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.
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.
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.
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- By Rabindra
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.
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.
16, Dec 2023
The “Kishori Utkarsh Pahel” success continues in Ankleshwar Block of Bharuch District
National, 16th December 2023: Kishori Utkarsh Pahel is an adolescent girls health awareness and leadership-building initiative of Bharuch District Administration, supported by DCM Shriram Foundation and implemented by BharatCares (by SMEC Trust). This collaborative project is also supported by ICDS and the District Women and Child Development Department, Bharuch, District Primary, Secondary, and Higher Secondary Education Department, Bharuch, and District Health Department, Bharuch.
The initiative is a catalytic approach structured as an aspiration-building program among adolescent girls, both school-going and non-school-going. It focuses on the overall empowerment of adolescent girls residing in villages who are deprived of further quality education and exposure. The first phase completed intensive training of over 4000 Kishoris from 122 villages of Jhagadia block of Bharuch district and well-groomed Village Jagrut Kishoris are engaged into village level developmental programs.
This collaborative program recently achieved another remarkable milestone as the implementing partner BharatCares has completed outreach of Kishori Utkarsh Pahel (KUP) reaching out to 6,704 kishori (adolescent girls) aged 10 – 19. Out of the total Kishoris, 5359 are school-going and 1345 are non-school-going from the 59 villages of Ankleshwar block. Total of 69 government primary school teachers are trained as Master Trainers, across 74 schools who will impart training at the school level.
The training covers six different modules namely, adolescent health, menstrual hygiene management, nutrition, knowledge and convergence of government schemes and programs, legal protection and rights of adolescent girls, and leadership development. It also provides in-house training, exposure visits, and capacity-building programs. With a yearning to provide the best for the kishori, the team incorporated two more topics into the modules – financial literacy and the importance of millet in daily diet.
For those who are unable to attend the sessions during school timing, a special session is planned considering their convenience. Moreover, another key achievement is, all non-school-going girls will be re-enrolled under GSOS (Gujarat State Open School).
On completion of in-depth training, Kishoris will undergo micro and macro assessments and the best-performing kishori from each village will be recognized as the Gram Jagrut Kishori who will further participate into exposure visits and intensive trainings so that they can come out as a leader and contribute in village level developmental initiatives.
16, Dec 2023
2023 National Special Olympics Bharat Speed & Figure Skating Championship Concludes at Iskate by Roseate
Gurugram,16 th December 2023: The 2023 National Special Olympics Bharat Speed and Figure Skating Championship successfully concluded today at ISKATE – India’s largest indoor ice skating rink located in Ambience Mall, Gurugram. The event was graced by the presence of Ms. Mallika Nadda, Chairperson, Special Olympics Bharat who felicitated and motivated the athletes. Esteemed dignitaries including Shri Jai Parkash Dalal, Minister of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare – Haryana, Shri Om Prakash Yadav, Minister of State Social Justice & Empowerment – Haryana, Shri Om Prakash Dhankar, National Secretary BJP, Shri Nayab Singh Saini, State President, BJP Haryana also attended the event.
More than 50 intellectually disabled athletes from Special Olympics Bharat, representing eight states across India, participated in this prestigious event. The competition featured two disciplines, speed skating and figure skating, with participant athletes in the age group of 15-30 years. During the championship, participants were selected for the upcoming Special Olympics World Winter Games slated for 2025 in Turin, Italy.
Commenting on the championship, Ms. Mallika Nadda, Chairperson, Special Olympics Bharat, shared, “As we strive to offer the best training facilities at Special Olympics Bharat, the presence of ISKATE, a state-of-the-art ice skating rink, is a true asset. Beyond being a hub for ice skating enthusiasts, it exemplifies a dedication to fostering winter sports in our nation. Events like these are key to discovering talents and inspiring children, particularly those with special needs. Wishing these children all the best in their upcoming pursuits.”
Commenting on the same, Mr. Karan Rai, Business Head, ISKATE by Roseate, said, “As part of our CSR initiative, ISKATE takes pride in offering training sessions to figure and speed skating athletes affiliated with Special Olympics Bharat, promoting inclusivity and a shared passion for the sport. Wishing the athletes all the success, ISKATE continues to extend its unwavering support to them, a dedication that has persisted for more than a decade.”
ISKATE, the only sporting venue in India to host All India National Figure and Speed Skating Championships since a decade has been committed towards developing winter sports like Figure Skating, Speed Skating and Ice Hockey in India. At ISKATE School, athletes can not only compete at a world class indoor ice skating facility throughout the year, but also gain knowledge, training and expertise from accomplished Indian and international coaches during training camps and championships conducted regularly.
