22, Feb 2024
Alliance Française Du Bengale & Nandan, West Bengal Film Centre Launches the 1st Edition of French Film Festival Kolkata
Nearly 35 years to the day after the last visit to Kolkata by the then French president, François Mitterrand, who came to award the iconic filmmaker from Bengal Satyajit Ray the highest French decoration, France once again celebrates cinema in Kolkata with great pomp through the inaugural edition of the French Film Festival. A lineup that shares with a cinephile audience the best of French Cinema over 9 days from 16th-24th February at Nandan.
– Tailored for the Indian Audience: Recognizing the unique tastes of the Indian audience, the festival proudly presents French cinema, known for its diversity in cinematic brilliance. From high-quality animation films targeting young audiences to renowned recent French releases like “Three Musketeers Part II: Milady” and “Jungle Bunch, ” having their national premieres at the festival, there is something for everyone.
– The inaugural ceremony of the 1st Edition of the French Film Festival Kolkata has been adorned with the esteemed presence of actor Anil Kapoor, director Anurag Kashyap, Actor-Musician- and acclaimed actress Rituparna Sengupta, Model-Actress, Richa Sharma.
– Screenings: 60 screenings featuring 28 full-length films Following the screenings each evening during the Film Festival, there will be panel discussions on various film sections featuring specialists, eminent filmmakers, and actors from the film fraternity of Bengal and beyond.
– Within the framework of this festival there will be 9 hours of short film screening from the 23rd of February evening to the 24th of February morning (9:00 pm-6:00 am) at Park Mansions Courtyard.
– The festival will cover 4 sections- French New Wave, French Contemporary Films, Films for Young Audiences and Indian Filmmakers featured in the Cannes Film Festival.
Nicolas Facino, Director of Alliance française and the Director of the 1st ever French Film Festival in Kolkata noted: As co-creator of this festival together with our Consul General I am thrilled to welcome Bollywood personalities Anil Kapoor and Anurag Kashyap together with Tollywood star Rituparna Sengupta and Director Gautam Ghosh. Cinema unites people, inspires, stirs our souls, and ignites our imagination. In the dim-lit sanctuaries of theaters, we are transported to distant lands, where we walk alongside captivating characters and immerse ourselves in diverse cultures. Despite the vast expanse that separates us, the universal language of talent unites us all, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and minds. As we eagerly anticipate the inaugural edition of the French Film Festival, spanning eight enchanting days from the 16th of February, we will connect bridges between Bengal and France. In the vibrant city of Kolkata, where literature and cinema intertwine, we celebrate the rich heritage and the newest productions of French and Indian cinema.
Mr Anil Kapoor, Indian Actor-Director-Producer said, “I started my career here in Bengal way back in 1980s. This is one of the best cinema destinations and both France and Bengal have some best filmmakers. “
Actor Rituparna Sengupta said “France is my favourite place and Paris is my favorite destination. We are connected by an emotional bond.”
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- By Rabindra
22, Feb 2024
Premiere of upcoming Bollywood film Kusum Ka Biyaah held at Kolkata
Kolkata, 22nd February 2024: iLEAD Films and Balwant Purohit Media proudly present the premiere of “Kusum Ka Biyaah,” a Hindi film based on a true story on 21 February at PVR Mani Square Mall, Kolkata, marking a significant moment in Indian cinema directed by Suvendu Raj Ghosh.
Directed by the talented Suvendu Raj Ghosh and written by Vikash Dubey and Sandip Dubey, “Kusum Ka Biyaah” boasts a stellar cast including Lovekansh Garg, Sujana Darjee and Pradip Chopra in leading roles, supported by a talented ensemble featuring Raja Sarkar, Suhani Biswas, Panya Darshan Gupta, Atanu Mahata, Samir Kumar Dutta, Khurshid Alam, Manoj Ojha and Raj Singh Sidhu among others.
