20, Dec 2023
Royal Orchid Hotels expands footprint in Andhra Pradesh
Bangalore, 20th Dec 2023: Continuing its effort to spread its wings across the country, Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels has added yet another luxury offering to its ensemble as it opens a stunning new property – the Regenta Inn Bhavani – in the vibrant city of Nellore.
Positioned as a beacon of opulence, Regenta Inn Bhavani stands out as the epitome of luxury for discerning travellers. Strategically located just minutes away from the central bus stand, 15 minutes from the central train station and a 3-hour drive from Tirupati Airport, and an 8-hour drive from Bengaluru, the property seamlessly blends traditional charm with contemporary amenities, reflecting the city’s rich heritage and progressive ethos.
Chander K Baljee, Chairman and Managing Director of Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, stated, “Our mission is to provide an unparalleled experience for all our guests, whether for business or leisure. Every aspect of Regenta Inn Bhavani has been crafted as a testament to Nellore’s dynamic, inspiring, and welcoming spirit.”
Nestled on the banks of the Penna River, Nellore is known for its blend of tradition and modern dynamism. With geographical proximity to Bengaluru, it serves as a strategic getaway for Bleisure travellers. The city’s fabric is woven with spirituality, featuring numerous temples for those seeking tranquillity. Nellore is also a haven for retail therapy, showcasing intricate craftsmanship and traditional artistry through the popular Venkatagiri sarees, emblematic of the region’s rich textile legacy.
Regenta Inn Bhavani, with its 41 rooms, including six lavish suites, is ideally situated near landmarks such as Mypadu Beach, Sri Ranganathaswamy and Penchalakona Temples, and a short walk from the City Shopping Area, offering a convenient retreat for visitors seeking cultural experiences and shopping indulgences.
Philip Logan, COO of Royal Orchid & Regenta Hotels, commented, “We have curated an experience that resonates with Nellore’s pulse and meets the discerning needs of our guests. Our commitment extends beyond luxury accommodation; it’s about fostering a connection with local heritage, seen in the artistry of Venkatagiri sarees, and providing a platform for local talent to shine. This synergy of local culture, strategic location, and our dedication to service excellence culminates in memorable and meaningful experiences.”
Regenta Inn Bhavani caters to a variety of occasions with versatile spaces, making it an excellent choice for MICE. The pillar-less banquets ensure memorable events with bespoke décor that leave a lasting impression.
The all-day dining restaurant, Burgundy, skillfully draws on the cultural tapestry of Nellore, offering a diverse menu featuring local Andhra cuisine, continental, and oriental dishes prepared with fresh local ingredients. As a 100% non-smoking zone, the hotel serves as a significant local employment generator, with many local talents contributing in various roles.
Whether for leisure seekers enchanted by the city’s historical depth or business travellers, Regenta Inn Bhavani promises an experience that embodies luxury, convenience, and the assurance of unforgettable moments.
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- By Rabindra
20, Dec 2023
Gaja Capital Business Book Prize 2023 Awarded to ‘Against All Odds: The IT Story of India’ and ‘Winning Middle India: The Story of India
Bengaluru, December 20, 2023 – Against All Odds: The IT Story of India, a chronicle of the trials, triumphs, and history of the Indian IT sector over the last six decades, and Winning Middle India: The Story of India’s New-Age Entrepreneurs, a detailed account of the new generation of startup founders who are catalysts for innovative products and services in India, have been announced as the joint winners of the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize 2023.
The winners were selected from a diverse and compelling set of 50 nominated books from over 35 publishers, showcasing the expanding pantheon of Indian business literature. Instituted in 2019 by Gaja Capital, a leading Indian private equity firm, the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize aims to encourage Indian entrepreneurs, writers, and journalists to tell their stories to the world. It offers the largest book prize in the country, INR 15 lakh in prize money, to reward and support authors and promote high-calibre business research that would encourage and equip upcoming business owners and young entrepreneurs.
