Archives March 2024

National, March 6 2024: Lucknow-based Urja Sathi, a pioneering, one-stop sustainable energy-tech platform for buying and selling renewable energy solutions in India, has raised seed funding of INR 3.5 Million from visionary entrepreneurs-cum-investors Ankitt Jain and Sharlee Jain. The seed investment has been facilitated by Neeraj Kumar Pawar and Ayu Sharma, Co-Founders of Pror In Pvt Ltd. Notably, Urja Sathi’s founder had recently pitched his business idea at the PROR India Wealth Summit.

This marks Urja Sathi’s maiden fundraising round; prior to this, the startup had remained bootstrapped since its inception in 2023. Urja Sathi has introduced India’s first-of-its-kind, privately-owned online marketplace portal exclusively dedicated to renewable energy-based, environment-friendly products and services, with an emphasis on solar at the moment. The groundbreaking e-commerce portal, launched in January this year, aims to democratize access to various types of clean energy technologies for today’s end- users, making it simpler, seamless and highly sustainable for both individuals and businesses to embrace solar and other forms of sustainable energy at scale.

Speaking on the fundraise, Anurag Srivastava, Founder, Urja Sathi said, “We are excited to announce our first funding round, and would like to thank our esteemed investors Ankitt Jain and Sharlee Jain for putting their faith in us, and endorsing Urja Sathi’s mission and efforts. This investment marks a significant new chapter in Urja Sathi’s journey, and  fuels our long-term vision of bringing all buyers, sellers, and a diverse range of key ecosystem players of the clean energy segment in India under one roof via our platform, and eventually becoming the biggest, most efficient and credible marketplace in India catering to renewable energy. Through the Urja Sathi marketplace portal and upcoming app, we are committed to streamlining the adoption of solar and clean energy for both residential and commercial customers in India. This in turn shall be instrumental in elevating the entire industry to new heights and aiding India’s sustainability goals in terms of becoming global clean energy leader by the end of this decade and moving towards Net Zero by 2070”.

Urja Sathi would utilize the newly acquired seed capital to acquire talent, improving customer support, and to enhance marketing, branding and visibility amongst its potential B2B and B2C audiences.

Ankit Jain and Sharlee Jain, Co-Founders of Paper Arizona, and investors at Urja Sathi commented, “Harnessing renewables and solar for meeting our country’s energy needs and improving energy security have never been more important; and Urja Sathi, with its focus on marketplace, technology, and solar, is poised to positively transform and revolutionize the clean energy business in India. We were impressed by Anurag and his team’s vision and dedication to make sustainable and clean energy more accessible, profitable and efficient for everyone, and therefore decided to back Urja Sathi in fast- tracking their growth journey.”

Saurabh Jain, Co-Founder, FSV Capital, and advisor & mentor at Urja Sathi added, “In the present-day era defined by eco-consciousness and technological advancements, Urja Sathi is fostering the best of both ideals, and gaining rapid traction in India’s emerging yet highly potent solar business landscape. Their steadfast commitment towards sustainability and innovation is commendable, and I am confident of their ability to catalyze the green energy ecosystem”.

India is already embracing and promoting solar, clean-tech, and sustainable energy solutions in a major way, in a bid to achieve its ambitious target to secure 50 percent of the nation’s power requirements using renewable energy sources by 2030. However, amongst the notable ongoing challenges vis-à-vis India’s clean energy adoption include low awareness amongst end-users, as well as lack of financial viability and credibility on the business side.

Urja Sathi, the platform, was conceptualized and created with the vision to bridge these market gaps and thereby accelerate India’s clean energy transition. Bolstered by the latest fundraise, the company is now looking forward to launch its flagship ‘Urja Sathi mobile app’ by April 2024, and aims to onboard 5000+ solar manufacturers, EPC players, and sustainable energy solutions provider companies pan India, alongside at least one lakh B2C end-users, on its burgeoning e-commerce platform within the next one year or so. In the near future, apart from solar, the platform will also be focusing on Green Hydrogen, EV, wind and other emerging segments within the broader green energy landscape in our country.

