14, Dec 2023
Embassy Group’s Concrete Measures for Lasting Change in the Global Health Agenda
Bengaluru, 14th December 2023: The pandemic underscored the utmost importance of universal access to health and well-being and the necessity of robust and adaptable healthcare systems, awakening a global realization of their profound significance. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), half of the global population lacks the necessary healthcare access.
As we celebrate International Universal Health Coverage Day and this year’s theme, “Health for All: Time for Action,” we need to put emphasis on the urgency for concrete and immediate measures in shaping the world we aspire to see. The commitment to health as a human right will significantly determine the resilience of the economies and societies we build and rebuild today and far into the future.
At the Embassy, we practice a holistic approach that goes beyond the basics to meet the diverse needs of individuals and communities, with a focus on sustainability, collaboration, empowerment, and stakeholder engagement. To date, we have worked with 41 corporates on 74 projects in the spaces of education, infrastructure, health, and COVID-19.
Our holistic health and hygiene programme for government schools saw an enormous increase in the radius of impact under our Corporate Connect umbrella. Since 2016, we have been championing preventive health awareness in government schools with our corporate partners, laying the basis for a generation of students with improved lifelong resilience to disease. In the last year, we supported 42,000 students across India with our programme.
The need of the hour is to have a conscious commitment to make a real, long-term sustainable developmental change through a collaborative approach. With the vision to contribute to the socio-economic development of the world, collaborative CSR can create a bigger radius of societal impact through collective action.
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- By Rabindra
13, Dec 2023
The 28th Edition Of The European Union Film Festival Culminates In Delhi On A High Note With An Overwhelming Response
New Delhi, December 13, 2023: The 28th edition of the European Union Film Festival (EUFF), organized by the EU Delegation to India in collaboration with EU Member States, concluded in Delhi amidst much excitement and fanfare from film enthusiasts as they experienced the finest in European Cinema. Spanning 10 days, the festival offered a curated selection of 28 movies from 27 EU countries and Ukraine in 25 languages across three venues – India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes (Spanish Cultural Center), and The Goethe-Institut /Max Mueller Bhavan.
The festival concluded with the screening of three films on the last day – Kiddo, directed by Zara Dwinger from The Netherlands; Tori and Lokita, directed by Jean-Pierre Dardenne and Luc Dardenne from Belgium, and Oscar-nominated The Banshees of Inisherin, directed by Martin McDonagh from Ireland. With this, the curtains were drawn on the 28th Edition of the EU Film Festival in Delhi. The screenings throughout the festival witnessed an overwhelming response from the audience, with several full house shows across venues. The festival will next enthral the audience in Chennai from 19th to 28th January 2024.
During the festival, the audience got the opportunity to interact with European filmmakers and artists visiting the festival, including French actress Guslagie Malanda, Finnish director Hanna Marjo Västinsalo, Finnish producer Cyril Jacob Abraham, and Estonian director Anu Aun.
As the festival concluded in Delhi, Ambassador of the European Union to India, H.E. Herve Delphin, said, “End slap of the clapperboard for this year’s European Union Film Festival in Delhi! This 28th edition of the EUFF was a great window to the best European cinema: a glimpse of Europe’s rich culture through captivating stories. It was heartening to see the enthusiasm and interest of the public. This festival is a step towards creating a larger platform for cultural dialogue between the EU and India, celebrating our tradition of storytelling, and providing young people with a platform that helps them experience cultural exchange in a different light.”
Talking about the theme of the festival, he added: “This year, the festival celebrated women in cinema through the work of dynamic and independent women directors. We also had two directors and an actress from Europe visit the festival, stirring conversation about cinema and the role of women. It was in every sense seeing the world through a wider lens”. He called on the audience to stay tuned to the EUFF: “There is good news for Indian cinema lovers: the festival is not over! It now travels to Chennai, where the selection of EUFF will be on display from 19th to 28th January 2024.”
