5, Jan 2024
Relive Sibling Bonds with Mera Bhai, streaming exclusively on Amazon miniTV
Mumbai, 5 January 2024: Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service recently released its comedy-drama series Mera Bhai. Revolving around the story of two brothers Bittu and Sittu, the series highlights the ups and downs of their lives, capturing the essence of a brotherly bond. With different personalities, the brothers stand at opposite ends in every situation yet stay together and stronger. Along with its heartwarming storyline, and relatable characters, the series is a roller-coaster ride of emotions. Here are the top reasons why Mera Bhai must be on your binge-watch list.
● Relatable narrative, brimming with emotions: Mera Bhai is a wholesome blend of emotions, comedy, and realism. Each character, including Bittu and Sittu, not only depicts their struggles but also holds significance in mirroring stories that resonate with our daily lives. The narrative strongly holds the honesty and sentiments of their bond. The brothers stick together and emerge stronger and closer than before despite unexpected events and circumstances at every turn.
● An ode to the bond of siblings: Bittu and Sittu’s unusual yet relatable bond binds the story together. While they may not always agree with each other and engage in occasional arguments or fights, their love for each other deepens with each passing episode. The series gracefully depicts the struggle and sacrifices of the elder sibling along with the crazy and mischievous nature of the younger brother. They are each other’s strongest supporters, standing for one another when in need. The series reminds us of the value of our siblings and their love.
● Nostalgic ride of heart-warming memories: With heart-touching moments, and deep-rooted characters, Mera Bhai transports us back to childhood memories of our siblings, leaving us with many emotions. The constant fights, leg-pulling, sharing secrets, lots of laughter and love, the series perfectly captures the nitty-gritty of a sibling bond. Focusing on the strength of their bond and highlighting how they stand together through thick and thin; the series is a trip down memory lane for all of us.
● Skillful ensemble of the cast: The series boasts an ensemble of a talented cast featuring the famous Chinmay Chandraunshuh and Badri Chavan in pivotal roles. Their honest approach towards their character will leave a lasting impact on the viewers. With an immersive experience filled with laughter, tears, flashbacks of memories, and hard-hitting emotions, their on-screen presence feels like a breath of fresh air amidst warm sunlight.
● Watch for Free: Explore the journey of two siblings and how their relationship evolves, facing the hardships of life for free. There is no need for any subscription to watch this heartening delight. Mere Bhai is streaming for free on Amazon miniTV and Fire TV, as well as on the Amazon Shopping App and the Google Play Store.
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- By Rabindra
5, Jan 2024
Meet the wildcard entries of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa Season 11!
This weekend, Sony Entertainment Television’s celebrity dance reality show, Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, will see the celebrities deliver breath-taking performances, bringing their A-game to the dance floor. In this week’s unique challenge – ‘Chaar Ka Vaar’, two celebrity contestants along with their choreographers must compete as a team of 4 to impress the FAM trio – Farah Khan, Arshad Warsi, and Malaika Arora. And, in an interesting twist to the show, the show will introduce 6 exciting wild card entries – Awez Darbar with choreographer Vaishnavi Patil, Dhanashree Verma with choreographer Sagar Anjaya Bora, Manisha Rani with choreographer Ashutosh Pawar, Sagar Parekh with choreographer Shivani Patel, RJ Glenn Saldanha with choreographer Arundhati Garnaik and Nikhita Gandhi with choreographer Vipul Kandpal. The talented wild card entries are all set to shake things up and bring an added layer of excitement to the already fierce competition.
Witness the ultimate showdown as Awez Darbar sets the stage on fire with a face-off against Adrija Sinha on the electrifying beats of ‘Mera Wala Dance’. Meanwhile, Nikhita Gandhi and Sreerama Chandra will transform the stage into a rocking concert with their performance on ‘Lat Lag Gayee’. Manisha Rani will turn up the heat as she joins Malaika and Farah for an iconic rendition of ‘Munni Badnaam’, while Dhanashree will captivate the audience with details about Yuzvendra Chahal and their love story. RJ Glenn will take you on a nostalgic trip, channeling the famous characters of ‘Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara’ – Hrithik Roshan, Farhan Akhtar, and Abhay Deol. And last but not least, television fame, Sagar Parekh will prove that he’s truly a mamma’s boy just like his onscreen avatar.
