21, Dec 2023
Unwind this winter in Pune with Bhimthadi Jatra
National, December 21st, 2023: Bhimthadi Jatra, founded by Sunanda Tai Pawar, celebrates its 17th year, with a captivating rural extravaganza that offers a unique and vibrant experience for visitors from all walks of life. Held annually in Pune, this extraordinary carnival seamlessly blends culture, tradition, skills, and entertainment, making it a must-visit.
With over 400,000 visitors every year, the Jatra welcomes Punekars, Mumbaikars, and art enthusiasts from neighboring cities. There is a beautiful music anthem attached to Bhimthadi this year with an aim to attract the younger generation to embrace the cultural diversity, bridging the gap between the rural and urban culture at Bhimthadi Jatra.
The 17th year is a platform empowering women to showcase their skills in handicrafts, textiles, and food preparation, contributing to their communities.
In a world where the allure of preserving and revelling in cultural heritage is irresistible, Bhimthadi Jatra emerges as a distinctive and authentic experience that beckons exploration. This annual spectacle, nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, not only showcases the region’s agricultural splendour but also unfolds as a vibrant stage for local artisans, craftsmen, and farmers to showcase their talents and products.
Bhimthadi Jatra has attracted eager visitors who are interested in buying products from rural and tribal women around India. The handicrafts at Bhimthadi are made of materials like khun, neem wood, and bamboo. Specially abled children from NGOs make coasters, warli paintings, and pen holders which are sold at the Jatra. She can give valuable input on the things showcased at the event. The home decor items are upcycled and brought to the event. Furniture, kitchenware, and other items made from neem wood and bamboo are also available.
Since its inception, Bhimthadi Jatra has attracted eager visitors who anticipate the delectable food served annually at the fair. The event also boasts repeat customers who return each year to patronize specific food stalls. Millets have been a staple in our diet for generations and have seen a resurgence in popularity recently. Attendees at Bhimthadi Jatra will have the opportunity to sample local Maharashtrian cuisine at various food stalls. Bhimthadi Jatra also provides support to entrepreneurs seeking certification for their food products and assists with proper branding and packaging strategies for their goods.
Continuing its ongoing approach towards embracing conscious choices and clothing, sustainable fashion wear brands like The Kishkinda Trust, Viva La Vida India and Love for the Loom are going to be participating in Bhimthadi Jatra’s 17th year exhibition.
Bhimthadi Jatra itself as an event follows sustainable practices, encouraging and educating the people who are participating and those attending.
– There is a farmers market where you can purchase organically produced products from direct contact.
– There is a policy for non-plastic, non thermocol plates being used, etc.
– The flexes used at the event for advertising purposes are all sent for recycling, ensuring zero wastage at the event.
– Plastic water bottles are not allowed at the event.
– Zero food wastage is ensured as well.
Date: December 21st – December 25th, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Venue: Agricultural College Ground, Shivaji Nagar, Pune
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- By Rabindra
21, Dec 2023
“Life has turned over for Rajat”: Shine Pandey on his character in Amazon miniTV’s Dehati Ladke
Mumbai December 21,2023: – Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service recently released a coming-of-age drama, Dehati Ladke. The show follows the journey of Rajat Raj Singh Chauhan (essayed by Shine Pandey) as he ventures into city life from his hometown in pursuit of his aspirations. Rajat struggles to uphold his commitments to his parents despite the allure of urban life. It is adapted from Shashank Bharatiya’s acclaimed Hindi novel of the same name.
Rajat is portrayed by Shine Pandey, who encounters romance, university life, and camaraderie throughout the film. Sharing about his character from the show, the actor said, “Rajat comes from a small town in Uttar Pradesh, Gonda, and he moves to Lucknow to prepare for UPSC and become an IAS officer. He has a lot of expectations to fulfill for his family, and the entire village, everyone is looking forward to him. He is determined to make it big and achieve his dreams. But obviously, it’s not that easy. Life doesn’t always give you what you want. He meets lots of new people in Lucknow and a new story begins”.