Featuring movies from 18 women directors, the festival celebrated Women in European Cinema and the art of storytelling from the woman’s perspective, observing the increased dominance of women’s participation in cinema. Along with the screening of these award-winning films that have received significant appreciation across some of the most prestigious global film festivals, the festival also hosted a panel discussion on Women in European Cinema featuring prominent panelists, including the curator of EUFF 2023 – Veronica Flora, Estonian Director – Anu Aun and Actress of the French film Saint Omer – Guslagie Malanda. The session was moderated by film scholar and film critic Sukhpreet Kahlon.
The festival also hosted a masterclass on New Frontiers in Filmmaking — a one-day intensive workshop with presentations, activities, and screenings inspired by anthropology, art-making, virtual reality, cultural heritage, scientific research, and more. The masterclass, organized in collaboration with UnBox, saw sessions by European and Indian filmmakers – Hanna Västinsalo (Finland), Savyasachi Anju Prabir (India), and Finnish filmmakers Cyril Abraham (Finland/India). The three filmmakers brought together unique experiences in producing shorts, features, and experimental work in South Asian and European regions.
A special section, BACHPAN, in collaboration with Smile International Film Festival for Children & Youth (Siffcy) – a Smile Foundation initiative, was curated by renowned film producer, distributor, and curator Jitendra Mishra. The workshop was attended by over 80 children from Delhi schools and the Smile Foundation. The BACHPAN session screened two specially curated films, She – Hero from Slovakia and Icarus and the Minotaur from Luxembourg. The children also had the opportunity to learn from masters in cinema about one of the most important aspects of film-making – storyboarding.
The ‘free for all’ festival was organized by the Delegation of the European Union to India, Embassies of EU Member States, and regional partners for an incredible cinematic experience with 28 films in 25 languages from 28 European countries. This year, the festival witnessed an excellent line-up of films that have won accolades at top film festivals worldwide, including Cannes, the Academy Awards, the Venice Film Festival, the Tribeca Film Festival, and IFFI, among others. Rich in genre, the EUFF brings some of the best stories and creators from Europe to the Indian audience.
The films screened at the on-ground EUFF 2023 were:
Breaking the Ice – Austria; Tori and Lokita – Belgium; Mother- Bulgaria; Murina- Croatia; The Man with the Answers- Cyprus; Ordinary Failures- Czech Republic; The Quiet Migration- Denmark; Walker on Water- Estonia; Palimpsest- Finland; Saint-Omer- France; Talking About the Weather- Germany; Listen- Greece; Preparations to Be Together for an Unknown Period of Time- Hungary; The Banshees of Inisherin- Ireland; The Eight Mountains- Italy; My Love Affair with Marriage- Latvia; Remember to Blink- Lithuania; Icarus and the Minotaur- Luxembourg; Carmen- Malta; Kiddo- Netherlands; The Perfect Number- Poland; Wolf and Dog- Portugal; Mikado- Romania; She – Hero- Slovakia; Riders- Slovenia; The Beasts- Spain; After Work- Sweden; Luxembourg, Luxembourg- Ukraine
13, Dec 2023
University of Sydney fosters bilateral climate solutions in India
13th December 2023 – University of Sydney researchers and the Asia Society India Centre last week convened a roundtable to explore opportunities for climate action in India and Australia.
Discussions were led by distinguished speakers including Nishtha Singh from the Asia Society Policy Institute, Ambika Vishwanath of Kubernein Initiative, and Prof Deanna D’Alessandro, Director of the University of Sydney’s Net Zero Initiative.
A diverse consortium of researchers, industry leaders, academics, and NGOs attended and identified strategic bilateral collaboration opportunities between Australia and India.
India and Australia grapple with similar obstacles related to fossil fuel dependency, escalating energy demands, and emissions from the agricultural sector. The roundtable underscored priority areas for bilateral partnership, highlighting renewable energy technology, critical minerals, hydrogen initiatives, and transitioning from hard-to-abate sectors, marking a united effort to fortify clean energy relations.
Topics discussed included technology, encompassing the exchange of expertise on renewables, baseload technology, the circular economy, and the co-utilisation of land for Agrivoltaics. Incentives and policy insights examined aspects of carbon markets, pricing mechanisms, water management plans, and the streamlining of regulatory processes.
Addressing the concept of a just transition involved tackling diverse impacts across states, integrating indigenous knowledge, and facilitating job transitions to renewable sectors.
