Category Archives: News

India’s Favorite Trends in 2024: Instagram’s Year-in-Review Highlights the Double-Taps

2024 was a remarkable year for India, marked by an explosion of creativity and innovation on Instagram that resonated globally. At the Meta Festival in Mumbai, we shared Instagram’s 2024 Year-in-Review.

 India Goes Global & The World Goes Desi

Instagram was abuzz with exciting global collaborations, featuring Indian artists teaming up with international stars to create mesmerizing music. These partnerships not only showcased the diversity of Indian talent but also highlighted the universal language of music. Some notable collaborations included Diljit Dosanjh’s collaboration with American rapper Saweetie for the song ‘Khutti’, King’s collaboration with American artist Nick Jonas for the song ‘Maan Meri Jaan’ and Harsh Likhari’s collaboration with Canadian artist Connor Price for the song ‘Customs’.

 In a fascinating turn of events, the world continued to go desi, with Indian trends going global. The Asoka makeup trend was one such example, with creators in countries like Indonesia, Nigeria, and Slovakia trying it out. Creators in Japan were also lip-syncing to dialogues from Bollywood movies like Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham. Furthermore, foreign creators like Drew Hicks and Agu Stanley created content in Indian languages, showcasing how the world is embracing all things desi.

 Regional Music Fueled A Creative Explosion

From chart-topping hits to regional favorites, the country’s diverse musical landscape was on full display. While tracks like ‘Big Dawgs’ and ‘Taambdi Chaambdi’ got global attention, regional music drove a lot of national cheer. Haryanvi track ‘Jale 2’, Punjabi track ‘Ve Haaniyaan’, Marathi track like ‘Gulabi Sadi’, Tamil track ‘Aasa Kooda’, and Bhojpuri track ‘Bandookk’, drive 9.7 million, 3.9 million, 3.8 million, 1.8 million and 1.7 million reels respectively.

 Other breakaway music included ‘Tauba Tauba’ from the movie ‘Bad Newz’, ‘Aaj Ki Raat’ from the movie ‘Stree 2’ and ‘Nadaaniyan’ by Akshath Acharya. These tracks had 3 million, 2.3 million, and 2.2 million reels created with them respectively.

A Year Of Entertainment – From Nostalgic Re-releases, To New Blockbusters

Movies and TV shows capture the zeitgeist of the times like no other, and 2024 seemed like the year of embracing both old favorites and new releases. The re-release of movies like Rockstar and Laila Majnu brought back memories for many, while the 30th anniversary of the iconic series FRIENDS was celebrated by fans worldwide. The ever-expanding memes from the movie Hera Pheri continued to entertain audiences, showcasing the enduring appeal of these beloved titles.

 Among the new releases, the third season of the series Mirzapur and Panchayat, as well as Laapataa Ladies, received widespread acclaim for its talent and Oscar entry. These shows captivated audiences with their engaging storylines and memorable characters.

 Celebrating A Year Of Diverse Triumphs

Indians continued to demonstrate their unrelenting enthusiasm for sports, with each passing year witnessing a growing diversity in their interests. This year was no exception, as the nation came together to cheer on their favorite teams and athletes across various disciplines. This year the nation undeniably cheered the Indian cricket team for the T20 World Cup, they also celebrated Olympians such as Manu Bhaker and Neeraj Chopra, and toasted to Royal Challengers Bangalore’s (RCB) win at the first Women’s Premier League.

 Trailblazers Who Captivated India This Year

Every year, a new crop of talented individuals emerges from the shadows to capture the nation’s attention. These rising stars are not overnight sensations, but rather talented individuals who have been honing their craft for years. An unexpected turn of events catapulted them to national recognition, and 2024 was no exception. These trailblazers were Hanumankind, Nancy Tyagi, Dolly Chai Wala, and the Vada Pao Girl, whose unique talents and personalities left a lasting impact on the cultural landscape.

BCAS Partners with SGA PR to Drive Industry Leadership and Advocate for a Robust Indian Financial System

Mumbai, 12th December 2024: Bombay Chartered Accountants’ Society (BCAS), India’s largest and oldest voluntary professional body of Chartered Accountants, has joined hands with SGA PR, one of the fastest growing communication consultancies in India, to create further awareness about the pivotal role it is playing in the fields of accounting, tax and finance thereby strengthening the economic fabric of India.

