Author: Team

IDA Deccan Branch Clinches 8 National Awards at the 75th Indian Dental Conference

Hyderabad, 10th February 2025: Indian Dental Association, Head Office considers the Local Branches as its lifeline. The wider network of branches across the country supplement and support the efforts of the IDA Head Office in implementing the various projects and programmes, besides carrying out their own programmes in a true spirit and commitment towards optimal oral health for all in the country. By highlighting the best traits in a variety of methods, the awards seek to inspire branches and individual members to reach their full potential. It is now time to honour performance and contributions to the process of IDA’s visibility and to the community’s easier access to oral healthcare services.

The awards distributed at the Award Ceremony, which is scheduled after the Annual General Meeting of the 75th Indian Dental Conference (IDC), Chennai Trade Centre, Nandambakkam, Chennai, today. Dr M Raveendranath, President IDA HO; Dr Ashok Dhoble, Secretary, IDA HO; presented the 8 national awards to Dr S Niranjan Reddy, President – IDA Deccan; Dr Aditya Sandeep, Ex-President, IDA Deccan; and Dr S Anuraga, Best Young Member Awardee – IDA Deccan.

On this occasion Dr A Srikanth, Secretary, IDA, Deccan Branch; said, I would like to congratulate everyone securing the national awards.

IDA Deccan Branch won 8 National Awards:

Dr. V.M.Veerabahu Runners Up Trophy – All Round Activity Local Branch: Deccan Branch;

IDA Runners Up Trophy – Best Local Branch President: Dr.K V Ramana Reddy, Deccan Branch;

IDA Runners Up Trophy – Best Local Branch Secretary: Dr.Ala Srikanth, Deccan Branch;

Dr. Keki Mistry Trophy – Scientific Activity: Deccan Branch;

IDA Runners Up Trophy – Best Council of Dental Health Activity: Deccan Branch;

Dr. Ramakanth Venson Award – Student Activity: Deccan Branch;

Dr. Achyut Deodhar Trophy – School Dental Health: Deccan Branch;

Dr. Ratan H. Doctor Award – 3rd Best Young Member: Dr. S Anuraga, Deccan Branch

One World One Family Cup 2025: A Celebration of Cricket for a Cause, One World Champions

10 February 2025, Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli: In the most perfect exemplification of sports serving humanity, several retired cricketing greats converged at Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli near Bengaluru for the second edition of the One World One Family Cup on Saturday.

The OWOF Cup, aimed at serving humanity by enabling Nutrition, Health and Education for all, is part of the Cricket for a Cause initiative of Sri Madhusudan Sai Global Humanitarian Mission (SMSGHM).

2025 is the second edition of the cup that saw an iconic clash featuring Indian and Sri Lankan stalwarts. Namely, Venkatesh Prasad, Irfan Pathan, Yusuf Pathan, Marvan Atapattu, Aravinda De Silva, Muthiah Muralitharan, Arjuna Ranatunga and Chaminda Vaas, among others.

Sharing the vision behind the unique initiative, Global Humanitarian, Spiritual Leader and role model to many, Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai said, “The One World One Family Cup is not merely a match, it is a collective effort by the SMSGHM mission and the cricketing fraternity to uplift the lives and livelihoods of millions who are deprived of even basic essentials like education, health and nutrition. We intend to make a significant difference by spearheading several such novel initiatives that ultimately serve the cause of humanity. I am elated that everyone took some time out of their busy lives to share a strong message of unity, compassion and concern, collective responsibility and camaraderie, beyond the borders.”

Former Indian cricketer, Dr Sunil Gavaskar, who presided over the match, added, “This Cricket for a Cause is an occasion to celebrate humanity and support a mission making a difference in millions of lives worldwide. Cricket in itself has never been just a sport in India, rather it has always been revered as a religion, and nothing can be better than cricketing icons coming together to support and uplift humanity. We thank Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai for this phenomenal opportunity for us to get together for some excellent cricket and noble cause spread across 80 countries. We hope to return next year for the third edition of the One World One Family Cup.”

Venkatesh Prasad , Captain, One World (India) remarked, “It was great fun to be on the field once again and play for a humanitarian cause. Ultimately the win and the loss doesn’t matter here, as those in need will benefit from the proceeds of the match. We are humbled to be associated with SMSGHM who are dedicated towards ensuring morning nutrition meal for children, healthcare and education for free for the ones who are needy. Ultimately, the bigger goal is to become a part of One World One Cup family to promote humanity and lend a helping hand to the phenomenal global initiative spearheaded by Sadguru Sri Madhusudan Sai.”