This episode truly promises’ a night filled with laughter, love, and unforgettable performances, and here’s what the new entrants had to say about being a part of the show.
Awez Darbar, known for his infectious energy and mesmerizing dance moves, is ready to take the stage by storm. His unique style and passion for dance are sure to set the bar high for the other contestants. Talking about his entry on the show, Awez says, “I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, and I am beyond excited for the journey that lies ahead. This show has always been on my bucket list, and I am elated to finally get an opportunity to be here. This wild card entry is not just a chance for me to showcase my dance skills, but also an opportunity to learn, grow, and connect with some of the most talented individuals in the industry. I am ready to give it my all, push my limits, and leave a lasting impression on the judges, and my fans, who are my biggest strength.”
Dhanashree Verma, a renowned dancer whose graceful moves have garnered her a massive fan following, is ready to make a triumphant return to the dance floor that promises to be nothing short of spectacular. Her determination to excel despite her injury is a testimony to her unwavering spirit and love for dance. Talking about her entry in the show, Dhanashree says, “Entering Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa as a wild card contestant is going to be an exhilarating journey filled with dance and passion for me. I have worked relentlessly on honing my skills as a dancer, and now it’s time to put them to the test. My injury was a setback, but it taught me resilience and the importance of never giving up and this will be the ultimate test for me as I step into the spotlight once again. I am aware that this journey might be physically and mentally demanding, but I am prepared to face it head-on. I have a wonderful support system and coupled with my passion for dance, it will help me make the most of this coveted platform.”
Nikhita Gandhi, with her soulful voice and magnetic persona, is set to showcase her versatility on the stage. Her ability to mesmerize audiences with her singing talent is sure to add a new dimension to the competition. Talking about her entry into the show, Nikhita says, “I am absolutely buzzing with excitement! Dance has always been a passion of mine, and this show gives me the perfect opportunity to combine my love for both singing and dancing. I am eagerly looking forward to challenging myself and pushing my boundaries on the stage. I want to break the mold and show the world that singing and dancing go hand in hand, allowing an artist to express their creativity in different ways. I am passionate about both art forms, and through Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa, I aim to showcase my true potential as a performer. It’s not just about proving a point; it’s about exploring uncharted territories and giving my all to this wonderful opportunity.”
Manisha Rani, a rising star, is poised to make her mark on the show with her exceptional talent. Talking about her entry into the show, Manisha Rani says, “My excitement and anticipation are beyond words. This journey is going to be a rollercoaster ride of emotions, challenges, and growth. My goal is to enjoy every moment, make the most of this experience, and create beautiful memories that will last a lifetime. I’m ready to dance my way into the hearts of the audiences and show them a side of me they’ve never seen before.”
Glenn Saldanha aka RJ Glenn is no stranger to the airwaves, but now he’s ready to make waves on the dance floor with his unique style. Talking about his entry in the show, Glenn says, “I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa as a wild card contestant! This journey holds a special place in my heart as it is a personal voyage of rediscovery and self-expression. Dancing has been a passion of mine since childhood, and it has always been a part of who I am. However, as life unfolded, I set aside my dancing dreams for a while. But now, after a hiatus of 18 long years, I am reclaiming my passion for dance and pursuing it once again. It’s a chance to reconnect with my true self. This journey is not just about dancing but about embracing the joy, the challenges, and the triumphs that come with pursuing one’s dreams. I am ready to dance like nobody’s watching and I hope to inspire others to do the same!”
Sagar Parekh’s acting skills are well-known, but now, he’s stepping into a new role as a dance sensation, ready to steal the show with his charisma. Talking about his entry in the show, Sagar says, “I am beyond ecstatic to step into the magnificent world of Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa as a wildcard contestant! This is a momentous opportunity for me, and I cannot contain my excitement at being part of this prestigious dance show. My excitement isn’t just for myself; it’s also the fulfillment of a dream my mom always had for me. She wished to see me shine on stage, and I’m here to make her dreams come true and make her immensely proud. My mom’s dreams and aspirations have become the driving force of my life, and the love and support I’ve received from my fans have pushed me toward achieving greatness. I’m determined to give my best and leave no stone unturned.”
