Vegas Mall Celebrates Lohri with Grand Festivities and Cultural Splendor

Delhi NCR: January 15, 2025: Vegas Mall hosted an exuberant Lohri celebration, bringing together vibrant traditions, spirited performances, and a festive atmosphere. The event, attended by a large gathering, was a perfect blend of cultural richness and community bonding, making it an unforgettable evening for everyone. With its grand celebration, Vegas Mall reaffirmed its position as a hub for festive events in the capital.

The Lohri festivities at the mall featured a lively Bhangra performance that had the crowd grooving, accompanied by a high-energy Live DJ, Gathka performance and Dhol beats. Guests were enchanted by the soulful folk music that echoed through the venue, while the traditional bonfire became a focal point of joy and togetherness. Families, friends, and shoppers came together to participate in the celebration, sharing festive sweets and reveling in the joyous spirit of Lohri. The vibrant décor and festive vibe created a perfect backdrop for the event, capturing the essence of this Punjabi harvest festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall, said, “Lohri is a celebration of harvest, gratitude, and community, and we are thrilled to have created an experience that brought people together to rejoice in the spirit of the festival. At Vegas Mall, we take pride in organizing such culturally immersive events, ensuring every visitor leaves with cherished memories.”

The Lohri celebration at Vegas Mall was not just an event but a testament to its commitment to creating joyful moments for the community. With its focus on blending tradition with modernity, the mall continues to be a preferred destination for cultural and festive gatherings, promising many more memorable experiences in the future.

Shaping the Future: How Media Trends Are Defining Generation Alpha

The influence of media trends on Generation Alpha is more pervasive than ever, with constant exposure to movies, social media, and popular series shaping their perceptions of beauty, success, and lifestyle. This generation, growing up in the digital age, faces immense pressure to conform to idealized standards presented by influencers and celebrities. Many young students feel the need to follow fashion trends, mimic online personalities, or adopt lifestyles that they see portrayed in the media. For those who choose not to engage in these trends, isolation and self-doubt can become significant concerns, impacting their emotional well-being.

This pressure can lead to deteriorating self-esteem, increased anxiety, and a constant sense of inadequacy. Psychologists emphasize the importance of fostering body positivity and encouraging individuality from a young age to combat these negative influences. By creating environments that promote self-acceptance and celebrating uniqueness, children can develop healthier perspectives on their self-worth. Schools, in collaboration with parents, can play a pivotal role in reducing this burden by encouraging open conversations about media influence and guiding students towards self-confidence.

Building a supportive environment requires active engagement from parents, educators, and child psychologists. Consulting professionals can offer strategies to help children navigate peer pressure and resist the urge to conform blindly. By focusing on mental resilience and instilling values of confidence and self-love, caregivers can ensure that children grow up secure in their true identities. A shift from comparison to self-assurance is vital to protect Generation Alpha from the detrimental effects of media-driven peer pressure.

Ms. Tirna Dasgupta, Counsellor at Ashok Hall Girls’ Higher Secondary School addresses the issue by highlighting how social media induces peer pressure through behavioral reinforcement and amplifies the desirability of certain lifestyles. “In modern times, social media offers a platform where people might make irrational assessments of others’ lives based on a few snapshots and reels, leading to unmindful comparisons and disturbed social relationships.” Ms. Dasgupta further emphasizes that students cope by confiding in parents or trusted adults, building a strong support system, and practicing assertiveness to resist peer pressure. She also notes that students aged 6-10 imitate trends for fun but are less affected by peer pressure compared to adolescents aged 11-14. Adolescents often prioritize fitting in over individuality, leading to anxiety, poor academic performance, and even self-harming behavior.

Counsellors Sarini Chatterjee and Moon Chakraborty from G. D. Birla Centre for Education echo similar sentiments. “Students often feel compelled to emulate popular trends from social media or entertainment to gain peer acceptance. Some cope by seeking parental guidance, limiting screen time, or redirecting focus to hobbies,” they explain. The desire to fit in can result in exclusion or ridicule for those who abstain from trends, causing stress and strained friendships.

Kaushiki Chakraborty, Counsellor of Mahadevi Birla Shishu Vihar also addresses peer pressure from social media trends through comprehensive life skills training. “The school conducts sessions on topics like social media addiction, Fear of Missing Out (FOMO), and responsible online behavior, helping students recognize and understand these challenges. Assertiveness training empowers students to make independent decisions, resisting pressures to conform to viral trends. Emphasis on digital detoxification helps students balance their online and offline lives. The school also organizes parent engagement programs to guide families in supporting the alpha generation. Activities like poster-making and two-day challenges to reduce social media use raise awareness, promote healthier habits, and equip students with the skills to manage media-driven pressures.”

