Category Archives: News

From Crumbling Walls to Soaring Heights: A New Beginning for Bhendi Bazaar’s Youngest Residents

India, 11th November, 2025: The Bhendi Bazaar Redevelopment Project, spearheaded by the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Trust (SBUT), is not just about rebuilding homes—it’s about reimagining childhoods in one of Mumbai’s most historic neighbourhoods. This transformative initiative is creating a future where children can grow up in safety, comfort, and community.

Comfortable Homes, Brighter Futures

Once, the children of Bhendi Bazaar grew up in cramped 100 sq. ft. homes with shared toilets and little ventilation. Today, every family is receiving a minimum of 375 sq. ft. modern homes featuring two private bathrooms, ample ventilation, and abundant natural light. These thoughtfully designed spaces ensure that every child can grow up in a healthy, nurturing environment.

Playgrounds, Podiums, and Green Spaces

Each residential tower includes open podium-level recreational zones with children’s parks, landscaped gardens, and seating areas for families. The redevelopment introduces around 700 trees and shrubs, transforming a once-congested area into a green, breathable community. Children now have safe, open spaces to play—far from the traffic-choked lanes that once defined the neighbourhood.

Child-Friendly, Safer Streets

Bhendi Bazaar’s narrow 7-meter lanes are being widened to 18 meters, creating safer, pedestrian-friendly roads. Dedicated footpaths and walkways make it easier for children to walk to school and explore their surroundings. The streets are being reimagined with wider passageways, vibrant shops, and open play zones, ensuring families can move freely and safely through their neighbourhood.

A Community Built for the Future

With secure infrastructure, organized open areas, green zones, and modern utilities, SBUT’s vision for Bhendi Bazaar is setting a new benchmark for child-friendly urban redevelopment. The project demonstrates how cities can evolve to protect and empower their youngest residents.

This Children’s Day, SBUT’s Bhendi Bazaar stands as a living example that building cities is also about building childhoods—where every home, street, and open space helps children thrive with joy, health, and opportunity.

Novotel Vijayawada Varun Ushers in the Festive Season with Joyous Cake Mixing and Grape Stomping Celebration

Vijayawada, 10th November, 2025: The season of joy arrived early at Novotel Vijayawada Varun as the hotel hosted its much-anticipated Cake Mixing and Grape Stomping ceremony on 8th November. The event brought together the city’s finest from influencers and food enthusiasts to members of the media for an afternoon of cheer, flavour, and festivity.

Reflecting on the celebration, Manish Pathak, Hotel Manager, Novotel Vijayawada Varun, shared,

“This season is all about togetherness and gratitude. At Novotel, we believe in creating moments that matter moments that bring people together and celebrate life’s simple joys. With joy, warmth, and hospitality at our heart, we were excited to welcome everyone to many more memorable experiences this festive season.”

Fresh off its win at the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Awards 2025 as the Best Five-Star Deluxe Hotel, Novotel Vijayawada Varun continues to raise the bar for hospitality and celebrations in the region. The afternoon unfolded in true festive fashion with delicious pass-arounds, warm conversations over tea and coffee, and the unmistakable aroma of Christmas ingredients filling the air.

The highlight of the day was the grand cake mixing ritual symbolising togetherness and the start of the holiday season. The hotel’s skilled culinary team guided guests to a beautifully decorated mixing table where they joyfully folded in the ingredients. The celebration continued with an exuberant grape stomping session that had everyone on their feet, paying tribute to the old-world winemaking traditions. 

With festive cheer in full swing, Novotel Vijayawada Varun sets the tone for a season filled with celebration, connection, and culinary delight.

Kenya Tourism Board Crowned Best In Afric

Nairobi, Kenya, 10th November, 2025: The Kenya Tourism Board has been crowned as the best tourism board in Africa, at the Africa Tourism Awards 2025 (The Balearica Awards), held on 1 November at the Hilton London Canary Wharf. 

The Kenya Tourism Board beat renowned competitors including Egypt Tourism Authority, Rwanda Development Board, South African Tourism, Mauritius Tourism Promotion Authority, and Instituto do Turismo de Cabo Verde, affirming Kenya’s position as a continental benchmark for destination marketing and promotion.

Other winners were the Masai Mara National Reserve, which was named Best Safari Destination, reinforcing Kenya’s leadership in African tourism.

