21, Dec 2023
Freshworks Chennai Marathon powered by Chennai Runners to be held on Saturday, January 6th, 2024
Chennai, December 21, 2023: The Chennai Runners, a not-for-profit organization run by passionate runner-volunteers since 2006, and Freshworks Inc. (NASDAQ: FRSH), the global software as a service company from Chennai, announced the 12th edition of the Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2024, scheduled to be held on Saturday, 6th January 2024. This year the marathon is expected to witness the participation of over 22,000 runners including competitors, corporate honchos, and thousands of running enthusiasts.
The upcoming Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2024 powered by Chennai Runners, will be certified by AIMS (The Association of International Marathons and Distance Races), a worldwide association of the organizers of long-distance road running races. Chennai Marathon 2024 is recognized by Abbott World Marathon Majors as a qualifier event.
Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2024, powered by Chennai Runners, the largest running event in Chennai and the second-largest marathon in India, will comprise four events for men and women including, a Full Marathon (42.195 Km) – the flagship race of the event, the Perfect 20 Miler (32.186 Km), the Half Marathon (21.097 Km) and the 10 Km Run.
This year the Freshworks Chennai Marathon will see the participation of over 35% women runners. The marathon will have participation from visual impaired runners, blade runners, and wheelchair runners.
Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2024, powered by Chennai Runners is all set to rock the city limits as the full marathon is set to be flagged off at the iconic Napier Bridge, Marina Beach, and run through the scenic beach route towards the lighthouse and later it will pass through Madhya Kailash, Tidel Park and to ECR. Like the previous edition, this year’s marathon will also have two start points, Napier Bridge and Elliot’s Beach.
Full Marathon (42.195 Km) the Perfect 20 Miler (32.186 Km) and the 10 Km Run will start from Napier Bridge while Elliot’s Beach will be the starting point of the Half Marathon (21.097 Km). The Indian Maritime University will be the finish point for the full marathon, 20 miler, and the half marathon while the CPT IPL Ground will be the finish point for the 10-kilometer run.
Like the previous edition, this year the Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2024 powered by Chennai Runners seeks to increase awareness of Type 1 diabetics and intends to raise funds for people with insulin needs thereby supporting monthly needs towards their insulin expenses.
Partners
Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2024 powered by Chennai Runners will bring together a host of Chennai-based brands as partners. Baashyaam as the Lifestyle Partner, Sundaram Finance Group as the Silver Partner, Chennai Metro Rail Corporation will be the Metro Partner, Apollo Hospitals will be the Medical Partner, CR Volunteers will be the First Responders, Limca Sportz is the Hydration Partner and Unived is the Marathon Fuelling partner.
The Marathon is also thankful for the support of the Greater Chennai Police Commissioner, Greater Chennai Traffic Police, Tambaram Commissionerate, TNAA, the People of Chennai, Cand the vibrant running community of Chennai, and the Greater Chennai Corporation.
Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2024 will be a zero-waste marathon and has roped in Urbaser Sumeet as a partner for recycling and waste audits.
Mr. V P Senthil Kumar, Race Director, Freshworks Chennai Marathon 2024 powered by Chennai Runners said, “Chennai Runners are thrilled to announce the 12th edition of our iconic event, Freshworks Chennai Marathon powered by Chennai Runners. Building upon the resounding success of the previous edition we are gearing up for an even more exhilarating experience that promises to leave an indelible mark on the city and the world at large.
Over the years, the event has grown in stature and earned its place among the top marathons organized in the country. The recent recognition from the Abbott World Marathon Majors is a testament This prestigious designation allows athletes who achieve the Automatic Qualifying Time for their respective age groups to secure an immediate invitation to the 2024 Abbott WMM Wanda Age Group World Championships”.
Mr. Girish Mathrubhootham, Founder and CEO, Freshworks said, “Freshworks is proud to be associated with the iconic Chennai Marathon. Running throught the scenic landmarks of the city, together with a huge number of athletes from all over the world is going to be a special feeling for all of us at Freshworks. We want everyone to take up fitness as a daily agenda and training for a marathon is the best way one can start.”
