Samosa Singh Unveils 5X Production Expansion and Plans Global Growth with FDA Certification in Focus

Bengaluru, December 5, 2024: Samosa Singh, one of India’s leading quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains, recently expanded its manufacturing capacity and launched a new manufacturing unit. In line with the growing demand and aiming for global expansion, the brand has now equipped its manufacturing capabilities to grow 5X, which makes it one of the largest manufacturers of samosas now in the country.

Samosa Singh is making waves in the food industry with its remarkable journey from a start-up to a scaling powerhouse. With a 5X boost in manufacturing capacity and achieving key export certifications, the brand is now aligned with global quality standards. The brand aims at operating 100+ physical QSR stores spread across major cities in the next 18 months.

Samosa Singh has earned ISO standardization and is actively pursuing FDA certification, reinforcing its commitment to top-notch manufacturing and food safety practices. The company operates from a semi-automated factory nestled in a green, eco-friendly environment, ensuring sustainable and efficient production processes.

Commenting on the brand’s global aspirations, Nidhi Singh, co-founder of Samosa Singh, said, “We are extremely delighted to announce that at Samosa Singh we have increased our production capabilities by 5X. As we move towards scaling new heights, the increase in capabilities of our production capabilities is an extremely important step towards that. Hustling is at the heart of our growth story and it will stand in good stead as we aspire to tread newer international markets. Our goal is to take India’s humble samosa to different parts of the world and offer an elevated experience.”

A strong proponent of women empowerment, Samosa Singh also proudly employs a significant number of women in its manufacturing setup, fostering diversity and inclusion.

Currently, Samosa Singh’s reach spans across Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Delhi-NCR, Chennai, and Kochi, catering to the growing demand for its beloved samosas. With its dedication to quality, sustainability, and inclusivity, Samosa Singh is poised to redefine the Indian snack industry on a global scale.

Started mainly as a B2B player, Samosa Singh ventured into physical QSR format in December last year and since then has expanded to 15 plus locations and now aiming Global expansion.

Govardhan Ecovillage’s ‘LiFE 2024’ Conference Focuses on Sustainability Through a Bharatiya Lens, Led by HG Gauranga Das

India, Nationwide Release:

Delegates from across India assembled at the packed NSE Auditorium in BKC, Mumbai on 27th November witnessed a special event – “LiFE 2024: Conference on Bharatiya Perspective on Sustainability”. This uniquely themed Conference was organized by Govardhan Ecovillage (GEV) – India’s prominent UNWTO winning eco-tourism destination. The Conference was conceptualized by and organized under the able guidance of Gauranga Das, Director, GEV.

During recently concluded 29th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) at Baku, Azerbaijan, and G20 Leaders’ Summit in Brazil, India has reiterated its commitment towards meeting climate change and UNSDGs. Over the past few years, India has established itself as a role model for other countries by setting and pursuing ambitious climate and sustainable development goals.

Ancient Bharatiya perspective is extremely relevant for sustainability and sustainable development in modern context. Age-old Indian wisdom is fundamental in dealing sensibly with the sensitive environment and ecosystems, while balancing the economic progress and development. A well-structured, targeted, and continuous effort at all levels can work miracles to overcome nagging environmental challenges globally. While on one hand, India has a challenge to deal with its own carbon footprint, on the other hand, it has an opportunity to showcase applications of its ancient perspective in the modern context to re-establish its position as the ‘Vishwa-Guru’ and lead the world for a better, safer and more sustainable future.

Two central themes of the Conference (1) Consciousness, Culture & Sustainability and (2) Leveraging Sustainability Economics echoed throughout the sessions by the expert speakers. The basic tenets of age-old Indian culture leading to ideas around ‘conscious consumption’, ‘cleanliness led wellness’, ‘culture of respect for natural resources’, ‘best from the waste’, ‘living in harmony with nature’, ‘use of recyclable products’, ‘optimized production-distribution-consumption-reuse chain’, ‘trusteeship approach’, and the like – which were the spotlights of the event.

