Muscle & Strength India Signs renowned fitness influencer Tarun Gill as Its Brand Ambassador

New Delhi, February 14, 2023: Muscle & Strength India, one of the country’s leading retailers of fitness supplements & nutritional products has signed renowned fitness influencer and athlete Tarun Gill as its Brand Ambassador. As part of this association and one of the biggest deals in the fitness industry, Tarun will be spearheading several initiatives for the brand in the space of health, wellness and nutrition and also appear in multiple campaigns which will run across multiple platforms promoting the brand. The regional connection coupled with the immense popularity of Tarun Gill in the fitness arena will help the brand create solid footholds and increase brand recall as well as market share especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. This partnership also showcases the brand’s commitment to the local and regional athletic scene and drives the message of healthy supplements for active lifestyle & good health.

After working with leading corporates, Tarun took up fitness as a full-time career, becoming India’s first full time fitness Youtuber and his transformation has won him accolades globally. With a fan base of over 10 million across his social networking platforms, Tarun Gill has inspired many with his fitness journey and is a classic example of willpower and determination. His interviews have garnered more than 10 billion views and have changed the lives of over 200 Indian athletes helping them with sponsorships and recognitions. In his YouTube talk show TG Talks, Tarun has featured over 500 Indian athletes cutting across all sports including bodybuilding, wrestling, kabaddi, and athletics. Tarun had also launched India’s biggest fitness league, IFL, along with Bollywood actor, Suniel Shetty.

Muscle and Strength India, which currently has 25 stores spread across multiple cities has the widest range with over 1000 fitness supplements and nutrition products from 42+ brands. The company offers a comprehensive range of genuine high-quality fitness supplements and nutritional products across categories such as proteins, vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements etc manufactured by international fitness brands under a single roof. These products are used for athletic performance, fitness and overall wellness. The company is looking to expand aggressively in the country through franchisee route as it seeks to deepen its presence in India’s growing nutritional supplement space.

Speaking on the association Mr. Praveen Chirania, Founder, of Muscle and Strength India, said, “We needed a credible face who could help people understand the role of supplementation in addition to a balanced diet. We are immensely happy to have Tarun Gill onboard as our brand ambassador he has carved a distinctive niche of himself in the fitness sector and hence our association with him is a natural choice. His transformation in recent times has been truly inspirational to many across the globe. His versatile, vibrant, energetic and lively personality knits a perfect horizon and panache for our brand. This association aligns with our plan to further fortify our footprint across the country, especially in tier 2 and tier 3 cities where he has a strong fanbase and create many more captivating stories fuelled by healthy fitness supplements & nutritional products.”

“It’s an honor for me to partner with one of India’s fastest growing brands as we share a common set of values. I am more than happy to endorse Muscle and Strength India because I have been using these products for the last couple of years and the results are clearly visible. Our lifestyle today is fast-paced and it is difficult to keep up with all the required nutrients that are essential on a daily basis for the body and general well-being. People should understand the virtues of being fit, healthy, and eating right.” said Tarun Gill.

“Tarun exemplifies our commitment to fitness which is unparalleled. This makes him the perfect partner to further amplify our ethos of helping people live better, healthier lives. With the increasing focus on fitness and healthy living, it is important for us to come to the forefront and provide customers with options to get fit the right way and also provide them with the energy required to fulfill their responsibilities in different facets of their daily lives. The brand also lends its support to aspiring bodybuilding athletes from across the country and also associates with the major bodybuilding and fitness events in an effort to keep the culture of fitness alive.” added Praveen.

India is at an apex of a fitness revolution where the larger population embraces the fitness industry. In a short span of time, Muscle & Strength India has already made its mark with its authentic and genuine health supplements and endorsed by celebrities and athletes like Mika Singh, Prince Narula, and Shreyas Talpade amongst others. Muscle & Strength India has also won the award for Best Health Supplement Chain in India recently which was presented by renowned Indian actor and film producer Arbaaz Khan.