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- By Rabindra
21, Dec 2023
The Cradles in Which Our Essence Evolved,” featuring the exceptional works of artist Mamta Malhotra
The recent solo art exhibition featuring Mamta Malhotra’s “The Cradles in Which Our Essence Evolved” at the Open Palm Court Gallery, Habitat Centre, New Delhi, was a resounding success. The exhibition, inaugurated by Murli Manohar Joshi, unfolded from December 19th to December 22nd, 2023. Mr. Joshi expressed his admiration for Mamta’s work, acknowledging her artistic prowess.
Mamta’s ability to blend line, color, form, and texture in a harmonious way captivated attendees. Her exploration of urban landscapes, figurative and abstract studies, utilizing oil paint, acrylic, and mixed media, provided a diverse and engaging experience for art enthusiasts. The theme of the exhibition, “Ma,” added depth and meaning to the collection.
The infusion of Sanskrit shlokas and architectural elements in Mamta’s creations created a unique visual vocabulary, seamlessly merging tradition with the contemporary. The artworks resonated with the ephemeral beauty of Varanasi’s urban fabric, reflecting the vitality of its ancient and vibrant lifestyle.
The inauguration ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including Vasundhra Broota, Sunit Tandon, Sudip Roy, Sheela Chamaria, Asit Patnayak, Vilas Kulkarni, and Shobha Broota.
Mamta Malhotra’s artworks, characterized by a deep commitment to environmental preservation and cultural heritage, continue to leave a lasting impression. They have found a place of pride in prestigious interiors across India, Dubai, France, and the United States, inviting contemplation on the intersection of tradition and modernity.
Mamta Malhotra’s artworks are available for viewing until December 22nd, 2023
21, Dec 2023
BIF hails the landmark Telecommunications Bill 2023
● The Think Tank body considers it a consumer-centric and investor-friendly bill that will propel the growth of the sector.
New Delhi, 21 December 2023: In its apex Executive Council meeting on 20th instant, Broadband India Forum (BIF), the leading independent Think-Tank and Policy Forum for Digital Communications in the country, discussed the Telecommunications Bill 2023, which was tabled in the Lok Sabha by Hon’ble Minister for Communications & IT, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw on 18th December 2023. It praised the bill and unanimously adopted the following resolution formally: –
The EC was of the view that this was a historic milestone in the annals of Indian Telecom and truly a giant leap forward for the Bharat Digital Economy. This extremely progressive Bill that consolidates different laws of 1885, 1933 and 1950, to further catalyze this rapidly growing technological age was warmly hailed by the EC. It brings in clarity on a plethora of key issues that have been before the sector – the TRAI power & functions, protection and duties of telecom users, clarity in definition of telecommunication service, exclusion of OTTs from the purview of Telecom regulations, administrative allocation of satellite spectrum and certain other types of spectrum, Right of Way issues, spurring of Universal Service and Innovation/R&D through a Digital Bharat Nidhi and Regulatory Sandbox and many other important aspects.
The BIF EC believes that the landmark Bill will help achieve increased acceleration of internet/broadband penetration and will provide a huge impetus to the growth of the digital economy. It will bring about many consumer benefits besides boosting investor confidence and fetching billions of dollars of FDI in the digital sector. Further, it would help incentivize the exponential growth of the space startups segment which already has 189 startups, thereby boosting India’s Space Mission.
The Executive Council solemnly resolved that BIF and its members will spare no efforts to leverage the Bill and support the Government to further speeding India’s Journey on the Digital Highway.
While praising the bill, Mr. T.V. Ramachandran, President, Broadband India Forum, commented, “The Indian Telecommunications Bill 2023 will serve as a strong enabler for the larger digital ecosystem and, in particular, the innovative OTT Apps and Satellite Sectors in the country. It seeks to address several inhibiting issues and would lead to tremendous boost to investor confidence, thereby causing a quantum jump in the growth of the sector.”