Another key idea deliberated in the conference was how to effectively leverage modern technologies in a way complimentary to ancient Indian practices to enhance sustainability at scale – at the individual, family, social, national and global levels. This will certainly optimize the use of resources and consumption, bring in efficiencies in product value chains, optimize distribution chains, and increase recyclability through responsible product development.

Enhanced focus on renewable energy and methods of adopting energy-friendly lifestyle will also be key to our balanced progress, as we march ahead towards becoming the world’s third largest economy in terms of overall GDP.

A structured approach to develop Indian Knowledge System on sustainability, centered around Indian traditional roots, wisdom literature, scientific yet practical outlook, nature-friendly living, and sustainability embedded in rich cultural traditions, that becomes foundational to multi-faceted sustainability initiatives was proposed and well-appreciated. Delegates also expressed their whole-hearted commitment in one voice for a wide-spread education of Indian traditional systems and practices that collectively lead to conservation of environment and natural resources.

The event brought together Subject Matter Experts from the Indian administration, academia, industry, and social impact sectors, who mesmerized the audience by their deep knowledge, and shared actionable insights on achieving sustainability through the integration of ancient Indian principles and modern technologies.

In addition to leading academicians from IIT’s, the esteemed panel of speakers included Shri C P Radhakrishnan, Hon. Governor of Maharashtra; Gauranga Das; Shri S Gurumurthy – well-known corporate & legal advisor.

The Hon. Governor emphasized that development and environmental preservation are two sides of the same coin. He stated that India’s accelerating progress must go hand in hand with the conservation of natural resources. Stressing the role of humanity as trustees of the planet’s resources, he urged that it is our collective responsibility to hand over a healthier, more sustainable Earth to future generations.

Gauranga Das spoke about an approach to sustainability rooted in Bharat’s traditional wisdom and culture, highlighting the concept of Ashta Lakshmis. He explained that Lakshmi encompasses far more than material wealth, extending to broader dimensions of prosperity. He seamlessly aligned this perspective with the conference theme, LiFE 2024: Bhartiya Perspective on Sustainability.

S Gurumurthy Ji outlined a four-pronged approach to advancing India’s journey towards sustainability. He called upon concerned individuals to unite in transforming development into a greener, more sustainable endeavor. He also reflected on India’s traditional way of life, which emphasizes harmony with nature and minimal resource consumption, contrasting it with the consumption patterns of the West.

Other speakers, including Prof. Varadraj Bapat, IIT Mumbai, SJMSOM; Prof. Ganti S Murthy, IIT Indore; Ar. Hiten Sethi, Founder, HSA; Prof. Ganesh Ramakrishnan, IIT, Mumbai.

The Conference was organized in association with Kotak School of Sustainability – IIT Kanpur, NIT – Warangal, and Indian Green Building Council (IGBC). National Stock Exchange (NSE) was the Venue Partner, and Nityo Infotech, Global IT Services & Solutions Company, was the Banquet Sponsor.

Towards the end of the Conference, Gauranga Das led the team of delegates to define a roadmap and create an executable plan as an effort to contribute meaningfully to the cause of sustainability and sustainable development.

Delegates from various walks of life, including policymakers, academicians, industry professionals, researchers, and corporates, and a large number of students were in attendance – highlighting the growing awareness about sustainability in today’s highly motivated young generation.

Govardhan Ecovillage is committed to play its role in sustainability in the district of Palghar, Maharashtra. This Conference was one such initiative to address the pressing issues through constructive actions that create high social impact.

KT Professional’s Dhruv Sayani Receives Prestigious Pioneer of the Year Award for Transforming the Haircare Industry

Mumbai, December 2024: Dhruv Sayani, the visionary founder of Ccigmaa Lifestyles Pvt Ltd and CEO of KT Professional, has been honoured with the prestigious “Pioneer of the Year” award in Beauty Innovation at the Icons of India Awards, organized by Times Applaud. This accolade recognises his contributions to the Indian hair care and beauty industry and his commitment to providing innovative, high-quality, and accessible hair care solutions. The award was presented by Indian actress and 90’s sensation, Karishma Kapoor.

