The 5th edition of WION's flagship summit has finally been concluded. This year, the dialogue revolved around sustainable peace around the world. The summit addressed the biggest challenge of our times in the quest for global peace.

5th edition of WION's flagship summit concludes after addressing the biggest challenge of our times

The 5th edition of WION's flagship summit has started. This year, the dialogue is centered on sustainable peace around the world. The pandemic has highlighted the threat of bioweapons that has not been there for many years.

WION Global Summit 2022: Covid-19 pandemic highlighted threat of biological weapons

The 5th edition of WION's flagship summit has started. This year, the dialogue is centered on sustainable peace around the world. Watch the Keynote address by Ukraine's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Senik.

WION Global Summit 2022: Keynote address by Ukraine Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dmytro Senik

The 5th edition of WION's flagship summit has started. This year, the dialogue is centered on sustainable peace around the world. Watch the Keynote address by India's ambassador to UAE Sunjay Sudhir.

WION Global Summit 2022: Keynote address by India's ambassador to UAE Sunjay Sudhir

The 5th edition of WION's flagship summit has started. This year, the dialogue is centered on sustainable peace around the world. Watch the Keynote address by Iran's Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Iran's Former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on WION Global Summit 2022: 'War does not help anyone'

The 5th edition of WION's flagship summit has started. This year, the dialogue is centered on sustainable peace around the world. Listen in to the opening address by WION's CEO & Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary.

WION Global Summit 2022: Watch the opening address by WION's CEO & Editor-in-Chief Sudhir Chaudhary

The 5th edition of WION's flagship summit has started. This year, the dialogue is centered on sustainable peace around the world. Watch the Keynote address by President of the United Nations General Assembly Abdulla Shahid.

WION Global Summit 2022: Watch Keynote address by the President of the UNGA Abdulla Shahid

In a recent update on the Ukraine war, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence has said that majority of fighting will be over by year end. For more perspective on this, we're joined by Ruslan Bortnik, Director of the Ukrainian Institute of politics, Political Analyst and Umit Nazmi Hazir, Political Scientist from Moscow.

Will the Russian invasion end this year? Ukraine gives a tentative timeline

It is day 81 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Ukrainian troops resist Russian forces.

Day 81 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine: Ukrainian troops resist Russian forces

In a recent update on the Ukraine war, the head of Ukraine's military intelligence has said that majority of fighting will be over by year end. For more perspective on this, we're joined by Ruslan Bortnik, Director of the Ukrainian Institute of politics and Umit Nazmi Hazir, Political Scientist from Moscow.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Will Russian invasion end this year?

The first war crimes trial has begun in Ukraine. A 21-year-old Russian soldier is on trial and is accused of killing an unarmed man.

The first war crimes trial begins in Ukraine on a 21-year-old Russian soldier

Satellite images showed Chinese missiles striking a replica of Taiwan's key naval base in the northeast. Is China preparing for war? What is the alliance of democracies doing in response? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: China blows up replica of Taiwan's naval base

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suspended his top military commander even as other military generals are being sacked or arrested over the alleged “failed” war against Ukraine.</p>

<p>More than two months have passed since Putin launched a military assault against his neighbour Ukraine in a bid to overthrow the Volodymyr Zelensky regime.</p>

<p>The Russian leader claims that he wants to rid the Ukrainian people of the “Nazi regime”.</p>

<p>Despite commanding one of the world’s largest troops, Moscow has so far failed to seize the capital Kyiv as the battle drags on.</p>

<p>And the resultant fallout has been the axing of top Russian military commanders.</p>

<p>Oleksiy Arestovych, a veteran of military intelligence and one of President Zelensky's inner circle, on Wednesday claimed that General Valery Gerasimov – the chief of staff of the Russian army - has been suspended, the Daily Mail reported.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia Vs Ukraine: How do the Armies compare?</strong></p>

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<p>Arestovych, speaking to dissident Russian lawyer and politician Mark Feygin on YouTube, said, “According to preliminary information, Gerasimov has been de-facto suspended. They are deciding whether to give him time to fix things, or not.”</p>

