22, Nov 2023
HSBC India Presents ‘Masha and the Bear LIVE’, A Theatrical Adaptation by Viacom18 LIVE Debuts in India!
22nd November 2023, Mumbai India: Viacom18 LIVE, pioneers in experiential and immersive entertainment experiences, is all set to mesmerize kids and families with the live theatrical adaptation of the famed animated series on Nick Jr., ‘Masha and the Bear’. Building on the success of the ‘Peppa Pig’ musical that returned earlier this year, the one-of-its-kind entertainment experience with the young, spirited girl and the bear will be making its debut in India. Produced by Viacom18 LIVE and presented by HSBC India, the entertainment spectacle will go on an incredible journey across the country, commencing in Mumbai on 23rd December 2023, followed by performances in Bangalore, Delhi, and Hyderabad and thereafter concluding its tour in Mumbai in March 2024.
Packed with music, dance, and a strong narrative around “A Very Detective Story”, to make it suit and appeal to children of all ages, the show will provide the audience with an interactive experience where Masha and The Bear will need the audience’s help to solve this mystery together. Featuring various characters from the show, ‘Masha and the Bear LIVE’ is a musical story that will revolve around Masha, The Bear, Professor Nonbelevious, Rosie, the Panda, Sly Fox, and Silly Fox & more, who will join Masha to solve the mystery of missing items from her home! With stunning visuals, engaging storytelling, and delightful music, the extravaganza will transport children into the beloved animated world of Masha and her best friend, the Bear, leaving everyone satisfied with solving this mystery with their favorite characters. That’s not all!

With tickets available on www.kidsdayout.co, HSBC Card holders will have an exclusive 72-hour window to have first rights to the best seats & meet & greet opportunity across each show, along with discounted ticket rates.
Gaurav Mashruwala, Business Head, Viacom18 Live (Integrated Network Solutions) said, “Viacom18 LIVE takes pride in curating immersive entertainment experiences that have left an indelible mark across different age groups. Masha and the Bear, the beloved show on Nick Jr., have captured the hearts of many in India, and we are thrilled to bring their magical world to life on stage. We’re excited to have HSBC India as our partner and help us making this extraordinary experiential possible right in our home turf.”
Jaswinder Sodhi, Head – Of Customers, Digital & Marketing, HSBC India said, “We are super excited to be part of an extraordinary live theatrical adaptation of one of the kids’ favourite shows on television, Masha and the Bear. At HSBC, we strive to connect people to opportunities and possibilities, and we offer curated experiences to our customers. Viacom18 Live fosters a similar spirit of connecting through the power of storytelling. HSBC Starstruck is an initiative started by us wherein clients enjoy a host of exclusive experiences such as the best seats for a show, exclusive presales window, discounts and meet & greet with artists. The India tour of Masha and the Bear will be a part of the HSBC Starstruck initiative, wherein our HSBC clients will have access to exclusive benefits.”
Masha and the Bear has gained immense popularity in India, captivating both children and parents with its delightful storytelling and endearing characters. Its widespread appeal on Nick Jr India has made it a household favorite across the country. With the great history of Viacom18 LIVE providing immersive live entertainment, including events like ‘Vh1 Supersonic,’ ‘Vh1 Lift Off,’ and ‘Peppa Pig LIVE musical, the Masha and the Bear LIVE is set to continue this tradition of bringing unforgettable experiences to the audience.
Don’t miss the chance to witness the magic of Masha and the Bear LIVE in India!
Get ready to embark on a journey of laughter, love, and adventure with your favourite animated friends.
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- By Rabindra
22, Nov 2023
Santhigiri Ashram playing the role of catalyst in the country’s progress: Vice-President India
New Delhi, November 22: India is poised at a historic moment to take its place as a world leader on the strength of its cultural heritage and path-breaking initiatives for women and youth empowerment and institutions such as Santhigiri Ashram are playing the role of a catalyst in this holistic endeavour, Vice-president Jagdeep Dhankar said here today.