“India and Australia are remarkably similar in terms of the structures of our energy systems – perhaps two of the most closely related countries globally,” said Professor Penelope Crossley from the University of Sydney’s Law School. “This means that knowledge sharing is critical. We need to learn from one another, de-risk investment and accelerate progress.”
“We will never have a perfect solution for decarbonization,” said Dr Rashneh Pardiwala, Founder and Director, Centre for Environmental Research and Education, India. “But we cannot wait until we have all the knowledge. We need action to create knowledge and confidence through experience.”
“Adaptation is more costly than prevention – we urgently need to improve our energy efficiency, reduce our demand for unsustainable resources, and mitigate emissions,” said Nadir Godrej, Managing Director, Godrej Industries and Chairman of Godrej Agrovet, who attended the roundtable. “A key driver for change in India is corporate social responsibility.” –
The roundtable concluded by outlining actionable steps, including deeper exploration of priority areas, collaborative mechanisms transcending country-level agreements, and fostering inclusive engagement across sectors to expedite progress. Participants will reconvene in 2024 to advance its work program.
13, Dec 2023
The Quest to Find India’s Next Unicorn Begins as Prime Video Unveils the Trailer of the Original Reality Series Mission Start Ab
MUMBAI, India — December 13, 2023 — Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today unveiled the captivating trailer of its upcoming Original competitive reality series – Mission Start Ab. The series has been conceptualized as part of Prime Video’s partnership with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India. Mission Start Ab is a first-of-its-kind series that celebrates innovative, grassroots ideas.
The show meticulously evaluates 10 early-stage founders and entrepreneurs under the mentorship of three distinguished investors – investors Kunal Bahl (co-founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital), Anisha Singh (founder of She Capital, founder, and ex-CEO, MyDala), and Manish Chowdhary (co-founder WOW Skin Science).
During the course of this competition, the competing founders also face challenges featuring prominent faces from the business and entertainment world such as Ritesh Agarwal (OYO), Rohit Shetty (Filmmaker), Riyaaz Amlani (Impresario Entertainment Hospitality), Zeenah Vilcassim (Zomato Live Entertainment), Nilesh Kothari (Trifecta Capital) and Saikiran Krishnamurthy (xto10x Technologies). Executive Produced by Indrajit Ray and directed by Srimanta Sengupta, this Endemol India production is written by Bhavesh Mehta, and hosted by Masaba Gupta and Cyrus Sahukar.
The series is set to premiere exclusively on Prime Video in India and across more than 240 countries and territories worldwide on December 19. Mission Start Ab is the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership for just ₹1499/ year.
Enthralling, engaging, and inspiring, the trailer of Mission Start Ab, introduces audiences to the three top investors along with ten extraordinary early-stage founders. Each founder confronts formidable challenges that test their entrepreneurial mettle. Promising a ‘deal of a lifetime’ for the winner, the trailer heightens anticipation for the series launch on December 19 enticing viewers to discover the last-standing founders and potentially witness the birth of India’s next Unicorn.
“India is a land of billion-plus dreams, and these dreams encapsulate infinite possibilities. Mission Start Ab is a series that aims to fuel the dreams of an increasingly entrepreneurial India,” shared Aparna Purohit, head of Originals, India & Southeast Asia, Prime Video. “At Prime Video, we are committed to telling stories that are rooted, relatable, and designed to entertain, inspire and provoke. Mission Start Ab goes beyond storytelling; it embodies the very essence of dreams, aspirations, and brilliance scattered across the length and breadth of India. As storytellers, we believe there is nothing more compelling or inspiring than the stories of resilient individuals using their unwavering grit, determination, and tenacity to achieve success. The core philosophy of Mission Start Ab aligns with Prime Video’s overarching vision of serving as a catalyst, actively contributing to the economic growth and development of the nation. We are confident that audiences, not only within India, but across 240 countries and territories will be inspired and entertained by it.”
Elaborating on the role that series like Mission Start Ab can play in furthering the growth of India’s startup ecosystem, Shri Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India said, “I am extremely happy to see Prime Video has developed episodes on the storyline shared by Office of PSA for future startups to learn through OTT on skill sets required to lead as founders of startups. Scalable capacity building can be achieved through such breakthrough interventions.”