<p>He added, “The commander of the first tank army of the western military district Lieutenant General Sergei Kisel has also been arrested and fired after the first tank army was defeated near&nbsp;Kharkiv.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-is-preparing-to-send-bodies-of-hundreds-of-russian-soldiers-home-478853" hreflang="en">Ukraine is preparing to send bodies of 'hundreds' of Russian soldiers home</a></p>

<p>Though there is no official confirmation of the sacking, speculation about the purge of senior military commanders increased after Gen Gerasimov was nowhere to be seen on Russia’s Victory Day on May 9 – the anniversary commemorating Russia’s defeat of the Nazis in 1945.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/which-territories-are-under-russian-control-and-where-is-ukraine-offering-stiff-resistance-478685" hreflang="en">State of war: Which territories are under Russian control and where is Ukraine offering stiff resistance?</a></p>

<p>Moreover, the reports of a Russian setback seem to have gained traction after their forces’ slow advancement towards Ukraine's eastern Donbas&nbsp;region, where Moscow-backed separatists have been fighting the Ukrainian troops for eight years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly suspended his top military commander even as other military generals are being sacked or arrested over the alleged “failed” war against Ukraine. More than two months have passed since Putin launched a military assault against his neighbour Ukraine in a bid to overthrow the Volodymyr Zelensky regime. The Russian leader claims that he wants to rid the Ukrainian people of the “Nazi regime”. Despite commanding one of the world’s largest troops, Moscow has so far failed to seize the capital Kyiv as the battle drags on. And the resultant fallout has been the axing of top Russian military commanders. Oleksiy Arestovych, a veteran of military intelligence and one of President Zelensky's inner circle, on Wednesday claimed that General Valery Gerasimov – the chief of staff of the Russian army - has been suspended, the Daily Mail reported. Watch | Russia Vs Ukraine: How do the Armies compare? Arestovych, speaking to dissident Russian lawyer and politician Mark Feygin on YouTube, said, “According to preliminary information, Gerasimov has been de-facto suspended. They are deciding whether to give him time to fix things, or not.” He added, “The commander of the first tank army of the western military district Lieutenant General Sergei Kisel has also been arrested and fired after the first tank army was defeated near Kharkiv.” Also read | Ukraine is preparing to send bodies of 'hundreds' of Russian soldiers home Though there is no official confirmation of the sacking, speculation about the purge of senior military commanders increased after Gen Gerasimov was nowhere to be seen on Russia’s Victory Day on May 9 – the anniversary commemorating Russia’s defeat of the Nazis in 1945. Also read | State of war: Which territories are under Russian control and where is Ukraine offering stiff resistance? Moreover, the reports of a Russian setback seem to have gained traction after their forces’ slow advancement towards Ukraine's eastern Donbas region, where Moscow-backed separatists have been fighting the Ukrainian troops for eight years. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Fallout of ‘failed' Ukraine invasion? Putin sacks top military commander amid setbacks, say reports

It is day 79 of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Ukrainian soldiers vow to fight till the end.

Fighting intensifies in Ukraine: Ukrainian soldiers vow to fight till the end

WION Global summit is back. Countdown to the WION Global summit in Dubai is on. An extensive discussion on war and peace will be held on May 16.

A gathering in the quest for peace: Countdown to WION Global summit in Dubai

<p>Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting for nearly 80 days now as troops on Kremlin’s order make advances into Ukraine’s territories.</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been deploying their troops for offensive and counter-offensive in different cities including Kyiv, Mariupol, Kherson and others since the Russian troops marched into Ukrainian territory on February 24.</p>

<p>Russia successfully occupied Ukrainian regions in a battle that has been going on for months now.</p>

<p>Notably, Luhansk and&nbsp;Donetsk were the regions in Ukraine that were already occupied by Russia before February 24.</p>

<p>Nearly entire cities of Kherson and Mariupol are now under Russia’s control, as per reports.</p>

<p>Interestingly, Ukrainian soldiers are fighting Russian troops in the Azovstal Steelworks – the last area in Mariupol under Ukraine’s control.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers recaptured a few villages near Kharkiv region recently. Ukrainian forces have also regained control of some regions in the North.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/finland-says-one-step-closer-to-joining-nato-russia-calls-it-a-threat-to-our-borders-478383" hreflang="en">Finland says one step closer to joining NATO, Russia calls it a threat to ‘our borders’</a></p>