SGA PR, as an exclusive communications partner for BCAS, has been entrusted with the role of positioning BCAS as the key industry voice representing the community of chartered accountants in the country besides highlighting all the developmental programmes that the body does to strengthen the Indian financial ecosystem and shape the future of the professionals.

SGA PR is part of the 14-year-old Strategic Growth Advisors Group which has pioneered investor relations and compliance communications practices in India. BCAS is yet another marquee name in the BFSI portfolio of SGA PR which already manages some leading corporates across mutual funds, housing finance, NBFCs and fintechs among others.

“Our association with BCAS started during their 75th anniversary celebrations as we were privileged to be the communications partner for one of the biggest congregations of chartered accountants in India – Reimagine 2024. The association has today fructified into a strong partnership between the two organisations. Our endeavour will be to bring to the fore some of the pioneering work that BCAS has been undertaking that will shape the future of finance in the country.” says Rahul Jain, Partner & Jt. CEO, SGA PR.

BCAS is a not-for-profit professional body that is led by a team of practicing chartered accountants with many of them being regarded as stalwarts in their respective domains. It constitutes of 10 different committees across Direct Tax, Indirect Tax, Accounting & Auditing, Internal Audit, Corporate & Allied Laws and International Taxation among others. For the last 75 years, the body has been working closely with the central government and various state governments, academia and industry professionals to further strengthen the financial ecosystem of the country.’

CA Anand Bathiya, President at BCAS, said, “Ever since its foundation, BCAS has supported the Government of India and the various state governments with research backed inputs and expert opinions on several financial policy parameters. Over the years, we have been playing a distinct role in shaping the financial policy of the country besides also working tirelessly towards the professional development of our young CA colleagues. In SGA PR, we have found the perfect partner to convey our unique story to the broader community that will strongly highlight the ethos and legacy of our great organisation. SGA’s expertise in compliance communications has further reinforced our confidence in them and we look forward to a long partnership.”

Mercedes-Benz R&D India Commemorates 10 Years of Advancing Road Safety Through Accident Research

India, December 12, 2024 – Emphasising its commitment to enhancing road safety awareness, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India (MBRDI) — the largest research and development centre for Mercedes-Benz Group AG outside Germany — celebrated 10 years of its Accident Research team in India at the Mercedes-Benz SAFE ROADS India Summit 2024 in Bengaluru.

Road safety continues to be a pressing concern in India. In 2023, there were over 4.8 lakh road accidents, which claimed 1.72 lakh lives[1]. Our accident investigations in India show that 95% of the driver and front passengers who used seat belts were uninjured, revealing the power of passive safety systems.

Research and innovation in road safety are bridging the gap between risk and safety. Established as the digital hub of global accident research operations, the Accident Research team in India specialises in accident reconstruction, anonymisation, and data analytics across various accident databases, enabling the evaluation of safety system effectiveness under diverse Indian road conditions. Starting active accident investigations in 2019, the team has investigated 52 critical accident cases, including seven involving electric vehicles. A significant milestone includes the first EQS accident investigation, an event that underscored the team’s expertise in emerging automotive technologies. By comparing accident data, the team gains insights into typical accident and deformation patterns, aiding the development of more effective protection systems and enhancing the safety of future Mercedes-Benz vehicle models.

“Road safety is a global challenge that demands localised understanding and actionable solutions. At Mercedes-Benz, our ultimate purpose transcends technology; it’s saving human lives. MBRDI’s decade-long accident research provides crucial insights in fulfilling this purpose. With safety embedded in its core ethos, Mercedes-Benz uses data-driven innovation to address the unique challenges of diverse markets while advancing the collective vision of accident-free mobility by 2050. This milestone marks an important step in translating that vision into reality for India and beyond,” said Prof. Dr. Paul Dick, Director of Vehicle Safety, Durability, Corrosion Protection, Mercedes-Benz AG.

Building on the legacy of 55 years of the Accident Research team in Germany, the India team handles end-to-end responsibilities for Indian accident cases and has developed deep learning-based image anonymisation with over 80% accuracy. With tools such as Xentry diagnostics and Python-based accident data analysis, Mercedes-Benz is leveraging and developing technologies to accelerate the implementation of vehicle safety improvements. The team also uses 3D scanning with Scaniverse, real-time digital data entry, and augmented reality through VuZix smart glasses for efficient global collaboration. e-Call data ensures precise accident tracking, while sophisticated anonymisation techniques protect privacy.

