Archives 2025

 “This partnership with Mr. Sachin Tendulkar is more than an investment—it is a powerful validation of our values, governance, and long-term vision. His belief in Truzon Solar reinforces our commitment to building a trusted, scalable, and future-ready solar enterprise. Together, we aim to make clean energy a mainstream, responsible choice for homes, businesses, and industries across India.”

Gujarat,  Dec 23: Parul University bid farewell to the Graduating batch of 2025, holding its 9th Convocation, an event that brought together many of the national leaders and celebrated icons along with thousands of hopeful graduates. The processional entrance was an extraordinary display of pride, nostalgia, excitement, and captured the last chapter of student experiences in their journey while being at university, while at the same time providing the opportunity to be at the starting point of their next adventure all together.

More than 16,000 students graduated this year and the 9^th convocation ceremony witnessed the presence of 12,000 graduates from across all disciplines, and more than 23,000 guests, including the students, parents, friends and family members. Distinguished national icons such as Minister of State for Home Affairs and Deputy CM of Gujarat  Mr. Harsh Sanghvi, Renowned journalist and Chairman & Editor-in-Chief of India TV  Mr. Rajat Sharma, Olympic Boxing Legend MC Mary Kom, Entrepreneur & Shark Tank India Judge Vineeta Singh, and Tennis Sensation Sania Mirza, graced the convocation ceremony as the Chief Guest and Guest of Honors respectively, and offered their thoughts and encouragement to the graduating class.

At this year’s convocation ceremony, the university also recognised a socially relevant initiative that has positively impacted communities. Parul University worked with rural women artisans to produce more than 16,000 handcrafted Khadi scarves for the graduating students. In addition to providing an income source to the women, it enhanced their skill levels. It also helped preserve the heritage of Khadi India while advancing rural livelihoods as well as furthering the country’s ‘Vocal for Local’ and ‘Make in India’ campaigns.

The highlight of the event was the felicitation of the outstanding achievers across all disciplines. This year’s celebrations spotlighted the 104 Gold Medalists and 44 Certificate of Merit awardees. The President’s Medal was presented to 3 distinguished alumni who had brought remarkable honour to the university through their professional achievements and 3 startups for their entrepreneurial spirit. Furthermore, the event also recognised a distinguished cohort of 135 PhD scholars and presented them with awards for their excellent research achievements and academic excellence. The awards reflect not only the excellence but also the dedication and perseverance of the graduate Class of 2025.

Renowned journalist & and Chairman and the Editor-in-Chief of India TV, Mr. Rajat Sharma, gave an inspiring speech, emphasising the importance of public responsibility, ethics and truth. He drew on his extensive experience in journalism and shared, “Challenges will come. There will be battles. You will experience pain and suffering. But the key is to never lose that smile from your face.” He also said there are no shortcuts to success and even if the procedure is long, it will be worth it. “Whenever in life you come across a person from whom you can learn like Mary Kom, Vineeta Singh, or Sania Mirza, take that opportunity,” is what he advised to the students.

MC Mary Kom, the Olympic Boxing Champion and an icon of Indian sport, carried forward the tremendous energy of the event with her inspirational presence. During her exclusive talk session, she shared, “Confidence is something we cannot take from others, we cannot buy it. You have to build it on your own. If you don’t build your confidence, then what will you achieve?” During her convocation address she said, “It’s easy to count on fingers how much you’ve won, but when you count it physically and mentally, it’s very hard. Similarly, the students sitting here, earning a degree is not an easy job and you’ve done it all brilliantly, in different departments. I’m so glad to be a part of this celebration of this success. This is just the beginning. You might think you’ve done it all and it’s over but it’s not. It’s just a beginning and now you’ll be faced with lots of challenges and all that matters is how you overcome it. Your future is just starting.”