“Entrepreneurship is an intense, transformative journey, and I’ve witnessed this through the lens of being a founder, mentor, and investor,” said Kunal Bahl, co-founder of Snapdeal and Titan Capital. “The startup sector in India buzzes with brilliant minds and innovative ideas that have immense potential to accelerate our nation’s economic growth. To catalyze their success, we need a robust ecosystem that provides them with the necessary resources, support, and guidance. This is where Mission Start Ab steps in, marking a significant leap towards building a stronger foundation of knowledge and support for our aspiring entrepreneurs and startups. Each of the 10 founding teams on the show represents the youthful energy and diverse talent of our nation, embodying not just skills but an insatiable hunger to succeed against all odds. I am elated to be a part of this journey, sharing my experiences and insights, and acting as a guide and mentor to these passionate individuals who are scripting their own stories of struggle and triumph across India.”
“When people look at a founder’s life, especially a successful founder’s life, people assume it is an easy ride. But founder life is hard, and everyone needs to work crazy hard on each little thing. Having been a founder for most of my life, I deeply respect founders who can stick to their values and show grit.” said Anisha Singh, founder of She Capital, founder and ex-CEO, of MyDala “Mission Start Ab is unlike any other startup show – it is a boot camp that gives a bird’s eye view into the real ‘founder’s life’.
The best part about it is that you get to see how Bharat’s start-up ecosystem and founders have evolved. They are building from Bharat for Bharat and from Bharat for the world. I am thrilled to be part of a series that shows just how cool these founders are, and how the pressure they deal with on the show makes them diamonds.”
“Mission Start Ab is not just another reality series, it is a potential gamechanger for the Indian startup economy,” said Manish Chowdhary, co-founder WOW Skin Science. “It offers deep insights into the kind of challenges and opportunities our innovators face, and at the same time, what the investor community looks for, while evaluating investment in a startup. I am immensely proud to be a part of such a pathbreaking show and grateful to Prime Video for this unique opportunity. As investors, incubators, and mentors, we cannot reach out to every aspiring entrepreneur, but with this show, every budding entrepreneur will have a better insight into the right measures they need to take to grow in their space.”
13, Dec 2023
Visionary leader Mr. Sanjay Nigam, Founder of Fashion Entrepreneur Fund and India Fashion Awards, Honored with Zee Real Heroes Award
New Delhi, 13th December 2023- Sanjay Nigam, the founder of the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund and India Fashion Awards, is celebrated for his exceptional contributions to the fashion industry. Acknowledging his outstanding achievements, Union Information and Broadcasting Minister, Mr. Anurag Thakur, presented Mr. Nigam with the prestigious Real Heroes Award during a glittering ceremony on December 11th, 2023.
Mr. Sanjay Nigam is a successful entrepreneur; who is also a visionary leader and a dedicated advocate for the growth, creativity, and inclusivity of India’s fashion industry. His remarkable initiatives, unwavering commitment, and philanthropic contributions make him a luminary figure driving positive change in both the business and social spheres.
This award comes as a recognition of Mr Nigam’s leadership which has been instrumental in fostering a paradigm shift in the field of fashion by nurturing and bringing forth numerous stalwarts onto the global stage.
On receiving the award, Mr. Sanjay Nigam said: “This acknowledgment validates our collective commitment to nurturing indigenous talent. As we continue to champion the cause of fostering homegrown brilliance, let us collectively empower, create, and elevate. The future of fashion lies in the hands of those who not only dream but dare to turn those dreams into reality,”
“Aligned with the ‘Make in India’ ethos, the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund transcends being merely a financial support system; it stands as a catalyst for dreams, an incubator for innovation, and a guiding light for the resilient youth of our nation. Through the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF), our mission is to ignite inspiration within the upcoming generation of fashion enthusiasts, encouraging them to have faith in their craft and actively contribute to the global evolution of style,” he added.