The Masai Mara National Reserve’s award as Best Safari Destination follows stiff competition from iconic parks such as Chobe, Kruger, Serengeti, South Luangwa, and Volcanoes National Parks. This accolade highlights the Mara’s unmatched wildlife experiences, especially the celebrated annual wildebeest migration, and its pioneering community-focused conservation efforts.

Kenya’s success extends beyond these wins. KTB also received commendations in categories such as Best Tourism Video with the acclaimed campaign “This is the Real Deal,” Best Country Destination, Best City Destination for Nairobi, and Best International Airport for Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. These recognitions collectively demonstrate Kenya’s diverse tourism appeal and infrastructure excellence.

Speaking on the awards, Allan Njoroge, Acting CEO of Kenya Tourism Board, said:

“These accolades are a strong testament to Kenya’s extraordinary natural heritage and our commitment to sustainable tourism growth. The Masai Mara remains our crown jewel and one of the world’s premier safari destinations. Our recognition as Best Tourism Board reflects KTB’s innovative marketing strategies, strategic partnerships, and concerted efforts to grow visitor arrivals, boost revenue, and create millions of jobs for Kenyans.”

These awards came at the side lines of the 2025 World Travel Market (WTM) in London, where Kenya Tourism Board showcased the destination. KTB led a dynamic Kenyan delegation to the global tourism showcase, leveraging the platform to forge new partnerships, promote Kenya’s newest tourism products, and drive international arrivals. 

The Board’s presence at WTM amplified Kenya’s diverse offerings, including adventure, cultural festivals, coastal experiences, and eco-tourism, ensuring Kenya remains top of mind for travellers worldwide.

Kenya continues to raise its profile as Africa’s premier tourism destination, combining world-class wildlife experiences with vibrant cultural heritage, modern infrastructure, and warm hospitality

Kenya Tourism Board (KTB) is a state corporation established and regulated under the Tourism Act 2011. Our mandate is to develop, implement and co-ordinate a National Tourism Marketing Strategy. To market Kenya as the home of human origin and as an all-year-round diverse, sustainable and authentic tourism destination.

Magical Kenya is the flagship tourism brand created and managed by the KTB. Magical Kenya captures the essence of Kenya’s diverse offerings, promoting the country as a must-visit destination for local, regional, and international travellers.

D Y Chandrachud and Shashi Tharoor Explore the Indian Constitution at Mumbai LitFest 2025

Former CJI D Y Chandrachud & Shashi Tharoor discuss their books on the Indian Constitution at the 16th edition of Literature Live The Mumbai LitFest

By: Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud

Recounting how the book Why The Constitution Matters came about, Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, said, “When you write the judgement, it constrains the range of ideas you can cover. And I thought I should develop some ideas which were spoken about. I wanted to tell the people what the Constitution does for them in simple terms and debunk some myths.”

He further added, “Certain concepts in the Constitution have evolved with how India has evolved over the years. It is a living document, and not frozen at the date of its birth. There is so much of the Constitution that is work-in-progress with the citizens. Our Constitution speaks in different languages to different people and that’s the beauty of it.”

By: Shashi Tharoor

Speaking about Constitutional morality, Shashi Tharoor said, “Constitutional morality was introduced by Dr B R Ambedkar. It was he who said that it wasn’t enough to just have the Constitution but that to instill Constitutional morality in people. However, Constitutional morality is less likely to come out in our legislation because legislators tend to be too dependent on the dislikes and prejudices of their electorate as they will be facing them tomorrow. Ultimately, politicians are accountable to their electors but judges are not. I think Constitutional morality evolves from the spirit of the interpretations of judges.”

India Circus by Krsnaa Mehta Unveils November Home Edit for Cozy Living

India, 8th November, 2025: As the golden light of November begins to set in and India transitions into the season of softer air and slower moments, India Circus by Krsnaa Mehta unveils its “Cozy Corners for Cooler Days” collection a celebration of comfort, colour, and creative living.

This thoughtfully curated edit brings warmth and design together, inspiring you to transform your home into a sanctuary of calm and comfort. November in India is that perfect pause after the festive buzz, before the full chill of winter when homes become spaces for rest, reflection, and renewed creativity. The new collection from India Circus captures exactly that mood: familiar yet fresh, modern yet deeply rooted in the brand’s signature aesthetic of Indian patterns reimagined for contemporary living.