Vineeta Singh, Judge of Shark Tank India, brought a huge dose of entrepreneurial motivation and encouragement to the students. She encouraged the students to create something valuable through their creativity and hard work. Her advise to the students was, “Failure is the entry fee you need to pay for success. We have to pay it all the time.” She also added that, “It’s not about the destination. It’s about the journey. There is not such thing as a loss. Only those who believe they’ve lost, lose.” She left students with an advise, “I want you all to take a moment and breathe. Breathe because you also have to remember you come from a country that is build on creating solutions from scratch, hard work, and dedication.”

Tennis legend Sania Mirza spoke about how important it is to be dedicated to your career and be able to balance your life, and to keep fighting through obstacles. She said,

“you are stepping into a very new and probably very scary possibility.” Additionally, she also advised the students, “It is important to always remember that no matter how many failures you face, no matter how many rejections you face; there will always be a next day as long as you want one. Sports taught me that life lesson.” Further, she left the students with simple message to respect parents and that we are nothing without them. She also said, ““Achieve whatever and whenever it is that you decide to dream. No matter what you decide your dream will be, you are the future of our country.”

Dr Devanshu Patel, President of Parul University, gave a keynote address during the convocation ceremony that encouraged the graduates. “Remember that belief can exist even when answers do not. Remember that growth takes time. And remember that as long as you are willing to learn, adapt, and persevere, possibility remains alive. Wherever life takes you, carry this belief with you: Yahan Possible Hai. Your dreams are possible. Your journey is valid. Your future is still unfolding.” he said.

The celebration was extraordinary, and the students were filled with heartfelt emotions. While many of the students on that day were rejoicing in that moment of celebrating the end of one chapter of their lives, they also acknowledged that this was only the beginning of another. Through this successful 9th convocation ceremony, Parul University reaffirms its efforts to continue to empower young minds and develop leaders who make meaningful contributions to the world.

Nielsen’s November 2025 Media Distributor Gauge revealed a complex television landscape defined by live sports, strategic streaming releases and the Thanksgiving holiday. Paramount and Netflix each clocked double-digit growth over October, capitalizing on strong content slates and disrupting the Media Distributor rankings this month.

Paramount recorded a 14% increase in overall viewing in November and finished the month with its largest share of TV since April, capturing 8.9% of total watch-time and climbing to No. 3 in the Media Distributor Gauge rankings. Paramount’s 0.7-point gain was the largest among all distributors, and was fueled equally by its broadcast and streaming properties. CBS affiliates and Paramount+ each climbed over 18%, contributing 0.5 and 0.2 share points, respectively, to Paramount’s total.

Netflix also delivered a robust performance in November, notching this month’s second-highest viewing gain (up 10%) to add 0.3 share points and achieve 8.3% of TV. While the return of Netflix’s iconic series Stranger Things provided the largest viewing impact with nearly 12 billion viewing minutes on its own, the streamer also benefited from its depth of content. Netflix’s new original series The Beast in Me, and new Frankenstein film reimagined by Guillermo del Toro, combined for nearly 7 billion viewing minutes across the month.

Hallmark produced a 28% viewing gain in November and set the mark for the highest percentage viewing increase this month. Hallmark benefited from its signature slate of holiday movies and its original series, Mistletoe Murders, all of which led to 0.2 additional share points for 1.2% of total TV watch-time.

Despite the shifts below them, YouTube and Disney retained the top two rankings with 12.9% and 10.5% of TV, respectively. YouTube’s share of TV remained unchanged month-over-month. Disney dropped 0.9 share points, largely due to ABC affiliates and ESPN declines attributable to the carriage interruption from the YouTube TV dispute.

NBCUniversal (NBCU) posted a strong month with a 7% increase in overall viewing, capturing its largest total since October 2024 with 8.8% of TV viewing (+0.2 pts.). NBCU’s gains were driven by a 22% surge in streaming on Peacock, largely fueled by NFL Sunday Night Football coverage, Thanksgiving Day programming, and its new original drama series All Her Fault. Peacock achieved a non-Olympic monthly record 1.9% share of television in November, as reported in Nielsen’s The Gauge.

