27, Oct 2023
HCLFoundation’s Sports for Change athletes secure Silver at Asia Rugby U18 Sevens Championship 2023
CHENNAI, India, Oct 27, 2023— In a remarkable display of talent and determination, NS Akshaya and V Divya, both hailing from Tamil Nadu, achieved international recognition by representing India at the prestigious Asia Rugby U18 Sevens Championship 2023. Their exceptional performance at this global sporting event earned them a well-deserved silver medal, highlighting the excellence of Indian rugby on the world stage.
Akshaya and Divya’s journey into rugby began with their participation in the transformative Sports for Change initiative, a program under HCLFoundation, which delivers the corporate social responsibility agenda of HCLTech in India. The duo made the transition to rugby from kho-kho under the coaching of Guna Sekaran Kumar, a certified rugby coach. Their performance at national tournaments representing Tamil Nadu between 2021 and 2023 caught the attention of selectors, earning them places among the top 27 rugby players in India.
“Making it to the national team was an exceptional feat and hearing our national anthem play during the award ceremony was a moment I’ll forever hold dear,” said V Divya, who plays as the fly-half for the team and is pursuing Bachelor of Science in Sports Biomechanics and Kinesiology.
“Empowering lives through education, sports and holistic development is not merely our mission, but a steadfast commitment to creating a brighter, more inclusive future. At HCLFoundation, we believe in the transformative power of education and sports to uplift communities and foster sustainable growth. Through innovative initiatives, we strive to address critical social challenges, ensuring that individuals have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive and no one is left behind,” said Dr. Nidhi Pundhir, Vice President, Global CSR, HCLFoundation.
Ahead of the Asia Rugby U18 Sevens Championship 2023, Akshaya and Divya underwent a rigorous 45-day training program at KIIT University, Bhubaneshwar, which helped them earn spots in the national rugby team.
From tailored nutrition plans to logistical assistance on and off the field, HCLFoundation’s holistic approach ensured that Akshaya and Divya had every opportunity to excel.
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- By Rabindra
27, Oct 2023
Film ‘Mai’ starring Kunaal Roy Kapur & Shahana Goswami to screen at Jio MAMI
Mumbai: October 27, 2023 – ‘Mai’, a 41-minute film written and directed by Milind Dhaimade and produced by Colosceum Media Pvt Ltd. (Lalit Prem Sharma) and Macguffin Pictures (Honey Trehan and Abhishek Chaubey), is all set to screen at the upcoming Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival. The festival will run from October 27 to November 5, 2023, at multiple venues in Mumbai.
The film stars Kunaal Roy Kapur and Shahana Goswami and is based on the simple thought that we can’t find anything unless we are ready to lose something. The story revolves around how the 35-year-old Suman Das (played by Kunaal), who is obsessed with his mother’s cooking, discovers the value of love, loss, and sacrifice when he has to deal with her sudden death. The film is a part of the anthology series ‘Lost & Found’ which is a unique collection of exquisite stories from 7 storytellers and their interpretation of the concept of Loss and Gain.
“Being a food enthusiast, I find the intersection of food and humanity very intriguing. Is food only nourishment? An indulgence? Or, are there such strong memories attached to the taste of everything we love, that knowingly and unknowingly, we are constantly searching for that very taste? ‘Mai’ delves into the notion of letting go, of stepping away from the familiar to explore and experience something new, and of discovering love through the metaphor of food. We hope the audience enjoys watching this movie made with all heart as much as we have enjoyed making it,” said Milind Dhaimade, Director, Mai.
Suman’s mother had prepared a wonderful array of dishes before she was to depart for a week-long pilgrimage when she unexpectedly dies. Throughout his life, Suman has never tasted anything that could compare to his mother’s cooking. Now, he faces the challenge of preserving her culinary legacy for as long as possible. One day, he encounters Mona (played by Shahana), a woman with such exceptional taste buds that she can break down the recipe of any dish she tastes. Can Suman use Mona’s help to replicate his mother’s inimitable cooking?
Working on ‘Mai’ has been a truly enriching experience. The film’s exploration of love, loss, and the power of letting go is not only relatable but also heartwarming. My character’s stubbornness and selfish obsession, which holds him back, was a unique challenge to portray. It’s a story that touches the heart, and I’m excited to see how the audience reacts to this fabulous journey of self-discovery.”, Said Kunaal Roy Kapur
Shahana Goswami added, “Shooting with Milind Dhaimade was a whirlwind of fun and madness, and Kunal’s addition elevated the experience. ‘Mai’ beautifully captures the complexities of loss and finding, reflecting life’s inner and outer workings with depth and truth. I’m so happy to be a part of this simple, beautiful film that brings out the often taken-for-granted connection between food and the emotions associated with certain flavours and aromas.”
