Archives December 2023

Pune, 13th December 2023 – SeniorBees, the vibrant community dedicated to celebrating the rich tapestry of life that seniors weave each day, is delighted to announce a unique and inspiring event – a painting workshop featuring the talented Mrs. Anjali Joshi. This event is scheduled to take place on the 16th of December 2023 at F-Residences, Balewadi, Pune.

SeniorBees believe in creating an environment where the elders not only shine with the brilliance of their unique abilities but also relish the beauty of shared experiences. From art exhibitions to musical performances, where the seniors are the stars of their own stories, each chapter is filled with creativity, laughter, and the joy of connection.

Mrs. Anjali Joshi, a remarkable 62-year-old artist, is set to lead a painting workshop that transcends the boundaries of age. Her workshop provides a platform for artistic expression and connection among fellow seniors who share her passion for art. Through this event, Mrs. Joshi aims to inspire others to embrace their creativity and discover the joy of self-expression at any age. By taking this leap into the world of art, she is proving that age is no barrier to pursuing one’s passions and finding fulfillment.

“When someone registers for the workshop, they’re not just enrolling in a painting class; they’re becoming a part of a community that comes together for happiness among seniors. Because when one senior takes a step towards their passion, it sets off a chain reaction of motivation. Because, the support for Anjali Aunty can be the catalyst that inspires other parents to embrace their dreams and aspirations” says Nidhi Nag founder of SeniorBees

This painting workshop is just one of the many initiatives that SeniorBees plans to organize in the future, aiming to empower and inspire seniors. The organization remains committed to creating opportunities for seniors to explore their talents, discover new passions, and build connections within a supportive community.

13th December 2023 India: Audio Series platform Pocket FM today unveils the findings of the second leg of its entertainment consumption survey ‘Digital Entertainment Insights: Audio Takes The Centrestage’. The survey, conducted every quarter across India, aims to understand the digital pulse of the nation and delves into the preferences, behaviours, and attitudes of internet users towards various forms of digital entertainment.

Audio Takes The Centrestage: Key Metrics

The findings suggest a resounding shift towards audio formats, with 81% of people engaging with audio entertainment daily. Storytelling emerged as the primary catalyst for its irresistible pull, with one in three users expressing a distinct preference for this engaging and immersive format. The other triggers are convenience, influencing every 4th user, and content diversity, affecting every 6th user to adopt audio as a preferred content medium.

Regarding devices, 71% of users consume audio content on their smartphones, highlighting the convenience and accessibility that mobile devices provide. However, 29% of users prefer to consume audio through tablets, smart TVs, desktops, and other devices, showcasing the rise of audio consumption at the workplace and home.

Genre-wise, drama emerged as the leading genre, capturing the attention of 22% of users, closely followed by suspense and thriller at 21%, romance at 17%, sci-fi at 12%, and comedy at 11%.

Users seek concise, episodic content— want audio storytelling to be evolved into video

Approximately 40% of users lean towards shorter episodes lasting between 5-15 minutes, while 35% prefer slightly longer episodes in the 15-30 minutes range. Only about 25% of users prefer longer content, opting for episodes spanning approximately 45-60 minutes.

The rising popularity of audio entertainment is evident, with a notable shift in how people envision audio content. A staggering 93% desire to adapt audio content into visual formats such as video OTT, TV series, and movies. As audiences seek multi-sensory engagement, the call for transforming audio storytelling into visual mediums underscores the evolving nature of content consumption in today’s digital age.

Audio Emerges as Mental Wellness Specialist

Audio extends beyond entertainment, proving itself as a valuable productivity tool. 44% of users find audio for stress relief and believe it to be a soothing escape amidst daily pressures. Moreover, 30% leverage audio to enhance focus, creating an immersive environment for improved concentration during work or other cognitive activities.

About 26% look at audio as a means to avoid distractions. This multi-role of audio highlights its versatility, serving as a source of entertainment and a crucial element for effective and mindful living.

Trust is key; Audio is winning it.

When it comes to content selection, trust plays a deterrent role. 42% of users rely on content recommendations from the platform itself, while recommendations from friends and family (17%) and social media (21%) also wield significant influence. Surprisingly, only 6% of users are swayed by influencers, indicating a higher level of disconnect with their recommendations among the audience.