FOX navigated a month of disproportionate swings across its broadcast and cable properties in November. FOX broadcast affiliates were up 22% versus October, led by the Thanksgiving Day NFL matchup between Green Bay and Detroit, and World Series Games 4 through 7, where the final game ranked as the sixth most-viewed telecast of the month. On the cable side, Fox News Channel viewership was down 9% compared to last month, and FS1 was impacted by the absence of the MLB Postseason. Overall, FOX finished the month with a net gain of 2.4%, but due to the larger increase of overall TV usage (+5.5%), ceded 0.3 share points to finish with 8.1% of TV in November.

The November 2025 interval spanned five weeks, from 10/27/2025 through 11/30/2025. Nielsen reporting follows the broadcast calendar, with weekly intervals beginning on Monday.

Gurugram, Dec 23:- Dharav High School Gurugram wrapped up its much-anticipated Winter Carnival, Toytopia  a lively celebration of the timeless charm of toys and the spirit of Christmas. The event turned the campus into a joyful wonderland, bringing together children, families, and the community in an immersive experience that showcased the important role of play in healthy child development.

Wrapped in the festive buzz of Christmas, Toytopia celebrated “Toys of the World,” showing how toys are universal tools for expression, creativity, and learning across cultures. The carnival featured Montessori-style experiential zones, a dedicated Lego Land, hands-on toy-making workshops, and charming snowman-craft activities, along with several game areas and creative building stations.

Adding to the magic, Santa Claus made a surprise appearance, arriving with gifts that lit up the kids’ faces. The energy hit a high point with the “One-Minute Rockstar” talent showcase, where children proudly showed off their talents and won exciting prizes. Favorite toy characters wandered the grounds for cherished photo ops, while colorful stalls and a wide selection of tasty treats made sure parents and families enjoyed the fun too.

The event drew enthusiastic participation from students of Dharav High School, children from the newly inaugurated Shiksha Kendra, the school’s dedicated learning centre for underprivileged backgrounds, as well as families from the wider Gurugram community. This inclusive approach reinforced DHS Gurugram’s commitment to educational equity, bringing high-quality, joyful learning beyond regular classrooms to empower every child, regardless of background.

Toytopia represented how the school emphasizes teaching our students to be responsible citizens of the world-through compassion, curiosity, and ethics. The carnival provided meaningful enrichment where students experienced diverse cultures by playing with the toys of those cultures, developed a sense of global connectedness, and expanded their understanding and appreciation for all cultures to include those that are different than their own.

“Toytopia was more than a carnival; it was a testament to our belief that play is a powerful catalyst for learning and growth,” said Principal Ms. Ritu Jawa, “In a world that often overlooks childhood’s simple joys, events like Toytopia nurture creativity, inclusivity, and wonder in every child.”

The event’s significance was further enhanced through the presence of Chairperson Ms. Devyani Jaipuria, Director Ms. Aditi Misra, faculty members and students, as well as community leaders, who support the ongoing work at DHS Gurugram in creating an educated and inclusive society through innovative, values-based approaches.

As Toytopia leaves behind remarkable combined experience of laughter and learning, Dharav High School Gurugram continues to be an influential leader, pioneering ways to define education in terms of providing opportunities to change the world around us and provide opportunities for peace and harmony between cultures globally.

GURUGRAM, India, Dec 23: The teaser reflects Samsung’s vision of integrating AI across its products and services, positioning the company as a trusted partner that enhances and supports AI experiences throughout users’ daily lives.

Designed to build anticipation for the event, the video uses vibrant lights and lines to form silhouettes of new innovations set to debut at The First Look, symbolizing the seamless integration of AI across Samsung’s portfolio. In the final scene, the light flows into Wynn Las Vegas, where the event will be held, revealing the theme.