“We, at Macguffin are extremely proud to present Mai by Milind Dhaimade, a tenderly told story of a mother’s love, a son’s loss, and the food that nourished their bond.”, said Honey Trehan & Abhishek Chaubey, Producer, Macguffin.
“The ‘Lost and Found’ metaphor deeply resonates with this anthology series, emphasizing the need to let go of the familiar to discover transformation. We are honored to be part of the Jio Mami festival, engaging with film enthusiasts and professionals, and fostering lasting conversations. ‘Mai,’ a testament to our commitment at Colosceum, transcends mere entertainment, provoking thought. We eagerly anticipate its premiere, aiming to captivate and inspire audiences with its compelling narrative and heartfelt performances. By nurturing creativity, we contribute to the growth and evolution of the film industry.” Said Lalit Prem Sharma, Producer, Colesceum.
‘Mai’ will screen on 29th October, 5.30 PM (Goregaon PVR ICON, Oberoi Mall), 31st October,6:00 PM (Andheri PVR ICON, Infiniti Mall) and 3rd November, 3:30 PM (Malad INOX Inorbit Mall) at the Jio MAMI Mumbai Film Festival 2023.
26, Oct 2023
Prime Video Releases the New Edition of O Womaniya! Report; India’s M&E Industry Pledges Support to Boost Female Representation
Mumbai — October 26, 2023 — Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, today released the latest edition of O Womaniya! report, the most definitive study on female representation in Indian entertainment.
Researched and curated by media consulting firm, Ormax Media, India’s leading entertainment journalism platform, Film Companion, and championed by Prime Video, the study evaluates the statistical journey of women in various facets of content production, marketing and corporate leadership within India’s entertainment industry.
This year, the report analyzed 156 films and series, across streaming and theatrical released in 2022 in 8 Indian languages (Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Punjabi, Bengali, and Gujarati) to arrive at a comprehensive picture of the change that the industry has seen since 2021.
Along with Prime Video, the report has been supported by other partners from the industry including Clean Slate Filmz, Emmay Entertainment, Excel Entertainment, Jio Studio, Producers Guild India, RSVP, SonyLiv, Tiger Baby, and Zee5.
Additionally, this year also saw industry leaders, including studio heads, filmmakers, actors, and more come forward to lay down actionable steps towards improving female representation in their personal and professional capacities. These pledges are expected to serve as guardrails that can guide the entire industry.
Key findings of the report include:
Creative Talent – Only 12% of the 780 HOD positions analyzed across key departments of direction, cinematography, editing, writing, and production design were held by women. While this is slightly more than 10% in 2021, the growth has entirely been led by streaming films and series, while theatrical films have remained stagnant since 2021. On a positive note, 31% of the properties had a female commissioning in charge behind them, vis-à-vis 25% in 2021.
Content – While in 2021, 55% of the properties analyzed passed the Bechdel Test1, the number has gone below the halfway mark to 47% now. The biggest drop here has come from theatrical films; while 46% passed the test in 2021, only 34% managed to pass it in 2022. Series and films like Guilty Minds, Four More Shots Please! Season 3, Delhi Crime Season 2, Maja Ma, and Gangubai Kathiawadi, among others, emerged as the properties with the maximum scenes to pass the Bechdel Test.
Marketing – Women still get only 27% of talk time2 in trailers; the number is the highest for streaming films with 33% of talk time in trailers being allocated to women. Series and movies like Hush Hush, Gehraiyaan, The Fame Game, Ammu, A Thursday, and Sita Ramam, among others, performed the best with at least 50% of talk time in trailers given to female leads.
Corporate Talent – Of the 135 Director/ CXO positions studied across 25 top M&E firms in India, only 13% were held by women.
Sharing his thoughts on the latest findings in O Womaniya!, Shailesh Kapoor, Founder & CEO, Ormax Media said, “While there has been a slow but steady improvement in a few key parameters, the report has thrown light on the need to take a look at inclusion with a serious eye. Like the previous edition of the report, streaming continues to pave the way for female representation, however, the sub-par performance of theatrical films should serve as a wake-up call for the industry. I am glad to see the industry take note of the data and come together to pledge better representation, underscoring their genuine desire to see a positive change.”