58% of users are highly likely, and 28% are likely to recommend their favourite audio platforms, showcasing a strong belief in the quality of auditory content. When it comes to spreading the word, good old-fashioned word of mouth leads the pack, with 42% of users relying on recommendations from friends. Social media is just a little behind, influencing 36% of users.

Zooming into specific audio content, audio series steal the spotlight, with 74% giving 5-star recommendations. In comparison, 51% give 5-star ratings to TV entertainment but get a rating of 3 or below from 33% of users. Online music and video OTT also fare well, with 58% and 53% of users giving 5-star ratings, respectively, but rated 3 or below by 23% and 31% of users, highlighting a shift in the audience’s digital entertainment preferences.

Audio Series is the winner but at the cost of …

The survey unveils the increasing popularity of audio entertainment, prompting a seismic shift in user preferences. 31% of users transitioned from online music to audio series, indicating a dynamic redefinition of audio entertainment consumption patterns. Similarly, 16% felt that their entertainment consumption shifted from social media and short video consumption, while 20% believed that audio series had replaced their video streaming habits. Even audio series have influenced other spoken-word content formats, such as audiobooks and podcasts, with approximately 17% of users experiencing a shift from these formats.

Only 16% feel their entertainment time spent increased with audio series.

Pay for Play – The time has come for Audio!

As the landscape evolves, so do monetisation trends. While 23% prefer subscription-based models, the survey indicates a growing appetite for flexible pricing, with 37% of users open to paying for individual episodes. Only 40% of users still favour ad-supported and promotional models to drive consumption on audio platforms.

Speaking on the findings of its second edition of Digital Entertainment Insights, Rohan Nayak, CEO and co-founder, Pocket FM, said, “The outcome of the survey reflects a remarkable shift in consumer content consumption preferences, signalling the rise of audio as a dominant force in the entertainment landscape. Audio is not merely a trend, but it has become a lifestyle, driving engagement that exceeds any other entertainment medium. The findings strongly suggest that audio series is set to dominate audio entertainment, and we believe, it will emerge among the top 3 entertainment formats in the next couple of years.”

“As we welcome this audio revolution as an opportunity, we are committed to leading the way into a future where audio takes centre stage in the hearts and minds of millions of audiences across the world,” added Nayak.

Methodology

The survey encompassed a diverse cross-section of the Indian population, with a total sample size of 22,442 internet users, conducted between 28th October 2023 and November 15, 2023. Regarding gender distribution, the respondents comprised 69% males and 30% females. Delving deeper into age demographics, 58% of the sample are Millenials, 35% represented GenZ and 7% belong to GenX. Geographically, the survey has a balanced representation, with 58% of respondents hailing from Tier 1 cities and Metros and the remaining 42% from Tier 2 cities, reflecting an overview of digital entertainment preferences across diverse urban-rural landscapes in India.

Ghaziabad, 13th Dec 2023: Wave City’s premium residential project ‘Eligo’ has launched an additional tower to cater to the demand of today’s discerning customers. In the age of aspirational and opulent living, Eligo is a perfect amalgamation of luxury and comfort amidst the lap of nature.

The newly launched Tower H, has premium spaces as most of its unit are park facing. Crafted on the idea of offering both an urbane and balanced lifestyle closer to nature, over 150 families have already booked their home in Eligo.

With the launch of a new tower, Wave City’s premium residential offering Eligo is winning customers with its location, modern and sustainable architectural design that offers comfort and luxury.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. C J Singh, COO, Wave City said, “ With aspirational and opulent living on the rise, we at Wave City aim to provide world-class amenities and comfort amidst the lap of nature. And post pandemic, homebuyers are more conscious about having niche living spaces that are unique and also give a community experience while incorporating the benefits of nature. We are delighted to launch an addition in our project which aims to provide world-class experience to its patrons”.

Eligo, a 3 BHK premium mid-rise residential apartment consisting of 3 BHK+3T amenity-rich homes are strategically located in Wave City- North India’s first hi-tech operational smart city. Situated on NH24, Eligo is an amenity-equipped urbane apartment at Greenwood Enclave. These homes are exclusively designed for adding a balanced touch to residents’ life so as to bring harmony to mind, body, and soul.

