Archives February 2023

Kolkata, 28th February 2023: Kolkata Centre for Creativity (KCC) in collaboration with the Government of West Bengal had curated an exhibition titled ‘Freedom and Awakening’ during the opening of the Alipore Jail Museum that opened to the public on 21st September 2022.

The ongoing exhibition, which is being displayed in multiple phases, brings together prominent and promising artists from all over India to explore the ideas of freedom on the road to awakening. The fundamental ideals that gave birth to the concept of India are intellectually probed and presented artistically.

On the occasion of the 75 years of our independence, this exhibition—Freedom & Awakening— sought to encourage newer conversations around these oft-quoted ideas of ‘Freedom’ an ‘Independence’ through artworks by distinguished artists that deal with this history of awakening and finding self-expression by engaging with and interpreting these ideas afresh.

Today, KCC organized an interaction and discussion around the exhibition probing the concepts of ‘freedom’ and ‘awakening’ in contemporary life and art at the Alipore Jail Museum.

The artists who contributed to the show:

Arunima Choudhury

Arunima Choudhury completed her Diploma in Fine Arts from the Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship in Kolkata. She learnt about different mediums in Western techniques under the careful guidance of the renowned painter late Bikash Bhattacharya. She began her professional career as an art and design teacher in Patha Bhavana, Kolkata.

Frequent visits to Santiniketan and outdoor works in nature significantly influenced her art practices. Her acquaintance with KG Subramanyan led her to the path she is on today–– exploring new and unconventional mediums. She works extensively with themes of nature, and mostly embodies nature in the shape of women, combining her ideas of womanhood with her understanding of nature.

Choudhury strives to remove the barriers between art and craft, and her painting on metal sheets has brought her wide recognition. Her latest exhibition, ‘The Dark Edge of Green’, curated by Nancy Adajania, was held at Emami Art in 2022.

Chandra Bhattacharjee

Chandra Bhattacharjee graduated from the Indian College of Art and Draftsmanship, Kolkata, in 1986, and completed his postgraduate degree in Fine Arts from Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati University, in 1989.

His compositions are influenced by rural and tribal themes, particularly because of the opportunity he had of closely working with the Santhal tribe of eastern India. Thus, Bhattacharjee’s canvases are languid and far removed from the urban world.

Bhattacharjee has held more than 10 solo shows till date in Kolkata, New Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. He has been a part of a two-person show that toured Bangalore, Mumbai, and Singapore. Amongst his group shows he has participated in more than 60 groups shows across India and abroad, and his work has been included in ‘XI Triennale-India’, ‘10th Harmony Show’, Mumbai; ‘Indian Contemporary Art’, UK, to name a few. The gold medallist from Rabindra Bharati University (1986) also received the Taj Gaurav Award in 2008.

Bhattacharjee lives and works in Kolkata currently.

Chhatrapati Dutta

Chhatrapati Dutta earned a BFA in Painting at Government College of Arts & Crafts, University of Kolkata, in 1987, and an MFA at Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan, in 1990.

Dutta is a multimedia artist, whose practice explores the issues of post-colonial India, such as the rising consumerist culture of a developing nation through the lens of the city of Kolkata. He employs subtle colours and textures to articulate complex symbols and moods, and is influenced by myriad sources. Dutta is a founder member of the Kolkata Chapter of Khoj International Artists’ Association.

He has taken part in workshops, residencies, and seminars in India and abroad–– notably, group shows in Kolkata and Bangalore, 2009–11, and four solo shows from 2000 to 2007. Dutta was bestowed with the Greek government scholarship for postgraduate studies, University of Athens, Greece, in 1988.

Dutta is the Principal of Government College of Art & Craft, Kolkata.

Debanjan Roy

Debanjan Roy completed his BVA and MVA from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, in the years 1998 and 2000 respectively.

He works with a range of materials including wood, bronze and fibreglass. He is especially known for examining political and social issues and observations through his sculptures of Mahatma Gandhi. His sculptural practice draws from various global artistic traditions including Pop and Shock art.

His solo exhibitions include ‘The Altar of Convenience’, Aicon Gallery, New York (20013–14) and ‘Looking for Bapu’, Gallery Akar Prakar, Kolkata (2010) among others. Some of the group shows that he has been a part of are ‘Reprise’, Aicon Gallery (2011), and ‘Tale of Two Cities’, Birla Academy of Art and Culture, Kolkata, Mumbai and Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi (2004). He has received many awards and honours including Navonmesha Puraskar, Kolkata (2007), Nirman Award (2004), and Junior Fellowship from the Ministry of Tourism and Culture.

The artist lives and works in Kolkata currently.

Debasish Mukherjee

Debasish Mukherjee graduated from the Banaras Hindu University with a specialisation in Painting.

The artist, photographer and poet is renowned for his use of traditional Indian iconography and design while creating conceptual sculptures and installations. He often provides a glimpse into his personal history and his life in Chapra, Bihar. He has conducted extensive research with weavers and artisans across India, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Odisha and Gujarat.

His recent solo exhibitions include ‘River Song’ (2019) and ‘A Museum Within’ (2016) at Akar Prakar, New Delhi. He had also participated in numerous group shows including ‘Multitudes & Assemblages’ for Hub India at Accademia Albertina di Belle Arti, Turin, Italy (2022); ‘Inner Life of Things: Around Anatomies and Armatures’ at Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (2022); ‘Legacy of Loss: Perspectives on the Partition of Bengal’ at Kolkata Centre for Creativity (2021) and ‘Gaj Yatra’ at Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts, New Delhi (2018) to name a few.