At the heart of this collection are the brand’s luxurious quilted bed cover sets, crafted from lightweight yet insulating fabric designed to cocoon you in comfort. Each quilt is meticulously layered with two tiers of padding the inner layer providing a soft cushion close to your skin, and the outer layer maintaining that crisp, elegant look that endures through years of use. Perfect for mild winter nights or breezy evenings, these quilted bed cover sets bring together beauty, durability, and the unmistakable charm of India Circus’ design language.

To complete the look, the collection extends beyond the bedroom into your living spaces and reading nooks. The brand’s vibrant cushion covers add a refreshing pop of colour and pattern, instantly elevating sofas, daybeds, or even floor setups for relaxed evenings. Crafted in rich textures and inspired by the art, architecture, and everyday vibrance of India, these cushions invite you to mix, match, and layer creating cozy corners that reflect your own personality.

No corner is complete without the right backdrop. India Circus’ signature wallpapers introduce visual warmth and character, transforming your walls into statement canvases. Designed with intricate motifs, bold hues, and contemporary detailing, these wallpapers bring depth and dimension to any room perfect for creating an inviting setting that feels both personal and polished.

“With this collection, we wanted to capture the essence of comfort that November naturally brings a moment to pause, to rest, and to find beauty in the everyday,” says Krsnaa Mehta, Founder and Executive Director, India Circus by Krsnaa Mehta. “Our homes are a reflection of how we feel, and this collection is about creating warmth visually, emotionally, and sensorially.”

Whether you’re curling up under a quilt with your morning chai, lounging in a colourful corner, or simply refreshing your space after the festive season, this collection offers effortless ways to layer warmth, design, and Indian craftsmanship.

Creative Economy Forum 2025 Unites India’s Cultural and Business Leaders to Build the Future of Creative Bharat

New Delhi, 07th November, 2025: The third edition of the Creative Economy Forum (CEF) opens today at the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), Janpath, New Delhi, bringing together India’s leading creative minds, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and innovators to shape the future of Creative Bharat a vision of economic growth rooted in culture, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, Ministry of Tourism, and the AI Impact Summit (Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology), this two-day forum serves as a flagship platform celebrating and advancing India’s creative and cultural industries. With IGNCA as the Venue Partner, CEF 2025 features high-level dialogues, keynotes, and spotlight sessions that explore the intersections of film, fashion, art, design, technology, and policy.

Celebrating Building Creative Bharat

“Our third season celebrates the theme Building Creative Bharat,” said Ms Supriya Suri, Founder, Creative Economy Forum, Film Director & Producer. “The forum was founded on the pillars of policy, business, and creativity and this year, we continue to strengthen those connections. Through CEF, we aim to highlight the business of creativity, helping people recognize its infinite potential and India’s growing influence as a global hub for the creative economy.”

Echoing his views, Mr. Harman Baweja, Actor, Producer, and Entrepreneur, said, “India’s creative sector is poised for exponential growth. The journey of creative entrepreneurs today mirrors that of startups we’re seeing creators build intellectual properties with real commercial value. The Creative Economy Forum is the perfect stage to share, learn, and collaborate on this new wave of creative entrepreneurship.”

Adding an industry perspective, Ms. Avarna Jain, Chairperson, RPSG Group, shared, “India’s creative economy is a force multiplier for innovation, cultural diplomacy, and job creation. Platforms like CEF enable meaningful dialogues that drive both recognition and investment into the creative industries.”

Distinguished Voices and Industry Leaders

This year’s forum features prominent leaders and creative pioneers, including:

• Sanjeev Sanyal, Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister

• Dr. Sachchidanand Joshi, Member Secretary, IGNCA, Ministry of Culture

• Rajat Sharma, Chairman & Editor-in-Chief, India TV

• Harman Baweja, Actor, Producer & Entrepreneur

• Avarna Jain, Chairperson, PRSG Group

• Sanjay Nigam, Founder, Fashion Entrepreneur Fund & Creator of Pitch to Get Rich

• Amish Tripathi, Author & Broadcaster

• Dr. Anurag Batra, Editor-in-Chief, Businessworld & Founder, exchange4media Group

• Shefalee Vasudev, Editor-in-Chief, The Voice of Fashion

• Rina Dhaka, Fashion Designer

• Rajiv Chilaka, Founder, Chhota Bheem & Green Gold Animation

• Charuvi Agrawal, Founder, Charuvi Design Labs

International voices include Gayle McPherson and Marie McPartlin, Director, Somerset House Studios, UK, among others.

