19, Dec 2023
Bisk Farm Boards Rashmika Mandanna as Brand Ambassador

Bengaluru — December 19, 2023: Bisk Farm, one of India’s leading Biscuit and bakery brands today announced its partnership with leading actress Rashmika Mandanna as their Brand Ambassador. The versatile, award-winning actress will be the face of the ‘RUSKIT Brand’, which offers a delicious range of crunchy baked toast in 4 variants for a perfect tea-time partner. Bisk Farm is known for its innovation, quality, and flavor, and with Rashmika Mandanna by its side, the brand is all set to create a significant buzz in the market and soar to new heights on its quest to become a household name across India.

With her infectious energy and lively personality, Rashmika mirrors Bisk Farm’s commitment to bringing joy and happiness to consumers through its delectable range of products. Bisk Farm is focusing on strengthening its position in the Rusk category, a significant contributor to the company’s total revenue. Taking the first mover advantage of adding pedigree to the local Rusk, BISK FARM RUSKIT has successfully made deep inroads into the Indian Palates.

Ruskit-Butter

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vijay Singh, Managing Director of Bisk Farm, expressed his enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, “We are delighted to welcome Rashmika Mandanna to the Bisk Farm family as our Brand Ambassador. Her undeniable charm and widespread appeal perfectly embodies the spirit of Bisk Farm – a brand synonymous with fun, freshness, and deliciousness. Her strong connection with the millennial audience makes her the perfect choice to represent our brand and further strengthen our presence in key markets. We look forward to an exciting journey with Rashmika as a key partner in shaping the narrative and engaging with consumers on a deeper level across the nation for substantial revenue growth.”

Expressing her excitement about the association with the brand, Rashmika Mandanna said “Bisk Farm is one of the fastest-growing FMCG brands in India, and their commitment to growth and innovation resonates deeply with me. I believe that this partnership will be a fruitful one, and I look forward to connecting with my fans through Bisk Farm’s delicious and wholesome products.”

Rashmika Bisk farm

SAJ Food Products, which is India’s fourth-largest biscuit and bakery brand, aims to achieve a revenue milestone of Rs 5000 crore by FY29, aligning with its vision to transform its flagship brand, BISK FARM, into a truly national brand. The strategic move to rope in actress Rashmika Mandana, “The National Crush of India” as the face of its RUSKIT brand is a significant step towards achieving this goal.

Coinciding with this announcement, Bisk Farm has also unveiled an exciting 360-degree campaign celebrating the perfect pairing of RUSKIT’s satisfying crunch with Rashmika Mandanna’s versatility and playful charm. The campaign introduces the celebrated actress as the protagonist named Meena Bhai—a feared don terrorizing a busy market. The campaign takes viewers on a hilarious journey as Meena Bhai reveals the magic in every cup with #TheresNoTeaWithoutRUSKIT. The tagline perfectly captures the essence of the campaign, highlighting how Ruskit’s irresistible flavors and satisfying crunch are the essential missing piece to a perfect cup of chai.

With an eye on a pan-India presence, SAJ Food is also gearing up for deeper market penetration, with a special focus on key markets in Karnataka and other southern states. To fuel its growth ambitions and expand its reach, SAJ Food commissioned its sixth facility in Bengaluru, Karnataka in March 2022. With a strong brand vision, strategic expansion plans, and popular celebrity endorsements, SAJ Food is poised for significant growth in the years to come.

19, Dec 2023
Italian Consulate in Kolkata Some Of The Main Achievements Over The Past Three Years

Kolkata, 19 December 2023: There were several areas of cooperation between the Italian Consulate in Kolkata and various groups in the city in terms of seminars, discussions, workshops, and other socio-cultural and trade events that took place over the past 3 years.

There were the Italo-Kolkatan Heritage Conversations with scholars from Italy who came to Kolkata to discuss the artistic links between the city and Italy. For instance, Isabella Nardi spoke about Italian artists active in the city and Chiara Rostagno spoke about twelve marble busts in the gardens of Victoria Memorial. All these events were held at heritage sites such as the Victoria Memorial and in Tagore’s palace.

