Jaipur Music Stage 2025: Promises to be a Treat for Lovers of Music & Culture

Jaipur, 6th January: As Jaipur prepares for the 18th edition of the Jaipur Literature Festival, the Jaipur Music Stage, running concurrently with the ‘greatest literary show on Earth,’ has released its spectacular line-up of performers. Jaipur Music Stage will present a diverse array of artists from the Indian subcontinent, offering a rich tapestry of musical genres that reflect a fusion of style, sound, and history.

30th January: A Celebration of Khusrau & Kabir

The festival opens with a tribute to two historic poets of India: the 13th-14th century Sufi Amir Khusrau and the 14th-15th-century mystic-poet Kabir Das. This evening will showcase their timeless legacies through evocative performances.

The Amir Khusrau Project by Abhijit Pohankar, renowned for his expertise in Indian classical fusion and the keyboard, will celebrate the sublime verses of Khusrau through their performance. Dastaan LIVE, an ensemble celebrated for its fusion of poetry, folk, and rock, will bring Kabir’s poetic wisdom to life through the set Kabira Khada Bazaar Mein.

31st January: Soulful Rhythms

The second evening will feature soulful performances that blend global influences. Kamakshi Khanna, known for heartfelt lyrics and soothing melodies, will bring a unique style to the stage, blending pop, R&B, soul, and folk musical traditions.

Following her performance, Susheela Raman, known for her captivating voice and her unique blend of world music, Indian classical, and experimental fusion, will take the stage alongside Sam Mills, a pioneer in cross-cultural music and guitar artistry; Nathoo Lal Solanki, a 13th-generation maestro of the Nagada and Rajasthani folk traditions; and Chugge Khan, an acclaimed performer rooted in Rajasthani folk, Sufi music, and Indian classical fusion. Together, they will deliver a powerful mix of international and Rajasthani musical traditions.

1st February: The Grand Finale

The Jaipur Music Stage 2025 will conclude with an electrifying grand finale. Hrishi, renowned for his genre-blending fusion of classical and contemporary popular music, will deliver a performance that redefines musical boundaries and celebrates innovation. The finale will feature Kailash Kher’s Kailasa, whose distinctive sound combines traditional instruments with modern beats. Kher’s soulful and powerful vocals have established the band as a prominent name in the Indian music industry.

Retail Fashion: 2025 Outlook Quote by Vikram Kankaria, Co-Founder & CEO, Fashor

By-Vikram Kankaria, Co-Founder & CEO, Fashor

 “As we step into 2025, India’s fashion industry continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace, driven by a growing appetite for affordable, stylish, and versatile clothing among modern Indian women. With the Indian ethnic wear market projected to reach $19 billion by 2025, the demand for contemporary, size-inclusive, and design-forward options is at an all-time high.

At Fashor, we are committed to redefining affordable fashion with a relentless focus on quality, craftsmanship, and inclusivity. Our vision for 2025 centers on expanding our footprint across India and internationally, with plans to open 100 exclusive brand outlets (EBOs) while continuing to serve millions of women through our thriving online channels.

We see a tremendous opportunity in blending traditional craftsmanship with modern trends, making ethnic and fusion wear more accessible to women of all sizes and backgrounds. Through collaborations, innovative campaigns like ‘Dil Se Indian,’ and an unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, we aim to empower women to embrace their individuality with confidence and style.

As we embark on this journey, we remain steadfast in our mission to position Fashor as a leading force in the Indian fashion landscape, celebrating the elegance, diversity, and spirit of Indian women.”

Virtusa Certified as a Great Place to Work for the Third Consecutive Year

India, 06th January 2025 – Virtusa Corporation, a global leader in digital business strategy, Digital Engineering, and IT services, announced its 2024 Great Place to Work Certification™ for the third consecutive year. This recognition spans seven countries—India, USA, Canada, UK, UAE, Australia, and Singapore—highlighting Virtusa’s ongoing commitment to creating a high-trust, high-performance culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being.

In 2024, Virtusa achieved notable milestones in India, including being ranked among the Top 50 IT/ITES companies and earning the prestigious Great Place to Work Certification™ for Women. These recognitions highlight Virtusa’s ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace and enabling meaningful career growth.

The certification, based on independent employee feedback, resulted in a Trust Index™ score of 79% and an Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) of 73%. Over 81% of employees affirmed Virtusa as a ‘Great Place to Work,’ with key strengths including a strong sense of belonging and equal opportunities. The company continues to excel in employee engagement, professional development, creating a supportive, and equitable work environment.

“We are delighted to be recognized as a Great Place to Work Certified™ organization for the third consecutive year,” said Lori Mullane, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Virtusa. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering workplace where employees are encouraged to collaborate, innovate, and thrive. At Virtusa, we continuously strive to nurture a culture of trust, respect, and growth, enabling our teams to deliver impactful results for our clients and communities.”