Further elaborating on this he added, “Rajat meets a lot of people as he joins his college, he befriends Shashank, Yuvan and eventually meets Prerna. He also interacts with Chhaya and Prashant Bhaiya. So, things have become difficult for Rajat because he didn’t expect this change in his life. After all, everything is very new. And it is not at all close to what he had lived earlier. So everything is very new for him. He eventually evolves, and a great deal of confusion arises within his head. While watching the show, you’ll see him talking to himself often, trying to understand the mess around him.”
21, Dec 2023
Milind Soman successfully concludes “Lifelong Green Ride 3.0”
Milind Soman successfully concludes “Lifelong Green Ride 3.0,” the third edition that traversed 650 kms from Pune to Vadodara and 200 kms in Bengaluru, promoted health and environmental well-being throughout India
Mumbai…December 21, 2023… Milind Soman, the well-known fitness icon, has triumphantly completed the third season of Lifelong Green Ride in Bengaluru. This multi-city cycling event, orchestrated by Lifelong Online Retail Private Limited, a leading consumer durables company, aims to promote a healthier and eco-friendly environment.
As a key component of the broader Green Ride 3.0 initiative, Milind embarked on a remarkable cycling journey on Lifelong Cycles from Pune on December 11th. Covering a distance of 650 kilometers, he made his way to Vadodara with planned stopovers in Mumbai and Surat. Additionally, Milind covered a total of 200 kilometers on the TVS iQube Electric, underscoring the versatility and eco-friendliness of electric mobility. The journey concluded in Bengaluru, emphasizing the commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious initiatives. As part of the Green Ride initiative, he also visited the Statue of Unity where he, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated the adventure sports.
Milind Soman, an avid supporter of the Lifelong campaign advocating to “Fight Lazy,” has been a driving force in inspiring individuals to embrace an active lifestyle and contribute to environmental well-being. The Lifelong Freeride Cycle has been his trusted companion on this mission.
Commenting on the occasion, Bharat Kalia, Co-Founder, Lifelong Online Retail Pvt. Ltd., expressed, “Lifelong Green Ride is an annual event that serves as a powerful testament to our dedication to fostering a healthier lifestyle and environmental sustainability. We are proud to collaborate with Milind Soman in spreading this message across the nation.”
India’s fitness icon and supermodel Milind Soman shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Events like Green Ride are crucial to raise awareness about choosing commuting modes wisely. It is a conscious step towards advocating cleaner and smarter commuting options. I am confident that this initiative has inspired many people, encouraging us to look for alternatives to reduce our carbon footprint by choosing safer options.”
During the Ride, Milind actively encouraged families to participate in the “Ride with Family” initiative, allowing Lifelong customers to enjoy the ride alongside him. Furthermore, he engaged with schoolchildren in Bangalore and Pune, further emphasizing the importance of a healthier lifestyle and environmental consciousness.
The Green Ride 3.0 spanned various cities, navigating diverse terrains to symbolize the collective endeavor required for a healthier planet.
21, Dec 2023
Blues Odyssey: Mahindra Blues Festival’s much awaited Band Hunt takes center stage this December
Mumbai, 21 December, 2023: The spotlight is on Mahindra Blues Festival as it opens applications for the eagerly awaited Band Hunt competition on December 19th, 2023. In this blues extravaganza, the entries will take place online and the finale will unfold on ground, bringing the blues magic to you like never before.
For all blues aficionados and talented Indian bands, it’s time to amplify musical prowess by sharing a blues-drenched performance video on Instagram, Facebook, or Musifie—ensuring that the account hits all the right notes and is open to public viewing. Whether crafting an original masterpiece or weaving magic through a classic cover, the piece can be in any language spoken in India, however the video must be timed between 2 to 5 minutes.
Judging this blues journey are none other than the prodigies themselves, Ehsaan and Loy. Interested artists can register their band via the registration links mentioned in MBF’s Instagram bio. To throw their hats into the ring, participants are urged to serenade the virtual stage with #BluesBandHunt and #MBF2024, without forgetting to tag @mahindrablues. Bands must also share the performance video link along with lyrics of the chosen blues anthem. The deadline for submitting entries is January 7, 2024. The top 3 finalists will be brought down to Mumbai for a band hunt finale- post which each finalist will perform a 20-minute set. The performance will be judged by Ehsaan & Loy, following which the winner will be announced. The chosen one will then get the chance of a lifetime to perform at the prestigious Mahindra Blues Festival stage in February 2024!