Manu Saale, Managing Director and CEO, Mercedes-Benz Research and Development India said, “We believe that road safety is not just a priority but a shared responsibility. SAFE ROADS is a testament to our commitment to raising awareness, increasing collaboration, and taking an insights-driven approach to address India’s unique road safety challenges. Our teams conduct meticulous critical accident data collection and analyses, enabling us to identify patterns and develop impactful solutions. By integrating technology and partnerships, we are not just enhancing the safety capabilities of our vehicles but are also driving a shift towards safer road practices in India.”

The Mercedes-Benz SAFE ROADS India Summit is part of the nationwide SAFE ROADS initiative launched in 2015, bringing together policymakers, academia, industry, NGOs, and students to foster dialogue and showcase innovative solutions for road safety. A distinguished panel featuring Piyush Tewari, Founder & CEO, SaveLIFE Foundation, M. N. Anucheth, IPS, Joint Police Commissioner (Traffic), Bengaluru, and Pramod Reddemreddy, Director of Marketing, Strategy & Innovation, Bosch Mobility India explored the significance of in-depth data for improved safety.

SAFE ROADS India Summit 2024 also included a student ideathon on road safety, where a team from IIT Madras emerged the winner for their idea on LiDAR-based terrain drop-off detection for ADAS. This uses high-precision sensors to map real-time terrain and alert drivers to hazards in hilly regions. The first runner-up from IIT Hyderabad shared the idea of a dynamic driver feedback system leveraging artificial intelligence to integrate vehicle kinematic characteristics and driver behaviour, providing real-time recommendations for safer driving. The second runner-up, also from IIT Madras, proposed a geo-fencing solution that automatically enforces speed limits in sensitive areas such as school zones and residential neighbourhoods by communicating with a vehicle’s electronic control unit. These ideas demonstrate cutting-edge approaches to improving road safety through advanced technology and intelligent systems.

Goyal Salt to Establish Major Plant in Gandhidham with Rs 80 Crore Investment

Jaipur, December 12, 2024: Goyal Salt Limited, leading FMCG player which specializes in salt, is investing ₹80 crore to set up a large salt manufacturing plant in Gandhidham near salt capital of Kutch with a capacity of 4,50,000 MT. Spread over 12 acres of land, the plant is at trial run stage and expected to be operational by end of January 2025. With this plant, Goyal Salt is going to be the largest player in natural salt in India.

Besides Gandhidham plant, the company has one unit in Nawa City spread over in 15 acres solely dedicated for salt refining, raw salt storage and refined salt packaging with a capacity of 2,10,000 MT p.a.

Goyal Salt produces premium industrial and edible salts which Includes Triple Refined Free Flow Iodized Salt, Industrial Salt, Double Fortified Salt, and Triple Refined Half Dry Salt. It has built a robust presence in North India with presence in Bihar, Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal. It is ambitiously eyeing a spot among the top 3 salt brands in India, as it continues to strengthen the brand in Western part of the country like Maharashtra and Gujarat.

Pramesh Goyal, Managing Director said, “Gandhidham offers a conducive business environment and continues to be a top destination for investments. This new plant is a key step in our expansion, fostering growth in Western and Eastern parts of the country like Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha and Assam.

The new Gandhidham facility represents a substantial investment of ₹ 80 crore, underscoring our commitment to make Goyal Salt a household name in India. The plant is equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure designed to meet the high standards of salt production, ensuring that we continue to deliver world-class products to our customers.”

India is currently the third largest salt producing country, a position that reflects its strong performance and growth potential. While, Goyal Salt has been focusing on increasing its production capacity, expanding its product portfolio and market presence.

Beauty Garage Professional Takes Center Stage as Runway Partner at Cosmoprof India 2024

Mumbai, December 12, 2024 – Beauty Garage Professional, the only Indian hair care brand at Cosmoprof India 2024, stood out at the global event held at Jio World Convention Center, Mumbai. The brand showcased its extensive product range and highlighted its recent acquisition of Gofab Genesis LLP.

As the official Runway Partner for Runway for Cosmoprof Awards by Cosmoprof India, Beauty Garage Professional added glamour to the event, featuring designs by Geisha Designs by Paras and Shalini A special highlight was CEO and Co-Founder of Beauty Garage Professional, Mahesh Ravaria walking the ramp, symbolizing the brand’s innovation and spirit.

