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Showing posts from August, 2025

On his birth anniversary today, we fondly remember Rituparno Ghosh (31 August 1963 – 30 May 2013), one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, whose brilliance as a director, actor, writer, and lyricist redefined contemporary Bengali cinema while leaving an indelible mark on Indian and world cinema

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On his birth anniversary today, we fondly remember Rituparno Ghosh (31 August 1963 – 30 May 2013), one of India’s most celebrated filmmakers, whose brilliance as a director, actor, writer, and lyricist redefined contemporary Bengali cinema while leaving an indelible mark on Indian and world cinema. From Unishe April to Choker Bali, Noukadubi, and Chitrangada, his works sensitively portrayed women, explored the complexities of human relationships, and fearlessly addressed themes of sexuality and identity. Openly homosexual at a time when few in Indian public life were, Ghosh became a courageous voice and an icon for the LGBTQ+ community, portraying same-sex relationships with depth, dignity, and emotional truth. Deeply inspired by Rabindranath Tagore, he brought Bengal’s literary traditions into a modern cinematic language that resonated across cultures. Winner of 19 National Awards, his artistry and authenticity continue to inspire generations of filmmakers and individuals ...

Attended the beautiful Annaprashan of little Kojagari (Bihu), hosted by team member Nandita Barman, along with my colleagues

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Attended the beautiful Annaprashan of little Kojagari (Bihu), hosted by team member Nandita Barman, along with my colleagues. A heartwarming occasion filled with love, blessings, and joy. Wishing the little one a healthy and happy journey ahead. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu 31st August 2025 Photo Courtesy: Arjan Das & Anik Sarkar

Arundhati Roy, the celebrated author of The God of Small Things (Booker Prize, 1997) and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (longlisted for the Man Booker, 2017), has given the world unforgettable stories told with beauty, clarity, and political courage

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Arundhati Roy, the celebrated author of The God of Small Things (Booker Prize, 1997) and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness (longlisted for the Man Booker, 2017), has given the world unforgettable stories told with beauty, clarity, and political courage. Her works of nonfiction—including The End of Imagination, My Seditious Heart, and Azadi—speak truth to power with passion and wit. Honoured with the European Essay Prize (2023) and the PEN Pinter Prize (2024), Roy continues to inspire as one of the most fearless and original voices of our times.  — Venkataramanan Ramasethu 28 August 2025

Arundhati Roy’s first memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me (Sept 2025) is a raw and intimate journey through love, loss, and identity

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Arundhati Roy’s first memoir Mother Mary Comes to Me (Sept 2025) is a raw and intimate journey through love, loss, and identity. Written after the passing of her mother, the formidable Mary Roy, it captures the story of a daughter shaped by both shelter and storm. From her childhood in Kerala to her Booker-winning The God of Small Things and The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, this memoir is at once a tribute, a reckoning, and an ode to freedom, thorny love, and savage grace. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu  28 August 2025

Ganesh Chaturthi 2025

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Wishing you all a blessed and joyous Ganesh Chaturthi 2025 – may Lord Ganesha bring wisdom, prosperity, and happiness into your lives. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu 27th August 2025

Irfan Habib: A Titan of Medieval Indian History

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Irfan Habib: A Titan of Medieval Indian History At 93, Padma Bhushan awardee Professor Irfan Habib still cycles daily to Aligarh Muslim University, embodying passion and discipline. His landmark works—The Agrarian System of Mughal India and An Atlas of the Mughal Empire—revolutionized the study of medieval India. Born into a family of freedom fighters, he has remained steadfast in defending secularism and historical truth against political distortions. Globally recognized with honors like Oxford’s Honorary Fellowship (2021), Habib continues to inspire generations to pursue history with honesty, rigor, and courage. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu August 25, 2025

Happy 78th birthday (24th August) to Paulo Coelho — the storyteller, seeker, and soul behind The Alchemist

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Happy 78th birthday (24th August) to Paulo Coelho — the storyteller, seeker, and soul behind The Alchemist, whose words continue to illuminate our paths of self-discovery and wonder. He reminded the world to pursue its “Personal Legend,” and through perseverance, transformation, and a quest for meaning, he shaped stories that transcend borders and beliefs. Today, we celebrate a writer who taught us that dreams are worth chasing, signs worth trusting, and that often, the treasure we seek already lies within us. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu 24.08.2025

