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IIT Roorkee Celebrates the Grand Opening of Virasat Festival 2025 and Zonal Convention

IIT Roorkee, 29 01, 2025: The historic halls of IIT Roorkee, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious institutions with a 178-year-long legacy of excellence, came alive as the Virasat Festival 2025 commenced with grandeur. Hosted by SPIC MACAY IIT Roorkee Chapter, the festival is a two-week-long celebration of India’s rich cultural and artistic heritage. The opening ceremony also marked the beginning of a three-day zonal convention designed to promote the timeless essence of India’s traditions.

The event’s highlight was a mesmerizing puppetry performance by Padma Shri awardee and renowned puppeteer Dadi Pudumjee. His artful presentation captivated the audience, embodying the power of storytelling through India’s traditional performing arts.

While inaugurating the festival, Dr. Kiran Seth, Founder of SPIC MACAY, joined National Chairperson Mr. R.M. Tiwari, Dean of Student Welfare (DoSW) Prof. Barjeev Tyagi, and Faculty Advisor Prof. Ram Manohar Singh in expressing their enthusiasm for the event.

The Director of IIT Roorkee, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, extended his support for the festival through a statement, “At IIT Roorkee, we take immense pride in fostering a vibrant platform for celebrating the cultural and artistic diversity of India. Virasat Festival reflects our commitment to holistic development by blending academics with the preservation of our rich heritage.”

Adding to the vibrant inaugural evening, Padma Shri Dadi Pudumjee shared his thoughts, “Through puppetry, I aim to connect generations with India’s folklore, traditions, and timeless narratives. Performing at IIT Roorkee, an institution steeped in heritage, adds a profound dimension to this art form.”

Dr. Kiran Seth, Founder of SPIC MACAY, shared his vision for the festival, “The true purpose of education is not just to impart knowledge but to create sensitive human beings who appreciate beauty, harmony, and the deeper values of life. Virasat is a step toward enriching young minds with the profound wisdom of India’s cultural and spiritual traditions. IIT Roorkee, with its long-standing legacy of academic excellence and holistic development, provides the perfect platform for such a celebration, fostering an environment where students can connect with both modern knowledge and timeless cultural values.”

National Chairperson of SPIC MACAY, Mr. R.M. Tiwari, highlighted the significance of the event, “The Virasat Festival is a tribute to India’s cultural brilliance, and IIT Roorkee’s active involvement reflects the synergy between our academic institutions and the preservation of heritage. It is inspiring to see young minds immersing themselves in our artistic and philosophical legacy.”

The three-day zonal convention will immerse participants in yoga sessions, traditional craft workshops, shramdaan (community service), and interactive discussions, creating an ashram-like experience on campus. These activities embody SPIC MACAY’s vision of nurturing self-discovery and deeper connections with Indian philosophy and culture.

The inaugural event concluded with an air of inspiration as students, faculty, and guests eagerly anticipated the enriching cultural immersion that Virasat 2025 promises.

The Virasat’25 Festival promises to be a vibrant celebration of India’s cultural diversity and rich heritage. From the captivating puppetry performance by Shri Dadi Pudumjee to the soulful Carnatic violin recital by Vidushi A. Kanyakumari, the festival offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the essence of India’s classical arts. The various workshops, including Tabla, Kuchipudi, and Mata Ni Pachedi, alongside thought-provoking movie screenings, talk sessions and a heritage walk, provide a comprehensive exploration of India’s artistic traditions. With events running from January 27 to February 9, 2025, Virasat’25 is set to be a remarkable journey through the country’s timeless cultural legacy.

TIGPS Mankundu’s ‘Manzil’ Event Highlights Dreams, Talent, and Excellence

Kolkata, 29th January 2025: Techno India Group Public School (TIGPS), Mankundu, successfully hosted its highly anticipated Annual Cultural Programme after 17 long years, Manzil – Our Dream Destination, at the school grounds. The event was a grand success, featuring an incredible display of student talent and creativity, all while emphasizing the values of unity, perseverance, and excellence.