 As the leader behind KT Professional, India’s first salon-approved keratin protein hair care brand, Dhruv’s passion for hair care innovation has positioned him as a trailblazer in a market traditionally dominated by imported products. His vision for Ccigmaa Lifestyle and KT Professionals has not only reshaped the hair care industry but also empowered consumers with premium, natural, and result-driven products that address diverse hair challenges.

With access to global hair care knowledge, Dhruv Sayani saw an untapped opportunity in the Indian market. While imported products largely focused on moisture, volume, and colour protection, the Indian consumer’s hair care needs went much beyond these aspects. Recognizing this gap, Dhruv launched KT Professional with the aim to provide Indian users with keratin-focused products that catered to a wider range of hair concerns, all while ensuring that the products were free from harmful chemicals, cruelty-free, and 100% vegan.

 Dhruv Sayani, MD Ccigmaa Lifestyles commented, “I’ve always believed that hair care goes beyond just a cosmetic solution. It’s about creating products that nourish, strengthen, and restore hair at its core, At KT Professional, we focus on innovations, creating high-quality, results-oriented solutions that cater to 18 different hair challenges, ensuring that we serve not just salons, but individual users as well. This award reflects our dedication and the trust our customers have in our products.”

 Since its inception, KT Professional has expanded its footprint across India, reaching 28 states, 86 cities, over 27,000 salons, and more than 150 beauty stores. Additionally, KT Professional’s range of products is available on 18+ e-commerce platforms, bringing salon-quality hair care to the fingertips of consumers across the country.

 Dhruv’s journey in the hair care industry is a testament to his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to quality. He not only identified the growing demand for salon-quality products in the Indian market but also addressed the specific needs of Indian hair types with scientifically backed formulations. His focus on natural ingredients, sustainability, and cruelty-free practices has set new industry standards, earning him recognition as a leader in beauty innovation.

 The Icons of India Award highlights Dhruv’s pivotal role in transforming the Indian beauty and personal care landscape. Under his leadership, KT Professional continues to grow as a trusted name in hair care, helping consumers achieve healthier, stronger, and more beautiful hair.

Devish Ahuja Cast as Gaurav in Shemaroo Umang’s Main Dil Tum Dhadkan

Shemaroo Umang’s Main Dil Tum Dhadkan continues to keep viewers engaged with its emotional highs, and the story takes an exciting turn with the entry of Devish Ahuja. Known for his remarkable performances in iconic mythological roles, Devish now takes on the role of Gaurav, Purvi’s fiancé. a character full of charm, ambition, and mystery. His arrival promises to add depth and intrigue, making him a compelling addition to the story.

Expressing his excitement about joining Main Dil Tum Dhadkan, Devish Ahuja shared, “I am absolutely thrilled to portray Gaurav. Before this, I have played several roles rooted in mythological stories, which are vastly different from my character now. Gaurav is a refreshing change for me, offering a completely new experience. That’s what made me say yes to this role—it’s an opportunity to explore uncharted territory as an actor.”

He Adds “I feel incredibly grateful to be a part of this new journey, which comes with a mix of excitement and nervousness. Gaurav is a character that truly resonates with the essence of the show, as it beautifully captures the balance between traditional principles and the embrace of modern changes. And I feel This duality in his personality adds a lot of depth, making him both relatable and intriguing.I’m confident that viewers will connect with him and enjoy the unique dynamic he adds to the show.

So now will Gaurav be the perfect match for Purvi, or will his strong feelings lead to unforeseen consequences?

Don’t miss out on the unfolding drama as Gaurav’s character adds depth and unpredictability to Main Dil Tum Dhadkan Monday to Saturday 8.30pm sharp.