To watch this thrilling dance battle, tune into Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa this weekend at 9:30 pm only on Sony Entertainment Television!
5, Jan 2024
GIC Re Announces Dividend Payout of Rs 1083.60 Crore for FY 2022-23
Photo caption: Dividend Cheque for FY 2022-23 of Rs.1083.60 crore was handed over to Hon’ble Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman by Shri N. Ramaswamy, Chairman-cum-Managing Director, GIC Re, in the presence of Dr M P Tangirala, Additional Secretary (Ministry of Finance, Dept of Financial Services) standing extreme left and, Shri Hitesh Joshi, General Manager, GIC Re, standing extreme right.
5, Jan 2024
Nominations For The 8th B2B Edition Of ‘Cinemar Samabartan’ Announced
Kolkata, 5th January, 2024: West Bengal Film Journalists’ Association (WBFJA) today announced the nominations for the 8th edition of the West Bengal Film Journalists’ Association Award 2023 – ‘Cinemar Samabartan’. This year, the announcement for the nominations was made virtually. Veteran film critic Ms Shoma A Chaterji addressed the viewers about this year’s ceremony that will be held on 14th January, 2024. The nominations were announced by Mr Nirmal Dhar, Secretary & West Bengal Film Journalists’ Association (WBFJA) along with renowned film journalists, Mr Sajal Dutta, Mr Balmiki Chattopadhyay & Mr Samrat Mukhopadhyay.
WBFJA Award is the first digitally broadcasted event of the East. The Awards seeks out the leading lights of the Film industry, and will confer the best talents on Sunday,14th January, 2024 at Peerless Inn. There are 17 award categories in the popular segment, 8 award categories in the Technical Award segment and a Lifetime Achievement Award.
“Cinemar Samabartan stands as the premier forum of innovative storytellers, recognizing the finest talents in Bangla cinema. This distinctive platform distinguishes itself as the sole Industry-to-Industry award ceremony, where only film critics and journalists evaluate the showcased talents. The ultimate motive of this award ceremony is to inspire creativity and foster fresh perspectives. The award ceremony is purely monitored through nominations, no administrative or any sort of interference is encouraged or adhered to. Like previous years, this year too, we do hope the ceremony night will recognize some of the best finery works and stellar performances done in the year 2023”, said Mr Nirmal Dhar, Secretary, and West Bengal Film Journalists’ Association (WBFJA).
The nomination categories are Best Film, Best Director, Best Actor in a Leading Role, Best Actress in a Leading Role, Best Actor in a Supporting Role, Best Actress in a Supporting Role, Best Actor in a Negative Role, Best Actor in Comic Role, Best Music, Best Playback Singer (Male), Best Playback Singer (Female), Best Background Score, Most Promising Director, Most Promising Actor, Most Promising Actress, Most Popular Film of the Year, Most Popular Actor of the Year and Lifetime Achievement Award (in the name of Late Shri Satyajit Ray).
Award categories for the Technical segments are Best Screenplay, Best Cinematographer, Best Editor, Best Lyricist, Best Art Director, Best Sound Designer, Best Costume Designer and Best Makeup Artist.
The nature of this award ceremony is SIMPLE and only the members from the film fraternity and journalists will participate in the award ceremony.
5, Jan 2024
Infiniti Mall, Malad to host an art exhibition – ‘Art Aura’
Mumbai’s leading shopping, entertainment and food destination, Infiniti Mall (a division of K Raheja Realty) and L.S. Raheja School of Art welcomes visitors for ‘Art Aura’ – an art exhibition celebrating 70 glorious years of Arts & Crafts Education Society.
The exhibition will feature engaging activities such as block print workshop, printmaking workshop, stencils workshop and more. Visitors are also given an opportunity to browse through an illuminating lineup of artwork such as paintings, sculptures, paper quilling art and craft, 3D artworks and much more. Students, faculty members and alumni of L.S. Raheja School of Art will also be seen participating in the exhibition.