“It is an honour for the Sri Lankan cricketers to associate with SMSGHM and contribute to the noble cause of nutrition, education and healthcare. It truly feels like we are all coming together to serve humanity through One World One Cup. The match is a classic example of how cricket can bring together two countries and several individuals to promote a good cause. We are looking forward to more such opportunities of helping humanity through cricket”, said Marvan Atapattu, Captain, One Family (Sri Lanka).

Filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage Critiques Donald Trump’s Border Policies During Guwahati Asian Film Festival

Guwahati, February 10: Sri Lanka filmmaker Prasanna Vithanage has slammed US President Donald Trump for his border policies. Addressing an audience of filmmakers and cinephiles in Guwahati, Vithanage spoke against the growing trend of isolationism, emphasizing the need for artistic and cultural connections in an increasingly divided world.

“The tagline of the Guwahati Asian Film Festival is Cinema Beyond Borders. It means a lot for all of us. At a time when US President Donald Trump is building borders, it is our duty to connect people through cinema,” Vithanage said at the inauguration of the first edition of Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) on Friday.

He argued that cinema has the power to bridge differences and bring people together, countering political efforts to build barriers.

Speaking at the event, Vithanage emphasized the power of film as a unifying force and highlighted the importance of fostering artistic connections across borders.

Marking his fourth visit to the Northeast state, Vithanage expressed a sense of “duty towards Assam”, having been honored with the prestigious Biswaratna Dr Bhupen Hazarika International Solidarity Award in 2017, conferred by the Asam Sahitya Sabha. “I am proud to have received an award in the name of Bhupen Hazarika. It makes me feel a special responsibility towards Assam,” he said.

Vithanage spoke highly of Assam’s cinematic talent, sharing his encounters with prominent Assamese filmmakers across the globe. “I have met Assamese filmmakers everywhere – Rima Das in Busan, Shiladitya Bora – and I continue to be inspired by the works of legends like Jahnu Barua,” he remarked. He specifically praised Barua’s critically acclaimed film ‘Halodhia Choraye Baodhan Khai’, which won multiple awards at the Locarno International Film Festival in 1988, calling it a work of immense artistic depth.

Further acknowledging Assamese cinema, Vithanage described Manju Borah as both a talented filmmaker and a great human being. He also lauded Monita Borgohain, IAS, the Honorary Festival Director of GAFF 2025, for her unwavering passion in organizing the festival. “Let’s say you need 98% passion and 2% madness to put together an event like this,” he said, highlighting the challenges of hosting a film festival without direct government support.

Vithanage then officially inaugurated the festival, setting the stage for a celebration of Asian cinema that promises to bring together filmmakers and audiences from diverse backgrounds.

Manas Dudhani of Heroes Ignotum Engages with Book Lovers at New Delhi World Book Fair

Keepers of the Kingdom, The Heroes Ignotum began as a dream shared by two young visionaries,Shardul Bhatt and Manas Dudhani, on April 4, 2020. Their mission was to create a platform that would honor unsung heroes individuals from various fields who dedicate their lives to society, pursue their passions, or serve as role models, such as fathers, police officers, and countless others.

The challenge, however, was deciding on the right medium to showcase these heroes. Their solution? A book the oldest and most timeless form of storytelling. Heroes Ignotum was established as a platform that not only discovers unsung heroes but also connects them with passionate writers willing to share their inspiring stories. This initiative created a chain of support between heroes and writers, allowing them to understand each other and bring meaningful stories to light.

During their journey, they connected with Chetna Bhatia a writer, teacher, and a wonderful human being who has been an integral part of Heroes Ignotum ever since. Over the course of four years through numerous ups and downs, their dedication paid off. The result? The Heroes Ignotum Book published in two volumes featuring over 55 unsung heroes and 40+ writers. Their collective hard work bore fruit on February 11, 2024, when the book was officially launched digitally with the support of Poetry World Organization Publication House.

Since then, Heroes Ignotum has achieved several milestones:

Stories from the book were selected for Delhi school boards.

Volume 1 became available internationally and sold 250+ copies in just five months.