Speaking on the occasion, Mahesh Ravaria said, “Cosmoprof India 2024 has been an incredible platform to showcase our products and connect with global industry leaders. Walking the ramp as the sponsor partner of the Runway by Cosmoprof India was a unique and proud moment, reflecting our brand’s journey and aspirations. We are committed to representing India on a global stage through innovation and excellence.”

Cosmoprof India 2024 provided a vibrant platform for networking, collaboration, and celebrating creativity in the beauty industry. Beauty Garage Professional’s participation and its distinctive “Made in India” identity resonated strongly among attendees, cementing its reputation as a trailblazer in the hair care space.

Axis Bank Projects 7% Growth for FY26, Highlighting Local Drivers Amid Global Economic Uncertainty

Nagpur, December, 2024: Pegging growth at an above-consensus 7% in FY26, Axis Bank’s Chief Economist Neelkanth Mishra finds support for the domestic economy in capital formation boosted by a capex cycle reboot, and tailwinds from back-ended fiscal spending in FY25, and the CRR cut and likely further macro-prudential easing helping revive credit growth. In the bank’s India Economic and Market Outlook 2025 report, Mishra and co-authors Prateek Ancha, Tanay Dalal, Pulkit Kapoor and Smriti Mehra highlight heightened global uncertainty in trade, elevated interest rates, slowing growth and deflation risks in China, and currency volatility. However, they believe the major drivers of India’s economy getting back to its trend growth rate of 7% remain local.

Report Highlights

•  Current global growth forecasts show stability, but uncertainty about US policy after 20-Jan clouds visibility.
• Uncertainty in global trade and financial markets likely to remain elevated; higher global rates and USDINR volatility likely.
• 1HFY25 slowdown was driven by unintended fiscal and credit tightening: fiscal spending is already rising, and the CRR cut should ease growth headwinds arising from a shortage of money.
•  The tailwinds from back-ended fiscal spending in FY25, and better credit growth, supported by expected further macro-prudential easing should help the economy reach its potential growth rate of 7% in FY2026.

Uncertain global economic environment; window of opportunity for reforms in India

• Global growth in CY25E is currently projected to be unchanged from CY24 at 3.2%, with the trend growth ~30-40 bps below pre-Covid levels.
•  Under the new US President, who has won a mandate to course-correct or disrupt trade, taxes, regulations, immigration and energy among others, policy pronouncements after 20-Jan-25 are key. Even if their contours and likely impact are uncertain.
•  Trade tariffs may be ineffective in isolation (fiscal deficits, exchange rates and industrial policy matter too), but can indeed disrupt global trade growth. Global trade growth since 2016 has ben driven primarily by the US (imports) and China (exports) post 2016.
• In India, a nearly empty state-election calendar provides a window to push reforms.

Financial uncertainty, higher rates, USDINR volatility

•  Neutral rates have risen by more than 1 percent point across developed economies and may remain well above those seen last decade.
•  In India, we do not see inflation easing quickly: over the long term, core and food price indices move together.
• Though food relative to core, and vegetables relative to food, are both at cyclical highs, the supply response may lag the demand boost from income-transfer schemes.
•  Better demand-supply for government bonds though should help reduce yields. We expect USDINR volatility to rise, though it would be unwise to expect USD strength to last the year.

Cyclical rebound to push growth back to trend

•  1H FY24 loss in momentum for the Indian economy is cyclical, and due to unintended fiscal and monetary tightening; the latter due to a focus on macro stability risks which hurt credit growth.
• Fiscal spending is already rising and the CRR cut should ease growth headwinds.
•  We forecast above-consensus 7% growth in FY26, with capital formation boosted by the restart of the capex cycle and tailwinds from back-ended fiscal spending in FY25, supported by further macro-prudential easing to help re-accelerate credit growth.

‘India Economic and Market Outlook 2025: Turbulence globally, while drivers remain local’ – Neelkanth Mishra, Prateek Ancha; Tanay Dalal, Pulkit Kapoor, Smriti Mehra. December 10, 2024, Axis Bank Ltd.

Innovative Conversations at Gillco International School’s ‘Let’s Talk Education’ Event on Future Learning

Gillco International School proudly served as the host of Let’s Talk Education a pioneering 10-day event organized by Bootcamps, which traveled across 10 schools in 10 cities. This extraordinary initiative brought together a diverse group of educators, school leaders, and students to discuss the future of education, explore innovative teaching strategies, and honor exceptional leadership in the education sector.

