Welcome to Surabhi

EPISODE 361

AJMER DURGAH
Surabhi takes you to Ajmer in Rajasthan to see the cauldron or Deg at Khwaja Moinuddin Chishti?s durgah. Surabhi delves deep into the fervour of faith that fires the devotees from many faiths.

GULABO
Surabhi takes you for a spin with the renowned snake dancer, Gulabo of Rajasthan. She may not know the language or the ways of the world, but she has certainly stormed North India with her talent in Kalbeliya dance.

TRADITIONAL DANCE FORMS
Dance is an art, an expression of joy and celebration and our traditional forms like Kalaripayattu, Kathakali and Yoga have always reflected a unique blend of spirit in action.

GANAPATHI STHAPATHI
With Ganapathi Sthapathi, the viewers of Surabhi will learn the intricate details of iconography and the principles of the making of images1 for temples.

EPISODE 362

SATTRIYA DANCE OF ASSAM
Surabhi presents to its viewers the graceful Sattriya Dance of Assam which has been designated as the fifth school of classical Indian dance by Sri Uday Shankar.

YUKTA MOOKHEY
Surabhi has a warm tête-à-tête with none other than the Miss World 1999, Yukta Mookhey. She symbolises the potential of the Women of India in the new millenium

MONUMENTS OF AGRA
In this section, Surabhi reveals the magnificence of the striking architectural wonder of the Agra Fort and the lesser-known monuments of Agra.

EPISODE 363

KHAJURAHO
Surabhi takes its viewers to Khajuraho to see the magnificence of the temples built in the year 1000.

87TH INDIAN SCIENCE CONGRESS, PUNE
While the year 2000 has brought significant changes in satellite communication. Surabhi looks at a whole new area of grassroots innovations at the village level, which have gone unnoticed in India.

GYAN VIGYAN
In this Gyan Vigyan section, we discuss why we hear the sound first on TV and then see the picture, although light travels much faster than sound.

EPISODE 364

ODHANIS OF RAJASTHAN
The Odhanis or veils that Rajasthani women wear tell a tale of history and tradition. Tripti Pandey has spent long years researching and collecting the different types of odhanis from all over the state and organised an exhibition too.

LEELANATH OF BOKAGHAT
A meeting with an animal lover, Leelanath of Bokaghat, Assam. He has a rare bond with all creatures great and small and what?s more, the animals too accept him as one of their kind.

POLLUNNURUWA, SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka has three major Buddhist sites ? Anuradhapura, Sigiriya and Pollunnuruwa. They form the triangle of Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Pollunnuruwas has the most interesting sculptures of seated Buddha entering Nirvana, with a sublime look on his face. .

EPISODE 365

JHELUM
Surabhi follows a great river, the Jhelum in Kashmir to its source and sees how a little clear water can transform our lives.

VEDIC GURUKUL
Surabhi? visits a traditional school of teaching in India ? the Gurukul. This system of education raises many questions about its relevance in the age of speeding information systems.

LEONARDO DA VINCI
In this section Surabhi introduces its viewers to Leonardo da Vinci ? a great Italian painter and a scientist born five hundred years ago.

EPISODE 366

EGYPTIAN CUISINE
Surabhi gives its viewers a taste of Egyptian cuisine amidst the colossal pyramids of Egypt.

MANAV SANGRAHALAYA
Surabhi takes its viewers on a tour of the sprawling Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, Bhopal - an open-air museum which houses, among other things, ancient rock shelters on its campus.

LEECH THERAPY
Surabhi introduces its viewers to another kind of therapy ? Leech Therapy. This is called medicinal leeching where leeches are used to extract venomous blood from ailing patients.

EPISODE 367

JAGESHWAR TEMPLE
Surabhi takes you to Almora district of Uttar Pradesh to one of the twelve ?jyotirlingas?- Jageshwar temple which reflects the unique Kumaoni style of architecture.

MASAI MARKET, KENYA
Surabhi takes you on a tour of Masai market of Kenya to reveal a varied mix of people and the range of wares on display.

JANTAR MANTAR
Surabhi takes a look at ancient Indian astrology. The techniques of charting stellar movements can be observed at the Jantar Mantar.

EPISODE 368

AMUL CHEESE BOY AND BUTTER GIRL CONTEST
Surabhi brings to you young India with all its laughter, fun and talent galore at the Amul Cheese Boy and Amul Butter Girl Mini India Camp at Anand, Gujarat.

FOLK MUSIC, RAJASTHAN
Surabhi takes you on a melody tour with renowned folk art expert, Komal Kothari and children from the traditional folk musicians? community of Rajasthan whose talents he helps to hone and promote.

