January Tidings: Conversations, Culture & More!
It's a brand-new year, and here we are with our first newsletter. Happy reading!
Council Member Spotlight
This edition of the Council Member Spotlight features Neetu Ralhan, an editor by profession and a poetry writer by interest.
A brief introduction
Born and raised in New Delhi, Neetu relocated to Gurugram, Haryana, with her family in 2008. After leaving her full-time job in 2011, she began working as a freelance content developer, eventually finding her niche in editing books and other long-form materials for independent authors. She will soon complete a decade of editing general nonfiction, children’s literature, and poetry manuscripts for clients that include business leaders, professionals, subject matter experts, and self-published authors.
Before turning exclusively to book editing, Neetu has led editorial operations at four knowledge/entertainment websites, developed high-quality content for businesses across continents, crafted customer communications in international banking, and taught English speaking and writing to learners ages 15 to 55.
POETRY
Neetu writes free verse in English and Hindi. Her poems have been published in ALSphere Mag, Borderless Journal, eFiction India, and The Mind Creative by Avijit Sarkar. She has been editing English poetry since 2016 and has edited over 800 poems for both new and seasoned poets. Sometime in the near future, she hopes to come up with a collection of haiku.
Her interests include reading, watching and discussing films, and homemaking. You can write to her at neeturlhn@gmail.com or connect with her on LinkedIn, Instagram, or Facebook.
Ending this section with a poem by Neetu:
Wilful Defaulter
A half-baked, half-burnt cake
lies in the bin
where no one can see it
but only smell
its barely alive flavours.
I look at the clock.
It’s half past ten, time for
another cup of tea infused
with just the right amount of ginger
and some more me time.
I sink into my favourite end of the couch,
the one with crumbs
from last night’s dinner.
I order a cake, and the world
is suddenly an easier, nicer place.
My tea is now just the right temperature.
I wash down mom’s guilt,
one sip at a time.
In the motherhood universe,
I’ve yet again turned
a wilful defaulter.
The Art Matrix
In continuation of The Art Matrix series, the Haryana Arts Leadership Council is delighted to present two exclusive interviews:
Join Council Vice President Shefali Chopra in an exclusive interview with Colonel Yogendra Singh, a noted historian and founder of the Haryana Literary Festival, where he takes us on an insightful journey into the heart of Makar Sankranti traditions in Haryana. From kite-flying spectacles to age-old rituals, Colonel Singh unravels the significance, customs, and vibrant traditions that mark this auspicious day.
In another deep dive into the heartland of India, Shefali Chopra talks to Payal Gupta, an accomplished Wagdi language writer, published author, and cultural ambassador of Wagdi language, where they discuss the beautiful tapestry of knowledge that Ms Gupta weaves through her writings, her philosophy on life, and more.
Payal Gupta: An Introduction
पायल गुप्ता ‘पहल’ - एम.ए, एम.एड., एक गृहिणी होने के साथ साथ लेखिका, वॉयसओवर आर्टिस्ट व मंचसंचालिका भी हैं। हाल ही में इनके द्वारा लिखित लघुकथा संग्रह ‘मानस आख्या’ को राजस्थान साहित्य अकादमी द्वारा प्रकाशन सहयोग हेतु चयनित किया गया है।
इनके अब तक तीन साझा संग्रह 'प्रेम सागर', 'भारत काव्य पीयूष' और 'सृजना नवांकुर' आ चुके हैं। साझा संग्रह 'प्रेम सागर' में इन्होंने सह-संपादिका की भूमिका भी निभाई है। प्रसार भारती,आकाशवाणी ,जयपुर और बाँसवाड़ा केंद्रों से भी इनकी रचनाओं का प्रसारण हुआ है।अखिल भारतीय मुहिम के अंतर्गत ‘बिटिया की पाती बाबुल को’ में इनकी पाती को चयनित सूची में स्थान प्राप्त हुआ जिससे इन्होंने साहित्य जगत में अपना स्थान बना लिया है। मूल रूप से लघुकथा लिखने वाली पायल गुप्ता गद्य और पद्य दोनों ही धाराओं में प्रयासरत रहती हैं। वागड़ी लेखन में भी गद्य विधा में अपना कार्य बखूबी कर रही हैं। इनकी वागड़ी कहानी को राज्य स्तर पर सम्मानित भी किया गया है।अजमेर के सभी साहित्यिक मंचों पर भी अपनी रचना धर्मिता के द्वारा हमेशा सक्रिय रहती हैं। राज्य और राष्ट्रीय स्तर के पत्र-पत्रिकाओं में भी इनकी रचनाओं का प्रकाशन यदा कदा होता है। हाल ही में इन्हें अखिल भारतीय साहित्य परिषद, अजमेर के महिला प्रकोष्ठ की सदस्या मनोनीत किया गया।
Facebook: Payal Gupta | Instagram: payalpayal3105
Haryana Knowledge Repository
Here is an article by Council Member Rajni Sardana where she explores the museums of Haryana.