The First Look 2026 will officially kick off on January 4 at 7 p.m. PST — two days before the opening of CES 2026 — with a media event at Wynn Las Vegas, followed by four days of exhibitions, tech forums and other events through January 7.

The media event will feature key Samsung executives, including TM Roh, CEO and Head of Device eXperience (DX) Division; SW Yong, President and Head of Visual Display (VD) Business; and Cheolgi Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Digital Appliance (DA) Business. Together, they will outline customer experience innovation strategies across their respective areas.

The tech forums will be held from January 5 to 6, with four sessions covering topics including AI, home appliances and design. More information about The First Look 2026 will be revealed on Samsung Newsroom.

Macro Media, Granules India, Oriana, Sudhakar PVC and Truzon Solar Register Victories

Hyderabad, Dec 23: The FTCCI–NMDC President’s Cup 2025, an exclusive cricket league for industrial workers, is currently underway with exciting matches played over the weekend.

In one of the matches held on Saturday, Macro Media Digital Imaging Private Limited faced Sudhakar PVC Products Pvt Ltd. Although Sudhakar PVC scored 204/4 in 20 overs and Macro Media Fusion were bowled out for 136 in 15.4 overs, Macro Media were declared winners as per the tournament rules.

In other Saturday matches, Granules India Ltd registered a convincing eight-wicket victory over MPL Group, scoring 114/2 in 7.1 overs in reply to MPL’s 110 all out in 20 overs.

Oriana LnCo Advisors LLP also secured a comfortable six-wicket win against Truzon Solar, scoring 83/4 in 17 overs, while Truzon Solar were bowled out for 82 in 14.4 overs.

On Sunday, three more matches were played with Sudhakar PVC, Oriana LnCo Advisors, and Truzon Solar emerging victorious.

Sudhakar PVC posted an imposing 228/4 in 20 overs, restricting MPL Group to 118 all out in 16.2 overs.

Oriana LnCo Advisors scored 134/9 in 24 overs, while ProArch managed 98/9 in their allotted 20 overs.

In the third match of the day, Truzon Solar defeated NMDC by six wickets. NMDC scored 148/8 in 20 overs, and Truzon Solar successfully chased the target, scoring 149/4 in 18.2 overs.

The league features eight teams competing in a five-day Round Robin format, with matches scheduled only on weekends across three weekends. The semi-finals and finals will be held on December 28.

The tournament is organised by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), a 108-year-old organisation and one of India’s most vibrant regional chambers. The President’s Cup, now in its second edition, was launched last year as the first-ever cricket league exclusively for the industrial workforce.

Highlighting the significance of the tournament, Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI, said that an Industrial Cricket League plays a vital role in strengthening camaraderie among companies and creating a collaborative platform beyond boardrooms.

“It promotes employee wellness, leadership, team spirit, and work–life balance—essential in today’s high-pressure corporate environment. Such initiatives help reduce stress, improve productivity, and foster a strong sense of belonging. Sports have the power to unite, showcasing the human side of industries where teamwork and fair play rise above competition,” he said.

Mr Ravi Kumar added that the response to the league has been overwhelming. “Due to time constraints, participation was limited to eight teams this year. In the coming years, we plan to expand the tournament to 12 teams.”

The participating teams in the FTCCI–NMDC President’s Cup 2025 include NMDC Limited and MPL Group. Other teams taking part are Macro Media Digital Imaging Private Limited and Sudhakar PVC Products Pvt Ltd.

Also competing in the tournament are Oriana Solar Energy Private Ltd (by Lano Advisors LLP) and ProArch – IT Consulting Services. The remaining teams in the league are Truzon Solar (by Suntek) and Granules India Ltd.

Mumbai, Dec 23:- India’s real estate sector is expected to reach an unprecedented milestone in 2025, with institutional investments soaring to an estimated USD 10.4 billion across 77 transactions, marking the second consecutive year of record-breaking performance. This figure stands as the highest on record and represents a 17% increase from the previous year’s exceptional performance of USD 8.9 billion.