While announcing the winners, Gopal Jain, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Gaja Capital said, “The 2023 shortlist showcased a rich tapestry of inspiring stories from diverse backgrounds. These books vividly depict the unwavering spirit of Indian entrepreneurship, highlighting the transformative impact of hard work, innovation, and risk-taking. It was a challenging decision to select two joint winners among such outstanding candidates. ‘Against All Odds’ and ‘Winning Middle India’ truly embody the essence of Indian entrepreneurial excellence and celebrate India’s continued success in IT services, while also recognizing the huge potential and promise of our young start-up ecosystem. We hope these narratives will ignite the passion of the next generation of entrepreneurs, inspiring them to rise, innovate, and leave their mark on the world”
The jury for the fifth edition of the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize comprised stalwarts from the worlds of industry, investments, academia, public policy, and governance: Manish Sabharwal, Vice-Chairman at TeamLease (Chairman, Jury), Imran Jafar, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Gaja Capital, Arindam Bhattacharya, Senior Advisor and Emeritus Partner of Boston Consulting Group, Dr. Lakshmi Venu, MD of Sundaram-Clayton (SCL), Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, Michael Queen, Former Chief Executive of 3i, Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist, Head of Global Research, and member of the Board at Axis Capital, Prithvi Haldea, Founder Chairman of Praxis Consulting, Shailesh Haribhakti, Founder and Managing Partner of Shailesh Haribhakti & Associates Chartered Accountants, and UK Sinha, Former Head, RBI Expert Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Former Chairman of SEBI.
The jury process began with creating a short list of 5 books from a select long list of ten books. The other books from the 2023 shortlist consisted of a range of stories of enterprises and their protagonists including:
· Capture the Dream: The Many Lives of Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair (by Bachi Karkaria)
· Essentially Mira: The Extraordinary Journey Behind Forest Essentials (by Mira Kulkarni)
· The Tech Phoenix: Satyam’s 100-Day Turnaround (by T.N. Manoharan & V. Pattabhi Ram)
Jury Citation
‘Against All Odds: The IT Story of India’ encapsulates the profound saga of the Indian IT industry. This book delves into the industry’s remarkable journey, marked by challenges conquered, resilience unwavering, serendipity harnessed, foresight honed, and meticulous planning executed over the span of six decades. Distinguished by its objectivity and sharp acumen, this chronicle meticulously weaves together the firsthand accounts of over fifty distinguished individuals who have indelibly shaped the landscape of the Indian IT industry.
‘Winning Middle India: The Story of India’s New-Age Entrepreneurs’ examines the exciting potential for enhancing the accessibility, affordability, and quality of products and services for millions of Indians. At its heart lies a new generation of startup founders who are capitalizing on technology platforms, the ubiquitous reach of smartphones, and the rapid digitization of the Indian consumer sphere. These forward-thinking entrepreneurs, unburdened by the past, are drawn to the immense opportunities presented by Middle India—a demographic encompassing the next 400-500 million Indians, positioned just below the apex of the economic pyramid. The book chronicles this highly potent force of change sweeping across India, providing invaluable insights into the strategies required to harness it and to contribute to the transformation of the nation’s destiny.
20, Dec 2023
Vi and Kerala Police to keep young children safe at Sabarimala
During the annual Mandala pooja season, India’s leading telecom player Vi partners with the Kerala Police Department to ensure the safety of child pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine. Each year, the recurring concern of children getting lost in the crowd and efforts to reunite the misplaced wards with their and dear ones has been a cause of major distraction and worry for the Kerala Police. Understanding the challenges faced by Devotees as well as the Police Department in managing a pilgrimage of this magnitude, Vi has devised a QR code technology to help keep pilgrims safe and secure.
Vi is requesting pilgrims to visit the closest Vi store in Kerala or visit the Vi stall in Pamba to collect a Vi OR code-powered band and get the code registered with the mobile number of the guardian or family member. The band can be tied to the wrist of the children. When a lost child is spotted, he/she can be deposited at the nearest Kerala Police check post. At the Police booth, the officers on Duty can scan the QR Code and call the registered number of the guardian or family member to inform them to come to the booth and collect their ward.