A hallmark of exquisite interiors and excellent craftsmanship, each facility at Eligo is designed to offer its patrons an out-of-the-world experience. The residences feature Clubhouse with a swimming pool, a well-equipped Gym, dedicated kid’s play area, indoor and outdoor games areas, multi-purpose hall to give an added excitement and thrill to balance the busy life. The residences are also equipped with world-class security and surveillance systems to provide enhanced safety.

Eligo features spacious homes with premium living area, 7 ft. long living room balcony, air conditioning in all rooms, modular kitchen with well-designed cabinets that provide efficient and smart usage of kitchen space, UPVC sliding door with wire mesh provision, video door calling, and many other such features. The interiors of the apartments are a perfect balance of modern and traditional features with a perfect blend of nature, as the name suggests.

Surrounded by green spaces, the towers stand amidst an enchanting environment wrapped with luxury and serenity and an abundant open area usher the natural light and ventilation along with the most stunning view of the cityscape from these homes.

Glenmorangie, the epitome of luxury in the world of single malt Scotch whiskies from the house of Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy, is marrying the realms of fine spirits and high design to position itself in the living room of the luxury seeking Indian consumer. In an exclusive collaboration with globally acclaimed designers Shivan & Narresh, the brand introduces ‘Delicious Living’—a limited edition collection of artisanal couches that transcend the boundaries of conventional luxury and redefines the art of living.

Delicious Living – a symphony of flavour and design.

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It all started with the designer duo’s visit to the brand home, Glenmorangie House, in Tain, Scotland, where immersive conversations with Director of Whisky Creation, Dr Bill Lumsden and the home’s vibrant sensorial playground deeply inspired them to reimage the way the luxury-seeking Indian consumer hosts soirées and consumes luxury spirits in the realm of their living room.

The “Delicious Living” collection is a limited edition range of signature couches which truly encapsulates the spirit of the Highland single malt Scotch whisky, as it ages barrel to bottle – from creation to consumption, all for your indulgence and delight. Each statement piece pushes the realm of form, shape and craft – and is a nod to the imagination and craftsmanship of Glenmorangie’ whisky makers, making it an inviting focal point for those who appreciate creativity and the finer things in life.

The ‘OakSwirl’ is a tribute to the decade-long maturation process in oak barrels that transforms Glenmorangie’s new make spirit into a masterpiece in the form of its signature expression, Glenmorangie Original. With earthy tones and rich textures, this couch beckons connoisseurs to indulge in the warmth and depth that characterizes each sip. While the futuristic ‘Infinity Swirl’ celebrates the mesmerizing ritual of swirling whisky in the glass, and its smooth, vibrant flavours which can be discovered in every sip of Glenmorangie. This couch’s dynamic form and fluid lines set within a metallic frame create a visual representation of the whirlpool effect that occurs when liquid and ice harmoniously dance.

The art print specially created for this collection – ‘Swirlscape’ – embodies the technicolor, vibrant world of the brand while breaking the serious codes of brown spirits as a category. To enrich the ‘delicious living’ escapades, artistic merchandise with the signature ‘swirlscape’ motif takes form as velvety cushions, silk throw rugs and statement canvas wall art pieces.

The luxury partnership unveiled at the flagship event on Dec 1 2023, which had seen over 300+ design makers, luxury connoisseurs attend an experiential living room transformation, in signature Glenmorangie style. This will be followed by a multi-city tour and imminent product launches which will be available for pre-orders to Glenmorangie patrons and newer consumers.

Thrilled on his association with Glenmorangie, Shivan Bhatiya, Head Designer at Shivan & Narresh said, “Visiting the world of Glenmorangie and working on this project with Dr. Bill has been an exceptional experience for Narresh and me. At Shivan & Narresh, we view life as one big holiday and are all about celebrating every moment – big or small. As an extension to this philosophy, we proudly present ‘Delicious Living’, a limited edition collection designed to be the focal point in any living space. It invites people to gather for elevated evenings that transition into mornings, creating cherished memories for a lifetime.”