The artist lives and works in New Delhi currently.

Indrapramit Roy

Indrapramit Roy studied BFA in printmaking at Visva-Bharati, in 1987, and MFA in painting at the Faculty of Fine Arts of MS University of Baroda, in 1989. Subsequently, he was awarded the Inlaks Scholarship to study MA Painting at the Royal College of Art, London. He also spent a term in Berlin on an Erasmus Exchange Scholarship.

Roy’s engagement with painting has always been with materiality, and his works are marked with a combination of drawing, marking, painting and overlaying actions.

His solo shows have been hosted in Aicon Gallery, USA, The Anant Art Gallery, New Delhi, Pundole Art Gallery, Mumbai, and Galerie-88, Kolkata. He has taken part in group shows in New York, London, Melbourne, and Yangon, and has represented India in Asian Art Exhibition in Macao and the Cairo Biennale, Cairo. Some of the honours and fellowships received by him include Govt of India Junior Research Fellowship (1993-95), the Fulbright Fellowship, USA (2004-05), and Artist-in-Residence at The Siena Art Institute, Italy (March 2013).

Roy has been teaching painting at his alma mater Faculty of Fine Arts, MSU of Baroda since 1995.

Jagannath Panda

Jagannath Panda completed his BFA from the BK College of Arts and Crafts, Bhubaneshwar (1991), and MFA from the Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University, Baroda (1994). He also completed an MFA in sculpture from the Royal College of Arts London (2002).

Panda’s oeuvre manifests the conflict between the human and natural world, death and desire, and incorporates issues like social and economic inequalities, urbanisation, and shifts in cultural and religious paradigms. He posits contradictory elements like this to destabilise our understanding of them.

Panda’s solo shows have been in Vadehra Art Gallery, New Delhi (2017), Halcyon Gallery, London (2015), Frey Norris Contemporary and Modern Gallery, San Francisco (2012), among others. One of his recent solo shows was ‘Visions from India’, Ohio (2021). His most recent group shows were in Jeju World Natural Heritage Centre, Korea (2019), Palette Art Gallery, New Delhi (2019), and Mori Art Museum, Tokyo (2018). He was a visiting researcher at Fukuoka University of Education, Japan, (1997). Panda has received several awards such as the Centre Prize, CIIC London, and All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society Award, New Delhi.

The artist lives and works in New Delhi currently.

Jogen Chowdhury

Jogen Chowdhury completed his graduation from the Government College of Art and Craft, Kolkata, in 1960. Subsequently, he went on to study at Beaux-Arts de Paris, France (1965–67).

He is lauded as a master of lines. Working with various mediums, it is the figure in his work which is always the most important, conveying all that he intends to express. Chowdhury is a painter who has inspired numerous young artists of contemporary India significantly.

He has extensively exhibited across India and the world — Vadehra Art Gallery, New Delhi, Gajah Gallery, Singapore, and Gallerie Mohanjeet, Paris among others. Similarly, his group exhibitions have been showcased at various places including Hart Gallery, Beijing, and Sakshi Gallery, Mumbai, and Emami Art, Kolkata. Chowdhury has numerous awards and honours to his name, a few among those are the Banga Bibhushan award by the Government of West Bengal (2012), an honorary D. Litt by Rabindra Bharati University (2010), the Kalidas Samman by the Government of Madhya Pradesh (2001), and the Prix le France de la Jeune Peinture, Paris (1966). In 2000, he visited Japan (Arai Kampo and Tagore Foundation, Ujiie) to deliver a lecture on the art of Kala Bhavana and its relationship with Japan and Southeast Asia.

Chowdhury is currently Professor Emeritus, Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan.

Manisha Gera Baswani

Manisha Gera Baswani is a painter, photographer and writer.

Manisha’s visual language is defined by an assertiveness that makes the universe of the mind visible, not just to the eye. Her compositions deal with spatial geometries and move towards an abstraction of realistic details.

Manisha has also been working on a photography project, ‘Artist through the lens’, for the last 17 years. The ongoing project focuses on photographing Indian and Pakistani artists in their studios and creative spaces. An extension of this is ‘Postcards from Home’, a project on the Partition of India. Manisha’s parents came to India from Pakistan in 1947 when India was partitioned, and even now recall with love their lost ‘home’. This emotion was the seed that grew into ‘Postcards from Home’. The project comprises 47 artists from Pakistan and India who share a pre–Partition connection and includes short text about their reminiscences.

She also writes a regular photo essay, ‘Fly on the Wall’, in ‘Take on Art’, an Indian art quarterly, besides the occasional piece on her practice, on art and artists for various magazines and journals.

Santhosh Theparambil Velappakutty (TV Santhosh)

TV Santhosh completed his bachelor’s degree in fine art, specialising in sculpture, from Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan, in 1994. He then studied at the Faculty of Fine Arts of M.S. University, Baroda, completing his master’s degree in the same there, in 1997.

Heavily inspired by cinema, news media, art history and popular culture, Santhosh’s art is centred on his exploration of present times and crises. He uses images from print media, television and the internet to create realist canvases replete with meaning that make strong statements about the general socio-political situation in India.

He has held several solo exhibitions in India and abroad, namely in Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai, Nature Morte, New Delhi, Jack Shainman Gallery, New York, Grosvenor Vadehra and Grosvenor Gallery, London, Avanthay Contemporary, Zurich, and at the Singapore Art Fair. Some of his group shows are ‘Expressions at Tihar’ at Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, New Delhi (2009), and ‘My Little India’ at Marella Gallery, Beijing (2009). Santhosh is the recipient of Padmini Award (Kerala Lalithakala Akademi, 2010) and Kerala Lalithakala Akademi State Award (1997), among many others.