The event served as a powerful platform for dynamic conversations about the rapidly changing landscape of education, offering opportunities for collaboration and knowledge sharing. Mr. Akshay Ahuja, Co-Founder of Bootcamps, delivered an engaging keynote address that set the stage for the entire event. His session focused on revolutionizing education through personalized learning, embracing educational technology, and fostering innovation in schools. Mr. Ahuja emphasized the importance of preparing students for the future by equipping them with the skills and mindset necessary for success in an increasingly digital world. His thought-provoking ideas resonated deeply with attendees, inspiring them to think critically about how they can transform education within their own institutions.

Interactive Workshops and Meaningful Conversations

Beyond the keynote sessions and discussions, ‘Let’s Talk Education’ offered attendees the opportunity to engage in interactive workshops that addressed some of the most pressing challenges in education today. Topics ranged from rethinking curriculum design and advancing digital literacy to adopting student-centered teaching practices and navigating the intersection of technology and pedagogy. These hands-on sessions provided practical tools and strategies that participants could immediately implement in their schools.

A Vision for the Future of Education

Reflecting on the significance of the event,Dr. Kritika Kaushal stated, “‘Let’s Talk Education’ was a transformative experience for all of us at Gillco International School. It not only allowed us to connect with like-minded educators and share ideas but also reinforced our commitment to being at the forefront of educational innovation. This event is a testament to the collective effort required to create a future where education evolves to meet the needs of every student.”

Mr. Akshay Ahuja echoed these sentiments, adding, “Education is no longer just about imparting knowledge; it’s about fostering critical thinking, adaptability, and creativity. ‘Let’s Talk Education’ is exactly the kind of platform we need to facilitate these discussions, empower educators, and create actionable solutions for the challenges we face in schools today.”

The success of ‘Let’s Talk Education’] at Gillco International School has set a new standard for educational events, reinforcing the school’s position as a leader in embracing innovation and change. Through such initiatives, Gillco continues to create impactful spaces for educators to explore new horizons, exchange ideas, and ultimately shape the future of education in India and beyond.

Times Prime & Shoppers Stop Roll Out the Purple Carpet for ‘Pushpa 2: The Rule’ Premiere

December 12, 2024 – Times Prime, India’s premium lifestyle app, hosted an exclusive Purple Carpet™ premiere of the highly anticipated film “Pushpa 2: The Rule,” in association with Shoppers Stop, with Cinepolis serving as the venue partner.

The Times Prime Purple Carpet, in association with Shoppers Stop, brought an exclusive movie screening experience to Times Prime & Shoppers Stop’s First Citizen Club members. Designed to provide a superlative cinematic experience, this event offered members the chance to enjoy blockbuster movies at the best theaters.

Members walked the Purple Carpet, enjoyed a food & beverage combo, and received a surprise goodie bag—all at a special members-only price.

As part of its First Citizen Club, Shoppers Stop’s longest running loyalty program, uses this unique initiative to delight and reward its loyal members, enhancing their weekend plans with an unforgettable entertainment experience.

Mr. Pradeep Nidamarthi, Customer Care Associate & Head – Analytics & Loyalty at Shoppers Stop shared their thoughts on the collaboration: “At Shoppers Stop we aim to provide premium experiences to our First Citizen Club members and the exclusive screening of Pushpa 2 in three cities in partnership with Times Prime Purple Carpet was a step towards this endeavour and it was a remarkable success. Our Black card members much appreciated yet another exclusively curated experience.”

Bhimthadi Jatra 2024: Immerse Yourself in the Vibrant Traditions of Rural Maharashtra

Pune, 12th December 2024 – The much-awaited Bhimthadi Jatra returns for its 18th edition, promising an unparalleled showcase of Maharashtra’s rural arts, culture, and sustainable innovation. From 20th to 25th December 2024, at the College of Agriculture Ground, Sinchan Nagar, Pune, this iconic event will bring together rural artisans, entrepreneurs, and urban audiences in a vibrant celebration of traditions and modernity.

 This year’s Jatra holds special significance as it marks the 25th Death Anniversary of Padmashree (Late) Shri Appasaheb Pawar, a pioneering agriculturalist renowned for his revolutionary contributions, including the introduction of drip irrigation. In honor of his legacy, a memorial section will be set up at the entrance, highlighting his life and groundbreaking achievements, ensuring that the Jatra remains deeply rooted in agricultural innovation and rural progress.

