7, Jan 2025
Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu Officially Debuts in Nepal
BENGALURU (January 07, 2025) – Hyatt Hotels Corporation and City Hotel Limited announced today the transformation of Hyatt Place Kathmandu to Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu, which marks the opening of the first Hyatt Centric branded hotel in Nepal. The hotel is ideally located in the heart of the city, blending modern comfort with Kathmandu’s rich cultural heritage.
Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu is a destination that invites modern travelers to discover the essence of Nepal’s capital city, promising a vibrant blend of contemporary design, vibrant art, culinary excellence and innovative experiences that inspire exploration. It embodies the local culture through dynamic social spaces, local collaborations, and shareworthy experiences that are light hearted, adventurous, and in-the-know.
Refreshed Spaces, Tailored Experiences
Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu introduces guests to a dynamic property where every corner tells a story of the city.
“After an extensive renovation, we are excited to introduce the Hyatt Centric brand to Nepal, offering our guests a gateway to Kathmandu’s cultural and contemporary pulse,” said Akshay Golyan, Executive Director, City Hotel Limited. “Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu is designed to inspire exploration while providing a modern local home base for savvy travelers, so they never miss a moment of adventure.”
The property introduces modern upgrades and features designed to enrich every aspect of the guest journey:
Vibrant Lobby: A welcoming, open-concept social space reimagined as a hub for exploration. The porte cocheÌre has been designed with eclectic elements and sculptures inspired by local architecture. The friendly and knowledgeable staff are also ready to share their local insights and go-to spots to help guests explore the city.
Revitalized Event Spaces: The property boasts more than 8,600 square feet of flexible meeting and event spaces with catering services available which makes it ideal for any occasion including meetings, weddings, and creative gatherings of 10 to 600 people – all customizable to guest needs.
The Centric Lounge: The Centric Lounge serves as a lively community bar, inviting locals and guests to mingle over expertly artisanal coffees, signature cocktails, and locally inspired bites.
Drinking & Dining Experiences:
NOON: An all-day dining restaurant celebrating simplicity and authenticity through globally inspired dishes infused with local flavors.
ZING Sky Pool Bar & Deck: A chic poolside retreat with stunning views of Kathmandu and a menu inspired by local and international influences.
Where Comfort Meets Adventure: Overdeliver on What Matters
Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu’s 153 guestrooms are designed for functionality and flair. The hotel is built to offer everything guests need within easy reach including free Wi-fi.
“We are thrilled to open our doors and welcome guests and World of Hyatt members to the first Hyatt Centric branded hotel in Nepal. Our goal is to create unforgettable experiences by weaving the essence of Kathmandu into every facet of the property,” said Varun Talwar, General Manager, Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu. “From meticulous design to innovative culinary offerings, we aim to become the starting point for every traveler’s adventure.”
A Journey Beyond the Hotel
Hyatt Centric Soalteemode Kathmandu stays true to the brand’s adventurous spirit by curating experiences that inspire exploration. Whether through collaborations with local artists, recommendations from the passionately engaged team, or uniquely crafted itineraries with off-the-beaten path experiences, guests are guided to the heart of Kathmandu’s culture and community.
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- By Team
7, Jan 2025
SUD Life Debuts MidCap Momentum Index Fund, Expanding Unit Linked Fund Offerings
7th January 2025, Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance Co. Ltd. (SUD Life) proudly announces the launch of the SUD Life MidCap Momentum Index Fund this new year, presenting policyholders with an exciting opportunity to harness the growth potential of India’s vibrant mid-cap market.
For those unfamiliar, midcap companies are those that have a proven business model, are primed for high growth, and which are under-owned by equity markets. While mid- cap indices may exhibit higher volatility, they often deliver superior returns over the long term compared to large-cap indices, making them a compelling choice for growth- oriented investors. Momentum investing, on the other hand, carries less risk. SUD Life Midcap Momentum Index Fund, with its 6-monthly rebalancing, highlights the best- performing stocks while systematically removing weaker ones. This rebalancing methodology not only focuses on strong returns but also rewards stocks exhibiting lower volatility.
This fund tracks the Nifty MidCap 150 Momentum 50 Index, which combines two powerful investment strategies: mid-cap growth potential and momentum, identifying the top- performing mid-cap stocks based on their price momentum over a defined period, ensuring a focused portfolio of companies demonstrating consistent performance and growth trends. The fund curates a low-cost, diversified portfolio of midcap stocks, helping investors capture the growth cycle across various stocks in the midcap universe.