Caspar MacRae, CEO & President of The Glenmorangie Company, commented: “It’s fantastic to see the beautiful, vibrant designs which have come out of our collaboration with Shivan & Narresh. Although they come from very different creative fields, it’s clear that they have found a kindred spirit in Dr Bill, and a shared desire to use imagination and skill to create delicious and wonderful experiences to delight consumers. I hope this partnership will inspire many convivial moments in homes across India, over a glass of Glenmorangie.”

Further commenting on this launch, Smriti Sekhsaria, Marketing Director, Moët Hennessy India expressed, “As a future forward brand, we strive to celebrate not just the luxury single malt but the moments they partake in our consumers’ life. With the “Delicious Living” statement couches, we desire to transform your living room experiences into moments of exquisite delight in the true spirit of Glenmorangie’s savoir faire. This thrilling collaboration with Shivan and Narresh will remarkably augment our effort of merging luxury whisky and design artistry in a way to make moments at the couch delicious and wonderful. “

Hyderabad, 13th December 2023..The two-day BioAgri 2023, the biggest Bio Agri Solutions Conference & Expo is to kick off tomorrow in the city at HICC Novotel

It will be inaugurated by Dr T. Janakiram, Vice Chancellor, Dr YSR Horticultural University and Dr Praveen Rao, Former Vice Chancellor of Professor Jayashankar Telangana State Agricultural University (PJTSAU). SK Malhotra, Project Director of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research-Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture (DKMA-ICAR) will deliver the Bio Agri Conference Address.

The theme for Bio Agri 2023 is “BioAg by 2030 – Miles To Go– Billions to Reach”.BIPA International Journal of Biological Agriculture will be launched during the conference. An exhibition will be held along with the conference.

There has been a steady and growing realization that biologicals are here to stay because of all the benefits of using a biological – the increase in biodiversity and soil health and reduction in greenhouse gases and carbon footprint.

It is being organised by the BioAgri Input Producers Association “BIPA” which is registered as a Society, a not-for-profit body with a governing body of seven eminent personalities from the agriculture field.

Some of the topics to be addressed during the two-day conference include Bio-abling the future –India opportunity; Global business opportunities in Biologicals, bio-nutrition; Ag-biologicals: opportunities beyond agriculture, emerging technologies and business opportunities, investment opportunities in India and many others.

Bi0-Ag Solutions is a ‘Sunrise Industry’ and is bound to grow given many advantages such as consumer preference for organic and chemical-free food; the need to prevent soil and water depletion caused by climate change and chemical usage and many others.

The Government’s emphasis on “Natural Farming”, has inevitably boosted the usage of various BioAg inputs, generating great interest amongst the national farming community.

The corporations are realizing that for sustainable agriculture and to mitigate the rising climatic deviations, excess usage of chemical fertilizers affecting soil conditions has only forced them to expand towards the biological sector.

As a whole, agriculture is moving towards biological agriculture due to climate resilience and the ill effects of chemical-based farming practices.

India has massive potential as a sourcing hub for biologicals.

Consider that the organic food segment in India is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% during 2015-25, and is estimated to reach INR 75,000 crores (US$ 10.73 billion) by 2025 from INR 2,700 crores (US$ 386.32 million) in 2015.

According to the Union Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, 2.78 million hectares of farmland were under organic cultivation as of March 2020. This is 2% of the net sown area in the country. The top state that accounts for the largest area under organic cultivation, Madhya Pradesh, has only around 4.9% of its net sown area under organic farming.

Going forward, adopting food safety and quality assurance mechanisms will help boost BioAg inputs’ usage in agriculture along with digitization and traceability applications.

The biostimulants market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.06% during the forecast period to reach US$145.947 million by 2027, from US$58.112 million in 2020. Increased demand for organic food is expected to drive the market for biostimulants in India.

According to the Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL) and International Federation of Organic Agriculture Movements (IFOAM) Organics International Report 2021, India ranks first in Asia and fifth globally with 23 lakh hectares under organic farming. Moreover, as per a FiBL report from 2021, India expanded the fastest by adding about 3.6 lakh hectares of organic land.

India has around 15,000 certified organic farms, according to the International Fund for Agriculture and Development (IFAD).

Agriculture is a vital organ in India’s economy. Fifty- eight per cent of the nation’s total workforce is engaged either directly in agriculture or allied sector activities. Specifically, this accounts for 18.8% of the country’s Gross Value Added (GVA) and is estimated at INR 19.48 lakh crore (US$ 276.37 billion) in FY20.