Mr. Nigam has undertaken a noteworthy endeavor known as the Fashion Entrepreneur Fund (FEF). Commencing with an initial investment of Rs 20 crores for its inaugural season, this groundbreaking initiative is committed to empowering individuals in the fashion and lifestyle sectors. Notably, FEF has grown into a 200-crore property, underscoring its significant impact on propelling India’s fashion industry to unprecedented levels of success.
Held at the ITC Maurya in New Delhi on December 11, 2023, the event honored leaders like Para Athlete Sheetal Devi and Architect Nikhil Sompura. Celebrities including Parineeti Chopra and Rajkumar Rao added star power, making the celebration of real heroes more glamorous. Distinguished dignitaries, including Smriti Irani, Union Cabinet Minister for @MinistryWCD and @MOMAIndia, and Anurag Thakur, Minister of Information & Broadcasting elevated the event’s prestige.
13, Dec 2023
LG Electronics joined forces with Traffic Police to make a significant impact on road safety
13th December 2023 – LG Electronics, India’s leading consumer durable brand, has partnered with Traffic Police and SHARE (NGO) to promote traffic safety and raise awareness. Throughout the month of November, LG Electronics was committed to spreading the importance of following traffic rules and regulations in Gautam Budh Nagar. LG has covered 25 areas in GB Nagar and elevated the awareness of over 2000 people.
Recognizing the alarming statistics that reveal 80 out of 100 deaths are attributed to road accidents, as part of this initiative, local traffic police officers highlighted the responsible behaviour of drivers to decrease the instances of road accidents and enhance regional road safety. The campaign aimed to reduce road accidents and improve overall road safety in the region.
An innovative element of this campaign involved the incorporation of a brief street performance showcasing two characters, Yamraaj and Yamdoot, that creatively discussed the effects of disregarding traffic rules. Through the use of humour and relatable scenarios, the play aimed to capture the public’s attention and emphasize the importance of responsible driving habits.
Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Hong Ju Jeon, MD- LG India said, “At LG Electronics, we advocate for a culture centered on responsibility and awareness that goes beyond simply adhering to traffic regulations. Our partnership with Traffic Police demonstrates our dedication to fostering an elevated awareness of how responsible road behaviour significantly influences the overall well-being of our community. Together, we can make a lasting impact on road safety, ensuring that our roads become spaces where everyone arrives at their destination safely.”
Mr. Shyamjeet Singh, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Traffic), expressed his support for the initiative, stating, “Advocating for traffic safety is a shared obligation, and endeavours such as these by LG Electronics, play a pivotal role in fostering awareness. We urge everyone to prioritize road safety, adhere to traffic regulations, and actively contribute to the overall safety of our roads.”
This initiative highlights LG’s pledge to support local communities. Previously, to promote sustainable innovation through its green products, LG created a model roundabout for environment protection near LG’s factory in Greater Noida and conducted sensitization programmes like street plays to urge people to follow traffic rules to stay protected.
13, Dec 2023
P&G India Implements Tech-Enabled Digital Remedial Learning Program in Tribal Communities To Bridge Learning Gaps in Children
National, December 13, 2023: Procter & Gamble India (P&G India), makers of brands like Whisper, Tide, Gillette, etc. today announced that as part of its flagship Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program P&G Shiksha, it is equipping nearly 80 government schools located in tribal communities across Maharashtra and Telangana with ‘Mindspark’ – an artificial intelligence-enabled remedial learning tool, to help bridge learning gaps in underprivileged children. The tool integrates pedagogy, teacher instruction, and a learning management system to assess a student’s learning level and develop a customized learning path for each one of them.
P&G Shiksha is setting up the unique ‘P&G Shiksha Mindspark Labs’ with its implementing partner Educational Initiatives (EI) and State Government Bodies, to empower tribal students in remote and underserved areas of Maharashtra and Telangana through access to quality education in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDG 4).
Studies indicate that students in schools often fall behind in keeping pace with their classes, developing a gap in the fundamental conceptual understanding. When the child falls behind and the current learning level is not in line with the expected learning level as per the defined curriculum, a learning gap gets created. If not addressed, this can lead to a lack of adequate education or even dropouts. P&G Shiksha focuses on improving learning outcomes as part of its 360-degree holistic educational interventions, in line with the Government’s Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.