Speaking about the report, Anupama Chopra, Founder and editor, Film Companion said, “Entertainment is a powerful medium which can and must highlight inclusivity and diversity. O Womaniya! is our attempt to push the needle to move faster. We are thrilled to see greater participation from the industry, with key individuals taking on specific targets and actions to take this conversation forward. The steps taken to bring change may seem small but each step, and each action matters, and with every edition of the O Womaniya! report, we believe we are moving a step closer to a more equitable ecosystem. I am grateful to Prime Video and Ormax Media for partnering with us on this unique initiative.”
“At Prime Video, we believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion, are not just needed, it is essential. As an organization, we have always believed in equitable representation, not just within Prime Video and in our content, but also within the wider creative industry. By nurturing and empowering talented women within our industry, we can create a ripple effect of positive change in the wider ecosystem,” said Aparna Purohit, head of Originals, India & Southeast Asia, Prime Video. “O Womaniya! represents a collective effort to unite the industry and collaborate on enhancing female representation. The latest edition of the report strongly underscores the urgency of accelerating these transformative efforts. It’s heartening to witness not only the committed support of partners but also the active participation of influential figures from the industry, including both men and women. They have not only pledged their personal commitment but also made broader corporate level commitments to champion greater female inclusivity.”
Some of the pledges taken include:
Alia Bhatt, actor and producer said, “I pledge to continue to promote diversity in my production projects.”
Shakun Batra, filmmaker said, “I pledge to promote diversity in my projects, to continue collaborating with and supporting intimacy professionals to ensure sets are a safe space for all.”
Gayatri & Pushkar, filmmakers said, “We pledge to continue to promote diversity in our projects, to continue to include women in writer’s rooms, and to continue to follow the government mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Apoorva Mehta, CEO, Dharma Productions said, “I pledge to continue to promote diversity across all our verticals at Dharma Productions & Dharmatic Entertainment.”
Madhu Bhojwani, partner, Emmay Entertainment said, “I pledge to provide separate bathrooms with accessible sanitary products for women on set, to promote diversity in my projects, to include women in writer’s rooms, and to follow the government mandated PoSH guidelines and have an ICC within the organisation.”
Tahira Kashyap Khurrana, writer, director & author said, “I pledge to tell women’s stories with a narrative that is unique to them.”
Supriya Yarlagadda, producer & executive director, of Annapurna Studios said, “We at Annapurna, are the first studio and production house to establish an ICC in the Telugu film industry. We shall continue with our endeavor to promote diversity in our productions and include women in writer’s rooms. Our environment is constantly evolving to support more women in the workplace.”
26, Oct 2023
Signature Global Park II Receives Prestigious “Best Residential Project in the Mid Segment” Award
New Delhi, 26th October 2023– Signature Global, which has a distinguished presence in the real estate sector, is delighted to share its latest achievement at the 14th CNBC-AWAAZ Real Estate Awards – North Zone. The company’s exceptional venture, “Signature Global Park II,” has received the prestigious “Best Residential Project in the Mid Segment” accolade.
The prestigious award for the “Best Residential Project in the Mid Segment” was presented to Signature Global by the Honorable Minister of Road Transport and Highways of India, Shri. Nitin Gadkari. Mr. Pradeep Kumar Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman of Signature Global (India) Ltd., Mr. Lalit Aggarwal, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman, and Mr. Ravi Aggarwal, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Signature Global (India) Limited, were honored to receive this award for their project, “Signature Global Park II,” which is being developed by Signature Global Homes Ltd., a subsidiary of Signature Global (India) Ltd.
This recognition signifies the company’s dedication to quality, innovation, and excellence in the real estate industry. Signature Global is known for its visionary approach to design, commitment to quality, and focus on sustainable development, making their projects stand out in the competitive market.
Being awarded with the “Best Residential Project in the Mid Segment” award for Signature Global Park II, Mr. Pradeep Kumar Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman of Signature Global (India) Ltd., conveyed his profound appreciation. He remarked, “We are truly grateful for this honor, which serves as a driving force in our pursuit of excellence and reaffirms our unwavering commitment to constructing world-class residential spaces that enhance the lives of our esteemed customers. With a keen focus on sustainability, our project has already earned the prestigious EDGE certification, and our meticulously designed independent floors aim to preserve natural resources and minimize costs for our residents through the use of shading devices, low-flow water fixtures, and a reduced window-to-wall ratio.”
