Category Archives: News

Indrani Dutt Unveiled “Punarjanmo” at the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair

Kolkata, Jan 30: Renowned poet, writer, and lyricist Indrani Dutt launched her book “Punarjanma” , a select collection of her upcoming poems, at the 49th International Kolkata Book Fair, marking a moment of deep literary reflection and renewal. The launch was graced by Shree Tridib Kumar Chatterjee, Author, Editor, General Secretary of the Publishers & Booksellers Guild & Shree Saikat Mukhopadhyay, Author along with Indrani Dutt, Renowned poet, writer, and lyricist , who came together to celebrate poetry as a powerful voice of conscience, resistance, and rebirth.

“Punarjanmo” which translates to Rebirth, resonated deeply with readers through its evocative themes of struggle, inner strength, and the triumph of hope over despair. Rooted in vivid imagery and emotional depth, the poems reflected a shared memory of pain, protest, and steadfast resolve, ultimately arriving at the promise of light after darkness. The verses flowed from anguish and helplessness to courage, renewal, and a deep rooted belief in justice and freedom.

Speaking on the occasion, Indrani Dutt said,

“Punarjanma is not just a collection of poems; it is a reflection of our collective wounds and our collective courage. It speaks of despair, but more importantly, it speaks of hope, of rising afresh with faith, truth, and justice. This book is my humble attempt to capture that eternal cycle of pain, resistance, and rebirth that defines humanity.”

IICT to Host Global Game Jam 2026 Mumbai, Joining the World’s Largest Game Creation Movement

The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT) will serve as the official Mumbai jam site for Global Game Jam 2026, the world’s largest game creation event, scheduled from 30 January to 1 February 2026.

Global Game Jam is a globally celebrated initiative that takes place simultaneously across hundreds of locations worldwide, bringing together game developers, designers, artists, programmers, musicians, and storytellers for an intense 48-hour creative sprint. It is facilitated by Underdogs Studio. Participants collaborate across disciplines to conceptualise and build playable games from scratch, driven by innovation, experimentation, and creative problem-solving.

For decades, India has been recognised globally as one of the world’s largest and most passionate gaming markets. With Global Game Jam 2026, that narrative takes a decisive turn. India is no longer positioned solely as a consumer of global gaming content, but as an active creator, building original games, intellectual property, and interactive experiences for the world.

As an official jam site, IICT Mumbai will host participants for an immersive, hands-on experience, providing a collaborative ecosystem where ideas rapidly transform into functional games. The initiative reinforces IICT’s vision of experiential learning, community-led innovation, and skill development within the rapidly growing AVGC-XR sector.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Vishwas Deoskar, CEO, Indian Institute of Creative Technologies (IICT), said:

“Global Game Jam represents the true spirit of collaboration and creative freedom that defines the gaming and interactive media industry. By hosting Global Game Jam Mumbai at IICT, we are creating a platform where young creators and professionals can learn by doing, experiment fearlessly, and engage with global creative practices. This initiative strongly aligns with IICT’s mission to nurture future-ready talent and position Mumbai as a key hub in the global game development ecosystem.”

Shweta Mahadik to Host Clay Bird Workshop at Kala Ghoda Arts Festival

Mumbai, Jan 29: Actor and celebrated DIY creator Shweta Mahadik will host a Clay Bird Making Workshop at the YWCA International Centre, Kala Ghoda, on Sunday, 1st February 2026, from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm, as part of Asia’s largest street art festival, the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival.

The 90-minute hands-on workshop invites participants to reconnect with the joy of working with their hands. Guided step by step, attendees will shape clay into charming birds that can later be transformed into paperweights, wind chimes, or decorative table centrepieces. Designed for an intimate group of 25–30 participants, the session includes all materials and is open to beginners as well as craft enthusiasts.

More than a craft activity, the workshop celebrates mindful making, sustainability, and the beauty of imperfection, values that resonate with the spirit of Kala Ghoda.

Speaking about the initiative, Brinda Miller, Chairperson of the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, said:

“Kala Ghoda has always been a space where art becomes something you can experience, not just observe. Workshops like this bring people closer to the creative process and remind us that art can be simple, tactile, and deeply personal.”

Shweta Mahadik first gained national attention during the COVID-19 lockdown with her imaginative DIY recreations blending fashion, sustainability, and accessibility. Her recreation inspired by the Sabyasachi Mukherjee x H&M collaboration went viral in the Indian fashion community. She later received international recognition when handpicked by American Eagle for a sustainability-focused campaign, with one of her upcycled garments showcased at an exhibition in London.