SUDARSHAN KHANNA
Surabhi shows you the principles behind many simple but fascinating toys with the help of Professor Sudarshan Khanna.

EPISODE 369

AMUL CHEESE BOY AND BUTTER GIRL CONTEST
At Anand, Gujarat, the regional winners of the Amul Cheese Boy and Amul Butter Girl Contest gather for the All India contest with creative, workshops and exciting competitions.

BIRYANI OF BHOPAL
The biriyani of Hyderabad and Lucknow are famous with each one boasting of special ingredients and method for this rice delicacy. Now Bhopal biriyani stakes a special claim on the food atlas of India.

SHIVRATRI IN MAURITIUS
The festival of Shivratri celebrated in Mauritius by the Hindus settled there is unique with traditional Indian rituals being merged with new ones.

EPISODE 370

AMUL CHEESE BOY AND BUTTER GIRL CONTEST FINAL
The Amul Cheese Boy and Amul Butter Girl Contest that generated enthusiastic participation from boys and girls all over India, has a final selection round of a quiz contest conducted by the anchors Siddharth Kak and Renuka Shahane. The winners of the final round get a Pentium Computer of their own.

EPISODE 371

AJAI SHANKAR
Surabhi pays a tribute to Shri Ajai Shankar, Director General of the Archaeological Survey of India and one of Surabhi?s great supporters who tragically died in a road accident near Shirdi.

CHAMPANER
Champaner, earlier a capital of medieval Gujarat, is a historic site that needs to be protected and preserved. A bird's eye view from the hill top heritage monument.

CHAKKYAR KOOTHU
Can one artist sing, dance, mime, mono-act and that too with subtle social messages woven into his performances? Meet Chakkyar Koothu Rajan, who is trying to revive an ancient temple art form of Kerala.

BELUR, HALEBID TEMPLES
Located a little away from Bangalore, the intricately carved temples of Belur and Halebid are splendid specimens of the high level of Hoysala art tradition.

EPISODE 372

ANNA HAZARE AND RALEGAON SIDDHI
Surabhi takes you to the village of Ralegaon Siddhi in Maharashtra, where Gandhian Anna Hazare leads a lone crusade for the wisdom of village based development that the Father of the Nation had envisaged for the whole of India.

PRIYA RAJVANSH
Surabhi remembers Priya Rajvansh who made her debut in `Hakikat?, an evergreen film directed the legendary Chetan Anand.

LITHOGRAPHS OF BOMBAY
Surabhi takes you on a journey into the history of Mumbai to Bombay to Bombai to Bumbai and back to Mumbai. .

EPISODE 373

PRIME MINISTER?S VISIT TO IRMA, ANAND
Surabhi visits Institute of Rural Management (IRMA), Anand, along with the Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, and explores the commendable services provided by the Institute for the betterment of the people in the villages.

JORHAT RACES, ASSAM
Surabhi visits the Eastern State of Assam to have lots of fun during the celebration of the local spring festival of Bihu.

BELL METAL, ASSAM
Surabhi explores the composition of bell metal that reverberates our memory right from the flamboyance of school days to the serene and peaceful Puja room.

EPISODE 374

UDAYAGIRI, KHANDGIRI CAVES
A zero-cost, ancient air conditioning system cools the subterranean caves at Udayagiri Khandgiri in Orissa. A cool innovation for calm meditation.

SENAKE SENANAYAKE, SRI LANKA
Severing his strong political family connections, Senake Senanayake has chosen to be an artist and his creative canvasses defy any dividing line between his home and studio.

RAJASTHAN ROYAL CUISINE
Rajasthan Royal cuisine has several surprises in store. Check out the delicious grape gravy made by Beena Kak, the state Minister for Tourism.

EPISODE 375

CHANGING FACE OF KATHAKALI
The classical dance form of Kerala is steeped in 400 years of tradition and ritual. Yet there is scope for change. Themes from Indian epics make room for Shakespeare?s King Lear and women storm into the hitherto male dominated art form.

RENUKA?S NOSTALGIC MOMENTS
After 375 episodes and ten years of togetherness, there is a change of guard in Surabhi. Co-anchor Renuka Shahane bows out while Irawati Harshe steps in her place. A trip down Surabhi memory lane by Renuka.

ARVIND SINGH MEWAR, UDAIPUR
Surabhi explores the royal lifestyle of Maharana Arvind Singh Mewar of Udaipur, in today?s changing socio-political scenario.

EPISODE 376

DR. MASHELKAR AND PATENTING OF TURMERIC
Traditional Indian medical system includes several herbal and plant extracts, which are not documented in International material media. Dr. Mashelkar explains the conundrum over the American patenting of turmeric - haldi and Margosa or neem.