“Kusum Ka Biyaah” narrates the tale of a middle-class mining worker and an aspiring student who agree to marry for the sake of their parents’ happiness. However, their plans take an unexpected turn when a government announcement disrupts their wedding day, leading to a series of comedic and heartwarming adventures.
This film has earned numerous prestigious awards for its portrayal of social issues and nomadic life. Mr Pradip Chopra, the lead actor and producer, was recently honored with the Best Actor Award by a prominent Bollywood Town Magazine at the film award ceremony in Mumbai. Through meticulous research, the film authentically captures the traditions and lifestyle of the Santali tribe, including their intricate wedding ceremonies.
Moreover, the film’s cultural richness will be accessible to a wider audience through dubbing into Bengali, Rajvanshi, Santali, and Bhojpuri languages, sparking interest in tribal communities and beyond. Its catchy songs, beloved by Zee Music, will further enhance its appeal. Beyond entertainment, this cinematic gem serves as a compelling case study, offering invaluable insights into crisis management and prompting reflection on navigating turbulent times with foresight.
The movie “Kusum Ka Biyaah” depicts a real-life event that unfolded during the COVID-19 lockdown. The story revolves around a wedding procession traveling from Bihar to Jharkhand, which finds itself stranded at the state border due to the sudden enforcement of lockdown measures by the government. The trailer vividly portrays the chaos and challenges faced by the characters as they navigate through the unprecedented situation brought about by the pandemic.
Amidst the nationwide lockdown, imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus, countless individuals across cities and villages found themselves in distressing situations, with life seemingly coming to a halt. The film captures the struggles encountered by Kusum’s wedding and highlights the broader impact of the pandemic on society. It serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and endurance exhibited by people during times of crisis.
The film’s trailer and music have already garnered attention on Zee Music Company, setting high expectations for its release. As audiences eagerly await the much-anticipated first night of the newlywed couple, the film also delves into timely themes surrounding government bureaucracy and state-to-state security. The film is all set to release at the theatres on 1st March 2024.
22, Feb 2024
WION hosts special episode in collaboration with India Fashion Awards on Sustainable Fashion
WION hosts special episode in collaboration with India Fashion Awards on Sustainable Fashion In a compelling episode titled “INDIA FASHION AWARDS: FASHION FOR GOOD,” hosted by MollyGambhir, the spotlight was on the pressing need for sustainable practices in the fashion industry. Joined by esteemed panelists Dr Darlie Koshy, Neeva Jain, and Prof. Somesh Singh, the episode shed light on the critical need for eco-friendly practices in the fashion industry and outlined strategies for fostering a more sustainable future.
Key Highlights:
The urgency of sustainable practices: Fashion is evolving beyond trends; it reflects values
and ethics. There was also an emphasis on the need for sustainable development in the
fashion industry, stressing the pivotal role of initiatives like “Fashion for Good” in promoting
eco-friendly practices and empowering local artisans.
Stakeholder collaboration: By facilitating dialogue and cooperation, initiatives like ‘Fashion
for Good aims to address challenges and drive positive change towards sustainability.
Educational empowerment: Prof. Somesh Singh also highlighted the crucial role of
educational institutions in shaping the future of fashion. Integrating eco-design principles
into curricula can equip aspiring designers with the knowledge and skills needed to
champion sustainability in the industry.
Consumer awareness: The “seven Rs” framework – reduce, reuse, recycle, research, repair,
rent, and repurpose – serves as a guide for consumers to make eco-conscious choices and
support sustainable brands.
Policy advocacy: The importance of policy interventions to incentivize green practices and
support the transition to sustainable fashion. Aligning policies with sustainability goals can
drive systemic change and create a conducive environment for industry-wide
transformation.
Empowering artisans: Professor Singh emphasized the need to uplift and support local
artisans, preserving traditional craftsmanship while promoting sustainable livelihoods.
Recognizing the value of indigenous knowledge is essential for fostering a thriving ecosystem
of sustainable fashion.
