A R Rahman

Allah Rakha Rahman - A R Rahman

5:31 pm


Allah Rakha Rahman



Allah Rakha Rahman (born 6 January 1966 as A. S. Dileep Kumar) is an Indian composer, singer-songwriter, music producer, musician, multi-instrumentalist and philanthropist.Described as the world's most prominent and prolific film composer by Time, his works are notable for integrating Eastern classical music with electronic music sounds, world music genres and traditional orchestral arrangements. He has won two Academy Awards, two Grammy Awards, a BAFTA Award, a Golden Globe, four National Film Awards, fifteen Filmfare Awards and thirteen Filmfare Awards South in addition to numerous other awards and nominations. His extensive body of work for film and the stage earned him the nickname “the Mozart of Madras” and several Tamil commentators and fans have coined him the nickname Isai Puyal (English: Music Storm). In 2009, Time placed Rahman in its list of World's Most Influential People. The UK based World Music magazine Songlines named him one of 'Tomorrow's World Music Icons' in August 2011.

Having set up his own in-house studio called Panchathan Record Inn at Chennai, arguably one of Asia’s most sophisticated and high-tech studios, Rahman's film scoring career began in the early 1990s with the Tamil film Roja. Working in India's various film industries, international cinema and theatre, Rahman is one of the world's all-time top selling recording artists. In a notable career spanning two decades, Rahman has garnered particular acclaim for redefining contemporary Indian film music and thus contributing to the success of several films. Rahman is currently one of the highest paid composers of the motion picture industry. He has also become a notable humanitarian and philanthropist, donating and raising money for beneficial causes and supporting charities.


Early life of A R Rahman

A R Rahman receiving a Platinum sales disc at the MagnaSound Awards. The record label Magnasound released his first film soundtrack, Roja in 1992

A. R. Rahman was born in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India to a musically affluent Mudaliar Tamil family. His father R. K. Shekhar, was a film music composer and conductor for Tamil as well as Malayalam films. Rahman used to assist his father during recordings and play keyboard for the songs. Rahman lost his father at the age of 9 and his family had to rent out his father's musical equipment as their source of income.
Rahman was raised by his mother Kareema (born Kashturi). During these formative years, Rahman served as a keyboard player and an arranger in bands such as "Roots", with childhood friend and percussionist Sivamani, John Anthony, Suresh Peters, JoJo and Raja. Rahman is the founder of the Chennai-based rock group, "Nemesis Avenue". He mastered various music instruments like Keyboard, Piano, Synthesizer, Harmonium and Guitar. His curiosity in Synthesizer in particular, increased because, he says, it was the "ideal combination of music and technology".

He began early training in music under Master Dhanraj. At the age of 11, he started playing musical instruments in the orchestra of Malayalam composer and a close friend of Rahman's father, M. K. Arjunan. Soon he started working with other composers such as M. S. Viswanathan, Ilaiyaraaja, Ramesh Naidu, Raj-Koti and also accompanied Zakir Hussain, Kunnakudi Vaidyanathan and L. Shankar on world tours and obtained a scholarship with Trinity College, London, board of the Trinity College of Music. Studying in Chennai, he graduated with graded examinations and a diploma in Western classical music via the college. He was introduced to Qadiri Islam when his younger sister fell severely ill in 1984. Subsequently, Rahman along with other members of his family converted to Islam in 1989, when he was 23 years old. He changed his name from A. S. Dileep Kumar to Allah Rakha Rahman i.e. A. R. Rahman.


Career




Film scoring and soundtracks

When he was nine, Rahman accidentally played a tune on piano during his father's recording for a film, which R. K. Shekhar later developed into a complete song, "Vellithen Kinnam Pol", for the Malayalam film Penpada. This track credited to his father, was sung by Jayachandran and penned by Bharanikkavu Sivakumar. His film career began in 1992, when he started Panchathan Record Inn, a music recording and mixing studio attached to the backyard of his house. Over time it would become the most advanced recording studio in India, and arguably one of Asia’s most sophisticated and high-tech studios. He initially composed scores for documentaries, jingles for advertisements and Indian Television channels and other projects.

In 1987 Rahman, then still known as Dileep got his first opportunity to compose jingles for new range of watches being launched by Allwyn. In 1992, he was approached by film director Mani Ratnam to compose the score and soundtrack for Ratnam's Tamil film Roja. The debut led Rahman to receive the Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) award for Best Music Director at the National Film Awards, an unprecedented win for a first-time film composer. Rahman has since been awarded the Silver Lotus three more times for Minsara Kanavu (Tamil) in 1997, Lagaan (Hindi) in 2002, Kannathil Muthamittal (Tamil) in 2003, the most ever by any composer.

Roja's score met with high sales and acclaim in both its original and dubbed versions, led by the theme song "Chinna Chinna Aasai" bringing about a marked change in film music at the time. Rahman followed this with successful scores for Tamil–language films of the Chennai film industry including Ratnam's politically charged Bombay, the urbanite Kadhalan, Thiruda Thiruda and S. Shankar's debut film Gentleman, spurred by the popular dance song "Chikku Bukku Rayile". Rahman worked with director Bharathiraaja's Kizhakku Cheemayile and Karuththamma, producing successful Tamil rural folk inspired scores and delivered the grand saxophonic score for K. Balachander's Duet. The 1995 film Indira and the romantic comedies Mr. Romeo and Love Birds all gained him considerable notice. His fanbase in Japan increased with Muthu 's success there.

His soundtracks gained him recognition in the Tamil Nadu film industry and around the world for his stylistic versatility incorporating Western classical, Carnatic and Tamil traditional/folk music traditions, jazz, reggae and rock music. The soundtrack of Bombay sold 12 million copies worldwide. The "Bombay Theme"—from Ratnam's Bombay—would later reappear in his score of Deepa Mehta's Fire and various compilations and media around the world. It was featured in the Palestinian film Divine Intervention in 2002, and in the Nicolas Cage film Lord of War, in 2005. Rangeela, directed by Ram Gopal Varma, marked Rahman's debut for Hindi-language films made in the Mumbai film industry.