The sustained momentum demonstrates the resilience and attractiveness of India’s real estate market to institutional investors. This consecutive record-setting performance positions India’s real estate market as one of the most dynamic and rapidly evolving investment landscapes in the Asia-Pacific region, signalling robust opportunities for continued institutional participation and market expansion.

Beyond immediate transactions, 2025 witnessed significant platform commitments totalling USD 11.43 billion, designed for gradual deployment over the next 3-7 years. Majority of the commitment amount USD 11 billion stems from a single platform deal established by Digital Connexion, a strategic joint venture comprising Reliance Industries Ltd., Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. and Digital Realty Trust Inc for data centres. The remaining commitments are allocated toward upcoming commercial and residential development projects.

“Institutional investment in real estate is poised to drive exceptional performance in 2025, with an estimated USD 10.4 billion in capital deployed across 77 transactions a historic achievement that builds on our record-breaking momentum from 2024. What makes this milestone particularly significant is the fundamental transformation we are witnessing in our capital markets ecosystem. For the first time since 2014, domestic institutional investors have captured a commanding 52% market share. Also, the two-fold increase in core asset acquisitions in 2025 demonstrates that investors are not just betting on India’s growth story, but are actively building long-term wealth through our stabilized, income-generating properties. This convergence of domestic institutional strength and sustained foreign confidence creates an unprecedented foundation for continued market expansion” said Lata Pillai, Senior Managing Director & Head of Capital Markets, India, JLL.

Domestic Capital Leads Historic Transformation in India’s Real Estate Investment Market

The investment landscape underwent a pivotal shift in 2025, with domestic institutional investors capturing a commanding 52% market share the first-time domestic capital has led since 2014. This marks a significant reversal from the 2015-2024 period when foreign institutional investors dominated, and contrasts with the post-GFC era (2010-2014) when opportunistic domestic funds initially drove market activity. Indian REITs and Infrastructure Investment Trusts (InvITs) have emerged as the primary catalysts behind this transformation, deploying USD 2.5 billion representing 56% of core asset acquisitions. Indian private equity players have contributed additional momentum, accounting for 30% of total domestic capital deployment. This trend reflects the maturation of India’s REIT market and growing institutional comfort with sophisticated real estate investment vehicles.

Sustained Foreign Investment Confidence Despite Shifting Dynamics

While foreign institutional investment declined as a percentage of total activity, absolute foreign capital deployment increased 18% year-over-year, demonstrating continued confidence in Indian real estate fundamentals. Americas-based investors showed particularly robust commitment, increasing their investment from USD 1.6 billion in 2024 to USD 2.6 billion in 2025—a substantial 63% year-over-year growth.

Equity investments continue to dominate institutional capital deployment strategies, commanding 83% of total investment volume. This overwhelming preference for equity structures reflects mature institutional investment approaches focused on long-term wealth creation rather than leveraged return enhancement, positioning investors to capitalize on India’s real estate growth trajectory while maintaining conservative risk profiles.

Market Dynamics Reveal Strategic Investment Preferences and Geographic Focus

India’s institutional real estate investment market demonstrates sophisticated capital allocation strategies, with equity investments commanding a substantial 83% share of total investment volume. This overwhelming preference for equity structures reflects mature institutional investment approaches focused on long-term wealth creation rather than leveraged return enhancement, positioning investors to capitalize on India’s real estate growth trajectory while maintaining conservative risk profiles.

The office sector has reasserted its dominance in institutional investments, capturing a commanding 58% market share in 2025. This represents a significant recovery from 2024, when the residential sector led with 45% share, followed by office at 28%. As the market matures, investment horizons are expanding beyond traditional sectors, with emerging asset classes including data centers, student housing, life sciences, and healthcare gaining traction, reflecting investors’ appetite for diversification and alignment with evolving market dynamics.