India spans a total geographical region of 328.7 million hectares, of which 139.4 million hectares is the reported net sown area. Another 200.2 million hectares is the gross cropped area with a cropping intensity of 143.6%. The net area sown accounts for 42.4% of the total geographical area, with a net irrigated area of 68.6 million hectares.

Dancer-Choreographer Geeta Chandran presented ‘SAMAGATI’, a power-packed performance of cherished choreographies by the NATYA VRIKSHA DANCE COLLECTIVE, on Monday, December 11th, 2023 at the Chinmaya Mission Auditorium, in New Delhi.

‘SAMAGATI’ is a Sanskrit word that means “coming together,” “union,” and “progressing together.” In her choreographies for SAMAGATI, Geeta Chandran explored these themes, as well as the four Purusharth of the Sanatana: Dharma, Artha, Kaama and Moksha.

The performance opened with a Nritya Stuti, a tribute to Shiva. In the lyrics, Shiva was seen as the culmination of the five elements of creation. The modern Dharma according to Geeta is to pay attention to the environment and prevent catastrophic climatic changes from destroying life as we know it.

Embellishing the show were stupendous performances delivered by Radhika Kathal, Madhura Bhrushundi, Shruta Gopalan, Sowmya Laxmi Narayanan, Anandita Narayanan and Yadavi Shakdher-Menon alongside Geeta.

Artha, or Hard Work and its Fruits, was essayed through the abstract dance of a Jatiswaram, where the choreography portrayed diligence, labor and creativity. The resonating image of infinity that the choreography embraced, made a lasting impact on all viewers.

The value of Kaama was interpreted by Geeta Chandran through a composition of Muthuswami Dikshithar that praises Maaye, who removes the curtain of ignorance from our eyes. Adding her choreographic element, Geeta interprets it as a plea to free ourselves of the tentacles of illusion. To emphasize on this philosophy she remarks, “SAMAGATI is an invitation to transcend the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary. It is a dance of unity, a symphony of souls, and a celebration of the divine spark within each of us. I see SAMAGATI as a wake-up call, an urgent plea to heed the cries of our planet. It is a dance of harmony with nature, a reminder of our interconnectedness, and a call to action for a sustainable future.”

Moksha was interpreted as a celebration where God and humankind enter a cosmic dance to realize the ultimate truth and seek release from the bonds of Dharma, Artha and Kaama.

‘SAMAGATI’ left the audiences awestruck with mesmerizing performances and more so with the deeper meaning adhered to them.

New Delhi, India – 13th December 2023— Leading global contemporary home décor brand Nestasia announced the inauguration of its first offline store in North India in the heart of Delhi. Following its Bengaluru (Bangalore) launch last month, the brand is on a path to fulfil its vision of opening 20+ stores in 2024. This 580 sq. ft. outlet, strategically located in DLF Avenue Mall, Saket, New Delhi, signifies a momentous stride in Nestasia’s accelerated nationwide expansion.

Derived from a thoughtfully curated global contemporary design philosophy, the store offers a unique aesthetic with a space that features a neutral white colour palette with gold accents, creating a soothing canvas for the products and a serene atmosphere for customers. The minimal floor plan, sculptural display units, and arch-infused gondolas seamlessly blend refined elegance with moderate minimalism, allowing the products to take centre stage. An additional layer of character is brought about by earthy tones of oakwood and marble finish tables, further tying in the white and gold scheme. The store is a celebration of form and functionality, where every product is meticulously designed to balance Quality, Utility, and Beauty – the three integral pillars of Nestasia’s QUB (Quality, Utility & Beauty) model.

The Delhi store displays about 1100 products spread across 7 categories that include Dining, Kitchen, Decor, Soft Furnishings, Bath, Bags and Stationery which further include top performing sub-categories like drinkware, glassware, bakeware, office essentials, decor accents, vases, frames and more. The decor collection has themed collections like Nest Modern, Nest Jungle, and the signature premium decor and gifting collection Nest Luxe that includes candle stands and display pieces. Ahead of the holidays, the store has artfully exhibited its newest pieces in their limited-edition Christmas collection as the centrepiece.

