Category business

Chennai, Jan 09: Marking its first Pongal celebration since opening, Wonderla Chennai is set to welcome the harvest festival with a vibrant, immersive experience that brings together tradition, entertainment, and family celebration. From January 10 to 18, 2026, the park will transform into a festive destination, offering guests a joyful blend of thrilling rides, cultural performances, festive décor, and specially curated seasonal experiences inspired by the spirit of Pongal.

Wonderla Chennai’s Pongal celebrations bring alive the values of gratitude, togetherness, and new beginnings that define the festival. Visitors can enjoy unlimited access to the park’s signature rides along with live folk performances showcasing Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage, creating a lively, family-friendly atmosphere throughout the day.

Speaking on the occasion, Dheeran Choudhary, Chief Operating Officer, Wonderla Holidays Ltd., said, “Pongal is a festival that celebrates gratitude, community, and shared joy. As this is Wonderla Chennai’s first Pongal, our focus has been on creating an experience that families can truly enjoy together — one that blends cultural traditions with high-energy entertainment. We wanted to offer a celebration that feels inclusive, festive, and memorable for our guests.”

To make the celebrations more accessible, Wonderla Chennai is also offering a special ‘Harvest Fun this Pongal’ offer, providing 20% off on park tickets with a festive buffet, available exclusively through online bookings during the festive period.

Complementing the overall experience, the park will feature Pongal-inspired culinary offerings, including a themed unlimited buffet and seasonal specials reflecting regional flavours. Guests can look forward to traditional favourites such as Ven Pongal and Sakkarai Pongal, along with curated Pongal thalis, breakfast combos, and festive beverage options, adding a flavourful dimension to the celebrations.

With its first Pongal celebrations, Wonderla Chennai continues to strengthen its positioning as a preferred festive and leisure destination in Tamil Nadu, offering immersive experiences that bring people together through culture, entertainment, and shared moments of joy.

Bengaluru, Jan 09: BBC Media Action has launched ‘Recycle Resolutions’, a New Year campaign under its ongoing Invaluables initiative, reminding Bengalureans that the best resolutions are the ones that already work. Building on proven habits from past Invaluables campaigns, it urges citizens to renew and continue three simple actions that improve recyclability and respect waste pickers’ dignity— turning tested habits into lasting pledges for 2026.

‘Recycle Resolutions’ taps into the New Year mood by reminding citizens that they don’t need new pledges when three existing habits already work—Wash the Dabba, Got Old Clothes, and Mark It Red, bringing them together under one simple, collective reminder. By framing these proven behaviours as renewed New Year promises, the campaign aims to keep change going well beyond the festive season, showing how small, consistent actions at home directly influence the safety and dignity of informal waste pickers, also known as Invaluable Recyclers. This reminder builds on the success from earlier initiatives under #Invaluables, demonstrating that these everyday habits are worth carrying forward. This includes:

• Wash the Dabba: A simple act – washing take-away boxes before disposal – was adopted by 60% of those exposed to the campaign (impact evaluation research). Dry Waste Collection Centres (DWCCs) also reported visibly cleaner containers across the city.
• Got Old Clothes?: The campaign encouraged Bengalureans to discard old clothes more responsibly by washing them and handing them over to waste pickers at nearby DWCCs. It helped collect 1.8 tonnes of garments across 16 centres in a month, nearly double the usual volume.
• Mark It Red: The latest campaign urges the public to safely dispose of sanitary and diaper waste by wrapping it and marking the package with a red “X”. It saw 41% of exposed audience beginning to wrap sanitary and hazardous waste in paper and marking it with a red cross.

The positive results underscore why renewing such habits matters, and why Recycle Resolutions is positioned as a timely reminder to carry them forward.

Invaluables is an initiative of BBC Media Action under Saamuhika Shakti, a collective impact effort where 12 partners have joined forces to enable waste pickers to lead secure and dignified lives with greater agency.

