUM
A woman's museum features prominent women achievers.

CELLULAR JAIL, ANDAMAN ISLANDS
Built by the British a 100 years ago, the infamous jail is now visited by tourists.

MANIPUR BOAT RACE
On the last day of Lai Haroba, a boat race is held with the participants dressed in their traditional costumes.

EPISODE 30

CHAR BAIT, FROM BHOPAL
A rare performance of an archaic form of qawwali with two competing groups.

NIRUPAMA KAUL
How 18 year old Nirupama Kaul mastered the classical Indian dance kathak despite being deaf and dumb.

BODH GAYA
The place where Gautam Buddha attained enlightenment. It is a pilgrimage centre for Buddhists the world over.

JAIGARH FORT
The world's largest cannon on wheels is located in this historic fort.

TIPRI
A remarkable but little known traditional game of Punjab.

EPISODE 31

KUCHIPUDI FESTIVAL
A report on the festive event organised by Telugu University and AP Tourism, featuring Sarla Kumari and Sharda Devi.

ABDUL MAJEED ANSARI, MUMBAI
He lives in humble surroundings, but shows untainted dedication to his unique passion. And his amazing knowledge about clay, the raw material of his art forms.

REGIONAL RESOURCE CENTRE, KARNATAKA
It is actively documenting folk tradition of the region, using audiovisual media.

BADA IMAMBARA, LUCKNOW
It?s religious significance and architecture

EPISODE 32

BISHNOI COMMUNITY, JODHPUR
The Bishnois have sustained the ecological wisdom of our ancestors. Preservation of the environment is an intrinsic part of their beliefs and their way of life and they try to save the flora and fauna even at the cost of their own lives.

NAG PANCHAMI, BATTIS SHIRALA, MAHARASHTRA
Snakes in Indian mythology and traditional snake-worship in a village.

COCK FIGHTING, KARNATAKA
Violent sports involving animals are popular the world over and one such is cock ? fighting. A fresh look at the ethics of an old sport.

TRIBALS, CHHOTA NAGPUR, BIHAR
Living in intimate association with nature, their lives have a vitality and innocence that we seem to have lost. Featuring tribal haat, dwelling and dance.

KARNI MATA TEMPLE, DESHNOKE, RAJASTHAN
The marble relief work of this temple depicts natural scenes. Rats are welcomed here and offered milk and prasad.

EPISODE 33

BONE SETTERS, KALUPADA, ORISSA
Their treatment, though traditional and a guarded secret with the healers, seems to work. But, modern doctors continue to be sceptical about its efficacy.

O.P.TAK
He has kept alive the tradition of Kangra paintings, one of the important schools of miniature paintings.

DURGA KHOTE - IN MEMORIAM
Remembering the veteran actress as she was seen in the early years of Indian cinema and her contributions in other spheres.

TARNETAR FAIR, GUJARAT
A report on its changing forms and gauging its present significance as a people's festival.

MUSICAL PILLARS, HAMPI
The pillars of the temple in Hampi are made from special stones that produce musical notes when struck.

EPISODE 34

JEW TOWN, COCHIN
How the community retains its ethnic identity in a small town in Southern India.

JANGAN SINGH SHYAM, BHOPAL
His modern art tries to recreate and revitalize motifs from his village surroundings.

DR. SHIVRAM KARANTH, SHIMOGA, KARNATAKA
He pioneered the revival of the traditional art of Yakshagana. At the age of 90 he is still full of energy.

RAVANA CHHAYA
The only group in the country that practices shadow puppet theatre - an ancient tradition that is not likely to survive long.

SILK WEAVING, BASTAR
How silk is obtained from the cocoon of the silkworm and woven into fabric.

EPISODE 35

DWARKA EXPLORATION
For the first time, a large-scale underwater exploration was carried out, to search for the remains of ancient temples on the seabed. An exciting report on a unique marine archaeological project.

NITHIN DAVID - CHILD ARTIST, KERALA
Profile of a child prodigy with a talent for painting.

SAKAR KHAN MANGANIAR, RAJASTHAN
Folk singer of Rajasthan, a Sangeet Natak Academy Award winner and his group.

JAIN PILGRIMAGE CENTRE, PAWAPURI
Lord Mahavir delivered his last sermon here and was also cremated here.

MUKNA
Traditional wrestling of Manipur which has some similarities to the Sumo wrestling of Japan.

EPISODE 36

RACHOL SEMINARY, GOA
The seminary, which is the only place in India for Jesuit education, has a church of architectural magnificence and is gradually taking the shape of a museum of Christian art from Goa.

AUROBINDO SANGRAHALAYA, ORISSA
The founder, Dasarathi Patnaik, is a simple elderly farmer and the museum he has put together in an interior village is the result of his single-minded devotion.

JUNAGADH TREASURES, SAURASHTRA, GUJARAT
Treasures of the former Nawabs of Junagadh are kept locked up, and are put to public display for the first time in Surabhi.

PAIKA AKHADA, PARLEKHEMUNDI , ORISSA
The martial art of Orissa that is performed as a ritual during the festival of Dassehra.

RAVI KIRAN
He began as a child prodigy and continues to play classical Carnatic ragas on the Gotuvadyam.

EPISODE 37

INTERNATIONAL TEA FESTIVAL, DARJEELING
A report on the festival, and the processing of tea from plucking to packaging.

GHATS ON THE HOOGHLY
A poetic account of life around the river Hooghly in Bengal.

GANGA DEVI
The Madhubani folk artist who was exceptionally brilliant and could respond creatively to contemporary subjects and include them in her paintings.

CHESS
Chess pieces collected from different periods reflect historical influences.

AGARBATTI
The making of the familiar incense stick is a cottage industry in Mysore, Karnataka.

EPISODE 38

GUJARAT EXCAVATION
A report on an archaeological discovery in Saurashtra, by an amateur. In a special studio interview, the D.G. of ASI, M.C.Joshi, discusses the significance of this site that has been neglected for years.

TAGORE COPYRIGHT
Vishwabharti University?s attempts to get Nobel laureate Tagore's copyright extended after its expiry raised a controversy.

PIANO
Kantilal Sonchchatra plays Indian classical music on the piano.

MAIHAR BAND
Founded by the late Ustad Alauddin Khan, a unique, and India's first orchestra that continues to faithfully render his masterly compositions.

EPISODE 39

PASHMINA, LADAKH
The Changpas who live at high altitudes make these shawls from the soft wool of special mountain goats.

ASGARI BAI, MADHYA PRADESH
A forgotten exponent of Dhrupad Dhamal Gayiki, Raj Gayika at one time and winner of Padmashri, Asgari Bai remembers old times.

CHIKAN KASHIDAKARI, LUCKNOW
A form of embroidery that flowered under Nawabi patronage is now being revived with the active role of SEWA, a women's organisation.

CAMEL STORY, RAJASTHAN
The camel as seen all over Rajasthan and the work being done at the National Camel Research Centre, Bikaner.

EPISODE 40

KONARK DANCE FESTIVAL, ORISSA
Dance as depicted through stone sculptures in Orissa. Performance at the festival and the question of changing forms of dance.

MARIO MIRANDA
A cartoonist and artist and his involvement in restoration work.

MALLIKARJUN MANSOOR
Even as the famous vocalist grows older and struggles with the infirmities of age, he remains as spirited as ever!

PHULKARI, PUNJAB
The traditional form of flower embroidery of Punjab is closely linked to the life of the people.

EPISODE 41

LAKSHADWEEP ISLANDS
The picturesque setting of the islands and the lifestyle of the people who live there.

MAJULI ISLAND
The largest river island in the world is situated on the Brahmaputra river.

THE COIR STORY, GUNDU ISLAND NEAR COCHIN
The process of making coir from coconuts.

ROOF TILES, ORISSA
Manbodh Rana has transformed simple tiles that are traditionally kept on rooftops to ward off evil spirits, into objects valued for their aesthetic appeal.

MADRA, CHAMBA, HIMACHAL PRADESH
How Madra, a traditional dish from Himachal, is made from rajma.

EPISODE 42

PANCHATANTRA TALES
These fables from India travelled to distant lands and became a part of the traditions of other people?illustrations of the Panchatantra tales from Mughal manuscripts.

MOHARDAR DHURRIES, RAJASTHAN
Two deaf and dumb brothers, Abdul and Mohammad, are carrying on a tradition of making dhurries, the once famed Mohardar dhurries.

SONAL MANSINGH
The noted exponent of Bharat Natyam and Odissi speaks about her achievements and aspirations.

SHEKHAWATI WALL PAINTINGS, RAJASTHAN
The paintings depict Ramayana, Mahabharat and Krishnalila motifs, the flora and fauna of Rajasthan as well as the lifestyle of the ex-rulers, the Britishers.

PARSHURAM TEMPLE, MAHARASHTRA
The temple is believed to have been built with grants form Muslim rulers and the craftsmanship of Christian artisans.