Talking about the launch, Ms Aditi Murarka, Co-Founder of Nestasia said, “Delhi NCR has been our biggest market for online sales. Hence, it was a natural choice to pick Delhi as our location for offline expansion. Starting our North India offline story with Delhi and a prominent location like DLF Avenue makes it a very exciting first in hopefully many more to come within the next few months. With its rich catchment, high traffic and curation of brands, our first store at DLF Avenue offers an ideal opportunity or platform for a brand like ours (Nestasia) to take off, seeking greater awareness and discoverability. We aim to launch our latest collections and provide exclusive in-store offers to shoppers to experience the brand first-hand. The next few stores are to come up in Gurugram, Noida and Delhi itself. To provide a seamless experience for Nestasia shoppers, we hope to blend the ease of shopping online with the touch and feel of offline.”

Nestasia has achieved an impressive conversion rate of over 80% from in-store customers, and the Average Order Value in offline transactions exceeds that of online orders by 30%. The physical stores feature a contemporary and minimalist design, strategically crafted to accentuate the products as the central focus. The smaller size stores are currently preferred by the brand specially for mall locations to ensure a robust rent to revenue ratio. The brand aims to achieve a 2000+ SPSF (sales per square feet) across stores. Despite the current stores occupying an area between 500 and 1000 square feet, the brand is actively exploring the potential of larger-format stores in the future. By the close of 2024, Nestasia aims to derive 20% of its revenue from offline stores. In the fiscal year 2022, Nestasia concluded with a net revenue of Rs 21.8 crore and anticipates achieving EBITDA positivity in fiscal year 2024.

Our very own medical discipline, Ayurveda, contains a wealth of herbal medicines that organically enhance the health and beauty of our skin, simultaneously safeguarding against diseases and the harsh elements. The winter season, characterized by extreme dryness and cold, often leads to various allergic skin and respiratory issues. We’ll go over several easy Ayurvedic cures to make this winter happier and healthier.

1. ABHYANGA (BODY MASSAGE): This is the best method for nourishing your skin, which is your body’s largest organ. Maintaining optimal skin health is achievable through a brief 10-minute self-full body massage just before your shower, preferably on an empty stomach. For its warming qualities, pure sesame oil works best. Balaswagandhadi taila, on the other hand, has strengthening and renewing qualities that make it useful as well. Abhyanga slows down the aging process, increases lymphatic drainage and circulation, improves muscle tone, and makes the skin soft and supple
2. KUMKUMADI: Every season has varied requirements for skin hydration, and the winter nighttime skincare routine is no exception. And Kumkumadi thailam, an ayurvedic skincare product for radiant skin, is the best facial oil there is
3. COCONUT OIL: Due to its versatile nature, coconut oil can be incorporated into your daily beauty regimen. Enriched with fatty acids, coconut oil enhances skin flexibility and boasts anti-aging benefits
4. ALOE VERA: Aloe vera is a great option for dry skin because of its moisturizing and healing qualities. After taking a bath, you might want to try using aloe vera instead of your typical moisturizer to help lock moisture into your skin
5. ASHWAGANDHA: The potent Ayurvedic herb, ashwagandha, is commonly used to treat a range of skin issues, including dry skin. Rich in antioxidants, ashwagandha promotes healthy skin and shields your body from harm from free radicals
6. CHAMOMILE OIL: Chamomile offers soothing, moisturizing, and healing properties that can provide relief to dry, chapped, and irritated skin. Its anti-inflammatory qualities provide dry, sensitive skin with immediate relief.

Harness the therapeutic potential of this ancient science and prioritize your body’s needs for a healthier and more energized winter experience. Ayurveda plays a vital role in preserving healthy skin and hair, particularly during the winter season. The preceding details offer guidance and recommendations for self-care during the winter months.

Kolkata, 13th December, 2023:The Permanent Exhibition of ‘Rabindranath Tagore in Italy’ was inaugurated on 11th December 2023 at the Rabindra Bharati Museum in Jorasanko. The exhibition was inaugurated by the Consul General of Italy in KolkataGianlucaRubagotti and the Vice Chancellor of Rabindra Bharati University, Mr Subhro Kamal Mukherjee.

The permanent gallery at Rabindra Bharati Museum, Jorasanko, is designed as an experiential journey exploring Tagore’s time in Italy and the ongoing bond ever since between Italy and his legacy at RBU and VBU.