Bengaluru, March 06, 2024 With the onset of spring, it’s time to take the style game a notch higher with jewellery trends that have the runways blazing! 2024 is all experimenting with these new style trends and letting your jewellery take centre stage! This year jewellery isn’t simply about accentuating a look or just following but about adapting that trend to express your mood, markyour moments and create a statement that is sure to make heads turn.

Commenting on these trends, Pallavi Sharma, Business Director, PGI India, stated, “The landscape for women’s jewellery has really evolved over the years, creating a whole new segment that caters to modern women who seek contemporary designs that align with their lifestyle and serve as an extension of their personality. In 2024, being authentic will continue to maintain centre stage, with women playfully experimenting with jewellery that serves as a canvas for artistic expressions through fun patterns, unique materials combined with precious metals, bold colours and motifs representing pop culture. The art deco trend already has the runway buzzing. Stacking continues to be a favourite, encouraging women to mix and match different shapes, colours and motifs to create their own unique style story with wristwear, rings and even neckwear. This year is all about expressing oneself and as the mood is never constant, nor should the style statement. From sculptural minimalism to bold stacking, the style mantra for 2024 will be about experimenting and catering to every mood while staying true to one’s core.”

And as you browse through a plethora of options to update your jewellery closet, platinum jewellery emerges as the ideal choice to ace your style game for the year. Be it the bold statement pieces or the versatile and more functional designs for frequent wear, exquisitely crafted pieces from Platinum EVARA by PGI offers something for every mood and occasion.

Crafted from 95% pure platinum, the subtle white sheen of intricately crafted platinum jewellery by Platinum Evara promises to take your style game to the next level as you experiment with new looks, try new trends or simply add to your collection of perfect everyday jewellery.

Below are our top 3 recommendations to ensure you sparkle and shine through 2024.

MINIMALISTIC YET BOLD

This year is about wearing your mood while staying aligned to your authentic self at all times. Being bold does not mean steering away from your love for the minimalistic, clean lines. ‘Sculptural Minimalism’ with clean, sculptural jewellery such as cuff bracelets, or organic shaped earrings with clean lines or bold statement platinum ringsadds a modernist, industrial feel to any look. These designs combine the powerful volume of organic form, akin to the intrinsic strength of platinum with the timeless elegance of a clean, minimalist look. Platinum with its natural white sheen, promises an understated elegance that remains untarnished through the tides of time.

THE ARTDECO LOOK

There is an increasing preference for jewellery that resonates as art and serve almost like a canvas. From mosaics, motifs and miniatures of pop culture aesthetically imbibed in the core design to the use of distinct materials like ceramics, onyx and gemstones to add a touch of colour and vintage vibe, there is a certain aesthetic that has the runway ablaze. Intricate patterns mirroring the mysteries of the universe encapsulated in a delicate platinum bracelet intertwined with diamonds to quirky pendants and charms – the allure of the artistic vibe is here to stay.

Platinum is denser than any other precious metal ensuring an exceptionally secure grip on diamonds and gemstones. Its pure white sheen lets precious stones shine with all their true brilliance.

STACKS AND CUFFS FOR THE WIN

The 2024 stacks trend comes with one rule, there are no rules! From pre-aligned ring combos to a curated mix and match stack, ring stacks create an illusion of boldly layered jewellery and is a perfect conversation starter as it tells a story and spotlights your personal style. Delicate, stacked neckpieces promise to instantly spotlight the elegant neckline of a stunning dress or a gorgeous Indo-western attire.Akin to the cuff or structured wristwear, that instantly adds a unique dimension to your overall look, creating an impact that reverberates long after you’ve left the party. Cuff bracelets have been all over the runways for the past few seasons and can be found in various forms – thick, thin, dual toned, asymmetric or any other structured pattern.

Nonprofit has fostered global awareness in St. Louis since 1948.

(St. Louis, Mo., March 6, 2024) The World Affairs Council of St. Louis (World Affairs STL)—a non-profit organization that connects the St. Louis region with the world – will host its 75th anniversary gala on Wed., April 10 at the Missouri History Museum located at 5700 Lindell Blvd. The event begins at 5:30 p.m., and tickets are $300 per person.