“The fund is well suited for investors with a moderate to high-risk appetite, aiming for long term capital appreciation and exposure to India’s thriving mid-cap market. It suits those looking to enhance their portfolio with a smart, momentum-driven strategy”, said Prashant Sharma, Chief Investment Officer of SUD Life.
With SUD Life’s Midcap Momentum Index Fund, investors can stay ahead of market trends and position their portfolios to reap the benefits of India’s growth story while maintaining their life insurance cover. Invest today and take a confident step toward achieving your financial goals.
This fund will be available under SUD Life Star Tulip, SUD Life Wealth Creator, SUD Life Wealth Builder, and SUD Life e-Wealth Royale at present.
6, Jan 2025
DefSat 2025 Accelerating Defence Modernization and Space Ambitions
New Delhi, 6th Jan 2025 : SIA-India is set to host the 3rd DefSat Conference and Expo, scheduled for January 8-10, 2025, at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi. With the theme “Integrated Space Capabilities for Multi-Domain Operations,” the event will delve into the nexus of accelerating defence modernization and India’s expanding space ambitions. Gathering over 500 distinguished visionaries, thought leaders, and stakeholders from government, defence, space, technology, international embassies, and homeland security, the conference will highlight the strategic role of disruptive space technologies in modern warfare across land, maritime, aerospace, cyberspace, and homeland security domains. The event is supported by Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Defence Research and Development Organisation, NewSpace India Ltd, Astronautical Society of India, and Aeronautical Society of India and the Centre for Land Warfare Studies (CLAWS) as a knowledge partner.
“The conference comes at a crucial time as India’s space growth trajectory accelerates its defence modernization and space ambitions, with both sectors projected to grow at a robust 14-16% CAGR. The integration of space technology into defence strategies has become indispensable in today’s geopolitical landscape. The government’s commitment to national security is evident in the allocation of Rs 23,855 crore for DRDO in FY 2024-25 and Rs 25,000 crore for Defence Space Investments, emphasizing the need for advanced space capabilities.” Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, President, SIA-India and CMD, Ananth Technologies.
India’s defence forces are significantly enhancing their space capabilities, with plans to launch 52 new satellites for advanced surveillance and secure communication. These satellites will provide strategic support for monitoring activities along the country’s critical borders. The Defence Space Agency (DSA), tasked with managing these critical assets, is also expanding its workforce to address the increasing demands of space operations. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to preparing for the growing complexities of space-centric warfare and ensuring national security in an evolving geopolitical landscape
In Addition, DefSat 2025 will feature a dedicated session on Harnessing Space Technologies for Comprehensive Homeland Security with senior officers from Central Armed Police Forces, State Police Forces, and Para-Military Forces as panellists. This session will explore how space technologies can enhance border management, disaster response, counter-insurgency operations, and law enforcement, especially in India’s diverse and challenging environments.
“DefSat 2025 will spotlight next-gen military technologies, from quantum key distribution and non-kinetic space warfare to AI/ML-powered solutions, all designed to keep us at the forefront of future-ready defence operations. The event leverages India’s commitment to integrating cutting-edge defence and space technologies to address modern security challenges. With highlights like IndSpace Wargame 3.0, the conference will unite defence practitioners, industry leaders, and international experts to simulate real-world space security challenges, showcasing the complexities of space operations and underscoring India’s readiness to navigate the evolving space domain.” – Lt. Gen (Dr) PJS Pannu PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), PhD, Senior Advisor, SIA-India
DefSat 2025 will feature dignitaries, including Lt. Gen. Gurmit Singh, Hon’ble Governor of Uttarakhand, Lt. Gen. Vinod G Khandare, Principal Advisor to MOD, Lt. Gen (Dr) PJS Pannu PVSM, AVSM, VSM (Retd), PhD, Senior Advisor, SIA-India, Dr. Subba Rao Pavuluri, CMD Ananth Technologies and President, SIA-India, Dr. AK Anil Kumar, Director, ISTRAC – ISRO, Lt. Gen. Manjinder Singh, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Command, Air Vice Marshal Rahul Bhasin, Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Space), Dr. Subrata Rakshit, Director General (TM), DRDO, AVM Pawan Kumar, DG DSA, Maj Gen Manjeet Singh, Jt Secy (Cyber), NSCS, Mr. Manoj Jain, CMD, BEL, Wg Cdr PRL Prakash, Vice President, Avantel Limited and others.