As part of this, it is implementing unique and innovative programs like ‘Mindspark’ to minimize learning gaps and improve learning outcomes in children. The ‘Mindspark’ program is implemented in partnership with Education Initiatives, and the respective State Governments. The State Governments provide the Infrastructure in Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to government schools, which is thereafter equipped with the Mindspark tool by P&G Shiksha and Educational Initiatives, to create a customized learning path for every child, as per their unique pace and journey of learning.
Following the International Volunteer Day, LV Vaidyanathan, CEO, of P&G India inaugurated one such ‘Model P&G Shiksha Mindspark Lab’ at the Government Ashram School in Bhinar, near Thane in Maharashtra, in the presence of senior officials from P&G and EI. During the inauguration celebrations, P&G India, and EI, recognized and felicitated academically top-performing students, while employees of P&G India also volunteered their time towards organizing engaging activities for the children where they answered the curious minds of the students and shared their life journeys with them.
LV Vaidyanathan, CEO, P&G India said, “We truly believe that the most meaningful way of doing business is to improve lives, be it through our superior portfolio of daily use products, or by creating a positive impact for the communities we operate in. Through P&G Shiksha, we have made a longstanding commitment to education, which is also our way of contributing to the social development of the country. In line with this, P&G Shiksha has embarked on a mission to empower children and enable them to improve their learning outcomes via Mindspark. We do this in partnership with EI, curating a model that is not only replicable and scalable but, most importantly, delivers results.”
He further added, “The recent International Volunteer Day celebrations emphasize upon our belief of leaving no child behind and reaffirms education’s role as an enabler for the next generation’s brighter future. We seek to ensure that children from underserved communities also have access to tools and resources that can help them make the most of education and stay at par, or better even, excel. By working together, we aim to empower tribal communities and contribute to their holistic and sustainable development in the long run.”
Pranav Kothari, CEO, of Educational Initiatives said, “We are delighted to bring ‘Mindspark’ to the tribal communities of the country together with our longstanding partner P&G Shiksha. Tribal communities face unique challenges and disparities in their journey toward education and holistic development given the balance between traditions and modern needs. Tribal schools are located in remote regions where access to quality education is plagued by a lack of infrastructure, and inadequate resources and teachers who may not know the tribal language or culture. In this context, it is imperative to drive interventions that can provide tailored assistance to individual children, fostering an environment where children receive personalized learning experiences and study meaningfully within their linguistic and cultural contexts. The ‘Model P&G Shiksha Mindspark Lab’ is an intervention that aims to deliver on this very need.”
Providing early-age education through technology equips children to pursue their career aspirations upon graduation, significantly reducing the likelihood of school dropout. This approach substantially enhances their employability prospects, leading to a multitude of positive life outcomes. The initiative envisions a future where tribal communities experience improved education, enhanced quality of life, economic sustainability, cultural preservation, and increased social inclusion. Through the collective efforts of P&G Shiksha and Ei Mindspark, the initiative aims to empower tribal communities and contribute to their holistic and sustainable development in the long run.
Through P&G Shiksha, P&G India has been working to provide access to education to underprivileged children since 2005, impacting over 35 lakh children in doing so. P&G Shiksha and Educational Initiatives piloted the ‘Digital Remedial Learning Program’ in 2017, by equipping over 30 schools with Mindspark. Producing significant outcomes over the years, the Program now benefits over 75,000 children across hundreds of schools in the country, including more than 20,000 students from the tribal communities.
13, Dec 2023
Air India Unveils Fashion-Forward Crew Uniforms To Mark The Arrival Of A New Era In Inflight Couture
Bangalore, 13 December 2023: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today unveiled its much anticipated, brand-new collection of uniforms for cabin and cockpit crew, marking the arrival of a new age of inflight couture.
Crafted by Indian celebrity couturier, Manish Malhotra, in his Mumbai atelier, the new uniforms feature an array of colours and timeless designs. The collection mirrors a rare, harmonious blend of rich Indian heritage and aesthetics with 21st-century style, elegance, and comfort.