Ajith V. IPS. Pathanamthitta District Police Chief, officially launched the Vi QR Code bands initiative in the presence of Binu Jose, Vice President & Circle Operations Head – Kerala, Vodafone Idea Limited, at a function in Pathanamthitta SP Office, today.
Extending his best wishes to all pilgrims visiting Sabarimala this year, Binu Jose, Vice President & Circle Operations Head – Kerala, Vodafone Idea Limited, said “Vi has been a pioneer in leveraging our telecom technology expertise to bring value-added products and services that make life simpler and better. The Annual Sabarimala Yatra brings an estimated 45–50 million devotees to the shrine. Each year, the Kerala Police deals with several hundred complaints of lost children during the Mandala and Makara Vilakku seasons.
In line with Vi’s campaign Be Someone’s We which underscores our commitment to share the spirit of togetherness and inclusivity with all members of society, we believe our QR code technology will benefit the masses and support the Police at one of the largest congregation of human beings in the country. We are proud to associate with the Kerala State Police Force for this initiative. Together, we seek the support of all citizens to support our endeavor to keep your children protected.”
Ajith V. IPS. Pathanamthitta District Police Chief, said “We are happy to associate with Vi in introducing its technological aid to address one of the perennial issues faced during Mandala and Makara Vilakku season. Vi Suraksha QR code technology band will significantly reduce the efforts of the Kerala State Police Force to address the missing cases of child pilgrims and to finally get the child pilgrims united with their guardians.
To avail Vi powered QR Code bands, devotees of Lord Ayyappa can walk into the nearest Vi store in Kerala as well as the Vi stall set up at Pamba and register with the necessary information. The QR Code bands will be active during the pilgrim season and are non-transferable.
20, Dec 2023
Shri Ram Nath Kovind Presented with a Unique 84 Shiv Lingam Portrait by Ace Photographer, Varun Joshi
New Delhi, December 20, 2023: Former Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind was presented with a masterpiece Shiva Lingam clicked, visualized and created by ace photographer, Varun Joshi at his residence on December 15th. The Shiva Lingam portrait is an amalgamation of 84 lingas clicked across Ujjain. Sri Kovind was impressed by the work and complimented photographer Varun Joshi on his creativity.
Varun Joshi travelled to all 84 temples across Ujjain to create this unique Shiva Lingam with 84 lingas stitched together it took a couple of months for me to capture all Shivling followed by 3 months to bring out this masterpiece. This impressive pictorial representation of the Shivling takes viewers into the rich heritage of our country and brings the country’s historical details to the fore.
According to the Skanda Purana, it is believed that once a person gets a glimpse of these 84 lingas together, the soul is free from the cycle of life and death as well as free from any kind of diseases and ailments.
“These 84 energized Shiva Lingas are very important in Hindu culture as they make life successful and hurdle-free. With just a glimpse of these lingas, a person can leave behind materialistic desires, selfishness, unpleasantness, bitterness and prejudice and become free from any kind of obstructions,” said Varun Joshi. “Sri Ram Nath Kovind was so impressed by the visual creation that he said that everyone should make this unique Shiva Lingam a part of the temple at home,” he added.
These 84 lingas are placed in different locations across Ujjain and devotees perform a yatra of 118 km to get the darshan of each one of them.
The ancient and historical city of Ujjain has a history that dates back to over 5000 years. In the Adi Brahma Puran, the city has been referred to as mokshda and in AgniPuran and Garuda Puran as bhukti-mukti. Ujjain was the capital of the ancient Avanti kingdom. According to the legends, Ujjain is one of four sites where drops of amrita, the elixir of immortality, were accidentally spilled over from a pitcher that was being carried by Garuda during the Samudra Manthana, the churning of the ocean of milk.