Italian Consulate in Kolkata 1

To highlight the Italian connection with Rabindranath Tagore, a permanent exhibition was inaugurated at the Rabindra Bharati Museum to celebrate the connection between Tagore and Italy. The journeys and events surrounding Tagore’s three visits to Italy and a comprehensive glimpse into the places and times (through visuals and quotes), the link between Italian scholars and artists with the Tagore Family/RBU/Vishwa Bharati University.

Another initiative was to engage and address the youth in Kolkata and show them Italy in a different manner. The Italian Consulate had a series of comic strips designed by Upal Sengupta (the famous singer and cartoonist) on The Adventures of Puchki and Cookie in Italy, where a young Bengali teenager, Puchki, visits Italy with her dog Cookie and embarks on a journey to cities like Florence and Naples, seeing them from a teenage perspective.

To highlight and celebrate the Christmas season, the Consulate organized four Christmas Concerts where choir groups composed of children from different backgrounds, including those of the schools for the blind were taught to sing songs in several different languages such as in English, Hindi, Bengali, Italian and even Latin.

Italian Consulate in Kolkata 2

Highlighting the cultural affinity between Italy and Kolkata, the Consulate helped organize several photo exhibitions entitled ‘From Kolkata to Italy.’ The exhibitions were held at the National Library, in the Lalit Bakery and Trams. The idea behind this was to place two photographical archives in dialogue with each other. As this was during Covid times, (and no one was allowed to go outside to take photographs), so the Consulate used the novel idea to send a series of Black and White photographs of Kolkata by Rachit Deb, to Italy, and to identify matching photographs of various Italian cities.

For students going to Italy for their education, the Consul General organized several High Teas ensuring interaction with former students so that any queries about the situation in a different country, their expectations, etc. could be addressed by former students who had returned back home.

The concept of sharing an evening of Italian Aperitivo (meaning small bites and special drinks) with individuals from the creative arts, food bloggers, or important guests visiting from Italy was introduced in India for the first time by the Consul General.

There were 100 such events undertaken during the tenure of Consul General Rubagotti which have benefited the city of Kolkata.

19, Dec 2023
AU Small Finance Bank presents ‘Badlaav Humse Hai-Season 2’ powered by Network 18

New Delhi December 19, 2023: In a commendable effort to honour those driving positive change in society, AU Small Finance Bank and Network18 have launched the second season of ‘Badlaav Humse Hai’, an initiative dedicated to showcasing the remarkable humanitarian efforts of India’s lesser-known changemakers who are an inspiration to countless individuals.

Introduced by AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB) in 2021, the 2nd season of ‘Badlaav Humse Hai’, aims to recognize and applaud the endeavours of these unnoticed heroes who have significantly impacted the lives of communities across various regions in India. Noted actor and former Miss India, Gul Panag will be the celebrity champion for change for this initiative and the voice of the campaign.

In a developing nation like India, where numerous areas, such as employment, education, and healthcare, require ongoing improvements, many changemakers have assumed crucial roles in driving these changes. These unsung heroes have been instrumental in catalysing transformative and inspirational shifts. With unwavering determination and a relentless pursuit of positive change for the greater good, these changemakers exemplify social responsibility through their actions and turn their ideas into reality. Given the rapid pace of societal evolution today, there is an increasing need for more individuals who challenge conventional norms and devise solutions to address social and environmental challenges.

Badlav Humse Hai

Network18 and AU Small Finance Bank have dedicated several decades to their respective fields in pursuit of societal improvement. AU SFB holds the distinction of being India’s largest Small Finance Bank. For 28 years, the financial institution has been empowering numerous changemakers and bolstering their endeavours through financial inclusion and corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives in semi-urban and rural regions of India. Similarly, Network18 has taken the lead in driving purpose-driven campaigns aimed at fostering social change and amplifying positive efforts in domains like healthcare, sanitation, education, and the well-being of women and children.

Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, “Launching ‘Badlaav Humse Hai’ Season 2 isn’t just a continuation—it’s a testament to the transformative power of collective change. The success of the first season fuelled our commitment to recognize unsung heroes driving social good in our society. Being a first-generation entrepreneur, I firmly believe in the potential of everyone to become successful entrepreneurs, as long as they possess the drive. This belief in inclusivity forms the essence of the ‘Badlaav Humse Hai’ changemaker campaign. At AU SFB, our guiding principle is the commitment to service. We are dedicated to making a positive impact where it is most needed. Through robust processes and financial expertise, we’ve established a sustainable platform that effectively serves customers from all walks of life, ensuring profitability.”

Puneet Singhvi, CEO – Digital & President, Corporate Strategy, Network18, remarked, “Network18 is committed to championing purpose-driven initiatives, and we continue on this path with the second season of our ‘Badlaav Humse Hai’ campaign, shining a spotlight on the stories of changemakers across India and felicitating their zeal towards embracing meaningful causes. We extend our gratitude to AU Small Finance Bank for their continual support in this endeavor. Our mutual aspiration is to motivate the people of our nation to take inspiration from these changemakers and recognize the substantial impact that small steps can have in bringing about significant change.”

18, Dec 2023
Gram Unnati and National Sustainable Spice Programme (NSSP)  Gram Unnati conduct training and awareness camp for Coriander farmers in Rajasthan’s Baran

Noida, Uttar Pradesh, December 18, 2023: Gram Unnati, India’s fastest-growing agri-tech company, as a part of its initiative ‘Agriculture Programme to Improve Farmer Income’ in association with National Sustainable Spice Programme (NSSP)  organized a comprehensive training and awareness program tailored for coriander farmers, a vital cash crop for 25 villages in the region. Bringing together nearly 100 dedicated farmers, this event served as a pivotal platform for knowledge exchange, enriched by the presence of esteemed agricultural experts.

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Baran, known for its dry and arid conditions, stands as an ideal region for the scientific cultivation of coriander. Recognizing its significance as a popular cash crop requiring minimal water and agricultural inputs while thriving in Baran’s soil and climate, the focus on coriander cultivation was both strategic and essential.

Amidst the gathering, Dr. Takht Singh Rajpurohit, lead trainer of NSSP, Dr. Sunil from Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), and Dr. Nand Bihari, the Assistant District Horticulture Officer joined forces with Gram Unnati’s experts for the awareness camp.

Emphasizing the objective,  Aneesh Jain, the CEO & Founder of Gram Unnati, said: “We want to empower farmers with the best crop yielding techniques that would give them optimal market returns. Experts shared the best-integrated pest management and nutrient practices with the farmers. They were also given training on unconventional yet effective methods, such as intercropping with garlic to repel insects due to its strong odour. Experts also recommended that farmers must try to revert to certain traditional practices such as manual hoeing and tilling of the crop to manage weeds and reduce their dependence on weedicides. These practices will also eventually lead to better soil health.”

Coriander serves as a primary income source for farmers in Baran and adjoining areas, underscoring the importance of timely access to relevant information. Managing pests and diseases becomes a formidable challenge, demanding constant knowledge updates.

The gathering also fostered a vibrant exchange of knowledge and field-level expertise among farmers, championing a culture of sharing best practices. Malkeet Singh, the  Sarpanch of Badipura Village, highlighted how such events serve as invaluable exposure visits for farmers. Moreover, Dr. Nand Bihari enlightened farmers about available Government Schemes and subsidies, providing them with informative folders containing details about these resources, the monthly newspaper of Krishi Vigyan Kendra, and comprehensive guidelines for coriander cultivation prepared by Gram Unnati.