Bengaluru emerges as dominant investment destination. The institutional investment landscape demonstrates clear geographic preferences, with Bengaluru capturing 29% of total institutional deployment in 2025. This leadership position reflects the city’s status as India’s technology capital and its robust commercial real estate fundamentals. Mumbai-MMR, the financial capital, maintains strong institutional appeal, driven by corporate headquarters concentration and premium commercial assets. Notably, Tier 2 cities received USD 175 million in deployment, representing 2% of total investments. While modest, this signals institutional willingness to explore emerging markets for value-add opportunities and portfolio diversification, indicating the broadening scope of India’s institutional real estate investment landscape.

“2025 marked a pivotal transformation in India’s real estate investment landscape, with office properties reclaiming their position as the institutional capital magnet, attracting USD 6 billion through strategic investments that more than doubled from the previous year. Notably, two-thirds of these investments were concentrated in prime core office properties, demonstrating institutional preference for stabilized, income-generating assets in established commercial markets. Simultaneously, we observed a strategic recalibration in the residential sector, where international confidence was reinforced by a major global investor’s strategic partnership with a leading domestic developer, signalling a maturation toward equity-centric investment approaches across both sectors. This shift reflects institutional investors’ growing confidence in India’s commercial real estate fundamentals and marks the emergence of a more sophisticated, equity-driven investment ecosystem.” said Dr. Samantak Das, Chief Economist and Head of Research and REIS, India, JLL.

As the real estate market matures, investment horizons are expanding beyond traditional sectors. Emerging asset classes such as, data centers, student housing, life sciences and healthcare are gaining traction, reflecting investors’ appetite for diversification and alignment with evolving market dynamics. The largest platform commitment of 2025 was established through a USD 11.3 bn joint venture comprising Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Industries Ltd., Brookfield Asset Management Ltd., and Digital Realty Trust Inc for data centres., highlighting the significant investment activity in the digital infrastructure sector.

Looking ahead to 2026, the Indian real estate market is poised for further growth and diversification

The consecutive record-breaking performance over 2024-2025 demonstrates the market’s capacity to maintain upward momentum while evolving structurally. This trajectory positions India as a premier destination for institutional capital in the Asia-Pacific region.

The fundamental shift toward domestic capital leadership, signals a permanent transformation rather than a cyclical trend. The maturation from opportunistic post-GFC strategies to sophisticated, long-term wealth creation approaches through REITs and InvITs indicates that India’s real estate capital markets have reached institutional-grade sophistication. This evolution is expected to accelerate as the REIT ecosystem expands and institutional investors develop greater familiarity with real estate investment vehicles. The sustained foreign interest, combined with domestic capital leadership, creates a balanced and resilient investment ecosystem.

India’s institutional real estate investment market is positioned for continued expansion, supported by economic resilience, market transparency improvements, and sophisticated capital allocation strategies. The foundation established in 2024-2025 creates a platform for India to emerge as one of the world’s most attractive institutional real estate investment markets over the next investment cycle. The institutional investment outlook in the Indian real estate sector has displayed encouraging trends in recent years and is anticipated to maintain its strength in the foreseeable future.

Mumbai,  Dec 23: Target Learning Ventures Pvt. Ltd., a leading publishing house and trusted provider of educational resources, recently hosted a highly engaging webinar featuring Mrs. Spruha Suresh Indu, a senior teacher from Chembur Education Society, Chembur, Mumbai recognized by NCERT. The webinar focused on using Indian traditional games to teach maths and create a positive, maths-friendly learning environment for children. Mrs. Indu shared her valuable insights and practical strategies for making maths enjoyable and accessible for young learners, equipping teachers, parents, and educational enthusiasts with creative approaches to enhance the maths learning experience.

During the webinar, Mrs. Indu introduced several innovative approaches to teaching maths, focusing on the importance of creating an environment where children feel encouraged and not pressured. She shared her experiences and ideas on using educational games like snakes and ladders, carrom and homemaking play, visuals, and concrete objects to make maths more engaging. She also emphasized the significance of using small, achievable tasks to help children gain confidence in their mathematical abilities.