By amplifying the voices of stakeholders, raising awareness among consumers, and advocating for policy reforms, this responsible initiative aims to catalyze a shift towards a more sustainable and ethical fashion industry.
22, Feb 2024
KMF-Kasauli Music Festival 2024 in March, poster unveiled
New Delhi, Feb 22, 2024: A 2-day music festival ‘Kasauli Music Festival 2024’, KMF 24, is all set to enthrall the audience on 29th and 30th March 2024 in Santa Roza – A WelcomHeritage Resort, nestled in the picturesque Pine hills of Kasauli. Organizers have unveiled KMF’s poster.
The event is being organized by the team of Santa Roza-A WelcomHeritage Property in association with Showcase Events, with support partner City Woofer, a leading online ticketing platform from Chandigarh. Details of the upcoming musical extravaganza were shared by Dr Zoya Singh, Director, Santa Roza; Gunjan Pandey-GM Santa Roza and Nanni Singh-Chief Executive Officer of ShowCase Events, which is also KMF’s curator.
Nanni Singh said, “This year we are marking the first edition of KMF 24 whose theme is ‘Folk and Bollywood’ music. What sets the festival apart from others is the motive to showcase live music spread across different genres in a unique setting – the beautiful Kasauli hills.”
According to Dr Zoya Singh, “What will accentuate the experience to music lovers is the venue – Santa Roza – A WelcomHeritage Resort, which located in the heart of a lush green forest, is itself an ode to the great natural beauty of Himachal. The ambiance will be one-of-a-kind with melodious, musical performances reverberating in the middle of the enchanting ‘pines’ and the pristine environs of our resort in Kasauli.”
What also makes the fest different is the organizers’ vision to provide local musicians with an opportunity to present their talent. “The fest aims to give local singers and musicians of Himachal a fillip. HP 14, The Band- A Hindi rock music band with its roots in Solan and Himalayan Roots, a band from Shimla are a part of the lineup. In addition to this the music fest will also promote the rich culture of Himachal’s folk music,” said Gunjan Pandey.
The fest will be headlined by Kavita Seth, a Sufi composer and music director and Singer known for Bollywood hits like ‘Rangi Saari’, ‘Iktara’, ‘Tum Hi Ho Bandhu’, and many more. Music Composer and instrumentalist Abhijit Pohankar will present ‘Bollywood Gharana’, a fusion of Classical, Folk, and Bollywood. There are performances by Akaash Verma, Kutle Khan, and Jasleen Aulakh planned. What’s more, with Fouzia Dastango & renowned vocalist Vidhi Sharma’s Musical Dastangoi on Meena Kumari – ‘Meena Kumari Ki Dastaan’, the festival is slated to be a big draw. Notably, Dastangoi is an ancient way of ‘telling a tale or story.’
“There will be something for every age group. In addition to soulful music there will be a festival bazaar, fun engaging games, a dance workshop, meditation & treks, an open stage for younger artists to come and perform in the day, and more,” added Dr Zoya.
“Surrounded by breath-taking landscapes and fresh mountain air, attendees can escape the chaos of city life and indulge in soul-stirring music and a sense of connection with nature with their family and friends,”
22, Feb 2024
Malaka Spice Partners with Countertop and Diageo for Charity Fundraiser
In a philanthropic collaboration, Malaka Spice and Countertop, in partnership with Diageo, is set to host a fundraising event for the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation on Sunday, 25th February. The initiative aims to raise funds for cancer treatment, particularly for financially disadvantaged individuals, with a special focus on women.
Guests are encouraged to contribute by indulging in specially crafted cocktails by the skilled mixologists Mac and Akshit of Countertop. All proceeds from the sale of these beverages will be directly channeled towards the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation.
Founded in 2013 by Praful Chandawarkar and Suraj Repe, the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation not only provides financial aid but also conducts cancer screening camps in rural India for early detection. The foundation is dedicated to offering palliative treatment and support to those affected by cancer.