Piston Technologies INC., The US – Headquartered Digital Payment Solutions Company, To Focus In India Market For Their Product Development

Kolkata, 13th January, 2025: Piston Technologies INC., a pioneering force in digital payment solutions, will be focussing in India market for product development and expanding their operation in USA. Combining cutting-edge QR-based payments technology with a commitment to streamlining transactions, Piston is redefining the payments landscape in USA.

Piston’s platform introduces ground breaking features designed to enhance the B2B payment experience. The QR-based technology enables direct and secure B2B transactions, eliminating the need for intermediaries, while offering significant cost savings by bypassing traditional payment processors. Additionally, the platform provides exclusive perks such as discounts, rewards, and fleet management tools to optimize operational efficiency. Advanced analytics ensure robust security, effectively preventing fraudulent activities. Inspired by India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) network and the widespread adoption of digital wallets, Piston merges innovative technology with real-world usability, creating a versatile solution for businesses.

Since its official launch in July 2024, Piston has achieved rapid expansion, reflecting strong market demand. The company has expanded its geographic reach to six states – California, Georgia, Texas, Florida, New York and Arkansas – and 35 cities. Piston has also seen a staggering 50% month-on-month growth rate, with an annualized payment processing volume of $10.4 million. This volume is projected to reach $50 million by March, 2025.

Piston has received a recent funding milestone, securing an early stage investment worth $1.2 Million from Pear.VC, a leading Silicon Valley-based early-stage venture capital firm. This capital infusion is being utilised to accelerate Piston’s market expansion, product development, and operational scaling.

“We will continue to build our fuel offering. We plan to utilize our upcoming round of funding for expansion across the entire US, with a focus on product development and research and development in India to offer new services for customers. We are working to experiment with adding credit facilities for fleets and allowing drivers to use PistonPay for personal purchases like meals and drinks,” said Mr Vikram Sekhon, CEO & Founder, Piston Technologies INC.

“While other cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru are known for start-ups, we chose Kolkata due to its rich technical talent pool, lower costs and higher retention rates. We are looking at building a team here which can align with our vision and help us move faster. This city offers the technical depth we need to build a global product. We are on a mission to transform the payment experience for businesses across the globe. Drawing inspiration from India’s thriving digital payment ecosystem, we are creating solutions that not only enhance efficiency but also redefine how businesses manage transactions,” said Mr Shivam Shah, COO & Founder, Piston Technologies INC.

By mid-2025, PistonPay aims to enable personal item purchases at gas stations and vendor payments, further extending its utility. The company plans to roll out full-scale operations across all 50 states and major cities by the end of 2025. Piston is also targeting $450 million in transaction value by December, 2025 and $2 billion within the next three years.

With a robust global presence, Piston operates engineering and operations out of Kolkata, India, while leadership, sales, and product development are based in the United States. This unique combination of operations from Kolkata and leadership in the US has been pivotal in driving Piston’s growth strategy. By 2026, Piston aims to grow its workforce to 500 employees worldwide, reflecting its commitment to innovation and operational excellence.

Radio City Launches RCSS Season 16 – A Nationwide Talent Hunt Across 39 Cities

Jan 13, 2025 Mumbai, India

In the heart of India’s vibrant music scene, a stage is set, and the spotlight is ready to shine on the next wave of singing sensations. Radio City, the nation’s leading radio network, proudly announces the launch of Season 16 of its legendary talent hunt, ‘Radio City Super Singer’ (RCSS). Over the years, RCSS has become more than just a competition; it’s a journey that transforms dreams into reality, uncovering voices that resonate with the soul of a nation.

RCSS National Creative

For 15 years, RCSS has been a beacon for aspiring singers, offering not just a platform but a lifeline to the music world and aspiring artists. It’s where stories begin, and dreams take their first steps toward fame. With Season 16’s theme, “Aapki Success ki shuruat humse hai”, a new chapter of discovery unfolds. From pre-hype activities generating nationwide buzz to auditions as gateways to dreams, the journey culminates in a grand finale, crowning new stars from across the country.

This season’s allure is further magnified by the return of the legendary Padma Shri Kailash Kher as the esteemed mentor. Having guided contestants for the last three seasons, his return is like the homecoming of a master storyteller, whose spiritual and film singing, composing, and lyrical expertise have inspired millions. Alongside him, the show’s legacy is built on the shoulders of musical giants—Daler Mehendi, Shahid Mallya, Jasmeet Jassi, Salim-Sulaiman, Aman Trikha, and Sajid-Wajid—who have all graced the stage as judges, turning RCSS into a cultural phenomenon.