The city is also famous for the Panchkroshi Yatra, which takes place every year and is of great religious significance. Thousands of devotees come to the city of Mahakal to take part in this religious yatra. Devotees offer prayers to different Shivlings during this yatra.
20, Dec 2023
Galgotias University Proudly Hosts Smart India Hackathon 2023, a National Initiative to Foster Innovative Solutions
National, 20th December, 2023: Galgotias University is honoured to announce its hosting of the “Smart India Hackathon 2023,” a prestigious nationwide initiative aimed at providing a platform for students to tackle real-world challenges.
Galgotias University will welcome 35 teams from 13 states across India, representing 32 participating institutions. The event boasts over 250 participants, including 200 students and approximately 40 advisors (mentors). Teams from Galgotias University will engage in creative problem-solving across four themes: Smart Education, Smart Automation, MedTech/Biotech/HealthTech, and Miscellaneous, as provided by three esteemed government organisations.
On this occasion, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University added, “The ‘Smart India Hackathon 2023’ aligns perfectly with our vision for a ‘Viksit Bharat.’ It is heartening to witness the youth embracing the call to be ambassadors of a developed India. Galgotias University is committed to contributing to this vision by fostering innovation and problem-solving skills among the students.”
The Ministry of Education, National Technical Research Organization (NTRO), and the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment have issued problem statements for the challenges. The competition will feature 17 teams focusing on MedTech/BioTech and HealthTech themes, 6 teams on Smart Education, 7 teams on Smart Automation, and 5 teams on other miscellaneous sections.
Ms. Aradhana Galgotias, Director Operations, Galgotias University stated, “We believe in the transformative power of education and innovation, and this hackathon provides a unique opportunity for our students to make meaningful contributions. We are confident that the event will be a testament to the collaborative and innovative spirit of the participants, and we look forward to witnessing the impactful solutions that will emerge from the ‘Smart India Hackathon 2023.'”
The Smart India Hackathon 2023 at Galgotias University promises to showcase the ingenuity and talents of participating teams, reinforcing the university’s commitment to nurturing innovation and problem-solving capabilities among the youth.
20, Dec 2023
Recur Club gets ISO 27001 certification for Information Security Standards
Recur Club, a fintech platform helping companies raise tailored debt capital, announces the attainment of ISO 270001 certification.
In a world where data breaches have severe consequences for businesses, including financial loss, damage to reputation, and even legal ramifications, and where phishing attacks remain a prevalent method of unauthorized access, it is vital to create a secure and safe ecosystem of information security.
Anirudh Bhardwaj, CTO, Recur Club, “Mr. Bhardwaj expresses great pride in attaining ISO 270001 certification. This certification is a step toward providing optimal privacy and peace of mind to our founders, who place that trust in us while sharing their data on our systems. This assurance comes with the ISO certification, as it protects against data breaches and unauthorized access and is the only certification that meets all the requirements of Information Security Management Systems.
According to a report by Cisco 2023, 60% of businesses anticipate increased regulation in the next 12 months, acclimating to the current scenario Recur Club has taken a proactive approach to protecting sensitive data and information, and the gold standard in Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) has been put into effect.
The key features of the ISO 27001 certification:
Advanced Cybersecurity: The certification is a testament to the fact that the company has taken proactive steps to identify and mitigate security risks to protect customer data and financial information.
Compliance with regulations: It makes the legal processes easier as the certification aligns with many of the data protections, like GDPR and CCPA.
Standardization: The certification process creates standard operating procedures for handling sensitive information to minimize errors and ensure compliance with security practices across the organization.
Lastly, the attainment of ISO 27001 certification is beneficial to the organization both externally and internally. This means proactive identification of potential threats and mitigation strategies reducing the risk of financial and reputational damages. It even increases awareness about data security practices among all the stakeholders of the company, promising continuous improvement.