Not just this, one rupee for every recipe that is ordered from the menu will be donated to the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation.
22, Feb 2024
Malaka Spice Partners with Countertop and Diageo for Charity Fundraiser
In a philanthropic collaboration, Malaka Spice and Countertop, in partnership with Diageo, is set to host a fundraising event for the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation on Sunday, 25th February. The initiative aims to raise funds for cancer treatment, particularly for financially disadvantaged individuals, with a special focus on women.
Guests are encouraged to contribute by indulging in specially crafted cocktails by the skilled mixologists Mac and Akshit of Countertop. All proceeds from the sale of these beverages will be directly channeled towards the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation.
Founded in 2013 by Praful Chandawarkar and Suraj Repe, the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation not only provides financial aid but also conducts cancer screening camps in rural India for early detection. The foundation is dedicated to offering palliative treatment and support to those affected by cancer.
Not just this, one rupee for every recipe that is ordered from the menu will be donated to the Live Life Love Life Charity Foundation.
22, Feb 2024
Uorfi Javed Embarks on a New Journey:announces Debut Podcast ‘uncancellable With Uorfi Javed’
Mumbai, February 22, 2024: Prepare for an extraordinary experience this season as the dynamic Uorfi Javed steps into the world of podcasting with her debut show, ‘Uncancellable with Uorfi Javed,’ produced by Collective Artists Network’s Big Bang Social. Uorfi Javed is set to push the envelope with her unapologetic dive into various aspects of her life, promising to entertain, educate, and challenge the status quo. The podcast trailer is now available for listeners.
Known for her avant-garde approach to fashion, Uorfi Javed fearlessly expresses herself, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary. The trailer offers a glimpse into her unique perspective and unfiltered style. Featuring a diverse lineup of guests, each episode guarantees an exciting exploration into the minds of rebels, independent thinkers, and notable personalities. ‘Uncancellable‘ will unravel the power of authenticity, engaging in meaningful conversations that inspire change. Uorfi Javed will engage in heart-to-heart discussions with her guests, delving into their motivations to break barriers and challenge societal norms.
Guests on the show include comedian Rohan Joshi, actor and creator Dolly Singh, singer Rashmeet Kaur, and actor and doctor Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, among others.
Uorfi Javed shared her thoughts on the podcast, stating, “I love exploring new things and learning more about myself. This podcast is all about celebrating authenticity, staying curious, and having the courage to follow your path – principles I deeply believe in. Audiences have always ‘seen’ me; now, I can’t wait for everyone to ‘hear me’ too and enjoy my role as a host. It’s the perfect opportunity to get to know me and people who, like me, don’t back down from challenges.”
Anurag Iyer, CEO of Big Bang Social, expressed, “Uorfi Javed has been a social phenomenon in our country, and it is refreshing to witness the world from her unique perspective through the insightful conversations she will share with her guests. We believe the
Indian podcast scene is ready for content that pushes boundaries, and we are proud to produce this show as we are committed to empowering our talent and their dreams. Whether it’s launching brands, products, or new shows, we stand firmly behind our creators. We are confident that this podcast is something like no other, embodying our belief in the creator space and the limitless potential it holds.
22, Feb 2024
Zee Odisha News shines a spotlight on the latest news developments across politics, sports, and community affairs
In a comprehensive coverage of Odisha’s latest developments, Zee Odisha News, one of the digital assets of IndiaDotcom Digital Private Limited offered a detailed overview spanning politics, sports, community affairs, and more. As per the headlines of 21st February 2024, highlight significant events shaping the state:
The initiative to renovate Cuttack’s historic Barbati Stadium by the state government underscores a dedication to cricket development. Plans to host a state-level cricket league alongside stadium renewal demonstrate a concerted effort to promote sports regionally, as reported by Zee Odisha News.