Mahindra Blues Festival transcends being an event; it’s a celebration of blues culture, a symphony of heartfelt melodies, and a testament to the enduring spirit of true blues. As the MBF Band Hunt commences—may the riffs echo through and through the blues realm!
21, Dec 2023
Brioni launches its Flagship store in the capital with a star-studded event: Aditya Roy Kapur steals the show
New Delhi, 21st December – Brioni, the epitome of luxury menswear, hosted an extraordinary affair at its First flagship store in the capital, welcoming an exclusive assembly of dignitaries and celebrities. The event showcased the latest FW’23 Collection, a masterful fusion of timeless craftsmanship and unbridled sophistication. The New Delhi boutique showcases Brioni’s extensive range of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories collections, complemented by the exclusive Bespoke service.
In attendance were luminaries such as Rajiv Kumar, Ritesh Kumar, Shikha Begwani, Vinod Nair, Saurabh Bharara, Pushpa Bector, Dr. Kazem Samandari, Mumtaz and Faizal Patel, Siddhartha Tytler, Khalid Wani, Jeetinder Sandhu, and other influential personalities from the echelons of fashion and society.
Celebrities, including Aditya Roy Kapur, Dino Morea, Kim Sharma, and Ujjwala Raut, graced the event, adding another layer of refinement to the already illustrious gathering.
Apart from the archival pieces showcase, the centerpiece of the evening was the unveiling of the distinguished Brioni Bandhgala – a unique garment of timeless sophistication that is a testament to Brioni’s dedication to redefining men’s fashion with iconic pieces that seamlessly blend heritage and modernity.
In a brief but poignant statement, Ritesh Kumar, spokesperson of DS Luxury, remarked, “Brioni exemplifies luxury, and our latest collection underscores our commitment to uncompromising craftsmanship and refinement. We are honoured to have hosted a gathering of individuals who appreciate the pinnacle of sartorial excellence.”
This event marked a momentous occasion, uniting connoisseurs, celebrities, and influencers to celebrate Brioni’s legacy and welcome it to the Capital.
20, Dec 2023
Smart India Hackathon 2023 Inaugurated at MIT by Vice Chancellor: A Pioneering Endeavor for Innovation and Social Impact
Bengaluru, December 21st, 2023 – The Smart India Hackathon 2023, organized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and the Institutions Innovation Council at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, commenced with a grand inauguration ceremony. The event was graced by the presence of Lt General Dr. MD Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, who delivered an inspiring address.
During his speech, Lt General Dr. MD Venkatesh emphasized the profound impact of the educational institutions founded by Dr. TMA Pai 75 years ago. These institutions were established with the noble mission of addressing key societal challenges such as illiteracy, poverty, and ill health. He highlighted that the United Nations’ sustainable development goals of 2017 align closely with Dr. Pai’s vision. The region of erstwhile South Canara, where these institutions are located, saw remarkable progress with high-quality healthcare services, low infant mortality rates, maternal mortality rates, and high literacy rates, setting a benchmark for the nation.
Lt General Dr. Venkatesh also echoed the words of the Prime Minister, recognizing the potential of Indian youth to solve global issues. He welcomed participants from across the country to MIT, known for its warm hospitality, meticulous planning, and welcoming spirit. The Smart India Hackathon 2023 will focus on finding innovative solutions to problem statements provided by the Ayush department, Gujarat government, and Kerala government. A total of 22 teams hailing from various states, including Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, have converged at MIT for this intensive five-day hackathon.
Highlighting MIT’s commitment to quality education, Lt General Dr. Venkatesh expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, AICTE, and the innovation council for recognizing MIT’s capabilities. He encouraged the participants to develop solutions that have a lasting impact and the potential to contribute to the betterment of humanity. He also mentioned the possibility of some solutions being directed towards the medical device development hub funded by the Government of India.