The latest campaign has garnered strong support from leading influencers and prominent Bengalureans. Notable voices amplifying the campaign include city-based comedian @aiyyoshraddha, musician Vasu Dixit, actor Bhoomi Shetty, and plogging champion @PlogRaja. Influencers such as Shiva Rai, Pinky Preet, and Hema Gayathri, among many others, are actively spreading the message of ‘Recycle Resolutions’.

Musician Vasu Dixit, a long-term supporter of #Invaluables said, “Real change doesn’t need grand gestures, it’s in the small, daily acts. When we handle our waste responsibly, we make the work of our waste pickers safer and more dignified. ‘Recycle Resolutions’ is a reminder that these simple habits already work and that’s reason enough to keep them going.” 

Comedian Aiyyo Shraddha who has been associated with the campaign since 2021 added, “Most resolutions fizzle out by February. But these? They’re simple. Wash your dabba, send old clothes to dry waste centres, and help make waste pickers’ jobs safer and dignified. ‘Recycle Resolutions’ is a kind of promise to our environmental stewards. We must actually keep these promises!” 

Speaking about the launch, Soma Katiyar, Executive Creative Director, India, BBC Media Action said, “The New Year gives us a powerful behavioural nudge to ‘recycle’ these actions as resolutions—so they don’t fade as campaign noise but embed as everyday practice. Our creative insight was clear: people don’t need brand-new habits; just familiar ones amplified at the right cultural moment. That’s where real behaviour change happens—through simple, dignifying routines that quietly make the city safer for our Invaluable Recyclers.” 

Highlighting the broader significance, Varinder Kaur Gambhir, Country Director, India, BBC Media Action said, “Invaluables has always been about helping citizens see the people behind our waste system and act with care. This final phase brings together everything we have learned so far, backed by evidence and impact, and invites Bengalureans to carry these behaviours forward as a shared responsibility towards our waste pickers.” 

This week, Recycle Resolutions was also rolled out across outdoor platforms, including select bus shelters in prominent city areas and Namma Metro, ensuring visibility and reach among daily commuters. It will soon be released on digital platforms as well in several apartments in the city.

BNW Developments Redefines Employee Recognition in the UAE: Introduces Homeownership Reward Programme For Top Sales Employees

Dubai, UAE,  Jan 09:  In a landmark leadership initiative that sets a new benchmark for corporate culture in the UAE’s real estate sector, Ankur Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman of BNW Developments, has introduced a first-of-its-kind Homeownership Reward Programme, rewarding the company’s top-performing sales professionals with branded apartments at RAK Central, reinforcing BNW’s leadership philosophy. Under this unprecedented programme, the company has rewarded Akshay Gupta, Vice President – Sales; Ayush Pandey, Sales Director; and Karan Kohli, Sales Manager for their exceptional performance, consistency and long-term contribution to the company’s growth journey.

A home is not just a structure of walls and windows. It is where dreams begin, families grow, milestones are celebrated and life truly unfolds. While most developers reward performance through bonuses and short-term incentives, Ankur Aggarwal has redefined recognition by designing a long-term, asset-based reward model that turns high performers into homeowners, reflecting his belief that those who help build dreams deserve to live them too. 

The Homeownership Reward Programme has been conceptualised and designed by Ankur Aggarwal as part of BNW’s people-first leadership framework, where employee wellbeing, long-term loyalty and generational security are treated as strategic pillars of the company’s success. It is a life-changing gesture that goes beyond conventional recognition programs.

Ankur Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman of BNW Developments, said,

“At BNW, we have always believed that our people are our greatest investment. Projects can be replicated; markets can change, but culture defines who you really are. Gifting homes to our top performers is our way of saying that their stability, their families, and their futures matter to us just as much as balance sheets and sales figures. When your people grow with you, that is when a company truly becomes a legacy.”