Details:
Date – 8th to 14th January 2024
Time – 11 am to 9.30 pm
Venue – Infiniti Mall Malad, Malad, Mindspace, Malad West, Mumbai
Chief Guest: Mr. Prabhakar Wairkar, an eminent painter, cartoonist, caricaturist and illustrator will inaugurate the art exhibition on 9th January at 4 pm. He has featured in the ‘Eminent Cartoonist of India’ documentary and also illustrated the autobiography of Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam.
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Date |
Time |
Program Schedule |
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8th January 2024 |
11 am onwards |
Display of artwork and art installation |
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9th January 2014 |
4 to 6 pm |
Inauguration by Chief Guest Mr. Prabhakar Wairkar, an eminent painter, cartoonist, caricaturist and illustrator |
|
10th January 2024 |
11 am to 9.30 pm |
Exhibition on view |
|
4 to 6 pm |
Block print workshop |
|
|
11th January 2024 |
11 am to 9.30 pm |
Exhibition on view |
|
4 to 6 pm |
Printmaking workshop |
|
|
12th January 2024 |
11 am to 9.30 pm |
Exhibition on view |
|
4 to 6 pm |
Stencils workshop |
|
|
13th January 2024 |
11 am to 9.30 pm |
Exhibition on view |
|
4 to 6 pm |
Calligraphy workshop |
|
|
14th January 2024 |
11 am to 9 pm |
Exhibition on view |
|
4 to 6 pm |
Paper quilling workshop |
5, Jan 2024
Valentine’s week with stellar performances by Adnan Sami and Akhil Sachdeva at Moonrise Festival
5th JAN 2024: With Valentine’s Day round the corner, the national capital is buzzing with excitement for a spectacular musical extravaganza. The Moonrise Festival, managed by Icebolt Marketing Solutions, set to unfold on February 10th and 11th at the iconic JLN Stadium in New Delhi, promises to be a highlight of the year’s cultural calendar. This event is not just a music concert, it’s a jubilant celebration of emotions, set to captivate the city with its vibrant spirit.
Featuring internationally acclaimed artists like Adnan Sami, the festival offers an unmatched experience. Adnan Sami, a renowned music composer and singer, along with Akhil Sachdeva, a beloved Bollywood vocalist, are set to headline this two-day event. They will bring their unique styles and fan-favorites to an eager audience, setting the stage for an unforgettable musical experience.
The two-day-long musical festival will offer a captivating experience to the visitors, with its distinct themes, handpicked artists, multi-cultural culinary delights, and artistic experiences. The tickets and passes for the event are available on Paytm Insider and more details are available on Instagram @moonrisefestivalind.
On both days, the festival will commence at noon, resonating its magic until 10 PM, ensuring two days of unparalleled revelry for the audience. A stellar lineup of renowned artists and internationally acclaimed talent is going to make the valentines evenings more special for the attendees. Adnan Sami, the legend, is anticipated to sing some of his most popular Bollywood romantic numbers like Tera Chehra, Bheegi Bheegi Raaton Mein, and Sun Zara.
Akhil Sachdeva, who became a heartthrob overnight with national Love Anthem Tera Ban Jaunga from the movie Kabir Singh, will make you fall in love, all over again. Other popular artists performing in the concert include Sid-K, Twin Strings, DG Immortals, Krsna, Seedhe Maut, and DJ Cheshta, promising a spellbinding musical odyssey.
Both days of the event would have distinct themes to ensure the visitors have a different and unique experience. The inaugural day would be themed around Bollywood’s Romantic and the next day vibes to the compelling rhythms of Cult Hip Hop.
Foodies can expect a blend of local delicacies and international cuisines and the fun seekers will be spoilt for choices. Tattoo making, hair braiding, tarot card reading, and face painting, are some of the activities planned at the festival.
The festival celebrates love and its conflicting emotions. It will be full of surprises for the visitors, including fun activities, token rewards, artist meet-and-greets, and dedicated special guest zones ensuring an unforgettable experience for all. The tickets and passes for the event are available on Paytm Insider and more details are available on Instagram@moonrisefestivalind.
4, Jan 2024
AIR INDIA – P Balaji Appointed As Group Headv- Governance, Regulatory, Complince And Corporate Affairs
National, 04 January 2024: Air India today announced the appointment of P. Balaji in a newly created role of Group Head- Governance, Regulatory, Compliance (GRC) and Corporate Affairs.