PANDIT BHAJAN SOPORI AND HIS SANTOOR
Traditionally the santoor was used for Sufiana Kalam or Sufi music in Kashmir. Pandit Bhajan Sopori has adapted the instrument for playing classical music, creating a unique synthesis of vocal and instrumental tradition.

TAGORE?S RECORDING AND SHANTINIKETAN
Gurudev?s songs and poems are appreciated and recognized but seldom have they been heard recorded in his own voice. A musical trip to Shantiniketan, Tagore?s dream come true institution for nurturing creativity

EPISODE 377

HAMPI AND ITS HERITAGE STATUS
The ancient capital of the Vijayanagara Empire at Hampi, in Karnataka, is a wonderful specimen of vernacular architecture. But now a modern bridge threatens this heritage site.

FIROZ ASHRAF
Meet Firoz Ashraf and witness the tenacity, courage and commitment of a writer, who not only articulates his concern for his community, but translates it into socially productive projects.

VEDIC MATHEMATICS
Does Vedic Mathematics or ancient Indian mathematics have a place in modern teaching methods? Surabhi add two and two to resolve this problem.

EPISODE 378

MATCHMAKING THROUGH THE AGES
?Matchmaker, matchmaker, find me a match? could be addressed in India to a barber or a computer website. Surabhi traces the pairing process in India through the ages.

JAISALMER FORT
The second largest fort in Rajasthan has withstood the onslaught of attacking armies for years. Yet today its walls are being corded due to rampant commercialization and neglect.

KASHMIRI CARPET WEAVERS
The tradition of carpet weaving in Kashmir involves the entire family of the craftsman. But is there a future for this exquisite handicraft?

EPISODE 379

BRAIN DRAIN
How serious is the problem of brain drain in India? Surabhi search reveals that not only scientists and doctors prefer to go abroad in search of fame and fortune, artists and musicians too find a favourable environment abroad.

RAJINDER SINGH AND TARUN BHARAT
Meet Rajinder Singh and his team of dedicated volunteers who have revived simple but effective techniques of water harvesting in Rajasthan. A refreshing modern story of ancient wisdom.

INDUS VALLEY SCRIPT
Several sites of the Indus Valley Civilization have been located all over the country, yet the Indus Valley scripts remain an enigma.

EPISODE 380

ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE IN PINNEWALA, SRI LANKA
A little distance away from the town of Kandy is this unique orphanage for pachyderms. Baby elephants separated from their herd or orphaned by the killing of their families by landmines in the forest, find refuge here. Tourists are welcome to take a look or even give a healthy scrub to the big babies.

PANDIT RAM NARAYAN, THE SARANGI MAESTRO
Sarangi, is a fine Indian musical instrument that suffered as a result of its association with nautch girls and later with funeral music. However, Pandit Ram Narayan has worked hard to create a special niche for the sarangi and find an enthusiastic audience for its solo recital.

SAND SCULPTURE OF ORISSA
On the beaches of Orissa, amateur artists take hours to create detailed sculptures from sand. Although their creation is washed away by the next high tide, it is an example of the Indian ethos that an ephemeral object is made with detail and devotion.

EPISODE 381

ARUNACHAL PRADESH CRAFTS
In the Indian land of the rising sun, the craftsmen follow the cycle of seasons to create an amazing variety of handcrafted objects from the bounty of nature.

SHUBHA MUDGAL
A soft-spoken, sari clad songstress, whose music finds a fan following in traditional circles as well as discos, shares her personal commitment to Indian music tradition.

ALMATY, KAZAKHSTAN
The erstwhile capital of Almaty or alma-ata is the largest town of Kazakhstan. Although its identity as an independent nation is only a decade old, there are centuries of history waiting to be discovered in its picturesque countryside.

EPISODE 382

POETRY OF P.M., A.B. VAJPAYEE & V.P. SINGH?S POEMS RECITED BY PADMAJA JOGLEKAR
In the midst of political mayhem, India?s Prime Minister remains a poet at heart. A selection of his poetry and that of earlier Prime Minister V .P. Singh, sung by Padmaja Joglekar.

FISH MEDICINE, HYDERABAD
For several years, a family in Hyderabad has been treating asthma patients free of cost with a special secret medicine which is dispensed in a live fish. But with many others around the country claiming to know their secret ingredients, they must try to patent their medicine.

ARTHUNA TEMPLE
Go off on a tourist trek of Rajasthan and discover the temple complex of Arthuna in Banswara District. Recently excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India, these temples reflect the architectural splendour of the Parmar dynasty.