The new uniforms will be introduced in a phased manner over the next few months, starting with the entry of service of Air India’s first Airbus A350.
Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India, said: “Air India’s crew uniforms are amongst the world’s most storied in aviation history, and we firmly believe that Manish Malhotra’s innovative ensemble will script an exciting new chapter for Air India’s future narrative. It perfectly captures the essence of our new identity, service principles, and our pursuit of setting new benchmarks in global aviation.”
Malhotra’s take on modern Indian style complements Air India’s recently unveiled new global brand identity as the flag-bearer of a more confident, progressive, and resurgent new India.
The female cabin crew attire features a ready-to-wear ombré saree with intricate patterns reminiscent of Indian heritage architecture (jharokha) and the Vista (new Air India logo icon), paired with a comfortable blouse and blazer. The ready-to-wear sarees can be optionally worn with comfortable pants, which provides greater flexibility to the female cabin crew to choose the style they most identify with and brings a unique East-meets-West look.
The ombré sarees for the senior female cabin crew will be aubergine-to-burgundy, combined with aubergine blazers, exuding a balance of authority and sophistication. Conversely, the junior female cabin crew will wear vibrant red-to-purple ombré sarees combined with red blazers, embodying youthfulness and energy.
Manish Malhotra said: “I am honored to have been given the opportunity to design the uniforms for Air India. It is a privilege to be able to contribute to the national flag-bearer and showcase the elegance and charm of Indian fashion. My aim was to create uniforms that capture the essence of India’s diverse culture and traditions while also embodying a modern and sophisticated look. By incorporating quintessential hues that are symbolic to India, I hope that these uniforms not only make the crew feel proud but also leave a lasting impression on the guests, representing the warmth and hospitality that India is known for.
The hallmark technique of ombrés is a signature attributed to Malhotra, reflecting his deep-rooted fondness for traditional attire and gradients. The color palette of the new uniforms comprises deep red, burgundy, aubergine, and accents of gold, paying homage to India’s rich cultural heritage.
The well-fitting uniforms for both male and female cabin crew are practical and suited for them to perform in-flight duties with ease of movement. The new uniform designs were developed in close consultation with Air India’s cabin crew representatives and the airline’s In-flight Services team, who also conducted an extensive testing exercise for the new designs.
The cockpit crew’s uniform features a classic black double-breasted suit with a print inspired by the Vista, signifying professionalism, timelessness, and the gravitas of the flying profession.
Malhotra has also curated footwear that blends style and comfort, allowing each step to resonate with the grace and poise inherent in Air India’s sartorial overhaul. The female cabin crew will wear dual-tone (black and burgundy) block heels, and the male cabin crew will wear comfortable black Brogues. The uniforms include pearl earrings and sling bags for female cabin crew.
“Air India has been in the world’s spotlight for some time. We are confident that our new crew uniforms will rise to the heightened expectations, distinctly making a statement that defines the very best of Indian heritage and hospitality. Travellers across continents will be able to instantly recognise these uniforms as the new Air India,” Campbell Wilson said.
Malhotra has meticulously crafted uniforms not only for Air India’s cabin crew and pilots, but also for ground staff, engineers, and security personnel, which will be revealed in due course.
Sustainability and quality have been the cornerstones of the design and production process of these new uniforms. All fabrics and garments are proudly sourced and tailored in India.
13, Dec 2023
Quote from Mr. Sachin Kothari, Director at Augmont Gold For All on Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)
Quote:
For a better risk-adjusted return, investors should always allocate at least 15% of their portfolio to gold. The best option to invest in gold in India for the long term is through Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB). The RBI issues the SGB on behalf of the Government of India, and the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme has an eight-year term. However, after the fifth year from the date of the issue of coupon payment dates, a premature withdrawal is permissible. Other than gold price appreciation, investors receive an additional 2.5% interest on SGB semiannually. The first tranche of SGB, which matured on November 30, 2023, gave a whopping 150% return to the investors, who held it till the maturity of eight years. Similar kinds of returns could be expected in investments through other tranches too, as gold is an eternal bull market.