21, Dec 2023
Unwind this winter in Pune with Bhimthadi Jatra
National, December 21st, 2023: Bhimthadi Jatra, founded by Sunanda Tai Pawar, celebrates its 17th year, with a captivating rural extravaganza that offers a unique and vibrant experience for visitors from all walks of life. Held annually in Pune, this extraordinary carnival seamlessly blends culture, tradition, skills, and entertainment, making it a must-visit.
With over 400,000 visitors every year, the Jatra welcomes Punekars, Mumbaikars, and art enthusiasts from neighboring cities. There is a beautiful music anthem attached to Bhimthadi this year with an aim to attract the younger generation to embrace the cultural diversity, bridging the gap between the rural and urban culture at Bhimthadi Jatra.
The 17th year is a platform empowering women to showcase their skills in handicrafts, textiles, and food preparation, contributing to their communities.
In a world where the allure of preserving and revelling in cultural heritage is irresistible, Bhimthadi Jatra emerges as a distinctive and authentic experience that beckons exploration. This annual spectacle, nestled in the heart of Maharashtra, not only showcases the region’s agricultural splendour but also unfolds as a vibrant stage for local artisans, craftsmen, and farmers to showcase their talents and products.
Bhimthadi Jatra has attracted eager visitors who are interested in buying products from rural and tribal women around India. The handicrafts at Bhimthadi are made of materials like khun, neem wood, and bamboo. Specially abled children from NGOs make coasters, warli paintings, and pen holders which are sold at the Jatra. She can give valuable input on the things showcased at the event. The home decor items are upcycled and brought to the event. Furniture, kitchenware, and other items made from neem wood and bamboo are also available.
Since its inception, Bhimthadi Jatra has attracted eager visitors who anticipate the delectable food served annually at the fair. The event also boasts repeat customers who return each year to patronize specific food stalls. Millets have been a staple in our diet for generations and have seen a resurgence in popularity recently. Attendees at Bhimthadi Jatra will have the opportunity to sample local Maharashtrian cuisine at various food stalls. Bhimthadi Jatra also provides support to entrepreneurs seeking certification for their food products and assists with proper branding and packaging strategies for their goods.
Continuing its ongoing approach towards embracing conscious choices and clothing, sustainable fashion wear brands like The Kishkinda Trust, Viva La Vida India and Love for the Loom are going to be participating in Bhimthadi Jatra’s 17th year exhibition.
Bhimthadi Jatra itself as an event follows sustainable practices, encouraging and educating the people who are participating and those attending.
– There is a farmers market where you can purchase organically produced products from direct contact.
– There is a policy for non-plastic, non thermocol plates being used, etc.
– The flexes used at the event for advertising purposes are all sent for recycling, ensuring zero wastage at the event.
– Plastic water bottles are not allowed at the event.
– Zero food wastage is ensured as well.
Date: December 21st – December 25th, 2023
Time: 11:00 am – 9:00 pm
Venue: Agricultural College Ground, Shivaji Nagar, Pune
21, Dec 2023
“Life has turned over for Rajat”: Shine Pandey on his character in Amazon miniTV’s Dehati Ladke
Mumbai December 21,2023: – Amazon miniTV – Amazon’s free video streaming service recently released a coming-of-age drama, Dehati Ladke. The show follows the journey of Rajat Raj Singh Chauhan (essayed by Shine Pandey) as he ventures into city life from his hometown in pursuit of his aspirations. Rajat struggles to uphold his commitments to his parents despite the allure of urban life. It is adapted from Shashank Bharatiya’s acclaimed Hindi novel of the same name.
Rajat is portrayed by Shine Pandey, who encounters romance, university life, and camaraderie throughout the film. Sharing about his character from the show, the actor said, “Rajat comes from a small town in Uttar Pradesh, Gonda, and he moves to Lucknow to prepare for UPSC and become an IAS officer. He has a lot of expectations to fulfill for his family, and the entire village, everyone is looking forward to him. He is determined to make it big and achieve his dreams. But obviously, it’s not that easy. Life doesn’t always give you what you want. He meets lots of new people in Lucknow and a new story begins”.