Balaji assumes his role at Air India on 11 January 2024, and will report to Air India CEO & MD, Campbell Wilson. He will oversee the Government Affairs, Legal, Ethics, Sustainability, and Corporate Communications functions at Air India, among others.
Balaji started his career with Tata Administrative Services and has rich experience of over 30 years in Telecom & IT Sector in diverse functions including regulatory policy, compliance, sales, product management, marketing, strategy, M&A and operations. He joins Air India after nearly a decade-long stint at Vodafone Idea Limited, where he spearheaded the regulatory and public policy functions.
Announcing Balaji’s appointment, Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD of Air India, said: “We are pleased to have Balaji on board. Having worked in the regulatory and policy space, he brings a wealth of knowledge and experience that will be valuable to the ongoing transformation at Air India. At Air India, we remain committed to building top leadership as we continue to invest in all the resources that are required to take the airline to the upper echelons of global aviation.”
4, Jan 2024
Dr. Kalpanaa Sankar honoured with Lifetime Contribution to the Sector by an Individual
Bengaluru, January 4, 2024: Dr. Kalpanaa Sankar, Managing Director of Belstar Microfinance Limited was honoured with the ‘Lifetime Contribution to the Sector by an Individual’ Award during The Inclusive Finance India Award 2023, instituted by ACCESS & HSBC India along with the Ministry of Financial Services, Government of India.
The award was handed over by Dr. Vivek Joshi – Secretary Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India in the presence of Mr. Tamal Bandyopadhyay – Consulting Editor, Business Standard; Mr. Vipin Sharma – CEO, ACCESS Development Services and Smt. Aloka Majumdar – Head of Corporate Sustainability, HSBC.
In partnership with HSBC India, The Inclusive Finance India Award is a flagship initiative by ACCESS Development Services institutionalized in 2009, in partnership with HSBC India. The Inclusive Finance India Awards was instituted to recognize the larger contribution of thought leaders, individuals, and the initiative aims to celebrate & encourage deserving institutions to continue to enhance outreach to the poor by way of motivating management and staff through recognition to their painstaking efforts and enhancing credibility of the institution thereby making it more attractive for funding.
This award was conferred on her in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the advancement of financial inclusion in India. The award committee acknowledged that Dr. Kalpanaa’s influence reaches far beyond the borders of India. Her guidance has been instrumental in establishing financial inclusion initiatives in South Africa, Afghanistan and Brazil, showcasing the global impact of her work.
With double doctorate in Nuclear Sciences, and also in Women’s Studies and Self-Help Groups, Dr. Kalpanaa is also the Managing Trustee of Hand in Hand India. As the Managing Director of Belstar Microfinance Ltd., Dr. Sankar has successfully built a loan book of INR 8,000 crores in over 10 years with stable portfolio quality and client connect. As a consultant to the Government, she has actively contributed in programs aimed at poverty reduction, job creation and microfinance in India. Her notable efforts towards women empowerment, child welfare and poverty reduction has transformed lives of millions.
Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Kalpanaa Sankar, Managing Director, Belstar Microfinance Limited said, “I am very grateful and honoured to receive the ‘Lifetime Contribution Award to the Sector by an Individual’ by ACCESS Development Services and HSBC India. The award is a testament to the collective dedication and passion of my team at Belstar Microfinance and Hand in Hand India who have helped in reshaping finance paradigms. This recognition fuels our passion to continue crafting a brighter financial inclusion landscape, empowering women and future generations. Together, let’s empower communities and pave way for equal opportunities.”
An inspirational leader with passion, empathy and integrity, Dr. Sankar has been a recipient of several awards including the Nari Shakti Puraskar-2016, bestowed by the Government of India for her contribution to the empowerment of vulnerable and marginalized women. She has been a consultant with United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Wetlands International, besides functioning as the Monitoring and Evaluation Officer for the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Tamil Nadu. She has also authored publications on child labour, microfinance and self-help groups.