Community members and leaders, as well as diplomats and educators, will attend the celebration which features cocktails and dinner catered by Butler’s Pantry. A fireside chat will take place with St. Louis’ own ambassadors Kevin O’Malley, W. Stuart Symington, and the U.S. Department of State’s Foreign Service Officer Gavin Sundwall. Gala sponsors include Bayer Crop Science, Missouri History Museum, POWERS Insurance & Risk Management, Commerce Bank, Emerson, Greater STL, Inc., Grimco, Inc., Harbour Group, RSM, The Yield Lab, and WISHH.

Signature World Affairs STL programs include the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP), high school Academic WorldQuest, and Great Decisions. The IVLP brings current and emerging foreign leaders to St. Louis. The Council facilitates discourse with businesses, nonprofits, educational institutions, and government. Members are “citizen diplomats” who connect the world at their dinner tables.

“This gala reflects the strong partnerships and friendships we have built over the years and is a testament to the importance of fostering global awareness in our local community,” said World Affairs STL president Pierce W. Powers Jr.

Founded in 1948, the World Affairs STL is a nonpartisan membership organization formed by prominent St. Louisans after World War II to keep the region connected globally and educate citizens about international matters. The Council continues the founders’ mission to facilitate and promote understanding, engagement, relationships, and leadership in world affairs. World Affairs STL, which is one of 90 chapters of the World Affairs Councils of America, is located at 812 Olive St. in downtown St. Louis.

6th March, Mumbai: Vinod Cookware, a prominent Indian cookware manufacturer, has recently opened its latest manufacturing unit in Gundale village, Palghar district, Maharashtra. The expansion is a strategic move to address the increasing demand for Vinod Cookware products in domestic and global markets. Covering an expansive 250,000 square feet, the newly inaugurated plant in Gundale is now the brand’s largest production unit. This expansion aligns with Vinod Cookware’s existing operational setup, as all factories are currently located in Palghar, enhancing logistical efficiency and managerial cohesion. In addition to being the brand’s largest, the new manufacturing unit is also expected to create approximately 300-350 new jobs to run operations.

The Palghar facility is expected to incorporate technological advancements, including larger capacity production machinery and advanced management technology. While initially handling base and supplementary production processes, the plant will contribute significantly to scaling Vinod Cookware’s existing operations. Upholding a commitment to sustainability, the new unit will adhere to the same standard operating procedures for expanded production. This includes the utilization of sustainable materials and a focus on waste reduction in the production processes. Moreover, in anticipation of optimal capacity, a 60% boost in production capacity is expected, showcasing Vinod Cookware’s dedication to meeting heightened market demands while upholding sustainable and efficient manufacturing practices. In addition to the Palghar expansion, Vinod Cookware extended its reach by entering the UK and EU markets, launching its official UK website in November last year.

“We are pleased to announce the opening of our new manufacturing plant in Palghar, Maharashtra. This strategic expansion marks a significant milestone for Vinod Cookware as we strive to meet the surging demand for our high-quality products with enhanced efficiency and scale. Our new facility stands as a testament to our unwavering commitment to operational growth and, above all, customer satisfaction. As we embark on this exciting journey, we look forward to setting new benchmarks in the cookware industry while ensuring a positive impact on the local community through job creation and economic development.” stated Sunil Agarwal, Director, Vinod Cookware

New Delhi, March 06, 2024: The India Electronics and Semiconductor Association (IESA) and the Netherlands Innovation Network, Embassy of the Netherlands in India, join forces to announce the launch of a groundbreaking report titled ‘Indo-Dutch Semiconductor Opportunities’. This first-of-its-kind comprehensive document for both the Indian and Dutch ecosystems serves as a roadmap for collaboration between the two nations in the crucial semiconductor sector.

Compiled through ten months of intensive roundtables with industry leaders, academics, and policymakers from both countries, the report offers deep dives into various aspects. It delves into the current landscape and future potential of the Indian Semiconductor market explores avenues for Dutch companies to invest in India and examines opportunities for collaborative R&D efforts between Dutch and Indian entities. The report also sheds light on potential academic exchange programs fostering knowledge sharing and skill development through student exchanges and explores the enabling policy ramework provided by the Indian government to facilitate collaborations.