Ranbir Kapoor and Kiara Advani in awe of the Everyday Fashion choices available on Myntra

Bengaluru, February 14, 2023: Myntra, one of the leading fashion, beauty, and lifestyle destinations of the country, has released a series of ad films featuring its brand ambassadors, Ranbir Kapoor and Kiara Advani as a part of its latest brand campaign, ‘Be Extraordinary Every Day’. Myntra offers its customers the best of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, from a wide selection of over 6000 leading international, domestic, and D2C brands and a whopping 1.7 million trend-first styles at a wide range of price points. The brand campaign is aimed at highlighting Myntra’s unique offering for every customer across the country and fulfilling their everyday fashion needs, thus elevating the everyday fashion quotient of the country.

Ranbir Kapoor and Kiara Advani appear individually in two films each, with Ranbir showcasing men’s casual wear while Kiara, women’s ethnic and western wear. Both celebrated actors and style icons, Ranbir and Kiara’s casual dressing sense and uber-stylish demeanor are admired by their fans across the country. Their personas, unmistakable swagger, and strong collective appeal across the country, are poised to position Myntra as the preferred destination to elevate one’s everyday fashion.

As part of the association, the actors join the power-packed ensemble of superstars, who are promoting Myntra’s fashion proposition and showcasing the platform’s wide range of offerings and services, across electronic and digital mediums while also playing a crucial role in enabling Myntra to deepen its connection with their wide fanbase.

World No.3 in para- badminton, Palak Kohli now a Sponsored Sports athlete with Herbalife Nutrition India

Bengaluru, 14th February 2023: Premier global nutrition company, Herbalife Nutrition India, is partnering with the world’s No.3 para-badminton athlete, Palak Kohli as a nutrition sponsor.

Kohli’s exceptional athletic skills, positive spirit, and unwavering determination embody the values of Herbalife Nutrition and represent the brand’s mission of empowering people to lead active and fulfilling lives.

Palak has established a strong name in the world of sports, winning numerous accolades and titles in Para-Badminton. Despite facing several challenges and obstacles in her journey, she continues to inspire others with her incredible resilience and commitment to the sport.

With more than 150 sponsored teams and athletes around the world, Herbalife Nutrition has a proven track record of working with athletes, using the science and innovation within its products and the support and knowledge of its experts to help them optimize their performance.

Currently, Palak Kohli is world no.3 in Women’s doubles SL3–SU5 in para-badminton in the BWF (Badminton World Federation) rankings. She was the youngest para-badminton athlete in the world and the first and only para-badminton athlete from India to qualify for the Tokyo Paralympics in three events – singles, doubles & mixed doubles – finishing 4th in mixed doubles.

“We are thrilled to welcome Palak Kohli to the Herbalife Nutrition family,” said Ajay Khanna, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Herbalife Nutrition India. “Her dedication to the sport and her belief in the importance of good nutrition makes her an ideal partner for our brand. We look forward to working with her to support her sporting ambitions and furthering our mission of raising awareness of the importance of good nutrition and a healthy active lifestyle.”

“I am excited and honored to partner with Herbalife Nutrition India as my nutrition sponsor and be part of a team of sporting legends who share the same passion,” said Palak Kohli. “It’s great to be associated with a brand committed to helping sportspeople of all levels reach their full potential through good nutrition. I believe that this association with Herbalife Nutrition India will help me deliver my best performance and inspire others to live a healthy and active lifestyle.”

In India, Palak Kohli is the sixth Indian athlete and the first para-athlete to join the Herbalife Nutrition family. She follows in the footsteps of fellow Indian sporting legends, Virat Kohli, Mary Kom, Lakshya Sen, Manika Batra, and Smriti Mandhana.

HSNC University Mumbai confers Degrees to Post-Graduate and BEd Students in the first Convocation Ceremony

HSNC University, one of the most promising multidisciplinary educational institutions in the country, held its First Convocation Ceremony at the Rama & Sundri Watumull Auditorium in K.C. College Campus, Churchgate on Saturday 11th February to award degrees to the first batch of students from completing their graduate and postgraduate programs from the university. The top rankers from 15 different programs were awarded a medal and a certificate.

The Convocation ceremony was presided over by the Honorable Governor of Maharashtra State and Chancellor of HSNC University, Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari. The Chief Guest for the ceremony was Padma Vibhushan Dr Raghunath A. Mashelkar, FRA, Former Director General, of the Council of Scientific & Industrial Research (CSIR). Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost HSNC University, Prof Dr. Hemlata Bagla, Vice Chancellor HSNC University, and Dr Anil Harish, Trustee, and President of HSNC Board shared the dais with the dignitaries on this momentous occasion.