Reflecting on the workshop, Shweta Mahadik said:

“Working with clay feels grounding in a way that very few things do. These little birds are symbols of freedom and imagination, and I love the idea of people taking home something they created with their own hands. Art doesn’t have to be complicated; sometimes it just begins with touching the earth.”

Set within the vibrant Kala Ghoda precinct, the workshop promises to be more than an activity—it offers a shared moment of creativity, calm, and community amidst the city’s bustling rhythm.

For media enquiries, interviews, or further information, Shweta Mahadik is available for conversations and feature stories.

Life n Colors x Shabnam Gupta Reveal the ‘Neelvana’ Collection: A World of Monochromatic Forest Lore

New Delhi, India, Jan 29:  Somewhere in the soft haze between memory and imagination lies a forest that is at once quiet, layered, and deeply immersive. This is the world of Neelvana, the latest panoramic wallpapers collection by Life n Colors, India’s premier design house, co-created with the acclaimed interior designer, Shabnam Gupta.

Neelvana is born from a long-standing creative kinship between the two, across numerous high-profile residential and commercial projects, which reflects a shared approach towards ‘intentionally styled’ living. As its name suggests, Neelvana is a journey through an imaginary forest with illustrated landscapes and rich flora that breathe a sculptural depth into modern interiors. Through graceful arches and glimpses of architectural facades, the collection draws attention to the peace found within natural landscapes. It is a soulful reminder of the world’s vanishing greenery and a tribute to the quiet beauty we must never take for granted.

Speaking about the collaboration, Apourva, co-founder, Life n Colors, says,

“The idea of Neelvan felt natural, not as a theme, but as a state of mind. The palette in this collection mirrors the shifting soul of the forest throughout the day: the fresh Moss Green of morning, the warm Sepia of high noon, the ethereal Blue of dusk, and a Charcoal Grey that captures the mystery of the deep woods. Neelvana does not merely decorate a wall; it allows a room to breathe through the four distinct temperaments of a single day.”

Speaking on the design approach, Shabnam Gupta shares,

“The intention was to reinterpret the forest as a surface system; introducing a fresh sense of shade, scale, and layering without visual excess. These deep forests exist as an abstracted sanctuary rather than a direct reference. Working with Life n Colors brought this vision to life through their profound understanding of surfaces, scale, and the way high-end design lives within a home.”

Central to the collection are designs like Monochrome Ascents, which capture vertical vitality through stylised tree forms. In contrast, Monsoon Arches pairs the structure of architectural silhouettes with softened foliage – perfectly reflecting the signature balance of order and natural ease that defines the aesthetics of Life n Colors. Across the collection, surfaces are treated with intent: murals anchor the room’s narrative, while intricate borders provide architectural framing. Ceilings offer an unexpected depth to the room, and when extended to wardrobes and panels, the visual language integrates seamlessly into the rhythm of everyday life.

Parallel to its design narrative, Neelvana carries a quiet acknowledgment of the Aravali forests, which are slowly losing their density. This sensitivity extends into Life n Colors’ approach to making, where creation is guided by care and restraint, alongside conscious efforts to offset environmental impact. Over the past year, the brand has offset approximately 95,000 kg of CO₂ emissions.

This collection is now available through both Peacock Life & Life n Colors experience centre in Gurgaon, Mumbai, and their official website. It invites homeowners and designers alike to step out of the mundane and into a forest of their own making. An invitation to bring this soulful greenery into a space, the collection starts at INR 12,000 per 30 sqm.

WOTR & Hindustan Unilever Foundation Launch Rural Water, Farming & Livelihood Initiative in Gadchiroli

“Gadchiroli is rich in natural resources, yet communities here face increasing challenges from climate change, declining forest cover, and erratic rainfall. With over 32 years of experience across Maharashtra, WOTR considers Gadchiroli a key focus area. Our collaboration with the Hindustan Unilever Foundation will drive meaningful change and foster sustainable development in the region.”

“Empowering communities in Gadchiroli is more than a programme, it is a transformational commitment to inclusive growth, resilience, and dignity. By combining sustainable water solutions with diversified livelihood opportunities, we aim to nurture a future where every drop counts and villages thrive.”

Don Bosco Alumni Liluah Hosts REUNION 2026, Celebrating a Century of Salesian Legacy and Women Achievers

Kolkata, Jan 29: Don Bosco Alumni Liluah (DBL) organized REUNION 2026 – Back to School, a grand homecoming event at the Don Bosco School, Liluah campus, bringing together alumni from the batch of 1970 to the present. The event celebrated nostalgia, fellowship, and the enduring values of the Salesian mission.