EPISODE 383

PARIHASPUR AND MARTAND TEMPLE
Visit the famous Sun temple at Martand in Kashmir and Parihaspura, the city of joy, that was the capital of the warrior King Lalitaditya. Do the ruins reflect the days of splendour and glory?

BRAHMAKUMARI VISHVAVIDYALAYA
Prajapita Brahmakumari Vishvavidyalaya in Mount Abu, is working towards devising methods to minimise mental stress which is an inevitable part of modern living.

VAT PURNIMA
A traditional festival celebrated by married women in Western India is Vat Purnima or Vat Savitri during which the Banyan tree is venerated. But to cater to modern lifestyle and cramped quarters, you can bring home a branch or two

EPISODE 384

CHANGING CONCEPTS OF BEAUTY
The laurels won by Indian girls at international beauty contests is inspiring a whole generation to become beautiful. Cosmetics manufacturers, beauty parlours, plastic surgeons are flourishing. But is the concept of Indian beauty today different from the classical definitions of the Nayika or heroine?

K. K. MOHAMMAD
A tete-a-tete with archaeologist K.K. Mohammad, who is busy excavating at Rajgir in Bihar. He is looking for evidence of the remains of Gautam Buddha. What is the motivating force that spurs him on?

MAMMALLAPURAM , CONTINUING TRADITION
The shore temple at Mammallapuram (Mahabalipuram) on the southern coast is said to be beauty encaptured in rock. Yet the most exciting part of Mammallapuram today is that the stone carving industry is alive and thriving, thanks to a well planned training institute and a ready market for the sculptures.

EPISODE 385

INTERNET REVOLUTION
Education, Entertainment, Information, all at your fingertips ? just a click away! Surabhi explores an innovative and unconventional mode of communication that is changing the face of our lives ? the Internet.

SHOBHA TIPNIS
Surabhi witnesses the spirit of woman as circumstances and determination come face to face , and introduces Shobha Tipnis, who bursts hot water bags to meet her aspirations and earn a living.

KUMBHALGARH
Which is the second largest wall in the world? Surabhi makes its way to the fort of Kumbhalgarh in Rajasthan, and explores the grandeur of this fort .

EPISODE 386

VANISHING READING CULTURE
In India there is a history of the oral tradition of learning, where knowledge was passed on from generation to generation without writing and reading. A fresh look at the reading culture in India to see how books and publishing are surviving the electronic invasion.

NEW FILMMAKERS
Surabhi speaks to old timers like Govind Nihalani, Shyam Benegal as well as young filmmakers like Dev Benegal and Nagesh Kukonoor, who are ambitious and unconventional.

WALNUT WOOD CARVING
The special wood that is used to make exquisitely carved wood objects in Kashmir is walnut wood. This special tree, known better for its fruit, has an amazing colour and grain and the jewellery boxes, caskets, boxes and tables made of walnut wood have an appeal that will endure.

EPISODE 387

SCULPTRESS OF NEPAL
Surja Bajacharya of Patan in Nepal is a strong young lady who has broken the tradition of the male dominated field of stone sculpture. Now Surja is teaching other young girls who take to stone sculpting as a full time occupation.

TURBANS OF RAJASTHAN
Call it by any name, Paag, Pagdi, Feta, Pecha, the turban atop a man?s head, not only protects him but also enhances his personality. Over the years in India, the turban has became a symbol of honour and self respect and the variety of turbans in the state of Rajasthan are amazing.

TURTLE SANCTUARY, SRI LANKA
What came out of the egg in the sand on the beach was a baby turtle. The sea turtles and their eggs are safe in a sanctuary in Sri Lanka. Under the guidance of Mr. Chandrasiri, at the turtle sanctuary, the turtle eggs are collected, nurtured and the baby turtles that hatch out are returned to the safety of the sea.

EPISODE 388

ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS
Though wine making in India is well recorded, there were also rules and regulation for control of drinking. Alcoholism in modern days is becoming a major problem. What role do organisations like Alcoholics Anonymous play in rehabilitation?

PATTHAR MASJID
The Patthar Masjid in Shrinagar, built by Noorjahan, has not witnessed any devotee since its inception. Surabhi explores this site as Archaeological Survey of India tries to locate its past.

AYURVEDA
Is Ayurveda as it is practised today, healing, harmful or harmless? This was a question we had posed before our viewers. The best five letters are awarded a special prize and the discussion continued in later episodes of Surabhi.

EPISODE 389

TABO MONASTERY
The Tabo Monastery established in 996 by Rinchen Jangpo is now 1000 years old. Surabhi captures the paintings on the wall of the old monastery, which have a striking resemblance to those of Ajanta.