Dedicating the Silver Jubilee Centre at the Delhi branch ashram of Santhigiri Ashram to the public, Mr Dhankar said that in its short span of 25 years, this ashram branch has played the role of a catalyst to bring about revolutionary social change through a holistic development.
”What we need in this country today is a mindset that reflects our civilisational ethos. Rather than empowering the pocket of a person, we must empower their minds and their faculties. You are doing this in an effective manner, by empowering human resources through skill development,” Mr Dhankar said.
The Vice-President said the Ashram’s journey of 25 years has been remarkable. ”You are catalysing a big social change, handholding those who need your assistance. You are playing a pivotal role in changing Bharat, home to one-sixth of humanity,” he said.
Mr Dhankar said he can’t express in words what he felt. ”I will leave this place fully surcharged, energised, motivated and inspired to follow the principles that Santhigiri Ashram is espousing…… Every memory itched in my mind,” he stated. Earlier, he planted a sapling in the ashram premises. Then he entered the prayer hall along with Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who welcomed him along with Ashram president Swami Chaithanya Jnana Thapaswi and General Secretary Gururethnam Jnana Thapaswi on his arrival.
Dr Tharoor, the Thiruvananthapuram lawmaker, said his association with the institution has been for a decade and a half, which has now emerged as a major spiritual, developmental and social institution. He said it was a matter of great pride to be with the ashram. He stressed the three tenets of Santhigiri — Annadanam (Food for all), Adursevanam (Healthcare) and Aatmabodhnam (spiritual realisation). He praised Ashram’s accomplishments in the field of healthcare, preventive healthcare and Ayush, especially, its targetted skill development programmes. He said the Ashram continues to play an important role in providing solace and succour to the people.
Praising the Santhigiri Ashram for doing a great job, he appreciated everything that was being done in the national interest. He praised the recent anointing of 22 sanyasinis last month, which was also praised by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Commending the efforts and achievements made by the Ashram, he urged that innovation was needed in the field of mental health so that people do not lose health. Mr Dhankar met Her Holiness Shishyapoojitha Amritha Jnana Thapaswini, the present Guru Apparent of Santhigiri Ashram and also offered prayers at the prayer hall.
On Friday, Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena inaugurated the Silver Jubilee function of the Delhi branch of the renowned Kerala-based Santhigiri Ashram.
Santhigiri Ashram, Saket Branch serves as a centre for coordinating myriad spiritual, cultural and holistic healthcare activities in addition to spiritual pursuits. The centre is actively engaged in encouraging communities through skill development and public healthcare initiatives, particularly in the regions of North and North-East India. Her holiness Shishyapoojitha Amritha Jnana Thapaswini, the present Guru Apparent of Santhigiri Ashram, did Pratishtha Sthapana on Sunday.
22, Nov 2023
The rhythm of blues continues to echo: The Mahindra Blues Festival returns for its twelfth edition in February 2024
Mumbai, 22nd November 2023: Get ready to immerse yourself in the soulful rhythms of the blues at Mumbai’s iconic Mehboob Studio on 10th & 11th February 2024. Celebrating its 12th year, the Mahindra Blues Festival (MBF), a cornerstone of Asia’s blues scene and the very home of India’s blues movement, promises an electrifying blend of legendary and fresh blues talent from across the globe.
Early Bird Tickets Are Now Available at BookMyShow
Mahindra has been an ardent supporter of arts, music, and culture and has been at the forefront of building deep, meaningful connections with communities in India and around the world through these artistic endeavours and shared human experiences.

The Mahindra Blues Festival, embodying this ethos for 11 years, brings an unparalleled blues experience to Mumbai. The festival’s legacy is etched in its rich past of hosting blues luminaries.