18, Dec 2023
Eight-Year-Old Annika Miriam Justin Weaves Whimsical Worlds in Debut Book, “Rainbow: A Bag of Seven Stories”

Bengaluru, India – December 18, 2023 – Prepare to enter a realm where dreams take flight and imaginations soar. Eight-year-old Annika Miriam Justin, a student at TCIS – The Cambridge International School, unleashes her debut book, “Rainbow: A Bag of Seven Stories”, a vibrant collection of short stories ready to captivate readers of all ages.

Annika, a budding wordsmith with a passion for storytelling, has crafted seven enchanting tales that brim with colorful characters, whimsical settings, and valuable life lessons. From fearless adventurers to cunning animals and kind-hearted friends, each story unlocks a unique world brimming with excitement and wonder.

Amnnika Miriam Justine

“I love to read and I’ve always been amazed by the power of stories,” shares Annika. “Writing feels like magic, and I’m so excited to share my own stories with the world!”

Whether you’re a child yearning for adventure or an adult seeking a nostalgic escape, “Rainbow: A Bag of Seven Stories” offers a delightful journey for every reader.

Rainbow 1

Prepare to be swept away by:

A tale that dictates a dynamic sibling relationship between a girl and her mischievous brother with a series of playful yet troublesome incidents.

The story of a lonely girl’s enchanting friendship with a talking star which brings unexpected joy and positive changes to her life.

And much more!!!

Annika’s vivid imagination and heartwarming narrative style shine through every page, making “Rainbow: A Bag of Seven Stories” a must-read for anyone who believes in the magic of storytelling.

18, Dec 2023
Aaiye milkar karein Siya Ram ka Swagat; Bhakti Bhare Iss Naye Bhajan Se

Opening the doors for a new generation to experience the beauty and wisdom of Lord Ram’s journey – Sony Entertainment Television is bringing viewers the highly anticipated Shrimad Ramayan. Starring Sujay Reu as Lord Ram, Prachi Bansal as Mata Sita, Nikitin Dheer as Ravan, and Nirbhay Wadhwa as Hanuman, the show premieres on January 1, 2024, and will air every Monday to Friday at 9 PM. The makers have created a beautiful title track, composed by Lalit Sen, which transports audiences to an ancient spiritual era and highlights the virtues of Lord Ram.

In a seamless blend, this traditional and devotional bhajan is brought to life by the dynamic energy of the contestants of Indian Idol Season 14 – Subhadeep Das Chowdhury, Menuka Poudel, Vaibhav Gupta, Ananya Pal and Utkarsh Wankhede in a special promotional video.

Watch the video here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C03hdzAL-9m/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Indian Idol 14 Judge - Shreya Ghoshal

Proud of the feat that the contestants have achieved with this opportunity, Indian Idol Judge Shreya Ghoshal says, “I am very proud that our talented contestants – Subhadeep, Menuka, Vaibhav, Ananya, and Utkarsh have received this divine opportunity to lend their voice for the special promotional video of the title track of the channel’s upcoming divine saga, ‘Shrimad Ramayan.’ I am also thankful to Lalit Ji for giving this opportunity to our contestants, who have further reinstated that the stage of ‘Indian Idol’ is one of the best singing reality platforms. I am confident that this song will become a significant part of everyone’s life. It is certainly a beautiful composition.”

The soulful track, with its harmonious blend of talent and devotion, will not only resonate with the ardent fans of Indian Idol but also with a broader audience seeking a spiritual connection through music.

‘Shrimad Ramayan’ premieres on January 1, 2024, and will air every Monday to Friday at 9 PM only on Sony Entertainment Television

18, Dec 2023
New Show Alert: Sony Entertainment Television drops the promo of its upcoming family drama, ‘Mehndi Wala Ghar’

Sony Entertainment Television drops the first glimpse of its upcoming family drama, “Mehndi Wala Ghar”. With an ensemble star cast, the show puts the spotlight on ‘joint families’, reflecting the joy, laughter, and a sense of togetherness that is fostered in this environment.