EPISODE 43

THEATRE WORKSHOP, LEH, LADAKH
M.K.Raina conducts a theatre workshop with the people of Leh. The high point of this workshop was the staging of a play using the natural open-air setting of the place.

NAQAL THEATRE, PUNJAB
A rural folk theatre that is a mixture of story telling, hilarious farce and satire which reveals another facet of Punjab.

RAJ KAPOOR AND SHAILENDRA
Remembering the contribution of two great personalities to Indian cinema. 14th December is the birth anniversary of Raj Kapoor and the death anniversary of Shailendra.

KITE MUSEUM, AHMEDABAD
Bhanu Shah has founded the only museum of its kind in the country, a large collection of kites from India and across the world.

HUBLI STREET THEATRE, KARNATAKA
The struggle of the bit role players of Hubli to continue their performance when commercial cinema has become the main medium for entertainment.

EPISODE 44

ROCK MUSIC, NAGALAND
How it has acquired indigenous colour with original lyrics and improvisations by local bands.

SYED NASIR HUSSAIN AND PARTY, BHOPAL
The qawwals explain nuances of qawwali singing.

GANGUBAI HANGAL
A tribute to the veteran vocalist who has kept alive the tradition of pure classical Indian music.

LOG DRUM, NAGALAND
The large drum on which several men pound with logs. It was a medium of communication among the tribals.

GLASS MURALS, S.M.WAGHELA
The artist works with broken bits of glass to make portraits and other murals.

EPISODE 45

TRIBAL KING, NAGALAND
The history of a Naga chieftain and his tribe struggling to cope with a changing world. A king without a kingdom!

ICE-MAKING
A pictorial account of how ice-making caught on in India with the coming of the British.

LEANING TEMPLES OF HUMA, ORISSA
The unsolved riddle of the leaning temples of Sambalpur in Orissa.

THE MUSEUM OF KERALA HISTORY, COCHIN
Madhavan Nair founded this museum which presents a graphic history of Kerala using the most modern techniques.

DR. L. SUBRAMANIAM
A live performance in the studio by the world famous violinist.

THE BEST OF SURABHI: 1991
A 10-minute section compiled from some of the most fascinating stories that have appeared in Surabhi during the year

EPISODE 46

PALACE ON WHEELS
Surabhi travels on board the Palace on Wheels voted as one of the ten best train journeys in the world. Designed on the lines of the private carriages of the Maharajas, the Palace on Wheels takes us on a romantic train journey through picturesque Rajasthan. The first halt is at the Pink City of Jaipur.

SANGANER
Sanganer in Rajasthan's desert is the home of natural dyes. A colourful story of a flourishing traditional art.

KONKANI FESTIVAL - POROB
Porob a festival in picturesque Mangalore, which attempts to discover and establish the Konkani identity. It provides a common platform for Konkani dialects, regions and communities, bringing them together in one joyous celebration.

MANDU
Mandu, also known as the Citadel of Joy, was the pleasure resort of the rulers of Malwa. Its monuments, witness to the historic romance between Roopmati and Baz Bahdur, are at their most exquisite during the monsoon rains.

ERIC LOPEZ
83 year old Eric Lopez of Mumbai has perfected the art of the impossible. He draws melody from an old hand saw used for cutting wood.

EPISODE 47

AYURVEDA
Ayurveda - the classical Indian science of medicine is facing new challenges in the modern world. A study of how one of the oldest ayurvedic institutions in India is adapting to modern demands.

MITTAGOND MEDICINE MAN
The medicine men of Raipur in Madhya Pradesh use herbs and roots from nearby forests to treat various ailments of the local populace. We profile one such man, Jaiphal, who is struggling to continue this ancient profession.

HOYSALA
The sculptors of the magnificent Hoysala temples in Karnataka carved their names on stone for immortality. A tribute to the great artisans who built the temples, more than 500 years ago.

PALACE ON WHEELS
The Palace on Wheels continues its romantic journey from the Pink City of Jaipur to Udaipur - the city of lakes. On its way, it halts at the fortified city of Chittorgarh.

MOLELA
About 40 kms. from Udaipur lies Molela. For centuries, the potters of this village have been creating exquisite votive terracotta images for the rural population of Rajasthan.

THODA
Thoda - a traditional sport of Himachal Pradesh. A look at an amusing game where opposing teams face each other with bows and arrows.

EPISODE 48

RAMAYANA ANIMATION FILM
One of the high points at the International Film Festival in Delhi was the preview of an Indo-Japanese animation film on the Ramayana. Surabhi meets the creators of this fascinating film at the festival and features some excerpts.

SONG OF PEACE
Twenty-one of the best-known pop singers of India have combined their talents to produce a joint Song of Peace. Surabhi previews this unique event with exclusive interviews with some of the creators.

PALACE ON WHEELS
The Palace on Wheels travels through the rugged desert landscape of Rajasthan on its onward journey from Udaipur to enchanting Jaisalmer. The last outpost of the desert, Jaisalmer's magnificent fortress is under threat of erosion.

ROSOGULLA
Surabhi learns of a few tricks behind the trade of preparing this mouth - watering delicacy of Bengal - the Rosogulla.

EPISODE 49

VINTAGE CAR RESTORATION
Surabhi features a restoration with a difference - the Classic Car Restoration Centre in Indore, Madhya Pradesh. Vintage cars in various states of disrepair are restored to their original condition under the expert hands of Manvendra Singh Barwani.

MASTER MAGICIAN P.C. SORCAR
This segment presents the amazing and mind-boggling world of a magician, the extraordinary P.C Sorcar of Calcutta.

DR. ROERICH
Surabhi pays tribute to the eminent Russian painter Padmabushan Dr. Svetoslav Roerich who passed away in Bangalore at the age of 89.

PALACE ON WHEELS
The concluding section of the fabulous ?Palace on Wheels? train journey takes the viewer to the romantic city of Agra & the Taj Mahal before returning to Delhi

MINIATURE JAIN TEMPLE
A small Jain temple in a narrow lane of Ahmedabad houses a miniature replica of the famous Samvat Shikhar, the most important pilgrimage site of the Jains. Beautifully painted and made up of sandalwood, it operates at the press of a button.

EPISODE 50

SIKKIM ARCHERY FESTIVAL
New Year in Sikkim is an occasion of joyous revelry with archery contests, music and dance. Surabhi brings you the colour and pageantry of the Sikkim New Year festival celebrated amidst the breathtaking landscape.

SHARON PRABHAKAR
Surabhi profiles Sharon Prabhakar, one of the pioneers of the pop music movement whose lively music has inspired many others to follow suit.

KAMAL AMROHI
Kamal Amrohi, veteran film director passed away on 11th February, 1991. Surabhi pays tribute to this sensitive filmmaker responsible for such classics as Mahal and Pakeeza.

SHILPGRAM FESTIVAL
The Shilpgram festival at Udaipur organised every year by the West Zone Cultural Centre is an attempt to encourage & promote the gifted artistes and craftsmen of the entire western region.

DONKEY MELA (UJJAIN)
An unusual fair, with wares equally unusual ? the donkey's fair of Ujjain, held just once a year.

EPISODE 51

PATALKOT, MADHYA PRADESH
There are very few places in the world left untouched by the changing times. Patalkot in Madhya Pradesh has remained hidden from the probing eyes of the world. The Surabhi team is the first ever to reach the remote village of Kariam.

MEENAKSHI SHESHADRI
Talented Hindi film actress Meenakshi Sheshadri also emerged as a versatile dancer. Surabhi profiles this multifaceted actress with an exclusive interview at the studio.

PRABHA SHAH
This week we profile an unusual artist, Prabha Shah. Born mute, this remarkable woman expresses herself through her eloquent paintings.

GURU LAXMI NARAYAN
Every year, world renowned violinist, Dr . L. Subramaniam pays tribute to his late father at a concert held in Madras. Surabhi brings poignant moments from one of these concerts.

CALCUTTA BOOK FAIR
The Calcutta book fair is one of the biggest publishing events in the country. A haven for the book lovers of Calcutta, it is an exciting event offering a range of books at bargain rates.

CHAUPAD
The game of Ludo is not a patch on the thrills of India?s colourful dice game Chaupad, which is still being played in parts of India.

EPISODE 52

DARRS OF LADAKH
Tucked away in the Indus valley in Ladakh, the Darrs are believed to be pure descendants of the Aryans. Surabhi provides a fascinating glimpse into their lives and customs

USTAD AMJAD ALI KHAN
Surabhi welcomes virtuoso Sarod artiste Ustad Amjad Ali Khan as one of the esteemed advisors on the programme and profiles his towering genius.

ICE-CREAM WALLAH
Despite competition from modern ice-cream parlours, the tradition of manufacturing hand-made ice cream still exists. Surabhi finds one such place still flourishing in the heart of Mumbai.

MYSORE PAINTINGS
Started in the mid 16th century, among other art forms, by the King Wodeyar in Mysore, this beautiful art form of south India has an interesting history.