Signature Global Park II exemplifies the company’s dedication to providing reasonable yet luxurious living spaces that meet the evolving needs of homeowners. Signature Global Park II is a testament to the company’s philosophy of providing quality housing solutions to the middle-income segment, while also aligning with the Indian government’s vision of “Housing for All.” The project offers a blend of modern amenities, eco-friendly design, and affordability, making it a sought-after choice for homebuyers.
The 14th CNBC-AWAAZ Real Estate Awards – North Zone is a prestigious event that recognizes and celebrates excellence in the real estate sector. The “Best Residential Project in the Mid Segment” award is a testament to Signature Global’s unwavering commitment to delivering exceptional residential properties that cater to the diverse needs and aspirations of their home buyers. The award ceremony, attended by distinguished dignitaries and industry leaders, was held in Hotel Hyatt Regency, New Delhi.
26, Oct 2023
Viacom18 LIVE presents ‘Vh1 Lift Off’, India’s newest culture platform
26th October 2023; Mumbai India: Viacom18’s experiential & LIVE entertainment business, Viacom18 LIVE, more popularly known as the official curators of Vh1 Supersonic (India’s first multi-genre music & lifestyle festival), are all set to introduce another unique and experiential festival, ‘Vh1 Lift Off’. This new IP will be a landmark event that is set to bring together a host of experiences and sub-cultures, elevating India’s urban cultural scene.
Set in the cultural hub of the country; Mumbai, Vh1 Lift Off is set to redefine the experiential and urban cultural landscape in India. As a celebration of 50 Years of Hip Hop and built with its culture and its community at heart, the IP aims to work towards creating a platform which is both relevant and beneficial to creators, brands, and consumers alike.
Its first edition will focus on sub-cultures like art, fashion/street fashion, and dance, while music and Hip Hop, will be at the heart of it. Addressing a unique gap in India’s experiential urban sub-culture landscape, Vh1 Lift Off, unlike any other large-scale culture platform in the country, broadens the narrative beyond music and encompasses a multitude of subcultures. It speaks directly to the youth of today, offering an additive cultural experience that resonates with their diverse interests.
Gaurav Mashruwala – Head Viacom18 Live said, “At Viacom18, we take pride in setting the stage for a new and unparalleled cultural experience with our latest IP, ‘Vh1 Lift Off’. Vh1 Lift Off is a platform that allows us to broad-base the narrative beyond music and speak to varied subcultures and communities all at once, with the idea of ‘lifting them off’ through this platform. We are happy to bring this unparalleled experience in the culture space, knowing fully well that brands associate with the youth and sub-cultures, and therefore giving an opportunity for them to work with each other at such a large scale.”
Viacom18 live promises to continue entertaining its audiences and fans with its iconic IPs including Vh1 Supersonic and assures to amp up the entertainment quotient with culturally relevant properties like Vh1 Lift Off in a bid to enable brands to deepen connect with consumers.
26, Oct 2023
VAMA.app Secures Rights to Live Stream the Grand Dharmik Ramleela at Delhi’s Red Fort
New Delhi, 26th October 2023: VAMA.app, India’s rapidly growing virtual platform offering a wide range of services for religious and spiritual journeys, is proud to announce its partnership to livestream one of India’s most significant cultural events – the iconic Dharmik Ramleela, held at Red Fort, Delhi organized by Shree Dharmika Ramlila Committee.
Ramleela, the timeless epic portraying the life of Lord Rama, Sita, Lakshman, and Hanuman, is a cultural and spiritual celebration cherished by millions across the nation. Red Fort is renowned for hosting grand, large-scale productions with awe-inspiring sets, authentic costumes, and mesmerizing performances, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an immersive Ramleela experience.
The Ramleela staged at Red Fort has been a cornerstone of Dussehra celebrations in the country, capturing the essence of the victory of Lord Rama over the demon King Ravana. Established in 1923, this prestigious Ramleela has earned the patronage of former Prime Ministers and Presidents of India, attesting to its cultural significance and grandeur.