Watch the Promo Here: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C01fLfuPFQm/?igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Agrawal Saddan – jahaan pyaar mohbat se rishtey har koi nibhaata hai sets the tone for the perfect narrative of familial bonds and the promo creates intrigue whether they will remain united in the face of adversity. Actors Vibha Chibber, Kanwarjeet Paintal, Ramakant Daayma, Ravi Gossain, Karan Mehra, Rushad Rana, Arpit Kapoor, Gun Kansara, Khalida Jan, and Ushma Rathod play pivotal roles in the show and we can’t wait to see the story of this family and their ancestral home, ‘jo pure Ujjain mein mehndi waale ghar ke naam se jaana jaata hain’.

‘Mehndi Wala Ghar’ is coming soon on Sony Entertainment Television

18, Dec 2023
COLORS’ ‘Dance Deewane’ auditions in Delhi; check out the details now!

COLORS’ ‘Dance Deewane’ is all set to return to television with the biggest dance battle across three generations. The auditions for India’s favourite dance reality show will be held in Delhi on the 23rd of December. The stage is primed, and the spotlight calls for all performers aged four and above to grace the dance floor. Embracing various dance forms of the world, ‘Dance Deewane’ offers dancers of all generations to make a mark in the dance landscape. Pledging to discover and nurture extraordinary talent, this enthralling journey will land in Delhi to explore the city’s hidden dance treasures. Open to all the performers fraom diverse dance genres, the auditions welcome those whose passion, dedication, and moves can set the stage on fire. This is a golden chance for the performers of Delhi to showcase their passion for dance to a national audience! The participants can also download the JioCinema app and send their video entries.

Dance Deewane Delhi Audition

Details of the audition in Delhi:

Date: 23rd December (Full day)

Venue: Central Academy International School, Sector 10 Dwarka, Opposite Metro Line, Delhi – 110075

‘Dance Deewane’ will air on COLORS soon.

17, Dec 2023
Unified interfaith Christmas festival is a significant initiative: Justice C.T. Ravi Kumar

New Delhi, December 17, 2023: The Interfaith ‘Christmas Festival’ ” Kristu Mahotsav- 2024″ is a great initiative, which is not just about celebrating or exchanging gifts but is also about peace and harmony, with the motto “Include Everyone Exclude None”.

According to Justice C.T. Ravi Kumar, a Supreme Court judge and the chief guest of the event organized by the Chavara Cultural Centre, the festival emphasizes staying on Earth to find heaven here rather than searching elsewhere. The event was themed ‘Celebrating Diversity – Celebrating Bharat’ and took place at the Diocesan Community Centre, Ashok Place, Gol Dak Khana, Delhi.

The festival aimed at spreading joy among differently-abled children from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. The festivities were also live-streamed on YouTube. Justice C.T. Ravi Kumar, after inaugurating the event, was joined by prominent figures like Archbishop Anil Couto of Delhi, Archbishop Kuriakose Bharanikulangara of Faridabad, and Dr. Father Martin Mallath CMI, General Counselor for Education and Media, who addressed the audience.

The main celebrants, including Father Varghese Vallikkat, and Fr Norbert Herman SVD, shared their thoughts.

Christmas all religions festival 1

The festival showcased cultural programs in art, literature, and culture, bringing together Episcopal churches, various communities, and regional people in unity, mirroring the diversity in unity, akin to celebrating an Indian festival.

Special guests at the event included Lok Sabha Member Dr. Lorho S. Pfoze, Vice-Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities K.K. Debu, and Sushil Goswami Ji Maharaj, National Coordinator of the Indian Multi-Faith Parliament. The event also witnessed the presence of Swami Chandra Dev Ji, Founder Chairman of the Global Sant Society, Sufi Ajmal Nizami, Trustee of the Nizamuddin Dargah, Rabbi Ezekiel Isaac Malekar, Chief of the Delhi Jewish community, and Acharya Yeshi Phuntsok from CIHTS (Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies) in Varanasi, Sri. Vivek Muniji Maharaj, Mrs. Carmel Tripathi, Mrs A Dhanalakshmi, Joint Secretary DST.