Addressing the gathering, the President of DBL highlighted that Reunion 2026 was dedicated to 100 years of Salesian presence in Kolkata. On 11 November 1925, three Salesian priests arrived at Howrah Station, carrying Don Bosco’s vision—a mission that has since transformed thousands of lives through education and social service.

The sprawling Liluah campus warmly welcomed alumni, many of whom travelled from across India and abroad, rekindling memories with former classmates and teachers.

Empowering Women 2026 and DBL Achievers’ Awards

As part of the celebrations and continuing the Adult Literacy Project initiated in 1961, a panel discussion on “Empowering Women 2026” was conducted. Mentored by alumnus and film producer Mr Amit Agarwal, the session featured eminent personalities including Mr Ashoke Vishwanathan (Moderator), Dr Shyamal Samanta, IPS, Ms Smita Roy Chowdhury, Ms Manoshi Roy Chowdhury, Ms Ekavalli Khanna, Ms Mamta Binani, Ms Kanak Lata Datta, and Ms Richa Sharma.

The event also marked the launch of the first-ever DBL Achievers’ Awards 2026, recognizing distinguished alumni—particularly women—who have excelled in their fields. Women awardees included:

• Manoshi Roy Chowdhury (Education)

• Smita Roy Chowdhury (Media)

• Mamta Binani (Corporate)

• Dola Banerji (Sports)

• Kanak Lata Datta (Fashion & Lifestyle)

• Ekavalli Khanna (Film & Entertainment)

• Dr Rupali Basu (Healthcare)

• Tarrunum Malik Jain (Music)

• Richa Sharma (Fashion & Lifestyle)

• Sangeeta Maheshwari (Social Service)

Men achievers included Dr Shyamal Samanta (Public Service), Ashoke Vishwanathan, and Amit Agarwal (Film & Entertainment). Amit Agarwal became the first alumnus to receive the DBL Achievers’ Award in its inaugural edition.

Additionally, past pupil doctors and chartered accountants were felicitated for their professional contributions under the “Recognising Alumni 2026” session.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Biswanath Trivedi expressed gratitude to Amit Agarwal (Batch of 1993) for his support in organising the reunion. “When we approached Amit to recognise his achievements, he suggested we also honour women achievers. This idea was embraced by the committee and has now become one of the most impactful elements in the history of DBL reunions,” said Biswanath. He also announced the formation of profession-based alumni groups to foster collaboration, business opportunities, and employment support.

Alumni shared heartfelt reflections: Avinash Agarwal (1995 ISC Batch), who travelled from Birmingham, UK, said, “I feel rejuvenated returning to my alma mater after 30 years. I’ll take back memories and motivation, and hope to return every year.”

Amit Agarwal, emotional on receiving the DBL Achievers’ Award, recalled his school days and shared, “This recognition motivates me to continue performing at my best. My favourite spots remain the auditorium stairs and the church, where I spent countless hours with friends.”

Fr Sanjay Manohar Kujur, Rector Principal, welcomed the guests and reaffirmed the Salesian commitment to uplifting women and youth from marginalized communities. Rev Fr Joseph Pauria, Provincial of the Kolkata Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, lauded the alumni’s sustained social initiatives, particularly Free Medical Camps and the Adult Literacy Project.

The evening concluded with a live orchestra and a sumptuous dinner, as alumni departed with the promise of returning “Back to School” next year.

Rebounce App Attracts 20K Users in First Month of Launch

India’s first-of-its-kind matchmaking and matrimony app for second chances, Rebounce, specially built for divorced, separated, and widowed individuals, was launched in September, 2025. The app crossed 20k users in little over a month of its launch, reflecting a shift in how Indians are approaching love, remarriage, and second chances.

Rebounce’s Founder and CEO, Ravi Mittal, said,

“Seeking love after divorce or considering remarriage after loss is slowly moving away from being a taboo to a conscious and hopeful next step. The early traction of our app clearly shows that Indians are no longer stuck in the failed marriage narrative. The new generation believes in continuing to live a full and happy life, and giving love a second chance is a huge part of it.”

Casual swipes are out, high intent is in

Rebounce’s user data shows that over 53% men and 64.6% of women on the app are actively looking for marriage, not merely exploring or seeking casual dates. The data clearly indicates that second chances are pursued with more intent and purpose.