Dr. Vivek Anand Oberoi, Co-Founder and Managing Director of BNW Developments, said,

“This initiative extends beyond recognition; it marks a meaningful, life-changing chapter. When you place house keys in someone’s hands, you are not just recognising numbers on a performance sheet, you are giving them security, dignity and a sense of belonging. For us, this is how leadership at BNW creates impact beyond the boardroom.”

Akshay Gupta, Assistant Vice President, Sales at BNW Developments, said,

“I am grateful to Mr. Ankur Aggarwal for believing in me and for giving me opportunities that have shaped my journey. I have been associated with Mr. Aggarwal since our brokerage days, and the biggest lesson I have learnt from him is to always believe in yourself, take bold steps and pursue your goals relentlessly. This moment reinforces the belief that with the right mentorship and mindset, nothing is impossible.”

Ayush Pandey, Sales Director at BNW Developments, said,

“This moment is emotional for me. The last three years at BNW have been life-changing, both professionally and personally. This organisation has given me opportunities I once only dreamed of. I was able to buy a home for my parents in India, and owning a home in the UAE was my next big dream, a dream that has now become a reality. I will always be grateful to BNW for this incredible journey.”

Karan Kohli, Sales Manager at BNW Developments, said,

“I am incredibly overwhelmed and thankful for this recognition. I never imagined a moment like this, and receiving my very first home ever makes it really personal and unforgettable. This milestone will stay with me forever.”

The recipients were selected based on merit, consistency and long-term contribution, reflecting BNW’s commitment to structured, policy-driven recognition.

With this milestone, BNW further strengthens its position as one of the most employee-centric developers in the region, raising the standard for what it truly means to care for people behind the brand.

 Jan 9: Rupee112, a digital lending platform focused on providing instant and short-term credit solutions to India’s working professionals, hosted its year-end celebration titled “Year of Wins: 2025 Wrap Party,” commemorating a year of strong execution, platform growth, and team-led success while ushering in the New Year.

Held on December 25 at A Dot by GNH, the celebration brought together Rupee112’s leadership and employees to reflect on the company’s progress through 2025, a year marked by operational milestones, deeper customer engagement, and a sharper focus on responsible, tech-enabled lending. The evening served as a tribute to the collective efforts that powered Rupee112’s momentum in a competitive digital lending ecosystem.

A key highlight of the event was a dedicated awards ceremony that honoured high-performing team members for their exceptional contributions across business operations, technology, risk, and customer experience. The recognition reinforced Rupee112’s people-first culture and its belief that sustainable growth is driven by strong ownership and execution at every level.

Ms. Twinkle Singh, Assistant Brand Manager of Rupee112, highlighted,

“2025 has been a year of meaningful wins for Rupee112. From strengthening our technology backbone to building greater trust with our customers, the progress we’ve made is a direct result of our team’s commitment and resilience. This wrap party is our way of celebrating those efforts and setting the tone for another year of disciplined growth and innovation.”

The celebration also featured high-energy musical performances by Sanam Singh, Ajay Hooda, Pranjal Dahiya, and Aman Jaji, adding to the festive spirit of the evening. Influencer appearances by Anamika Bawa and Miss Princy further amplified the celebration, making it a vibrant mix of recognition, entertainment, and camaraderie.

As Rupee112 steps into the New Year, the “Year of Wins” wrap party marked both a moment of reflection on the company’s 2025 journey and a reaffirmation of its mission to make short-term credit more accessible, transparent, and efficient for India’s growing workforce.

Jan 9: Designed as a concrete response to a new cyber era, Almond’s Resilience Operation Center embodies a pioneering approach: a unified, continuous and end-to-end governance of operational resilience, covering prevention, detection, incident response and information system recovery.