<p>The ongoing fight between Russia and Ukraine has led to at least 6 million people leaving Ukraine, as per the United Nations High Commissions for Refugees (UNHCR).</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-intends-to-achieve-goals-beyond-donbas-may-impose-martial-law-us-intelligence-chief-477931" hreflang="en">Putin intends to achieve goals beyond Donbas, may impose martial law: US intelligence chief</a></p>

<p>Majority of migrants (around 3.2 million) have arrived in Poland.</p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

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Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting for nearly 80 days now as troops on Kremlin’s order make advances into Ukraine’s territories. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been deploying their troops for offensive and counter-offensive in different cities including Kyiv, Mariupol, Kherson and others since the Russian troops marched into Ukrainian territory on February 24.

Russian and Ukrainian soldiers have been fighting for nearly 80 days now as troops on Kremlin’s order make advances into Ukraine’s territories. Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky have been deploying their troops for offensive and counter-offensive in different cities including Kyiv, Mariupol, Kherson and others since the Russian troops marched into Ukrainian territory on February 24. Russia successfully occupied Ukrainian regions in a battle that has been going on for months now. Notably, Luhansk and Donetsk were the regions in Ukraine that were already occupied by Russia before February 24. Nearly entire cities of Kherson and Mariupol are now under Russia’s control, as per reports. Interestingly, Ukrainian soldiers are fighting Russian troops in the Azovstal Steelworks – the last area in Mariupol under Ukraine’s control. Meanwhile, Ukrainian soldiers recaptured a few villages near Kharkiv region recently. Ukrainian forces have also regained control of some regions in the North. Also read | Finland says one step closer to joining NATO, Russia calls it a threat to ‘our borders’ The ongoing fight between Russia and Ukraine has led to at least 6 million people leaving Ukraine, as per the United Nations High Commissions for Refugees (UNHCR). Also read | Putin intends to achieve goals beyond Donbas, may impose martial law: US intelligence chief Majority of migrants (around 3.2 million) have arrived in Poland. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

State of war: Which territories are under Russian control and where is Ukraine offering stiff resistance?

It has been several weeks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Ukraine gains ground near Kharkiv.

Ukraine gains ground near Kharkiv as fighting continues in Eastern & Southern Ukraine

<p>Another round of drills has been held by Chinese armed forces near Taiwan, the People`s Liberation Army said on Monday. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The drills were carried out to improve joint combat operations last week, a news report said citing the army. &nbsp;</p>

<p>This comes as there have been several speculations of a Chinese attack on Taiwan after it has increased activity near the island it claims. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-appoints-new-hong-kong-leader-who-is-john-lee-477399" hreflang="en">China appoints new Hong Kong leader: Who is John Lee?</a></strong></p>

<p>For the last two years, Taiwan has also complained about the rise in the Chinese military activities nearby. Mostly, these activities have been held in the southern and southwestern part of the air defence identification zone&nbsp;or ADIZ of island. &nbsp;</p>

<p>On Friday, Taiwan's air force was put into action after 18 Chinese aircraft had entered its air defence zone. Incursions were also witnessed on Saturday and Sunday. However, no shots were fired. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army said that naval and air force assets held drills near east and southwest of Taiwan from Friday to Sunday. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Seoul joins NATO's cyber defence unit, China terms the move as 'provocation'</strong></p>

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<p>Without elaboration, it said the exercises were held to "further test and improve the joint combat capability of multiple services and arms." &nbsp;</p>

<p>The equipment involved in the drills included fighters, bombers and anti-submarine aircraft, Defence Ministry of Taiwan said. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Another round of drills has been held by Chinese armed forces near Taiwan, the People`s Liberation Army said on Monday. The drills were carried out to improve joint combat operations last week, a news report said citing the army.

