Urmila Satyanarayanan, a renowned Bharatanatyam exponent, was presented the Nritya Kalanidhi award at the 19th Dance Festival held at the Music Academy, Chennai.
The award recognizes artistic excellence and a lifelong commitment to the preservation and propagation of Bharatanatyam.
Significance of the Award
Presented by Takahashi Muneo, Consul-General of Japan in Chennai, the award highlights Urmila’s contribution to Indian classical dance.
The event also celebrated cultural diplomacy, with parallels drawn between Indian classical dance and Japanese classical forms like Noh, Kabuki, and Nihon Buyo, emphasizing:
Controlled movement and discipline
Respect for tradition and teacher-disciple lineage
Cultural Exchange
Mr. Muneo noted that many Japanese students learn Bharatanatyam in India, while Indian dancers teach and perform in Japan, demonstrating the power of cultural exchange.
This underscores arts as a bridge between nations, fostering mutual respect and understanding.
Urmila Satyanarayanan’s Journey
Ms. Satyanarayanan expressed gratitude to her teachers, students, and the Music Academy.
Her arangetram (debut performance) was held at the Music Academy, making the award especially meaningful.
Key milestones in her career:
50 years after her arangetram
30 years since founding her dance school, ‘Natya Sankalpa’
She is noted for improvisation, innovation, thematic presentations, and dance dramas.
Institutional Recognition
N. Murali, president of the Music Academy, highlighted the award as recognition of her artistic journey and contributions to Bharatanatyam.
The Music Academy continues to play a pivotal role in honouring accomplished dancers and promoting classical dance traditions in India.
Broader Significance
The award emphasizes preservation and propagation of classical arts.
Highlights interconnectedness of global dance traditions and the role of artists in cross-cultural engagement.
Celebrates longevity and sustained excellence in a dancer’s career.
Suryastra – Advanced Long-Range Rocket Launcher System
Key Development
The Indian Army has signed a ₹293-crore contract with NIBE Ltd. for the supply of an advanced long-range rocket launcher system.
The system has strike capabilities of 150 km and 300 km, enhancing the Army’s deep-strike artillery power.
The acquisition is made under emergency procurement (EP) powers, allowing rapid procurement without additional clearances.
The System: Suryastra
Named Suryastra, it is India’s first Made in India universal multi-calibre rocket launcher system.
Capabilities:
Surface-to-surface precision strikes at ranges up to 300 km.
Can engage multiple targets simultaneously at different ranges.
High precision with CEP (circular error probable) of less than 5 metres during trials.
Integrates multiple rocket types for flexibility in operations.
Manufacturing & Technology Collaboration
NIBE Ltd. partnered with Israeli defence major Elbit Systems via a Technology Collaboration Agreement (TCA) signed in July 2025.
Marks the first time a high-precision rocket launcher with 300 km strike capability is being produced domestically.
Emergency Procurement (EP) Provisions
On December 26, 2025, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) cleared a proposal allowing emergency procurement until January 15, 2026.
EP provisions allow armed forces to procure weapons systems worth up to ₹300 crore urgently, bypassing the usual approval process.
The Suryastra acquisition is a first use of EP powers for such a high-precision system.
Strategic Significance
The system significantly enhances India’s long-range artillery and strike capabilities, improving operational reach.
Domestic production under collaboration strengthens Make in India defence initiatives.
Adds flexibility and precision in engaging multiple targets at varying ranges, boosting combat readiness.
Live Events Development Cell (LEDC)
Key Development
The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has established a Live Events Development Cell (LEDC) to boost India’s live events industry.
Objective: Facilitate the expansion of the “concert economy”, creating employment opportunities and promoting tourism.
Industry Growth and Potential
The organised live events market was valued at ₹20,861 crore in 2024, with a growth rate of 15%, outpacing many traditional media segments.