20, Dec 2023
Unveiling the Best Gadgets for This Special Christmas Day
1. Fingerprint USB 3.0 Pendrive: This Christmas, elevate your loved ones’ data protection with Lexar’s F35 JumpDrive, a fusion of style and security. With fingerprint authentication, it ensures that only trusted individuals can access sensitive information, offering peace of mind in a stylish package. Its USB 3.0 support enables lightning-fast transfers (up to 300 MB/s), while storing up to ten unique fingerprints for quick recognition in less than a second. The easy setup requires no software driver, and its 256-bit AES Encryption guarantees robust security. Available in 32GB and 64GB capacities at Rs. 4500 and Rs. 6000, respectively, this sleek device with a three-year limited warranty is the perfect tech gift for those who value both style and data privacy.
2. Uno Minda 3 Way Oval 400W Max Power Car Speakers: This Christmas, bring the gift of music on the road with the Uno Minda 3 Way Oval 400W Max Power Car Speakers (Ee09264A03), available in the Indian aftermarket. These speakers boast a seamless balance of powerful bass and treble at an affordable price, making them ideal for any music enthusiast. Their collaboration with Onkyo, a leading Japanese sound technology brand, ensures an electrifying audio experience that can turn any car ride into a party. With features like 400W max power output, superior audio fidelity, and universal compatibility with car audio systems, these speakers offer a visceral sonic experience. Priced at MRP 4990/- with a 1-year warranty, they are available at top online and offline retailers like Amazon, Flipkart, Boodmo, and Uno Minda Kart. This Christmas, elevate the music experience for your loved ones with Uno Minda’s powerful car speakers.
20, Dec 2023
2023 Rewind: Sumbul Toqueer to Kareena Kapoor Khan; Celebrities Who Ruled the Audio Space in 2023
The entertainment industry saw a significant change in 2023, with audio once again taking centre stage. Indeed! This year witnessed the comeback of audio. In addition to a rise in listeners, several celebrities also made their way into the audio industry. From seasoned performers to up-and-coming artists, many embraced the world of audio. They gracefully rode the tide of audio entertainment, reassuring that audio is here to stay! So, as we bid goodbye to 2023, let’s take a look at celebrities who echoed beyond the screen, making the year memorable in more ways than one.
Sumbul Touqeer Khan & Prateik Choudhary – Devil Se Shaadi
Sumbul Toqueer and Prateik Choudhary made an unexpected debut in the audio entertainment space with Pocket FM’s audio series. The duo paired up for a special promo shoot that caught everyone’s attention. The promo revolved around Ishqi (Sumbul) and Rajveer’s (Prateik) unusual marriage. Ishqi is a simple girl who is married off to an arrogant man. While Rajveer comes across as a man with his guard up, he has his own set of hidden secrets. While overcoming obstacles, secrets, and unexpected turns, Ishqi’s life takes an exciting turn as she discovers Rajveer’s hidden truths. The intense promo filled with emotions, attracted a lot of attention and went viral within no time.
Pooja Gor – Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To, Secret Ameerzaada
In an unexpected and pleasant turn of events, actress Pooja Gor, fondly called Pratigya of TV, entered the audio entertainment space with Pocket FM. The actress wore the hat of a narrator to introduce not one, but four popular audio series on Pocket FM- “Ek Ladki Ko Dekha To,” “Secret Ameerzaada,” “Insta Millionaire,” and “Devil Se Shaadi”. While audiences have always been in awe of her acting chops, this time Pooja stole the show with her narratory and oratory skills.
Kareena Kapoor, Saif Ali Khan and team – Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord
The Who’s Who of Bollywood – Kareena Kapoor Khan, Saif Ali Khan, Jaideep Ahlawat, and Masaba Gupta entered the world of audio entertainment with the Hindi Audible Original podcast ‘Marvel’s Wastelanders: Star-Lord.’ The ensemble cast lent their voice to different characters, making it one of the most talked-about podcasts in the industry. While Kareena brilliantly voiced Black Widow (Helen Black) with skill, Saif brought Star-Lord to life. The duo had their own exciting storyline in different arcs and seasons, enhancing the listening experience. They were joined by Sharad Kelkar as Wolverine, Ashish Vidyarthi as Doctor Doom, Vrajesh Hirjee, Jaideep Ahlawat as Hawkeye, and Masaba Gupta as the voice of Lisa Cartwright. Together these A-listers brought back people’s lost attention to audio and emphasised its importance.