EPISODE 53

FESTIVAL OF HOLI
On the occasion of Holi, Surabhi presents a charming story in pictures of what Holi means in our lives.

GOA CARNIVAL
The carnival in Goa is a time of music, dance and revelry. Surabhi not only captures the spirit of the main carnival but also features the charming village festivities.

SEN BROTHERS
The Sen brothers have mastered the novel art of story telling through shadow play. Surabhi profiles these two gifted individuals and their unique theatre form.

PEENAZ MASANI
Young, talented and beautiful, renowned Ghazal singer, Peenaz Masani is the special guest on Surabhi this week.

KOS MINAR
In ancient times Kos Minars were set up to measure distances and also mark the breadth of the empire. Some of these imposing structures still exist on the outskirts of Delhi, a reminder of ancient trade and glory.

EPISODE 54

EZIRA MIR
Ezira Mir, the father of the Indian documentary, passed away at the age of 90. A tribute from Surabhi featuring glimpses of his work.

PARSI WEDDING
Surabhi invites viewers to participate in a typical Parsi wedding performed with traditional rites and fanfare.

SURINDER KAUR
Surabhi profiles the earthy Punjabi folk singer Surinder Kaur whose evocative songs mirror the zest and exuberance of the people of Punjab.

JUTE FASHIONS
Featuring a unique show where models display attractive garments made of jute, otherwise used as a sacking material.

BAMBOO DANCE OF LAKSHADWEEP
The traditional bamboo dance of Lakshadweep is very similar to that of Mizoram, but is different in costume and style. The people of this fairyland dance and sing to lighten their hearts and pray for the safe return of the fishing boats caught in a stormy sea.

EPISODE 55

OLD RUINS IN MUMBAI
Surabhi features an unusual person, a customs officer, whose painstaking efforts led to the discovery of ancient ruins, in the heart of one of Mumbai?s industrial areas.

ERIC OZARIO
Surabhi brings an encounter with Konkani singer Eric Ozario and his untiring efforts of fusion of traditional Konkani music and modern western music.

BABUBHAI MISTRY
Surabhi pays tribute to the remarkable Babubhai Mistry, one of the oldest director of Hindi cinema and master of special effects.

ANSWER STORY - MAMALLAPURAM
Will the concern of a few, save the magnificent temple complex of Mamallapuram from urbanisation and turn it into a heritage zone?

EPISODE 56

MUSIC BUS
Started by the Sangeet Research Academy, the music bus is a unique attempt to take Indian classical music to eager audiences throughout the country. Surabhi captures the spirit of the venture where famous musicians travel together with their disciples.

MUSEUM BUS
Another bus with a difference. The museum on wheels is a novel experiment to promote awareness of India's heritage in the remote villages and small towns of West Bengal. Surabhi offers a glimpse of this unusual bus, an innovation of the Indian Museum of Calcutta.

ARCHERY EXPERT
Surabhi pays tributes to one of the few remaining experts of the grand tradition of archery, whose wizardry with the bow and arrow has kept alive this ancient art in a small village of Andhra Pradesh.

BAHUROOPIA
One man, many faces and several identities - this is what the Bahuroopia is known for. India?s traditional quick change article is known for roles that he juggles most effectively.

EPISODE 57

LOCAL SELF GOVERNMENT OF SIKKIM
High up in the Sikkim Mountains is a little community where democracy has been a way of life for centuries. Surabhi provides a glimpse of their unique system of dispensing justice.

THE STORY OF CHAT
Surabhi gives the viewer a taste of the famous Delhi ?chat? and discovers the secret of its irresistible flavour.

MAHABHARAT PAINTING
Surabhi features the incredible Santokba Dudhat, 81, who spent four years painting the Mahabharat on a 1.2 kilometer long cloth.

N.R. SREEKRISHNAN
Surabhi profiles the whistling wizard, N.R.Sreekrishnan, with an exclusive performance on the Surabhi sets.

SEA FROTH
The answer to last fortnight?s question lies in the sea. Surabhi reveals the mysterious ingredient used in Mr. Harsh Chhajed's sculptures - known locally as a sea froth!

EPISODE 58

BENGAL NEW YEAR - 1400TH YEAR
On April 13th, 1993, Bengal entered a new century, celebrating the 1400th year of the Bengali calendar. Surabhi investigates the origin of this day in a spirit of renewal and thanksgiving.

PRANLAL BHOGILAL
Belonging to one of Mumbai's oldest business families, Pranlal Bhogilal is a passionate collector of antiques and vintage cars. Surabhi offers a glimpse of his fascinating home - a living museum - and his incredible collection of vintage cars, which features in the Guinness Book of World Records.

UTTAM BANDHU TUPE
This week?s guest on Surabhi is a remarkable peon from the Pune archives, Mr. Uttam Bandhu Tupe, author of 31 books and winner of 8 literary awards.

PUNJAB MARTIAL ARTS
Gatka is a form of martial art, which is practised in Punjab, teaching self-discipline and physical agility. It's roots go back to the days of Guru Gobind Singh who formalized this art as a manner of teaching his followers self -discipline.

EPISODE 59

TEATRO
Teatro, the vibrant theatre form of Goa (which encompasses music, dance and drama) completed 100 years recently. Surabhi takes a look at this exuberant and entertaining art form.

SUDH MAHADEV MELA
Surabhi captures the spirit and song of a local fair in a tiny village near Jammu, set against the high mountains, which attracts people from far and wide.

JOEY AYALA
Surabhi presents Joey Ayala, one of Philippines most original and talented musicians. Joey's use of indigenous instruments reflects common strains in Indian and Filipino musical traditions.

AJANTA PAINTINGS IN THE DARK
Benoy Behl has captured the famous Ajanta cave paintings in near total darkness, thereby achieving a new breakthrough in the art of photography. Surabhi features this remarkable achievement.

PATOLA
In answer to last fortnight's question, Surabhi reveals a world of intricate designs perfected over the centuries - patola !

EPISODE 60

FILMISTAN - GOLDEN JUBILEE
Filmistan, one of Mumbai's most famous movie studios, completed 50 years on 28th April 1993. Surabhi traces the history of this remarkable institution, birthplace of some of the memorable films of our times, on the occasion of its golden jubilee.

SARITA JOSHI
Surabhi profiles the outstanding Gujarati theatre actress, Sarita Joshi, whose contribution to the development of the Gujarati theatre movement in Mumbai spans 25 event filled years.

ORPHAN THEATRE
Surabhi salutes the spirit of an unusual children?s theatre group from Pedana, a small town in Andhra Pradesh. Wholly comprising of orphan boys, the group stages mythological plays in neighbouring villages.

LAND OF PEACE SONG
Surabhi previews a special song by Indian pop stars for communal harmony - Land of Peace.

NASTHARANG
A strange musical instrument played by the cords of the neck - the nastharang.

EPISODE 61

NATIONAL AWARDS
Surabhi brings an exclusive interview with Mithun Chakraborty, winner of the national award for best actor.

ABDUL RAHMAN, MUSIC DIRECTOR
Surabhi's artist of the week is the young, dynamic film music director Abdul Rahman who broke new ground with his music score for the film `Roja'. Only 25, he won the National Award for best music director for this film.

TRAMS OF CALCUTTA
Synonymous with Calcutta, the tram will soon become extinct. Surabhi recapitulates the significance of the tram for the people of Calcutta in a poignant story.

NALANDA
In answer to last fortnight's question, Surabhi enlightens the viewers on an ancient university in Bihar, renowned worldwide as a centre of learning in its time - Nalanda.

EPISODE 62

CHILDREN OF RAJASTHAN
Under the expert guidance of folklorist Komal Kothari, the children from the villages of Rajasthan sang for the nation at the Republic Day parade this year, for which they won the best song award. Surabhi captures the spirit of these children who had never visited a city before.

7 YEAR-OLD ARSHAD ALI
Surabhi profiles the young classical singer Arshad Ali, a product of the Sangeet Research Academy, Calcutta. A child prodigy at the age of seven he is well on his way to becoming a musical genius in the future.

MASTER SHASHANK
Surabhi meets yet another talented musician from Madras, master Shashank. At 15, this young flautist has established a name for himself among the noted musicians of the south.

ADITI SHARMA
In answer to last fortnight's question Surabhi revels the versatility of child artist Aditi Sharma whose skill as a dancer has won many hearts. And finally Surabhi gives a glimpse of the incredible baby Shweta who has taught herself dance the Bharat Natyam on skates!

EPISODE 63

PREHISTORIC CAVE AT KACHARGAD
In the north east of Maharashtra, close to Nagpur, lie the thick forests of Kachargad, home to the Gond tribals. Surabhi discovers a prehistoric cave in this remote region, the largest of its kind in India, once inhabited by the ancestors of the Gonds more than 10,000 years ago.

ORNAMENTS FROM PULSES
Surabhi makes yet another discovery. This time from Bengal where exquisite jewellery is fashioned out of ordinary pluses and eaten!