Expected to attract over 1 lakh visitors, Bhimthadi Jatra 2024 will be a prime platform for promoting rural entrepreneurship and cultural exchange. The event will feature a wide array of exciting highlights, beginning with the Farmers’ Produce Section, which will emphasize “Residue-Free” products, ensuring clear communication regarding the health benefits and sustainability of these items. This section will also showcase GI-tagged products, fresh farm produce, including honey, and other agricultural innovations.

A new Bee and Butterfly Conservation Initiative will introduce an Indigenous Plant Garden, educating visitors on the essential role of pollinators in agriculture and biodiversity.

 The Bhimthadi Select Section will house 30 premium stalls showcasing sustainable textiles, clothing crafted with natural dyes, and handcrafted lifestyle products, reflecting India’s rich artisan heritage. The Swayamsiddha Section, dedicated to women entrepreneurs and self-help groups, will feature items such as bamboo jewelry and clay diyas made by specially-abled children. This section will also highlight FSSAI-certified food products, including millet snacks, pumpkin juice, and wood apple barfi.

For the first time, Telangana Stalls will enrich the Jatra’s cultural tapestry, offering traditional handlooms and authentic cuisine from the region. Another key highlight is the Bara Balutedar Section, which will pay tribute to Maharashtra’s traditional occupational communities. Visitors will witness live demonstrations of rural craftsmanship by artisans such as Chambhars (cobblers), Kumbhars (potters), and Mang (bamboo artisans), providing an immersive experience into Maharashtra’s rural economy.

The food area will continue to be a major attraction, offering authentic Maharashtrian delicacies such as Malvani seafood thalis, Kolhapuri tambda-pandhra rassa, and sweet treats like ukadiche modak and khapri varchi puran poli.
In addition to the exhibits and stalls, the Jatra will host engaging workshops, including a Saree Draping Workshop by Ashwini Narayan, designed to make saree draping fun and accessible for younger audiences.

This year, the #ShareYourPrivilege Campaign will encourage urban audiences especially younger generations to embrace cultural diversity and bridge the rural-urban divide. The event continues its mission to empower women by providing them a platform to showcase their skills and entrepreneurial spirit through handicrafts, textiles, and culinary creations.

Commenting on this Mrs. Sunanda Tai Pawar said “Bhimthadi Jatra is more than just an event; it is a celebration of the heart and soul of rural Maharashtra. This year, as we honor the remarkable legacy of Shri Appasaheb Pawar on his 25th death anniversary, we are reminded of the deep connection between agricultural innovation and sustainable progress. Through this platform, we aim to empower rural artisans and entrepreneurs, fostering a space where tradition and modernity coexist, inspiring both urban and rural communities alike. I invite all to witness this harmonious blend of culture, sustainability, and creativity at Bhimthadi Jatra 2024.”

Manasija’s SAMASRAVA Revives the Glory of Indian Classical Dance with a Stunning Fusion of Three Traditions

On December 12th, 2024, the Stein Auditorium at India Habitat Centre came alive with the ethereal beauty of Indian classical dance forms performed by renowned artists from across India – Odissi by Arunima Ghosh & troupe and YSNA Awardee Vinod Kevin Bachan, Bharatnatyam by Arohi Munshi and Kathak by Diksha Rawat.

Presented by Manasija, a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and promoting timeless art forms, “SAMASRAVA: An Ode to Classical Heritage” was also an opportunity to felicitate Shri Avinash Pasricha, a legendary performing arts photographer, and Vidushi Kamalini Nagarajan Dutt, a distinguished scholar and cultural advocate, with the prestigious Manasija Samman 2024, recognizing the two legends for their extraordinary contributions to the realm of culture and arts.

Supported by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, this captivating evening was hosted by Sadhna Shrivastav.

“SAMASRAVA” was more than just a performance; it was a cultural odyssey that took the audience on a journey through time. Each dance form, with its unique style, rhythm, and expression, told a story of love, devotion, and the human experience. The festival aimed to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, showcasing the timeless relevance of classical dance in today’s world.

Arunima Ghosh’s Odissi performance, inspired by Adi Shankaracharya’s Jagannath Ashtakam, evoked the spirit of Lord Jagannath through a tapestry of devotional scenes, from serene morning prayers to the vibrant energy of Rathayatra. This performance was a tribute to both her personal heritage and the timeless devotion to the Lord.