“One of the key elements in teaching maths is to make it fun and interactive,” Mrs. Spruha Suresh Indu, a senior teacher, Chembur Education Society, said during the session. “When we incorporate games and concrete materials like measuring tapes or counting objects, we help children relate to maths in a way that feels more natural and enjoyable.”

Mrs. Indu also introduced the use of traditional Indian board games as tools for enhancing maths learning. These games not only promote hands-on learning but also foster interpersonal connections among students, a vital component often missing in today’s digital world. She stressed the value of such games in building foundational skills in a friendly environment.

The session successfully sparked a lively discussion on how these strategies can be implemented in schools, including what kinds of games can be used to teach teenagers and whether there are suitable games for children with special needs. It also opened up opportunities for future collaborations aimed at developing creative and effective educational content.

Dilip Gangaramani, Founder Director and CEO of Target Learning Ventures, praised Mrs. Indu for her impactful session, noting;

“We are incredibly grateful to Mrs. Indu for sharing her vast knowledge and helping to shift the narrative around teaching maths. Her approach resonates with our vision to create a meaningful and nurturing learning environment for children emphasizing joy, confidence, and collaboration. Moreover, her strategies align with the National Education Policy’s emphasis on play-based learning, which encourages the use of games and hands-on activities to foster deeper learning.”

The webinar concluded with an inspiring discussion on the importance of collaboration in developing educational resources, with a focus on making learning fun, accessible, and rewarding for every child.

Vijayawada, Dec 23: The Government of Andhra Pradesh has announced Avakai: Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature, a distinctive public cultural initiative that marks a new chapter for cinema and literary festivals in India. Moving beyond conventional indoor formats, Avakai unfolds across the Krishna riverfront at Punnami Ghat and Bhavani Island, transforming public spaces into sites of cultural exchange and creative dialogue. With a strong focus on Telugu cinema and literature, the festival responds to the growing national interest in regional storytelling while addressing the absence of a dedicated platform of this scale and ambition. Anchored in the cultural landscape of Amaravati–Vijayawada, Avakai positions the region as a contemporary cultural capital while linking heritage, tourism and public participation. Envisioned under the vision of Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, organised by the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, and produced by Teamwork Arts, the Festival introduces a format new to the state, combining cinema, literature and the performing arts through performances, conversations, workshops and immersive experiences, making Avakai a nationally significant cultural development.

Over three days, Avakai will present a multidisciplinary programme spanning cinema, literature, poetry, music, dance, theatre and cultural conversations. A strong focus on Telugu cinema will explore its literary roots, narrative traditions and contemporary evolution through curated discussions and screenings. The programme includes panel discussions, poetry readings and mushaira sessions in Telugu and Urdu, workshops on theatre, dance, puppetry and music, along with evening performances across classical, folk, contemporary and cinematic forms. Visitors will also experience heritage trails, scenic ghat ferry rides, interactive installations and curated culinary experiences.

The festival opens with Prarambhotsavam, the ceremonial inauguration graced by Hon’ble Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Shri Kandula Durgesh, Ambassador of the European Union to India, H. E. Herve Delphin, and Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, Sanjoy K. Roy, underscoring Avakai’s ambition to position Andhra Pradesh as a global cultural destination. Opening performances include Her Frames, Her Fire by Omaggio Performing Company, rooted in Andhra’s Kuchipudi legacy, followed by The Music, Masti and the Magic, a musical created exclusively for Avakai, directed by Sanjoy K. Roy and choreographed by Gilles Chuyen, blending cinematic storytelling with iconic Telugu compositions.