Hyderabad to Host 29th European Union Film Festival with 24 Acclaimed Films in 29 Languages

Hyderabad, December 04th, 2024: After a remarkable success in New Delhi and the ongoing screenings in Kolkata, the 29th edition of the European Union Film Festival (EUFF) is set to bring the best of European cinema to Hyderabad. This annual celebration of European cinema is a vibrant tribute to the Indo-European partnership, highlighting a shared love for art and culture. The festival promises a captivating cinematic journey through 26 award-winning films in 31 languages, offering a window into European society, culture, and people. Organised by the Delegation of the European Union to India in collaboration with the embassies of EU Member States and Hyderabad Film Club, the Hyderabad edition will take place from December 6 to December 15 at Prasad Labs Preview Theatre (Road No.2, Banjara Hills).

The Hyderabad edition of EUFF will open with the acclaimed French comedy-drama Jim’s Story (Le Roman de Jim). Written and directed by the talented Jean-Marie Larrieu and Arnaud Larrieu, this cinematic gem made a splash at the 77th Cannes Film Festival with its World Premiere and is sure to captivate audiences in Hyderabad, a city with a passion for cinema. Adapted from Pierric Bailly’s novel of the same name, Jim’s Story is a poignant exploration of human relationships, fatherhood, and life’s complexities. This beautiful film promises to enchant viewers and set the tone for an unforgettable festival experience.

The festival will feature films from Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine. This thoughtfully curated selection of films includes some of the most talked-about European movies that have earned recognition at prestigious international film festivals. Highlights include La Chimera, Baan, Jim’s Story, Afire, What a Feeling, Animal, An Irish Goodbye, Restore Point, The Man Without Guilt, The Teacher Who Promised The Sea, and many more. This diverse selection promises an enriching cinematic experience, offering profound explorations of human emotions, perspectives, and narratives.

Inviting everyone to embark on a cinematic journey through Europe. Hervé Delphin, the Ambassador of the European Union to India, remarked, “Hyderabad, we’re back. We’re thrilled to return to the city that lives and breathes cinema, with its vibrant film industry. The festival will showcase top selection of award-winning European films from renowned international festivals, offering a unique #WindowtoEurope through the cinematic lens. Europe and India are bound by a shared passion for cinema and storytelling, and the EU Film Festival is a vibrant celebration of this unity. I invite you to EUFF 2024; feel free to walk into any screening, sit in the cinema dark room and embark on a luminous cultural journey of entertainment and reflection with a European touch.”

Veronica Flora and Valerio Caruso, curators for EUFF 2024, added, “This year’s curation delves into the turmoil of the human soul and the often unfathomable complexity of daily life and seeks vital pathways toward peace, brotherhood, and solidarity in an increasingly uncertain future. The 29th edition of EUFF India promises to take audiences on a cinematic journey, surprising them with new experiences by presenting a rich array of genres and languages. It explores the unexpected landscapes of the imagination, revealing the ghosts of the present, while celebrating humankind’s resilience and its relentless pursuit of love and collective fulfilment.”

The President of the Hyderabad Film Club Mr. K V Rao said, “We appreciate the Delegation of European Union to India for providing a cinematic window to Europe, showcasing the continent’s finest films and fostering cross-cultural understanding.”

The secretary of Hyderabad Film Club, Mr BSS Prakash Reddy further elaborated on the collaboration, “The Hyderabad Film Club has a long association with Delegation to the European Union in bringing the best of European cinema to Hyderabad. The club has conducted 10 European Union Film Festivals, so far, in Hyderabad.”

One of the most anticipated and loved film festivals, EUFF 2024 promises an eclectic mix of cinema, with each film offering a fresh perspective, an idea, and unique insights into people and cultures that resonate universally. Showcasing the crème de la crème of contemporary European cinema, the festival marks the India premiere of several European films, including, What A Feeling, Because I Love Bad Weather, Stairway To Heaven, Death is a Problem for the Living, Jim’s Story, Without Air, Black Velvet, The Last Ashes, Blood on the Crown, Baan, Horia and The Man Without Guilt.

Get ready for captivating storytelling, riveting performances, and stunning visuals that deliver a truly visceral experience.