Many successful scores for films including Dil Se.. and the percussive Taal followed. Sufi mysticism would inspire the track "Chaiyya Chaiyya" from the former, as well as the composition "Zikr" from his score for the film Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero for which he created large symphonic orchestral and choral arrangements. His score for the Chennai production Minsaara Kanavu garnered Rahman his second National Film Award for Best Music Direction in 1997, and a South FilmFare Award for Best Music Direction in a Tamil film, breaking a record with six consecutive wins in the latter category. Rahman would go onto win the award a further three consecutive times. Musical cues in scores for Sangamam and Iruvar employed Carnatic vocals and instruments such as the veena with leads of rock guitar and jazz. In the 2000s Rahman created hit scores for Rajiv Menon's Kandukondain Kandukondain, Alaipayuthey, Ashutosh Gowariker's Swades and Rang De Basanti. He composed songs with Hindustani motifs for Water (2005).

Rahman has worked with Indian poets and lyricists such as Javed Akhtar, Gulzar, Vairamuthu and Vaali. He has consistently produced commercially successful soundtracks when collaborating with particular film directors such as Mani Ratnam, who he has worked with since Roja, and the director S. Shankar in the films Gentleman, Kadhalan, Indian, Jeans, Mudhalvan, Nayak, Boys, Sivaji and lately for Enthiran.

In 2005, Rahman extended his Panchathan Record Inn studio by establishing AM Studios in Kodambakkam, Chennai, thereby creating the most cutting-edge studio in Asia. In 2006, Rahman launched his own music label, KM Music. Its first release was his score to the film Sillunu Oru Kaadhal. Rahman scored the Mandarin language picture Warriors of Heaven and Earth in 2003 after researching and utilizing Chinese and Japanese classical music, and won the Just Plain Folks Music Award For Best Music Album for his score of the 2006 film Varalaru (God Father). He co-scored the Shekhar Kapur project and his first British film, Elizabeth: The Golden Age, in 2007. He garnered an Asian Film Award nomination for Best Composer at the Hong Kong International Film Festival for his Jodhaa Akbar score. His compositions have been sampled for other scores within India, and appeared in such films as Inside Man, Lord of War, Divine Intervention and The Accidental Husband. In 2008, Rahman scored his first Hollywood picture, the comedy Couples Retreat released the next year, which won him the BMI London Award for Best Score. Rahman scored the film Slumdog Millionaire in 2008, for which he won a Golden Globe and two Academy Awards, becoming the first Asian to do so. The songs "Jai Ho" and "O…Saya" from the soundtrack of this film met with commercial success internationally. In 2010, Rahman composed scores for the romance film Vinnaithaandi Varuvaayaa, blockbuster sci-fi romance film Enthiran and Danny Boyle's 127 Hours. Rahman started off the year 2011 by scoring Imtiaz Ali's musical film Rockstar. The soundtrack became a phenomenal success and earned Rahman immense critical praise.


Performing and other projects


Rahman has been involved in several projects aside from film. Vande Mataram, an album of his original compositions released on India's 50th anniversary of independence in 1997, enjoyed great commercial success. Vande Mataram is one of the largest selling Indian non-film album to date. He followed it up with an album for the Bharat Bala–directed video Jana Gana Mana, a conglomeration of performances by many leading exponents and artists of Indian classical music. Rahman has written jingles for ads and composed several orchestrations for athletic events, television and internet media publications, documentaries and short films. He frequently enlists the Czech Film Orchestra, Prague and the Chennai Strings Orchestra.

In 1999, Rahman partnered with choreographers Shobana and Prabhu Deva and a Tamil cinema dancing troupe to perform with Michael Jackson in Munich, Germany at his "Michael Jackson and Friends" concert. In 2002, he composed the music for his maiden stage production, Bombay Dreams, commissioned by musical theatre composer Andrew Lloyd Webber. Finnish folk music band Värttinä collaborated with Rahman to write the music for The Lord of the Rings theatre production and in 2004, Rahman composed the piece "Raga's Dance" for Vanessa-Mae's album Choreography performed by Mae and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.


Since 2004, Rahman has performed three successful world tours to audiences in Singapore, Australia, Malaysia, Dubai, the United Kingdom, Canada, the United States and India. He has been collaborating with Karen David for her upcoming studio album. A two-disc soundtrack, Introducing A. R. Rahman (2006) featuring 25 of his pieces from Tamil film scores was released in May 2006, and his non-film album, Connections was released on 12 December 2008. Rahman also performed at the White House State dinner arranged by US President Barack Obama during the official visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on November 24, 2009. Rahman is one of over 70 artists who performed on "We Are the World 25 for Haiti", a charity single to raise emergency relief funds in the wake of the 2010 Haiti earthquake. In 2010, Rahman composed "Jai Jai Garvi Gujarat" in honor of the 50th anniversary of the formation of Gujarat State, "Semmozhiyaana Thamizh Mozhiyaam" as part of World Classical Tamil Conference 2010, and the official theme song of the 2010 Commonwealth Games, "Jiyo Utho Bado Jeeto". Rahman organised his first world tour, named A. R. Rahman Jai Ho Concert: The Journey Home World Tour, in 2010. The ongoing tour was kicked off on June 11 at the Nassau Coliseum in New York and will span 16 major cities worldwide.

Some of his notable compositions were performed live by the London Philharmonic Orchestra in April 2010. In February 2011, Rahman collaborated with Michael Bolton for his new studio album Gems – The Duets Collection. Rahman reworked on his song "Sajna" from the 2009 American film Couples Retreat to create the track.

On 20 May 2011, English musician Mick Jagger announced the formation of a new supergroup, SuperHeavy, which includes Dave Stewart, Joss Stone, Damian Marley, and Rahman. The band's self-titled album is slated for release in September 2011. The album will see Mick Jagger singing in Rahman's composition "Satyameva Jayate", which translates to "the truth alone triumphs".

In January 2012, it was announced the German Film Orchestra Babelsberg would join KM Music Conservatory musicians in a 100-member concert tour of five Indian cities performing Rahman's compositions. The tour, named "Germany and India 2011–2012: Infinite Opportunities'. Classic Incantations", will mark the centenary of Indian cinema and of Studio Babelsberg, the world's oldest film studio.

In Summer 2012, Rahman composed a Punjabi song for the London Olympics opening ceremony, organized by Danny Boyle. It will be a part of a medley which will showcase Indian influence in the UK, according to Boyle's wishes. Another Indian musician, Ilaiyaraja's song from Tamil-language film Ram Lakshman (1981), has also been chosen as part of the medley.


Music style and impact




Skilled in Carnatic music, Western classical, Hindustani music and the Qawwali style of Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Rahman has been noted to write film songs that amalgamate elements of these music systems and other genres, layering instruments from differing music idioms in an improvisatory manner. Symphonic orchestral themes have accompanied his scores, occasionally employing leitmotif. In the 1980s, Rahman recorded and played arrangements on monophonic sound, synonymous with the era of his musical predecessors K. V. Mahadevan and Vishwanathan–Ramamoorthy. In later years his methodology changed as he experimented with the fusion of traditional instruments with new electronic sounds and technology.