Expected CAGR of 18%, positioning India as a leading global destination for live entertainment by 2030.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the sector’s potential for employment, investment, tourism, and cultural influence at the WAVES Summit 2025.
LEDC Structure and Role
Constituted in July 2025 under the direction of Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
Acts as a single-window facilitation mechanism for the live events sector.
Brings together Central and State government representatives, industry associations, music rights societies, and major event companies.
Supports event organisation, regulatory coordination, and industry growth.
Employment Impact
A single large-format live event generates 15,000+ direct and indirect jobs, highlighting the sector’s employment potential.
Emergence of Tier 2 and Tier 3 Cities
Smaller cities are becoming cultural and entertainment hubs:
Shillong: +213% growth
Guwahati: +188%
Kokrajhar: +143%
Visakhapatnam: +490% (highest growth)
Vadodara: +230%
Theatre attendance rose by 45%, showing renewed public engagement.
Over 5 lakh people traveled to other cities for live events, an 18% increase from the previous year.
Overall, a 17% rise in consumption of musical concerts, sports, and theatre events was recorded.
Significance
Boosts employment, tourism, and local economies, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
Strengthens India’s cultural and global influence through live entertainment.
Establishes a systematic framework for industry growth through the LEDC.
Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) Initiative
Purpose of the Initiative
Encourages bystanders to help road accident victims without fear of legal or procedural consequences.
Reinforces the idea that saving a life should never come with risk or punishment for the helper.
Legal Framework
Based on the Good Samaritan Rules, 2020, notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
Enacted under Section 134A of the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019.
Provides nationwide legal protection to individuals who assist accident victims in good faith.
Who is a Rah-Veer
Any person who helps an accident victim reach medical care during the critical period.
Medical training or special equipment is not required—willingness to help is sufficient.
Helpers may not even know the victim personally.
Golden Hour Concept
As per the Motor Vehicle Act, Section 2 (12A), Golden Hour is defined as the first hour after a serious injury.
Considered the most crucial window for medical intervention.
Timely assistance during this period can prevent death, permanent disability, and long-term trauma.
Being a Good Samaritan: What You Should Know – Do’s & Don’ts
Do’s: Your Rights and Responsibilities
Do help without fear: You are legally protected from civil or criminal liability when acting in good faith.
Do know you can stay anonymous: You are not required to share personal details unless you choose to be a witness.
Do allow only one police statement: If you volunteer as a witness, you may be examined once at a time and place convenient to you.
Do request a hospital acknowledgement: You are entitled to a simple confirmation that you brought the victim for treatment.
Don’ts: Myths You Shouldn’t Believe
Don’t hesitate because of legal concerns: The system is designed to protect Rah-Veers.
Don’t feel obligated to remain at the hospital: Once the patient is admitted, you are free to leave.
Don’t pay for treatment: Hospitals cannot demand payment from you for emergency care.
Don’t feel forced to file an FIR or give evidence: Becoming a witness is your personal choice.
Don’t reveal personal details if you prefer anonymity: It is your right.
Don’t allow detention by authorities: It is not permitted.
Why Rah-Veers Are Needed
India has one of the highest numbers of road accidents globally.
Many deaths occur due to delay in medical assistance, not lack of treatment options.
Fear of police questioning and hospital formalities often prevents bystanders from helping.
Road accidents impose a massive economic burden—about 3% of India’s GDP, as highlighted by an IIT Delhi report and noted by Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari.
Recognition and Financial Support
Under the Rah-Veer (Good Samaritan) Scheme:
Eligible helpers receive a ₹25,000 reward and a Certificate of Appreciation.
Recognition can be granted up to five times a year for repeated acts.
Aims to build public confidence and promote a culture of compassion and shared responsibility.
Core Message
Rah-Veer is not just a policy but a movement centered on courage, empathy, and humanity.
In an accident, an ordinary bystander can become the difference between life and death.
You don’t need to be a doctor to save a life—you just need to act.