Almond’s ROC is built on four core pillars. Cyber Threat Intelligence  enables threat anticipation and strategic foresight. The Vulnerability Operation Center  is responsible for identifying vulnerabilities and reducing the attack surface. The Security Operation Center  ensures 24/7 monitoring, detection and response to cyberattacks, including the IT and operational corrective actions required to harden environments. Finally, the Computer Emergency Response Team conducts investigations, contains attacker progression, eradicates residual traces within systems, and supports the return to normal operations, through to controlled and secure reconstruction of information systems. ROC experts can intervene at every stage to advise and support clients over the long term.

The added value of the Almond ROC lies in its unified management model, integrated tooling, and continuous innovation across these capabilities, operated without silos and fully dedicated to delivering comprehensive operational resilience.

This integrated value chain goes beyond crisis management: the reconstruction phase enables organizations to rebuild more robust information systems, leveraging structured remediation capabilities and architectural redesign approaches that embed security by design from the outset.

Leadership of the Resilience Operation Center has been entrusted to Alexandre Faraino and Marine Pelé, who together bring nearly twenty years of experience in cybersecurity and IT infrastructure resilience. Respectively Deputy Director of SOC/CERT/CTI activities and Director of Managed Services and Cloud activities at Almond for nearly a decade, they now head the ROC, whose expertise is delivered by more than 120 professionals and recognized for its innovative tooling, orchestration and automation capabilities, complementary service portfolio, and 24/7 operations.

The creation of the ROC reflects a profound shift in cybersecurity challenges. First, organizational strength is no longer measured by invulnerability, but by the ability to absorb shocks, sustain critical operations and recover rapidly. Second, the elimination of silos has become a prerequisite for performance: anticipating, detecting, responding and rebuilding require an integrated approach encompassing governance, processes, culture and partners. Finally, while resilience is increasingly driven by regulatory requirements that mandate demonstrable capabilities to withstand, respond and recover, it is also a powerful lever for competitiveness and trust.

“In today’s digital economy, strength no longer lies in invulnerability, but in resilience  the ability to transform uncertainty into continuity. This is an absolutely vital challenge for organizations. The launch of the Almond ROC addresses this evolution in cybersecurity challenges and delivers a response to our clients’ needs through innovation, expertise and multidisciplinary capabilities. We aim to stand alongside them in both good times and difficult moments, because what matters today is not the shock itself, but how the organization absorbs it.”

CHAMP Cargosystems, a SITA Group company, today announced the appointment of Manuel Galindo as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately, marking the beginning of an important new chapter in the company’s strategic evolution.

Manuel Galindo is a seasoned SaaS leader with deep expertise in air cargo and logistics technology. He co-founded WebCargo, growing it into the industry’s leading digital platform for air cargo rate management and digital quoting prior to its acquisition by Freightos in 2016. Following the acquisition, Manuel continued to lead WebCargo as CEO, driving the platform’s expansion into deeper air-cargo digitalization and closer airline-forwarder integration. Under his leadership, WebCargo expanded beyond rate management into ebooking, becoming the leading solution for airline-forwarder digital bookings globally. During this period, Manuel also served as part of Freightos’ executive leadership team, later taking on the role of Chief Revenue Officer, where he oversaw the global commercial strategy at the group level.

As CEO of CHAMP, Manuel brings a long-term, platform-driven perspective focused on addressing the evolving needs of the air cargo market. His strategic priorities include strengthening the CHAMP neo Platform, improving interoperability across airline and partner systems, and supporting customers as air cargo continues to move toward more standardized, digital, and data-driven operations. Under his leadership, CHAMP aims to reinforce its role as a trusted, mission-critical technology partner for the global air cargo ecosystem.

David Lavorel, CEO of SITA Group, said:

 “Manuel steps into the role at a pivotal moment for the air cargo industry. With IATA forecasting global air cargo demand to grow by 2.6% in 2026, reaching about 71.6 million tons vs 70 million in 2025, the pressure on airlines, handlers, and forwarders to scale efficiently has never been greater. As digitalization accelerates and operational complexity increases, the industry is relying more than ever on robust, flexible, and seamlessly connected platforms to keep global supply chains moving. Together with the CHAMP leadership team, Manuel is well-positioned to guide the organisation through its next stage of growth and to support the industry as it navigates rising digital, operational, and scale demands.”