The event was graced by the esteemed presence of the Chief Guest, Mr. Mrinal Chakraborty, a renowned motivational speaker and mental toughness trainer, who captivated the audience with his inspiring address on the power of perseverance and self-discipline. Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson of Techno India Group, also attended as the Guest of Honour and delivered a powerful speech focusing on the significance of holistic education and cultural development. The evening was further enriched by the presence of various distinguished dignitaries, including revered Principals from educational institutions, whose support and encouragement deeply motivated both students and faculty. Among them were Mr Meghdut Roy Chowdhury, Chief Innovation Officer, Techno India Group, Ms Pauline Laravoire, Ms. Pauline Laravoire, Sustainability Director, Y East Techno India Group who delivered an inspiring motivational speech, Mr Pritam Singh, Ex-CBSE Central Director and Mr Debasish Das, Scout Commissioner.

The cultural extravaganza began with a stunning performance of Dhuun—a symphonic greeting, followed by the majestic Carvaan—an opera by Octavus. The highlight of the evening was the launch of Raga Rebels, the Indo-Western school band of TIGPS Mankundu, which received an enthusiastic response from the audience. The night also showcased a wide variety of student performances, including classical and contemporary dance forms, musical compositions, and stage performances that touched upon vital themes such as Celebrating Shakti, Women Empowerment, and Connecting Cultures. Each performance beautifully reflected the students’ passion, creativity, and teamwork, leaving the audience in awe.

“We were overjoyed to witness a dream nurtured for 17 long years come to fruition. Under the dynamic leadership of Ms. Paromita Banerjee and her dedicated team, the Annual Cultural Programme 2025 at Techno India Group Public School, Mankundu, became a truly landmark event. For the very first time, this grand celebration was hosted on our school premises. At Techno India Group, we firmly believe in fostering an environment that encourages holistic growth—one that nurtures not just academic excellence, but also creative expression, leadership, and confidence. We are proud of our students, and this celebration of their hard work is a testament to their dedication and passion.” said Prof. Manoshi Roychowdhury, Co-Chairperson, Techno India Group.

Mrs. Paromita Banerjee, the revered Principal of TIGPS Mankundu, expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all the guests, parents, faculty members, and students, acknowledging their unwavering support and enthusiasm. She emphasized how such cultural events are essential in fostering confidence, creativity, and all-around development in students, preparing them for a successful future.

Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2025: A Major Road Safety Campaign Hosted by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways

Delhi, January 2025 – Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2025: “Parwah Karenge, Surakshit Rahenge”, spearheaded by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) under the esteemed leadership of the Hon’ble Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, culminated in a 4-hour telethon on 25th January 2025. This impactful public service awareness campaign addresses India’s road safety crisis by promoting responsible road behaviour and inspiring collective action.

This year’s telethon featured a stellar lineup, including Shri Nitin Gadkari, Shri Amitabh Bachchan, Shri Pankaj Tripathi, Ms. Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Shri Vikrant Massey, Ms. Navya Naveli Nanda, and Shri Prasoon Joshi. Their insights and discussions provided a powerful call to action, inspiring millions to take ownership of road safety.

The core message of the initiative, “Parwah Karenge, Surakshit Rahenge,” underscores the importance of taking precautions to ensure everyone’s safety on the roads. To amplify awareness, the campaign featured the launch of a series of impactful public service announcements with the themes of “Jaldi Mat Machao, Aaram Se Aao” and “Sadak Suraksha Pathshala.” Shri Amitabh Bachchan takes the lead in these public service announcements, lending his powerful voice and influence to encourage people to follow road safety rules.

Shri Nitin Gadkari focused on the campaign’s significance: “Road safety is one of our country’s top priorities. India has the highest number of road crashes in the world, with over 1.80 lakh lives lost every year. Sadly, many of these are young people. As per MoRTH, every hour, 55 crashes occur, and 20 people lose their lives. These numbers show why initiatives like Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan are so important. We must teach road safety in schools to build responsible habits from a young age.”

Bollywood legend Shri Amitabh Bachchan emphasized the importance of road safety, stating, “Every life is precious, and road safety is more than just following rules—it’s about care, compassion, and responsibility.” He highlighted a shocking report that 20 lives were lost every hour to road crashes, leading to a tragic total of 474 fatalities in just one day.

Urging individuals to take action, Shri Bachchan stressed that change begins with small steps, such as addressing unsafe driving behaviour and fostering a culture of accountability. Speaking on the initiative, he highlighted the campaign’s core pillars—Parwah (Care), Pahel (Initiative), Prayas (Effort), and Parivartan (Change)—which aim to inspire everyone to adopt responsible road behaviour. “Together, we can create safer roads and a brighter, more secure future for all.”