Dr. Anil Rana, Director of MIT, Dr. Cyril Joseph, Single Mode of Contact, Kamal Singh and Poonam, Assistant Directors from the AICTE Education Ministry, Dr. Somashekhar Bhat, Joint Director of MIT, and other dignitaries were present at the inauguration ceremony.
The Smart India Hackathon 2023 promises to be an exciting platform for young innovators to collaborate, ideate, and develop transformative solutions that address real-world challenges. MIT, as one of the nodal centers, remains at the forefront of fostering innovation and excellence in education, contributing to India’s development.
20, Dec 2023
Kimutai Timon and Roba Beti Hailu clinch Top Honors for overall Men and Women Category at the 16th Edition PhonePe Bengaluru Midnight Marathon 2023
Bengaluru, December 20, 2023: Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor (RBITC) proudly announces the successful conclusion of the 16th edition of the PhonePe Bengaluru Midnight Marathon on Sunday at KTPO, Whitefield. This year witnessed record participation – 10,000+ Runners from 19 countries and 21 states of India.
In the Overall Men’s Category, Kimutai Timon from Kenya won in the well-contested full marathon, demonstrating unparalleled skill and achieving a time of 2 hrs 29 min. Roba Beti Hailu from Ethiopia performance in the Women’s Full Marathon was equally astounding, as she won the coveted title with a timing of 3 hrs 10 min 15 sec. In the India Men category, Iran Ali won the Marathon in 2:34:59. Aasa TP won in 3:11:25 in the India women category.
With great pleasure, the Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor congratulates all of the winners and participants who made the 16th PhonePe Bengaluru Midnight Marathon a huge success. The occasion embodied the basic principles of Rotary and promoted a healthier, more active society by celebrating sports while also fostering a sense of community and health consciousness.
Commenting on the success, Ritesh Bindal, Chairman, BMM, said, “The PhonePe Bengaluru Midnight Marathon has always honored tenacity, willpower, and the unwavering spirit of our running community. I am motivated by the remarkable efforts of each and every participant who took on the Night challenge as we come to the end of the 16th edition. This year, we witnessed around 10,000+ runners across 21 states and 19 countries, with 27% women runners’ participation. This marathon is a shining example of community and health because of the participants’ dedication to fitness and the spirit of friendship that permeates the event. We look forward to many more years of building a culture of well-being and unity.”
The Bengaluru Midnight Marathon witnessed a spectacular exhibition of corporate camaraderie, dedication, and tenacity in the much-awaited Relay events, where both seasoned corporate teams and start-ups competed with energy and passion. In the Airbus Corporate Relay Race, Team TITAN emerged as the clear winners with a time of 1:34:28, followed by Team HPCL I with the timing 1:45:51 and Team Novo Nordisk I with the timing 1:46:15 in second and third place respectively. In the Prime VP #FittestStartupChallenge Relay Race, Team CRED A won with a timing of 1:32:37, followed by Team CRED B with the timing 1:38:16, and Team Myelin Foundry coming in third with timing of 2:03:15
Organized by the Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor (RBITC), the first edition of the Bengaluru Midnight Marathon was held on May 19, 2007, and has seen increasing participation every year since.
20, Dec 2023
Gaja Capital Business Book Prize 2023 Awarded to ‘Against All Odds: The IT Story of India’ and ‘Winning Middle India: The Story of India
Bengaluru, December 20, 2023 – Against All Odds: The IT Story of India, a chronicle of the trials, triumphs, and history of the Indian IT sector over the last six decades, and Winning Middle India: The Story of India’s New-Age Entrepreneurs, a detailed account of the new generation of startup founders who are catalysts for innovative products and services in India, have been announced as the joint winners of the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize 2023.
The winners were selected from a diverse and compelling set of 50 nominated books from over 35 publishers, showcasing the expanding pantheon of Indian business literature. Instituted in 2019 by Gaja Capital, a leading Indian private equity firm, the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize aims to encourage Indian entrepreneurs, writers, and journalists to tell their stories to the world. It offers the largest book prize in the country, INR 15 lakh in prize money, to reward and support authors and promote high-calibre business research that would encourage and equip upcoming business owners and young entrepreneurs.
