“The Bobbili Veena boasts a legacy of hundreds of years, but the shortage of raw materials has left us struggling,” said Sarvasiddhi Ramakrishna, who oversees the Bobbili Veena Centre. “The government’s efforts are commendable, but it will take decades for the jackfruit trees to mature. Until then, our struggles continue.”

Challenges for the Artisans

Despite efforts to secure a steady supply of jackfruit timber under employment guarantee schemes in Srikakulam and Vizianagaram, artisans remain dependent on imports from Odisha and agency areas. Financial constraints further hinder their ability to meet growing demand, with many artisans unable to sustain their families.

The veena’s production supports around 100 artisan families and indirectly employs another 1,500 people in areas like Gollapally, Bobbili, Badangi, and Wadada. Yet, the annual turnover of ₹25 lakh is insufficient to resolve the financial challenges faced by these families.

A Legacy of Excellence

The Bobbili Veena has gained international fame, having been showcased at the G-20 conference in Delhi and praised by former US President Bill Clinton. It has captivated audiences worldwide, with its exquisite craftsmanship and melodious sound earning accolades at events like the Visakha Global Summit.

The artisans, descendants of the Bobbili Samsthanam craftsmen, continue to uphold this tradition through intricate designs featuring swans and peacocks. However, with rising costs of raw materials and limited income opportunities, many men are hesitant to pursue this ancestral craft.

The Way Forward

Artist Sarvasiddhi Shankarachari highlights the importance of jackfruit wood in crafting a veena. “Its sound quality is unmatched, but sourcing this wood has become costly and challenging. Brokers further inflate prices, making production harder for us,” he explained.

The state government’s efforts to recognize the veena’s cultural and economic significance offer hope. However, immediate solutions are necessary to support the artisans through working capital, subsidies, and access to affordable raw materials.

The Bobbili Veena’s enduring legacy is not just a testament to India’s musical heritage but also a reminder of the need to preserve such art forms and the livelihoods of those who create them

The post Reviving the Legacy of Bobbili Veena: Artisans’ Struggles and Hope for the Future appeared first on Vizag One.

Hakim, who is known for working with top Bollywood celebrities and athletes, took to Instagram to reveal Dhoni’s new appearance. The 43-year-old cricketing legend looks sharper than ever, sporting a stylish haircut that departs from his previous, more extravagant long hair, which became iconic during his early cricketing days.

Fans were quick to react, with opinions split between those who approve of the fresh, youthful style and those nostalgic for his older, rugged look. While some embraced Dhoni’s new appearance, calling it “cool” and “refreshing,” others expressed their mixed feelings, fondly remembering the captain’s long-hair days that became part of his legend.

Dhoni’s transformation comes at a time when he’s enjoying his well-earned break from international cricket, yet still maintaining his massive fan base. Known for reinventing himself both on and off the field, this bold haircut is yet another example of how Dhoni continues to surprise and stay relevant in the public eye, even post-retirement.

Aalim Hakim’s Instagram post featuring Dhoni’s stylish haircut has garnered significant attention, with fans flooding the comments section to express their opinions. Some are thrilled to see the cricket star experiment with his look, while others are nostalgic for the famous mane that Dhoni sported during his World Cup-winning days.

Regardless of the differing opinions, one thing is certain: Dhoni’s new side-fade haircut has sparked a fresh wave of excitement among fans and fashion enthusiasts alike. As always, the “Captain Cool” manages to stay in the spotlight with his effortless charm and ever-evolving style.

The post MS Dhoni Surprises Fans with Bold Side-Fade Haircut: Aalim Hakim Unveils the Stylish New Look appeared first on Vizag One.

The post Sreemukhi: Telugu TV Anchor & Social Media Star Shines in Traditional Attire appeared first on Vizag One.