Santhosh currently lives and works in Mumbai.

Shipra Bhattacharya

Shipra Bhattacharya, a BSc graduate, studied at Government College of Art and Craft, Calcutta University, Kolkata, in 1975. She then went on to pursue Fine Arts at the College of Visual Arts, Kolkata, 1977–80.

Her work deals with women’s issues both squarely and subtly. While the female figure forms a central part of her work, it is the inner consciousness of these women that the artist focuses on, using bold colours and smooth brushwork.

Shipra Bhattacharya has had numerous solo and group shows all over India, for example ‘Manthan’ presented by Nitanjali Art Gallery at Galerie Romain Rolland, New Delhi, ‘Miles Apart’ at Point of View, Mumbai, ‘Think Small’ at Art Alive, New Delhi, and ‘EVEa’ organised by Gallery Sanskriti at the India Habitat Centre, New Delhi; and overseas in London and New York.

She lives in Kolkata currently and works from her studio at home.

Shuvaprasanna Bhattacharjee

Shuvaprasanna Bhattacharjee graduated from the Indian College of Arts, Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata, in 1969.

The city of Kolkata has always figured prominently in his work. Shuvaprasanna depicts varying moods of the city and its people, and all its facets that make the city distinctive. His themes come from his personal interactions with the urban space with all its sublimity and wretchedness. He was an active member of the Calcutta Painters group.

In the recent past, some of Shuvaprasanna’s solo shows have been exhibited in Art Exposure, Kolkata, Art Indus, and Chawla Art Gallery, New Delhi. His recent group exhibitions were organised by Secure Giving, New Delhi, Rajya Charukala Parshad, Kolkata, and at Tao Art Gallery, Mumbai. He has travelled abroad with his exhibitions for NABC, USA (2015, 2014), and to Hong Kong (Indian Contemporary, 2013) and Singapore (Fiidaa Art, 2010) as well. Among the numerous accolades to his name, Shuvaprasanna is the recipient of Banga Bibhushan (Government of West Bengal, 2012), and has been awarded by the All India Fine Arts and Crafts Society, New Delhi, in 1979.

He is presently the Chairman of West Bengal Heritage Commission, Govt. of West Bengal and Executive Trustee of Arts Acre Foundation.

Tom J Vattakuzhy

Tom J Vattakuzhy completed BFA in printmaking from Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati, in 1996, and MFA from Faculty of Fine Arts, MS University of Baroda, in 1998. His exposure to the life and works of Benode Behari Das and Ramkinkar Baij and his close association with artists like KG Subramanyan and Somnath Hore significantly impacted him and his art.

After a stage of unlearning and relearning, a crucial step in his artistic career that significantly influenced the formation of his visual language, he devoted himself solely to his art from 2010. He is moved by situations and experiences that he encounters, and his works often carry untold emotional resonances of such experiences.

The painter, printmaker, and illustrator’s works are lauded for their use of light effects. He has been the recipient of awards like AIFACS Award, New Delhi in 1998 and 1997, Kerala Lalit Kala Academy Award in 1997, National Scholarship (HRD), New Delhi in 1996, Haren Das Award, Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata in 1995. His most recent exhibition is ‘Song of the Dusk’ at Aicon Contemporary, New York, 2022.

Currently, he lives and works in Muvattupuzha, his hometown in Kerala.

Anjan Modak

Anjan Modak is a Kolkata-based artist. He completed his BFA and MFA in painting from Rabindra Bharati University (2007, 2009).

Modak feels that the modern society is always going through a crisis. The political and social state of the country sets his thoughts ticking and this has a very strong influence on his paintings.

His work is characterised by his long engagement with the working class, the struggles and survivals of the migrant workers in the big cities of India. For his solo exhibition ‘Fragmented Life’, Modak transposed the helpless situation with satire, shedding a light of absurdity on the tragedy: the irony of homeless construction workers building homes for others while drifting along sans permanence.

Modak’s solo exhibitions have been ‘Fragmented Life’ (2020) and ‘Black, White and More’ (2016) at Emami Art, Kolkata. His recent group exhibitions include ‘Soma Das and Anjan Modak: Between the Self and Silhouettes’, Emami Art, Kolkata (2022), ‘Constellations’, Emami Art, Kolkata (2021), and at Tamarind Art Gallery, New York (2008). He is the recipient of Creative Art Award, 2009.

Asif Imran

Asif Imran is a visual artist from Lalgola, Murshidabad. He completed MFA from Rabindra Bharati University.

His creativity finds expression through collages of newspaper cuttings, recontextualising lost objects, and taking and manipulating photography. He is particularly interested in exploring colonial architecture. His works often reveal the different socio-economic issues faced by common people in their everyday lives.

For his multidisciplinary project ‘Mahanagar (The City)’, Imran focused on the colonial and the modern architectures of Kolkata, highlighting the city’s structural features, settlements, livelihoods and socio-political realities in different areas of the city. Asif collected pictures, videos and sound bites from around the city and brought them together digitally and manually.

He is a recipient of the KCC fellowship for ‘Mahanagar’. Imran has exhibited as a part of Hyundai Motor India Foundation’s initiative ‘Art for Hope’, and is a recipient of the HMIF ‘Art for Hope’ grant.

Bholanath Rudra

Bholanath Rudra is an art graduate of Rabindra Bharati University, and a member of the Society of Contemporary Artists, Kolkata.