16, Dec 2023
Signature Global Foundation’s Project Pathshala Brightens the Future of Government Schools
Signature Global, a leading real estate developer in Gurugram, is making significant strides in community service through its CSR arm, the Signature Global Foundation. As part of their initiative, Project Pathshala, the foundation conducted a successful event on 14th and 15th December 2023 in two government schools in Gurugram.
Signature Global Foundation visited the Government Primary School in Basai, benefitting 700 students, followed by the Government Senior Secondary School in Basai, impacting 1539 students, to conduct a series of activities, including the distribution of study materials, renovation of schools’ infrastructure, providing drinking water facility, and more.
Project Pathshala actively promotes education in government schools across Gurugram and encompasses a range of community service programs aimed at enhancing education in government schools. Signature Global Foundation’s initiatives underline the company’s holistic approach to corporate social responsibility, creating a positive ripple effect in the communities it serves.
On this occasion Mr. Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder & Chairman of Signature Global group expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “Our commitment to education and community welfare is at the core of Signature Global’s values. We aim to uplift government schools and provide a conducive learning environment through Project Pathshala. It was extremely delightful to come across so many students, help them in various segments, and provide them with better access to learning. The success of our endeavours in Naurangpur, Kadarpur, Gadoli Khurd, Nawada Fatehpur, Basai, and Kakrola motivates us to continue making a positive impact on the education landscape in Gurugram.”
16, Dec 2023
OML Entertainment Sweeps Indian Television Academy Awards with Triple Triumph in OTT Categories
Nationwide Release: 16th December 2023: OML Entertainment, a prominent Indian leading media and entertainment company, secured three prestigious awards at the Indian Television Academy. The accolades include Best Story for “Half Pants Full Pants” on Amazon Prime Video, Best Reality Series – OTT for Zakir Khan’s stand-up special “Tathastu,” and Best Anchor-Reality Series OTT for Zakir Khan’s acclaimed series “Farzi Mushaira” on Amazon MiniTV. The recognition solidifies OML Entertainment’s position as a leader in delivering top-notch content in the rapidly evolving landscape of digital entertainment.
Under the esteemed leadership of Anu Ranjan and Shashi Ranjan, the 23rd ITA Awards marked a resounding celebration, recognizing brilliance in the realms of Television, OTT, and Films. Held on December 10 and supported by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, this prestigious event witnessed the distinguished presence of Smriti Irani, Union Cabinet Minister, Government of India.
The event was a star-studded affair, with OML and Zakir Khan receiving significant acclaim from the ITA. Being nominated in multiple categories and winning these three titles in the OTT space, while sharing the stage with some of the industry’s best stories and talented individuals, reaffirms the impact and quality of OML’s evolving content that strikes a chord with the masses.
Half Pants Full Pants, ‘An OML Creation’, directed by V. K. Prakash, adapted from Anand Suspi’s eponymous book, Half Pants Full Pants, unfolds in a quaint South Indian town, offering a nostalgic glimpse into a time before the internet and mobile phones dominated our lives. The story revolves around 7-year-old Anand, fondly known as Dabba, and his well-mannered friend Giddi as they embark on heartwarming adventures, evoking a sense of longing for the simplicity and innocence of days gone by.
OML Entertainment is Zakir Khan’s talent management agency and produced Tathastu and Farzi Mushaira. The revered Indian artist won the best stand-up act for Reality Series – Tathastu which was structured into three compelling chapters—Paradise, Exile, and The Return. It intricately unfolds the Zakir Khan origin story.
This special stand-up act delves into the pivotal elements of his life, particularly emphasizing his profound connection with his late grandfather, the renowned singer Ustad Moinuddin Khan, and his journey from his upbringing in a joint family to his college days and initial career experiences, culminating in his foray into comedy.
He also won the Best Anchor-Reality Series OTT for the acclaimed series “Farzi Mushaira” on Amazon MiniTV. Farzi Mushaira is a poetic carnival of exciting and fun episodes, dealing with shayris(urdu poetry) on topics of rejections, hartbreaks, cheating, and candid confessions.
OML Entertainment was also honored to receive nominations at the Filmfare Awards this year. The recognition was a testament to the quality of the agency’s productions, with the following titles earning nominations in various categories: “Tathastu” for Best Series (Comedy), “Farzi Mushaira” for Best Series (Comedy), and “Half Pants Full Pants” also competing in the Best Series (Comedy) category. Additionally, the talented portrayal of the character Dabba in “Half Pants Full Pants” earned a nomination for Best Actor in the Series (Comedy) category.