In her welcome address, Prof. Hemlata Bagla said, “We at HSNC University wish to continue our efforts in contributing to the process of nation-building, and also the overall societal welfare. We envision that the university leapfrogs into becoming one of the topmost universities in India in the times to come.” She emphasized the holistic pedagogy of HSNC University, built around projects, research experimentation, and experience that aids in the development of well-rounded individuals who can contribute constructively to society.

In his address, Dr. Niranjan Hiranandani, Provost, HSNC University Mumbai, quoted Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, who had said, “If the seeds of good humanity and good culture are sown, the reward of a rich harvest can be reaped by generations to come.” He stressed the point that HSNC University Mumbai is probably the first university in the country to adopt suggestions given in the new education policy.

In his Convocation address, Padmasri Dr. Mashelkar congratulated the first batch of graduating students and stressed that the 1st batch is always special. He asked the students to focus on value-based education, and aspire to create the Bharat of their dreams, a Bharat that is Santulit, Su-Sanskrit, Su-vidya, Samruddh, Sushasit, Surakshit, and most importantly Swanandit Bharat.

He expressed his faith in the vision and aptitude of the current generation that wants to create indigenous tech giants such as Microsoft and Google within the shores of India. Since 2016, he said there’ve been 100 plus unicorns, the number touching 44 in 2021 – almost one unicorn per week! What is more promising, he said, is that “50% of the unicorns have been set from founders who hail from tier-3 cities –thus fulfilling our vision of inclusion, justice and democratization. He said that one must always remember the 3 P’s in life Purpose, Perseverance and Passion, and also stressed on the value of focus in one’s life.

In his Presidential address – Chancellor Shri Bhagat Singh Koshyari congratulated the management of the university and the first graduating batch of students. He elaborated that HSNC State Cluster University was formed under the vision of the Central Government to create smaller cluster universities for more efficient management. In his address, he said, The HSNC University is bound to be among the top-most universities in the country in the coming future. The VC and Provost are immersed into transforming the HSNC university and constituent colleges into sustainable world-class university. Realize the Prime Minister’s dream of India being a Jagat Guru.”

To the graduating batch, he extended his warm wishes. He said, “you are all excellent businesswomen, scientists, and researchers. Now, you have to work harder to prove your worth. If not unicorns, you are definitely unique! Because you have the privilege of studying at the HSNC university.”

Also present on the occasion were Shri Dr. Kishu Mansukhani, Immediate Past President of the HSNC Board, Ms. Maya Shahani, HSNC Board Trustee, Honourable Vice-Chancellors of Universities in Maharashtra, HSNC Board members, University Deans, University Officers, principals of the constituent colleges and HSNC board colleges and the members of the Dept of Higher Education.

*Switzerland celebrates Yash Chopra’s legacy, salutes his contribution to present the country’s beauty to Indians!*

Switzerland is paying tribute to the legendary filmmaker Yash Chopra, saluting his contribution of having showcased Switzerland’s beauty to Indians through the magic of his cinema.

The much-awaited Netflix docu-series, The Romantics is a celebration of the legacy of Yash Chopra, YRF and the cultural impact it has had on Indians over the past 50 years. It is set to release this Tuesday, the 14th of February.

Remo Käser, Director of Sales Jungfrau Railways, Switzerland, reveals, “The legend, Yash Chopra, has presented the beauty of Switzerland and especially the Jungfrau Region to Indians across the world for generations, through his beautiful, soulful cinema. Indians, who come to Jungfraujoch – Top of Europe year on year, have always spoken to us about how the romantic films of Yash Chopra have pushed them to visit the Jungfrau Region and Interlaken and make memories for a lifetime.”

The Swiss authorities will celebrate Yash Chopra’s legacy across the country, especially in places where the filmmaker shot mega-hits like Darr and Chandni. His son Aditya Chopra also shot the all-time blockbuster, Dilwale Dulhania Le Jayenge in Switzerland.