“We are thrilled to bring this cherished cultural and spiritual event to a global audience through our live-streaming partnership with Shree Dharmika Ramlila Committee” said Aacharya Dev, third generation astrologer and Co-Founder, VAMA. “At VAMA, we are committed to enhancing the accessibility of religious and spiritual experiences, and this collaboration allows us to share the magic and cultural richness of Ramleela with people worldwide. Through our live streaming partnership, we aim to transcend geographical boundaries and bring the timeless story of Lord Rama to the world’s doorstep, uniting hearts in the spirit of cultural richness and spirituality.”
Commenting on the partnership, Dhiraj Dhar Gupta Ji from Shree Dharmika Ramlila Committee said, “We are pleased to partner with VAMA’s platform as it now enables the younger generation of our nation to witness and embrace the profound cultural essence of India. The ongoing 100-year-old Ramleela holds great historical significance. VAMA’s dedication to making this grand event accessible to a global audience harmoniously aligns with our mission of ensuring the continuity and prosperity of our cultural heritage.”
The Dharmik Ramleela event at Red Fort is a spectacular start to the festive season in Northern India. It kicks off with the commencement of Navratri on the 1st of Ashwin, as per the Hindu calendar. The celebrations escalate with the staging of Ram Leela, followed by Dussehra on the tenth day, and culminate with Bharat Milap on the 11th Day. Bharat Milap marks the Coronation of Lord Ram, performed through the Raj Tilak ceremony, and is followed by awe-inspiring fireworks that light up the night sky, adding to the enchantment of the event.
Founded in late 2020 by Acharya Dev, Himanshu Semwal, and Manu Jain, VAMA.app is a one-stop virtual platform that provides easy access to e-pujas, e-darshans, and astrology services, to devotees from across India. It is one of India’s fastest-growing startups that aims to bring the country’s most iconic temples’ services to the online medium, with a mission to make them easily accessible for devotees from all over the country. The Start-up’s emphasis is on converting the offline Mandir ecosystem to digital via content-driven products that are engaging, empowering, and habit-forming.
To stay updated on the live streaming schedule and access the grand Dharmik Ramleela at Red Fort, Delhi, visit the VAMA app and website.
26, Oct 2023
Zee Rajasthan’s Bahash Beech Bazaar Special show unveils Alwar’s pulse
Bahash Beech Bazaar special show by Zee Rajasthan took a deep dive into the heart of Alwar, Rajasthan, and brought together local voices and political party representatives, creating a unique platform to collect unfiltered insights on a wide spectrum of critical issues.
With a keen focus on electoral concerns and foundational societal issues, the show addressed the critical importance of women’s safety and youth empowerment. It also highlighted the ERCP Project (Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project) and the urgent need for effective water resource management as well.
‘Bahash Beech Bazaar’ underscored the importance of informed dialogue and accountability in addressing the pressing problems faced by this vibrant community. This special program is a truly remarkable initiative due to the candid responses of the local populace, which reflected their concerns, hopes, and expectations for their community.
This initiative by Zee Rajasthan provided a valuable and insightful window into the lives and sentiments of the people of Alwar, enriching the understanding of the local landscape and its challenges.
26, Oct 2023
Tanishq Unveils Its New Store In Marathahalli, Bengaluru
26th October 2023: Tanishq, India’s largest jewellery retail brand from the house of Tata has launched its grand new store in Bengaluru, Karnataka today. The brand new store was inaugurated by Mr Sunil Raj, General Manager, Merchandising, Tanishq at 11:00 AM.
As part of the grand inauguration, the brand is offering irresistible offers wherein customers can get up to 20% off* on making charges of gold jewellery & on diamond jewellery value and also get 100% exchange on old gold bought from any jeweller. The offers are valid till 12th November 2023. The store is located Next to KLM Fashion Mall, HAL Old Airport Road, Marathahalli, Bengaluru, 560037.
Spanning across, 6500 sq.ft., the store presents an extensive selection of iconic Tanishq designs across dazzling gold, stunning diamonds, kundan and polki. The store proudly presents Tanishq’s exclusive and new festive collection, ‘Dharohar’, drawing inspiration from the heirloom artefacts from the eras gone by, an ode to legacies old and new.
The store is also equipped with stunning jewellery pieces from Rivaah, a dedicated wedding jewellery sub-brand of Tanishq. Rivaah is meticulously crafted to align with the fashion preferences of women from various regions across India and has evolved as a one-stop destination for wedding shopping.