Rudra represents humanity’s deep crisis arising from the destruction of nature and resultant ecological imbalance. He hopes to see himself as part of the legacy of Abanindranath Tagore and Shyamal Dutta Roy, two great watercolourists of Bengal.

He is known for his compelling, large-format watercolours. He has developed his signature style using different hues of colour, layer after layer, to explore the watercolour’s soft, luminous and transparent quality.

Rudra’s solo shows have been exhibited at Society of Contemporary Artists (2018), and Academy of Fine Arts (2013). He was also a part of the Birla Academy of Fine Arts exhibition in 2018.

Deepak Poulose

Deepak Poulose is a native of Thrissur, Kerala. He completed his BFA from Government Fine Arts College, Thrissur, and MFA from Visva-Bharati, Santiniketan.

Poulose creates vibrant paintings in acrylic, watercolour, gouache and oil media. The painter subtly infuses animate and inanimate objects while capturing the encounters in nature, reminding us that the world does not belong to only humans.

‘Echoes of the Absolute’, Lalithakala Academy Art Gallery, Kozhikode (2022), was his first solo exhibition. His gouache works both celebrate the primitive bond between man and nature, and mourn its slow disappearance. The realm that he conjures up teeters between the real and the utopic.

Poulose received the K. Karunakaran Memorial Scholarship (instituted by Kerala Lalithakala Akademi for art students) for the year 2018–19.

Santanu Debnath

Santanu Debnath was born in a village in Bardhaman, West Bengal. He did his BFA in Painting from The Indian College of Arts and Draftsmanship, Kolkata (2018) and completed MFA in Painting from Government College of Art and Craft, Kolkata (2021).

Debnath’s artworks bring together moments of a lost idyll suspended in time. He incorporates a melancholy to this leisure, a pensiveness about the acute financial crisis, the loss of work and education that hangs like a mist around the pastoral scenes.

His solo show ‘A Simple Life’ was exhibited at Emami Art, Kolkata (2021). The subject of his paintings come from the village where he grew up. He represents the inherently simple lifestyle of the people. He composes their work, livelihood, gestural attributes in a narrative and insofar simplistic manner.

He was the subject of the solo show at Nippon Gallery, Mumbai (2020), and his group exhibitions include ‘Imaginarium’, Emami Art, Kolkata (2021), ‘Commemorating 71’, Fort William, Kolkata (2021), and the Annual Exhibition of Academy of Fine Arts, Kolkata (2019–20). Debnath has won the Gita Das Award, Government College of Art and Craft Annual Exhibition (2019) and is the recipient of the Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin Scholarship, GCAC annual exhibition (2020–21).

Sayantan Samanta

Sayantan Samanta hails from Hooghly, Kolkata. He completed his bachelors from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata (2015), and masters in Sculpture from Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati (2017).

Samanta has been working on global agrarian issues. His prime intention is to create a visual dialogue that advocates the need for socio-ecological sustainability and how the amalgamation of land degradation, rapid urbanisation and climate challenge affects food security.

Growing up, he witnessed firsthand how his village was converted into an industrial suburb wrongfully. Focusing on illegal land acquisition, his works have incorporated industrial material such as concrete, iron, brass, fibreglass, clay powder, and fertilisers.

‘The Lay of the Land’, Exhibit 320, New Delhi (2020), was one of his latest exhibitions.

Smarak Roy

Smarak Roy is a Kolkata-based artist. He completed his BFA and MFA from Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati in 2016 and 2018 respectively.

Roy is someone who’s been practising fine arts since childhood. Now he tries to depict everyday life and qualities of people through his art by merging both classical and primitive styles.

His work is characteristically simplistic, animating and vibrant. He mostly works with subject matters relating to daily life happenings which covers social, political, and cultural topics. He has been extensively experimenting with new mediums throughout his art career, and Roy has often used several mediums together in order to achieve a unique quality in his works.

Roy’s exhibitions include a workshop exhibition on Netaji’s life at Kolkata (NGMA, 2021), online solo exhibition at AM Art Studio, Kolkata (2020), and ‘Bahari’, a group exhibition, at GC Laha Centenary Fine Arts Gallery, Kolkata (2019).

Soma Das

Soma Das completed her BVA and MFA from Rabindra Bharati University, Kolkata (2007, 2009).

Through Das’ art, we can vividly imagine the atmosphere and culture of the Mughal rule–– she is greatly impacted by that period.

Her paintings don’t only communicate the ancient age but also showcase modern-day people’s lives. The art mainly portrays the different natures of people in soft subdued colours. Das enjoys drawing human beings in different situations with varied emotions. The thoughts of the artist are realistic and anyone can relate to and easily understand them.

Her most recent group exhibition was ‘Soma Das and Anjan Modak: Between the Self and Silhouettes’, Emami Art, Kolkata (2022).

Suman Chandra

Suman Chandra is a freelance visual artist based in Santiniketan. He completed his MFA from Kala Bhavana, Visva-Bharati in 2017.

The onset of Chandra’s interest in researching coal mines happened during his MFA days, focusing his artistic pursuits around the landscape and land politics of coal mine areas. The years of field trips and exploration of these complex, yet mesmerising, landscapes have enhanced his research methods, enabling him to interpolate the more nuanced understanding into his artwork.

He has received the KCC Art Fellowship 2021–22 for his research project ‘Coal-Mine Areas: Landscape and Behaviour of Material and People’. He intends to look deep into how the transformation of a natural landscape into an artificial landscape affects the lives of the local residents physically, psychologically, culturally, environmentally, and economically.

Chandra is the recipient of the MHRD scholarship (2018), and the Greenshields grant (2017). Currently, he is working on collaborating with the miners of Dahibari and Basantimata collieries for a project.