JATRA
Jatra, the old folk theatre form of Bengal was once dominated by men. Now times are changing. There are floodlights and mikes, women do their own roles. Synthesizers replace folk music but the spirit of Jatra remains unchanged.

GYAN VIGYAN
How do plants manage for food when their leaves, their food factories, fall off during autumn. This is among the questions answered by our science consultant Dr, Jayant Narlikar.

EPISODE 390

MASK MAKING , BHAKTAPUR , NEPAL
Surabhi takes a look at the fascinating and colourful masks made of waste pulp using the papier mache technique, and persuades a mask maker to demonstrate the painstaking craft.

DESIGNER MOTORBIKE
Surabhi meets Mohsin Rizvi, a young enterprising mechanic of Mumbai who makes designer motorbikes. A look at the engineering skills of this man who has learnt not from an institute, but from the school of life.

BHUTTI WEAVERS, HIMACHAL PRADESH
The answer story this time takes us to Himachal Pradesh, where an entire village is engaged in making the exquisite Kulu shawls from the wool of the Angora rabbits.

EPISODE 391

STOK PALACE
High on the hills in Leh is Stok Palace which has memories of a rich and regal past. Surabhi meets a real life queen in her own palace.

ADNAN SAMI KHAN
The young boy who was discovered as a child prodigy by BBC at the age of 9 is now a singer, pianist, music composer and music director. He is reputed to be the fastest pianist in the world.

ELEPHANTS OF ANDAMAN ISLANDS
Elephants on an average live for 60-70 years. Did you know that they were employed as government servants in the Andaman islands where they were used for logging? But after their contractor abandoned them, how do the elephants manage in the wild?

EPISODE 392

ZANSKAR VALLEY, LADAKH
The design of floor motifs like alpana or rangoli have been part of India?s tradition since time immemorial. Surabhi takes a look at the unusual floor designs made by Buddhist monks in a remote monastery at Zanskar valley in Ladakh, and ponders over the spiritual implications of these tantric motifs.

IS AYURVEDA HARMFUL?
Surabhi invites you to participate in a debate over the indiscriminate use of Ayurvedic and other alternative medicines as our team shares some of our viewers views and experiences on the subject.

MOHAMMAD RAFI
With an astounding 26,000 songs to his credit, the legacy of Mohammad Rafi assumes a numeric form as well. Surabhi goes back in time to trace the amazing musical record of one of India?s best ? loved singers.

EPISODE 393

CHITWAN PARK, NEPAL
The Royal Chitwan Park in Nepal is a lush forest zone teaming with wildlife. Declared as a World Heritage Site, Chitwan attracts thousands of visitors every year. Surabhi team rides on elephants to go in search of the one horned rhino.

DR. N. RAJAM
Dr. N. Rajam, a leading violin virtuoso of India is the personality of the week. Inspired by Pandit Omkarnath at the tender age of 12, Dr. Rajam grew up to be his favourite pupil.

ILEANA CITARESTI REVISITED
Ileana Citaresti is an Italian who lives in Bhubaneshwar and teaches Odissi to a class of young students. Surabhi had earlier featured Ileana as a student of the legendary Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra. Now we trace her evolution as a guru.

EPISODE 394

MULK RAJ ANAND
Mulk Raj Anand, or `Uncle Mulk? as he is affectionately called, is the chosen one this week. His earlier novels like The Coolie, The Untouchables and Gauri gave a glimpse of contemporary Indian society. At the age of 94 he is still busy either writing or fighting for a cause.

SANSARPUR HOCKEY VILLAGE
While most of the country raves over cricket, an entire village in Punjab is dedicated to hockey. In Sansarpur village all the people are involved in Olympic level hockey.

BHIMBETKA REVISITED
The prehistoric paintings in the cave dwellings of Bhimbetka, in Madhya Pradesh, draw Surabhi back for a revisit. Experts analyze the paintings of different eras and the possible materials used for the art. .

EPISODE 395

WATER HARVESTING OF HIMACHAL PRADESH
Although three fourth of the earth is water, and water is essential for life, it may sometimes be difficult to procure water near settlements. In the Kinnaur District of Himachal Pradesh, bringing water from the high mountains to the valleys is a time-tested technology, woven intricately with community living and rituals.

JASPINDER NARULA
A versatile voice, that can sing a fast disco number with as much ease as a soft lyrical bhajan. Jaspinder Narula is a new name that is making waves on the Indian music scene.

PAUBHA PAINTINGS, BHAKTAPUR
Kumari is the special name for Devi in Nepal and it is the portraits of Kumari or Gauri that adorn every household during the festival of Dassehra or Dassain. Chitrakar Madhu explains the link between Tankha paintings and Paubha paintings.