Madras Day

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Madras Day is celebrated every year on 22 August, marking the founding of Madras (now Chennai) in 1639, when East India Company factors Andrew Cogan and Francis Day acquired the village of Madraspatnam from Damarla Venkatadri Nayaka, a Vijayanagar viceroy. Initiated in 2004 by journalists Vincent D’Souza, Sashi Nair, and historian S. Muthiah, the celebrations have since grown into exhibitions, lectures, film screenings, and quizzes, often extending into a full Madras Week or even Madras Month. Though some records suggest 22 July 1639 as the actual date, 22 August remains the widely commemorated day. – Venkataramanan Ramasethu 22 August 2025

The Melody of Grace, the Symphony of Love

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The Melody of Grace, the Symphony of Love— That is Vasanthi Amma and Badrinath Ayya. One dreamt, the other upheld it with her hands; together they gave birth to Sankara Nethralaya— a timeless epic. The seed was there, but the soil was needed. The sanctity of that soil was the heart of Vasanthi Amma. Badrinath Ayya— a vision without self-interest, wisdom filled with compassion, sacrifice blended with knowledge. The purpose of his life— not merely to save an eye, but to protect the very world seen through the eyes. Vasanthi Amma— a shadow of love, a pillar of support. Every stone of Nethralaya carries your memory. Your smile— a prayer; your silence— a blessing. Together they stood— one, the dream; the other, the hands; one, determination; the other, divine support. They raised— a tower of hope, a shrine of sacrifice, a light of love. Today, thousands of eyes behold the light; but behind that light stand ever still— two sacred souls, the eternal shadows of love and grace. Thei...

Dr Vasanthi Badrinath & Dr S S Badrinath

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Remembering the legendary Utpal Dutt (29 March 1929 – 19 August 1993) on his death anniversary

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Remembering the legendary Utpal Dutt (29 March 1929 – 19 August 1993) on his death anniversary today. A pioneer who founded the Little Theatre Group in 1949, he reshaped modern Indian theatre with revolutionary plays like Kallol and Louha Manob, turning the stage into a mirror of society and a voice of resistance. Beyond theatre, his brilliance lit up over 100 films—from Bhuvan Shome and Agantuk to the timeless comedies Gol Maal and Rang Birangi. Honoured with the National Award (1970), three Filmfares, and the Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship (1990), his artistry continues to inspire generations of actors and audiences alike. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu 19 August 2025

#EIVOC2025

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#EIVOC2025

Back in Kolkata after the enriching days of EIVOC 2025,I find myself wrapped once more in the embrace of familiarity and belonging

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Back in Kolkata after the enriching days of EIVOC 2025, I find myself wrapped once more in the embrace of familiarity and belonging. Yet, within me, the eternal love for Chennai and the timeless melody of Tamil continue to flow like a ceaseless river. Kolkata has nurtured me, Chennai has defined me, and together Tamil and Bengali have shaped the very essence of my soul. They are not merely places or languages — they are living truths within me. Wherever life carries me, I shall always remain bound by this love: India, Chennai, Tamil, Kolkata, Bengali. They are not outside of me; they are who I am. Above all, I bow to the deepest truth of my being: I am Indian first, now and forever. — Venkataramanan Ramasethu 18.08.2025 #EIVOC2025 #Kolkata #Chennai #Tamil #Bengali #IndianFirst #RootsAndWings #ForeverIndian #MyIndiaMySoul

Attending EIVOC 2025 has been a meaningful experience of learning, collaboration, and inspiration

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Attending EIVOC 2025 has been a meaningful experience of learning, collaboration, and inspiration. Grateful to be part of this platform that celebrates vision and innovation in eye care. Venkataramanan Ramasethu 17 August 2025 #EIVOC2025 #Optometry #VisionCare #EyeHealth #InnovationInEyeCare #OptometryConference #Collaboration #Learning #Inspiration

Met Mr Rajeev Prasad and Ms Kahkashan Akthar at EIVOC 2025, an inspiring exchange of ideas and camaraderie

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Met Mr Rajeev Prasad and Ms Kahkashan Akthar at EIVOC 2025, an inspiring exchange of ideas and camaraderie. Grateful for such wonderful professional moments. Venkataramanan Ramasethu 16 August 2025 #EIVOC2025 #Optometry #Networking #ProfessionalGrowth #Inspiration #EliteSchoolOfOptometry #SankaraNethralaya