Over its storied history, the Mahindra Blues Festival has been a stage for global blues legends and a beacon for enthusiasts worldwide. Regular attendees have been treated to performances by greats such as Buddy Guy, John Mayall, Taj Mahal, Charlie Musselwhite, Jimmie Vaughan, Billy Gibbons, Tedeschi Trucks Band, Johnny Lang, Beth Hart, Ana Popovic, Matt Schofield, Shemekia Copeland, along with a diverse roster of artists including Charlie “Kingfish” Ingram, Arinojoy Sarkar, Ivan Singh, and many more. Adding to its global appeal, the festival is also held biannually in Chicago at Buddy Guy’s Legends Club.
As we anticipate the 2024 line-up, the festival will continue its tradition of showcasing a dynamic mix of international stars and homegrown heroes, further cementing its status as a pivotal platform in the blues world. Echoing the reverence for the genre’s icons, the festival’s stages, including the ‘Polka Dot Parlour’ and the ‘Soul Strat Saloon’, will pay homage to legends and honor the contributions of Indian blues-rock stalwarts. The Mahindra Blues Band Hunt will also be soon announced, further enriching the fabric of the festival, and spotlighting nascent talent on the garden stage, a testament to the genre’s evolving narrative.

But aficionados know that it’s not just about the music. The Mahindra Blues Festival transcends the auditory experience, offering a slice of gastronomy with specially styled food and beverages, a comfortable den with a viewing screen for a more relaxed experience, and exclusive merchandise and record stalls for attendees to take home a piece of the festival. Each element contributes to the mosaic of the blues experience.
Mr Jay Shah, Vice President – Cultural Outreach, at Mahindra Group, reflects, “Mahindra is a name synonymous with nurturing arts, culture, and community, and continues to fuel India’s blues passion. The Mahindra Blues Festival is more than a convergence of musical talent; it’s a cultural odyssey that pays homage to the rich tapestry of blues music worldwide. As we step into our twelfth year, we’re honored to continue fostering this deep-rooted connection among blues enthusiasts worldwide.”
A testament to enriching lives through music, MBF has attracted a dedicated following in the country and the world, growing into an online community of over 1,80,000 people across social media channels. A significant milestone in India’s blues music scene, it continues to hone a confluence of music in 2024 while staying true to the genre and beckons you to a two-day sojourn into the essence of blues.
22, Nov 2023
Indian Overseas Bank has signed an MOU with TAHDCO
Indian Overseas Bank has signed an MOU with TAHDCO on 21.11.2023. The dignitaries present in the meeting were Ms. N KaylvizhiSelvaraj – Hon’ble Minister for AdiDravidar and Tribal Welfare, GoTN, Mr. U Mathivanan – Chairman TADHCO, Mr. Sanjay Vinayak Mudaliar – Executive Director, Indian Overseas Bank, Mr K S Kandasamy – MD, TAHDCO, Mr Mohan M – General Manager, Indian Overseas Bank apart from General Managers of TAHDCO of the districts of Tamil Nadu. The MOU was signed by Mr Mohan M, General Manager, Indian Overseas Bank & Mr. K S Kandasamy, TAHDCO respectively. The main objective of the MOU is to finance the socially downtrodden people of Scheduled caste in the state of Tamil Nadu for the purchase of Agri Land.
22, Nov 2023
CoinSwitch launches EARN, enabling users to accrue passive income on crypto
India, 22 November 2023: CoinSwitch, India’s largest crypto-trading platform, today launched ‘EARN’, a feature that enables users to accrue passive income on their crypto holdings. Users can lock in their crypto through EARN for validation and get rewards in the form of crypto directly by the blockchain.
Commenting on the launch, Balaji Srihari, Business Head, CoinSwitch, “CoinSwitch EARN is a transparent program. The rewards are issued by the blockchain, as per its rules. This is a safe and attractive program for our users to monetize their holdings without having to sell.”
Users can lock in their crypto through one of two trusted validators—Blockdaemon and Figment. CoinSwitch selected these validators after analyzing their track record, uptime, on-chain performance, and more.