Manuel Galindo, CEO at CHAMP, commented:

 “I look forward to building on the strong strategic foundation Chris has laid. As I step into this role, my focus is to reinforce CHAMP’s position as a highly trusted, mission-critical technology partner for the global air cargo community. Our industry is evolving rapidly, and we are committed to delivering the resilient, interoperable, and forward-looking solutions our customers need to thrive in this new digital era.”

Manuel Galindo succeeds Chris McDermott, who has served as CEO since October 2020 during a period of significant strategic alignment and transformation.

“India’s plastic challenge cannot be solved through fragmented efforts. It requires scale, technology, and intent. At Avro, we have invested years of research to build a system that converts complex plastic waste into valuable raw material. Our vision goes beyond recycling—we are building a nationwide ecosystem that transforms waste into opportunity while protecting our planet.”

Hyderabad, Jan 9: AU Small Finance Bank, India’s largest small finance bank and the first in a decade to receive RBI’s in-principle approval for transitioning into a Universal Bank, is celebrating Sankranti across Telangana with a curated range of festive offers designed to make celebrations more rewarding for customers across the state.

As families across Telangana come together to celebrate the harvest festival with traditions such as kite flying, bonfires, and sharing festive sweets, AU Small Finance Bank is enhancing the festive spirit with exclusive benefits across fashion, electronics, travel, dining, jewellery, and entertainment.

Festive Shopping & Lifestyle Offers for Telangana Customers:

Fashion & Groceries:
Special offers on leading fashion and grocery platforms including AJIO, Spykar, Flipkart Wholesale, and Instamart.

Electronics:
Attractive deals on mobiles and electronics at Croma.

Travel:
Festive offers on flights, holiday bookings, and bus tickets through popular travel platforms such as EaseMyTrip, MakeMyTrip, Adani One, Paytm Flights, ixigo, Yatra, and Abhibus.

Dining & Entertainment:
Exclusive benefits on food delivery, dining experiences, and movie tickets via platforms including District by Zomato, Swiggy, Zomato, and BookMyShow.

Jewellery:
Festive offers on gold, diamond, studded, and silver jewellery at Kalyan Jewellers and GIVA.

These festive offers are available for a limited period during the Sankranti celebrations and are applicable on select AU Credit and Debit Cards, with applicability varying by card type. For complete offer details and terms & conditions, customers can visit offers.au.bank.in or explore the AU 0101 App.

Commenting on the initiative, Uttam Tibrewal, Executive Director & Deputy CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said,

“Sankranti is a time of optimism, renewal, and celebration for families across Telangana. We are delighted to bring festive joy to our customers through thoughtfully curated offers that enhance everyday spending. As AU Small Finance Bank prepares for its next phase of growth as a Universal Bank, our focus remains on building deeper customer relationships by delivering value beyond banking.”

By- Rajavelu NK, CEO-Crop Protection Business, Godrej Agrovet Ltd

India’s crop protection landscape has fundamentally shifted—from protecting yields to securing food security amid climate volatility, labour scarcity, and fragmented landholdings. The sector has pivoted decisively toward precision-driven resilience, establishing India as a global leader in both agrochemical consumption and exports.In 2025, this transformation accelerated. Extreme climate events intensified pest pressures and resistance risks, compelling farmers toward integrated pest management and precision spraying. The Drone Didi initiative brought targeted crop protection mainstream through 15,000 women’s self-help groups, while 20 percent of smallholders adopted AI-driven pest advisories. These shifts mark a critical transition: from reactive protection to predictive intelligence.