As we navigate the roads, every decision we make can impact our safety and the safety of others. We strongly believe that campaigns like Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan are crucial because they remind us of the simple truth – road safety begins with personal responsibility. We must all take accountability for our actions and make every journey safer. Together, we can create a future where road safety is not just a rule to follow, but a way of life.” – said Puneet Singhvi, Chief Executive Officer-Network18 (Digital) & President – Corporate Strategy, Network18 Media & Investments Limited.

“Road safety isn’t just a rule to follow; it’s a moral responsibility that we owe to one another. Every careful decision on the road is a step towards saving lives, nurturing compassion, and fostering a sense of collective well-being. By prioritizing awareness and empathy, we can build a future where every journey is safer, and every life is valued.” – said Pankaj Tripathi, Acclaimed Indian Actor known for his remarkable performances in Bollywood and OTT.

Navya Naveli Nanda, Entrepreneur and Social Activist, shared her thoughts: “In today’s world, young people are so occupied by mobile phones while walking on the roads that they often don’t even notice a vehicle approaching. Children heading to school or the office must be more mindful while walking on the roads. The youth must change their behaviour—constant scrolling and the high music volume can cause distractions, leading to crashes. It’s time we prioritize our safety and make conscious choices to protect ourselves and others on the road.”

Avinash Kaul, Chief Executive Officer, Network18 (Broadcast) and Managing Director, A+E Networks | TV18, remarked, “Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan 2025 has been a powerful reminder that road safety goes beyond rules—it’s about collective responsibility. Each of us has a role to play in ensuring safer roads, whether it’s through mindful driving or staying alert as pedestrians. By making thoughtful choices in our everyday actions, we can help create a safer future for everyone.”

This initiative also highlighted the importance of ‘Golden Hour’ as a window in the aftermath of a crash, where immediate medical attention can mean the difference between life and death. Within the first 60 minutes, rapid intervention can stabilize a severely injured victim, prevent further complications, and dramatically increase the chances of survival. Time truly is at the centre of these crucial moments.

Road safety is not just about following rules; it’s about making responsible choices that save lives. As responsible citizens, we can create change—starting with ourselves. Every thoughtful decision and every mindful action on the road can make a difference. Let’s work together to build a future where every journey is safe, and every life is valued.” – said Vikrant Massey, Renowned Indian Actor, Celebrated for His Versatility in Hindi Films and Television.

I did a movie called ‘U Turn’, and it’s a perfect example of how one small mistake on the road can lead to big problems. The movie shows how easily things can go wrong, and that’s why it’s so important for everyone to understand the right and wrong while driving. Road safety is about making smart, responsible choices that can save lives.” – said Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Indian Actress, Known for Her Work in Telugu and Tamil Films.

Ashoka Mall Marks National Road Safety Month with Educational Awareness Event

Hyderabad: 29th January 2025: Ashoka One Mall in association with Cyberabad Traffic Police and the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC), hosted a National Road Safety Month Awareness Program. The event was graced by Mr. Venkataiah, ACP, and Mr. Muthu Yadav, CI from Cyberabad Traffic Police and Ms. Nisha from Society for Cyberabad Security Council, aimed to foster a culture of safe driving and compliance with traffic guidelines, encouraging citizens to take responsibility for road safety.

The event showcased insightful speeches by Mr. Venkataiah and Mr. Muthu Yadav, highlighting the importance of adhering to traffic regulations to prevent accidents and protect lives. Their inspiring messages stressed the need for collective responsibility and community-driven efforts to create safer roads for everyone.

The students from Meridian School performed a Nukkad Natak on traffic measures, skillfully depicting everyday scenarios and emphasizing the importance of responsible behaviour on the road. The performance was met with resounding applause and served as a reminder of the role every individual plays in road safety.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. N Jaideep Reddy, Managing Director, Ashoka Developers and Builders Limited, said “At Ashoka One Mall, we strongly believe that road safety is a shared responsibility that requires the involvement of every individual, community, and authority. Through initiatives like this awareness program, we strive to create lasting change by encouraging everyone to adopt safe driving practices and follow traffic regulations. By spreading awareness, educating the public, and promoting the importance of road safety, we hope to foster a culture where everyone takes responsibility for ensuring safer roads. Together, we can reduce accidents and contribute to a safer environment for all road users,”

Kolkata Investors’ Roadshow by Assam Government Spotlights Investment Opportunities Ahead of Advantage Assam 2.0

Kolkata, 29th January 2025: The Assam Government organized a highly successful Investors’ Roadshow at Hotel Taj Bengal, Kolkata, serving as a prelude to the much-anticipated “Advantage Assam 2.0 : Investment and Infrastructure Summit 2025.” Scheduled for February 25–26 in Guwahati, the summit aims to showcase Assam’s transformative growth journey and its immense potential as a premier investment destination and gateway to South and Southeast Asia.