CoinSwitch EARN, currently, supports four cryptos: Solana (SOL), Cardano (ADA), Polygon (MATIC), and Near (NEAR). The annual reward rates for the EARN program are as follows:
|
Solana (SOL) |
6 – 7%* |
|
Cardano (ADA) |
1.5 – 3%* |
|
Polygon (MATIC) |
4 – 5.5%* |
|
Near (NEAR) |
7 – 8.5%* |
*CoinSwitch EARN rewards may fluctuate based on the number of people locking their cryptos and the transaction volume on the underlying blockchain.
To use the EARN feature, users can follow these steps:
1. Click on the EARN widget on the CoinSwitch app
2. Select the crypto and enter the amount to be locked in
3. Select the validator from the drop-down menu
4. Confirm the order and track the rewards in the app.
22, Nov 2023
Kamasutra is the most exciting subject: Seema Anand, a Master Storyteller, author, mythologist and Sexual Health Educator
Hyderabad, November 22, 2023……The Kama Sutra, an ancient Indian text on sexuality, eroticism is the most exciting subject. I was introduced to it 23 years ago and I am still studying it said Seem Anand, a master storyteller, mythologist, and sexual health educator.
She was addressing a hall full of women, the members of the FICCI Ladies Association (FLO) on Tuesday evening at the Park at Somajiguda.
She was in the city at the invitation of FLO for a session on The Art of Story Telling–Bridging Intimacy and Empowerment. After a brief initial talk, she was in conversation with Ritu Shah, the Chairperson of FLO

Giving her opening notes, Ritu Shah said, “Seema Anand breathes life into her stories. She is a master storyteller based out of London. Today she is with us to have a conversation on one of the rarest subjects of discussion in an open session like this”.
Though we have the oldest scriptures like the Kamasutra which is said to have been written in the 3rd BC, ‘sex’ is still discussed in hush…hush manner. Kamasutra is the most misunderstood literature. Now we have Seema Anand who has studied and researched it for over two decades to decipher it for us. Seema’s stories entertain, educate, and inspire people, Ritu Shah said
‘My interest is erotic literature of ancient India’, Seema Anand announced as she started speaking.
The stories will define us. My interest arose in Kamasutra some 23 years ago. It is the most exciting subject. I am still enjoying studying it. My objective today is to foster safe and honest conversations and relationships of the subject we love to hate and hate to love, she said
Though India is the land of Kamasutra, many shy away from talking about sex. I will let you know some interesting stories from Kamasutra she announced and said that it is not a sex manual, nor about positions as perceived by the majority. It was written for rich men. It talks about the art of living well, the nature of love, maintaining it, and aspects of the pleasure orientation of human life.

It has 7 chapters. The first chapter deals with general principles, the second on sexual union, the third on acquiring a wife, the fourth is about the duties and privileges of the wife, the fifth is about friends and family, the sixth on courtesans, and the last chapter on practices. Out of these chapters what interests me the most is the second chapter on sexual union. It talks about both men and women. This chapter talks about sexual content, various sexual acts, embracing and kissing, grabbing, etc she explained. Balance of the Universe lies in the pleasure of women, she said.
She asked why sex is considered a dirty word. Is it because every abuse or gali is centred around genitals? She questioned and said it shouldn’t be so. Sex is not a dirty word, she said.
Kamasutra is exciting to me because it talks about how lovers communicated when there was no WhatsApp messaging or text messaging. Women used to convey their love, and romance through paan (an Indian after-dinner treat). This is one of the many such things the book reveals, she informed.
Sex is like even if it is bad, it is good, she concluded her conversation.
The session was organized to dispel many myths. She is based out of London. She has a Ph. D in Narratology, the study of narrative and storytelling. She has been researching and teaching mythology, its relevance to contemporary life, and its impact on the psychology of relationships and sexuality. She is a prominent TEXs speaker.
21, Nov 2023
When sticky becomes unsticky – the invention of reversible glue
November 21, 2023: The reversible glue, developed by experts from Newcastle University’s School of Engineering, is a water-based emulsion – a paint – that bonds together and can be separated by water that is either acidic or alkaline. Its reversible nature means it can be used for a multitude of purposes such as on the labels of bottles so that they are efficiently detached, making them easier to recycle. Labels will no longer need to be sent to landfill.