Speaking on the launch Marisa Gerards, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to India, Nepal, and Bhutan said, the ‘Indo-Dutch Semiconductor Opportunities Report is more than just a document; it is a roadmap for future collaboration between our countries. It underscores our commitment to harnessing the power of technology to solve complex challenges and to creating a world where progress and prosperity are accessible to all.

Commenting on the collaborative effort, Mr. Sanjay Gupta, Chairperson, IESA, said, “We are proud to launch this landmark report on the Indo-Dutch Semiconductor Opportunities, in collaboration with the Netherlands Innovation Network. We hope that this report will inspire and facilitate greater cooperation and exchange between the two countries, and enable them to leverage their respective strengths and capabilities to create a positive impact on the world.”

Mr. Ashok Chandak, President, of IESA, stated, “This report is a testament to the strong synergies and mutual interests between India and the Netherlands in the semiconductor sector. The report clearly articulates the potential areas of opportunities in the Industry, Academics, Research, Startup ecosystems, Technology Transfers, etc. It will act as a guiding document in fostering deeper and more focused collaborations between the Indian and Dutch semiconductor ecosystems towards growth and Innovation.

The report was unveiled on, the 4 th of March 2024, at the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in the esteemed presence of special invites including Mr. Sushil Pal, JS Meity; Mr. Akash Tripathi, CEO ISM; Mr. Lars Reger, CTO, NXP semiconductors, Representatives of MEITY and Ministry of external affairs and several dignitaries from Industry and Institutes.

India’s electronics and semiconductor industry has seen remarkable growth, especially in semiconductor design and product consumption. Government policies and incentives are driving investments in semiconductor manufacturing. The Indo-Dutch Semiconductor Opportunities Report highlights Dutch industry strengths and India’s growing opportunities, emphasizing collaboration in design, innovation, research, technology transfer, startup incubation, market solutions, and talent development. India aims to produce 85,000 semiconductor professionals in five years. IESA, a key player in India’s semiconductor ecosystem, promotes international collaborations like this, fostering global competitiveness. The report ignifies a crucial step towards collaborative success, paving the way for meaningful partnerships benefiting both nations.

Ms Priyanka Chigurupati,

Executive Director, Granules India Ltd

Hyderabad, 6th March 2024: Quote for International Women’s Day from Priyanka Chigurupati, Executive Director, Granules India Ltd.

“As we commemorate International Women’s Day, it’s important to recognize the strides we have made towards gender equality yet acknowledge that we have miles to go. In the pharmaceutical industry, we are at a pivotal moment where the underrepresentation of women, especially in leadership roles, highlights a deeper systemic challenge. It necessitates a collective shift in our approach, encompassing strategies, mentorship programs, and policies designed to empower women. At Granules, we are committed to driving workforce diversity, not just as a moral imperative but as a strategic investment in the future of our industry and the global economy. By fostering an inclusive environment, promoting work-life balance, and advocating for transparent promotion processes, we aim to dismantle barriers and create an inclusive landscape where every talented individual, irrespective of their gender, has the opportunity to thrive. Supporting women across their life stages and career paths is not just important—it’s essential for innovation, growth, and societal progress. We encourage others in the industry to develop more robust policies that will promote equality. Addressing these issues collectively will be fundamental for creating a thriving industry that values competence over gender.”

National, March 6, 2024: Yatra Online, Inc. (NASDAQ: YTRA), through its Indian subsidiary, Yatra Online Limited (“Yatra”), India’s largest corporate travel services provider (Source: CRISIL Report) and a leading online travel company in India among OTA players in terms of gross booking revenue and operating revenue, for Fiscal Year 2023, today announced the appointment of Gaurav Luthra as Chief Business Officer – New Business Development. As a seasoned professional with over 28 years of experience, Gaurav brings extensive industry expertise to the table. He will lend his strategic leadership to drive the company’s corporate travel proposition focused on Mid-market customers and will play an instrumental role.