4, Jan 2024
The Monster Energy Honda Team Get Ready to Kick Off 2024 With The Dakar Rally
Saudi Arabia, January 4, 2024: A new season of the World Rally-Raid Championship kicks off this week with the Monster Energy Honda Team all set to tackle the Dakar Rally aboard the new Honda CRF450 RALLY. The current FIM Manufacturers’ World Championship holders will see a line up featuring world leading riders with victories on the Dakar and the very hardest of W2RC rallies under their belt.
With the only American to win the Dakar, 2020 winner Ricky Brabec, alongside Chilean rider Jose Ignacio Cornejo who is looking to get that elusive podium finish, American Skyler Howes, who was a new signing to the team in September, will also be on a mission for victory after his third place finish in 2023. Spaniard Tosha Schareina will also be one to watch after his victory on the Argentine Desafio Ruta 40 last year.
The 2020 and 2022 Dakar Rally runner-up Pablo Quintanilla will be looking to go one step higher on the podium to take the most prized trophy in motorsport back to Chile, while Frenchman Adrien Van Beveren will also be strong in the overall standings after his success over the past two seasons at Andalucia and Abu Dhabi.
Honda is no stranger to winning the world’s toughest rally, its first victory coming in 1982 at the hands of Frenchman Cyril Neveu who went onto win it again in 1986 and ’87, before Edi Orioli and Gilles Lalay took over the top step with the ever dominant NXR750 in the two years that followed when it was the original Paris-Dakar Rally in Africa.
Ricky Brabec added his name to the history books in 2020 and Kevin Benavides made it a second consecutive victory for Honda in 2021 as the Monster Energy Honda Team will now look to make a return to the victory circle with a strong rider line up.
The 2024 Dakar Rally is shaping up to be harder than the previous editions as the riders will not only endure 7,967 kilometres of riding across a prologue and 12 stages but it’ll also include the new ’48-hour chrono’ stage which will test the endurance of man and machine across the legendary Empty Quarter in Saudi Arabia. There’ll be no communication with the outside world, no help from mechanics and entrants will have no idea where they are in relation to their fellow competitors when they bed down for the night at one of seven bivouacs dotted across stage six. Plus it’ll hit at just the midpoint of the event, so although a rest day follows, there’ll be a further six days of action to go.
The fifth Dakar in the spectacular Saudi Arabian desert will see 60% of all-new sections on the stages as the route starts at the historical AlUla before winding across to the far Eastern town of Shubaytah before returning to the finish at the coastal town of Yanbu by the Red Sea after 14 days of rallying. Expect plenty of stunning backdrops as the riders make their way through this epic adventure in a test of skill, speed and endurance.
In the words of the creator of the world’s most famous motorsport event, the late Thierry Sabine,“A challenge for those who go. A dream for those who stay behind” and this challenge will commence for the Monster Energy Honda riders on Friday 5th January 2024 when the 46th edition will kick off with a 28km Prologue.
Ruben Faria (General Manager)
“The 2024 Dakar Rally will be a really tough as what David Castera (Director, Dakar Rally) has done is make the stages longer and tougher than 2023. He’s introduced new ideas including the 48 hour chrono stage which will see the riders supplied with just basic rations and just a tent and sleeping bag plus there’ll be no campers, no mechanics and all in the middle of a 600 kilometre stage, so it’ll be very difficult.
The riders have tested the new Honda CRF450 RALLY early during 2023 and all the riders have all enjoyed riding it during testing too. We had a very successful test before the Rallye Du Maroc in October before our riders teamed up with each other meaning Adrien and Tosha went to Morocco, Ricky and Skyler trained in the USA and Pablo and Nacho rode at home in Chile. We also had a test in early December too so I’m happy that all our riders are in good shape with no injuries on a new bike that we believe will perform well.”
Pablo Quintanilla (7)
“This is a special one as this is my twelfth Dakar, so I’m super motivated to start plus I feel really good and strong and, I am without injury and that’s important for this race. As always I will do my best with the goal to win. I will do everything to achieve this as the most important thing when you finish a rally is to feel like you gave 100% to fight for the victory.”
Ricky Brabec (9)
“I’m looking forward to this edition of the Dakar as we will be going in through rocks and riding a bit more in the open desert so that’s good for as I feel like it’s my strong point on the motorcycle.