Climate Volatility Is Driving Structural Change

The dynamics of weeds and pests are being drastically changed by climate change. Heat stress, constant humidity, and erratic rainfall are making traditional control techniques useless. Farmers who use pesticides more frequently run the risk of experiencing diminishing returns and the risk of triggering pesticide resistance a vicious cycle that demands a new approach. Crop protection must now integrate into broader adaptive systems: crop rotation, integrated pest management, and precision application the right product, at the right dose, in the right place.

Smallholders Will Determine Success

India’s smallholder farmers the agricultural backbone operate with limited capital and minimal extension support. A digital layer is emerging: 60-70 percent access weather and pest alerts via SMS, WhatsApp, and vernacular apps, though only 20 percent use AI platforms. These tools guide critical decisions from sowing to spray schedules. Innovation extends beyond molecules. Crop-specific advisory, bundled solutions, regional-language support, and practical stewardship proper dosage, protective equipment, storage matter equally. Digital channels and field demonstrations enable correct, safe application.

Counterfeits Undermine Trust and Ecosystems

Counterfeit and substandard pesticides pose a corrosive threat. An estimated 25 percent of India’s pesticide market is compromised by fakes, eroding farmer confidence, distorting markets, and introducing environmental risks. The solution requires synergy: government enforcement, retail accountability, packaging traceability, and farmer education working in concert.

The Future: Intelligence-Led Integration

Innovation is reshaping application methods. Government approval of drone spraying through mechanization schemes marks a watershed moment. Drones deliver precision correct dose, correct timing, and correct placement reducing water usage and operator exposure. Simultaneously, AI-powered pest monitoring and satellite-based advisories shift spraying from reaction to prediction. The National Pest Surveillance framework, powered by machine learning, exemplifies this evolution.

Public-private partnerships are accelerating this transition across drone adoption, pest surveillance, and counterfeit control. The recognition is clear: agricultural challenges transcend individual stakeholders.

India’s crop protection story is at an inflection point. Climate stress, resistance risks, and smallholder constraints are formidable. Yet science, technology, regulation, and farmer-centric engagement offer a viable path forward. Success in 2026 will not be measured by volume applied but by resilience built. Precision, integration, and education anchored by strong enforcement and innovation will determine whether India protects its crops while preserving soils, ecosystems, and farmer livelihoods for decades to come.

Vijayawada, Jan 09: The banks of the Krishna River came alive today as Avakai Amaravati Festival of Cinema, Culture and Literature officially opened at Punnami Ghat, Vijayawada. The festival, from January 8th to 10th, is a unique public celebration bringing together cinema, literature, music, dance, theatre, and cultural dialogue on an immersive Krishna riverfront at Vijaywada. Thousands of attendees experienced a vivid tapestry of tradition, innovation, and artistic excellence during the first day of festivities.

The opening ceremony commenced with a grand procession of giant puppets and Teen Maar drummers, followed by a high-energy performance by the band Jammers, setting a celebratory tone for the evening. The spiritual ambiance of the riverfront was enhanced with a traditional Aarti by the Ghat and the ceremonial inauguration of the Festival House Boat, followed by the Sacred Opening featuring Shankh, Nagada, and Drums ensemble. The mesmerizing performance “Her Frames, Her Fire” by Omaggio Performing Company captivated audiences before the night concluded with the world premiere of “Love Story – A Musical”, created exclusively for Avakai.

The ceremonial Prārambhōtsavam was graced by hief Minister Shri N. Chandrababu Naidu, Deputy Chief Minister Shri Pawan Kalyan,  Minister for Tourism & Culture Shri Kandula Durgesh, Minister of Health, Family Welfare & Medical Education Shri Satya Kumar Yadav, H.E. Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union, and Mr. Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director – Teamwork Arts.