ANURADHA PAL
Surabhi's guest at the studio this week is the young and gifted Tabla player Anuradha Pal. Attracted to the Tabla since childhood, she had through sheer grit and determination stormed a male dominated profession.

RONAPPA
In answer to last fortnight's question Surabhi reveals a unique dance developed by the hardy shepherds of Orissa - Ronappa.

EPISODE 64

MOPIN FESTIVAL OF ARUNACHAL PRADESH
In the interiors of Arunachal Pradesh, the arrival of summer begins with the sowing of new crops and is accompanied by much festivity. Surabhi journeys to the remote misty mountains of the north-east to join the locals of Arunachal in celebrating the Mopin festival.

MANOHAR SINGH
Over the years actor Manohar Singh has emerged as one of the most talented and versatile performing artists of our times. Surabhi provides a glimpse of his amazing talent in an excerpt form his latest play in which he took on the unusual role of a woman.

APACHE INDIAN
More and more Indians are successfully making their mark in the rap music scene today. Surabhi reviews the performance of one such singer of Indian descent, Steven Kapur alias Apache Indian who performs in Mumbai.

ARTISTS CAMP, JAMMU
Surabhi visits the serene surroundings of an Artists camp in Jammu to discover how this gathering of talented individuals benefited from such an exercise.

SIBSAGAR
The answer to last fortnight's question in Surabhi reveals a fascinating culture, which evolved in the valleys, east of the Brahmaputra in Sibsagar, capital of the mighty Ahoms.

EPISODE 65

WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
It takes years of patient and persistent observation to specialise in the art of wildlife photography. Surabhi speaks to India's premier wildlife photographers Rajesh and Naresh Bedi to discover the secret of their success.

BUFFALO RACE
Perhaps one of the oldest sports, existing buffalo races are still a major attraction in rural India. Surabhi brings glimpses of this exciting sport requiring great skill and stamina.

TEMPLE OF MONKEYS, GALTA
At the Galta temple in Rajasthan, monkeys have as much right to worship as devotees! Surabhi features this unique phenomenon.

BANDHAVGARH
In an answer to last fortnight's question Surabhi journeys to the abandoned Bandavgarh fort in Madhya Pradesh frequented only by wild animals living in the surrounding sanctuary.

EPISODE 66

COIN COLLECTOR, JATIN MAHAJAN
Jatin Mahajan not only collects coins but also digs them out himself from the rocky counter side. Surabhi accompanies him on this unusual treasure hunt in which he exhibits his amazing instinct.

REMO AND AIDS AWARENESS
Known for producing music which touches on socially relevant issues, pop star Remo Fernandes touches yet another pressing problem. Surabhi provides a glimpse of his latest music video on the subject of aids.

PRAKRITI
Surabhi visits a unique exhibition at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, highlighting man's relationship with the cosmos.

BULO C. RANI
Surabhi pays tribute to the unassuming talent of Bulo C.Rani. Music director of hit films like Jogan, Darogaji & Anjuman, who passed away in Mumbai.

SRIRANGAPATNA
In response to last fortnight's question Surabhi goes to Srirangapatna, the land of the tiger of Mysore, Tipu Sultan.

EPISODE 67

BIDESA BANDOPADHYAY
A tiny young lady with giant-sized talent - Bidesa Bandopadhyay of Udaipur in Rajasthan. The story of her discipline and achievement.

BAGESHWARI QAMAR
The world of Shehnai players has almost entirely been dominated by men. But now hails a new feminine star on the firmament - Bageshwari Qamar!

SHARDA DEVI'S JHADOO!!
Sharda Devi's craft is an unusual one - the unnoticed art of making jhadoos - brooms! A moving portrait of great courage and skill in the face of adversity.

MARTHA GRAHAM, MODERN DANCE
An American contemporary dance troupe that toured India was founded by one of the most outstanding of women artistes - Martha Graham, who also influenced contemporary dancers in India. Here is a glimpse of a contemporary dancer of genius.

FEARLESS NADIA
A special interview with Riyad Wadia, grandson of the legendary J.B.H. Wadia, on the making of "Fearless - The Hunterwali Story" as a tribute to his famous aunt, the famous former stunt film actress, Nadia.

EPISODE 68

NEEMRANA FORT
Surabhi documents the fascinating process of restoring the magnificent Neemrana fort by a group of dedicated individuals.

ANAND SHANKAR
Famous music composer & choreographer, Anand Shankar, speaks about his distinctive music and the future of his group.

MASTERPIECES OF EUROPEAN ART
Tucked away in the heart of Mumbai lies a studio where unknown artists produce near perfect replicas of European masterpieces.

KASHMIRI FEAST
In answer to last fortnight's question Surabhi travels to the mountains of Kashmir to partake of `Wazwaan'. A typical Kashmiri feast.

EPISODE 69

SANGEET RESEARCH ACADEMY
Founded by the I.T.C. for the promotion of Indian classical music, the Sangeet Research Academy is one of the premier cultural institutions in the country today. Surabhi visits the academy to discover how the atmosphere in the academy encourages the flowering of talent, both old and young.

GOPILAL LOHAR
Gopilal Lohar in Udaipur has turned the business of dagger making into a fine art. Surabhi watches this unusual artist at work.

PARLIAMENT PHOTOGRAPHER
Armed with a Kodak circuit camera and a huge negative specially manufactured for him, A.R.Dutt has been photographing our erstwhile parliamentarians since 1952. Surabhi travels down memory lane with him and his camera.

KHADI FASHIONS, MUMBAI
In recent times Khadi has seen a transformation from a poor man's garment to a haute couture apparel. Surabhi meets some of the country's top designers to learn about Khadi's infinite possibilities.

EPISODE 70

DRAGON BOAT RACE FESTIVAL
In the first of a series of features on India's connections with neighbouring countries, Surabhi takes its viewers to Singapore to participate in the traditional dragon boat race festival.

NATS OF RAJASTHAN
Among the Nats of Rajasthan, the women folk have performed alongside their men folk to entertain villagers with their incredible acrobatics for generations. Surabhi travels to their villages to view their amazing feats.

MOHAMMED SUBHAN BHAGAT, KASHMIR
Surabhi pays a tribute to a great folk artiste who passed away in Kashmir - Mohammed Subhan Bhagat who devoted his life to the cause of Kashmiri folk theatre.

POLO
Increasing interest in polo today is bringing the game back into the limelight. Surabhi traces the history of this aristocratic game from its humble beginnings as a tribal sport.

KABADDI
Surabhi reveals how Kabaddi, a common man's sport in India, is played in different parts of the country; for instance `Bagudi' in Orissa.

EPISODE 71

LITTLE INDIA IN SINGAPORE
Continuing with the series on Indian connections with neighbouring countries, Surabhi takes its viewers to Singapore to visit a place with a very interesting cultural ambience - Little India - a home away from home.

NATIONAL MUSEUM
Did you know that as little as one - tenth of a museum's collection is ever on display? Surabhi goes behind the scenes to look at India's premier museum - the National Museum - to find out where they keep what is not on display and learn how they maintain and preserve this huge treasure, year after year.

FATHER BARBOZA
Surabhi features an unusually creative priest - who dances! Father Barboza has introduced an interesting facet to the Indian classical dance, Bharat Natyam, by adapting it to Christian themes.

UMAID BHAWAN PALACE
Once a magnificent palace, the Umaid Bhawan in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, is now a hotel.

EPISODE 72

ARUNACHAL PRADESH
Veiled in the mists of time is beautiful Arunachal Pradesh where changes are taking place in the tribal way of life. Meet Talum Rukbo who is helping reshape the life of his own people, the Adi tribals.

GEETA DUTT, 21ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY
Surabhi pays tribute to Geeta Dutt, one of the most gifted and spontaneous singers of our time, on her 21st death anniversary.

HIMACHAL PRADESH
Surabhi takes you to the Mountain State of Himachal Pradesh to tell you the story of exquisite silver jewellery making, beautiful belles and age-old rituals.

WRESTLING WITHOUT HANDS
Surabhi reveals an unusual traditional sport of Mizoram that resembles bull fighting.

EPISODE 73

GURSHARAN SINGH
Surabhi salutes Gursharan Singh of Punjab. The grand old man of People's Theatre travels hundreds of miles each day with his dedicated street theatre group to spread the message of reform and change in the villages of Punjab.

VEDIC VILLAGE
A unique village in Karnataka keeps its bonds with the past, as everyone here speaks in Sanskrit

A.K. HANGAL
The veteran actor A. K. Hangal has just completed the manuscript of his autobiography. In an exclusive interview, he reveals some of the most memorable moments of his life.

BADAMI CAVES
In answer to last fortnight's question for which nearly one lakh letters have been received, Surabhi takes you to Karnataka's remarkable Badami Caves.

EPISODE 74

THIKSE MONASTERY, LADAKH
Surabhi travels to Thikse, one of the great monasteries of Ladakh, for an inside view of the life of a monk.