Rahman's musical interests and outlook stem from his love of experimentation. Rahman's compositions, in the vein of past and contemporary Chennai film composers, bring out auteuristic uses of counterpoint, orchestration and the human voice, melding Indian pop music with unique timbre, forms and instrumentation. By virtue of these qualities, broad ranging lyrics and his syncretic style, the appeal of his music cuts across the spectrum of classes and cultures within Indian society.

His first soundtrack for Roja was listed in Time's "10 Best Soundtracks" of all time in 2005. Film critic Richard Corliss felt the "astonishing debut work parades Rahman's gift for alchemizing outside influences until they are totally Tamil, totally Rahman." Rahman's initial global reach is attributed to the South Asian diaspora. Described as one of the most innovative composers to ever work in the industry, his unique style and immense success transformed film music in the 1990s prompting several film producers to take film music more seriously. The music producer Ron Fair considers Rahman to be "one of the world's great living composers in any medium".

The director Baz Luhrmann notes

“I had come to the music of A. R. Rahman through the emotional and haunting score of Bombay and the wit and celebration of Lagaan. But the more of AR's music I encountered the more I was to be amazed at the sheer diversity of styles: from swinging brass bands to triumphant anthems; from joyous pop to West-End musicals. Whatever the style, A. R. Rahman's music always possesses a profound sense of humanity and spirit, qualities that inspire me the most.”

Rahman has introduced the 7.1 technology in south Indian movies to provide better output.


Awards


AR Rahman at his residence in Chennai after bagging two Academy Awards for his work in Slumdog Millionaire (2009)
Rahman was the 1995 recipient of the Mauritius National Award and the Malaysian Award for contributions to music. He was nominated for a Laurence Olivier Award for his first West-End production. A four-time National Film Award winner and recipient of six Tamil Nadu State Film Awards, fifteen Filmfare Awards and thirteen Filmfare Awards South for his music and scores. He has been conferred Kalaimamani from the Government of Tamil Nadu for excellence in the field of music, special music achievement awards from the Government of Uttar Pradesh and Government of Madhya Pradesh and the Padma Shri from the Government of India. In 2006, he received an honorary award from Stanford University for contributions to global music.

In 2007, Rahman was entered into the Limca Book of Records as "Indian of the Year for Contribution to Popular Music", and the Guinness World Records in 2010 as the original composer of "Maa Tujhe Salaam", from the album Vande Mataram – the song performed in the most number of languages worldwide (265). He is the 2008 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient from the Rotary Club of Madras. In 2009, for his score of Slumdog Millionaire, Rahman won the Broadcast Film Critics Association Award, the Golden Globe Award for Best Original Score, the BAFTA Award for Best Film Music, and two Academy Awards for Best Original Music Score and Best Original Song at the 81st Academy Awards. Rahman has received honorary doctorates from Middlesex University and Aligarh Muslim University. Later the year Rahman was conferred the honorary doctorate from Anna University in Chennai. He has also won two Grammy Awards, for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album and Best Song Written for a Visual Media. Rahman was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third highest civilian honor, in 2010. Rahman's work for the film 127 Hours garnered him Golden Globe, BAFTA, and two Academy Award nominations for Best Original Music Score and Best Original Song in 2011. He is an Honorary Fellow of the Trinity College of Music, presented to him by Trinity College London.

On May 7, 2012, he was conferred Honorary Doctorate from the Miami University, Ohio. During the acceptance speech, he mentioned that he received a Christmas card from the US President's family and an invitation for the dinner at White House.


Personal life


He is married to Saira Banu and has three children, Khatija, Rahima, and Ameen. Ameen sings the track "NaNa" from Couples Retreat and his daughter Khatija the track "Pudhiya Manidha" from Enthiran. Rahman is the uncle of composer G. V. Prakash Kumar, who is the son of Rahman's elder sister, A. R. Reihana. Prakash Kumar's first work in film was singing on the Rahman composition "Chikku Bukku Rayile" from his score to the 1993 film Gentleman. A. R. Reihana debuted in film singing on the track "Vidai Kodu Engal Naadae" from Kannathil Muthamittal and is also a music director. Rahman's younger sister Fathima is in charge of his Music conservatory in Chennai. The youngest Ishrath has her own music studio. A. R. Rahman is brother-in-law of film actor Rahman.

An atheist through much of his childhood, in 1989 Rahman converted to Islam, the religion of his mother's family. After the early death of his father, his family went through hard times and Sufism had a great influence on his mother and slowly on his family. During the 81st Academy Awards ceremony, he paid tribute to his mother, saying "There is a Hindi dialogue, mere pass ma hai, which means 'even if I have got nothing I have my mother here'." He also began his own catchphrase, "Ella pughazhum iraivanukke", in Tamil which literally means "All praises dedicated to God". The phrase was popularized after Rahman uttered it prior to his speech at the 81st Academy Awards ceremony.


Humanitarian work
Rahman is involved in various charitable causes. In 2004, he was appointed as the Global Ambassador of the Stop TB Partnership, a project by WHO. He has shown support to charities including Save the Children, India, and worked with Yusuf Islam for his song "Indian Ocean". The song featured a-ha keyboard player Magne Furuholmen and drummer Travis, Neil Primrose. The proceeds of the song went towards helping orphans in Banda Aceh, that was affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami. He produced the single "We Can Make It Better" by Don Asian alongside Mukhtar Sahota.

In 2008, Rahman opened his KM Music Conservatory partnered with Audio Media Education facility to tutor and train aspiring musicians in vocals, instruments, music technology and sound design. The conservatory – with preeminent musicians on its panel and a newly founded symphony orchestra – is located near his studio in Kodambakkam, Chennai, offering courses at Beginners, Foundation and Diploma level. Violinist L. Subramaniam is on its board of advisors. Several of Rahman's proteges from the studio have gone onto score music for feature films. Rahman composed the theme music for a short film for The Banyan in 2006, in aid of destitute women in Chennai. In 2008, Rahman with noted percussionist Sivamani created a song titled "Jiya Se Jiya", inspired by the Free Hugs Campaign and promoted it through a video shot in various cities in India.