The store caters to regal Tanishq collections such as ‘Alekhya’, inspired by Indian art forms, and the Romance of Polki collection, featuring elegant pieces, modern designs, exotic gemstones, detailed gold, and meenakari work that celebrate our rich Indian heritage and craftsmanship. Additionally, the storehouse’s dainty and minimalistic jewellery pieces and collections from Mia by Tanishq, catering to diverse consumer preferences.
Speaking on the inauguration, Mr. Vasudeva Rao, Regional Business Manager, Tanishq, Titan Company Limited said “We are thrilled to announce the grand opening of our new store in Bengaluru today, a moment that fills us with immense pride. At Tanishq, customer satisfaction is at the core of everything we do. As the nation’s most beloved jewellery brand, we have always strived to be accessible to our customers.
Our new store in Bengaluru features a stunning collection of jewellery designs in Gold, Diamond, Polki, Kundan, and Bridal categories, catering to diverse preferences. With great enthusiasm, we expand our presence in the Garden City of India with our 21st store. We are confident that our customers in Bengaluru will embrace and enjoy the exceptional experience we have curated within this store.”
26, Oct 2023
NTPC Inks MoA with EIL for Green Fuels & Green Fertilizer
Mumbai, India: NTPC has signed an MoA with Engineers India Limited (EIL) wherein NETRA (the R&D centre of NTPC Ltd.) can take up collaborative projects in the domain of Carbon Capture Utilization and storage (CCUS), Green Fuel, Green Chemicals including Green Hydrogen, Green Ammonia, etc, Green Fertilizers, Bio-Fuels, Decarbonization, Waste Handling, Water, Ash, etc. leading to the clean energy transition.
The MoA was signed today by Shri U K Bhattacharya, Director (Projects) NTPC Ltd., and Shri Atul Gupta, Director (Commercial), EIL in the presence of Shri Jaikumar Srinivasan, Director (Finance), NTPC, Shri Rajiv Agarwal, Director (Technical), EIL and other senior officials of NTPC and EIL.
NTPC Ltd. is India’s largest integrated power utility, contributing 1/4th of the power requirement of the country. With an installed capacity of more than 73 GW and a diverse portfolio of thermal, hydro, solar, and wind power plants, NTPC is dedicated to delivering reliable, affordable, and sustainable electricity to the nation.
The company is committed to adopting best practices, fostering innovation, and embracing clean energy technologies for a greener future. NTPC Group has a plan of 60 GW of RE capacity by the year 2032 and it is taking up several initiatives towards decarbonization such as Hydrogen blending, Carbon Capture, and fuel cell buses among others.
26, Oct 2023
Udayan Cultural Club organizes a four-day cultural event on the occasion of Durga Puja
New Delhi: To mark the auspicious occasion of Durga Puja, the Udayan Cultural Club organized the “Ghorer Pujo” or House Holder’s Pujo, to celebrate the festival with gaiety. The Club conducted a four-day event to encourage people to come forward and participate in the cultural events and embrace the festive fervor with full enthusiasm.
To capture the spirit of the occasion, this year the puja was celebrated with traditional looks of sholar kaaj daaker kajer pujo, and continuing the custom, the cultural performance commenced with Agomoni on Shashthi. Along with this, external artists were invited to grace the event with their performance. 2015 SA RE GA MA PA fame Soumya Chakrabortty, Mainak- a folk group from West Bengal, Ganer Guto Rock Band from Delhi, and famous Mine group from Kolkata performed at the event.
The puja also celebrated the traditional art forms of Jamini Roy and the folklore of rural Bengal. It stirred enthusiasm amongst the masses, to encourage participation of children in “Mahisasur Mardini,” ladies in Stree Shakti” and singing to elevate the festive zest among people. Even Senior Citizen found their solace in Bengali songs, bringing back the nostalgia of the older days.
In addition to the cultural events, the Club continued its ritual to serve Bhog to families and people of the nearby areas. In the pursuit, from Saptami to Navami, the Club served more than 500 people.
On the occasion, Kallol Chakraborty – President,Udayan Cultural Club said, “Durga Puja is one of the most awaited festivals all-round the year. People throng the pandals to celebrate the festival and it provides the right platform to promote interaction and socialization among them. In order to fulfill this purpose, we started “Ghorer Pujo” from the year 2017 with only a few members participating at that time. But eventually, with time, we were able to increase our family to 65, seeing active participation not only from Bengalis but from other linguistic communities across the country”.