Gunjan Arya, Spokesperson, OML Entertainment was quoted as saying, “We are grateful to have our work recognised at the esteemed ITA. From Half Pants Full Pants which was a true industry wide collaboration in our work with Anand Suspi who wrote the book on which it is based and VK Prakash bringing his distinct directorial experience to audiences, to Zakir’s standup special Tathastu that made audiences feel a wider range range of emotions than most other comedy specials – we are especially grateful to Amazon Prime Video for their partnership.
Furthermore, Farzi Mushaira as a format that Amazon MiniTV took a bet on where Zakir has showcased yet another laugh roller coaster that audiences have loved and adored him for, is a recognition of his sheer talent and auteurship as an artist. OML has always strived to create diverse and wholly unique entertainment experiences for fans, and we are humbled and proud to have the recognition of a platform such as ITA in our journey. We remain inspired to deliver more shows and formats in diverse genres and with interesting narratives alongside our partners that champion the content ecosystem.”
Known for its prominence in the entertainment industry, the ITA Awards served as a flagship event that shone a spotlight on exceptional talent and accomplishments. From captivating performances in fiction to groundbreaking strides in non-fiction, the ceremony acknowledged the outstanding contributions of individuals and shows within the industry. It was a night that celebrated the diverse excellence that continues to shape the landscape of Indian entertainment.
16, Dec 2023
CMR University Collaborates with Bengaluru City Police to Launch ‘Police Marshals’ Program
Bengaluru, December 16, 2023 – CMR University, in collaboration with Bengaluru City Police and the Aarohan Foundation, launched “Police Marshals at CMR University” at the CMR National Public School, Kalyan Nagar, to mark a significant step in the battle against drug abuse, tobacco, and alcohol.
The launch event witnessed the esteemed presence of Dr. H B Raghavendra, Vice Chancellor, CMR University, Bangalore, and Dr. Babu Devasenapati S, Director OSA & Partnerships, CMR University, Mr. Raman Gupta IPS – Additional Commissioner of Police, East, Mr. Devaraja D IPS – Deputy Commissioner of Police, East Division and Ms. Manisha Bhatt – Founder Director – Aarohan Foundation.
The ceremony commenced with Mr. Raman Gupta, IPS, initiating the oath and robing the students. In his address, Mr. Raman highlighted the significance of CMR University being the first institution in the East Division to launch the Police Marshals initiative. Emphasizing the critical role of youth in combating the supply network of drugs, he encouraged students to become warriors against drugs in society.
Dr. H B Raghavendra, Vice Chancellor of CMR University, emphasized the institution’s commitment to holistic education and the development of socially responsible citizens. Dr. Babu Devasenapati S, Director OSA & Partnerships, CMR University, conveyed the university’s dedication to supporting initiatives that align with the welfare of society.
The CMRU Police Marshals initiative aims to foster trust and build rapport with students through engaging programs such as awareness drives, walkathons, marathons, and other community-centric activities. These initiatives, driven by students in collaboration with local police, will champion the cause against drug abuse, tobacco, and alcohol.
16, Dec 2023
Mystique 2023: A Fusion of Talent, Culture, and Management Excellence Rocks H.R. College
Mumbai’s cultural and management heartbeat echoed with vibrancy and talent as H.R. College, Churchgate, played host to the success of its annual intercollegiate festival, Mystique. A festival organised by the students and for the students across Mumbai from diverse academic backgrounds that took place on the 4th, 5th, and 6th of December 2023 converged to celebrate a shared passion for cultural, sports, and management talent.
The 4th year of Mystique was the buzz of the city with its enchanting success. It was 3 days of holistic experience with 2 days of concert nights headlining the event Project 91 by Sunburn on the 4th of December and Yashraj on the 5th of December, performing live at Karnatak Sports Associations (KSA) Grounds, Churchgate.
The team was pleased to have Tanuj Virwani, Divya Agarwal, Vedika Bhandari, Shivshakti Sachdev, Aditya Rawal, Simran Dhanwani, and Murtuza Kutinwala as our panellists to grace their insightful panel discussion on The Crucial Role of Digital Creation in an Actor’s Journey.
The wealth of experience and expertise of the judges played a pivotal role in the events and the team would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to Shantanu Maheswari and the Campus Beats team, Darsheel Safary, Gopi Bhalla, Vishal Shelke, our chief guest Jaan Kumar Sanu, Neha Garg, Namita Dubey and many more.