Suman Dey

Suman Dey is a Kolkata-based artist.

This self-taught artist believes in improvising his ideas to create attractive art pieces rather than using the basic tools of institutional training only. The arbitrariness of his strategy has taken a definitive shape from his own evolved curriculum of being a self-taught artist. Although he works in the non-representational language of abstract art, the link between the image and the world in his paintings has never been completely severed.

His non-adherence to the basic tools of institutional training has led him to improvise his mode of space construction with a sense of precariousness which he has made into a challenging exercise. Evident in the show ‘Fluid Boundary’ at Emami Art (2020), his abstract canvases show the contradiction between his quest for the pure form and his concerns about the crises of the world.

Dey has featured in several group exhibitions in various cities of India, like Kolkata and Pune. He has had solo exhibitions in places like Chemould Art Gallery, Kolkata.

New Delhi, 28 February 2023: Kamdhenu Paints, a brand of Kamdhenu Group and a leading manufacturer of high-quality paints & emulsions has launched a new waterproofing product – ‘Kamo Damp Proof’. The new product is a fibre-reinforced elastomeric liquid waterproofing membrane. It is formulated with consolidated synthetic fibres and select elastomeric robust acrylic polymers. ‘Kamo Damp Proof’ forms a thick, seamless and durable membrane upon the surface, thus offering a best-in-class waterproofing solution on it.

Announcing the launch of ‘Kamo Damp Proof’, Mr Saurabh Agarwal, Managing Director, Kamdhenu Colour & Coatings Limited (a subsidiary of Kamdhenu Ventures Limited) said, “Since its inception, Kamdhenu Paints has received tremendous appreciation from the consumers. Every product that we offer has been a success only because of the quality and value proposition that we offer. With ‘Kamo Damp Proof’, we intend to enhance our legacy while offering our patrons the best waterproofing solution. Our product promise is ultimate waterproofing for walls and roofs.”

Kamdhenu Paints is India’s leading player in the decorative paints segment. The company has its own state-of-the-art manufacturing plant in Chopanki (Rajasthan) to manufacture Interior & Exterior Emulsions, Stainers, Colourants, Designer Paints, Primers, Construction Chemicals, Water Proofing Chemicals and other water-based speciality products. The company also outsources median and low-range products like distempers, enamel and putty, etc. from manufacturing units in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Punjab ensuring the best quality by deputing its own technical team.

Bengaluru, 28 February 2023: Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology (NMIT) hosted the 8th International Conference on Emerging Research in Computing, Information, Communication, and Applications event (ERCICA 2023), which brought together experts and enthusiasts from across the field of emerging technologies.

The event featured a range of keynote speeches, panel discussions, and workshops, all focused on the latest trends and developments in computing, information, communication, and applications. Attendees had the opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research and development, network with industry leaders, and gain insights into how emerging technologies are shaping the future of their respective fields.

The conference was graced by the presence of prominent dignitaries including Shri D.V. Sadananda

Gowda, the Former Chief Minister of Karnataka and Former Minister of Railways of India, Govt.of India, Speaking on the occasion, he mentioned “We are thrilled to see NMIT’s commitment to innovation and inclusive approach by expanding their focus on computing fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analysis, Cryptography, VLSI, Embedded systems, and more. This effort towards empowering the start-ups and creating leadership qualities among youngsters will undoubtedly contribute to India’s digital transformation.”
“Moreover, the dedication of NMIT towards research and development has resulted in the establishment of 10 Centers of Excellence, including Cyber Security, Quantum Computing, Women Empowerment, and more. Such initiatives by NMIT will undoubtedly benefit society and improve living standards. Conferences like these are a great platform for researchers and scientists to share technical knowledge and create innovative solutions for the challenges posed by the present situation. We appreciate the role played by institutes like NMIT in nurturing the creativity of students and bridging the gap in student development.”, he added.

The keynote speakers, special invitees, and guests of honor included Dr. Mohit Gambhir, Director, Innovation Cell, Ministry of Education, Govt. of India; Dr. Bijay Kumar Sahu, Senior Regional Manager & Head (IPFC-TISC), National Research Development Corporation (NRDC), Govt. of India; Dr. Kalidas Shetty,

Founding Director of Global Institute of Food Security & International Agriculture (GIFSIA), Professor of Plant Science & Associate Vice President for International Partnerships & Collaborations, North Dakota State University, Fargo, ND, USA; Mr.Brian M Tande, Dean of the College of Engineering and Mines, Professor of Chemical Engineering, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND, USA; Shri. K. Karan Kumar, Corporate Coach & Education Enthusiast; Shri. S.R. Vishwanath, Chairman, Bangalore Development Authority and MLA of Yelahanka; Prof. N.R. Shetty, eminent educationist and the Chancellor, Central University of Karnataka; Shri. G. Nambi Ganesh of Tata Elxsi ; Sri. Jaidev Venkataraman of Continental India ; Smt. Bineesha Payattati of the International Institute of Waste Management.