CHANDRAHAS CHOUDYARY, CHILD PRODIGY
1500 poems, 400 short stories, 12 novellas, 2 full-length novels, gives the picture of a writer in his prime. But Chandrahas Choudhary is just 13 years old and has been writing for the last 8 years. Surabhi introduces you to a child prodigy.

FESTIVE POTTERY
Pleasing & decorative, utilitarian and useful - that is pottery. During a visit to Udaipur's West Zone Cultural Centre, Surabhi explores the ritual and festive aspects of the potter's art and discovers that one of the rituals is connected with the festival of Raksha Bandhan.

ZARI BATUWA
Made of zari (golden thread) and beads, exquisitely designed and handmade, the traditional batuwas or purses, of various shapes and sizes are the specialty of Bhopal. If you visit this city of lakes and gardens, you just can't resist buying one!

EPISODE 75

SIKKIM
A story on Sikkim, one of India?s most beautiful destinations in the North East mountains.

INDONESIA
Experience the intimate cultural connections India has with Indonesia, a neighbouring country. ABDUL MAJID ANSARI
A veteran potter, who crafts clay pots without using a potter's wheel, has won nationwide recognition through Surabhi.

KHAJA
Made in a small place called Silao in Bihar, khaja is a mouth-watering sweet dish, the speciality of this place.

EPISODE 76

SREELEKHA
Would you consider a music-director in her twenties too young for her profession? Now Surabhi introduces you to 13 year-old, Sreelekha of Madras, one of the youngest and most talented music-directors in the country.

MUKESH
Surabhi pays tribute to an all time great singer - Mukesh, whose songs have been immortalised in the minds of people and in the films of another great of Indian Cinema - Raj Kapoor.

SUNITA RAO
This week's guest, pop singer, Sunita Rao speaks to Siddharth Kak about her background in classical music, her idea of fusion and world music.

LAURIE BAKER
Surabhi introduces you to one of India?s leading architects - Laurie Baker, an Englishman now settled in Kerala.

EPISODE 77

INDONESIAN FOOD FESTIVAL
First it was the Ramayana and the Mahabharata - epics that are part of Indonesian culture as well as food for the soul. Now it is food for the body. Surabhi invites you to join in an Indonesian food extravaganza and explores the links with Indonesian cuisine.

PAN MAKING, BHOPAL
Surabhi takes you to Bhopal, a city known for its unique style of making paan.

KABAB MAKING, LUCKNOW
Lucknow - city of graceful living, Nawabi culture and kababs. Surabhi discovers that the exquisite art of kabab making still exists in the busy streets of Lucknow.

SHASHI KAPOOR
Surabhi introduces one of the most talented actors of our time, whose contribution to Indian Cinema has been immense - Shashi Kapoor.

EPISODE 78

LAKSHADWEEP
Miles from the southern coast, in the vast ocean lie the coral islands of Lakshadweep. Surabhi discovers these tiny black specks on our map to be among the loveliest places in the world.

MARIO'S CARTOONS AND PUPPETS EXHIBITION
The well-known cartoonist, Mario Miranda, and the sculptor, Brij Kul Deepak, recently held a fascinating exhibition where Deepak's sculptures based on Mario's cartoons depicted various destinations covered by Air India. Mario and Deepak talk about this creative experience.

BABUBHAI, CERAMIC SCULPTOR
Far from the limelight, in the interior of Gujarat, is our artiste of the week. Surabhi meets Babubhai, a ceramic sculptor with a difference.

MAHABHARATA
The answer to last fortnight's question reveals that the Indian epic Mahabharata, performed by Indonesian artistes, is also part of the Indonesian tradition.

EPISODE 79

KISHORE GORDHANDAS, CARD COLLECTOR
You have heard of people playing cards. But have you heard of a man who collects playing cards? Surabhi meets Kishore Gordhandas who has devoted his life to collecting a fascinating variety of playing cards from all over the world.

CLASSICAL DANCE FUSION
Surabhi profiles one of India's finest classical dancers ? Sucheta Bhide Chapekar who has made a unique fusion of the traditional South Indian dance form with Hindustani Classical music.

GANESH IDOL MAKING
Every year in Maharashtra and many parts of India, craftsmen are busy fashioning idols of Ganesh for the festive season. Surabhi journeys to Pen where the entire village specialises in this festive craft.

PATTACHITRA
Surabhi reveals the answer to last fortnight's question on a traditional style of painting, the pattachittra from Orissa.

EPISODE 80

THEME PARK, SINGAPORE
The Surabhi crew and Siddharth Kak fly to Singapore to experience the first hand pleasure and excitement of a mythological theme park, Haw Par Villa Dragon World where children are educated while they are entertained.

COMPUTER LANGUAGES
Surabhi discovers the amazing potential of computers for national integration! Explore with C-DAC Computer Think Tank, a remarkable attempt to break the language barrier.

WANKANER, GUJARAT
Making India's heritage accessible by converting palaces into hotels is heritage tourism - a new dimension in discovering India. Surabhi explores one such venture - the Wankaner palace of Gujarat - its ambience, history and romance.

MASK DANCES
In answer to last fortnight's question Surabhi travels to the far off North-Eastern mountains to unravel the mystery of the mask dances of Arunachal Pradesh.

EPISODE 81

LADAKH FESTIVAL
Surabhi travels to the fabulous mountains of Ladakh for a ringside view of the Ladakh festival and a unique celebration of Ladakhi culture set in an amphitheatre of high mountains.

SHIAMAK DAWAR
Shiamak Dawar, the young and talented dancer, choreographer, singer talks about his passion for music and rhythm.

JALLIKATU
A contest between man and bull takes place every year in the southern district of Jallikatu in Tamil Nadu during the festive season. Surabhi travels to this idyllic rural setting and discovers a violent traditional sport where the roles are reversed and man is in greater danger than the bull.

NAGARJUNA KONDA
In answer to last fortnight's question Surabhi reveals the Buddhist settlement of Nagarjuna Konda in Andhra Pradesh which was transplanted stone by stone to a safer site, thus avoiding submergence under the waters of the Nagarjunsagar Dam. A unique feat in the annals of archaeology!

EPISODE 82

NEK CHAND'S ROCK GARDEN
In Chandigarh is located the now famous example of a single person?s ingenuity in creativity. Scrap and other waste and discarded materials have been ingeniously combined by Mr. Nek Chand to shape this unusual garden which receives visitors from all over the world.

UDAIPUR MASKS
Masks have always played an important role in the cultural traditions of India. Surabhi attempts to explore this ethos of masks in Indian life, through an unusual workshop conducted by the West Zone Cultural Centre, Udaipur.

THEME PARTIES
Theme parties constitute a new trend in urban entertainment in India. So far, this had remained a corporate phenomenon, which has started a trend among individuals as well.

SASARAM
The Surabhi team travels all the way to Sasaram, in Bihar to visit the tomb of Sher Shah Suri, the king who was responsible for building India's longest road, the Grand Trunk Road.

EPISODE 83

BERA BAGHAN (MURSHIDABAD)
Fairs have traditionally been a part of the Indian lifestyle, especially in rural areas. Bera Baghan of Murshidabad, West Bengal, is one such fair, the highlight of which is the floating of hundreds of diyas or earthen lamps down the river Ganga.

RAMDAS PADHYE, VENTRILOQUIST
Surabhi conjures an amusing and exciting world of puppets with Ramdas Padhye the well-known ventriloquist.

LIVING IN THE DESERT
India's age-old housing traditions have been in total harmony with the environment. This eliminated the risk of the massive loss of lives in case of a calamity like the earthquake in Maharashtra. Surabhi brings you this story from the Thar Desert of Rajasthan.

MARBLE ROCKS
In answer to last fortnight's question, Surabhi takes you down the river Narmada in Jabalpur to capture the magnificence of the marble rocks flanking the river banks. Rocks that are not really marble, but only a look alike.

EPISODE 84

HANS RAJ HANS
Here is a breath of fresh air straight from the lush green fields of Punjab. A wonderful pulsating mix of Indian classical music, the rustic but lively, Bhangra and modern pop. The result is our very own Punjabi Pop by Hans Raj Hans.

GHAZAL KA ZAFAR
A journey through time and memorable music. This is the journey of the ghazal - the soulful Indian lyric, from its exclusive classical beginnings to its present popular from, which has captured the hearts of an entire continent.

A SONG FOR INDIA
Enthused by the ever-increasing popularity of MTV videos, Surabhi decided to do a music video of its own. A song for India is Surabhi's tribute, through Remo, to India.

LAC BANGLES
A strange slot for a story like this in a Music Special, one would say. But bangles have always had a music of their own, especially in the lives of Indians.

EPISODE 85

JOY ENGINEER
Surabhi travels to the city of Navsari in Gujarat where a young magician performing his own brand of magic brings much excitement to his people.

HAZARDUARI PALACE MUSEUM
The princes have gone and their palaces too would have followed suit if they hadn?t been converted into hotels. But, this one is a museum.