Further elaborating on this he added, “Rajat meets a lot of people as he joins his college, he befriends Shashank, Yuvan and eventually meets Prerna. He also interacts with Chhaya and Prashant Bhaiya. So, things have become difficult for Rajat because he didn’t expect this change in his life. After all, everything is very new. And it is not at all close to what he had lived earlier. So everything is very new for him. He eventually evolves, and a great deal of confusion arises within his head. While watching the show, you’ll see him talking to himself often, trying to understand the mess around him.”
21, Dec 2023
Milind Soman successfully concludes “Lifelong Green Ride 3.0”
Milind Soman successfully concludes “Lifelong Green Ride 3.0,” the third edition that traversed 650 kms from Pune to Vadodara and 200 kms in Bengaluru, promoted health and environmental well-being throughout India
Mumbai…December 21, 2023… Milind Soman, the well-known fitness icon, has triumphantly completed the third season of Lifelong Green Ride in Bengaluru. This multi-city cycling event, orchestrated by Lifelong Online Retail Private Limited, a leading consumer durables company, aims to promote a healthier and eco-friendly environment.
As a key component of the broader Green Ride 3.0 initiative, Milind embarked on a remarkable cycling journey on Lifelong Cycles from Pune on December 11th. Covering a distance of 650 kilometers, he made his way to Vadodara with planned stopovers in Mumbai and Surat. Additionally, Milind covered a total of 200 kilometers on the TVS iQube Electric, underscoring the versatility and eco-friendliness of electric mobility. The journey concluded in Bengaluru, emphasizing the commitment to sustainable and environmentally conscious initiatives. As part of the Green Ride initiative, he also visited the Statue of Unity where he, along with other dignitaries, inaugurated the adventure sports.
Milind Soman, an avid supporter of the Lifelong campaign advocating to “Fight Lazy,” has been a driving force in inspiring individuals to embrace an active lifestyle and contribute to environmental well-being. The Lifelong Freeride Cycle has been his trusted companion on this mission.
Commenting on the occasion, Bharat Kalia, Co-Founder, Lifelong Online Retail Pvt. Ltd., expressed, “Lifelong Green Ride is an annual event that serves as a powerful testament to our dedication to fostering a healthier lifestyle and environmental sustainability. We are proud to collaborate with Milind Soman in spreading this message across the nation.”
India’s fitness icon and supermodel Milind Soman shared his enthusiasm, stating, “Events like Green Ride are crucial to raise awareness about choosing commuting modes wisely. It is a conscious step towards advocating cleaner and smarter commuting options. I am confident that this initiative has inspired many people, encouraging us to look for alternatives to reduce our carbon footprint by choosing safer options.”
During the Ride, Milind actively encouraged families to participate in the “Ride with Family” initiative, allowing Lifelong customers to enjoy the ride alongside him. Furthermore, he engaged with schoolchildren in Bangalore and Pune, further emphasizing the importance of a healthier lifestyle and environmental consciousness.
The Green Ride 3.0 spanned various cities, navigating diverse terrains to symbolize the collective endeavor required for a healthier planet.
21, Dec 2023
Blues Odyssey: Mahindra Blues Festival’s much awaited Band Hunt takes center stage this December
Mumbai, 21 December, 2023: The spotlight is on Mahindra Blues Festival as it opens applications for the eagerly awaited Band Hunt competition on December 19th, 2023. In this blues extravaganza, the entries will take place online and the finale will unfold on ground, bringing the blues magic to you like never before.
For all blues aficionados and talented Indian bands, it’s time to amplify musical prowess by sharing a blues-drenched performance video on Instagram, Facebook, or Musifie—ensuring that the account hits all the right notes and is open to public viewing. Whether crafting an original masterpiece or weaving magic through a classic cover, the piece can be in any language spoken in India, however the video must be timed between 2 to 5 minutes.