With Optometrist Zoya Naaz at EIVOC 2025, celebrating knowledge sharing and collaboration in eye care

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With Optometrist Zoya Naaz at EIVOC 2025, celebrating knowledge sharing and collaboration in eye care. Venkataramanan Ramasethu 16 August 2025 #EIVOC2025 #Optometry #EyeCare #ProfessionalNetworking #Chennai

Assorted cherished moments with my team at EIVOC 2025, celebrating learning, bonding, and growth together

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Assorted cherished moments with my team at EIVOC 2025 , celebrating learning, bonding, and growth together. Grateful for the spirit of togetherness that made this event truly special. Venkataramanan Ramasethu 16 August 2025 #EIVOC2025 #Optometry #Teamwork #Learning #Growth #Kolkata #ESO #SNK

At EIVOC 2025 with Aatifa, 3rd year BOptom student from Elite School of Optometry, Chennai

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At EIVOC 2025 with Aatifa, 3rd year BOptom student from Elite School of Optometry, Chennai. Inspiring to witness the next generation of optometrists shaping the future of eye care. #EIVOC2025 #ESO #Optometry #FutureOfEyecare Venkataramanan Ramasethu 16 August 2025

At EIVOC 2025, Chennai Trade Centre — a vibrant platform celebrating eye care innovations and optometry excellence — had the privilege of meeting Mr. Ravishankar, Senior Optometrist and Private Practitioner from Chennai

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At EIVOC 2025, Chennai Trade Centre — a vibrant platform celebrating eye care innovations and optometry excellence — had the privilege of meeting Mr. Ravishankar, Senior Optometrist and Private Practitioner from Chennai. A wonderful confluence of minds and vision. Venkataramanan Ramasethu 16 August 2025

Happy Janmashtmi 2025

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EIVOC 2025 – the Elite School of Optometry’s International Vision Science and Optometry Conference – held from 15th to 17th August 2025 at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai

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From left to right – my batchmates from the 1996 BOptom (Bachelor of Optometry) batch at the Elite School of Optometry, Chennai – Maheswari Srinivasan, Shenbagam Narasimhan, and on the extreme right, my best friend Krishna Shanmugasundarom. Standing next to me is his elder brother and our senior, Veeramani Shanmugasundarom. We are here together at EIVOC 2025 – the Elite School of Optometry’s International Vision Science and Optometry Conference – held from 15th to 17th August 2025 at Chennai Trade Centre, Chennai. Conducted once every five years, EIVOC continues the proud academic, clinical, and research legacy of ESO Chennai, bringing together alumni, students, educators, and global experts in eye care. Venkataramanan Ramasethu Senior Optometrist & Assistant Professor Sankara Nethralaya & Elite School Of Optometry, Kolkata 15 August 2025

Happy Independence Day 2025

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"Freedom is not given, it is taken." – Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose On this Independence Day 2025, we bow in reverence to the valiant souls whose courage and sacrifice gifted us the dawn of freedom. May we, the inheritors of their dream, guard it with integrity, serve with devotion, and strive to make our beloved India a land of hope and progress for the world. 🇮🇳 Jai Hind! Vande Mataram! 🇮🇳 Venkataramanan Ramasethu 15 August 2025

Attending EIVOC 2025 – the Elite School of Optometry’s International Vision Science and Optometry Conference, a prestigious event conducted once every five years

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Attending EIVOC 2025 – the Elite School of Optometry’s International Vision Science and Optometry Conference, a prestigious event conducted once every five years. This flagship conference carries forward the proud research, clinical, and academic legacy of ESO Chennai and Kolkata, serving as a global platform for knowledge exchange and innovation in eye care. Honoured to be here along with my team members, faculty, and students from the Sankara Elite School of Optometry (SNESO) Kolkata and Sankara Nethralaya Kolkata, contributing to and celebrating our shared commitment to excellence in vision science and optometry. Venkataramanan Ramasethu Senior Optometrist & Assistant Professor Sankara Nethralaya & Elite School Of Optometry, Kolkata 15 August 2025

Raksha Bandhan 2025

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Happy Friendship Day 2025

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