Ashit Kukian, CEO of Radio City, remarked, “At Radio City, we are always focused and passionate about supporting novel ideas. Radio City Super Singer is not merely a competition but a platform that identifies and cherishes extraordinary talents from all corners of our diverse nation. As we move further towards the 16th edition, we invite all upcoming singers, regardless of their background or location, to step onto the stage and showcase their unique musical expressions. Together, let’s craft a melody that echoes with millions and inspires the NextGen musical rockstars.”

Radio City is expanding its singing talent hunt across 39 cities, blending on-air, digital, and on-ground activations. The campaign will feature dynamic Innova activations, canter activities, roadshows, auditions, and on-ground activities at R City mall, to maximize reach and engagement. Digital promotions will leverage Radio City’s strong online presence with a dedicated microsite, web banners, and active participation on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Additionally, RCSS will be spotlighted on Jio TV’s 24×7 TV RC Studio, featuring short videos and ads to captivate audiences nationwide.

Kailash Kher, reflecting on his ongoing role with Radio City Super Singer, expressed, “Being part of Radio City Super Singer over the past few seasons has been immensely gratifying. Watching budding talents grow into confident performers is truly rewarding. I am grateful for the opportunity to mentor these talented individuals once again. Guiding them on their journey to discover and showcase their musical abilities fills me with joy. Each season brings fresh energy and passion, and I’m excited to continue supporting and nurturing the next generation of stars on their musical voyage.”

Mr. Yogesh Mathur, Director of Sales and Marketing, Honda Motorcycle and Scooters India Pvt. Ltd., added, “Radio City has always been passionate about nurturing creativity and supporting fresh ideas. Radio City Super Singer isn’t just a contest—it’s a platform that discovers, uplifts, and celebrates outstanding talent from across our diverse nation. As we approach the 16th edition, we extend an invitation to budding singers everywhere to showcase their unique musical artistry. Let’s unite to craft unforgettable tunes that inspire the next generation of music legends.”

Demet Pictures Presents Star Face of India 2025: Unleashing the Stars Within

Jan 13, 2025 Bangalore, India

Demet Pictures, a renowned name in the entertainment industry, proudly announces Star Face of India 2025, an extraordinary platform designed to uncover and celebrate the artistic brilliance of individuals across India. This one-of-a-kind event, to be held at the iconic Prabhath KalaSambrama in Bangalore, promises to bring together talent from diverse backgrounds in the fields of acting, dancing, modelling, and singing.

Upcoming poster of Star Face of India 2025

A Career-Defining Opportunity
The winner of Star Face of India 2025 will be given the opportunity to work with Demet Pictures on future projects, including movies, web series, commercials, and music videos. This unparalleled chance ensures that the most promising talent is directly connected to the entertainment industry’s professional realm.

A Vision Beyond Competition

Unlike conventional talent shows, Star Face of India 2025 stands out for its mission-driven approach, focusing on providing equal opportunities to aspiring artists without any financial barriers. Participation in this transformative initiative is completely free, embodying the ethos of inclusivity, fairness, and accessibility.

“Talent should never be constrained by circumstances or the lack of resources,” said Amit Sharma, Producer of the show and Founder of Demet Pictures. “With Star Face of India 2025, we aim to offer a second chance to individuals who’ve faced challenges in pursuing their artistic dreams. This is more than a show-it’s a movement to empower talent and create real opportunities in the entertainment industry.”

A Stage for Limitless Talent

• The event will feature electrifying performances across four categories:
• Acting: An arena for showcasing emotional depth, dialogue delivery, and character portrayal.
• Dancing: A celebration of diverse dance forms, from classical to contemporary.
• Modelling: A glamorous runway to highlight confidence and charisma.
• Singing: A showcase of mesmerizing vocals and melodic expression.

The event will also host a live audience and an esteemed panel of judges, offering participants invaluable exposure and recognition.

Renowned entertainer Harsh Kumar, host of the event, shared his enthusiasm “This is not just an event; it’s a celebration of dreams and determination. It’s an honor to be part of a platform where talent truly takes center stage, without barriers or biases.”

Why Participate in Star Face of India 2025?

• Gateway to Opportunities: Standout performers may collaborate with Demet Pictures on upcoming projects, including movies, web series, commercials, and music videos.
• Free Participation: No fees, no hidden costs-just pure talent and opportunity.
• Recognition and Networking: Perform in front of industry experts, connect with like-minded artists, and gain visibility.
• Exciting Prizes: Awards, accolades, and opportunities await standout performers.