Virtusa’s commitment to employee growth and empowerment is demonstrated through initiatives such as Engineering IQ, a career progression framework, and robust upskilling programs tailored to the fast-evolving demands of the IT/ITES sector. These programs aim to equip employees with cutting-edge skills and ensure their readiness for future challenges.

The company also continues to strengthen its diversity and inclusion efforts, earning high ratings in categories related to fairness and belonging. Employees consistently rated Virtusa highly for treating everyone fairly, regardless of gender, age, race, or orientation. This inclusive approach has been pivotal in creating a culture where employees can thrive.

As Virtusa progresses on its journey of excellence, the certification further solidifies its position as a preferred employer in India’s IT/ITES sector. With over 30,000 employees globally, Virtusa remains dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for its people, clients, and communities.

OriginUX Studio Elevates Adarsh Developers’ Digital Presence with Customer-Centric Website Redesign

India, 6th January 2025 – OriginUX Studio, a leading UI/UX design studio, announced its latest collaboration with Adarsh Developers, a prominent real estate brand. This partnership has resulted in the redesign of Adarsh Developers’ website, setting a new benchmark for digital experiences in the real estate industry.

OriginUX Studio‘s expertise in customer-centric design transformation has enabled Adarsh Developers to deliver a superior digital interface that meets the rising user expectations for seamless experiences. The redesigned website artfully captures the premium essence and legacy of Adarsh Developers, ensuring modern functionality and user engagement.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Adarsh Developers to reimagine their digital presence,” said Ms. Vaishnavi Bala Kumaran, Founder of OriginUX Studio. “Our focus was to create a customer-first website that not only aligns with Adarsh’s brand values but also sets a benchmark for the real estate industry. She further added, “The transformed website boasts an aesthetic design that reflects Adarsh’s premium legacy, improved product discoverability, enhanced navigation for a seamless user journey, showcases brand identity through bespoke imagery and captivating content, and features interactive elements for engagement, including project walkthroughs and easy-to-use contact forms.”

With this collaboration, OriginUX Studio reinforces its commitment to enabling businesses to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age. By delivering bespoke design solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs, OriginUX continues to solidify its reputation as a trusted partner for brands looking to elevate their digital experiences.

From Classroom to Center Stage: The NCPA and National Theatre UK Bring Professional Theatre Experience to Mumbai’s Youth with Connections India’s Third Edition

Mumbai, 6th January 2025 — The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), in association with the National Theatre UK, is about to conclude the third edition of Connections India—a unique theatrical initiative that brings professional theatre experiences directly to the youth of Mumbai. The program this year, which commenced in August 2024 and will reach its culmination in January 2025, continues in its mission to unlock the creative potential of young minds from various schools and allows them to thrive in a collective creative platform.

This year, 16 schools, colleges, and NGOs across Mumbai will perform plays commissioned by the National Theatre UK as well as the NCPA. For the first time two plays written by Indian playwrights are a part of the line-up. The plays cover a wide variety of topics, from grief and anxiety to success and climate change.

Under the expert guidance of industry professionals, students have gained hands-on acting experience. Professional theatre directors worked with students of each institution, providing feedback and leading the students through the rehearsal and performance process. Teachers from each school and college also supervised rehearsals and helped students gain the confidence to perform in a public setting. Throughout the programme, students and teachers participated in workshops by leading theatre practitioners to enhance their acting, voice, and technical knowhow.

Students also expanded their skills beyond acting and dived into the other aspects of putting up a play. The Backstage Pass Camp, a five-day training workshop providing training in stage design, management, and more. Students were also taken on field trips to the NCPA, where they could familiarise themselves with its rich history and cultural legacy. Connections India will culminate in the Connections Festival, to be held between the 16th to the 26th of January 2025 where each school gets to perform their play at the Experimental Theatre at the NCPA.

The NCPA and National Theatre are continuing to make Connections India more inclusive and diverse with each iteration of the program. This year, schools from NGOs like Teach for India, Akanksha Foundation, Angel Express, and the Aseema Trust – who have previously participated in Connections India – were a part of it this year. First-time participants include the Jai Vakeel Foundation, a school for intellectually disabled students. Other participating schools and colleges include Bombay International School, Wilson College, The German School (DSB), and the Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), among others.

Connections India represents the coming together of two of the world’s most esteemed cultural institutions—the NCPA and the National Theatre UK—each with a profound commitment to nurturing the performing arts and fostering arts education. Through this collaboration, young talent from all walks of life get to immerse in an authentic theatre-making process, gaining hands-on experience in every facet of production.