Films with A.R. Rahman:

 Rana - 2012
Chennai Express - 2013
Monkeys of Mumbai - 2012
Kochadaiyaan - 2012
Yash Copra's Untitled Project - 2012
People Like Us - 2012
Ekk Deewana Tha - 2012
Rockstar - 2011
Search & Rescue - 2011
Saloon - 2011
Ada... A Way of Life - 2010
Jhootha Hi Sahi - 2010
Pattampoochi - 2010
Endhiran - 2010
Komaram Puli - 2010
127 Hours - 2010
Raavan - 2010
Raavanan - 2010
Will You Cross the Skies for Me? - 2010
Ye Maaya Chesave - 2010
Blue - 2009/I
Couples Retreat - 2009
Passage - 2009/I
Delhi-6 - 2009
Ghajini - 2008
Yuvvraaj - 2008
Slumdog Millionaire - 2008
Jaane Tu... Ya Jaane Na - 2008
Jodhaa Akbar - 2008
Azhagiya Tamizh Magan - 2007
Elizabeth: The Golden Age - 2007
Sivaji - 2007
Ek Mohabbat - Vote for Taj - 2007
Bombil and Beatrice - 2007
Guru - 2007
Sajni - 2007
Sakkarakatti - 2007
Provoked: A True Story - 2006
Parashuram: One Man Army - 2006
Godfather - 2006
Rang De Basanti - 2006
Jillunu Oru Kaadhal - 2006
Water - 2005/I
Ah Aah: Anbe Aaruyire - 2005
The Rising: Ballad of Mangal Pandey - 2005
Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose: The Forgotten Hero - 2005
Kisna: The Warrior Poet - 2005
Swades - 2004
Dil Ne Jise Apna Kaha - 2004
Ayitha Ezhuthu - 2004
Yuva - 2004
Naani - 2004
Meenaxi: Tale of 3 Cities - 2004
Ennaku 20 Unakku 18 - 2004
Kangalal Kaidhu Sei - 2004
Lakeer - Forbidden Lines - 2004
New - 2004
Tehzeeb - 2003
Warriors of Heaven and Earth - 2003
Boys - 2003
Nee Manasu Naaku Telusu - 2003
Parasuram - 2003
Udhaya - 2003
Saathiya - 2002
Baba - 2002
The Legend of Bhagat Singh - 2002
Kannathil Muthamittal - 2002
Kadhal Virus - 2002
Nayak: The Real Hero - 2001
Lagaan: Once Upon a Time in India - 2001
One 2 Ka 4 - 2001
Waves - 2001
Zubeidaa - 2001
Alli Arjuna - 2001
Paarthale Paravasam - 2001
Star - 2001/II
Thenali - 2000
I Have Found It - 2000
Dil Hi Dil Mein - 2000
Pukar - 2000
Rhythm - 2000
Thakshak - 1999
Taj Mahal - 1999
Taal - 1999
En Swasa Katre - 1999
Jodi - 1999
Kadhalar Dinam - 1999
Love You Hamesha - 1999
Mudhalvan - 1999
Padaiyappa - 1999
Sangamam - 1999
Doli Saja Ke Rakhna - 1998
Earth - 1998
Dil Se.. - 1998
Jeans - 1998
Kabhi Na Kabhi - 1998
Ratchakan - 1997
Daud: Fun on the Run - 1997
The Duo - 1997
Minsaara Kanavu - 1997
Love Birds - 1997
Vishwavidhaata - 1997
Mr. Romeo - 1996
Hindustani - 1996
Anthimanthaarai - 1996
Indira (Priyanka) - 1996
Kadhal Desam - 1996
Muthu - 1995
Bombay - 1995
Bollywood Dreams - 1995
Karuththamma - 1995
Thiruda Thiruda - 1994
Super Police - 1994
Duet - 1994
Gang Master - 1994
Kadhalan - 1994
May Madham - 1994
Palnati Pourusham - 1994
Pavithra - 1994
Gentleman - 1993
Kizhakku Seemayile - 1993
Pudhiya Mannargal - 1993
Pudhiya Mugam - 1993
Uzhavan - 1993
Vandicholai Chinnarasu - 1993
Roja - 1992
Yodha - 1992
The 83rd Annual Academy Awards - 2011
Miral - 2010
So You Think You Can Dance Canada - 2010
Dancing on Ice - 2010
Dancing with the Stars - 2009
So You Think You Can Dance - 2009
Arranged: The Musical - 2009
The 81st Annual Academy Awards - 2009
The Accidental Husband - 2008
Inside Man - 2006
Lord of War - 2005
7 1/2 Phere: More Than a Wedding - 2005
Bollywood/Hollywood - 2002
Omnibus - 2002
Yadon ilaheyya - 2002
Fiza - 2000
Fire - 1996
Champions League Twenty20 Cricket - 2009
Bala Gopaludu - 1989
Mission Ustaad - 2007
African Gothic - 2012
Thy Beauty's Doom - 2012
Dam999 - 2011
Shades of Grey: The Cinema of K. Balachander - 2012
Ru Ba Ru - 2011
The 68th Annual Golden Globe Awards - 2011
Nobel Peace Prize Concert - 2010
Breakfast - 2010
55th Idea Filmfare Awards - 2010
ABC2 Live Presents Jai Ho! - 2010
Cirque du Soleil's Poetic Social Mission - 2009
Star Movies: Live from the Red Carpet - 2009
The Oprah Winfrey Show - 2009
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno - 2009
The Orange British Academy Film Awards - 2009
The 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards - 2009
The 14th Annual Critics' Choice Awards - 2009
Oye! It's Friday! - 2008
Guru World Premiere in Toronto - 2007
Bollywood - Indiens klingendes Kino - 2005
The 100 Greatest Musicals - 2003

Anandmurti Gurumaa

Shakti - Save, Educate and Empower Girl Child

4:55 pm

What is Shakti?

As enshrined in our holy epics and scriptures the ‘Woman’ - an embodiment of affection, benevolence and compassion has been, since the times immemorial, extolled as an angel. By virtue of being endowed with striking attributes of love, patience, generosity and submissive dedication, she brings completeness in man’s life as also the integral transformation to keep pace with the changing times despite some mysterious denials to her contribution. Provision of an ideal education for her is of paramount importance which would empower her to rediscover her individual self and regain her status in society quintessence to ‘Shakti’ as in the vedic era.