The glue uses polymers that contain electrical charge to both keep the emulsion stable and to stick to different surfaces. When a surface coated with a positively charged emulsion is joined to a surface coated with a negatively charged one, the two components stick together. However, if the bond is immersed in water that is either slightly acidic (pH2, about the same as lemon juice) or alkaline, it fails. This opens up possibilities for recycling, because it allows the separation on demand of components that have reached the end of their useful life.

The first author of the paper, Dr. Adriana Sierra-Romero, Research Associate at the School of Engineering, said: “We have been working with a waste management company, Biffa, and we have shown that with our glue, a propylene label stuck to a PET bottle can be removed by the wash water in their recycling plant. Although the bottles can be recycled, these labels are usually sent to landfill, so we know our technology can really make a difference. There will be many other industries where our glue can be used, and we look forward to working with other companies.”
Helping improve industrial processes
The glue is based on current industrial processes – those for making a paint – and is developed from cheap materials so it can be scaled up easily. Because it is water-based it does not have the volatile organic solvents used in many commercial glues, but unlike other water-based adhesives, exposure to humid environments does not cause bond failure. The team has shown that its shelf life at room temperature is at least a year, so it is also inherently stable.
The glue is targeted at plastic surfaces, but it can bond to other surfaces too. Plastics are where most applications are expective, and it is particularly effective at surfaces used in the packaging industry like polypropylene and polyethylene, which are inaccessible to many glues. Target industries include bottle recycling, but the work could be applied to other areas of packaging as well as the recycling of automotive parts or in electronics.
Published in the leading chemistry journal, Angewandte Chemie International Edition, the work was funded for by the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC). The team has recently been informed that the EPSRC will fund the research for another three years, bringing total funding for the team to £1M.
The lead investigator on the project, Professor Mark Geoghegan, Professor of Engineering Materials, added: “I first thought that charged polymers could be used for reversible adhesion back in 1999. Back then, this was blue sky research, and it is very exciting to see that we now have a glue based on these principles.”
Dr Katarina Novakovic, Reader in Polymer Engineering and co-investigator on the project said: “Companies are making more and more ambitious net zero targets. Our glue will help them achieve these.
“Newcastle University has a great record in sustainability. It is embedded in our curricula, for example, I am involved in teaching our undergraduate students about bottle recycling and they really enjoy this real-life example. It is great that we have a glue that can improve industrial processes in these areas.”
Newcastle University is ranked top 5 in the UK for sustainable development in the latest Times Higher Education Impact rankings.
21, Nov 2023
India’s Regional PR Awards 40 Under 40 Announces Distinguished Jury Panel for the 3rd Edition
India’s Regional PR Awards 2023 40 Under 40 is excited to reveal its esteemed jury panel for the upcoming 3rd edition. This exceptional panel comprises highly experienced PR professionals, seasoned journalists, and corporate communications specialists. Their collective expertise promises to make the 3rd Edition of India’s Regional PR Awards an even more prestigious and insightful event. The deadline for submitting nominations has been extended until November 26th, 2023.
The jury panel for this edition includes professionals who have spent years honing their skills in the fields of public relations, journalism, and corporate communications. Their vast knowledge and keen insights will play a crucial role in evaluating and acknowledging outstanding contributions to the public relations industry. These accomplished individuals will be pivotal in recognizing and honoring exceptional achievements in the public relations industry.

According to Pawan Tripathi, Organizer of IRPRA, “The involvement of these esteemed PR professionals on our jury panel is a testament to the credibility and prestige of India’s Regional PR Awards 2023. We are confident that their discerning insights will elevate the recognition of outstanding accomplishments in the industry.”