EPISODE 396

RITU KUMAR
Ritu Kumar?s book on Royal Indian Costumes and Designs of India is a product of two decades of research and extensive travel. Her evolution as a designer to a crusader of preservation of Indian garment tradition and history is the focus of the story in Surabhi.

YOUNG CYCLISTS OF PUNE
Two young college students, Nilay Parikh and Ganesh Ekbote, young, ambitious, dreamers, eager to see the world, have channelized their inexhaustible energy and their bicycles as a passport to fame, fortune and fun.

KONARK REVISITED
The name Konark, the Sun temple in Orissa, refers to the angle of the sun. In Konark, the sun temple is designed in such a special way that the rays of the sun reach the sanctum sanctorum or garbha graha. .

EPISODE 397

CHITRASENA & VAJIRA
Vajira and Chitrasena are dancers from Sri Lanka, who recently celebrated 50 years of dance performances. Chitrasena mastered Sinhala folk dance and then trained in several Indian centres including Shantiniketan.

TERAH TALI DANCE OF RAJASTHAN
Surabhi cooks up a connection between kitchen chores and the spontaneous joyful movements of this unique folk dance of Rajasthan in which women tie cymbals or manjiras on their limbs to make unique music.

ROOSHIKUMAR PANDYA
We invited our viewers to share their personal favourite methods for controlling anger. Surabhi now presents professional tips from Rooshikumar Pandya, a Stress Management guru.

EPISODE 398

OLD TOWN IN KASHMIR
A nostalgic trip to downtown Kashmir to trace the old world charm of historic Srinagar. In comparison to the modern face of Srinagar, in the downtown area, across the Jhelum, the narrow lanes lead you to the lifestyle of bygone days

SRI LANKAN CUISINE
Sri Lankan cuisine reveals the various influences that give it a unique flavour and is like a history mystery! There 's a bit of Dutch influence, a decided British presence, a Kerala connection, a touch of the Tamilian. Surabhi presents the fusion food of Sri Lanka.

AMBER PALACE
The Amber palace has a special section, which remained a cool oasis in the hot desert. Sukh Niwas is richly decorated and beautiful to look at, and also cool and comfortable. .

EPISODE 399

WRESTLING MATCHES IN MAHARASHTRA
Wrestling matches or Kushtis in rural India are a very popular form of entertainment. WWF matches on television are a recent phenomena but our own traditions of Kushti hark back to our epics. Let?s learn a trick or two about the age-old kushti of Satara in Maharashtra.

BLUE POTTERY OF JAIPUR, RAJASTHAN
Blue pottery from the pink city of Jaipur is one of the most popular purchases of all tourists. However this craft tradition which came from Persia would have disappeared but for the dedicated effort of Padmashri Kripal Singh Shekhawat.

GYAN VIGYAN
How does your woollen sweater keep you warm? This is among the viewer?s queries answered by our science expert Dr. Jayant Narlikar.

EPISODE 400

GREAT WALL OF CHINA
The Great Wall of China is the only man made structure visible from the moon. Surabhi, the first television team from India to receive an invitation to film the culture of China begins its journey from this World Heritage site.

KAIFI AZMI
The personality selected for this special section is Kaifi Azmi, a poet whose theme is the common man's struggle for survival in a heartless world. He is a writer whose screenplay and dialogues brought a new sensitivity to the popular culture of Indian cinema.

NALANDA AND VIKRAMSHILA
The ancient University of Nalanda in Bihar was so famous that students came from all over the world to study here. A lot of the information we have on Nalanda, comes to us from the accounts of a Chinese traveller, Hsuen Tsang. In China he is revered and honoured for the translations of the Buddhist texts he brought from India.

EPISODE 401

GUANGZHOU DESTINATION
An exploration of `A City of Flower? that boasts of a history dating back to more than 2,800 years ago. This ancient political and cultural hub of South China is today a charming tourist city.

AGARIA LIFESTYLE
A look at a tribal community residing in the iron?ore rich forests of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar and Orissa; a community that mastered the skill of extracting iron from its ore as early as the 2nd millennium B.C.

KALNIRNAY
A unique panchang-cum-calendar-cum-magazine that started as a simple lunar-solar calendar and is today a best seller. Take a look at this interesting evolution and see how Kalnirnay has come to influence the lives of many Indians the world over.

EPISODE 402

ACUPUNCTURE
Know more about the 4000 years old Chinese wisdom of acupuncture that boasts of miraculous cures for a number of ailments, but still lacks scientific evidence for the efficacy of its methods.

