Danseuse and author Sohini Roychowdhury has had a busy calendar. She launched her book and wrapped up a performance in Kolkata where she performed alongside Farah Daoud and Kristina Veselinova, who hail from Iraq and from Bulgaria respectively. CT caught up with the Bharatnatyam pro and her collaborators to talk about their creative journey, their love for the form, their thoughts on Shaktism and more. Excerpts from the interview: Sohini, when did you meet Farah and Kristina?I met Farah in Madrid when I moved to the Spanish capital and started my dance school. I met her at a dance workshop;...
Mayor hails GMP out of special measures
“This is a good day for GMP” Praise for Chief Constable Stephen Watson’s leadership 22 months is fastest time to turn around a police force out of special measures GMP is a service the public can have confidence in, but more still to do Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, has hailed Greater Manchester Police’s success in coming out of special measures today after only twenty-two months – the shortest time this has been achieved. The Chief Inspector of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Service has outlined his assessment of the progress GMP has made...
Bollywood Chai Café Launch
Bollywood Chai Cafe aims to create a ‘safe space’ for people to drop in and chat about their loved ones, talk about grief and losses suffered during the Covid-19 pandemic and help to create a support network for people, particularly targeting Bolton residents from Global Majority communities. Studies have shown that expression through art, dance and music can help people with depression, anxiety, and stress. Previous projects funded by CFAM and its partner organisations have focused on this theme, aiming to provide support to people who often have very limited opportunity to socialise and seek support, companionship and encouragement in a...
Tackling health inequalities and accelerating net zero transition
key to sustainable growth in Greater Manchester, say top economists New report says tackling health inequalities is fundamental to achieving growth Accelerating the transition to net zero could create significant opportunities for businesses Raising Greater Manchester productivity to UK average could bring over £8bn economic benefit, while bringing all parts of Greater Manchester up to city-region average could deliver a £3bn boost Consistent economic plan for the city region is crucial to giving businesses support in aftermath of pandemic and in the face of rising inflation and energy costs Economists’ findings are to be used to guide refreshed Greater Manchester...
Promises an epic adventure like never-before ~ Presented by Prime Video, Ram Setu is produced in association with Cape of Good Films, Lyca Productions and Abundantia Entertainment. A Zee Studios Worldwide Release ~ Action adventure spectacle, Ram Setu, is all set for a grand theatrical release, this Diwali. Ever since the teaser dropped, the film is being showered with immense love and appreciation and the anticipation for the trailer has been unprecedented. Today, the makers finally released the much-awaited trailer of the action-adventure film and fans were in for a treat. With Akshay Kumar in the lead the film also stars Satyadev Kancharana, Nushrratt Bharuccha,...
Onion Seed Na’an Bread
Ingredients: 500 gm. Strong white flour 1 teacup warm water 2-3 tbsp. cooking oil 1 cm. fresh yeast 2 to 3 tbsp. natural yoghurt 1 tbsp. kalonji (onion seeds) 1 tsp. salt Method: 1) Sift the flour in a large bowl and add all the ingredients. 2) Mix the dough and add water until it comes together as a soft dough. Knead well. 3) Place it back in the bowl, cover and keep it in a warm place until double in size. 4) Once doubled, knead well again and let it rise once again. 5) Roll it out into a...
History of Shrove Tuesday, known as Pancake Day
Written by: Saad, Lauren and Josh Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day as it is more commonly known, is the day before Ash Wednesday, when Christians give up something they enjoy for Lent, which is the period before Easter. Pancakes were traditionally eaten because Christians used up their eggs, milk and sugar before fasting during Lent. Now we eat pancakes simply because we enjoy them. Pancake Day is also known as Fat Tuesday or, in French, Mardi Gras. We made our own delicious pancakes which we ate with lemon and sugar or Nutella and berries. To make the perfect pancakes you...
Experiencing Bolton Market
Written by Becky, Connor, Jack and Saad. Located in the centre of Bolton, you will find the atmospheric, bustling and colourful Bolton Market. We found an array of stalls ranging from fresh food to technological devices. We loved the colourful stalls that included exotic fruits and vegetables, such as white pomelo and karela. This place definitely provides you with all your cooking ingredients, whatever your culinary tastes. Aromatic smells permeated the air, inspiring us to try out new foods. There is a wonderful café where you can have a break and take in all the sights and sounds....
Today is Safer Internet Day
By Kyle , Becky and Jack On the 11th February 2020, people around the world took part in Safer Internet Day with the aim being to empower people to use the Internet in a safe and positive way. Schools and colleges in and around Bolton used this day to introduce, and explore, issues around online identity and representation. We, as Chai Times’ reporters, have discussed and debated the importance of diversity and representation in our newsfeeds. We aim to celebrate our differences and encourage others to be more welcoming, inclusive and accepting of everyone, both online and offline. We conducted...
Film Review: Joker (2019)
Written By: Kieron Roberts I recently watched the 2019 Joker film. I was very pleased to have watched it as it is different to any other DC film. Joaquin Phoenix does a remarkable job at portraying the clown prince of crime in the origin film. His performance was extraordinary and he brought the character to life as well as making you feel sorry for his character. The Joker is based around the DC character that is best known for fighting Batman. The main character Arthur Fleck (Joaquin Phoenix) is mistreated by society and the film shows the challenges that he...