While announcing the winners, Gopal Jain, Co-Founder and Managing Partner, Gaja Capital said, “The 2023 shortlist showcased a rich tapestry of inspiring stories from diverse backgrounds. These books vividly depict the unwavering spirit of Indian entrepreneurship, highlighting the transformative impact of hard work, innovation, and risk-taking. It was a challenging decision to select two joint winners among such outstanding candidates. ‘Against All Odds’ and ‘Winning Middle India’ truly embody the essence of Indian entrepreneurial excellence and celebrate India’s continued success in IT services, while also recognizing the huge potential and promise of our young start-up ecosystem. We hope these narratives will ignite the passion of the next generation of entrepreneurs, inspiring them to rise, innovate, and leave their mark on the world”
The jury for the fifth edition of the Gaja Capital Business Book Prize comprised stalwarts from the worlds of industry, investments, academia, public policy, and governance: Manish Sabharwal, Vice-Chairman at TeamLease (Chairman, Jury), Imran Jafar, Managing Partner & Co-Founder at Gaja Capital, Arindam Bhattacharya, Senior Advisor and Emeritus Partner of Boston Consulting Group, Dr. Lakshmi Venu, MD of Sundaram-Clayton (SCL), Dr. Sangita Reddy, Joint Managing Director of Apollo Hospitals, Michael Queen, Former Chief Executive of 3i, Neelkanth Mishra, Chief Economist, Head of Global Research, and member of the Board at Axis Capital, Prithvi Haldea, Founder Chairman of Praxis Consulting, Shailesh Haribhakti, Founder and Managing Partner of Shailesh Haribhakti & Associates Chartered Accountants, and UK Sinha, Former Head, RBI Expert Committee on Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and Former Chairman of SEBI.
The jury process began with creating a short list of 5 books from a select long list of ten books. The other books from the 2023 shortlist consisted of a range of stories of enterprises and their protagonists including:
· Capture the Dream: The Many Lives of Captain C.P. Krishnan Nair (by Bachi Karkaria)
· Essentially Mira: The Extraordinary Journey Behind Forest Essentials (by Mira Kulkarni)
· The Tech Phoenix: Satyam’s 100-Day Turnaround (by T.N. Manoharan & V. Pattabhi Ram)
Jury Citation
‘Against All Odds: The IT Story of India’ encapsulates the profound saga of the Indian IT industry. This book delves into the industry’s remarkable journey, marked by challenges conquered, resilience unwavering, serendipity harnessed, foresight honed, and meticulous planning executed over the span of six decades. Distinguished by its objectivity and sharp acumen, this chronicle meticulously weaves together the firsthand accounts of over fifty distinguished individuals who have indelibly shaped the landscape of the Indian IT industry.
‘Winning Middle India: The Story of India’s New-Age Entrepreneurs’ examines the exciting potential for enhancing the accessibility, affordability, and quality of products and services for millions of Indians. At its heart lies a new generation of startup founders who are capitalizing on technology platforms, the ubiquitous reach of smartphones, and the rapid digitization of the Indian consumer sphere. These forward-thinking entrepreneurs, unburdened by the past, are drawn to the immense opportunities presented by Middle India—a demographic encompassing the next 400-500 million Indians, positioned just below the apex of the economic pyramid. The book chronicles this highly potent force of change sweeping across India, providing invaluable insights into the strategies required to harness it and to contribute to the transformation of the nation’s destiny.
20, Dec 2023
Vi and Kerala Police to keep young children safe at Sabarimala
During the annual Mandala pooja season, India’s leading telecom player Vi partners with the Kerala Police Department to ensure the safety of child pilgrims visiting the Holy Shrine. Each year, the recurring concern of children getting lost in the crowd and efforts to reunite the misplaced wards with their and dear ones has been a cause of major distraction and worry for the Kerala Police. Understanding the challenges faced by Devotees as well as the Police Department in managing a pilgrimage of this magnitude, Vi has devised a QR code technology to help keep pilgrims safe and secure.
Vi is requesting pilgrims to visit the closest Vi store in Kerala or visit the Vi stall in Pamba to collect a Vi OR code-powered band and get the code registered with the mobile number of the guardian or family member. The band can be tied to the wrist of the children. When a lost child is spotted, he/she can be deposited at the nearest Kerala Police check post. At the Police booth, the officers on Duty can scan the QR Code and call the registered number of the guardian or family member to inform them to come to the booth and collect their ward.