The typical age of the app’s users is early 30s, and they are noted to be more emotionally mature, seeking long-term stability, and most of them are presently navigating or dealing with the aftermath of a serious life event, such as divorce or loss of a loved one. On average, women seeking second chances are around 35 and men 31, debunking the myth that remarriage is a later-life decision and is only pursued for companionship, not romance. Data from the app also show that 8 out of 10 users are specifically looking for love, not just a marriage of convenience or company for old age.

Single parents looking for commitment

Rebounce’s consumer data provides a telling insight into the mindset of single parents. 55% of single fathers and 68% of single mothers are looking for marriage-led relationships on the app. It especially emphasizes Rebounce’s family-aware and emotionally responsible matchmaking.

Compatibility, not stigma

The data shows an interesting trend: users are not rigid about their match’s marital history, signalling a notable shift toward compatibility-first relationships and remarriages, where emotional alignment, values, and clarity matter more than labels. Even something as simple as travel compatibility is prioritized over the past experience of a match, with the numbers showing over 57% of men considering travel compatibility an important factor, and only less than 9% taking marital history into consideration while looking for the right match. The numbers also prove that users are serious about a future together.

More than success, it’s a change in mindset

Rebounce’s early success is not about the numbers; it reflects a positive shift in people’s mindset. Divorce is no longer the end, and the steady 20k signups are proof. The app shared that users look at divorce or separation as a mere pause before a better beginning.

When it comes to users seeking long-term relationships, the finding is intriguing. Men with 22.2% are more interested in an exclusive, long-term relationship than women with 16.1%. Users, men and women alike, are noted to be displaying relationship and partner-seeking patterns that stem from more clarity, lived experience, and courage to restart. 

Two eminent PR professionals of Odisha conferred with India’s Regional PR Awards (IRPRA) 2025

Bhubaneswar, Jan 29: To honor and celebrate excellence in public relations, IRPRA a prominent name in the PR industry has announced its list of awardee agencies and professionals for 2025. Advento Communications has been honoured with the Best Regional PR Award, earning a place among the top 20 PR agencies. The India’s Regional PR Awards (IRPRA) 2025, a prestigious platform recognizing outstanding achievement in public relations across regional India, proudly announces its list of winners. The awards were revealed on  January 2026, with the virtual ceremony on 17 January 2026, spotlighting the finest talent and innovation in regional communications. The complete details of the award and the list of winners are available at the link https://share.google/ksCv6O7UXtw94lsey 

Two eminent PR professionals from Odisha named Bijayeeta Tripathy and Pabita Mishra conferred with prestigious IRPRA 2025 Awards 2026 under 40 under 40 Awards category. Bijayeeta Tripathy awarded with Best Creative Entertainment Campaign and Pabita Mishra with Leading PR Campaign for Startups. On this occasion, Bijayeeta Tripathy stated, “We are committed to delivering the best PR services in Odisha.” On the other hand, Pabita Mishra said, “We are encouraged by the trust our clients have placed in us, recognizing us as one of Bhubaneswar’s leading PR agencies.”

IRPRA celebrates exceptional contributions by PR professionals and agencies that have demonstrated creativity, strategic excellence, and impact in their campaigns across diverse categories — from crisis communication and digital media to startup communication and rural outreach. 

 “We are thrilled to honor the remarkable work that reshapes how regional narratives are crafted and communicated,” Spokesperson of IRPRA. “The winners represent the next generation of PR excellence — driving innovation and meaningful engagement in their communities.” 

The esteemed jury panel for IRPRA 2025 comprised renowned experts in communications, media, and corporate public relations, including Archana Muthappa, Kavita Lakhani, Jyotsna Dash Nanda, Tanmana Rath, Smita Srivastava, and others who brought deep industry insight to the judging process.

India’s Regional PR Awards (IRPRA) 2025, under the banner of #40under40, celebrated and honored PR professionals who have made remarkable contributions to the field of regional PR over the past few years. These individuals have demonstrated exceptional skills and dedication, shaping the landscape of PR in India. We proudly announce the winners in various categories.

Cathay Cargo returns to fly elite equine athletes to Hong Kong’s premier international showjumping event

Jan 29: Cathay Cargo has successfully transported approximately 60 elite showjumping horses from Europe to Hong Kong for the Longines Hong Kong International Horse Show, scheduled to take place at AsiaWorld-Expo from 30 January to 1 February 2026.