Prajakta Kohli & Aadarsh Gaurav – Desi Down Under
Youtube Sensation Prajakta Kohli and actor Adarsh Gourav made their audio debut with “Desi Down Under,” an Audible Original that entertained listeners with the perfect mix of comedy, romance, and adventure. The audio drama, which also had Taaruk Raina lending his voice to a character, followed Meenu’s twin brother Rahul and childhood buddy Devan as they trained to become lifesavers at Coogee Beach in Sydney. Amid secret crushes, rebellion, and conflicting goals, the trio braved shark-infested surf, discovering love, life, and teamwork for the coveted Bronze Medallion. Set against the background of the Australian shore, Prajakta’s shift from YouTube to an immersive Audible Original received immense adulation from the audience.
Sanjay Dutt & Ishaan Khatter – Ravan Rising
Sanjay Dutt and Ishaan Khatter made waves in the audio world with their debut in the Audible Original podcast “Ravan Rising.” Giving voice to the mythological character, Sanjay portrayed the older Ravan, while Ishaan brought the young warrior to life. The series delved into pivotal moments shaping Ravan’s evolution from a young warrior to the fearsome demon King, weaving themes of family, identity, and destiny. “Ravan Rising ” promised a captivating auditory journey, blending the wild passion of Ravan’s rakshasa heritage with the disciplined beliefs of his human lineage.
Ronit Roy – ACP Gautam
Actor Ronit Roy, known for embracing diverse roles on TV, OTT, and films, brought a fresh perspective to the audio entertainment space as “ACP Gautam” in Spotify’s podcast. Ronit took the audience on an exciting journey through his character’s career as a crime-solver with his voice acting. The 10-episode fiction crime thriller set in Delhi (1994), revolved around mysteries of kidnappings, murders, robberies, and terror investigations. The suspense created by Ronit’s authoritative voice brought depth to the character and was immensely appreciated by listeners
Ali Fazal & Richa Chadha – Virus 2026
With “Virus 2062: Season 2,” Ali Fazal and Richa Chadha returned to the audio space. The duo brought back the secrets of time, space, and reality by lending their voices to their characters in this audio science fiction thriller. A Hindi version of the Chilean audio series “Caso 63,” “Virus 2062” Season 2, gained popularity among listeners for its intensity, drama, and suspense.
20, Dec 2023
Sony BBC Earth Brings Christmas Joy with All Things Sweet and Earth Premiere
National, December 20, 2023: This festive season, Sony BBC Earth adds to the fervour with its specially curated Christmas line-up. The channel brings in a Christmas special property titled ‘All Things Sweet’ and the premiere of ‘Earth’. With its content line-up, Sony BBC Earth promises an experience where joy, knowledge, and sweetness intertwine.
Christmas Special property ‘All Things Sweet’ features captivating shows such as ‘Inside The Factory’, delving into the intricate processes and technology of foods and goods. Giving viewers a chance to savor the delectable insights is ‘Inside the Chocolat’. Whereas ‘Inside The Christmas Factory’ showcases Britain’s largest independent chocolate maker, and explores the fascinating processes of the UK’s beloved festive treats. Viewers get a chance to join ‘Rick Stein’s Road To Mexico’, as he fulfills his dream on a road trip along the Californian coastline and into Mexico, adding a flavorful touch to the holiday cheer.
