In the decades of the 1950s and 1960s, Srinagar,-Kashmir, had cinema halls like Palladium, Regal, and Amarish. Palladium Cinema Hall was probably the oldest among all these. It is said that cinema-hall was established in 1932 by a Punjabi businessman named Anant Singh Gauri and is believed to be Kashmir’s first movie- theater. Initially known as ‘Kashmir Talkies,’ it later became known as ‘Palladium.’ In this theater, there used to be a separate women’s gallery for female cinema-goers.
Initially, Palladium only screened Hollywood films, and India’s first sound film ‘AlamAara’ was shown there. Later, English movies from Hollywood also started to be shown at this hall.
I remember that during those times, tickets for the lower/third class used to cost around Eight and a half Anas, and cinema enthusiasts would line up hours before the show outside the ticket counter. Sometimes, the crowd would become uncontrollable. I have also watched many films at this hall during my childhood. It feels wonderful to cherish old memories!
Chandrayaan 3 on the Moon
The successful landing of Chandrayaan on the Moon has sparked enthusiasm and excitement among the citizens of our country. Various positive reactions are being observed on social media and elsewhere regarding this remarkable mission. A scholarly friend’s comment on Facebook left me elated and amused. The scholar, using strong language, stated that this grand mission has shattered all our myths, superstitions, and beliefs. Science has emerged victorious. Imparting further wisdom, this gentleman extolled that it’s now time for us to embrace scientific thinking and distance ourselves from baseless beliefs. While this man’s perspective held weight, another friend pulled his leg:
“The individuals and scientists who sent Chandrayaan3 to the Moon were performing rituals to ensure everything went off well and that Chandrayaan3 successfully landed on the Moon… then what kind of knowledge and sermons are you imparting?”
The writer is former Fellow,IIAS,RashtrapatiNivas,Shimla and Ex-Member,Hindi SalahkarSamiti, Ministry of Law & Justice (Govt. of India). He is also a Senior Fellow,Ministry of Culture. skraina123@gmail.com