Her second performance, Yahi Madhava, was a poignant composition by the 12th-century saint-poet Jayadeva from the Gita Govinda. Arunima portrayed the emotional turmoil of Radha, expressing her anguish and frustration as she confronted Krishna’s infidelity. This emotionally charged abhinaya piece, choreographed by Padma Vibhushan Guru Kelucharan Mohapatra, beautifully portrayed Radha’s love, sorrow, and vulnerability through subtle facial expressions and graceful gestures.

In her third performance, NrittaLeela, an evocative Odissi choreography, celebrated the dance form’s sculptural beauty and lyrical flow. Set to the mesmerizing melodies of Rageshri raga, it unfolded from serene stillness to dynamic expressions of joy, paying homage to Odissi’s timeless elegance and spiritual depth.

Vinod Kevin Bachan performed a solo dance drama titled “Devi Mahamaya: The Rise of the Divine Shakti.” This piece explored the divine energy that gave birth to Durga. Born from the collective wrath and strength of the gods to defeat the demon Mahishasura, Durga embodied the essence of their divine attributes. Her ten arms, each wielding a celestial weapon, symbolized her multifaceted power. Riding a lion, she represented the ultimate feminine power, an unstoppable force against evil.

This piece, specially choreographed by Guru Ranjana Gauhar for Kevin, was taken from a larger dance drama. The concept and choreography were by Guru Ranjana Gauhar, while the music composition was by Acharya Bamkin Sethi.

Arohi Munshi presented two traditional compositions choreographed by her mother, Guru Dr. Lata Munshi. The first composition, “Shringara Lahiri” by Lingaraj Urs, was set in the Raagam Neelambari to Adi taalam. It described the goddess as the embodiment of art and music, holding a veena and representing beauty and rhythm. The second composition, “Krishna ni begane baro” by Vyasatirtha, was set in the Raagam Yamuna Kalyani to Mishra Chaapu taalam. It portrayed Mother Yashoda calling out to Krishna, describing his divine beauty and playful nature.

The performances were accompanied by renowned musicians: Vidushi Sudha Raghuraman on vocals and nattuvaangam, Vidwan M. V. Chandrashekhar on mridangam, and Vidwan G. Raghuraman on flute.

Diksha Rawat began with Taal Ashtamangal, a crucial 11-beat Kathak cycle. Choreographed by Guru Uma Dograji, this piece featured uthaan, thaat, and aamad in Vilambit laya, set to Raag Bhinna Shadaj.

Her second presentation was an abhinaya piece, a traditional Banaras Gharana thumri titled “Dagar beech kaise chalu mangdado kanhaiyyabe beer.” Radha pleaded with Krishna to let her go, expressing mixed emotions when he didn’t. Guru Uma Dograji had integrated lines from Dharamveer Bharati’s “Kannupriya” to deepen the emotional impact. The thumri was set in Raag Mishra Khamaj, Dadra Taal, and was sung by Shailendra Bharati ji.

“Odissi is not merely a dance form; it’s a profound journey through India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. Each movement, each expression, is a testament to the rich panorama of our traditions,” shared Arunima Ghosh, the renowned Odissi exponent and founder of Manasija. “Through ‘SAMASRAVA,’ we aimed to ignite a passion for classical dance in the hearts of our audience.”

Joining Arunima Ghosh and her troupe was the talented Vinod Kevin Bachan, who mesmerized the audience with his Odissi virtuosity. “Odissi is my life, my breath, my soul. It’s a divine language that transcends words, connecting the dancer to the cosmic rhythm,” he said.

The evening also witnessed the graceful performances of Arohi Munshi, a renowned Bharatnatyam dancer from Bhopal. “Bharatnatyam is a celebration of femininity, a journey of self-discovery, and a communion with the divine. It’s a dance that speaks to the soul,” she shared.

The Kathak maestro, Diksha Rawat from Mumbai, concluded the evening with a scintillating performance. “Kathak is a symphony of rhythm, a kaleidoscope of stories, and a celebration of life. It’s a dance that empowers, inspires, and uplifts,” she said.

To make this event even more memorable, Sandeep Dutta (SNA awardee) was appointed as the Technical Director. Pawan Gusain handled the video recording of the event, while Krishna Chakraborty took care of the photography. This team of talented artists collectively made the event an unforgettable experience.

Through “SAMASRAVA,” Manasija sought to not only entertain but also educate and inspire. By showcasing the diverse beauty of Indian classical dance, the organization hoped to foster a deeper appreciation for these timeless art forms and ensure their legacy for future generations.