Marquee Sessions

Some of the key sessions at this year’s forum include:

1. The Road to IPO for India’s Creative Businesses with Harman Baweja

2. Creative Capital: Investing in India’s Design Future with Sanjay Nigam

3. Aap Ki Adalat: The Journey of India’s Iconic Non-Fiction IP with Rajat Sharma

4. Building Trust in Creative Bharat: Rights, Reputation & Recognition with Hon’ble Justice Tej Karia, Delhi High Court

5. Crafting Commerce: The Business Journeys of Creative Professionals featuring Rina Dhaka, Charu Shankar, and Shefalee Vasudev

6. Pop Culture Merch & Building Indian Labubu Dolls featuring Nitesh Rohit, Rajiv Chilaka, Charuvi Agrawal; moderated by Aleena Qureshi

7. Cinema Theatre Economics: Encouraging Business Growth and the Future of Screens with Akshay Rathie and Deepak Kumar Sharma, moderated by Uday Pratap Singh

8. Empowering the Creative Economy: AI in Action — spotlighting leaders in India’s AI and creative tech ecosystem.

TANDANANA Annamacharya International Music Competition 2025 to Host Grand Finale on December 20

TANDANANA Annamacharya International Music Competition 2025 Grand Finale on 20th December 2025

Hyderabad, 07th November, 2025: Annamacharya Bhavana Vahini (ABV), founded by Padma Shri Dr. Shobha Raju, is delighted to announce the Grand Finals of “TANDANANA, Annamacharya International Music Competition 2025”, to be held on 20th December 2025 at 6:00 PM onwards at Annamayyapuram, NAC Road, Hitech City, Hyderabad.

“Tandanana”, the refrain found in Saint Annamacharya’s Sankeertana, represents the spirit of universal harmony, devotion, and equality. This international competition, organized by ABV, has drawn participants from across the globe, celebrating Annamacharya’s timeless compositions that transcend barriers of caste, creed, and culture.

Dr. Shoba Raju, Founder President, Annamacharya Bhavana Vahini (ABV); said, The main purpose of my teaching is to educate the people about the true spirit of music. I want to give them encouragement in a good way. I want to educate them about the values of our culture in a positive way. I want to educate them about the importance of Annamacharya. Why only Annamacharya Sankirtanas? I believe that Annamacharya Sankirtanas spoke about Bhagavat Tattva in a very profound way. Venkateshwara Swamy is not just a statue on a hill. He is the energy of the universe. He is bright in the sun and moon. He is hot and bright in the fire that we see in the world. Annamacharya Sankirtanas taught us a lot of things in a logical way. We are not different from others. We have the same power and they have the same power. Sometimes we believe it, sometimes we don’t. Belief is also a kind of superstition, But this is the truth. If we know this and practice it in the world, then there will be no ignorance, no confusion, no discrimination. Even if one person is conscious and the other is not conscious, there will be some confusion in the world. If you want to switch on the TV, if you want to switch on the social media phone, you have to have some kind of power to switch it on. Otherwise it will be scary.  Such news is coming. Such events are happening in the world. Have you ever heard of a wife killing her husband? a son killing his mother? a father torturing his daughter? There are many such events happening in the world. There are also many natural disasters happening. The root cause of all these is the wrong thoughts and selfish thoughts. The more we live in harmony with nature, the more the obstacles will be removed. When we live in harmony with nature, we will find peace and contentment, This is what we are doing. To achieve this, I am giving great importance to Annamacharya Sankirtana. Annamacharya Sankirtana is a great way to achieve this. All of you must have experienced Annamacharya Sankirtana.

Ms. Jyotsna Kompalli, Program Director, Tandanana – Annamacharya International Music Competition 2025; said, we have received entries from 18 countries. We have sent auditions to 600 plus participants.  We have sub-juniors below 6 years, juniors from 7 to 15 years, and seniors above 16 years. We have divided the auditions into three categories. We have received good participation in all three categories. This shows how popular and spiritually our generation is inclined. We have screened the auditions. After screening, three finalists are shortlisted from each category. These three finalists perform live on the day of the grand finale. After the grand finale, the finalists announce the winner from each category. The winners get a prize distribution on the hands of Chandra Babu in Amaravathi. This is the plan. We have taken the initiative of Tandanana Annamacharya International Music Competition at this scale.