Speaking on this occasion Chief Minister, Shri Nara Chandrababu Naidu, said,

“Building on the vibrant spirit of the Avakai Amaravati Festival, our vision for Andhra Pradesh is to seamlessly blend our rich cultural heritage with a forward-looking creative economy. As the architect of the state’s information technology foundation, I remain committed to carrying this legacy into the future – one shaped by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. In a landmark step, India’s first quantum computer will be established in Amaravati within the next five months. This technological advancement will be complemented by a significant push to enhance global tourism and by empowering every household through the ‘One Family, One Entrepreneur’ initiative, encouraging innovation, enterprise, and leadership at the grassroots level. By fostering an ecosystem rooted in enjoyment, entertainment, and creativity, we are not only accelerating economic growth already accounting for over 25 percent of the nation’s total investments but also building a healthier, wealthier, and happier society. Our ultimate aspiration is for the Telugu community to emerge as a global leader, shaping a world-class greenfield future where tradition, innovation, and modern prosperity thrive together. The Avakai Amaravati Festival is not just a celebration of a cherished culinary tradition, but a reflection of our collective identity, community spirit, and creative expression. Such festivals play a vital role in strengthening cultural pride while opening new avenues for tourism, entrepreneurship, and cultural exchange”.

Deputy Chief Minister, Shri Pawan Kalyan, added:

“Andhra Pradesh’s rich legacy in arts, literature, music and cinema is central to its cultural identity, and presenting it in contemporary formats is vital to engage the younger generation. The AVAKAI – Amaravati Festival of Culture, Literature & Cinema at Vijayawada is a commendable initiative that brings together culture, creativity and tourism, strengthening the State’s cultural branding and showcasing Amaravati and Vijayawada as vibrant cultural destinations. I extend my best wishes to the organizers and am confident that AVAKAI will significantly promote cultural tourism and enhance the overall brand image of Andhra Pradesh”.

Minister for Tourism & Culture, Shri Kandula Durgesh, stated

“Avakaya Amaravati Festival    reflects the government’s vision to use culture as a pillar for boosting tourism and public relations in Andhra Pradesh.By integrating cinema, literature, and music, the festival showcases both ancient and modern arts to establish Vijayawada as a 

premier cultural destination.The event serves as a first step toward making Amaravati a literary capital and reviving the state’s artistic glory, which the Minister noted was neglected by the previous government.Organized on a large scale, the festival aims to inspire today’s youth and preserve Telugu traditions for future generations. Minister Durgesh emphasized that this initiative aligns with the leadership of CM Chandrababu Naidu and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan to balance technology-driven growth with cultural preservation”.

Mr. Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, concluded:

“Avakai stands as a powerful signature of Telugu culture, carrying the flavours, voices, and imagination of Andhra Pradesh to India and the world. It is a space where language, cinema, music, literature, and performance come together to tell stories with pride and depth. Rooted in Telugu ethos yet global in its outlook, Avakai brings together the finest voices, ideas, and artistic practices from across India and the world, creating a dialogue that is both deeply local and universally resonant. By bringing together thinkers, artists, filmmakers, performers, and audiences, Avakai reaffirms that Telugu culture is not only a heritage to be preserved, but a vibrant, evolving expression meant to be shared and celebrated across generations and borders”.

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

“Avakai embodies our belief that cultural celebration thrives when it is inclusive, immersive, and collaborative. Working with the Government of Andhra Pradesh and our partners, we have created a festival that not only honors the rich storytelling traditions of Telugu cinema, literature and the performing arts, but also connects them with contemporary creative voices from across India and the world. Through this shared platform, Avakai celebrates the power of artistic exchange – bringing communities together, inspiring new dialogues, and reinforcing the enduring relevance of culture in shaping our collective future.”

The 1st day of the festival successfully blended heritage and contemporary artistry, with a compelling mix of performances, music, and immersive experiences, setting the tone for the following two days of workshops, literary conversations, and cinematic discussions on Bhavani Island. Avakai continues to establish Amaravati as a global cultural hub, bridging tradition and modernity while celebrating the rich legacy of Telugu arts and storytelling.