Another round of drills has been held by Chinese armed forces near Taiwan, the People`s Liberation Army said on Monday. The drills were carried out to improve joint combat operations last week, a news report said citing the army. This comes as there have been several speculations of a Chinese attack on Taiwan after it has increased activity near the island it claims. Also Read: China appoints new Hong Kong leader: Who is John Lee? For the last two years, Taiwan has also complained about the rise in the Chinese military activities nearby. Mostly, these activities have been held in the southern and southwestern part of the air defence identification zone or ADIZ of island. On Friday, Taiwan's air force was put into action after 18 Chinese aircraft had entered its air defence zone. Incursions were also witnessed on Saturday and Sunday. However, no shots were fired. In a statement, Eastern Theatre Command of the People's Liberation Army said that naval and air force assets held drills near east and southwest of Taiwan from Friday to Sunday. Watch: Seoul joins NATO's cyber defence unit, China terms the move as 'provocation' × Without elaboration, it said the exercises were held to "further test and improve the joint combat capability of multiple services and arms." The equipment involved in the drills included fighters, bombers and anti-submarine aircraft, Defence Ministry of Taiwan said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE (With inputs from agencies)

Is it preparation for war? Chinese armed forces hold another round of drills near Taiwan, says PLA

It has been several weeks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, G7 will hold virtual meet with Zelensky.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: G7 to hold virtual meet with President Zelensky

- Is the war in Ukraine the unfinished business of the Cold War? - Why has the Ukraine war sparked food insecurity in West Asia & Africa? - Why has violence erupted again in the eternal City of Jerusalem? - How does the war in Ukraine affect you? - The Tech & Business of 21st century warfare. - Indepth coverage of the world's biggest warzones

World At War: Is the war in Ukraine the unfinished business of the Cold War?

Days before Victory Day, Russia intensifies attack in Ukraine. Will Putin officially declare war on Ukraine on May 9? After failing to get into Kyiv, what's the new phase of the war? Who is winning this war? Listen in to our experts Robert Dale, Boris Volkhonsky on #WIONWideangle

Victory Day in Russia: Who will win the war? | WION Wideangle

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has unanimously backed a peaceful resolution of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: UNSC unanimous resolution backs peaceful resolution

Ukrainian President’s chief of staff Andriy Yermak revealed the inside details of how things unfolded on February 24, the day when Russia began its invasion of Ukraine. In an interview with a magazine, Yermak narrated the tale of real picture straight from the Presidential Quarters in Ukraine.

Russia-Ukraine crisis: What happened on February 24 in Kyiv?

The Russia-Ukraine war is in its third month, thousands of lives have been lost and infrastructure worth millions destroyed. The threat of a nuclear attack is back and Belarusian President Lukashenko, an ally of Russia has talked about that threat.

Ukraine-Russia conflict: Belarus President Lukashenko says Ukraine war is dragging

Russia resumed its assault on the encircled Azovstal steel works in Mariupol, after a ceasefire broke down on Tuesday with some civilians trapped underground. Russian forces are hitting the Azovstal complex with airstrikes and trying to storm it.

Russia steps up attack on Ukraine: Airstrikes target Mariupol steel plant

A couple of months have gone by and the Russian invasion of Ukraine is still ongoing. Amid all the chaos and destruction. Listen in to the ordeal of a couple living off rations in the besieged port city of Mariupol.

Watch: The ordeal of a couple living off rations in the besieged port city of Mariupol

It has been several weeks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, Russia offered Ukrainians evacuation from Mariupol's last redoubt. Watch this report to know all details.

Azovstal safe passage: What led to Ukrainians' evacuation from Mariupol's last redoubt

In Germany, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the press with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. PM Modi told reporters that there won't be any winners in Ukraine war and everyone will lose. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you more.

Gravitas: In Europe, PM Modi warns about the perils of war

It has been several weeks since the Russian invasion of Ukraine started, and scores of civilians have lost their lives in the conflict. Armies of both countries have been involved in intense fights since Russian troops entered Ukraine. Now, the US says that Russia plans to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk.