Mr. Subba Rao, Program Advisor, Tandanana – Annamacharya International Music Competition 2025; said, When I first came to America, I did not know that this was a Kacheri. A lot of youngsters teach this Kacheri to their children. They teach this Kacheri because it is a way of singing. That is why, there are a lot of fun musical directors like Ilaiyaraaja, Devi Sri Prasad & Smita. There are a lot of people who come to America and do musical Kacharis does is a lot of fun. The Saturdays and Sundays are a waste of time. How should the children feel when they hear this name? How should they feel when they hear the name Sankirtanas? It is the feeling that the children feel when they hear this name. It is a very big problem. Even today, there are so many reasons for the issues.

We announced singing competitions in three age groups to encourage participation from young, aspiring, and senior vocalists alike. We received over 600+ valid entries from 12 countries, including Dubai, Singapore, and the USA, as well as from various States across India.

These entries were meticulously scrutinized by a panel of experienced musicians, and nine singers shall be selected for the Grand Finals.

A team of popular playback singers will conduct the Finals on 20th December 2025 at Annamayyapuram, Hyderabad, during the Grand Finale, and the winners will be announced on the same day.

The three finalists will receive Gold Medals graciously sponsored by Margadarsi Chit Funds Pvt. Ltd., led by Smt. Sailaja Kiron. We are also privileged to share that Sri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, has consented to present the Gold Medals to the winners at a special ceremony in Vijayawada.

The Grand Finale will be graced by revered Sri Chinna Jeeyar Swamiji as the Chief Guest, and other eminent dignitaries and patrons of art and spirituality. The event promises to be a grand confluence of music, devotion, and cultural unity.

Under the dynamic leadership of Padmasri Awardee Dr. Shobha Raju garu, the event aims to reach a global audience through extensive media and community participation.

As we prepare for this historic celebration, Annamacharya Bhavana Vahini warmly invites sponsors, patrons, and well-wishers to join hands in supporting this divine mission. Your generous contributions will help sustain the legacy of Saint Annamacharya and inspire future generations through music rooted in devotion and human values.

Lupin Receives EIR from U.S. FDA for its Pithampur Unit-3 Facility

Mumbai, 06th November, 2025: Global pharma major Lupin Limited (Lupin) today announced that it has received the Establishment Inspection Report (EIR) from the United States Food and Drug Administration (U.S. FDA) for its Pithampur Unit-3 facility, following an inspection from July 7 to July 17, 2025. The facility manufactures metered dose inhalers, dry powder inhalers, topical formulations, and nasal solutions.

Nilesh Gupta, Managing Director, Lupin said, “We are pleased to have received the EIR from the U.S. FDA for our Pithampur Unit-3 facility. This demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the highest standards of compliance and quality, as we aim to deliver high-quality, affordable medicines from world-class factories for patients worldwide.”

Virtusa Foundation Revives Ranglal Kunta Lake in Hyderabad

Virtusa Foundation Restores Ranglal Kunta Lake in Hyderabad’s Financial District

India, 06th November, 2025: Virtusa Corporation, a leading product and platform engineering services company, through its philanthropic arm, Virtusa Foundation, has successfully completed the restoration of Ranglal Kunta Lake in Hyderabad’s Financial District. In partnership with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and implemented by United Way of Hyderabad, the project has transformed the 3.5-acre lake near Virtusa’s Hyderabad campus into a thriving urban ecosystem and a clean, green recreational space for the surrounding communities.

The rejuvenation underscores Virtusa Foundation’s continued efforts to create sustainable environmental impact and improving community well-being. The comprehensive restoration program over two and a half years has transformed the dry lakebed into a healthy water body now capable of sustaining both nature and community life. This dry lakebed has regained its full water-holding capacity of 24 million litres, ensuring year-round water retention. The return of over 14 native species of birds, butterflies, and other fauna and flora have revived the local ecosystem. The enhanced groundwater recharge and an improved microclimate have brought direct benefits to employees working within the immediate vicinity of the financial district.

The Ranglal Kunta Lake had long suffered from continuous sewage discharge from the Nanakramguda area. With support from GHMC, these sewage inflows were diverted to a nearby drain, addressing a long-standing environmental challenge and enabling the restoration to move forward. The rejuvenation involved extensive desilting and deepening of the lakebed, construction of a stone-pitched bund, and installation of bio-remediation systems with aeration support. The project also introduced a pedestrian walkway with secure fencing, a landscaped green zone with a plantation, a gazebo, a pergola, and seating areas, along with a weir gate to regulate water levels and maintain ecological balance. The restored lake now serves as a community-friendly green space that connects people with nature while supporting a healthy ecosystem. This, in turn, contributes to Hyderabad’s vision for sustainable urban living and reflects Virtusa’s belief that healthy environments nurture stronger communities. 

