Dato's Award-Winning Music Video

Georgian pop singer Dato Khujadze has won prizes and awards in his native Southwest Asian country as well as at international festivals and competitions. Described as a "transcontinental" country, Georgia is kind of like Central Europe's "South Central" neighborhood.

So Dato has performed duets with Coolio, mastered hip-hop, and produced an award-winning music video since his debut in 2000 and his first album in 2002. (official site). The video speaks for itself. Some of the most artistic free-hand sand painting The Author has ever seen. A treat.

Makhinji Var


Dato Music Georgia

India's Awakening - 60 Years On

Today is the 60 year anniversary of The Republic of India's independence from Great Britain. First, congratulations are in order. So raise a Kingfisher Beer or a Mango Lassi and toast: To India. Though the transition involved partition, the process has led to India's current status as a major regional player, world power, and IT powerhouse. It is suitable that this auspicious event is occuring during the tenure of the country's first female president, Pratibha Patil, who stressed inclusiveness and diversity in her formal address to mark the occasion. It is also notable that the Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh, is a member of a religious minority on the sub-continent - giving credence to India's rising tide of tolerance and diversity.

India Rising

The BBC has a wonderful new section that looks at India Rising. Proper role for the Brits, keenly observing as a former colony becomes a true world power. Bit of irony there, or fate - depending on one's point of view. And Mumbai, formerly Bombay, is at the centre of the Indian financial Universe (pic: Mumbai Stock Exchange). In addition to the requisite stories about India's many industrial successes like IT, Steel and tranportation, India Rising carries a wonderful series of pieces that take a look at life in Dharavi, Mumbai and South Asia's biggest slum. Now that's not something one has an opportunity to read about on a regular basis. And when you check-out this BBC special report, don't miss the photoblog of Rani, a rural schoolgirl. This is my idea of great, online journalism. Not many traditional players get it like the BBC. Check out India Rising.