Judging this blues journey are none other than the prodigies themselves, Ehsaan and Loy. Interested artists can register their band via the registration links mentioned in MBF’s Instagram bio. To throw their hats into the ring, participants are urged to serenade the virtual stage with #BluesBandHunt and #MBF2024, without forgetting to tag @mahindrablues. Bands must also share the performance video link along with lyrics of the chosen blues anthem. The deadline for submitting entries is January 7, 2024. The top 3 finalists will be brought down to Mumbai for a band hunt finale- post which each finalist will perform a 20-minute set. The performance will be judged by Ehsaan & Loy, following which the winner will be announced. The chosen one will then get the chance of a lifetime to perform at the prestigious Mahindra Blues Festival stage in February 2024!
Mahindra Blues Festival transcends being an event; it’s a celebration of blues culture, a symphony of heartfelt melodies, and a testament to the enduring spirit of true blues. As the MBF Band Hunt commences—may the riffs echo through and through the blues realm!
21, Dec 2023
Brioni launches its Flagship store in the capital with a star-studded event: Aditya Roy Kapur steals the show
New Delhi, 21st December – Brioni, the epitome of luxury menswear, hosted an extraordinary affair at its First flagship store in the capital, welcoming an exclusive assembly of dignitaries and celebrities. The event showcased the latest FW’23 Collection, a masterful fusion of timeless craftsmanship and unbridled sophistication. The New Delhi boutique showcases Brioni’s extensive range of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories collections, complemented by the exclusive Bespoke service.
In attendance were luminaries such as Rajiv Kumar, Ritesh Kumar, Shikha Begwani, Vinod Nair, Saurabh Bharara, Pushpa Bector, Dr. Kazem Samandari, Mumtaz and Faizal Patel, Siddhartha Tytler, Khalid Wani, Jeetinder Sandhu, and other influential personalities from the echelons of fashion and society.
Celebrities, including Aditya Roy Kapur, Dino Morea, Kim Sharma, and Ujjwala Raut, graced the event, adding another layer of refinement to the already illustrious gathering.
Apart from the archival pieces showcase, the centerpiece of the evening was the unveiling of the distinguished Brioni Bandhgala – a unique garment of timeless sophistication that is a testament to Brioni’s dedication to redefining men’s fashion with iconic pieces that seamlessly blend heritage and modernity.
In a brief but poignant statement, Ritesh Kumar, spokesperson of DS Luxury, remarked, “Brioni exemplifies luxury, and our latest collection underscores our commitment to uncompromising craftsmanship and refinement. We are honoured to have hosted a gathering of individuals who appreciate the pinnacle of sartorial excellence.”
This event marked a momentous occasion, uniting connoisseurs, celebrities, and influencers to celebrate Brioni’s legacy and welcome it to the Capital.
20, Dec 2023
Smart India Hackathon 2023 Inaugurated at MIT by Vice Chancellor: A Pioneering Endeavor for Innovation and Social Impact
Bengaluru, December 21st, 2023 – The Smart India Hackathon 2023, organized by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, and the Institutions Innovation Council at Manipal Institute of Technology (MIT), Manipal, commenced with a grand inauguration ceremony. The event was graced by the presence of Lt General Dr. MD Venkatesh, Vice Chancellor of MAHE, who delivered an inspiring address.
During his speech, Lt General Dr. MD Venkatesh emphasized the profound impact of the educational institutions founded by Dr. TMA Pai 75 years ago. These institutions were established with the noble mission of addressing key societal challenges such as illiteracy, poverty, and ill health. He highlighted that the United Nations’ sustainable development goals of 2017 align closely with Dr. Pai’s vision. The region of erstwhile South Canara, where these institutions are located, saw remarkable progress with high-quality healthcare services, low infant mortality rates, maternal mortality rates, and high literacy rates, setting a benchmark for the nation.