They brought their own unique perspectives and insights to the event. Topics covered included artificial intelligence, blockchain technology, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Speaking on the occasion, Dr.H.C. Nagaraj, Principal, NMIT and the Conference Chair, ERCICA 2023, Dr.Prasad N.H, HOD-MCA and Program Chair, ERCICA 2023, and Dr.Nalini N, Professor & Head-CSE, Dean- Students’ Welfare Department of Computer Science and Engineering, and Program Chair, ERCICA 2023, Nitte Meenakshi Institute of Technology said “We are extremely honored to have had the privilege of hosting distinguished dignitaries such as Shri Sadananda Gowdaand other keynote speakers at NMIT’s ERCICA event. Their presence has not only graced the occasion but has also inspired and motivated our students and researchers to strive for excellence and make significant contributions in the field of computing and technology. We are grateful for their invaluable insights and support, and we look forward to continuing this tradition of collaboration and innovation in the future. I am thrilled to see the success of the NMIT ERCICA conference, which provided a platform for researchers, engineers, and scientists to come together and share their expertise in the field of computing and information technology. The discussions and ideas exchanged at this event will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the development of technology in India and beyond. It’s heartening to NMIT to take a proactive approach towards empowering students and professionals alike through such conferences.”

The event also featured a series of panel discussions, allowing attendees to engage in lively debates and discussions on topics ranging from the ethics of artificial intelligence to the impact of emerging technologies on the job market.

NMIT’s ERCICA is a platform for researchers, industry leaders, and enthusiasts to come together and discuss the latest trends and developments in emerging technologies. The event was a testament to the growing importance of these fields, and we look forward to seeing what new breakthroughs and innovations will emerge in the coming years.

Chennai, 28.02.2023 – Orchids The International School’s Thoraipakkam branch successfully conducted a unique and innovative program called Budding Farmer Activity for Grade 8 students, combining financial literacy and horticulture curriculum. The highlight of the program was the Budding Farmers Market event where students grew their own produce in the school’s polyhouse and sold their crops to parents in a market-style setting.

The Budding Farmers Market event was a grand success with students demonstrating their knowledge and skills in horticulture and financial literacy. The students formed different groups such as sales and marketing, studied rates in the market, and fixed prices for each crop. They presented the life cycle of crops, and harvesting techniques, and showcased their understanding of the importance of organic farming.

Commenting on the event, Dr. Jemi Sudhakar, Principal of Orchids The International School, Thoraipakkam branch, said, “We are extremely delighted with the success of the Budding Farmers Market initiative. Our aim is to provide our students with practical learning opportunities that help them develop important life skills. The combination of horticulture and financial literacy curriculum has proved to be a huge success, and we hope to continue organizing such events in the future. Orchids The International School has always been committed to providing holistic education to its students. The Budding Farmer Activity is another example of the school’s commitment to providing a stimulating and engaging learning environment for its students.”

The Budding Farmers Market initiative is an excellent example of how schools can incorporate practical learning into the curriculum. It has provided an opportunity for students to learn important life skills and contribute to sustainable living. The program has helped students to understand the financial aspects of running a business, such as planning, supply and demand, and financial investment.

The student’s active participation in the event has instilled a sense of responsibility and ownership in them towards nature and society. They have also gained an understanding of the value of hard work, teamwork, and collaboration. Through the Budding Farmers Market, students have been able to apply their theoretical knowledge to practical experience, making the learning process more effective and enjoyable.

Hyderabad: February 28, 2023: Adding sheen to the city of Hyderabad once again, billionaire philanthropist and director of MEIL Group, Sudha Reddy was one of the special guests of the H.E. Prime Minister of Qatar, Khalid Bin Khalifa Bin Abdulaziz Al Thani over the weekend.

Her first outing as a part of this special invitation was at the Doha Jewellery And Watches Exhibition (DJWE). She was seen indulging and pursuing limited-edition pieces from iconic brands such as Louis Vuitton, Valentino, Phillips, Bacs & Russo and Al Darwish Jewellery. She was spotted hobnobbing with Qatar royalty and diplomats as well as known film personalities such Neelam Kothari, Ananya Panday, Sara Ali Khan, Nargis Fakhri, Irina Shayk, Mouni Roy, Mawra Hocane and Mehwish Hayat.

Being a connoisseur of luxury experiences and the fine arts, she was treated to some luxe hospitality at The Billionaire Club, Al Waha Island as well as was taken on a personalised tour of the Maison Valentino Exhibit And Museum Of Islamic Art.

Her engagements also included an intimate lunch at Cipriani hosted by H.E. Akbar Al Baker, Group CEO of Qatar Airways and the Chairman of Qatar Tourism. She was also hosted for another luncheon by Lina Infantino, First Lady of FIFA and H.E. Deputy Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheikh Abdulrahman Abdulla Al Thani at The Chedi.

She ended her three-day visit with a marvellous appearance at the Formula 1 Inauguration Gala hosted at Lusail Boulevard. She was seated in the VIP Qatar Airways Grandstands and got to mingle with global pop star Akon before he took to the stage.

Hailed as one of Hyderabad’s visionary fashion icons who has consistently left a mark at global fashion dos, she was styled impeccably for her Doha outing and sported bespoke couture looks by Neeta Lulla, Fendace, Hermes Birkins and Valentino.

The University of Chicago has been home to some of the world’s most monumental breakthroughs. But what are the stories behind these ground-breaking ideas and discoveries? A new series called “The Day Tomorrow Began” tells the history of the big ideas that shaped and defined fields of study—from unraveling the mysteries of black holes to exploring the roots of ancient civilization—and examines how UChicago scholars continue to transform our world today.

“Throughout its rich history, University of Chicago scholars have changed the trajectory of fields of academic inquiry, making the University one of the world’s leading research institutions,” said Paul M. Rand, the University’s vice president for communications, whose teams in University Communications and UChicago Creative created The Day Tomorrow Began campaign. “By exploring the ‘a-ha moments’ in which these pioneering figures changed our past, and how UChicago research is shaping our future, we hope our audiences better understand the global impact of the remarkable work happening here.”