Russia-Ukraine Conflict: US says Russia plans to annex Ukraine's Donetsk, Luhansk

<p>When Satyajit Ray passed away in 1992, I was 5 years old. For the entire country- it was a huge loss. As a mark of tribute, Doordarshan, the national television of the country- and the only channel on our TV sets back then- showed the auteur's films every night for an entire month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most of his films were, of course, beyond a five-year-old's comprehension but I do faintly recall how my parents would watch Ray's classics on TV late into the night. The only film that I clearly recall watching was Ray's first children's film 'Goopy Gayne Bagha Byne'- a film that completed&nbsp;50 years in 2019. A film that had Ray donning multiple hats- as choreographer, music composer, writer, playback singer and director. A film that I go back every now and then, to soak in the mad genius' most endearing work of all time.&nbsp;</p>

<h1><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-100-cheers-for-satyajit-ray-382209">Opinion: 100 cheers for Satyajit Ray</a></h1>

<p>Based on Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury's short story by the same name, the film was actually made for Satyajit Ray's 13-year-old son, Sandip who had complained that his father made films only for adults. The story, of course, was one that the senior Ray had grown up reading for Ray Chowdhury&nbsp;was his grandfather and he had first published the story in 1915 in family-run fortnightly magazine 'Sandesh'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As a child watching the film was fascinating to no end. A story of two tone-deaf bumbling idiots - Goopy and Bagha- the film begins when the two are ousted from their respective villages for annoying its people and the local leader and sent to the nearby forest which is apparently haunted. On the first night in the forest, they meet the King of ghosts- who gives them three boons- to travel wherever they want wearing magical shoes, to sing and play the drum in perfect rhythm and to eat and wear whatever they wished to. They only had to clap their hands to get what they want.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MUthqbm_0ww" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>With new talents and boons, Goopy and Bagha arrive at the kingdom of Shundi where they are appointed as court singers. But Shundi faces threat from the neighbouring kingdom of Halla and it is up to Goopy and Bagha to strategize and thwart Halla King's plans to capture his brother's kingdom of Shundi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the onset, the film may have appeared to be an adventure fantasy meant for kids, but the film to date holds relevance for its message on war and peace. There is really so much to learn from that film.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A poignant scene in the film has a spy reporting back to the evil Halla minister on how Shundi is prepping for the war. When the spy replies that they aren't really preparing much for the work, the irritated minister asks- 'So what did you see there?'&nbsp;The spy goes into a trans as he says, "They have fruits and flowers in the trees, they have crops in their fields, birds singing on the branches, people living happily."&nbsp; Or the scene near the climax where Goopy and Bagha stall a hungry, impoverished Halla army with food and music- essential for a peaceful society.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The film was released in 1969- a time when special effects of that scale were unheard of in India. Ray by then was an acclaimed filmmaker but had faced financial crisis while making the film as his financer had backed out unsure of the fate of the film. It was shot in black and white and Ray made several of his actors play multiple roles- perhaps due to the constraint in budget.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Yet, when you watch the film, it has such rich texture to all its scenes. You feel hungry watching Goopy and Bagha gobble up delicacies, you are left in tears as Goopy sings a lullaby stuck in jail about the futility of war, you gleam in joy when Goopy first learns that he can finally sing and is not tone-deaf anymore. But for me, as a child and even now as an adult, the most fascinating scene in the film remains the one where Goopy and Bagha- stuck in the forest- watch a dozen ghosts do a dance-off as it leads to the&nbsp;King of ghosts (Ray did the&nbsp;voice over for this role) appearing himself to grant them boons.</p>

<p>Watch this scene here.</p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/OWxV_qCf2zE" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>Complete with special effects, and superb music by Ray himself, the scene to date transfixes me for its conceptualization. No one has been able to replicate that scene- or hold the audience in awe the way Ray did with that one scene. I remember getting goosebumps when I'd first watched it as a five-year-old and had felt somewhat scared even.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'Goopy Gayne Bagha Byne' may have been thought as a children's film but it remains the most relevant film in India on war and peace- issues that remain in a country that is currently riding high on nationalism. And perhaps no one could explain it the way Ray did in the film- with superlative performances, soulful music and one mad story.&nbsp;</p>

<p>'Goopy Gayne Bagha Byne' had fascinated me as a five-year-old for its unique, fun story. More than three decades later, I find myself going back to it ever so often to learn and unlearn life lessons.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp;</em></p>


When Satyajit Ray passed away in 1992, I was 5 years old. For the entire country- it was a huge loss. As a mark of tribute, Doordarshan, the national television of the country- and the only channel on our TV sets back then- showed the auteur's films every night for an entire month.