The roadshow featured a keynote address by Ashok Singhal, Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Irrigation, Government of Assam, who emphasized Assam’s dynamic infrastructure development, green energy initiatives, and diversified manufacturing sectors. Notable dignitaries such as Ms. Sonali Ghosal, Co-Chair of FICCI, West Bengal State Council; Mukesh Chandra Sahu, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government of Assam; and P. Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy, IAS, Managing Director of Assam Small Industries Development Corporation Limited, were also present, along with prominent industry leaders.

In his address, Singhal highlighted Assam’s efforts in reviving infrastructure through transformative projects such as the Dhubri-Phulbari Bridge and Jagiroad Electronics City. He noted the state’s leadership in green energy with initiatives in solar power, green hydrogen, and ammonia production. Assam is also fostering growth in manufacturing sectors including electronics, pharma, food processing, FMCG, and petrochemicals while positioning itself as a hub for IT and Industry 4.0 capabilities. He emphasized Assam’s rich tourism potential, citing the state’s cultural heritage, wildlife sanctuaries, tea gardens, and opportunities in adventure and eco-tourism, and invited investors to explore these untapped opportunities.

The Minister also drew attention to Bhutan’s upcoming “World Happiness City” near Assam’s border, a development envisioned to rival Singapore and Dubai. Investors were encouraged to leverage opportunities in manufacturing and other sectors supported by Assam’s bespoke industrial policies, which offer customizable incentives, including capital subsidies, SGST reimbursement, and production-linked incentives. Notably, industries with investments exceeding ₹100 crore and creating over 200 jobs are eligible for tailor-made solutions. To date, the state has signed 21 MOUs worth over ₹14,000 crore, with investments from major companies such as PepsiCo and Dalmia Cement.

Minister Singhal underscored the importance of skill development and workforce empowerment through initiatives such as the Assam Skill University, developed in partnership with the Asian Development Bank, and collaborations with Tata Technologies and Dassault Systems to modernize ITIs and polytechnics. Additionally, the Tata Semiconductor OSAT Unit, powered entirely by green energy, is set to create 15,000 direct jobs, cementing Assam’s position as a leader in electronics manufacturing.

During the interactive Q&A session, Minister Singhal addressed queries from investors about Assam’s investment policies, incentives and ease of doing business, fostering confidence and enthusiasm among attendees.

The roadshow attracted prominent organizations, including Emami Limited, Sona Vets, Civil Engineers Enterprises Private Limited, Godrej Agrovet Limited, and more. Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings were held with companies from various sectors such as energy, infrastructure, semiconductors, textiles, IT-ITeS, and electronics. Leading organizations like Civil Engineers Enterprises Private Limited, KOTRA Kolkata, GEE Ltd., Emami Limited, Anmol Feeds Pvt. Ltd., Mendine Pharmaceuticals Pvt. Ltd., Godrej Agrovet Limited, Seacom Group, GD Mining, Sona Vets, RC Agarwal Memorial Hospital, Hotel Polo Towers Group, JIS College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Merlin Projects Ltd, Prestige Ice Creams Private Limited, SHRM Biotechnologies Pvt. Ltd., and Hotel Sonar Bangla Group engaged in discussions with Minister Singhal. These interactions highlighted Assam’s diverse opportunities for investments and partnerships across industries. During these meetings, business leaders appreciated the Government of Assam’s proactive approach and expressed a keen interest in exploring investment opportunities across diverse sectors. Many also confirmed their participation in Advantage Assam 2.0 and expressed optimism about contributing to Assam’s economic growth.

Singhal revealed that the Advantage Assam 2.0 Investment and Infrastructure Summit will be held on February 25-26, 2025, in Guwahati. He shared that the summit will be preceded by a grand Jhumoir dance performance featuring over 8,000 youth on February 24. The event will be graced by the Prime Minister of India and will bring together a distinguished lineup of Union Ministers and industry leaders and policymakers from India and abroad.