As a realized person does not live up in clouds, Her Holiness Anandmurti Gurumaa, living amidst the realities of life observed and analyzed the dilemma of woman grudgingly given a secondary status in the contemporary society. To provide solace of faith, succour and the volcanic courage to women, Anandmurti Gurumaa spearheaded to set up ‘Shakti ‘in 1999, which has now blossomed as a project of multidimensional excellence; besides empowering the girls through education. Shakti has emerged as a wake up call to combat the heinous practices of female foeticide, infanticide, dowry menace and the brutalities afflicted on the girl child who is regarded as a harbinger of curse by many foolish and preposterous people and patriarchs of society.

Ascribing to the belief that ideal education is the best and only powerful instrument for woman empowerment, self reliance and life resurrection which would make them masters of their destiny, Gurumaa , through her unique ‘Shakti’ project has provided career opportunities for the girl child- the woman of tomorrow.

Besides providing the ethical and spiritual knowledge, Shakti provides financial support to under-privileged girls up to the 12th standard irrespective of their cast, colour or creed. So far, more than eight hundred girls have been provided scholarships since the inception of the Shakti program. The support has also been extended to students of B-Pharmacy, Sonepat, and forty-five girl students of SGTB Institute of Nursing education, Ludhiana, to complete their education. Up till now, three batches of 45 girls have passed from the college and are now earning well. Heralding the crowning success of the ‘Shakti’ welfare project, once the lone crusader, Anandmurti Gurumaa, today expresses her gratitude for the overwhelming support with an invitation to put all our energies in promotion of this humanitarian cause.

Why Shakti?


According to a recent report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), up to 50 million girls and women are missing from India’ s population as a result of systematic gender discrimination in India. In most countries in the world, there are approximately 105 female births for every 100 males.

In India, there are less than 93 women for every 100 men in the population. The accepted reason for such a disparity is the practice of female infanticide in India, prompted by the existence of a dowry system, which requires the family to pay out a great deal of money when a female child is married. For a poor family, the birth of a girl child can signal the beginning of financial ruin and extreme hardship.

“A tradition of infanticide and abandonment, especially of females, existed in China before the foundation of the People’s Republic in 1949,” note Zeng et al. (“Causes and Implications,” p. 294.) According to Ansley J. Coale and Judith Banister, “A missionary (and naturalist) observer in [China in] the late nineteenth century interviewed 40 women over age 50 who reported having borne 183 sons and 175 daughters, of whom 126 sons but only 53 daughters survived to age 10; by their account, the women had destroyed 78 of their daughters.” (Coale and Banister, “Five Decades of Missing Females in China,” Demography, 31: 3 [August 1994], p. 472.)

Empowering the girl child through education is an indispensable tool to curb the growing menace of gender inequality, declining sex ratio, and discriminatory treatment given to women in India. Empowered woman is strong enough to stand as a support for her family and community at large. She further contributes to the prospects of next generation.

The project Shakti is an initiative by Anandmurti Gurumaa, against female infanticide and the brutalities afflicted on the girl child. Shakti – An initiative to empower the girl child, is the voice of truth against this crude reality.

Project Shakti is an initiative whose aim is to educate the world on infanticide. Virtually unheard of in many parts of the world, the phenomenon of female infanticide is as old as many cultures, and has likely accounted for millions of gender-selective deaths throughout history. In all cases, specifically female infanticide reflects the low status accorded to women in most parts of the world; it is arguably the most brutal and destructive manifestation of the anti-female bias that pervades “patriarchal” societies. It is closely linked to the phenomena of sex-selective abortion, which targets female fetuses almost exclusively. There are records of older girls being fed dry, unshelled rice that punctured their windpipes, or were forced to swallow poisonous powders. Others were smothered with a wet towel, strangled, or allowed to starve to death.”

By bringing light to this crime against humanity and educating the world on “truths” and not beliefs, Gurumaa believes we can usher in a new era of empowerment. Looking beyond creed, color, beliefs, or caste systems, the Shakti program will deliver the education and support needed to bring change to a world where murder called by another name becomes acceptable.

Shakti works to provide financial support to the daughters of widows, handicapped parents, war veterans, and many others to complete their basic education - changing the old beliefs and showing the world that girls with support can contribute to her family, community, and generations to come.


Get Involved With Shakti

I AM A STUDENT
Being young and being a student is to be in power. Yes, truly it is because student has the power to do a lot. You can be a very active participant in the movement of Shakti. Try doing any or all of the following:
  • Show the power-point presentation on Shakti in your school.
  • Create awareness by putting Shakti posters on your school notice board.
  • Take permission to keep Shakti book in your library.
  • Encourage your fellow students to form a Shakti-kitty to raise funds for the education of needy girls.
  • Initiate to keep a topic of one of your competitions on how girls are the power-house of energy and the future of our nation.
  • Form a group of friends who are interested to work for the cause and discuss among yourselves – what you can do for Shakti.
  • Generate awareness in your family & friends about the cause of Shakti and educate them to save girls, educate girls and empower girls.
  • Gift Shakti Calendars to your teachers.

I AM A COMPANY
In today’s jet age, companies are playing a phenomenal role in bringing a change in society. As a company you are in a much better position to help the education of needy girls. You can help Shakti educate and empower girls in the following ways:
  • Circulate a Shakti awareness e-mail in your network of staff.
  • Sponsor the education of girls.
  • Encourage your employees to opt for regular monthly/annual donations towards the cause. First company should take the step, only that will motivate employees.
  • Distribute Shakti T-shirts on any celebrative occasion.
  • Promote the message of Shakti – Save Girls…Educate Girls…Empower Girls by printing it on your merchandise.
  • Include Shakti as part of your corporate social responsibility.

I AM A HOUSEWIFE
The makers of home are in the best position to make the career of the girl-child. Being a house-wife, you run errands and do dozens of chores in a day, look after your family, shower your love and care on them unconditionally…what else can indicate the immense potential of a housewife. You can participate in Shakti in the following way:
  • You can raise funds to educate needy girls through your group of friends.
  • If you are a member of a club, you can create awareness by putting up posters and raising funds.
  • You can share the cause of Shakti with your family members and encourage them to promote it in the best of their capability.
  • If you can think of any other idea, write to us.

I IAM A PROFESSIONAL
Being a professional is to have expert knowledge in a particular profession and having an expertise is like having an influence…so you can shape the thinking of your associates. So gear up to make the first move now –
  • You can create awareness about the cause by gifting Shakti pack to your associates.
  • Encourage your friends, family, clients and associates to adopt the education of needy girls under the Shakti fold.
  • Spread the message of Shakti through your means.
  • Show the presentation of Shakti to your professional/personal gathering.