In the debut topic of The Day Tomorrow Began, the series explores how Nobel laureate Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar helped pave the way to the discovery of black holes—and how UChicago scholars are shaping how we study the universe. Subsequent topics in the series explore UChicago scholars’ impact across the realm of human inquiry, including ancient civilizations, quantum technology, sleep, economics and social work.

Each month, a new topic is brought to life across a variety of digital media. The award-winning Big Brains podcast interviews scholars at UChicago and beyond to explore the past, present and future of each subject, while the UChicago Explainer Series answers the biggest questions in the field, and UChicago scholars’ impact in each subject.

Kochi: V-Guard Industries Ltd, a leading electronics and electrical manufacturer, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with ESAF Small Finance Bank to provide financing options to customers looking to install V-Guard’s Solar Rooftop Power System. Under the agreement, ESAF Bank will provide various financing options, including loans and attractive installment payment plans. With the strategic alliance with ESAF Bank, consumers can opt to finance up to 80 percent of the total cost of the rooftop solar power system, including the cost of installation for residential or commercial applications. This collaboration will not only reduce the burden on customers to make an upfront payment but also enable them to generate their own electricity, thereby reducing their dependence on the grid. This partnership will enable customers to switch to clean energy with ease and affordability.

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Mithun Chittilappilly, Managing Director, V-Guard Industries Ltd., said, “We are excited to partner with ESAF Bank, which shares our vision of making clean energy accessible and affordable to all. With the increased focus on sustainability and the need for cost-effective solutions, Rooftop Solar Power Systems have become an attractive option for consumers. This collaboration will help us reach more customers, who can benefit from our high-quality solar products and ESAF Bank’s affordable financing options.”

Mr. Hari Velloor, Executive Vice President, Business, ESAF Small Finance Bank, said, “We are delighted to partner with V-Guard, a company that has been at the forefront of innovation and sustainability. This partnership will enable us to provide financing options to customers looking to switch to clean energy and contribute to a greener tomorrow. At ESAF Bank, we believe that sustainable development is key to building a better future, and this collaboration is a step towards achieving that goal.”

V-Guard’s Rooftop Solar Systems come with up to 40 percent subsidy from the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy. The solar panels have 25-30 years of onsite warranty. Customers can choose from an extensive range of models from 3- 15 KW depending on their requirements. 1 KW plant can generate 4-5 units of electricity on a sunny day.

Photo Caption: Mr. Mithun Chittilappilly, Managing Director, V-Guard Industries exchanges the MoU with Mr. Hari Velloor, Executive Vice President, Business, ESAF Small Finance Bank after signing the agreement to finance V-Guard’s Rooftop Solar Systems.

28^th February 2023, New Delhi: The Scindia Old Boys’ Association (SOBA) hosted a 2-day Networking and Leadership Conclave on the 25^th and 26^th of February at the India Habitat Centre, Delhi. The event included insightful panel discussions across relevant verticals such as health, business, education, law and the world of entertainment. The illustrious alumni community from The Scindia School and Scindia Kanya Vidyalaya participated in and moderated these sessions. Dr. Amarender Singh Puri, Vice Chairman at Medanta Hospital; Dr. Manish Baijal, Senior Director at Max Hospital; Mr, Atul Sharma, President at Shree Baidyanath Ayurved Bhavan Pvt. Ltd.; Mrs Rekha Mody, Founder of Stree Shakti & Genesis Art Gallery; Padma Bhushan awardee Mr. Rajendra Pawar, Founder of NIIT University; Mr. Dipak Haksar, Former CEO at ITC Hotels and Dnyanraj Manik Prabhu Maharaj are amongst some of the renowned personalities from across industries who participated in the conclave. Popular filmmaker Mr. Anurag Kashyap and well-known singer and composer, Mr. Manmeet Singh of Meet Brothers led the Music and Bollywood session.  The event saw the presence of the large vibrant alumni community, coming together in solidarity to celebrate the momentous occasion of their alma mater completing 125 years of service later this year in October.

The Scindia School prides in raising gentlemen steeped in values with a global and modern outlook, to not simply survive but thrive in the world outside its classrooms. The school is ranked No. 1 among boys boarding schools in the EW India School Ranking 2020-2021. A beacon of academic excellence, The Scindia School marks its 125^th anniversary later this year in October, and it is only fitting that the alumni of this iconic institution, kick-start the momentous celebrations by showcasing excellence across industries. It is a testament to the strong foundation that the school lays at an early age itself to set the students up for success in the future, irrespective of the paths that they decide to pursue. Transformational learning isn’t simply a tagline but a motto that the school has lived by for the past 125 years as it continues to evolve and grow with modern times.

The conclave witnessed the strong bond shared between the Old Boys, long after they’ve moved out of the hallowed corridors of The Scindia School. The conclave began by honouring the guest of honor, Yuvraj Mahanaaryaman J Scindia, who is also a member of the Board of Governors. This was followed by a welcome speech by Mr. Venkatesh Agrawal, President, Delhi SOBA. He shared his thoughts and said, “It gives me immense pleasure to invite my fellow Scindians on this momentous occasion as we launch the celebrations to mark the 125^th anniversary of our alma mater, The Scindia School.  The 2-day conclave represents the excellence that the school stands for and its vibrant alumni community taking forward the school’s legacy as established leaders in their respective fields. This is a celebration of the strong bonds that were formed in classrooms that have only grown strength to strength beyond the walls of the Fort.”