These leaders bring unparalleled expertise in governance, national security, defence operations, space technology, cybersecurity, and defence policy, strengthening India’s strategic capabilities across defence and space sectors. Their contributions ensure that India’s defence modernization and space ambitions are both innovative and resilient, setting the stage for global leadership in these critical domains.
In addition to these esteemed figures, the conference will feature high-level industry partners, including Ananth Technologies, Planet Labs, Safran, Galaxeye, Dhruva Space, XDLINX, Saptang Labs, Logic Fruit Technologies, ReOrbit, OrbitAID Aerospace, Qbit Labs, Raamtel Solutions, Pvt. Ltd. showcasing their latest advancements in satellite technology, defence systems, and space capabilities. DefSat 2025 is not only a critical gathering for defence professionals but a testament to India’s proactive approach in bolstering its space capabilities to secure its interests on the global stage.
6, Jan 2025
Jaipur Music Stage 2025: Promises to be a Treat for Lovers of Music & Culture
Jaipur, 6th January: As Jaipur prepares for the 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival, the Jaipur Music Stage, running concurrently with the ‘greatest literary show on Earth,’ has released its spectacular line-up of performers. Jaipur Music Stage will present a diverse array of artists from the Indian subcontinent, offering a rich tapestry of musical genres that reflect a fusion of style, sound, and history.
30th January: A Celebration of Khusrau & Kabir
The festival opens with a tribute to two historic poets of India: the 13th-14th century Sufi Amir Khusrau and the 14th-15th-century mystic-poet Kabir Das. This evening will showcase their timeless legacies through evocative performances.
The Amir Khusrau Project by Abhijit Pohankar, renowned for his expertise in Indian classical fusion and the keyboard, will celebrate the sublime verses of Khusrau through their performance. Dastaan LIVE, an ensemble celebrated for its fusion of poetry, folk, and rock, will bring Kabir’s poetic wisdom to life through the set Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein.
31st January: Soulful Rhythms
The second evening will feature soulful performances that blend global influences. Kamakshi Khanna, known for heartfelt lyrics and soothing melodies, will bring a unique style to the stage, blending pop, R&B, soul, and folk musical traditions.
Following her performance, Susheela Raman, known for her captivating voice and her unique blend of world music, Indian classical, and experimental fusion, will take the stage alongside Sam Mills, a pioneer in cross-cultural music and guitar artistry; Nathoo Lal Solanki, a 13th-generation maestro of the Nagada and Rajasthani folk traditions; and Chugge Khan, an acclaimed performer rooted in Rajasthani folk, Sufi music, and Indian classical fusion. Together, they will deliver a powerful mix of international and Rajasthani musical traditions.
1st February: The Grand Finale
The Jaipur Music Stage 2025 will conclude with an electrifying grand finale. Hrishi, renowned for his genre-blending fusion of classical and contemporary popular music, will deliver a performance that redefines musical boundaries and celebrates innovation. The finale will feature Kailash Kher’s Kailasa, whose distinctive sound combines traditional instruments with modern beats. Kher’s soulful and powerful vocals have established the band as a prominent name in the Indian music industry.
6, Jan 2025
itel launches A80 – An Awesome All in One Smartphone with 120 Hz Refresh Rate and IP 54 Dust & Splash Proof Rating
Mumbai, 6th Jan 2025: itel, one of the leading technology brands of India, is poised to lead India’s budget smartphone segment, making a bold leap in 2025. The A80 smartphone stands out in the sub 7K segment, offering a 120 Hz refresh rate and IP 54 water resistant rating, ensuring smooth visuals, clear display quality and unmatched durability. This move signifies a strategic enhancement to its Awesome Series lineup. The itel A80 comes equipped with a big 6.67- inch Punch Hole Display featuring a Dynamic bar offering a simplified and seamless user interface. With an advanced processor, 8 GB RAM (4GB + 4GB*), and 128 GB ROM, the device supports multitasking and ample storage while maintaining a lag-free Fluency experience for up to three years.