In sports, the Kolkata Knight Riders face a potential setback with rumors of Shreyas Iyer’s absence from the upcoming IPL season. This development, covered by Zee Odisha News, emphasizes the importance of team dynamics in sports performance. The ongoing farmers’ agitation, characterized by clashes and tear gas usage on the Punjab-Haryana border, is highlighted by Zee Odisha News. The platform provides insight into the persistence of farmers’ demands and the evolving nature of the movement.
Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik’s launch of the Lakshmi Bus Scheme aims to enhance rural connectivity and stimulate economic growth across various districts, showcasing the government’s commitment to community welfare, as reported by Zee Odisha News.
Legal and cultural updates, including the withdrawal of cases against tribal members and the suspension of special stamp fees in court filings, are covered by Zee Odisha News. Additionally, the platform pays tribute to renowned personalities like Fali S. Nariman and Amin Sayani for their contributions to society.
Insights into political shifts, such as the induction of MLA Pradeep Manigarahi into the BJP and legal proceedings involving former Jharkhand Chief Minister Shibu Soren, offer a glimpse into the region’s political landscape and its implications for governance, as reported by Zee Odisha News.
Through its comprehensive coverage and timely updates, Zee Odisha News remains a trusted source for staying informed about the latest developments shaping Odisha’s socio-political and cultural landscape.
21, Feb 2024
MamyPoko Pants launches Extra Absorb Pants, highlights #PowerofDeepSleep in its new campaign
New Delhi, 21st February 2024: MamyPoko Pants, one of India’s leading brands in baby diapers, has launched Extra Absorb Pants, the best absorbent pants that have been launched after extensive research of more than five years. This is the upgraded product by MamyPoko pants which comes with 30+ patented technologies.
The new and advanced product comes with the ability to facilitate deep absorption, which is essential for ensuring deep sleep in babies. To inform the target audience about the advanced product and the benefits it provides; the brand has devised a campaign to highlight the importance of deep absorption, ensuring a deep sleep for the child.
In this pursuit, it has come up with Extra Absorb Pants to relieve the stress of mothers in ensuring the well-being & good sleep of their babies. Reiterating the message that a happy and cheerful baby eventually contributes to the happiness of the mother, the new diaper harnesses the benefit of the FlexiFit feature to provide 2X protection from thigh leakage. At the same time, the additional third layer immensely enables deeper absorption for up to 12 hours. Likewise, the deeper absorbing capacity of the diapers translates to longer hours of uninterrupted deep sleep in children. Providing tranquil, long hours of deep sleep to the babies, in turn, allows mothers the much-needed extra time to resume their chores or indulge in recreation and hobbies to rejuvenate their energy after a short break.
The brand has rolled out a campaign #PowerofDeepSleep with an enthralling TVC to convey its objectives and benefits. And to further amplify its reach amongst target groups through digital platforms, the brand launched a DVC (Digital Video Commercial), and took an ingenious route to come up with an AI-led, CGI ad film to capture the imagination of the audience. The ad film explores the theme of uninterrupted deep sleep through the lens of an imaginative baby who delves into new adventures every day owing to an uninterrupted, peaceful deep sleep during the night.
The Digital TVC was further leveraged with a 360° approach entailing influencer activity for driving amplification across digital platforms. For driving campaign mileage amongst the target audience, MamyPoko Pants roped in television celebrity Neha Marda to tap the large audience base following the actress. Along with this, the brand collaborated with mommy bloggers to create visibility and, likewise, instill the top-of-the-mind recall value of the brand among the mothers.
The campaign has been conceptualized by Grapes, an integrated communication agency. Elaborating on the campaign, Shradha Agarwal, Co-founder and CEO of Grapes said, “The campaign provided us with a lot of insightful experience. Being driven by the desire to always intrigue the audience with a breakthrough concept, we came up with a comprehensive 360° approach to create awareness among the target audience while ensuring back-of-the-mind recall value.”