हरियाणा के संग्रहालय
हरियाणा की समृद्ध सांस्कृतिक विरासत है। प्राचीन भारतीय सभ्यता हरियाणा की वर्तमान भौगोलिक सीमाओं के भीतर विकसित हुई। वेदों को प्राचीन ऋषियों द्वारा सरस्वती नदी के तट पर लिखा गया था। जो कभी कुरुक्षेत्र से होकर बहती थी। ऋषि वेद व्यास ने महाभारत महाकाव्य यहीं लिखा था। भगवान कृष्ण ने कुरुक्षेत्र के युद्ध के मैदान में बड़े पैमाने पर मानवता को भगवद गीता का अमर संदेश दिया। अब यह सांस्कृतिक विरासत संग्रहालयों में सुरक्षित है।
हरियाणा के गठन के बाद आचार्य ओमानंद ने गांव-गांव जाकर पुरातात्विक सांस्कृतिक कलाकृतियां एकत्रित कीं और गुरुकुल, झज्जर में एक संग्रहालय का निर्माण कराया। यहां हरियाणा की पुरातात्विक विरासत का खजाना संरक्षित है।
इस संग्रहालय में सिक्के, मुद्रायें, शिलालेख, ताम्रपत्र, अस्त्र-शस्त्र, टैराकोटा, मृदभाण्ड, पत्थर की मूर्तियां, आभूषण, हस्तलेख, पाण्डुलिपियाँ और बीड्स संजो कर रखे गये हैं।
इसके अतिरिक्त इस संग्रहालय में रामायण कथा से सम्बंधित पंचवटी हिरन की प्राचीन मूर्ति, ऊंट की खाल से निर्मित नीलगिरी की ढोल, एक अनोखा लचीला पत्थर, बिना जोड़ वाली जंजीर तथा हल संग्रहित करके रखे गये हैं।
दोस्तों हमारी भारतभूमि इतिहास के रहस्यो से भरी हुई है जिसकी धरोहर इन्ही संग्रहालयों में सरंक्षित है। अगले लेख में हम और संग्रहालयों के बारे में जानेंगे।
पढ़ने हेतु धन्यवाद।
रजनी सरदाना
Interesting facts from Haryana
Know more about Chor Gumbad (Jamal Khan Tomb), Narnaul, Haryana
Post credit: haryana_junction-official
For the latest cultural and archaeological news from Haryana, check out Archaeology Haryana.
Winter Delicacies of Haryana
Council Member Sonal Maheshwari writes on the Winter delicacies of Haryana. Let us drive the chill away!
In North India, winter brings with it a delightful array of hearty and warming foods that comfort the soul. As temperatures drop, the culinary landscape transforms with rich and robust flavors. One of the winter staples is ‘Sarson da Saag’, a delectable dish made from mustard greens, paired with ‘Makki ki Roti’ and white butter . The combination provides a burst of energy and warmth. Dry-fruit gud (jaggery) with almonds, seeds, and ajwain – a winter delicacy popular across India – can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Another winter favourite is ‘Gajar ka Halwa’, a sweet treat made from grated carrots, slow-cooked in ghee and milk, and garnished with nuts.
'Methi Thepla,' a flatbread infused with fenugreek leaves, is a popular choice for breakfast or a quick snack, providing both nutrition and taste.
‘Masala Chai’ and 'Badam Doodh' (milk loaded almonds, saffron, cardmom, etc.) are rated as the two most popular winter drinks. A vasy variety of green and leafy vegetables are in abdunace as well, such as fenugerek, red carrots, spinach, and more. One has more options to experiment with dishes. Winter delicacies not only satisfy the taste buds but also reflect the rich cultural and culinary heritage of North India during the chilly months.
Here is a video of how two of Haryana’s traditional delicacies, Gond (edible gum) laddoos and Bajra (peart millet) roti, are made in authentic village style.
Post credits: Manjeet Chahar
Self Socially by Ruchika Verma
An Infographic Series from the Evolvily Tech Club
As we navigate the realm of small businesses, personal branding emerges as a powerful tool for establishing a distinct and memorable identity. Beyond just products or services, customers often connect with the people behind the business. Crafting a personal brand involves showcasing the unique qualities, values, and expertise that define the individuals steering the enterprise. For small businesses, the personal touch can be a key differentiator in a competitive market. Whether it's through authentic storytelling on social media, personalized customer interactions, or consistent visual aesthetics, cultivating a strong personal brand helps build trust, loyalty, and recognition. Small business owners can leverage their authenticity, passion, and expertise to create a compelling narrative that resonates with their target audience, ultimately setting their enterprise apart and fostering a lasting connection with customers.
Council Member Ruchika Verma share two insightful infographics highlighting the do’s and dont’s of Personal Branding.
As we come to the end of this newsletter, here is a monthly reminder…
“You matter. Today, tomorrow and always!”
Add to your happiness with the following tips! Keep calm, keep the cheer!
Connect with Us
For questions, feedback, article ideas, and story contributions, please write to us at haryana.arts.council@gmail.com.
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That’s all for this edition! Ciao from the Newsletter Team. See you next month!
Komal Gupta, Content Curator
Rajni Sardana, Hindi Content Curator
Neetu Ralhan, Editor