The replenished lake was inaugurated today in the presence of Arekapudi Gandhi, MLA, Serilingampally; Hemanth Borkhade, IAS, Zonal Commissioner, GHMC; M. Kavitha, Zonal Commissioner, TGIIC; Madhuri Duggirala, Vice President, gTech Ads Solutions, Google Hyderabad Site Lead. Their participation reflected a shared vision for sustainable urban development and environmental rejuvenation in Hyderabad’s Financial District. 

Speaking on the occasion, Amit Bajoria, Chief Financial Officer, Virtusa Corporation, said, “

At Virtusa, sustainability is a core responsibility that guides how we contribute to communities and the environment. The restoration of Ranglal Kunta Lake reflects our belief that progress and purpose can move together. What was once a barren space has now become a thriving ecosystem that supports biodiversity and community well-being. This transformation shows that when organizations, civic bodies, and citizens work with shared intent, change becomes visible, lasting, and deeply fulfilling. For Virtusa, this initiative reflects our purpose of making experiences better with technology and responsibility, bringing together innovation and compassion to build communities that thrive.”

This initiative is part of Virtusa’s broader sustainability vision, reflecting its commitment to engineering measurable environmental impact and fostering sustainable urban ecosystems. Through strategic partnerships and active community engagement, the Virtusa Foundation continues to address societal challenges while empowering individuals and communities to create lasting social outcomes, guided by its purpose of making experiences better with technology.

Curtain Up on a Bigger Canvas: TIFA 2025 Poised to Elevate Young Filmmakers and Content Creators

Bangalore, 6th November 2025: The Teen Indie Film Awards (TIFA) 2025, hosted by RV University’s School of Film, Media & Creative Arts in Bengaluru, is set to become an even more powerful stage for young filmmakers and content creators aged 13 to 25. Building on its recent growth, TIFA has quickly established itself as the city’s third-largest film festival after BIFFES and BISFF.

At its core, TIFA is not just a festival, but a launchpad where budding filmmakers meet industry. At the curtain raiser of TIFA 2025, H. N. Narahari Rao, President of Suchitra Film Society, unveiled the festival catalogue and teaser. The event also featured the screening of select films representing four continents and spanning four genres, offering a glimpse into the diversity and creative spirit of this year’s festival.

This year, the five-day festival is thoughtfully structured around key thematic zones, moving beyond a standard film celebration: Media Day (focused on journalism and media), AVGC Day (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), Regional Cinema Day (Karnataka as state in focus) and the Awards Night.

The esteemed jury panel features prominent names, including Television and Film Actor Amit Behl; Editor – International at TV9, R Sridharan; Assamese filmmaker and critic Utpal Datta; CEO and Founder of The Bridge, Amanda Groom; and Founder of Custard Apple Pictures, M.N. Gujari, Author, Ed Vollans, among others.

TIFA 2025 is deepening its focus on industry connections through partnerships with leading media houses and film production companies. Major players in the realm of Film and Media, such as Frameboxx, Hombale Films, TV9, among others will host dedicated sessions and masterclasses throughout the festival.

The festival will host a series of high-stake competitions designed to discover emerging voices in Film, Media & Creative Arts, including the AVGC Hackathon, RJ Hunt, and The Talent Hunt for Emerging Filmmakers of Tomorrow (THEFT), a thrilling 48-hour filmmaking challenge where winners stand a chance to be launched by Hombale Films.

“At 300+ submissions from 40 countries and six continents, TIFA, in its fourth edition, has truly emerged as India’s largest student-led global film festival dedicated to teenage and young adult filmmakers” said Prof. Piyush Roy, Founding Dean of the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences at RV University. “With TIFA, we are creating a clear pathway from campus to screen, from idea to audience, and from young talent straight into professional careers.”

“With finalists having been selected across several genres – fiction, documentary, experimental and animation – and from different regions of Karnataka, India and the world, the festival is also emphasising its regional, national, and global breadth. TIFA will feature an opening film from North East India and has a clear roadmap for a future roadshow in Guwahati to further extend the platform’s national reach will seek to underline themes of childhood and diversity in the youth experience from across the world,” said Vedant Panamgipalli, 3rd Year BSc. Filmmaking Student at the School of Film, Media and Creative Arts and Festival Director of TIFA 2025.

Those interested in attending the festival must register ahead to join this unparalleled celebration of youth creativity.