Bruce Guthrie, Head of Theatre & Films, National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), shared his excitement for Connections India 2025: “We are thrilled to present the third year of Connections India, a celebration of youth, creativity, and collaboration. Theatre has the unique ability to shape individuals, nurturing empathy, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Programs like Connections offer young people the opportunity to engage with stories that resonate with their experiences, while also fostering skills that will serve them throughout their lives. At the NCPA, we believe that participating in such initiatives is crucial for today’s youth—helping them develop not only as performers but also as individuals. With 16 incredible schools, workshops, and performances of some of the most exciting contemporary plays, we are excited to witness how these young people will inspire and connect with audiences. Together with the National Theatre, UK, we are proud to support this remarkable festival and look forward to the transformative impact it will have on both the performers and their audiences.”

Sharing the idea behind the initiative, Shernaz Patel, Creative Learning Director, Connections India said, “Connections celebrates young people – they are the artists, the singers, dancers and backstage teams. But most importantly these are their stories written by some of the best international playwrights. These plays speak to young people. They are funny, poignant and hard hitting. They are about issues that matter to them. What we add to this incredible initiative is NCPA’s professional expertise – directors, production and technical excellence that lift these plays and make them come alive on stage. Everything we do at the festival from the decor, food, outdoor entertainment, workshops, adds to this unique and important celebration of what it means to be young in today’s India”.

Ragini Singh Khushwaha, Creative Learning Producer, Connections India, shared the initiative’s journey: “Connections India has witnessed incredible growth in just three years, establishing itself as a vital platform for young people in theatre. It offers a much-needed space for creating and performing plays that resonate with their experiences. More than just theatre, it brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to collaborate, learn, and share their stories with audiences who see the world through their eyes.”

At its core, Connections is about education, personal growth, and self-expression through creative exploration. Students participating in the program will hone critical skills such as communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence, all while navigating the rich complexities of theatre. This initiative not only fosters artistic talent but also prepares students to become thoughtful, creative leaders in whatever path they choose.

The NCPA invites schools, educators, cultural organisations, and patrons of the arts to support this extraordinary initiative and clear their calendars for the upcoming Connections Festival. The two-week-long festival is a chance to experience topical and high-caliber theatre about contemporary issues, written specifically for the youth. Connections India helps ensure that the next generation has access to the profound and lasting impact of the performing arts.

IIID Ahmedabad to host inaugural design festival: De.pulse 2025

6th January 2025 , Ahmedabad: The Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID) Ahmedabad Regional Chapter is set to host the inaugural edition of IIID De.pulse, a premier design festival, from January 9 to 12 at vigyan bhavan science city from 5 pm onwards.

This event will bring together design professionals, students and enthusiasts from across the region for a comprehensive exploration of the future of design. The festival will feature a trade expo, knowledge seminars, workshops, and a series of installations, offering an unparalleled platform for collaboration and learning.

The theme of IIID De.pulse’s inaugural edition is “The Future of Design: in the Cusp of a Revolution”, addressing the most pressing issues and innovations shaping the field today. The four-day event includes diverse components such as Designer’s Pavilion, Crafts Pavilion, spatial and art installations, and the Depulse Honours Awards Show, celebrating exceptional work in design across the region.

Devdatt Pandya, Chairperson, of IIID Ahmedabad said, “IIID De.pulse represents an exciting step forward for the design community in Ahmedabad. It is not only an opportunity for designers to showcase their work but also a crucial moment to reflect on the direction of design in the years ahead. We are thrilled to offer a platform to inspire creativity and collaboration.”

The participants at IIID De.pulse will include architects, interior designers, design students and institutions, as well as national and international speakers and delegates. The festival will see participation from over 30 international delegates of the Asia-Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA) and office bearers of 34 IIID chapters. A broad spectrum of design enthusiasts from Ahmedabad and beyond will also engage with the event.

IIID De.pulse will also feature a series of workshops, including, Master the art of pinching and coiling techniques by Dhruti Ghedia of La Frenya, Transform plant waste into sustainable paper products by Ravi Raj of Koraj Crafts, Create your own terrarium and bring nature indoors by Raveena Panchal Shah of The ART Container, and Explore the magic of glass mosaics with Bauhaus-inspired designs by Hansal Patel of The Karigari Studio.

The event will also feature a series of knowledge sessions on topics like Technology & AI: The Catalyst of Future, Design Education Today: How Relevant is it from Tomorrow?, and The Future of Professional Practice of Design.

These sessions will witness engaging discussions by industry leaders and eminent panellists including Hiloni Sutaria (HSC Designs), Jwalant Mahadevwala (Andblack Studio), Khushbhu Davda (Studio Emergence), Himanshu Ghosh (Known Sense Studios), Hiren Patel (Aashir Engineering), Rishav Jain (CEPT), Sourabh Gupta (The Design Village), Nandita Abraham, Tanishka Kachru (NID) and Saleem Bhatri (CEPT).

Some of the other eminent speakers include Megha Patel Vadodaria of PVDRS, Jayesh Hariyani of INI, Senthil Kumar Doss of Play Architecture, Prashant Paradava of PDC Architects, and Shivansh Singh of Studio 2 + 2.