PALLAV JANARDHAN
Pallav Janardhan plays Hindustani music on Western synthesisers, creating a combination of Western and Indian music.

LOCK MUSEUM
Locks that open can be found anywhere. But those that don?t open so easily are what Surabhi found, all under one roof in Ahmedabad.

EPISODE 86

RANGOLI
Surabhi gets into the festive mood, and enters the beautiful world of rangoli - a riot of colour, but with a deep meaning.

APACHE INDIAN
Apache Indian is rediscovering his own world here in India, where he was born (in Punjab). A profile on Apache?s interaction with his roots.

SOUMITRA CHATTERJI
Soumitra Chatterjee, the doyen of Bengali cinema and one of the favourite actors of film maestro Satyajit Ray, reveals some of his inner most thoughts in a rare interview with Surabhi.

GOLD THEWA
Surabhi travels to Pratapgarh in Rajasthan and discovers that the art of gold thewa is still prospering despite the fact that only one family is still engaged in this fascinating craft.

EPISODE 87 (A WOMEN'S SPECIAL)

CHINNAPALEM
Beautiful islands, a rare specimen of sea weeds - a botanist's delight - what does this have to do with a Women?s Special? Surabhi travels to Chinnapalem, off the Tamil Nadu coast, where women divers bring up sea weeds for their livelihood, taking over a function traditionally handled by men.

VIJAYA MEHTA
Surabhi pays tribute to the versatility of the Indian woman, symbolised by Vijaya Mehta, a multifaceted personality from the world of the performing arts, who is constantly experimenting, innovating and adapting.

CHILD PRODIGIES
Two young, talented and versatile sisters, Shrishti and Nishtha Sareen from Udaipur feature as Surabhi?s artistes of the week. The child prodigies have excelled in writing, singing, painting and dancing. They present a delightful performance of the lively folk dance, Bhavai, which includes dancing on nails and broken glass bits and balancing a number of pitchers on the head!

RANI NI VAAV
Architectural beauty combined with a specific purpose, that of storing water, was what made ancient Indian step wells so unique. Kings normally built them, but Surabhi discovers Rani-ni-vaav, a beautiful step well constructed by a queen, in Patan, Gujarat.

EPISODE 88

VISHALLA, AHMEDABAD
An oasis in a desert is what Vishalla aspires to be - a down to earth restaurant with an absolutely rural Indian ambience. A meal at Vishalla is also a voyage of discovery of one's roots.

LAU PA SAT, SINGAPORE
Surabhi explores the Indian connection in foreign lands where Indians have made their home. Singapore's Lau-Pa-Sat is one place, where you can have your fill of not only genuine Indian food, but that of many other countries too.

KULU DASSEHRA
In Kulu, Himachal Pradesh, a very different Dassehra celebration unfolds each year, as Surabhi discovers.

BENARAS
This time Surabhi also travels to Benaras on the waters of the river Ganga. There is much more to India's biggest city, as our answer story unfolds - a grand mix of tradition and modernity.

EPISODE 89

BHIL PITHORA PAINTING
This time round Surabhi opens the door to a sneak preview of a very special tribal art. The Bhil Pithora paintings are not just an imprint on the wall, they are a very shared, emotional affair, a form of tribal communication.

SHYAM BENEGAL
Local forms of art too serve as an effective means of communication of important messages. Surabhi meets noted film director, Shyam Benegal, to find out how he uses these forms in the special films he is making for UNICEF on mother care and child survival.

VIDEO SEWA, AHMEDABAD
How people and technology can interact to transform the lives of ordinary beings is best exemplified in this story on Video SEWA, an experiment touching the lives of the poor, unlettered women of Ahmedabad. Another example of effective communication.

SUDHA CHANDRAN
Our answer story this week is a tribute to the courage of a young talented dancer, who did not let the loss of a leg get her down. Sudha Chandran rose again to dance to fame and has never looked back since.

EPISODE 90

ARYA VAIDYA SALA
The means may be many, but the goal is what matters. In our case good health is of prime importance. Ancient Indian medical practices, such as the Ayurvedic oil massages, have been apparently as effective as any modern physiotherapy methods. Arya Vaidya Sala of Kottakkal, in Kerala, is famous for these techniques.

GOLDEN TEMPLE
The golden temple in Amritsar is not a mere symbol of the socio-cultural life of Punjab. It is a masterpiece of architecture as Surabhi discovers in this special story on the occasion of Guru Nanak's birth anniversary.

CRY STORY
While many a helping hand reaches out to the under-privileged child, here's one that brings the privileged and the under-privileged together. Face to face, they attempt to build a bridge across the gulf that separates them.

HAMPI
The elaborate techniques of irrigation are not so new to India. Hampi, a fascinating destination in Karnataka is just as well known for its ancient hydraulic system of irrigation, as much for the architectural beauty of its ruin.

EPISODE 91

LADAKH
This week Surabhi travels to the icy frontiers of Ladakh for a first hand report on the Archaeological Survey of India's exciting explorations in the Nubra valley. These reveal new evidences of a civilization that existed along the then flourishing trade routes to India, through the high mountains.

DR. MEHERJI AWARI
A kick at the right spot and lo! the sick man walks again. That's Dr. Meherji Awari, an osteopath of Navsari, Gujarat. He healed many an ill person using this traditional Indian medical system, especially for curing problems related to the vertebral column.

KOVALAM
The waves wash the silver beaches, the wind whistles through the lush green trees and the sun bids a most glorious adieu on this coast. That's Kovalam for you. The Kerala beach boasts of another facet - exotic cuisines. It attempts at preserving our heritage as Surabhi discovers in this music video tribute.

KHUDA BAKSH LIBRARY
Memories are revived as one enters the portals of the majestic Khuda Baksh library in Patna, Bihar. The library is no ordinary one. It is a place where even the poet, Rabindranath Tagore, sought solace, peace and tranquillity.

EPISODE 92

SIKKIM MASKS
Sikkim, in North East India celebrates its new year, Loosoong, on December 14th with gaiety, dance and festivities. Surabhi wishes good luck to the people of Sikkim with their traditional greeting - tashi delek.

SMITA PATIL
Talented, well known, courageous, beautiful, and loved by the nation, but tragically lost to us, on 14th December, seven years ago. That was Smita Patil - a rare person indeed! Surabhi pays a tribute to the multi-faceted actress.

KHALASIS OF CALICUT
Huge cranes, forklifts and other machinery are pushing into oblivion the ancient skills of carting and lifting. But the Khalasis of Calicut, Kerala are continuing a trade where human skills still outbeat the machines.

PADMANABHAPURAM PALACE
The abode of the rulers of Travancore in the 18th century, the Padmanabhapuram Palace in Tamil Nadu, reflects the traditional wooden architecture of Kerala and is notable for its carved tables and exquisite sculpture.

EPISODE 93

STREE MUKTI SANGHATANA, MUMBAI
The focus this time is on women - young, ordinary women, who have brought courage, solace and inspiration to thousands of their like, with a play that completes 1000 shows in Maharashtra and India. Beti Ayee Hai produced by the Stree Mukti Sanghatana, Mumbai, is a satire with the sting of truth.

EXOTIC DOSAS
A silent food revolution seems to be taking place in tradition bound South India. Even the ubiquitous dosa seems more exotic these days.

UNUSUAL HOBBIES
There are people and people, usual and some not so usual. Actually its what they do that makes them unusual and sets them apart from the others. Many such interesting people exist all around us. They have contributed to this story of Surabhi.

BASU BHATTACHARYA
Tracing the depths of man?woman relationship is the noted film director Basu Bhattacharya, also the subject of our Sawal Jawab section.

EPISODE 94

CHITRABANI
Most people are interested in film but not many are interested in a serious study of film. Though the setting up of the Film and Television Institute, Pune heralds changing times, in Calcutta, the winds of change had started blowing 20 years ago when Chitrabani was founded for a serious study of films. Chitrabani is still flourishing today.

CALENDAR ART
Surabhi takes a close look at art that not only keeps us abreast of the days and weeks but also reflects changing times - calendar art.

MEHNDI
A few years ago, no occasion in a North Indian family was complete without Mehndi adorning slim palms. Today it is more a ritual though a much more elaborate one. The commercialisation of the art of Mehndi has opened new horizons for business but ironically spelt decline for the individual Mehndi artiste.

GWALIOR CITY
Do trains carry tales? Yes, they do, even the toy ones. And in this case the train's trail leads to Gwalior city, a city of royalty, of palaces, of forts and of course, grand traditions.

EPISODE 95

BULLOCK CART RACE
Horses have always been known for speed, but not bullocks. More so if they are pulling an unwieldy cart. But an amazing scene unfolds in Pune, where bullocks racing across dusty tracks are easily a match for any horse.

TORTOISE MAN (JAYANTIBHAI PATEL)
Surabhi traces the fascinating communication between man and animal. Jayantibhai has a strange hold over tortoises and monkeys.