The Heroes Ignotum anthem, Ek Nayaa Kaarwaan, celebrated its first anniversary and crossed 6.2K plays on the Hungama Music app.

The book has been featured at major literary events, including the Khalsa College Literature Festival and the Bhopal Literature & Art Festival.

One of the proudest moments came when they knew that Heroes Ignotum Volume 1 Book would be featured at the prestigious New Delhi World Book Fair 2025 (NDWBF) biggest thanks to Indie Authors Organized by the National Book Trust of India (NBT) ,this annual event at Pragati Maidan New Delhi is a major milestone for any literary work.

Co-founder Manas Dudhani currently in Delhi had the opportunity to visit the New Delhi World Book Fair, interact with fellow readers and experience the pride of holding Heroes Ignotum Volume 1 at such a grand event. It was an unforgettable moment, especially as Volume 1 marked its first anniversary on February 11, 2025 adding to the celebration Heroes Ignotum Volume 2 has also been released and is now available on Amazon.

Exciting Plans for 2025

The journey of Heroes Ignotum is far from over. Several new initiatives are set to launch this year.

Hindi Edition:- Heroes Ignotum will soon be available in Hindi, expanding its reach to a broader audience.

Comic Series :- A collaboration with The Comic Library will bring unsung heroes stories to life in comic book form, targeting readers aged 5 to 15 years.

Podcast Expansion:- The offline podcast series,”The Fire Within, The Heroic Spark, will release new episodes featuring inspiring stories of unsung heroes.

The Heroes Ignotum philosophy is simple yet powerful read the book, get inspired by the stories, discover your passion, work towards it, and we will publish your story because you are a hero, or a future hero, for everyone.

Siddhi Sharma on Dipshikkha Nagppal in Ishq Jabariya:Her Performance is a Daily Masterclass

Change is the only constant in life, and that’s exactly what Sun Neo’s show Ishq Jabariya has brought for its audience with the entry of Devi Sahay, played by the talented Dipshikkha Nagppal. With this twist, Siddhi Sharma, who plays Gulki, now has to portray that she is Jyoti Devi Sahay’s daughter. This shift has not only transformed her character but also given her the opportunity to work closely with a seasoned actress Dipshikkha Nagppal.

Siddhi expressed her excitement and admiration, “Devi Sahay’s entry has brought major changes to the show. Even though I play Gulki, I now have to portray that I am Jyoti. My look has also transformed—I have been given royal outfits since I am now portraying Devi Sahay’s daughter. I feel incredibly lucky and blessed to work with such a seasoned actress like Dipshikkha Nagppal Ma’am. Working alongside her is an honor, and I get to learn so much from her immense talent. Since many of my scenes are with her, I spend a lot of time around her, and watching her perform is like attending a masterclass everyday.”

The Ishq Jabariya actress further added, “Whenever she is in a scene, I observe her closely, learning from the way she expresses emotions and delivers dialogue. It’s always a wonderful experience. She is not just a brilliant actress but also a warm and vibrant person. Whether we are rehearsing scenes or simply chatting between shots, her energy makes everything so much more exciting. Working with her is an unforgettable experience”

Ishq Jabariya is a heartfelt romantic drama that follows Gulki, a fearless and determined young woman who refuses to let obstacles stand in the way of her dreams. Despite her domineering stepmother’s efforts to control her life, Gulki remains unwavering in her pursuit of success. But as fate takes an unexpected turn, what challenges will she face next?

Actor Sheeba Chaddha Reveals Insights from Her Career at GAFF Session

Guwahati, February 10, 2025: Bollywood actor Sheeba Chaddha, known for her roles in films like ‘Baby John’, ‘Gully Boy’, ‘Raees’, ‘Dil Se’, and ‘Phir Bhi Dil Hai Hindustani’, was a key guest at the first day of the 1st Guwahati Asian Film Festival (GAFF) held at Jyoti Chitraban, Guwahati. She participated in an engaging discussion moderated by filmmaker Prerana Barbarooah, where she delved into her journey in the film industry, her love for theatre, and the nuances of her craft.

During the conversation, Chaddha reflected on her childhood, describing herself as a “dreamer”. She fondly recalled how, as a child, she would return from school and immerse herself in imaginative play, often donning her mother’s saree or her father’s coat. “Performance came early on for me, and it brought me immense joy,” she shared.