13, Dec 2023
Voices of Tomorrow: A Netflix and Kommune Initiative to Cultivate Diverse Voice Talent in the Dubbing Industry
Mumbai, India, December 13, 2023 – Kommune, India’s widely recognised cultural storytelling hub, is thrilled to announce the launch of the second edition of “Voices of Tomorrow,” an initiative aimed at discovering, cultivating, and nurturing voice talent within the LGBTQIA+ community and senior adults. In collaboration with Netflix India, this project seeks to enhance the diversity and authenticity of voices in the dubbing industry, providing a platform for those often underrepresented. Spanning from November 2023 to March 2024, the initiative will unfold in the vibrant city of Mumbai, India, collaborating with queer collectives, NGOs, artist organisations, and talent agencies to test the voices of around 500 individuals, shortlisting 200 for in-person auditions.
The first edition, the Voice Equity Project, successfully identified individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community and economically disadvantaged backgrounds, providing them with professional training as dubbing artists. With the support of Netflix India, Kommune is back with the second edition, extending the opportunity to raw voice talents from the LGBTQIA+ communities and Senior Citizen cohorts. The heartbeat of Voices of Tomorrow lies in its commitment to providing extensive training to 25 carefully selected individuals, offering an 8-week immersive experience under the expert guidance of Voice, Accent & Dialect coach Hetal Varia and renowned Dubbing Artist Sanket Mhatre.
Multiple dubbing studios will also be involved in the training so that the trainees get hands-on experience with real dubbing work. This endeavour aims to transcend skill development; it aspires to create a safe, inclusive space, sparking conversations that resonate throughout the dubbing industry. The call is now open for aspiring voices aged 50 and above or from the LGBTQIA+ community to contribute to the rich tapestry of inclusivity that Voices of Tomorrow seeks to weave in the realm of dubbing.
Roshan Abbas, Founder of Kommune India, expressed his enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “We’re thrilled to have Netflix’s support for ‘Voices of Tomorrow.’ This initiative amplifies the voices of the LGBTQIA+ community and senior talents, nurturing diverse voices and experiences. It offers a platform for stories that resonate with everyone, showcasing the power of collaborative efforts in creating a more inclusive media landscape.”
Ashwini Kulkarni, Country Manager, International Dubbing, India, shares Netflix’s perspective: “At Netflix, we believe that great stories can come from anywhere and should be enjoyed everywhere irrespective of language. Dubbing is an accessibility function that connects global stories tellers with local voices. The diverse stories we tell call for diversity in the voices and art of voicing to ensure authentic representation of the creator’s intent. Voices of Tomorrow is an effort to add more diverse voices to the dubbing talent pipeline. Collaborating with Kommune is a significant step towards fostering a more inclusive dubbing community. ”
Hetal Varia, Trainer for Voices of Tomorrow, expresses her excitement: “I am thrilled to be collaborating with Kommune and Netflix on their program ‘Voice of Tomorrow.’ With this year’s cohort, I will be working on developing their voices, breath control, vocal character, agility, vibrancy, adaptability, and more. The program provides a safe space for diverse voices in the industry to receive training and bolster their careers as dubbing artists and voice actors. The team is working hard to ensure that training is accessible through inclusive representation.”
Sanket Mhatre, Trainer for Voices of Tomorrow, shares his perspective, saying, “As a Voice Artist, I’m thrilled to embark on this journey of empowerment through this upcoming Dubbing and Vocal training workshop. I’m truly thankful to Netflix and Kommune for creating this platform and deeming me worthy enough to be a part of it. This workshop, tailored for the LGBTQIA+ community and senior citizens, not only aims to hone participants’ dubbing skills but also to foster inclusivity, break stereotypes, and amplify unheard voices. Our singular aim is to create a safe space where diverse individuals, regardless of age or identity, can explore the art of dubbing and add their authentic voices to this beautiful craft.”
Reflecting on its rich history of nurturing diverse artistic communities, including spoken word artists, poets, podcasters, screenwriters, and theatre artists, Kommune aspires to shape the future by fostering a vibrant community of professional dubbing artists through this visionary project. This endeavor encapsulates the essence of Kommune’s commitment to storytelling, diversity, and creating narratives that resonate across generations.