As a Chief Business Officer at Yatra, Gaurav will leverage his extensive experience and proven track record, for building and further enhancing Yatra’s mid-market and SME corporate travel proposition, and developing new products such as Visa facilitation and car rentals for business travelers, thereby delivering financial growth for the company. Gaurav’s appointment further strengthens Yatra’s commitment to excellence and its vision of providing exceptional travel experiences to customers.

In his previous role as Managing Director of FCM Travel, Gaurav showcased his prowess in overseeing Indian interests for Australia’s Flight Centre Travel Group (FCTG). During his 25-year tenure at FCTG India, Gaurav emerged as a revered industry veteran, renowned for pioneering product innovations, leading technological advancements, and fostering fruitful supplier relationships to drive revenue growth.

Commenting on his appointment, Gaurav Luthra said, “I’m excited to embark on this new chapter with Yatra, and contribute to its continued success in the travel industry. Yatra’s current trajectory is incredibly promising, and I look forward to collaborating with the team to further fortify this growth. As the newly appointed Chief Business Officer at Yatra, my immediate focus will be on meticulous strategic planning to unlock the full potential of the brand, surpassing the expectations of both our customers and stakeholders alike. With innovative strategies, I’m confident we’ll lead Yatra to even greater success, delighting customers every step of the way.”

Dhruv Shringi CEO & Whole-Time Director, Yatra Online Ltd said, “Gaurav brings with him a wealth of knowledge, the right expertise, and capabilities that will be fundamental to help accelerate Yatra’s presence in the online travel aggregator space. I’m thrilled to have him come onboard as he will play a pivotal role in executing the many exciting opportunities we have on the horizon as we enter our next growth phase.”

New Delhi, March 06, 2024- The Delhi-NCR Chapter of The Indus Entrepreneurs, a global organisation fostering entrepreneurship, is all geared up to organise one of India’s hottest and largest startup conferences. Scheduled on 8th & 9th March 2024 this year’s theme is– ‘The New Bharat’. This is a must attend event for every player in the startup world. The focal point of TiEcon Delhi 2024, will be sessions on various facets of entrepreneurship & business growth, exclusive networking opportunities and startup awards.

This event promises to be a dynamic hub of innovation, offering immersive experiences across various sessions like AI Luminate and Enabling the Deeptech Startup ecosystem. Attendees can anticipate engaging sessions on topics ranging from the National Geospatial Policy to Angel Investing, alongside invaluable networking opportunities, multiple investor meets and knowledge sharing.This year’s TiEcon includes the introduction of initiatives like Elite Encounters, Share the Stage, Lunch with Leaders & Investors. Through these initiatives, attendees can avail of exclusive interaction opportunities with some of the most distinguished leaders, mentors, and investors in the industry. Furthermore, attendees can also sign up for a dream ride with a chosen mentor as part of Mentoring in Motion.

TiEcon Delhi 2024 will also feature a special address by Dr. Jitendra Kumar MD of BIRAC and Arvind Kumar Director General of STPI, along with a keynote address by Sivasubramanian Ramann, Chairman of SIDBI & S Krishnan – Secretary, MeitY.

Reflecting on the comprehensive scope of events, Geetika Dayal, Executive Director, TiE Delhi NCR, stated, “TiE Delhi-NCR is gearing up to host the hottest startup event in town with the theme “The New Bharat.” What’s propelling this movement towards the New Bharat? It’s the visionary startup founders leading the charge. We are excited with the line up for top-notch sessions, leading speakers and multiple investor meetings planned at TiEcon Delhi this year. What does this mean for you? It means gaining insights on how to drive your business towards profit, how to increase market size. This year we have a unique networking format where you get to share the stage with a business legend and share your ideas.”

The lineup of prestigious startup awards includes- TiE-Lumis Entrepreneurial Excellence Awards, Startup CFO Awards, and the TiE Delhi-NCR & Power2SME: The Spirit of Manufacturing Awards, honouring those demonstrating exceptional passion, innovation, and commitment to entrepreneurial excellence. The event will see live pitching like Assistive Solutions Pitches to put a spotlight on startups creating for differently abled & TiE the Knot. Havas Media will launch the Influencer Report and Meaningful Brand Awards.