With a strikingly appealing design, the itel A80 smartphone is built to impress. The A80’s 50 MP Super HDR camera is going to turn heads with its awe-inspiring photography – capturing vivid details even in low light. It also features a ring light notification that acts as the icing on the cake. The 6.67-inch punch-hole display enhances entertainment and visual storytelling and the device’s dynamic bar adds a stylish, modern touch – all tremendously enhancing the user experience making the A80 smartphone a delight to use.
The A80 is built for durability, with an IP54 rating for dust and water resistance. This smartphone comes with Android 14 Go OS and a Unisoc T603 Octa-core processor, delivering a smooth and efficient performance for all your daily tasks. To further ensure reliability, itel offers a free screen replacement within 100 days of purchase. It is available in attractive colours of Sandstone Black, Glacier White, and Wave Blue, combining elegance with practicality. The itel A80 smartphone is now available at retail stores across India, offering consumers a powerful and stylish device designed to enhance their everyday digital experiences.
Commenting on the launch, Mr. Arijeet Talapatra, CEO of itel India stated, “As we enter 2025, we renew our steadfast commitment to our consumers by delivering innovations that blend cutting-edge technology, sleek design, and exceptional features—all at unbeatable prices. The launch of the A80 smartphone is step in that direction and reaffirms our commitment to bridging the technology gap for today’s young India. With its stunning 120 Hz Refresh rate and exceptional durability, the A80 smartphone is perfectly placed to cater to the growing demand for durability and user experience without compromising on style.”
6, Jan 2025
Retail Fashion: 2025 Outlook Quote by Vikram Kankaria, Co-Founder & CEO, Fashor
By-Vikram Kankaria, Co-Founder & CEO, Fashor
“As we step into 2025, India’s fashion industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, driven by a growing appetite for affordable, stylish, and versatile clothing among modern Indian women. With the Indian ethnic wear market projected to reach $19 billion by 2025, the demand for contemporary, size-inclusive, and design-forward options is at an all-time high.
At Fashor, we are committed to redefining affordable fashion with a relentless focus on quality, craftsmanship, and inclusivity. Our vision for 2025 centers on expanding our footprint across India and internationally, with plans to open 100 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) while continuing to serve millions of women through our thriving online channels.
We see a tremendous opportunity in blending traditional craftsmanship with modern trends, making ethnic and fusion wear more accessible to women of all sizes and backgrounds. Through collaborations, innovative campaigns like ‘Dil Se Indian,’ and an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, we aim to empower women to embrace their individuality with confidence and style.
As we embark on this journey, we remain steadfast in our mission to position Fashor as a leading force in the Indian fashion landscape, celebrating the elegance, diversity, and spirit of Indian women.”
6, Jan 2025
Virtusa Certified as a Great Place to Work for the Third Consecutive Year
India, 06th January 2025 – Virtusa Corporation, a global leader in digital business strategy, Digital Engineering, and IT services, announced its 2024 Great Place to Work Certification™ for the third consecutive year. This recognition spans seven countries—India, USA, Canada, UK, UAE, Australia, and Singapore—highlighting Virtusa’s ongoing commitment to creating a high-trust, high-performance culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being.
In 2024, Virtusa achieved notable milestones in India, including being ranked among the Top 50 IT/ITES companies and earning the prestigious Great Place to Work Certification™ for Women. These recognitions highlight Virtusa’s ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace and enabling meaningful career growth.
The certification, based on independent employee feedback, resulted in a Trust Index™ score of 79% and an Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) of 73%. Over 81% of employees affirmed Virtusa as a ‘Great Place to Work,’ with key strengths including a strong sense of belonging and equal opportunities. The company continues to excel in employee engagement, professional development, creating a supportive, and equitable work environment.
“We are delighted to be recognized as a Great Place to Work Certified™ organization for the third consecutive year,” said Lori Mullane, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Virtusa. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering workplace where employees are encouraged to collaborate, innovate, and thrive. At Virtusa, we continuously strive to nurture a culture of trust, respect, and growth, enabling our teams to deliver impactful results for our clients and communities.”
Virtusa’s commitment to employee growth and empowerment is demonstrated through initiatives such as Engineering IQ, a career progression framework, and robust upskilling programs tailored to the fast-evolving demands of the IT/ITES sector. These programs aim to equip employees with cutting-edge skills and ensure their readiness for future challenges.