The festival unfolded as a vibrant extravaganza, featuring a diverse array of events unleashing healthy competitions catering to varied interests, stimulating events like Fasla Janta Ka inspired by the renowned show ‘Aap Ki Adalat’, with Mystique’s legacy event ‘Student of the Year’, cultural performances glorifying the stage with their flamboyant personalities While the Fine Arts transformed into a gallery of creativity with masterpieces from young artists.
A total of 35 colleges took part in Mystique, out of which the top 3 colleges paved their way to victory, the colleges ranked in the competition were Jai Hind College in 1st place, Thakur College 1st runner up and Kishinchand Chellaram College in 2nd runner up.
Beyond competition, the festival was a celebration of unity, offering various brands and businesses a platform to showcase among the young youth. Food stalls offering flavours from every corner of the world, jewellery, and creative stalls and pop-ups to make the night more glamorous.
The legacy of Mystique at H.R. College serves as a reminder of the power of youth to come together and create something extraordinary with the immense support of their faculty members and two major pillars of the festival, esteemed Principal Dr. Pooja Ramchandani and Teacher in Charge, Ms. Charvi Gada. As the echoes of this year’s festival linger in the air, the anticipation for next year’s edition has already begun, promising an even grander celebration of talent.
16, Dec 2023
National Geographic India’s Upcoming Documentary ‘The Butterfly Effect’ Dives into WIPRO’s Efforts Towards Achieving Net Zero
India, 16th December 2023: The urgency of the climate change crisis is undeniable. It is imperative that we safeguard the world we inherited from our forefathers and preserve it for the future generations. Packed with innovative and inspiring storytelling, National Geographic in India is all set to bring forth the remarkable journey of WIPRO, giving its viewers a glimpse into the company’s commitment in trying to achieve net-zero carbon emissions. Premiering on 16th December, at 8 PM on National Geographic Channel, the film titled ‘The Butterfly Effect’ sheds light on the sustainable measures adapted by Wipro to curb the adverse effects of global warming.
In an era marked by industrial progress, where electricity and energy symbolize advancement, the documentary explores the consequences of global warming and climate change. It delves into the consequences of heightened temperatures, unpredictable weather patterns, rising sea levels, and catastrophic heatwaves. While showcasing Wipro’s commitment to attain 100% renewable energy in their campuses by 2030, the short film spotlights the company’s green efforts to address the challenges of today’s climate crisis. The documentary will explore innovative, future-ready solutions such as an underfloor air distribution system for cooling, advancement in designing for efficient energy use, and the recycling of organic waste and water, all aimed at slowing down the climate crisis.
“At National Geographic, we aim to bring forth thought-provoking and insightful stories that enlighten our viewers on the significance of sustainability for a healthy planet. Our constant endeavour is to inspire and encourage our audience to embrace lifestyle changes for a better tomorrow, fostering a collective commitment to safeguarding the planet for future generations. The documentary provides unprecedented access to information, offering viewers a deeper understanding of disruptive measures to achieve sustainability.” said a National Geographic spokesperson.
“The effects of climate change are already evident in our daily lives and increasingly so. Its adverse impacts will unfortunately cascade through to our future generations. As a responsible corporation, we have been working on our climate goals over the last 15 years. We are pleased to collaborate with a credible brand like National Geographic, which has captured the key elements of our sustainability journey in a seamless, well-knit narrative,” said P S Narayan, Global Head, Sustainability & Social Initiatives, Wipro Limited.
Produced by National Geographic Creative Works, ‘The Butterfly Effect’ will premiere on December 16th, 2023, at 8 PM on National Geographic Channel in India.
16, Dec 2023
News18 Lokmat concluded Agenda Maharashtra steering conversations about the state’s future
16th December 2023 – News18 Lokmat successfully concluded ‘Agenda Maharashtra,’ a prominent gathering that united visionaries, influential thinkers, and essential stakeholders for a substantial discourse on the prospective progress of Maharashtra. This event, which took place on December 11th, 2023, in Nagpur, served as a platform for stimulating ideas, encouraging cooperation, and instigating beneficial transformations throughout the state.
Dy. CM Devendra Fadnavis, Assembly Speaker Rahul Narvekar, CM Eknath Shinde, Girish Mahajan (Minister of Rural Development & Panchayat Raj of Maharashtra), Dada Bhuse (Ports and Mining Development), Ravindra Chauhan (Minister of Medical Education, IT, and Food & Civil Supplies), and Sudhir Mungantiwar (Minister of Cultural Affairs and Forest) graced the occasion of ‘Agenda Maharashtra’ hosted by News18 Lokmat. These leaders and decision-makers actively participated in substantive conversations, exchanged perspectives, and suggested remedies for various challenges, contributing to the formulation of a comprehensive developmental agenda for the region.
