The Agra Municipal Corporation has announced its decision to honour the sacrifices of India’s brave soldiers by building a grand war memorial in the city. This historic decision comes after relentless efforts by citizens and activists, particularly members of the River Connect Campaign, who first submitted a memorandum to the municipal commissioner in January 2023.

A few days ago, at a classical music event in South India, a scholar asked me, "What is the current state of the Agra Gharana, and who is preserving it?" My answer was burdened with ignorance and helplessness. This question points to a significant concern - how Hindustani classical music, especially the Agra Gharana, is being neglected in modern times.

The sacred temples of Braj, once vibrant with the divine strains of Dhrupad and Haveli Sangeet, now echo with a different tune. The soulful melodies that celebrated Lord Krishna's love have been largely drowned out by the blare of loudspeakers churning out Bollywood-inspired folk music. The purity of Haveli Sangeet, a devotional art form deeply intertwined with the region's spiritual heritage, has been replaced by a cacophony of commercialized sounds.

The world is one. Resources of the world should be available to all. Borders should not discourage people from migrating for jobs, better life, or spreading ideas.

Following the Bharatiya Janata Party's success in the Delhi Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating condition of the Yamuna River. He has decided to prioritize a major river cleaning and purification program. This has sparked new hope among residents of the Braj region, including Agra, Mathura, and Vrindavan. 

As the world celebrates Valentine’s Day with roses and chocolates, the city of Agra, home to the iconic Taj Mahal, offers a deeper reflection on love, one that transcends fleeting gestures and commercialized rituals.