It’s going to be a long 12 days with many new things out there with the 48h Chrono stage, fresh locations and the unknowing factor of the weather as things like this all play a factor. I’m really looking forward to getting to the finish of this Dakar as this is my ninth one, so I’m keeping my fingers crossed and keeping my hopes high for a good outcome.”
Skyler Howes (10)
“I am pretty excited for the 2024 Dakar. The route looks really fun with some new challenges and looking at the differences in terrain with more broken rocks and stones, it looks like this year it’ll be very physically demanding which is good for me. I prefer to have a rally like this as it makes things more challenging with the navigation plus this makes for a good rally. I am feeling focused and confident so I’m excited to see what this Dakar can bring us with the new motorcycle.”
José Ignacio “Nacho” Cornejo (11)
“Heading into this rally I’ve been having some good training sessions after having had a good couple of recent rallies with the team so I’m happy with the bike, in a good place and looking forward to 2024. My preparation coming into the Dakar has been similar to previous years so I’m ready both physically and mentally for this tough challenge.”
Adrien Van Beveren (42)
“We compete in the World Rally-Raid Championship but the Dakar Rally is the one that everybody wants to win and that’s also my dream; my life is centred around this so I’m really happy to be here for another chance to go for victory. The new Honda CRF450 RALLY is amazing. I had some requests after the Morocco rally and the Monster Energy Honda Team and Japan have been working really hard for me that’s made me really happy with the modifications on my bike. I can’t wait to start.”
Tosha Schareina (68)
“It’s very exciting as it’s my third Dakar and the first with the Monster Energy Honda Team. We know it’ll be a tough rally but it’s the first year I arrive with my homework done regarding navigation and bike training as having been able to do the World Rally-Raid Championship and having done extra kilometres of training in the desert, this has given me extra confidence to face the Dakar properly.”
4, Jan 2024
Geeta Phogat to Inaugurate 5th Edition of Ekal Run
Kolkata, 4th January, 2024: FTS Yuva, the youth wing of Friends of Tribals Society is organising its annual flagship event Ekal Run at Godrej Waterside, Kolkata on 7th January, 2024 which would be inaugurated by India’s first ever gold medalist in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games Geeta Phogat wherein 5000+ participants will run for their chosen category of timed run – 21km, 10km, 5km and non-timed /fun run of 3km. People of all age groups will participate in the run.
Geeta Phogat started her career as a freestyle wrestler and in 2010, she would go on to win India’s first-ever gold medal in wrestling at the Commonwealth Games. Later, she went on to be the first-ever Indian female wrestler to qualify and represent India at the Summer Olympic Games. Coming from a small village in the state of Haryana, Geeta Phogat found it extremely challenging to follow her dreams of becoming a wrestler and to work towards making them a reality. Geeta Phogat also became the first woman wrestler to represent India at the Olympics, an accomplishment unparalleled at the time and set a benchmark for future Indian women wrestlers.
Speaking to the media, Mr. Gaurav Bagla, President FTS Yuva, Kolkata Chapter said, “I am thrilled to announce that Geeta Phogat will flag off our 5th Edition of Ekal Run. FTS Yuva is at the forefront of organizing this exceptional marathon which is for the cause of educating the rural children. This marathon inspires individuals to exceed their limits and achieve remarkable feats, at the same time contributing to this noble cause. With unwavering dedication, Ekal Run brings together athletes, enthusiasts, and communities to create moments of triumph and camaraderie that last a lifetime.”
Key Members:
FTS Yuva Board Members – Anirudh Modi Mentor; Niraj Harodia – National Coordinator; Gaurav Bagla, President; Rishabh Saraogi, Vice President; Vikash Poddar, Vice President; Abhay Kejriwal, Vice President; Vinay Chugh, Advisor; Raunak Fatesaria, Secretary; Rohit Bucha, Jt. Secretary; Rishav Gadia, Treasurer,; Rachit Chowdhary, Jt. Treasurer; Mayank Saraogi, Head Donation & Fund Raising; Ankit Deewan, Head Membership, Yogesh Choudhury, PRO and Vaibhav Pandya, Board Member.