Sony BBC Earth elevates the festive spirit with the grand prime-time premiere of ‘Earth’. The captivating five-episode biography of our planet is narrated by Chris Packham. This revealing journey unfolds Earth’s epic narrative, from the first raindrops that transformed into a water world to the advent of its most incredible inhabitants – humans. People will get to delve into the dramatic storytelling prowess, and navigate through massive space bombardments, climate upheavals, and continent collisions. Join in the exploration of Earth’s transformation from a barren rock to a vibrant home for eight billion people today.
As we usher in this season of joy, Sony BBC Earth invites viewers to join in for an unforgettable experience with an all-day long anthology ‘All Things Sweet’ followed by the prime-time premiere of ‘Earth’ from 9 PM to 10 PM on 25th December 2023!
Comment:
Tushar Shah, ‘Chief Marketing Officer & Business Head – English Cluster & Sony AATH, Sony Pictures Networks India’
“Christmas is a time for families to come together, share stories, and create lasting memories. To make this day more memorable, we have curated a special line-up ‘All Things Sweet’ that adds to the spirit of the season. We are also premiering ‘Earth’ that treats people to the journey of the planet’s evolution. With our content, we hope to rekindle the magic of Christmas and make viewers Feel Alive.”
20, Dec 2023
G-SHOCK marked its 40th Anniversary celebrations with SHOCK THE WORLD powered by Vh1 India in Mumbai featuring Icons, Vicky Kaushal and Father of G-SHOCK, Kikuo Ibe
National, 20th December 2023: The heart of Mumbai pulsated with excitement as G-SHOCK, the trailblazing force in unbreakable watches, in collaboration with Vh1 India, brought SHOCK THE WORLD to India on December 16th, 2023. This global phenomenon, which was held in major cities around the world throughout the year, concluded 2023 in Mumbai.
Marking G-SHOCK’s 40-year legacy of resilience and innovation, the event was led by Bollywood actor and G-SHOCK brand ambassador Vicky Kaushal, and witnessed the convergence of the emerging youth street cultures with innovation, resilience, and style, creating an unforgettable experience for the G-SHOCK loyalists, fans, watch enthusiasts and audiences alike.
Four decades ago, a visionary named Kikuo Ibe dared to dream of crafting an indestructible timepiece. After overcoming numerous challenges, he triumphed in giving birth to G-SHOCK, a brand that has now gained a global sensation. Over the past 40 years, G-SHOCK watches have seamlessly adapted to incorporate cutting-edge technology and meticulous Japanese craftsmanship, consistently pushing the boundaries of what a timepiece can be. Today, G-SHOCK has transcended beyond being just as a watch brand; it has become a cultural icon, resonating with individuals from various genres such as fashion, sports, art, music, and more, who value toughness and authenticity.
The event celebrated the actor Vicky Kaushal as the Face for G-SHOCK in the esteemed presence of Kikuo Ibe – the Father of G-SHOCK, Mr. Shigenori Itoh – Executive Managing Officer, Casio Computer Co., Ltd and Mr. Hideki Imai – Managing Director, Casio India. Together, they engaged in a captivating dialogue, sharing insights into the evening’s proceedings, reflecting on the brand’s remarkable journey, and offering a glimpse into the exciting future of G-SHOCK. The additional highlight of the event was the unveiling of the first-ever TEAM G-SHOCK in India which includes a stellar assembly of athletes and artists who embody the epitome of ‘Absolute Toughness’. The young Cricketing Icon, Shubman Gill would be leading the pack along with the distinguished rally racer, Harith Noah, freestyle rapper and MTV hustle runner-up, Paradox, the Skateboarding Crew with The skateboarding squad with Sagar Waghela, Jay Singh, Nikhil Shelatka and Kushal Gaikwad, and India’s Best Break Dancer and Redbull Athlete, Arif Chaudhary.