I AM AN EMPLOYEE
In today’s time, employee is the boss when it comes to creative and innovative potential. So here is another opportunity for you to unleash your skills in promoting the cause of Shakti. Attempt any or all of the following:
  • Take an initiative to upload the presentation of Shakti on your intranet, to create awareness about the cause.
  • Forward Shakti awareness e-mail to your network.
  • Take an initiative to propose Shakti as part of Corporate Social Responsibility of your company.
  • Shakti posters can be put up on the notice boards.
  • Encourage your friends, colleagues to take active part in educating the needy girls and if they commit to adopt the education of these girls, you can take the responsibility to let them reach us.

For more info please visit this link MISSION SHAKTI.

Anandmurti Gurumaa

Anandmurti Gurumaa: A Mystic Master

4:41 pm

Mesmerizing persona, piercing eyes, a crystal clear mind, the wisdom of the ages and a beautiful demeanour - such is the personality of Anandmurti Gurumaa. Defying definition, pragmatic, realistic, of liberal views, she is open-minded like the sky and intense like space.

Gurumaa had a wonderful childhood - when other children were learning nursery rhymes, she was listening to the philosophy of Vedanta. While other children dreamt of dolls and cars, she was learning the art of awakening from dreams.

Gurumaa had a sober but happy childhood and a fiery youth. She was always seen meditating or sitting in silence. A bubbly spirited teenager, she was not seen with girls of her age but with yogis and gurus. Meditating and lovingly serving spiritual masters, she had her awakening at the tender age of sixteen.

At a very early age life groomed her to be a master and a guide to other seekers. Soon the fragrance of her spirituality spread and people from all over started coming to her seeking knowledge and guidance. Busy meeting people and traveling to nearby cities, she was never restricted by her gender. Surprisingly, even her parents never restricted her or forced her to do anything she didn’t like to - which is pretty unusual for Indian parents.

Her satsangs were getting crowded and her popularity was soaring in the small city of Amritsar. One day she went into silence and after seven months of deep silence, she left her home and hometown for good. She started wandering and traveled mostly in North India, finally settling in Rishikesh - a holy city on the banks of the Ganges.

In Rishikesh she went into silence for a longer period and wanted to remain in silence for ever. However, the world needed her presence to show light to the mankind groping in dark. Out of her compassion for humanity she came out of silence and began to show the way. Then her traveling started again, but this time to address conferences, meet people and to give them guidance. Later she started her meditationretreats which gave her a working ground. Thousands of people would come to unlearn the worldly ways; to rise above dogmas and doctrines of religion. She simplified meditation for the masses and made it of such ease that no one ever felt that this path was for a chosen few only.

As fish to water, so did poetry come naturally to her. Gurumaa has written hundreds of poems. She has also set them to music and sung them in her mellifluous voice.

People sometimes wonder how an apparently simple girl has achieved such heights in such a small span of time. In thinking so, are they not merely looking at the physical and missing the important point that spirit is ageless and the mind carries all its achievements from one life to the next? Gurumaa’s early speeches carried such fervour that she was branded a rebel. While the young ones loved her for her modern thoughts, the elders felt challenged.

People who witnessed her eccentric behaviour; her fervour; her fiery spirit; her zealous soul; her divine dance - soon realized that she was much more than what she appeared to be.

Gurumaa says she does not belong to any one tradition, religion, path or label. She considers herself a citizen of world and is not limited by narrow considerations. She is a free-spirited, transendentalist and is carving out a path-less path for seekers. She says that no guru can grant you enlightenment; no master can awaken your kundalini; one has to toil hard oneself in the presence of the master- but without making the effort seem a strain. Seek, but with patience; meditate, but without any goal; sharpen your awareness so that you rise above the ‘me-mine-I’ syndrome of identification with the self.

Today Gurumaa resides in a beautiful ashram in Gannaur, Harayana, India. Ever welcoming to seekers; ever inviting to all; a hard task master who will not appease your ego, Gurumaa says, “People do not need a living guru; they need a look-alike guru, a toy. As one has to surrender totally to the guru, people, who love their selves so much, find it difficult to do so. Therefore most prefer to stay away!”

Gurumaa has spoken on almost every subject: psychology, religion, family, society, mysticism. Her talks are interspersed with beautiful music and her soul stirring singing.

Anandmurti Gurumaa is a living master who is so ordinary in her extraordinariness! She is a challenge to the intellect, a pleasing sight to the eyes, humorous, and a lively new age Buddha. She is the embodiment of love and knowledge.

A Modern Day Mystic

Life Sketch of Gurumaa: A Divine Journey

4:32 pm


Life Sketch of Gurumaa: A Divine Journey

life-sketch-gmFrom time immemorial, turmoils have shaken the earth. When such turmoils happen, mother earth summons such celestial bodies like sages, hermits, ascetics, mystics or enlightened souls in human form to guide humankind out of disasters. Anandmurti Gurumaa is one such celestial being who stands out amongst the galaxy of spiritual leaders.
Anandmurti Gurumaa is not only a convent educated arts graduate in the worldly sense, but Master of Life and Beyond. She has been a mentor, counselor and a guide to people around her right from her schooldays. As she says, ‘A rose is born a rose, and need not do anything to be a rose.‘ As a child, her home was always being visited by spiritually evolved people. When at the early age of fifteen, she went for a pilgrimage and was surrounded by admirers and seekers, it was not a surprise for the family. She traveled through her teens and by the age of twenty four settled down in Rishikesh in a hermitage.
But destiny wanted her to spread her wings far and wide so that she could reach out to the maximum number of troubled souls. Soon she was seen on television, which made her available to millions of viewers worldwide. She established her Ashram in Gannaur, Dist. Sonepat, Haryana where various residential retreats and workshops are being held throughout the year. The ashram is a place full of positive energy, tranquil and calm, full of natural beauty, which enables the seekers to evolve naturally under Gurumaa’s guidance. Now she is based in Gannaur, Harayana where she is available to her disciples year around where various residential workshops are organized. Her ashram is a beautiful place with beauty and empty spaces to rejoice and evolve spiritually.