PRITHVI THEATRE WORKSHOP FOR CHILDREN
Featuring the Children?s Theatre at Prithvi (Mumbai). Sanjana Kapoor and Mohan Agashe discuss the essence and meaning of theatre for children.

AHMED ALAM KHAN
A rendezvous with Hyderabad?s renowned industrialist Ahmed Alam Khan, who has inherited an indomitable collection of vintage cars. Also a look at this nature lover?s collection of 5000 birds from around the globe.

EPISODE 403

LONGMAN CAVES IN LUOYANG
Explore the awesome Longman Grottoes filled with thousands of statues. The cave boasts of having 200 shrines, 3600 stone tablets, 100,000 sculptures ? built by miracle or man ? is still a mystery.

MEHRANGARH FORT
The Mehrangarh Fort in Jodhpur is a remarkable example of restoration and cataloguing. An inspirational story for preserving other heritage sites in India and Rajasthan.

BULBUL FIGHT
Bulbul, a bird that has been so much a part of our song and tradition. But the red-whiskered bulbul is always ready to fight. A story featuring a game enjoyed by the people of Hajo in Assam ? Bulbul fight.

EPISODE 404

SHAOLIN MONASTERY
A look at the 1500 year old Shaolin Monastery where thousands of students learn about a hundred forms of Wushu (Chinese martial arts).

OPEN JAIL, SANGANER
A progressive experiment in a more humane way of punishing crime ? the open jail in Sanganer, Rajasthan, where the prisoners are free to live with their family and pursue their interests.

DILWARA TEMPLES
An awe-inspiring journey through the Dilwara Temple, dedicated to the first Tirthankar, Adinath. This temple is replete with intricate carvings that boast of a simple kind of beauty.

EPISODE 405

FORBIDDEN CITY
An exploration of Gu Gong (in Beijing), where 24 Chinese Emperors lived in royal splendor but common people were forbidden for 500 years. Entering its Gate of Heavenly Peace, one can see the remains of 800 buildings and 9000 chambers.

HIRANYA SHARMA
A living example of how an individual can transcend the bounds of his / her ordinary life through sheer determination and passion. Hiranya Sharma, from rural Assam has been creating giant models with neither financial help nor assurance of remuneration.

PAVITRAVANA
Lauding the efforts at Pavitravana, Karnataka, where medicinal plants are carefully cultivated. This is a significant step in preserving the ancient wisdom of herbal cures.

EPISODE 406

DABBAWALLAS OF MUMBAI
Trying to gauge the unparalleled system of the dabbawallas, who carry 1,50,000 food dabbas from individual households all over Mumbai to members of the families in different offices.

RATI GADRE
A young poet and singer, one of Surabhi?s ardent fans, Rati Gadre visits our studio once again after seven years.

SAMALA VENU OF HYDERABAD
Meet Hyderabad?s master magician and hypnotist, who holds the record for performing a magic show for an unbelievable 36 hours.

THE YANGTZE RIVER, SHANGHAI
Follow the path of China?s Yangtze River, the longest river in Asia, as it flows through the modern business district of Shanghai.

EPISODE 407

TERRACOTTA SOLDIERS, XIAN
Glimpses of a World Heritage site at Xian, China ? the burial place of Emperor Qin Shi Huang. 10,000 Terracotta Soldiers were buried with the Emperor since the Chinese believed that the soul lives on in the ground though the body is dead.

DNYANESHWAR NADKARNI
Tête-à-tête with this celebrated art critic, as he expounds his ideas on art and criticism. Learn about his first reviews and his thoughts on modern art forms.

SNEEZING RECORD
Witness an amazing feat ? a record holder who can sneeze 42 times in one minute.

TRIBAL LIFESTYLE, ANDHRA PRADESH
Be a part of the awe-inspiring life of the tribals of a small village in Andhra Pradesh, who extract gum from the bark of trees.

EPISODE 408

BAGORE KI HAVELI
Lauding this unique effort at restoration, which was completed within 4 years. While most parts have been restored using original materials used by the old artisans, some have been kept intact.

QAWWALS OF MUMBAI
Discover how Qawwali is originally an act of community devotion, where the qawwal communicates with God and the audience participates to complete the cycle.

LITTLE WONDERS
Late Kalyanji?s musical genius lives on in today?s generation through `Wonder Kids?. Children give a display of their amazing performances in this programme.

LEATHER PUPPETS OF CHINA
Know more about shadow puppetry in China. These leather puppets are most creatively used to involve the audience in a variety of themes.

EPISODE 409

CULTURE STATE CHINA
Witness an awe-inspiring display of cultural artefacts. A journey through the Culture Streets of Xian and Tianjin, China.