PERIYAR
The aroma of spices is irresistible. It draws one, like bees to nectar. And the trail leads to Periyar. Yes! The very sanctuary that conjures up images of elephants, wild bear, deer and birds in their natural habitat is also the spice centre of India. Among the spices that grow in abundance over here, are cardamom and pepper.

VISHNUPUR TERRACOTTA TEMPLES
Mother earth shapes us all, the animate and the inanimate, in some way or the other. In our answer story this time, we focus on a thing of real beauty, the ancient terracotta temples of Vishnupur in West Bengal,

EPISODE 96

BORRA CAVES
In Borra Caves near Vishakhapatnam in Andhra Pradesh, the crystalline stalagmite and stalactite rocks glisten and gleam like diamonds, where water droplets from the roof of the caves form a Shiv Linga; where nature comes alive in all its wonder ? a true miracle.

RAHUL DEV BURMAN
A path-breaker, a trendsetter, a genius - all three descriptions are most apt for Rahul Dev Burman, who emerged from the shadows of his father very early in life, to find a place in the sun, on his own. Surabhi pays a tribute to Pancham alias R.D. Burman.

KALIDAS SAMAROH
Sanskrit, the mother of most Indian languages lives on through the works of Kalidas, one of the greatest poets of India. Sanskrit is not merely a language; it is part of Indian tradition. A tradition that is being kept alive through the Kalidas Samaroh held in Ujjain every year.

D.G.GAEKWAD, RAG BHATIYAR
Melody sounds that much sweeter if played or sung at the right time. Yes! In Indian classical music, this is what makes all the difference - the pre determination of time; specific for specific ragas. We discovered the beauty of it all as D.G. Gaekwad played raga Bhatiyar on Shehnai on a fine morning in Baroda.

EPISODE 97

THE VIJANA KALA VEDI CENTRE (LOUBAS CHILD)
Here's another example of foreigners who look to India for meaning and inspiration in their lives, and have settled down and adopted India as their own, forcing us to look inwards rather than only outwards.

DOLLY ROY, TEA TASTER
Another male bastion falls. This time in Calcutta and that too over sips of tea. Yes! Dolly Roy is not only India's first woman-tea-auctioneer but also the first woman-tea-taster. She has helped open opportunities for other women in the corporate world.

LIJJAT PAPAD
The answers to last fortnight's question have been a record, a landmark for Surabhi, perhaps a world record - over 10 lakh letters in one week, with almost all of them right. A rare achievement! The answer is a story of an enterprise born out of the courage and determination of women who have realised their own inner strength through something that comes very easily to them - making papads; papads that are loved throughout the nation.

EPISODE 98

REPUBLIC DAY REHEARSALS
If the curtain were to be raised on the preparations of the Republic Day Parade, one would make some interesting discoveries. A glimpse of all the human and material inputs that go into the making of this grand event and the effect if has on the artistes lives.

CANDLE LIGHT CELEBRATIONS, KERALA
Surabhi comes across New Year celebrations with a difference in Elamakkara near Kochi, Kerala.

TIHAR JAIL
In Delhi, Surabhi discovers a ray of hope for the inmates of Tihar jail.

LADAKH PAINTERS
Ladakh is a beautiful but remote outpost of India where the traditional and the modern, the old and the new, coexist and find expression in various aspects such as the works of two well-known local painters.

GOPHAN THROWINGS
The answer to our question of 2 weeks ago leads us to the gophan, a device to scare away birds, a weapon, and even a sport, at the gophan throwing competition in Gujarat.

EPISODE 99

BAUL FESTIVAL
The age-old tradition of Baul singing form Bengal continues its pursuits amid the hurry and clutter of modern life. Meet Purna Das Baul - its grand old man and Maki Kazumi - its latest Japanese convert.

GAUTAM KALE
In his life, the pure notes of Hindustani classical music are interspersed with the sound of galloping hooves. Surabhi acquaints you with the amazing achievements of 11 year old Gautam Kale.

SANDEEP RAY
The 25th IFFI at Calcutta opened with the film Uttaran, begun by Satyajit Ray and completed by his son. Walking in the footsteps of his illustrious father, Sandeep Ray looks back to some memorable moments.

KALAMKARI
This time our answer story take us to Andhra Pradesh, the home of Kalamkari- fabric with intricate designs in vibrant colours executed with dexterity by skilled craftsmen.

EPISODE 100

ASI WORLD HERITAGE, FATEHPUR SIKRI
This time, the kaleidoscope pauses at this magnificent example of Indo-Islamic art. Fatherpur Sikri is a world heritage site that is an expression of its creator's greatness, his secularism and his religious zeal.

BHIMSEN JOSHI
Pandit Bhimsen Joshi, one of India's finest vocalists honours Surabhi with his presence. A conversation with the great maestro about his music, his life and his passion for cars.

DALBATI
From the melodious strains of Hindustani classical music, we move on to savour the fragrance of Dal Bati or Dal Bafle - a mouth watering delicacy form Madhya Pradesh.

KRUSADI ISLANDS
The cultural frontiers of India extend beyond the peninsula into tiny islands in the Indian Ocean. Krusadi islands, off the coast of Rameshwaram, can be reached by a memorable train journey across the sea! Here you find these beautiful coral islands - the last outpost of an endangered marine park.

COMPUTER ANIMATION
We take you into an amazing world of the real and the illusory - the world of computer and film animation, starting with some remarkable transformation in Surabhi itself.

EPISODE 101

PRABHAT THEATRE
An entire family of artists, in Bangalore, all passionately into theatre.

NARESH MEHTA
Naresh Mehta - the giant of Hindi Literature and Jnanapith award winner reveals deep insights into his work & his creativity.

BEST OF SURABHI 100
A voyage down memory lane, down 100 weeks of Surabhi. The world of the extraordinary - the best of Surabhi - 100 episodes.

PAAN
The evergreen "Paan" or betel leaf enjoyed all over India is featured in the answer story.

EPISODE 102

SURYAKANT PATEL
A new chapter in the life of Surabhi - people, whose lifestyle makes them very unusual. Surabhi ventures into that special oasis that architect Suryakant Patel has created for himself, near Baroda, away from the humdrum of city life.

BHARUD (UNICEF - III)
A dull subject entwined with imagination that can make communication much more meaningful. A simple healthcare message, about the need to consume iodized salt, becomes more meaningful by using "Bharud", a popular folk form of Maharashtra.

MALUTI VILLAGE
In Bihar's Maluti village, local people's endeavour has helped to preserve and protect 72 temples that are a part of our history and heritage.

VEENA SHROFF
Blending the present with the past, Veena Shroff, a collector from Delhi, has a penchant for dressing hair with the most exquisite ornaments, truly all collector's items.

EPISODE 103

TAJ MAHAL
Described as the "perfect monument" in the history of Indo - Islamic architecture, the Taj Mahal, a building of exquisite beauty, stands endangered today. The astonishing tale of the dangers that face the monument and the possible solutions to the problem.

GOPI KRISHNA
With the death of Gopi Krishna India has lost a gem from the world of classical dance. A tribute to the popular Kathak dancer.

VERONIQUE AZAN
A story of hope ! A Frenchwoman who has made India her home, has adopted Indian culture as her own and is one of the most dedicated exponents of Kathak.

DARIA DAULAT
Yet another voyage of discovery. Daria Daulat Palace in Mysore - the Summer Palace of the great king Tipu Sultan.

EPISODE 104

CHINESE NEW YEAR
One of the wonders of Indian culture is the assimilation of foreign customs in its fold. A uniquely Indian way of celebrating the Chinese New Year by the Chinese community of Calcutta.

J.S. BANSAL
A community known for its martial qualities produces a "Bharata Natyam" dancer, J.S. Bansal.

MR. KOMBRABAIL
The unusual zest for life of 70 - year - old Mr.Kombrabail of Bangalore, which is shared by his wife too.

ALMITRA PATEL
Almitra Patel of Bangalore. Her courage and perseverance in protecting a monument of national importance can be a source of inspiration for all of us.

FALCON
Falconry, still a popular sport in Dubai was once prevalent in India too. Today, however, falcon hunting is governed by environmental considerations since its quarry itself is an endangered species.

EPISODE 105

VINTAGE CAR EXHIBITION
An enchanting glimpse of an unusual and expensive hobby at `The Vintage Car Exhibition' in Mumbai.

MANMOHAN DESAI
A tribute to the last of the great entertainers, a filmmaker of uncommon talents who identified with the common man.

DEVIKA RANI
Another illustrious personality passes away. A homage to Devika Rani, the first lady of the silver screen.

ID
An insight into the significance of Ramzan Id, the breaking of Roza or Iftaar, the delightful culinary preparations and the accompanying festivities.

MAHARASHTRA HERITAGE QUIZ
Catch glimpses of the rich and varied traditions, art and architecture, cuisine and lifestyle of the people of Maharashtra.

EPISODE 106

THE KATHIAWARI HORSE
Striding ahead of all other breeds in step, beauty and characteristics, is the Kathiawari Horse. Glimpses from the Kathiawari Marwari Horse Show held at Wankaner, Gujarat.