The distinguished jury panel for the third edition of IRPRA 40 Under 40 consists of highly experienced senior professionals in the fields of public relations, journalism, and corporate communications. Distinguished personalities such as Roma Balwani, CEO, Chief Custodian, IDCA, and mentor at IRPRA; Kavita Lakhani, Communications Leader, Independent Director, Finlabs, Former President WICC; Archana Muthappa, Communication Specialist, Mental Health Counselor; Charu Raizada, Strategic Communications Director and Leadership Advisor; Aakriti Bhargava, Co-founder, Wizikey; Ameer Ismail, President Lintas Live, MullenLowe Lintas Group; Glen Charles D’Souza, Managing Director – Crisis Communications, Media and Network Group at MSL India; CJ Singh, Communication Strategist, Brand Consultant, Podcaster, Author, Executive Coach, and founder CEO of CorePR; Samir Kapur, Director at Adfactors PR; Bhaskar Majumdar, Head – Marketing Communication, CSR and Digital, Egis – India and South Asia; and Ujjawal Punmiya, Head Corporate Communication, PR, and Content. Alpha Alternatives will be the esteemed judges for this year’s IRPRA Awards.
The IRPRA 40 Under 40 2023 event is scheduled for December 9th, 2023, with the deadline for submitting nominations and case studies set for November 26th, 2023. Registrations and fulfillment of nominations are free of cost. Criteria for applicants should be 40 years or below as of the event date and should be practicing PR and Corporate communication within the geographical territory of India.
21, Nov 2023
BIMTECH’s 3rd PRISM 2023 Concludes with Insightful Closing Remarks by IIM Nagpur Director, Education Advisor to the Chief Minister of the UP Government
November 21st, 2023; Bangalore: Birla Institute of Management Technology successfully hosted the ‘3rd PRISM 2023 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE’ from November 17th to 19th. The conference explored the challenges of leadership, digitalization, and sustainability under the theme “Reimagining the Future of Business: The Challenges of Leadership, Digitalization, and Sustainability.”
The ceremony concluded with the Dr. Pritam Singh Award Ceremony and Valedictory Function, featuring distinguished personalities, including Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum; Prof. D P Singh, Education Advisor to the Chief Minister, UP Government; Mr. P Dwarkanath, President of PRISM; Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur; Prof. Dr. C Rajkumar, Founding Vice-Chancellor of OP Jindal Global University, Haryana; and Prof. H Chaturvedi, Director of BIMTECH.
Dr. Pritam Singh Lifetime Achievement Award 2023 is conferred upon Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe, Chairman of the National Educational Technology Forum, EC-NAAC, and NBA. Dr. Pritam Singh Transformational Leader Award 2023 is conferred upon Prof. Dr. C Rajkumar, the Founding Vice Chancellor of OP Jindal University, Haryana.

Bhimaraya Metri, Director, IIM Nagpur remarked, “During the 3rd PRISM conference in 2023, we observed active participation from a diverse array of esteemed individuals, including seasoned educators, scholars, and professionals deeply immersed in the field of education. Their collective engagement added immense value to the conference, fostering a dynamic exchange of ideas and insights.”
Prof. H Chaturvedi, Director of BIMTECH, stated, “During the three-day conference, we learned one important thing: if you do good things in life, help others, take care of your pupils, people will never forget you, even if you depart from this world.” He further illustrated this principle through the example of Dr. Pritam Singh, emphasizing his roles as an educator, thought leader, and administrator.
The 3rd PRISM 2023 INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE was made possible through the generous support of its sponsors and partners. Adani Enterprises and Union Bank of India played pivotal roles as Gold Sponsors, while Executive Access contributed as a Silver Sponsor. The international conference also received valuable support from Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Ltd.
(HPCL), Institute of Public Enterprise (IPE), Association of Indian Management Schools (AIMS), Vishwa Vishwani Institute of Systems & Management (VVISM), and Siva Sivani Institute of Management (SSIM) as Bronze Sponsors. Recognizing the significance of the conference, ICSSR (Indian Council for Social Science Research) and the Ministry of Education provided grant support. The media presence was amplified through the collaboration with Business World as the Media Partner and Education Promotion Society for India (EPSI) joined as a Partner, contributing to the success of the international conference.