DILIP PRABHAVALKAR
Tete-a-tete with one of Maharashtra?s most noted comic actors, Dilip Prabhawalkar. Lauded for his versatility, he has won numerous awards for all kinds of roles.

40 PEOPLE IN A MARUTI CAR
Maruti 800 ? a little car that has for long been loved as a family car. Now, see this little car accommodate 40 people.

GYAN VIGYAN
Answers to questions like ? why does our hair stand when it is cold? How we can see the entire universe through a telescope? Why clouds appear dark before it rains? Why camera films are developed in the dark?

EPISODE 410

SANJEEV KAPOOR
Featuring a man who gave Indian chefs and Indian cuisine a proud place in the sun ? Sanjeev Kapoor presents a few recipes specially for Surabhi.

DANCING MOUSTACHE
Moustaches are supposed to be a reason for pride on a man?s face. How much more would the pride be if a moustache could dance!

GRAMOPHONE AND SAW PLAYER
For music lovers, everything is a source of notes. Watch Anand make music with the help of a gramophone and a saw.

BHAGWANDADA
A close encounter with the dancing sensation of the 50?s. Where he lives today? What he does?

EPISODE 411

WENDELL RODRICKS
An encounter of the personal kind with an internationally acclaimed fashion designer. See another aspect of this warm Goan ? his passion for food.

SANJEEV KAPOOR?S HEALTH FOOD SERIES ? PART I
The first of our series on health food. India?s leading Chef, Sanjeev Kapoor gives us some healthy, low-calorie recipes.

NEWTON?S APPLE TREE
An apple falling was supposedly responsible for the idea for Newton?s laws of gravitation. One sapling from that particular Apple tree is now grown in Pune, Maharashtra.

LARGEST JALEBI
The sweet and crispy dish being fried was Jalebi. And not just any jalebi, but India?s single biggest jalebi ? more than 3 ft. wide.

EPISODE 412

SINDHUDURG FORT
Legend has it that the Sindhudurg Fort, is the only fort with Chattrapati Shivaji?s palm & foot imprints. But this intimidating monument that withstood many an invasion today stands helpless and unprotected against the elements.

HEALTH FOOD SERIES
Master Chef Sanjeev Kapoor spreads the mantra of healthy tasty food as he prepares a mouth-watering tomato and carrot soup.

MAXIMUM MIRCHI
A brave attempt to set a record for eating the maximum number of green chillies.

TANTRIK INSTITUTE, KERALA
A one of its kind institution that teaches the long forgotten subjects like tantrik, Shilpa Shastra etc. Knowledge that was once passed on from father to son is now available as part of the curriculum at the Tantrik institute where children are trained to become priests.

EPISODE 413

JHARKHAND REVISITED (SUDHIR HORO)
We join Sudhir Horo in his quest to rediscover his roots, the history and culture of his people. This young man from the ad-world of Delhi is originally from Jharkhand and belongs to the Munda community.

SANJEEV KAPOOR?S SHANGHAI STIR FRIED
The master Chef helps us cook our favourite Chinese food in our own homes. Sanjeev Kapoor shares with us an easy way to cook Shanghai Stir-fried.

MALWANI CUISINE
The sour and salty drink featured in the question was Solkadi, an integral part of the cuisine of Maharashtra?s coastal region, Malwan. We give you a taste of some dishes of Malwani cuisine.

EPISODE 414

MAKE-UP MAN OF BOLLYWOOD
Irawati Harshe meets Pandhari Juker. Pandhari Dada, as he is affectionately called, is acknowledged to be the master of a profession that has been an integral part of theatre and film ? Make up.

GOLDEN CHICKEN SALAD
Continuing our series on healthy recipes, the master Chef, Sanjeev Kapoor shows you how to prepare this tasty salad.

KUMKUM VILLAGE AND FASHIONS
We travel to Kem, a small village in interior Maharashtra. The traditional occupation of the villagers in Kem is making sindoor, which is used to denote a woman?s married status in India.

EPISODE 415

KALA GHODA FESTIVAL, MUMBAI
A visit to the Annual Art Festival held at Kala Ghoda, which is practically in the heart of Mumbai?s business centre. The festival is an attempt by art lovers to convert the area into an art district.

BHOOMI FOLK ALBUM
A look at a new entrant in the music market ? folk with a modern flavour. Meet Suleiman and Salim Merchant who have released Bhoomi, a folk album that has started a new trend.

KOLHAPURI CHAPPAL
Travel to the Maharashtrian town of Kolhapur to witness the making of its famous chappals. These chappals have come a long way from this small town to the world of urban fashion.