Building on the success of last year’s event, Cathay Cargo’s specialist teams executed a highly coordinated logistics operation to transport the equine athletes on a 12-hour journey from Liège, Belgium—a central European hub with a well-equipped cargo airport and stabling facilities—to Hong Kong International Airport. The horses travelled aboard a chartered Boeing 747 freighter, whose spacious main deck and temperature-controlled environment provide optimal conditions for safe and comfortable long-haul transport, ensuring the horses arrive calm, healthy, and competition-ready.

Commenting on the operation, Dominic Perret, Director Cargo, Cathay, said: “Transporting world-class equine athletes is both a privilege and a significant responsibility. We understand the pressures riders and owners face ahead of elite competition, which is why our focus is to eliminate travel as a source of stress. Our proven expertise in live animal logistics has driven year-on-year growth in this segment, and supporting an event of this calibre further reinforces our position as a trusted partner for high-stakes animal transport.”

Reimagining the live animal transport experience

As global demand for live animal cargo continues to grow, Cathay Cargo’s approach extends beyond transportation alone. Its Live Animal solution is anchored in three core principles:

• Creature comfort: IATA-compliant travel stalls ensure adequate space, ventilation, and safety.

• Charting the right path: Optimised routing minimises stops and transit time, reducing stress for the animals.

• Flying with trust: Industry-leading IATA CEIV Live Animals certification ensures the highest standards of animal welfare.

Each flight is supported by dedicated human expertise. The horses benefit from priority ground handling and slow-speed tarmac transfers. During the flight, CEIV-certified crew continuously monitor and adjust cargo-hold temperature and airflow, while professional grooms accompany the horses throughout the journey, providing hands-on care and constant supervision.

Jo Peck, Event Director at HPower International, said:

“For an international event of this scale, the stakes are exceptionally high. There is no room for uncertainty when transporting elite equine athletes. That’s why we are delighted to partner with Cathay Cargo for the second consecutive year. Their meticulous care, deep understanding of horses, and world-class cargo discipline provide invaluable assurance, allowing riders and organisers to focus entirely on delivering a successful event.”

Cathay Cargo is the first airline in Asia to achieve IATA’s CEIV Live Animals certification, reflecting its deep expertise in managing complex, high-value animal shipments across multiple species.

The successful delivery of these elite showjumping horses once again underscores Cathay Cargo’s leadership in live animal logistics and its continued partnership with one of Asia’s most anticipated international equestrian events.

CMD, IREDA Calls for Integrated Energy Transition at India Energy Week 2026

Shri Pradip Kumar Das, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA), participated in a high-level roundtable on “Net Zero Emissions: Environmental, Economic and Social Implications – Role of Oil and Biofuels in the Transition” at India Energy Week 2026 in Goa.

Highlighting India’s rapid progress in clean energy, Shri Das noted that the parallel scaling of renewable energy and alternative low-carbon fuels is already delivering tangible outcomes. Initiatives such as ethanol blending are reducing import dependence, lowering emissions, and enhancing energy security, collectively steering the country towards a Viksit Bharat. He emphasised that this integrated approach is aligned with India’s development-first pathway to achieving Net Zero by 2070 and its commitment to install 500 GW of non-fossil fuel capacity by 2030. With India’s per capita electricity consumption still less than one-third of the global average, he stressed the importance of a phased, realistic, and growth-oriented energy transition.

Shri Das further underscored that oil and gas will continue to play a critical transitional role across transport, petrochemicals, and industry, ensuring energy security and price stability. He added that biofuels offer a scalable decarbonisation pathway by leveraging existing infrastructure while simultaneously supporting rural livelihoods.

He also highlighted that India’s clean energy expansion represents one of the largest nation-building opportunities globally, generating significant demand for engineers, financiers, data specialists, and project managers. A just, affordable transition—supported by reskilling initiatives and strong domestic manufacturing—will be essential to maximise social and economic benefits.

Concluding his address, Shri Das stated,

“Oil, gas and biofuels are not obstacles but enablers of a systematic transition. IREDA remains committed to ensuring that India’s climate ambitions are supported by accessible and affordable green finance.”

In addition, the CMD, IREDA, contributed to the CEO Roundtable on “Global Green Hydrogen and its Derivatives Offtake,” where he emphasised that scalable financing mechanisms and coordinated policy support are critical to accelerating the development of India’s green hydrogen and green ammonia markets. He noted that speed and skill, backed by strong policy frameworks, can position India not only as a major manufacturing hub for green hydrogen but also as a significant global export hub.