Key speakers at the event include leaders from diverse sectors such as finance, technology, retail, and healthcare. Prominent names include Rajesh Uppal – (MEB, Digital Enterprise, HR, IT, Safety and CIO), Maruti Suzuki India; Mohit Joshi – CEO, Havas Media India; Sanket Deodhar – VP and Head – Digital Natives, SAP Indian Subcontinent ; Anurag Seth – Principal AI/ML Advisor, AWS India ; Rajan Anandan – MD, Peak XV and Surge ; Lathika Pai – Country Head, VC PE Partnerships, Microsoft; Arvind Kumar – Director General, STPI ; Gautam Jain – Software Director, NetApp; Dr. Apoorva Ranjan Sharma – Managing Director, Venture Catalysts & 9Unicorns; Padmaja Ruparel – Co-Founder, IAN & Founding Partner, IAN Fund; Atul Dhawan – Partner, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu India ; Dr. Jitendra Kumar – MD, BIRAC; and many more.

TiEcon Delhi 2024 is supported by acclaimed partners such as Startup India, Maruti Suzuki Innovation, Havas Media, SAP, AWS, Peak XV, Microsoft, STPI, NETAPP Excellerator, and many more, reflecting the collaborative spirit driving India’s startup ecosystem forward.

Ahead of International Women’s Day 2024, Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, announced that it is on track to achieving a ratio of 30% women employees on its rolls by the end of FY25. Notably, the milestone is set to arrive 5 years sooner than the company’s stated target of 2030, with women professionals already comprising 22% of the total number of employees at Vedanta Aluminium. This is significant as women are most under-represented in the metals & mining industry worldwide.

It comes on the back of Vedanta Aluminium increasing the avenues for intake of women employees and broadening the number of opportunities available to them, such as those in the night shift. This is in turn supported by gender-agnostic roles with rich job content, a blend of progressive workplace policies, and a slew of world-class amenities. Together, they have led to a substantial increase in the number of women professionals opting to join the company, often in core functions such as smelting, mining, power generation, civil infrastructure, logistics, finance, asset security, and materials procurement.

Vedanta Aluminium has been actively working to address the gender gap in the metals and mining industry through equitable workplace practices. The sector is poised to become one of the prime drivers of India's economic growth. With the advent of Industry 4.0 technologies, igitalization, robotics and automation which have largely negated the need for physically demanding efforts, the sector has become increasingly appealing to job-seekers. It now offers high-growth opportunities in modern manufacturing, energy transition, sustainability practices and the development of 'green' solutions for low-carbon economies. Together, they represent a plethora of fresh career options in an industry that is rapidly advancing with the times.

Highlighting the need for greater participation of women professionals in the industry, Mr. John Slaven, CEO, Vedanta Aluminium said, “As the world pivots to a low-carbon economy towards building a sustainable planet, the future is going to be metal-intensive. The global manufacturing industry must invest in women professionals to accelerate its evolution, which can only come about through improved diversity and inclusive practices. These offer us the advantage of benefiting from diverse perspectives, directly resulting in better decision- making, well-rounded offerings for diverse markets, and superior customer service.” Ms. Suneela MVS, Head – Project Management Office, Growth Projects, BALCO, said, “Working at Vedanta Aluminium offers women professionals the assurance of equal access to opportunities. This has been truly empowering in terms of encouraging me to advance my career and explore new ambitions.” Lt Col Hemant Raghav, Head – Plant Security, Vedanta Jharsuguda, added, “Women today are freer than ever to become accomplished at anything they set their minds to, whether as part of the armed forces or the manufacturing industry. By encouraging the wider industry to move its hiring lens to capability alone, Vedanta Aluminium provides women employees the springboard needed to advance their careers.”

Vedanta Aluminium offers supportive workplace policies such as a spouse hiring policy, a year-long sabbatical to help take care of infant children, and flexible working hours. Additionally, the company has introduced night shifts for women at its Odisha operations through the ‘Shree Shakti’ initiative, among the first in the state to do so. In addition to progressive policies, employees live in world-class townships offering all modern amenities within proximity to the plants. The townships have facilities such as schools, hospitals, day care centres, creches, places of worship, movie theatres, stadiums, recreation centres, gyms, and swimming pools – all of which support a vibrant family lifestyle.