The company also continues to strengthen its diversity and inclusion efforts, earning high ratings in categories related to fairness and belonging. Employees consistently rated Virtusa highly for treating everyone fairly, regardless of gender, age, race, or orientation. This inclusive approach has been pivotal in creating a culture where employees can thrive.
As Virtusa progresses on its journey of excellence, the certification further solidifies its position as a preferred employer in India’s IT/ITES sector. With over 30,000 employees globally, Virtusa remains dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for its people, clients, and communities.
6, Jan 2025
OriginUX Studio Elevates Adarsh Developers’ Digital Presence with Customer-Centric Website Redesign
India, 6th January 2025 – OriginUX Studio, a leading UI/UX design studio, announced its latest collaboration with Adarsh Developers, a prominent real estate brand. This partnership has resulted in the redesign of Adarsh Developers’ website, setting a new benchmark for digital experiences in the real estate industry.
OriginUX Studio‘s expertise in customer-centric design transformation has enabled Adarsh Developers to deliver a superior digital interface that meets the rising user expectations for seamless experiences. The redesigned website artfully captures the premium essence and legacy of Adarsh Developers, ensuring modern functionality and user engagement.
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Adarsh Developers to reimagine their digital presence,” said Ms. Vaishnavi Bala Kumaran, Founder of OriginUX Studio. “Our focus was to create a customer-first website that not only aligns with Adarsh’s brand values but also sets a benchmark for the real estate industry. She further added, “The transformed website boasts an aesthetic design that reflects Adarsh’s premium legacy, improved product discoverability, enhanced navigation for a seamless user journey, showcases brand identity through bespoke imagery and captivating content, and features interactive elements for engagement, including project walkthroughs and easy-to-use contact forms.”
With this collaboration, OriginUX Studio reinforces its commitment to enabling businesses to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age. By delivering bespoke design solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs, OriginUX continues to solidify its reputation as a trusted partner for brands looking to elevate their digital experiences.
6, Jan 2025
Vietjet Offers Free Hot Air Balloon Rides at Tamil Nadu Festival
New Delhi, January 6, 2025 – In celebration of the New Year, Vietjet, Vietnam’s leading new-age carrier, presents an exciting opportunity for flyers to enjoy free hot air balloon rides during the Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, India’s largest event of its kind. Passengers who book Vietjet flights by January 19, 2025, for travel between India and Vietnam (including connecting flights) will have a chance to experience this thrilling adventure.
Passengers who book flights on Vietjet’s official website or mobile app by January 19, 2025, can enjoy a free ride on the Vietjet balloon at the festival. Simply present your Vietjet flight ticket or boarding pass at the Vietjet booth to claim this exclusive offer, available on a first-come, first-served basis .
Additionally, Indian flyers can avail Vietjet’s special Friday promotion every week, which offers tickets starting at INR 11 + taxes and fees . This deal is available on all Vietjet international routes with flexible travel dates.
The 10th Tamil Nadu International Balloon Festival, where the sky meets artistry, will take place across three cities and towns in the state of Tamil Nadu: Chennai (Jan 10-12), Pollachi (Jan 14-16), and Madurai (Jan 18-19). During the event, hot air balloons from more than eight countries will be flown in various shapes and colours.
Vietjet has pioneered air travel between Vietnam and India, now operating flights connecting New Delhi, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Kochi to Vietnam’s largest cities, including Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. In 2024, the airline continued to expand its global reach by launching new routes and adding new aircraft to meet the growing demand, including the increasing number of travellers from India.
Vietjet offers affordable airfares with a modern fleet, well-trained crews, and attentive services. Passengers can also enjoy a diverse range of in-flight services, including nutritious vegetarian meals, while immersing themselves in unique cultural and artistic shows during their journey at an altitude of 10,000 meters.
6, Jan 2025
From Classroom to Center Stage: The NCPA and National Theatre UK Bring Professional Theatre Experience to Mumbai’s Youth with Connections India’s Third Edition
Mumbai, 6th January 2025 — The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), in association with the National Theatre UK, is about to conclude the third edition of Connections India—a unique theatrical initiative that brings professional theatre experiences directly to the youth of Mumbai. The program this year, which commenced in August 2024 and will reach its culmination in January 2025, continues in its mission to unlock the creative potential of young minds from various schools and allows them to thrive in a collective creative platform.