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Speaking about Christmas, Archbishop Anil Couto said, “Christmas conveys a message of peace, joy, hope, and love. We are celebrating this Christmas with the message of love and unity, connecting hearts and making it a festival for India.”

Dr. Fr. Roby Kannanchira CMI, Director Chavara Cultural Centre Delhi, organizer of the program, said , ” Christmas is the commemoration of the birth of Jesus- the prince of love who included everyone and excluded none. The light of selfless love of Christ will expel the darkness of hatred and jealousy from this world. Celebrating Christmas with differently abled children heals the wounded humanity.”

Advocate Dr. K.C. George praised the differently-abled children, extending Christmas greetings and expressing the hope that the festival would contribute to their health and education. He described it as a festival of hearts, aiming to spread brotherhood and goodwill in the country.

Father Martin Mallath, CMI, Chairman of the Chavara Cultural Centre, commented on the festival, calling it an initiative for interfaith dialogue, art, literature, and cultural discussions to promote peace and harmony in society. He likened it to the Christmas message of peace, joy, and hope, and anticipated that the festival would spread a positive message of unity among people in the country.

16, Dec 2023
LG celebrates 50 Years of Korea-India diplomatic relations at “Rang De Korea” event

Bengaluru, 16 December, 2023 — In a momentous celebration of cultural diversity and unity, LG Electronics proudly participated in the “Rang De Korea” event, held at Ansal Plaza Mall in New Delhi, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Korea-India diplomatic relations. The event was organized in collaboration with the Korea Cultural Centre (KCC) and witnessed a historic gathering of companies and dignitaries from both nations.

The gala event took place on December 10, 2023, at Ansal Plaza Mall, Hudco Place, Andrews Ganj, New Delhi. The occasion saw the participation of prominent companies such as Kia Motors, Dalgrak, Amorepacific (Innisfree, Etude, Sulwhasoo, Laneige), Orion, Atomi, Hyundai Motors, LG Electronics, Koindotrading (Korikart), SAZAXA(후스구스), and CJ, totaling 10 key contributors to the vibrant cultural exchange.

At the event, Ambassador Chang Jae-bok and Shri Saurabh Kumar, Secretary (East) at the Ministry of External Affairs, graced the occasion as distinguished guests. Their presence underscored the profound significance of the bilateral relations between the two nations.

LG India X Rang De Korea 3

Commenting on the same, Jae Hyung Jun-Head Corporate Marketing said, “At LG, our unwavering commitment to the Indian market drives us to deliver superior products. Extending our LIFE’S GOOD brand philosophy we participated in vibrant “RANG DE KOREA” festival. The festival was a unique platform to showcase our latest offerings, bringing customers first-hand experiences. On this historic occasion, we reaffirm our dedication to fostering connections, promoting cultural exchange, and contributing to the enduring friendship between Korea and India.”

The event showcased the rich cultural heritage of both Korea and India through various performances, featuring the Korean traditional art performer “J I Art Troupe” and the mesmerizing LED art performer “Gwangtal.” Additionally, the All India K-POP contest 2023 winner from the vocal category, 1st runner up from the dance category and K-POP girl group X also graced the stage with their talent.

With a footfall of over 4,000 attendees, “Rang De Korea” served as a platform for fostering greater understanding and appreciation of the deep-rooted connections between Korea and India.

LG Electronics, a key participant in this celebration, reaffirms its commitment to promoting cultural exchange and strengthening the bonds between Korea and India. The company extends its gratitude to all the participants, guests, and attendees who contributed to making the event a resounding success. Earlier this year company organised KPOP contest in association with KCC, more than 11,000 people participated in this contest.