Ajith V. IPS. Pathanamthitta District Police Chief, officially launched the Vi QR Code bands initiative in the presence of Binu Jose, Vice President & Circle Operations Head – Kerala, Vodafone Idea Limited, at a function in Pathanamthitta SP Office, today.
Extending his best wishes to all pilgrims visiting Sabarimala this year, Binu Jose, Vice President & Circle Operations Head – Kerala, Vodafone Idea Limited, said “Vi has been a pioneer in leveraging our telecom technology expertise to bring value-added products and services that make life simpler and better. The Annual Sabarimala Yatra brings an estimated 45–50 million devotees to the shrine. Each year, the Kerala Police deals with several hundred complaints of lost children during the Mandala and Makara Vilakku seasons.
In line with Vi’s campaign Be Someone’s We which underscores our commitment to share the spirit of togetherness and inclusivity with all members of society, we believe our QR code technology will benefit the masses and support the Police at one of the largest congregation of human beings in the country. We are proud to associate with the Kerala State Police Force for this initiative. Together, we seek the support of all citizens to support our endeavor to keep your children protected.”
Ajith V. IPS. Pathanamthitta District Police Chief, said “We are happy to associate with Vi in introducing its technological aid to address one of the perennial issues faced during Mandala and Makara Vilakku season. Vi Suraksha QR code technology band will significantly reduce the efforts of the Kerala State Police Force to address the missing cases of child pilgrims and to finally get the child pilgrims united with their guardians.
To avail Vi powered QR Code bands, devotees of Lord Ayyappa can walk into the nearest Vi store in Kerala as well as the Vi stall set up at Pamba and register with the necessary information. The QR Code bands will be active during the pilgrim season and are non-transferable.
20, Dec 2023
Shri Ram Nath Kovind Presented with a Unique 84 Shiv Lingam Portrait by Ace Photographer, Varun Joshi
New Delhi, December 20, 2023: Former Hon’ble President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind was presented with a masterpiece Shiva Lingam clicked, visualized and created by ace photographer, Varun Joshi at his residence on December 15th. The Shiva Lingam portrait is an amalgamation of 84 lingas clicked across Ujjain. Sri Kovind was impressed by the work and complimented photographer Varun Joshi on his creativity.
Varun Joshi travelled to all 84 temples across Ujjain to create this unique Shiva Lingam with 84 lingas stitched together it took a couple of months for me to capture all Shivling followed by 3 months to bring out this masterpiece. This impressive pictorial representation of the Shivling takes viewers into the rich heritage of our country and brings the country’s historical details to the fore.
According to the Skanda Purana, it is believed that once a person gets a glimpse of these 84 lingas together, the soul is free from the cycle of life and death as well as free from any kind of diseases and ailments.
“These 84 energized Shiva Lingas are very important in Hindu culture as they make life successful and hurdle-free. With just a glimpse of these lingas, a person can leave behind materialistic desires, selfishness, unpleasantness, bitterness and prejudice and become free from any kind of obstructions,” said Varun Joshi. “Sri Ram Nath Kovind was so impressed by the visual creation that he said that everyone should make this unique Shiva Lingam a part of the temple at home,” he added.
These 84 lingas are placed in different locations across Ujjain and devotees perform a yatra of 118 km to get the darshan of each one of them.
The ancient and historical city of Ujjain has a history that dates back to over 5000 years. In the Adi Brahma Puran, the city has been referred to as mokshda and in AgniPuran and Garuda Puran as bhukti-mukti. Ujjain was the capital of the ancient Avanti kingdom. According to the legends, Ujjain is one of four sites where drops of amrita, the elixir of immortality, were accidentally spilled over from a pitcher that was being carried by Garuda during the Samudra Manthana, the churning of the ocean of milk.
The city is also famous for the Panchkroshi Yatra, which takes place every year and is of great religious significance. Thousands of devotees come to the city of Mahakal to take part in this religious yatra. Devotees offer prayers to different Shivlings during this yatra.
