Skip to content 
Search

Latest Stories

House of Lord’s hosts ‘music healing’ event

MPs, FAITH leaders and fans of Indi­an classical music attended a Music for Healing symposium at the House of Lords on May 21.

Conservative MP Bob Blackman, a co-chairman of the All Party Parlia­mentary Group (APPG) on Indian Tra­ditional Sciences, spoke about the healing powers of music and suggest­ed it be made available in hospitals.


There were performances by Katri­na Rute, a dancer trained in the Indi­an classical dance styles of Kathak, Bharatnatyam and Odissi; and Shrey­na Patnaik, who started learning clas­sical dance at the age of five in India and then continued at Bharatiya Vid­ya Bhavan in London.

Vocalist Vaishali Govilkar, who ob­tained her training in Uttar Hindu­stani classical music, spoke about the role of specific Ragas in India to treat certain health conditions.

Sugato Bhaduri, one of the most sought-after mandolin players in the world, also performed at the event.

Prof Peter Warburton, the head of the Maharishi Organisation in the UK, elaborated on the wisdom of Indian classical music for its “therapeutic” effect and the work of the APPG Indi­an Traditional Sciences.

Vibha Mehdiretta, the deputy di­rector at The Nehru Centre, London, paid tribute on behalf of the high commissioner of India, YK Sinha.

Lord Gadhia concluded the pro­gramme with presenting all artists with a sacred white garland.

More For You

Southport

Floral tributes left by members of the public are seen following the fatal knife attack on three young girls in July in Southport.

Reuters

Public inquiry begins into Southport girls' murders

A PUBLIC inquiry begins on Tuesday into the murders of three young girls at a Taylor Swift-themed dance event in Southport last year.

The inquiry will examine whether the attack could have been prevented and how future incidents might be avoided.

Keep ReadingShow less
Starmer-Getty

Starmer is facing a Labour backbench revolt over plans to reform special needs support in schools without guaranteeing existing legal rights. (Photo: Getty Images)

Getty Images)

Starmer faces Labour pushback over SEND reform plans

KEIR STARMER is facing a backlash from Labour MPs over plans to reform special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support, after ministers stopped short of guaranteeing legal rights for parents.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said the government was committed to reforming the current system, which costs £12 billion a year. However, she did not confirm if legally enforceable rights, such as those provided by education, health and care plans (EHCPs), would remain.

Keep ReadingShow less
Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week

iStock

Heavy rain and thunderstorms hit London before 30°C heatwave

Key points

  • Heavy rain and thunderstorms drench London at the start of the week
  • Temperatures set to rise with highs of 31°C expected by Thursday
  • Heatwave could be declared by Friday if warm conditions persist
  • Night-time temperatures to remain high, increasing discomfort
  • UV and pollen levels forecast to be very high across the south

Thunderstorms soak London before summer heat returns

Londoners faced a wet and stormy start to the week as heavy rain and overnight thunderstorms swept through the capital. Monday morning saw widespread downpours, leaving commuters reaching for umbrellas and Wimbledon ticket hopefuls queuing in ponchos.

The unsettled conditions followed a burst of thunderstorms on Sunday afternoon and continued into the early hours of Monday, prompting caution across the city. The Met Office has not issued a formal weather warning for thunderstorms, but conditions remain unstable.

Keep ReadingShow less
National Trust sets vision to heal
nature and engage more Asians

Lisa Nandy, Steve Reed, René Olivieri and Hilary McGrady at a National Trust event marking its 130th anniversary

National Trust sets vision to heal nature and engage more Asians

THE National Trust, which is seeking to broaden its appeal to British Asians, is marking its 130th anniversary with a renewed commitment to restoring nature and widening access under a 10-year strategy.

Its director-general, Hilary McGrady, also aims to inspire more people to get involved in caring for the country’s natural resources.

Keep ReadingShow less
 7/7 bombings

The King said the public should draw on the 'extraordinary courage and compassion' shown in response to the attacks. (Photo credit: X/@RoyalFamily)

Starmer and King Charles pay tribute on 20th anniversary of 7/7 bombings

PRIME MINISTER Keir Starmer and King Charles on Monday paid tribute to the unity shown in the aftermath of the 7 July bombings in London, as the country marked 20 years since the attacks.

On 7 July 2005, four Islamist extremists carried out suicide bombings at Aldgate Station, Edgware Road, King's Cross and Tavistock Square. The attacks killed 52 people and injured hundreds more.

Keep ReadingShow less