When asked about what excites her in theatre, Chaddha expressed the instantaneous and momentous nature of the experience. “Things that excite today won’t be repeated, so it’s very momentous. It depends on the immediacy of the moment. But in cinema it is different,” she explained.

She also discussed the divide between theatre and cinema actors. While traditionally, theatre actors have held cinema actors in lower regard, she believes the two fields are on equal footing. “For me, they are the same in status because they are different mediums in themselves. Each medium calls out different demands from an actor,” she said, acknowledging the distinct skills required for each form of performance while also acknowledging the commonalities of the medium.

Highlighting her experience playing the role of Mumtaz in Netflix’s ‘Taj Mahal 1989’, she expressed her admiration for the character, appreciating the blend of brutality and innocence it demanded. “The character had a very large standing on life, which I really appreciated,” she shared.

Chaddha went on to discuss the diversity of roles she has taken on, noting how each project presents unique challenges for an actor. “Different projects ask for different things from actors. For example, ‘Baby John’ was a completely different role of mine, and again in ‘Pagglait’, I played a different role,” she said.

She further emphasized the instinctual nature of her approach to acting. “I instinctively respond to it. As actors, we all do,”

When asked about her experiences of working with directors of varying genders and whether it influenced her relationship with them. Chaddha was candid in her response, acknowledging the subtle impact gender can have on the dynamic between an actor and a director.

“Maybe I would like to say no, but it does,” Chaddha admitted. Reflecting on working with female directors, she shared that there’s an “unsaid complicity or knowing” when working alongside another woman on set. “Yes, the favor is different with a woman filmmaker,” she added.

When asked about whether her career journey had been planned, Sheeba Chaddha shared that her path was far from intentional, instead driven by instinct. “No, it’s very instinctive,” she said, acknowledging how her journey evolved over time.

Chaddha explained that for a long period, she primarily positioned herself as a theatre actor. “I have always positioned myself as a theatre person for a long time, but films happened on the sideline of that,” she recalled. However, she revealed that her perspective on her career has shifted recently. “I am no longer a theatre actor now. I am more of a cinema/OTT actor now”, she said.

Reflecting on the emotional journey of motherhood, she shared that having a child is a life-changing experience.

“Holding a human being means having everything. It’s about how it adds to your journey. So, it is very overwhelming,” Chaddha said, acknowledging the profound impact her daughter has had on her life. “It will take everything out of you,” she added.

She also emphasized the unique bond that parenthood brings. “What it brings for you, nothing else brings. And at the same time, what it asks for is equally the same – nothing else asks that from you”, she said.

When asked about some note of advice to the young actors of Assam and Northeast, Chaddha shared valuable insights. She acknowledged the challenges of pursuing a career in the arts.

Reflecting on her own journey that spans nearly 25 years, Chaddha admitted that the landscape for emerging artists has drastically changed over time.

“I’m not equipped to answer that question well because I started out almost 25 years ago, and back then our approach was very different. Things were different. Now, the ecosystem is different,” she explained, acknowledging the shift.

Despite the changes, she emphasized the demanding nature of an artistic career. “It’s not for the fainthearted. There’s no science in it. There’s no consistency in it.”

She continued, “Sometimes it’s amazing, sometimes it’s bad, but you cannot know when it will get better. You can only do the best in your capacity, but you can’t be sure what will happen next.”

V-Guard Contributes to Education with New IT Lab at Vennala High School

Kerala, 10th February 2025 – V-Guard Foundation, the CSR arm of V-Guard Industries Limited, inaugurated new IT lab at Vennala High School to empower future tech leaders. This initiative by V-Guard marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to create an inclusive and future-ready educational infrastructure in the country. The facility was inaugurated by Dr. Reena Philip from V-Guard CSR team in the presence of Mr. Harshal, Ward Councillor (42 Division), Ms. Chandralekha, Headmistress, Vennala High School. Staff members and V-Guard representatives.

 Strengthening its decade-long commitment to digital education and community development, V-Guard is set to provide students with essential computer literacy and technology skills. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to equip young learners with the tools needed to thrive in an increasingly tech-driven future, effectively narrowing the digital divide.

 Inaugurating the IT lab, Dr. Reena Philip, representing V-Guard CSR team said “By providing our students with access to modern technology and quality digital education, we are investing in the future of our community. Such initiatives not only enhance learning opportunities but also empower students to innovate and excel in today’s digital era.”