The programme further features Katha Kalakshepam by StoryHour UK, rooted in Telugu folklore, Rasa United by Vanashree Rao presenting Kuchipudi dance theatre, Mehfil e Sukhan, a classical Urdu mushaira curated by Rakhshanda Jalil featuring leading contemporary poets including Azhar Iqbal, Iqbal Ashhar, Khushbir Singh Shaad, Dr Nusrat Mehdi, Dr Mrunalini, Popular Meruthi, Saif Nizami and Sardar Saleem, and Aaj Rang Hai, a special collaboration featuring the legendary Nizami Bandhu with the Anirudh Varma Collective. Hands-on workshops with master practitioners, including Tuhon Aditya Roy, Nathoo Lal Solanki, Shameem and Gilles Chuyen, encourage learning and cultural exchange, while live performances by Javed Ali, Chowraasta, and Jammers add a major musical highlight.

The festival will also host a series of thought-provoking conversations and sessions with leading voices from cinema, literature and journalism. Pure Evil: Anti Heroes of Cinema features bestselling crime writer S. Hussain Zaidi, acclaimed filmmaker Sudhir Mishra and Yandamuri Veerendranath, moderated by senior journalist Balaji Vittal, exploring the psychology and cultural relevance of anti heroes in Indian cinema. The programme also includes Abhilasha- From Novel to Screen, featuring filmmaker A. K. Reddy and Yandamuri Veerendranath, examining storytelling, creativity and purpose across cinema and literature, alongside other discussions on mythology, music, poetry and contemporary narratives.

Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu,  CM of Andhra Pradesh, said,

“Andhra Pradesh is proud to present Avakai, a festival that celebrates our rich cultural heritage through literature, cinema and the performing arts, bringing artists and audiences together on the banks of the river Krishna, creating a vibrant space for creativity and learning. Avakai strengthens Vijayawada and Andhra Pradesh’s position as a primary destination for the arts and reflects the state’s commitment to fostering innovation, inclusivity and public engagement across all forms of cultural expression.”

Shri Kandula Durgesh, Minister for Tourism and Culture, Andhra Pradesh, said,

“Avakai reflects our vision to position culture as a strong pillar of tourism and public engagement in Andhra Pradesh. By bringing together cinema, literature, music and performance on a single platform, the festival celebrates the depth of our artistic traditions while embracing contemporary creative expression. It strengthens Vijayawada’s emergence as a cultural destination and reinforces our commitment to promoting cultural tourism and expanding public access to arts and culture across the state.”

Shri Ajay Jain, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Tourism and Culture, said,

“Avakai has been structured as a comprehensive cultural initiative that integrates multiple art forms with public spaces and community participation. Spread across prominent riverfront locations, the programme brings together dialogue, performance and learning in an inclusive format. Such initiatives are vital for preserving cultural heritage while enabling contemporary creativity and building a sustainable cultural ecosystem aligned with long-term tourism and creative economy goals.”

Smt. Amrapali Kata, IAS, Chief Executive Officer, Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority, said,

“Avakai has been designed to showcase Andhra Pradesh’s cultural and creative strengths through a multidisciplinary programme spanning cinema, literature and the performing arts. The Festival presents the state’s cultural narrative within a distinctive riverfront setting while encouraging engagement from diverse audiences. It supports tourism development by offering cultural experiences rooted in local traditions and relevant to present-day audiences.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts,

,“Avakai is envisioned as a public cultural platform that brings together ideas, stories and performances rooted in the region while remaining open to diverse creative voices. The festival creates a space for meaningful exchange between artists and audiences, celebrating cinema, literature and the performing arts within a setting that reflects the cultural vitality of Andhra Pradesh.”

Syed Shams Jawaid, Vice President, Teamwork Arts and Festival Producer, said,

“We are grateful for the vision and support extended by the Government of Andhra Pradesh in bringing Avakai to life. Working closely with the Andhra Pradesh Tourism Authority and various government departments has enabled the creation of a thoughtfully curated cultural platform. The Festival brings together cinema, literature and the performing arts while celebrating storytelling traditions and contemporary creative practices.”