Vedanta Aluminium is complementing these efforts with innovative recruitment initiatives such as ‘Project Panchhi’. The project seeks to transform the lives of 1000 young girls from marginalized communities across rural India, by offering them financial support in pursuing higher education and providing them with job opportunities at Vedanta upon successful completion.

Vedanta Aluminium, a business of Vedanta Limited, is India’s largest producer of aluminium, manufacturing more than half of India’s aluminium i.e., 2.29 million tonnes in FY23. It is a leader in value-added aluminium products that find critical applications in core industries. Vedanta Aluminium ranks 1st in the S&P Global Corporate Sustainability Assessment 2023 world rankings for the aluminium industry, a reflection of its sustainable development practices. With its world-class aluminium smelters, alumina refinery and power plants in India, the company fulfils its mission of spurring emerging applications of aluminium as the ‘Metal of the Future’ for a greener tomorrow.

Bangalore, 05 March 2024 – Jairangam Fringes 2024, an enchanting collaboration between Jairangam and the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, unfolded with unparalleled grandeur and artistic brilliance on the 2nd and 3rd of March, 2024, at Lahe Lahe in Bangalore. This festival, a beacon of cultural exchange and creative expression, showcased a vibrant tapestry of performances, workshops, and theatrical productions, captivating audiences and celebrating the richness of India’s cultural heritage.

The festival kicked off on the 2nd of March with a mesmerizing storytelling performance, “Ishtihaar,” directed by the visionary Deevas Gupta. This unique production presented a collection of short stories by the legendary Saadat Hasan Manto, interwoven with poetry crafted by Deevas himself. Through the raw narration of Manto’s tales and the satirical undertones of the accompanying poetry, audiences were transported to bygone eras while reflecting on the enduring relevance of Manto’s themes in contemporary society.

Children were treated to an interactive and engaging performative workshop titled “Silly Billy Mimes,” led by the talented Suhasini Seelin. Through a series of imaginative exercises, young participants aged 8-12 discovered the art of mime, learning to express themselves through exaggerated actions, emotive gestures, and creative storytelling. Suhasini’s infectious energy and playful approach made for a memorable and enriching experience for all involved.

The festival’s centerpiece production, “Fernando and his Grandmother,” directed by the acclaimed Mayura Baweja of Theatre Shift, Bangalore, enthralled audiences with its evocative portrayal of the life and works of the iconic poet Fernando Pessoa. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Portugal, the play delved into themes of genius, madness, and the transformative power of art, offering a moving tribute to Pessoa’s enduring legacy.

On the 3rd of March, audiences were treated to the folk musical “Sakal Jaani Hai Naath,” directed by the talented Srinivas Beesetty of Kahe Vidushak, Bangalore. This delightful adaptation of Vasant Deo’s Sudama ke Chawal offered a contemporary retelling of the timeless tale of Lord Krishna and Sudama, blending tragedy, comedy, and satire to profound effect. ‘Sakal Jaani Hai Naath’ is a testament to the enduring power of mythology and storytelling to illuminate universal truths. Through this adaptation, we sought to challenge conventional narratives and provoke introspection on the complexities of human nature.

Jairangam Fringes 2024, orchestrated by the esteemed 3M Dot Bands Theatre Family Society, unfolded as a celebration of artistic excellence and cultural diversity. Reflecting on the festival, Director Hema Gera remarked, “Jairangam Fringes 2024 has been a joyous celebration of creativity and collaboration, bringing together artists and audiences from diverse backgrounds to share in the magic of theatre.”

This event stood as a pivotal element of Jairangam, the premier theatre festival of Jaipur, aimed at elevating the theatrical landscape of the region. Through captivating performances and initiatives fostering social causes and intercultural exchange, Jairangam continues to inspire both audiences and artists, cultivating a vibrant ecosystem of creativity and collaboration.