The primary objective of the gallery is to celebrate the connection between Tagore and Italy. The journey and events surrounding Tagore’s three visits to Italy are highlighted. A comprehensive glimpse into the places and the time through visuals and quotes traces the link between Italian scholars and artists with the Tagore Family/RBU/VishwaBharati University.

Ambassador of Italy H. E. Vincenzo De Luca stated: “Tagore is one of the most loved non-Italian poets in my Country. He started becoming famous when, after he was awarded the Nobel Prize, his works started being available on the shelves of bookstores throughout Italy …. Italian readers even today love his way of depicting nature and its relation with men, as well as the spirit of universalism transpiring through his poems. We thought it was important to create a space, inside his house-museum, which could help the viewers not only discover what the great poet did in Italy but also understand the links and interactions that were created between our two cultures.”

A team was organised to prepare the content and the display of the Gallery, in collaboration with Rabindra Bharati University, under the guidance of Dr Baisakhi Mitra. Prof. Mario Prayer from La Sapienza University of Rome was in charge of the scientific research and content curation.

The Consul General of Italy to Kolkata, GianlucaRubagotti, visited the museum in Shantiniketan, to collect pictures of the great poet during his stays in the different Italian cities; and Sonia Guha curated the exhibition design and planning, with an innovative way of displaying the various materials.

The four walls of the room have a dedicated narrative. Vistors would get to witness ‘Tagore Speaks’, – his quotes which allow one to see Italy through his eyes. To the right of it is ‘Italy Speaks’ which has selected publications showcasing the popularity of Tagore in Italy.His poem dedicated to Italy and Formichi’s translation of it is framed in dual motifs, a pattern from Shantiniketan leather craft and a Tulip relief border pattern from Italian architecture.

The final wall talks about the World of Creatives who inspired or drew inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore.

Keeping the Heritage status and age of the building in mind. Only minimal intervention with appropriate materials and methods of execution is used. The visual identity of the original heritage structure is as much as possible maintained keeping with Italy’s long-standing commitment to the Conservation of built and cultural heritage.

Mr Subhro Kamal Mukherjee, Vice Chancellor of RBU said, “It is an honour to have collaborated with the Italian Government on this project. We believe that this gallery will give a lot of insight to Tagore’s work during his visits to Italy.”

The inauguration was enhanced by the dance performance of Ileana Citaristi, the first dancer of foreign origin to be conferred the Padma Shri, and an Italian Odissi and Chhau dancer.

 13th December 2023: The Mahindra Blues Festival (MBF), renowned for its soulful celebration of blues in the heart of Mumbai, is set to return to the iconic Mehboob Studios in Bandra on 10th & 11th February 2024. In a groundbreaking move for its 12th edition, the festival will showcase an all-women line-up, a first in its illustrious history, symbolising a powerful and empowering narrative in the blues legacy.

This year, the Mahindra Blues Festival (MBF) transcends traditional boundaries, spotlighting women’s pivotal yet often undervalued contributions in the realm of blues. Rooted in a rich tapestry of social, political, and deeply personal narratives, the blues genre owes much of its evolution to the pioneering women who brought it to theatres, cabarets, and the burgeoning recording industry. Ma Rainey (aka, “The Mother of Blues”), Bessie Smith, Big Mama Thornton and many more like them whose music helped shape the blues into what it is today.

The 2024 edition of MBF is not just a line-up of performances; it’s a tribute to these trailblazing women’s enduring legacy and spirit. By showcasing a roster exclusively composed of female artists from diverse corners of the world, the festival becomes a vibrant celebration of their resilience and artistry. It’s more than a nod to the past; it’s a dynamic journey through the rhythms of empowerment and the melodies that have long been the lifeblood of blues music. As the twilight envelopes the city, get ready to witness a spectacle where the most enchanting female blues artists will take the stage. From the soulful virtuosos to the ground-breaking newcomers, our line-up promises an unforgettable experience that transcends beyond music, narrating the profound stories of these incredible women.

This festival line-up is a veritable feast of musical talent, showcasing a diverse range of blues artists. Each performer brings a unique style and energy, creating a vibrant atmosphere,

VanessaCollier, known for her soulful vocals and electrifying saxophone performances, masterfully blends funk, soul, and blues. Her stage presence is dynamic, often engaging the audience with her musical prowess and charismatic personality.