This was followed by the SHOCK THE WORLD Event, living up to its name with jaw-dropping feats by the Father of G-SHOCK, Kikuo Ibe showcasing the rugged durability of G-SHOCK watches, alongside the magnanimous presence of Vicky Kaushal. The night unfolded with TEAM G-SHOCK member Paradox dazzling the audience with his performance, followed by a concert featuring the sensational KR$NA and electrifying DJ sets by Kayan and OG Shez.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the event, Hideki Imai, Managing Director, Casio India said, “SHOCK THE WORLD serves as a vibrant celebration of an iconic brand, which brings together individuals who share the spirit and enthusiasm for the legendary timepieces. This global phenomenon, which has historically served as a dynamic platform for emerging and established artists from various genres, has made its appearance in India after a successful run in 34 countries. We are honored to orchestrate G-SHOCK SHOCK THE WORLD in Mumbai with Vicky Kaushal who is a perfect embodiment of toughness, endurance and style. He truly echoes the spirit of G-SHOCK with his bold authentic choices and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
G-SHOCK is deeply committed towards the growth and empowerment of the emerging sub-cultures across the globe, and we hope our endeavors such as SHOCK THE WORLD contribute towards the advancement of the dynamic spirit of youth culture in India.”
G-SHOCK Brand Ambassador Vicky Kaushal expressed his thoughts on this partnership. He said, “My warm wishes and congratulations to G-SHOCK on its 40th anniversary. I am honored to represent a brand that has had such a profound impact on shaping youth culture globally. The brand’s commitment to pushing boundaries and its resolute ‘never give up’ attitude deeply resonate with me. Witnessing the energy and passion at the SHOCK THE WORLD event in Mumbai was truly exhilarating, and I look forward to embarking on this journey with G-SHOCK.”
The Father of G-SHOCK, Kikuo Ibe, expressed his thoughts on the event, saying, “I am thrilled to be part of SHOCK THE WORLD in Mumbai, where I witnessed the vibrant, confident, and dynamic youth of this incredible country. The event celebrated G-SHOCK’s enduring 40-year product legacy through an enigmatic fusion of sub-cultures. India, with its diverse melting pot of cultures, provides the perfect backdrop for hosting our event with the dynamic youth of the country. Meeting individuals across different genres – music, dance, sports, fashion – who fearlessly embrace the G-SHOCK spirit of ‘dare to dream and never give up’ was truly inspiring. We eagerly anticipate offering exciting experiences in India and remain committed to supporting and expanding the vibrant youth culture scene across the country.”
Produced by Viacom 18 Live, G-SHOCK SHOCK THE WORLD offered an immersive experience to the audiences with the curated Experiential Zones, engaging attendees through our rich product history & exciting innovations, subculture inspirations and product and cultural evolution which further strengthens the ethos of absolute toughness. The G-SHOCK VAULT showcased an exclusive collection of 40th Anniversary models, iconic collaborations and milestone models which provided enthusiasts with a glimpse into the brand’s evolution over the years. Some of the iconic models showcased included the first-ever G-SHOCK DW-5000C, the first thermo sensor equipped watch DW-6100, the first G-SHOCK with electro-luminescence backlight DW-6600, the first tough solar G-SHOCK DW-9300, world’s first watch with both GPS and Radiowave time calibration signal reception GPW- 1000. The Street Culture Zone, adorned with vibrant murals and wall art, reflected the dynamic spirit of G-SHOCK. The celebration reached its zenith, symbolizing the fusion of toughness, authenticity and differentiated experience that defines G-SHOCK. The event saw enthusiastic participation and excitement as attendees witnessed the Father of G-SHOCK in India and enjoyed enthralling performances, along with F&B experiences by Impresario’s SOCIAL & BOSS Burger.
Since its inception in 2008 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of G-SHOCK, SHOCK THE WORLD has evolved into an annual spectacle, solidifying its status as one of the most eagerly awaited street culture events. In the heart of Mumbai, SHOCK THE WORLD marked a momentous milestone in G-SHOCK’s history, bringing together the brand’s past, present, and future. With four decades of innovation and resilience, G-SHOCK continues to inspire and redefine the world of timekeeping.