Speaking on the same, Toshiyuki Nakamura, Vice President of Marketing of Unicharm said, “The launch of the Extra Absorb Pants marks our commitment to ensure the comfort of babies aimed at enriching and easing the motherhood journey. In the quest to support mothers in raising their babies, we created the new product after conducting extensive research and integrating innovative technologies that ensure uninterrupted deep sleep. The product has been consciously devised to abide by the ethos of the brand promoting deep absorption to ensure deep sleep in children. Consequently, to enunciate the benefits of the product, we took an integrated approach to drive maximum visibility with the help of the campaign. Our new campaign has been conceptualized to organically engage with the mothers and in turn, build brand credibility and loyalty among them by taking care of their babies with the Extra Absorb Pants.”
21, Feb 2024
9th International Conference Shaastrarth-2024
21st Feb 2024: Rungta Group of Institutions, Bhilai organized the 9th International Conference Shaastrarth-2024 held at Rungta College of Engineering & Technology, Bhilai, Chhattisgarh, India, on January 5th and 6th, 2024. The conference, featuring multidisciplinary sessions spanning various branches of Engineering, Sciences, and Pharmacy, aimed at fostering knowledge exchange, exploration of emerging technologies, and promoting multidisciplinary research for sustainable development. The conference was technically sponsored by ISTE and IEI local chapter Bhilai. The conference published the 60 number of Conference proceedings with ISBN number 978-81-964426-6-8 Sponsored by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), Raipur.
The primary objective of Shaastrarth-2024 was to curate world-class, high-quality technical sessions. These sessions were designed to be practical, significant, timely, non-commercial, and relevant to all researchers, encouraging participants to seamlessly switch between disciplines based on their qualifications, interests, and research areas.
The inaugural function on Day One was presided over by Shri Santosh Rungta, Chairman of Rungta Group of Institutions, Bhilai. The event hosted esteemed dignitaries, including Chief Guest Dr. Anupam Agrawal, Director SVNIT Surat, and Guest of Honor Er. Peenut Choubey, Chairman IEI Local Chapter Bhilai. The four distinguished keynote speakers enlightened the audience with their insights:
Dr. Brij Singh, John Deere Inc., USA, on “Carbon Intensity Reduction in Ag Production Systems Enabled by Precision Farming.”
Dr. Virendra Singh, IIT Bombay, India, on “AI and Cybersecurity.”
Dr. Sonjaya S Gaur, New York University, USA, on “Unlocking the Potential: Artificial Intelligence in Marketing.”
Dr. Ravi Prakash Tewari, MNIT Allahabad, India, on “Emerging Trends in Robotics.”
The conference featured six parallel tracks that conducted paper presentations across diverse disciplines. More than 400 papers were presented, contributing to the success of Shaastrarth-2024. The tracks were organized as follows:
International Conference on Computer Sciences, Information Tech. & Computer Applications (ICCSITCA-2024).
International Conference on Mechanical, Automobile Engineering & Mining Technology (ICMEAUMI-2024).
International Conference on Electrical, Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering (ICCSITCA-2024).
International Conference on Civil, Environmental, Agricultural Engineering (ICCEAE-2024).
International Conference on Basic Sciences, Biotechnology & Management (ICIEM-2024).
International Conference on Pharmaceutical Sciences (ICPS-2024).
Shaastrarth-2024 was a successful event due the tireless efforts of the Organizing Chairman, Dr. Rakesh Himte, Principal RCET Bhilai, and the Convenor, Dr. Ajay Kushwaha, HOD (IT), RCET Bhilai, for their visionary leadership. Special thanks to the Co-Convenors, Dr. Ajazuddin and Dr. Padmavati Shrivastava, and the Organizing Secretary, Dr. R K Rathore.
Shaastrarth-2024 has been a platform for intellectual exchange, fostering collaboration, and exploring innovative solutions to global challenges. We thank all participants, speakers, reviewers, and the organizing team for their contributions. As we conclude this edition, we look forward to future endeavors and continued collaboration in the spirit of research and sustainable development.