Persona par excellence

Anandmurti Gurumaa showed extraordinary signs of a mystic in the making early in life. From the very beginning she was being blessed by mystics and sages right at her home. From the tender age of nine, Gurumaa would put such questions before her school teachers and others that they would be surprised by her sharp intellect and deep insights into spirituality. Those around her felt it remarkable that a child of her age could ask such profound questions.
From an early age, Gurumaa showed a special affinity towards the seers. She would listen to their talks and ask them various questions. They would happily answer all her queries as they knew she was not just curious but had a genuine desire for knowledge.  Gurumaa also started writing poetry at an early age. These poetic expressions came from the depth of her heart. They are her innocent offerings to the divine where the divine is seen as the beloved and sometimes as a friend.
Gurumaa had also begun in her own way to deliver satsang even while she was a schoolgirl. After school, she would rush to deliver her satsangs. People were drawn to her and made every endeavour to be a part of that Amrit Varsha.

Key Features

Nokia Asha 302 - Key Features, Technical Specifications, Review

2:50 pm



Nokia Asha 302 - Key Features

  •  3.2 MP Primary Camera
  •  2.4-inch TFT LCD Screen
  •  QWERTY Keypad
  •  1 GHz Processor
  •  FM Radio
  •  Wi-Fi Enabled
  •  Expandable Storage Capacity of 32 GB




Specifications of Nokia Asha 302

GENERAL FEATURES
In Sales Package:Handset, Battery, Charger, Headset, User Guide
Form:Bar
SIM:Single SIM, GSM
Touch Screen:No
Keypad:Yes, QWERTY
Business Features:VoIP support, Pushmail
Call Features:Speed Dialing, Loudspeaker
Handset Color:Grey

DISPLAY
Type:TFT LCD
Size:2.4 Inches
Resolution:QVGA, 320 x 240 Pixels
Colors:262 K

CAMERA
Primary Camera:Yes, 3.2 Megapixel
Secondary Camera:No
Video Recording:Yes, 176 x 144, 15 fps
Zoom:Digital Zoom - 4x
Other Camera Features:Full Focus, Full Screen Viewfinder, Self Timer, Sequence Mode, Image Editor

DIMENSIONS
Size:55.7 x 116.5 x 13.9 mm
Weight:99 g

BATTERY
Type:Li-Ion, 1320 mAh
Talktime:9 hrs (2G), 5 hrs (3G)
Standby Time:707 hrs (2G), 830 hrs (3G)

MEMORY AND STORAGE
Internal:100 MB
Expandable Memory Slot:microSD, upto 32 GB
Memory:128 MB RAM, 256 MB ROM

INTERNET & CONNECTIVITY
Internet Features:Email
Preinstalled Browser:WAP 2.0
GPRS:Yes
Edge:Yes
3G:Yes, 14.4 Mbps HSDPA; 5.76 Mbps HSUPA
Wifi:Yes, 802.11 b/g/n
WAP:Yes, v2
USB connectivity:Yes, micro USB, v2
GPS Support:No
Bluetooth:Yes, v2.1, Supported Profiles (EDR, A2DP, AVRCP 1.0, DUN, FTP, GAP, GAVDP, GOEP, HFP, HSP, OPP, PAN, PBAP 1.0, SAP, SDAP, SPP 1.0)
Audio Jack:3.5 mm

MULTIMEDIA
Music Player:Yes, Supports MP3, WAV, eAAC, MIDI
Video Player:Yes, Supports 3GPP, H.263, H.264, AVC, MPEG-4, WMV
FM:Yes
Ringtone:MP3, 64 Polyphonic, MIDI

PLATFORM
Operating Freq:GSM - 850, 900, 1800, 1900; UMTS - 2100
OS:(Series 40)
Java:Yes
Processor:1 GHz

OTHER FEATURES
Call Memory:Yes
SMS Memory:Yes
Phonebook Memory:Yes
Additional Features:Flight Mode, Video Streaming, Video Ringtones, World Clock, MMS Enabled, FOTA Firmware Over the Air, Flash Lite 3.0, Dedicated Keys, 5-way Navigation Key
Important Apps:Windows Live, Hotmail, Yahoo Mail, Gmail, Google Talk, Yahoo Messenger, Facebook, Whats App, Nokia Messaging, Nokia Chat

WARRANTY
1 year manufacturer warranty for Phone and 6 months warranty for in the box accessories

Nokia Asha 302 - Review




Nokia never gain success by releasing a budget that uses mobile phones s40 system and a full QWERTY keyboard, the Nokia C3. Asha is now with his own series, Nokia wants to try again with a similar product from Nokia Asha 302, a typical Nokia mobile phone s40 applying an elegant design with a QWERTY keyboard and WiFi connectivity. This phone is priced at an affordable price which is only about Rp 1.1 million. How mobile performance with elegant design of this budget? Please read our review below.


Main Features

• Network Quad Band GSM (850/900/1800/1900), Penta band WCDMA (850/900/1700/1900/2100)
• 2.4-inch TFT screen, 240x320 pixels
• 1 GHz Processor ARM 11
• Internal memory 170 MB, 256 ROM, 128 RAM
• The operating system Nokia s40
• Camera 3.2 MP 2048x1536 pixels EDoF Focus
• Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n
• Battery 1430 mAh


Completeness in a Box

• Handset Asha 302
• Type AC Charger 11E
• Headset WH-102 type
• Micro SD 2GB (located in the phone)
• Manual
• Warranty Card



Design and Body

If you see this phone we must remember to phone the Nokia E-series smartphone, which also has a classic design QWERTY keyboard and a touch of chrome around tertentu.Namun Asha and section 302 almost the entire body is made of plastic except the backdoor which is made of aluminum. Asha 302 is available in various colors like gray, blue, red, gold, and white as in our unit tests. The material used is good enough, so it does not seem fragile and cheap.

Asha 302 dimensions 55.7 mm x 116.5 mm x 13.9 mm and weighs 99 grams, quite light and steady when held. Especially with the curved design of the rear of the sides you do not make your pain when grasping.

At the front there is a earpiece, screen-sized TFT QVGA (320 x 240) 2.4-inch screen, QWERTY keyboard function keys and a typical Nokia. At the back there is a resolution of 3.2 MP camera with focus EDoF, absence of flash and there is one speaker. The back of this as we already mentioned above, the backdoor is made of sturdy aluminum that gives the impression of and premium design.

At the top of the phone there are three holes, the charger port 2 mm, 3.5 mm headset port, and microUSB port. At the bottom, and left the phone looks plain, no nothing, while on the phone right there is a slot for micro SD.
Interface

Asha 302 using Nokia's operating system that is s40. Therefore a very distinctive look of Nokia and the like in its predecessor Nokia C3. S40 operating system can not do multitasking, except for radio and music player.