His Highness Maharaja Jyotiraditya Scindia, Cabinet Minister, Minister of Civil Aviation, graced the occasion as the keynote speaker. He shared the inspiring journey and noteworthy legacy of The Scindia School and said, “This year is a very important year in our history. As we celebrate a glorious legacy of 125 years, we are proud of our initiatives to contribute to the city on waste, water, and energy consumption. The Fort itself is a unique biosphere and lends itself to a significant environmental and sustainability initiative. We look at our Scindian family to make these initiatives fruitful for our students and our institution in the days to come. I urge every Scindian to take time out for our alma mater and come back and engage with our students. It will be an opportunity to bring back your memories from your time at the Fort. It will be a soul-nourishing and reinvigorating experience as well as a chance to show the path to our children as they move along. With respect to our messaging to the outside universe, we need to pass the Scindia branding and messaging across. The wonderful panels at this conclave are a testament to the Navratnas that our school has produced. We should look at hosting subsequent conclaves of this nature at the Fort itself.”

Mr. Ajay Singh, Principal of The Scindia School, shared his thoughts on the conclave and said, “The SOBA Delhi NCR Networking and Leadership conclave 2023 has been an extraordinary showcasing of the strong connect of the past and the present to shape the future. The learning through power-packed sessions on education, business, spirituality, finance, world affairs by Scindians shall certainly help transform the future as the school promises in its glorious 125 years of transformation.”

The panel discussions ended on a musical note with a soulful Sufi Qawalli evening by the well-known artist, Mr. Dhruv Shangri. The conclave concluded with an electrifying performance by Khushboo Grewal and Meet Brothers. The conclave has set the wheels in motion for a grand celebration to commemorate the 125th-year anniversary of India’s finest and most sought-after, iconic educational institution.

February 2023: Auretics Limited, a retail platform that deals in natural and top-quality health and wellness products while empowering individuals through Direct Selling Marketing Model witnessed 50% growth in the months of December 2022 & January 2023.

Madhurodhi (topical spray-based solution for Sugar Management) remained the No. 1 choice of everyone, followed by MultiAmmrit, HBP Care, VigourSure, and Speedex. Seeing such trust of people, Auretics plans to revive its strategy to give more incentives to new distributors along with increasing retail margins on new launches to provide better income and savings to its distributors.

For the near future, the platform plans to increase its CareVed Range (ayurvedic supplements range) by 15% by adding new and innovative products.

 

Commenting on the same Arjun Gupta, CEO Auretics Limited said, “We, at Auretics are envisioning to grow and expand our network with our associates and assist them in leading a bright future with good health and financial freedom. Also, we are also committed to being an environment-friendly, socially, and morally conscious organization that shall comply with all the relevant legislation and regulations of our beloved country and shall establish a sense of trust and integrity through its mission to achieve proficiency in the direct selling industry.”

 

By Dr Vipin Sisodia, Consultant- Urology, Yatharth Super Specialty Hospital, Greater Noida

Prostate gland is the most talked about organs in men that usually enlarges with aging (especially after 50 years of age) and obstruct the urine flow. There is a dire need to raise awareness about the importance of the effective functioning of this gland, and if someone notices a change in the pattern of the normal passage of urine, it is important to seek urologists’ opinion. A urologist would categorize your symptoms and run some tests like urine exam, ultrasound, uroflowmetry and Prostate-specific Antigen (PSA).

For most of the mild symptoms one may not need any treatment but only lifestyle changes would help. But in case if the symptoms are bothersome, affecting sleep or disturbing daily routine, further group of medications may help in subsiding the symptoms. The first group of medicines helps in relaxing the muscles outlet and the second group of medicine is prescribed to reduce the size of the prostate.

“In some patients, despite medications the symptoms worsen leading to blood in urine, recurrent Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) or changes in the backpressure in the kidneys, and a prostate surgery remains the only option. The surgery is different from the one done for treating prostate cancer, it is an endoscopic surgery done by passing an endoscope through the urethra, a tube inside the penis, and the prostate is removed in chips to create a lumen for smooth passage of urine. Energy to cut the prostate may vary from electric current to laser energy, and as the procedure is done under anesthesia, the patient may require hospitalization for 2 to 3 days.

The second common problem of the prostate is cancer. 15% of all men have a chance to develop prostate cancer with increasing age (after 80 years of age) irrespective of the genetic condition. In such cases, the progression of the disease is slow with high survival rates in comparison to prostate cancer caused due to gene mutation.

Despite the fact that the prevalence of prostate cancer among Indian men is 25 times less than those in western countries, it is still the 12th leading cause of mortality and morbidity in India.

Prostate cancer being one of the most common types of cancers among males usually grows slowly and during the initial stages remains confined to the glands. In comparison to other cancers that are highly metastatic in nature, prostate cancer is less common under the age of 50 years.

As the stages progress, the condition worsens and may lead to bone fractures, spinal pain, fecal and urinal incontinence and weakness in legs. Those vulnerable need to undergo PSA test to confirm or rule out the possibility of prostate cancer, and if the prostate levels are high, MRI of the prostate followed by prostate biopsy may be done. Once the diagnosis of the prostate cancer is confirmed, then imaging in the form of bone scan or PSMA PET CT is done to check if the disease is localized within the prostate or metastasized to other body parts.

If cancer is localized to the prostate, then surgical treatment is the best option particularly if the patient has symptoms. Radiation and hormone therapy is an alternative to surgery. For surgery, the whole prostate is removed instead of channelling done for non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate. The robot is used by the surgeon to facilitate the removal of the prostate and it is not done by the robot as commonly perceived. Surgery may affect men’s sexual power and may cause temporary urine leaks for which they have to wear diapers for 2 weeks to 3 months. 98% of men get better as for as continence is concerned by one year.