Vivacious and exuberant, Sheryl Youngblood is a force to behold on and offstage. She’s a Chicago Blues Hall-Of-Famer and Gospel Grammy Group Award Winner. She embraces the audience with the warmth of a lifetime of singing Gospel, R&B and the Blues.

Beth Hart, A Grammy-nominated artist, Hart’s raw and expressive vocal power is a central feature of her performances. Her ability to convey deep emotions through her music often leaves audiences captivated and deeply moved.

Dana Fuchs, known for her raspy, bluesy voice, Fuchs adds a contemporary edge to traditional blues. Her performances are often marked by a passionate and energetic delivery, appealing to a wide range of blues enthusiasts.

Samantha Fish is celebrated for her unbridled energy, visceral rhythms, and spine-tingling vocals. Her ability to blend traditional blues with a modern sensibility makes her performances both refreshing and deeply rooted in the genre’s heritage.

Tipriti Kharbangar, hailing from Shillong, brings vibrant energy and a unique cultural perspective to the festival. Her music often reflects the rich musical heritage of their region, adding an exciting dimension to the blues genre. Also featuring Kanchan Daniel as a special guest, Kanchan promises to add an unforgettable element to the festival. Known for her powerful vocal ability and dynamic stage presence, she’s likely to deliver a performance that resonates with the audience.

Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend of musical transcendence; grab your tickets to join us in celebrating the queens of blues. Let’s come together to honour the legacy and future of women in blues, a genre that continues to resonate with passion, soul, and authenticity. The Mahindra Blues Festival is not just a musical event but a movement, a celebration of life, and a tribute to the powerful women who have given voice to the blues through their artistry and passion. It’s a celebration of harmony, unity, and the undying spirit of blues, now more vibrant and vivacious, thanks to the magnificent women who grace its realm.

The Mahindra Blues Festival is ready to etch a new chapter in its glorious history, celebrating the women in blues, and we can’t wait to welcome you to this historic event.

Experience the magic, embrace the legacy, and celebrate the women who embody the spirit of blues at the Mahindra Blues Festival. We hope to see you there, immersing yourself in a world where blues and womanhood resonate in a harmonious symphony of soulful narratives and powerful performances. Let’s celebrate women in blues, together!

#WomenInBlues #MahindraBluesFestival #CelebratingHerStory*

Jay Shah, Vice President – Cultural Outreach, Mahindra Group, shares his excitement, “The Mahindra Blues has been a cornerstone of our cultural initiatives that seek to spark meaningful conversations across diverse communities through art and music, evolving into a dynamic platform that brings together individuals sharing a love for the blues. This year’s all-female line-up is not just a celebration of the genre but a bold statement in the ongoing story of blues. It’s a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and artistic excellence. The iconic line-up not only amplifies the voices of talented women but, by doing so, brings a different facet of the blues, thereby keeping the enduring spirit of the genre alive and thriving. At Mahindra, we strive to Rise for a more equal world!.”

The Mahindra Blues Festival is promoted and produced by Hyperlink Brand Solutions, and co-sponsored by Gaana, Mahindra Logistics, Mahindra Lifespaces, Mahindra Susten, Mahindra Accelo, Club Mahindra, Tube Investments of India, Glenlivet Glassware, and Carlsberg Smooth Soda. As the festival embarks on this significant edition with Car&Bike as its automobile partner, it not only amplifies the voices of talented women in blues but also reshapes the genre’s narrative, championing inclusivity and redefining blues on both the Indian and international stages.

Additionally, continuing its 11-year tradition of discovering and nurturing new talent, the MBF’s digitally run Mahindra Blues Band Hunt is once again set to spotlight emerging Indian blues artists, offering them a platform to shine alongside these legendary women of blues. The Garden Stage will also see the “Blues In Schools” Initiative featuring the students from the Kanakia Beatz Crew and the Nanhi Kali Choir ensemble.

Step into this blues odyssey and be part of a historic celebration at the 12th edition of the Mahindra Blues Festival. Tickets are now live. Visit BookMyShow to be part of this unparalleled musical journey.