On the main page there are various shortcut home screen modes that can be personalized as you wish that kind of widget is also working on a smartphone. Indeed, if using this mode screen home screen you will feel full, but if you do not want it you can turn off this feature so that you attach photos as wallpaper can be clearly seen.

There are three pieces at the bottom of the menu Go to, Menu and Names. Go to also contain a variety of shortcuts to existing menus. Menu to enter the main menu. Names contacts lists while we have.

At the function keys are two buttons with a picture phone book (contacts key) and envelope (key messaging). Both of these buttons you can set the functions according to the options provided.

The main menu consists of rows of colorful icons. Appearance of this icon can be changed to display list if you change the option. You can also adjust the position of the menu icons are there.


Contacts

For the contacts you need not worry about the amount of storage, because this phone can store 1000 phone numbers to total numbers. Looks like another s40 series. Each contact can be given different information and can also be given a special ringtone for specific contacts and even video. If you find the font size is too small, you can change to a larger size in the settings in the contacts menu.


Messaging

Asha 302 can handle SMS, MMS, instant messaging, and email. One of the advantages of this phone is going to support Microsoft Exchange, making Asha womanly 302 s40 first budget phones have this feature. So you can easily synchronize with email and calendar.

SMS editor to display a typical s40, easy to understand and quite intuitive. To enter simply send your MMS multimedia content (images, sound, video, etc.) into a text editor. Messaging conversation threading was performed with the style or the appearance of the usual inbox.

Chat menu you can find here is useful for sending instant messages using an extensive range of services provided such as Facebook, Google Talk, Windows Live Messenger, MyspaceIm, Ovi, Yahoo.

Menu mail messaging menu outside and push notification feature so that you will receive an email in real time as SMS.


Photos

This menu contains a combination of the camera, gallery, video cameras and video. For the gallery, you can display photo collections as a whole, timeline, or by album. You can make choices such as photo editing untu rotate and flip, crop, effects, warp, add frame, add clip art, add text, auto enhance, brightness and contrast, color. You can also display your photo collection via slideshow with various transition effects. You can also send images directly via message, mail, web or via bluetooth.

Asha 302


Camera

Asha 302 has a 3.2 MP camera resolution of 2048 x 1536 pixels EDoF a good type to capture the overall picture at a distance not too close. There are features such as zoom (4x), frames, my photos, effects, video cam, white balance, self-timer, sequence, exposure, grid, settings, organise, default.

Nokia never gain success by releasing a budget that uses mobile phones s40 system and a full QWERTY keyboard, the Nokia C3. Asha is now with his own series, Nokia wants to try again with a similar product from Nokia Asha 302, a typical Nokia mobile phone s40 applying an elegant design with a QWERTY keyboard and WiFi connectivity. This phone is priced at an affordable price which is only about Rp 1.1 million. How mobile performance with elegant design of this budget? Please read our review below.
Video Recorder

Asha 302 cameras can do video recording up to VGA resolution (640x480) 15fps. There are several features such as white balance, my videos, microphones, effects, camera, exposure, self-timer, setting, grid, default, organise. The results of the video recording is stored in the 3GP format.


Music and Video

In the music menu, there are three sub menus is my music, nokia music, and radio. You can play music files in AAC format, MP3, MP4, WAV, WMA. Collection of songs you will be grouped based on all songs, playlists, singer, album, genre, and the video (you can also play video here). The existence of album art can enhance your appearance now playing. There are also spending a sound like equalizer settings as well as shuffle and repeat options. As we mentioned above, you can minimize the music player so you can perform other activities on your phone.

302 Asha is also given access to a variety of songs for free download at Nokia Music Store, but we suggest before downloading, make sure you use a WiFi connection in order not to cut your credit

Asha 302 can play video content in MP4 format, WMV, 3GP video, but it must be below the 720p resolution.

For the quality of the speakers, Asha 302 has a very powerful speaker and tight, although the maximum volume output conditions the voice sounded a bit broken.



FM Radio

To enjoy this feature, you must plug the headset first, because the headset functions as the antenna. You can search either manually or automatically. There are also options such as play standard via headset or loudspeaker and Traffic RDS.


Games and Applications

Asha 302 using a java platform for field applications. Quite a lot of games and applications already installed, but unfortunately some famous games such as Block Breaker, Diamond Twister, and Fast Five the Movie is only a trial version only, so to be able to play the version you are required to purchase fullnya.


Here's a list of games and applications that are already there by default.

• Block Breaker 3 Unlimited (Trial)
• Bounce Tales
• Diamond Twister 2 (Trial)
• Fast Five The Movie Game (Trial)
• Heatz Gedda
• Sudoku
• Converter
• Life Tools
• Nokia Music
• Size Converter
• Social
• Store
• Tips and Offers
• Web Search
• WhatsApp
• World Clock


Connectivity

Asha phone 302 can run dijaringan Quad Band GSM 850/900/1800/1900 MHz and HSDPA 850/900/1700/1900/2100 MHz, so if you are traveling to other parts of the world, this phone can continue to accompany you. There are also local connectivity such as WiFi 802.11 b / g / n, Bluetooth v 2.1, micro USB 2.0, USB On-the-Go 1.3. For business micro SD memory card, this phone can hold up to 32GB capacity.


Browser

Asha can open a browser page 302 WAP 2.0/xHTML, HTML. This browser supports only one page. We tried to open the site TeknoUp full version, for the first opening after restarting the phone, the page can be opened completely, although felt a little lag. But if you open a second time only displays a blank page. For the mobile version TeknoUp site can be opened without a problem. To test score results of HTML 5, the browser is getting points for 168 and 4 bonus points.

Battery

Asha 302 Nokia battery BL-5J type with a capacity of 1430mAh. It says the battery can last for 6 to 9 hours of talk, 29 to 34 days standby and 50 hours for listening to music. Our current review process is very powerful and the battery capacity can accompany you to move a few days in normal use. But everything is back to the condition of signal or frequency of use.
Conclusion

Although mobile phones are classified budget, but Nokia Asha 302 has an elegant design like bussiness man as in the design of the Nokia E-series phones. The material used is also good not cheap especially with the backdoor which is made of aluminum. To the field of software is also fairly well, although the traditional use s40 but some advanced features can already be handled. So if you're looking for a budget phone that looks expensive Nokia Asha 302 can be one good option for you.
Pros:

Elegant design and good material
Sharp screen quality
Capabilities of Microsoft Exchange

Disadvantages:

Poor performance of the browser
Although 1GHz processor for handling applications but tend to slow