When Satyajit Ray passed away in 1992, I was 5 years old. For the entire country- it was a huge loss. As a mark of tribute, Doordarshan, the national television of the country- and the only channel on our TV sets back then- showed the auteur's films every night for an entire month. Most of his films were, of course, beyond a five-year-old's comprehension but I do faintly recall how my parents would watch Ray's classics on TV late into the night. The only film that I clearly recall watching was Ray's first children's film 'Goopy Gayne Bagha Byne'- a film that completed 50 years in 2019. A film that had Ray donning multiple hats- as choreographer, music composer, writer, playback singer and director. A film that I go back every now and then, to soak in the mad genius' most endearing work of all time. Opinion: 100 cheers for Satyajit Ray Based on Upendrakishore Ray Chowdhury's short story by the same name, the film was actually made for Satyajit Ray's 13-year-old son, Sandip who had complained that his father made films only for adults. The story, of course, was one that the senior Ray had grown up reading for Ray Chowdhury was his grandfather and he had first published the story in 1915 in family-run fortnightly magazine 'Sandesh'. As a child watching the film was fascinating to no end. A story of two tone-deaf bumbling idiots - Goopy and Bagha- the film begins when the two are ousted from their respective villages for annoying its people and the local leader and sent to the nearby forest which is apparently haunted. On the first night in the forest, they meet the King of ghosts- who gives them three boons- to travel wherever they want wearing magical shoes, to sing and play the drum in perfect rhythm and to eat and wear whatever they wished to. They only had to clap their hands to get what they want. With new talents and boons, Goopy and Bagha arrive at the kingdom of Shundi where they are appointed as court singers. But Shundi faces threat from the neighbouring kingdom of Halla and it is up to Goopy and Bagha to strategize and thwart Halla King's plans to capture his brother's kingdom of Shundi. At the onset, the film may have appeared to be an adventure fantasy meant for kids, but the film to date holds relevance for its message on war and peace. There is really so much to learn from that film. A poignant scene in the film has a spy reporting back to the evil Halla minister on how Shundi is prepping for the war. When the spy replies that they aren't really preparing much for the work, the irritated minister asks- 'So what did you see there?' The spy goes into a trans as he says, "They have fruits and flowers in the trees, they have crops in their fields, birds singing on the branches, people living happily." Or the scene near the climax where Goopy and Bagha stall a hungry, impoverished Halla army with food and music- essential for a peaceful society. The film was released in 1969- a time when special effects of that scale were unheard of in India. Ray by then was an acclaimed filmmaker but had faced financial crisis while making the film as his financer had backed out unsure of the fate of the film. It was shot in black and white and Ray made several of his actors play multiple roles- perhaps due to the constraint in budget. Yet, when you watch the film, it has such rich texture to all its scenes. You feel hungry watching Goopy and Bagha gobble up delicacies, you are left in tears as Goopy sings a lullaby stuck in jail about the futility of war, you gleam in joy when Goopy first learns that he can finally sing and is not tone-deaf anymore. But for me, as a child and even now as an adult, the most fascinating scene in the film remains the one where Goopy and Bagha- stuck in the forest- watch a dozen ghosts do a dance-off as it leads to the King of ghosts (Ray did the voice over for this role) appearing himself to grant them boons. Watch this scene here. Complete with special effects, and superb music by Ray himself, the scene to date transfixes me for its conceptualization. No one has been able to replicate that scene- or hold the audience in awe the way Ray did with that one scene. I remember getting goosebumps when I'd first watched it as a five-year-old and had felt somewhat scared even. 'Goopy Gayne Bagha Byne' may have been thought as a children's film but it remains the most relevant film in India on war and peace- issues that remain in a country that is currently riding high on nationalism. And perhaps no one could explain it the way Ray did in the film- with superlative performances, soulful music and one mad story. 'Goopy Gayne Bagha Byne' had fascinated me as a five-year-old for its unique, fun story. More than three decades later, I find myself going back to it ever so often to learn and unlearn life lessons. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

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