Lt General Dr. Venkatesh also echoed the words of the Prime Minister, recognizing the potential of Indian youth to solve global issues. He welcomed participants from across the country to MIT, known for its warm hospitality, meticulous planning, and welcoming spirit. The Smart India Hackathon 2023 will focus on finding innovative solutions to problem statements provided by the Ayush department, Gujarat government, and Kerala government. A total of 22 teams hailing from various states, including Tamil Nadu and Gujarat, have converged at MIT for this intensive five-day hackathon.
Highlighting MIT’s commitment to quality education, Lt General Dr. Venkatesh expressed gratitude to the Ministry of Education, AICTE, and the innovation council for recognizing MIT’s capabilities. He encouraged the participants to develop solutions that have a lasting impact and the potential to contribute to the betterment of humanity. He also mentioned the possibility of some solutions being directed towards the medical device development hub funded by the Government of India.
Dr. Anil Rana, Director of MIT, Dr. Cyril Joseph, Single Mode of Contact, Kamal Singh and Poonam, Assistant Directors from the AICTE Education Ministry, Dr. Somashekhar Bhat, Joint Director of MIT, and other dignitaries were present at the inauguration ceremony.
The Smart India Hackathon 2023 promises to be an exciting platform for young innovators to collaborate, ideate, and develop transformative solutions that address real-world challenges. MIT, as one of the nodal centers, remains at the forefront of fostering innovation and excellence in education, contributing to India’s development.
20, Dec 2023
Kimutai Timon and Roba Beti Hailu clinch Top Honors for overall Men and Women Category at the 16th Edition PhonePe Bengaluru Midnight Marathon 2023
Bengaluru, December 20, 2023: Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor (RBITC) proudly announces the successful conclusion of the 16th edition of the PhonePe Bengaluru Midnight Marathon on Sunday at KTPO, Whitefield. This year witnessed record participation – 10,000+ Runners from 19 countries and 21 states of India.
In the Overall Men’s Category, Kimutai Timon from Kenya won in the well-contested full marathon, demonstrating unparalleled skill and achieving a time of 2 hrs 29 min. Roba Beti Hailu from Ethiopia performance in the Women’s Full Marathon was equally astounding, as she won the coveted title with a timing of 3 hrs 10 min 15 sec. In the India Men category, Iran Ali won the Marathon in 2:34:59. Aasa TP won in 3:11:25 in the India women category.
With great pleasure, the Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor congratulates all of the winners and participants who made the 16th PhonePe Bengaluru Midnight Marathon a huge success. The occasion embodied the basic principles of Rotary and promoted a healthier, more active society by celebrating sports while also fostering a sense of community and health consciousness.
Commenting on the success, Ritesh Bindal, Chairman, BMM, said, “The PhonePe Bengaluru Midnight Marathon has always honored tenacity, willpower, and the unwavering spirit of our running community. I am motivated by the remarkable efforts of each and every participant who took on the Night challenge as we come to the end of the 16th edition. This year, we witnessed around 10,000+ runners across 21 states and 19 countries, with 27% women runners’ participation. This marathon is a shining example of community and health because of the participants’ dedication to fitness and the spirit of friendship that permeates the event. We look forward to many more years of building a culture of well-being and unity.”
The Bengaluru Midnight Marathon witnessed a spectacular exhibition of corporate camaraderie, dedication, and tenacity in the much-awaited Relay events, where both seasoned corporate teams and start-ups competed with energy and passion. In the Airbus Corporate Relay Race, Team TITAN emerged as the clear winners with a time of 1:34:28, followed by Team HPCL I with the timing 1:45:51 and Team Novo Nordisk I with the timing 1:46:15 in second and third place respectively. In the Prime VP #FittestStartupChallenge Relay Race, Team CRED A won with a timing of 1:32:37, followed by Team CRED B with the timing 1:38:16, and Team Myelin Foundry coming in third with timing of 2:03:15
Organized by the Rotary Bangalore IT Corridor (RBITC), the first edition of the Bengaluru Midnight Marathon was held on May 19, 2007, and has seen increasing participation every year since.