KANG
The rural sport from Manipur akin to carrom, but on a much larger scale, and very interesting.

INSTANT TREES
In these days of fast depleting forest cover in our country, Mohan Advani's remarkable new approach to growing Instant Trees is commendable.

HOOKAH
A royal tradition, and often the subject of folklore, poetry and paintings, is the "Hookah". A look at the making of a very special Hookah in Kerala.

EPISODE 107

B. V. KARANTH
March 1 was World Theatre Day. Theatre is the mirror of society, a vehicle for inspiring social and cultural change. B.V. Karanth pioneers innovative techniques of initiating students into the world of Theatre at `Nataka Karnataka Rangayan' in Mysore amidst an unusual symphony of natural sounds.

ANAND GUPT?S COLLECTION
Another Theatre enthusiast - Anand Gupt - who has a repository of theatre brochures from all over the world spanning an amazing 25 years.

AURANGABAD WINNER
Mr.Bhuti and his wife, Surabhi's winners of a fabulous holiday, detail their delightful interlude through memorable photographs.

CAMEL CART
An adventurous trip into the interiors of Gujarat by a group of enthusiasts.

D.N. JATIA
A picture of India through the beautiful and rare stamp collection of D.N.Jatia in Calcutta.

STATE HERITAGE QUIZ
An exciting State Heritage Quiz with five audiovisual clues. Guess the state in question and win fabulous prizes.

EPISODE 108

MANAGEMENT TRAINING THROUGH MUSIC
Meet the unusual Rajaram Nadkarni who improves workers' productivity by introducing them to the rejuvenating effects of music.

MEENA KUMARI
March 31 was the death anniversary of tragedy queen Meena Kumari. A tribute to the actress.

MAHESH DATTANI
Playwright Mahesh Dattani, whose plays based on Indian social situations are blazing new trails all over the country.

ALAMPUR TEMPLE
The Sangameshwar Temples, specimens of Chalukyan architecture were rebuilt brick by brick at Alampur to save them from being submerged under hydel power projects. A report on this laborious and painstaking task.

EPISODE 109

ANDAMAN & NICOBAR ISLANDS
Emerald green seas, an azure sky and a stiff, constant breeze. A glimpse of the enchanting Andaman & Nicobar Islands during Solomon?s day celebrations, held every year to commemorate Solomons's landing there on March 15, 1895.

DANCING DUO?S EXPERIMENTS
The innovative duo of Ishira Parikh and Moulik Shah detail their experiments with Kathak.

ART FROM SCRAP
Art from junk. A look at the delightfully creative sculptures of Arzan Khambatta.

STATE HERITAGE QUIZ
Get transported to the sylvan charms of Kerala, to its famed backwaters, to the famous works of Raja Ravi Varma, to the land of Cardamom and other spices, and to the martial art of Kalaripayyattu.

EPISODE 110

LION STORY
An amazing story from Gujarat where a team of dedicated and brave doctors are treating injured lions in regular hospitals.

BHUPINDER & MITALEE
A lively and exclusive meeting with playback singers Bhupinder and Mitalee showcasing some of their memorable ghazals.

INDIRA POINT
A place from where only the blue sea and the viridian green of the island rain forest is visible. A voyage to Indira Point the southern most point of our country, accessible only by ship or helicopter.

EPISODE 111

HERITAGE WALK
A heritage walk through the old city of Delhi, to discover old monuments and buildings which contribute to a new understanding of our rich architectural heritage.

BIRDMAN OF RAJKOT
In Gujarat, the incredible `Birdman of Rajkot' has been carrying on his ancestors noble profession - that of caring for his innumerable birds. Discover how he communicates with his flock.

RAJAPALAYAM DOG
An exciting story on a special breed of Indian Dog - the Rajapalayam from Tamil Nadu. This breed is being reared by the Bharat Kennel Club.

EPISODE ? 112

S.L. KIRLOSKAR
S.L. Kirloskar the well-known industrialist is no more. A tribute to `Kirloskar the rationalist' who was also a great lover of art and culture.

CHAWRA POTS
In the distant but enchanting Chawra Islands in the Bay of Bengal, the ancient craft of making earthen pots is being kept alive by the islanders.

BHUJODI, KUTCH
An entire village in Gujarat echoes with the music of the craft of the weavers who are struggling to keep a magnificent tradition alive.

MANGO STORY
Discover the excitement that the mighty mango can generate among mango lovers, not only in India, but in many parts of the world.

BHOPAS
An insight into the life of a colourful, musical community of Rajasthan - the Bhopas, who are trying to adapt to the changing times.

EPISODE 113

MANIPURI NEW YEAR
In Manipur, as in any other place, the lively New Year celebrations are related to the harvest season.

PELICAN STORY
A delightful story about a pelican from the Nal Sarovar Bird Sanctuary in Gujarat, who adopted a tiny village, much to the delight of all the villagers.

ADITYA PAUDWAL
The child prodigy Aditya Paudwal, has already created a record of sorts by directing the music for a firm.

RAJASTHAN HERITAGE QUIZ
Discover the colourful heritage of Rajasthan in this week's answer story.

EPISODE 114

NATIONAL AWARDS
A report on the National Documentary Film Awards, showing some interesting trends & personalities.

SUSHMITA SEN
On the eve of the Miss Universe contest, Miss India 1994 Sushmita Sen talks about herself, her success, her struggles, and her aspirations.

KALARIPAYATTU
In Kerala women are now being trained in this difficult and graceful martial art.

NOSE SHEHNAI
An answer story on the imitation of the sound of the Shehnai.

EPISODE 115

DISCOVERY OF INDIA
The Discovery of India exhibition designed by the National Institute of Design attempts to explore Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's vision of India.

PHANI MAZUMDAR
A tribute to one of India's outstanding directors, the unassuming Phani Mazumdar, who died unsung and uncelebrated.

BURRA BAZAR
Glimpse of the Burra Bazar of Shilong which is also a reflection of a unique way of life.

B.K.S. IYENGAR
The Yoga master B.K.S. Iyengar has kept the light of Yoga burning brightly throughout the world.

EPISODE 116

MISS UNIVERSE CONTEST
Sushmita Sen has shown to the world that where beauty, brains and poise are concerned, Indian women are at the top of the world.

NATIONAL FEATURE AWARDS
Exclusive interviews with this year's Best Actor award winner Mammooty and Best Actress Shobhana.

IVORY CRAFTSMEN
In the winding bylanes of Lucknow the ivory craftsmen, forced by curbs on ivory, have made a successful transition to camel bone and soap stone.

BIHU DANCE
Get to know more about the Bihu dance of Assam. A traditional dance of the Assamese performed on Bihu - the New Year.

EPISODE 117

DINOSAURS
A fascinating story from Gujarat where archaeologists have found dinosaur remains which throw light on the giant vertebrates which roamed the earth millions of years ago.

IPTA ANNIVERSARY
IPTA, India's premier theatre group celebrating its 50th anniversary was honoured with the release of a special stamp.

FISH MEDICINE
The Goud brothers of Hyderabad have been administering their unusual medicine for asthma - live fish - for many years.

BIDRI
A delightful story on the fabulous and intricate metal craft which involves five laborious processes : casting, moulding, polishing, blackening and inlaying.

EPISODE 118

TRIPURA
Catch glimpses of Tripura's lifestyle, its tribals and its music, in this special story.

SURABHIS CRAFT MUSIC VIDEO
Surabhi presents a `Craft Music Video' - a tribute to the craftsmen of India.

CRAFTS VILLAGE; B.K. RAJA
In this new section comprising of stories contributed by viewers, see glimpses of a crafts village from Andhra Pradesh as also pianist B.K.Raja's experimentation with Indian ragas on the piano.

SWANG
A spirited story from rustic Haryana on Swang, a rural performing art which has impersonations as its basis.

EPISODE 119

SAUDAGAR KHAN
Surabhi opens with a strange & amazing story of 95 year old Saudagar Khan from Andaman & Nicobar islands. A story of courage, optimism and an undying love of life.

SWAMINARAYAN TEMPLE
The special celebrations of the Swaminarayan Temple were held in Ahmedabad, the essence of the `Mela' being love of humanity.

TEMPLE JEWELLERY
A story on the beautiful and exquisite traditional temple jewellery from Madras, which is both popular and affordable.

MAWSYNRAM
Get to know more about the place, which receives the highest rainfall in the world - Mawsynram in Meghalaya.

EPISODE 120

KAZIRANGA NATIONAL PARK
A story that will transport you to the cool, green jungles of Assam for a ringside view of the wild rhino in its last refuge - the Kaziranga National Park.

ALISHA CHINAI
A meeting with Alisha Chinai, the Indian pop singer, on the eve of the release of her new album "Bombay Girl".

UP HERITAGE QUIZ
The northern state of Uttar Pradesh has been a centre of cultural, social and religious activities throughout the ages.