This year, 16 schools, colleges, and NGOs across Mumbai will perform plays commissioned by the National Theatre UK as well as the NCPA. For the first time two plays written by Indian playwrights are a part of the line-up. The plays cover a wide variety of topics, from grief and anxiety to success and climate change.
Under the expert guidance of industry professionals, students have gained hands-on acting experience. Professional theatre directors worked with students of each institution, providing feedback and leading the students through the rehearsal and performance process. Teachers from each school and college also supervised rehearsals and helped students gain the confidence to perform in a public setting. Throughout the programme, students and teachers participated in workshops by leading theatre practitioners to enhance their acting, voice, and technical knowhow.
Students also expanded their skills beyond acting and dived into the other aspects of putting up a play. The Backstage Pass Camp, a five-day training workshop providing training in stage design, management, and more. Students were also taken on field trips to the NCPA, where they could familiarise themselves with its rich history and cultural legacy. Connections India will culminate in the Connections Festival, to be held between the 16th to the 26th of January 2025 where each school gets to perform their play at the Experimental Theatre at the NCPA.
The NCPA and National Theatre are continuing to make Connections India more inclusive and diverse with each iteration of the program. This year, schools from NGOs like Teach for India, Akanksha Foundation, Angel Express, and the Aseema Trust – who have previously participated in Connections India – were a part of it this year. First-time participants include the Jai Vakeel Foundation, a school for intellectually disabled students. Other participating schools and colleges include Bombay International School, Wilson College, The German School (DSB), and the Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), among others.
Connections India represents the coming together of two of the world’s most esteemed cultural institutions—the NCPA and the National Theatre UK—each with a profound commitment to nurturing the performing arts and fostering arts education. Through this collaboration, young talent from all walks of life get to immerse in an authentic theatre-making process, gaining hands-on experience in every facet of production.
Bruce Guthrie, Head of Theatre & Films, National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), shared his excitement for Connections India 2025: “We are thrilled to present the third year of Connections India, a celebration of youth, creativity, and collaboration. Theatre has the unique ability to shape individuals, nurturing empathy, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Programs like Connections offer young people the opportunity to engage with stories that resonate with their experiences, while also fostering skills that will serve them throughout their lives. At the NCPA, we believe that participating in such initiatives is crucial for today’s youth—helping them develop not only as performers but also as individuals. With 16 incredible schools, workshops, and performances of some of the most exciting contemporary plays, we are excited to witness how these young people will inspire and connect with audiences. Together with the National Theatre, UK, we are proud to support this remarkable festival and look forward to the transformative impact it will have on both the performers and their audiences.”
Sharing the idea behind the initiative, Shernaz Patel, Creative Learning Director, Connections India said, “Connections celebrates young people – they are the artists, the singers, dancers and backstage teams. But most importantly these are their stories written by some of the best international playwrights. These plays speak to young people. They are funny, poignant and hard hitting. They are about issues that matter to them. What we add to this incredible initiative is NCPA’s professional expertise – directors, production and technical excellence that lift these plays and make them come alive on stage. Everything we do at the festival from the decor, food, outdoor entertainment, workshops, adds to this unique and important celebration of what it means to be young in today’s India”.
Ragini Singh Khushwaha, Creative Learning Producer, Connections India, shared the initiative’s journey: “Connections India has witnessed incredible growth in just three years, establishing itself as a vital platform for young people in theatre. It offers a much-needed space for creating and performing plays that resonate with their experiences. More than just theatre, it brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to collaborate, learn, and share their stories with audiences who see the world through their eyes.”
At its core, Connections is about education, personal growth, and self-expression through creative exploration. Students participating in the program will hone critical skills such as communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence, all while navigating the rich complexities of theatre. This initiative not only fosters artistic talent but also prepares students to become thoughtful, creative leaders in whatever path they choose.
The NCPA invites schools, educators, cultural organisations, and patrons of the arts to support this extraordinary initiative and clear their calendars for the upcoming Connections Festival. The two-week-long festival is a chance to experience topical and high-caliber theatre about contemporary issues, written specifically for the youth. Connections India helps ensure that the next generation has access to the profound and lasting impact of the performing arts.