Every Indian has been enchanted by Switzerland’s snow-capped mountains, lush valleys and pristine lakes in large part because of Yash Chopra’s films. It is said that he visited Switzerland for his honeymoon and was smitten by the country instantly. The Swiss government has continuously honoured the legendary filmmaker through the years.

In 2011, Switzerland’s Jungfrau Railways inaugurated a train named after him — an honour shared only with the railway’s founder, Adolf Guyer. The train featured his signature and name on a signboard. In May 2016, a bronze statue of Yash Chopra was installed by the Switzerland government as a tribute, near the Congress Centre in Interlaken, a popular tourist spot.

At the prestigious Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, a special deluxe cinema-themed suite was named after Yash Chopra. In 2011, the film-maker inaugurated the suite. Lake Lauenen, in the Canton of Berne, is referred to as Lake Chopra! The Swiss government honoured Yash Chopra with the title of Ambassador of Interlaken, making him the first recipient of the award. He was also bestowed the Swiss Ambassador’s Award.

Remo adds, “Switzerland and India have a great bond of mutual respect and admiration and Yash Chopra has played a monumental role in solidifying the relationship between our great nations. Switzerland is only too proud to celebrate his legacy here.”

From Aamir Khan to Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan to Ranbir Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan to Ranveer Singh, Rani Mukerji to Hrithik Roshan, Katrina Kaif to Anushka Sharma, the mega-stars and icons of Hindi cinema have come together to speak about Yash Chopra and YRF’s contribution to Indian cinema in The Romantics.

The Romantics has been directed by Oscar & Emmy-nominated film-maker Smriti Mundhra, who returns to Netflix after the phenomenal success of Indian Matchmaking and the *Never Have I Ever Season 3*

Netflix, in this four-part docu-series, will feature 35 leading personalities from the film industry, who have closely worked with YRF through its 50 year glorious existence.

Interestingly, the reclusive head of the iconic Yash Raj Films, Aditya Chopra, has also recorded his first on-camera interview for The Romantics! Hearing him share insights about YRF and the Hindi film industry in this docu-series is bound to be a huge highlight for the film fraternity, cinephiles & Hindi cinema audience at large.

The trailer of The Romantics has been appreciated globally. Netflix will release The Romantics on Feb 14, 2023 as a tribute to Yash Chopra, who is regarded as the ‘Father of Romance’ in India because of his iconic romantic films like Silsila, Lamhe, Kabhi Kabhie, Veer-Zaara, Dil To Pagal Hai, Chandni, Jab Tak Hai Jaan, etc.

EaseMyTrip becomes the Associate Sponsor for Chennai Blitz

Mumbai, 13th February 2023: EaseMyTrip.com, one of India’s largest online tech travel platforms, has announced that it has clinched the status of being the associate sponsor for the SPP Group-owned Chennai Blitz in the Prime Volleyball League. The Chennai Blitz team represents the sporting sentiments of the charismatic city of Chennai and is one of the eight state-based teams in the premier professional men’s indoor volleyball league in India.

Prime Volleyball League is an upcoming professional Volleyball League and an initiative of Baseline Ventures India Pvt. Ltd. The League aims to transform the sporting landscape of the country by elevating the worldʼs fifth most popular sport to the league of the most followed sports in the coming times.

Under this association, EaseMyTrip’s logo will be emblazoned on the team’s jersey shorts on shoulder, signifying the associate sponsorship. The brand logo of EaseMyTrip will also be displayed in other team engagement activities and commercial exercises, including the official training kits and the team’s marketing and communications collaterals and properties like the website and other online traction tools. The indoor stadium will also carry the EaseMyTrip logo banner. This association will get EaseMyTrip’s reach to million plus fans.

Speaking on the development, Rikant Pittie, CEO & Co-Founder, EaseMyTrip said, “Volleyball embodies the purely dynamic spirit of net sport. The electrifying crowds and the to-and-fro action around the net has the potential to captivate the attention of thousands of volleyball fans around India. We are proud to be associated with the Chennai Blitz team in the 2023 edition, and we hope to stick around with them as they sizzle in their elegant shade of yellow and orange and play out long rallies that result in wins. We aspire to get legions of fans visiting our website and bolster our brand visibility through this association, and we sternly believe that our traction will be optimized.”

Excited about the association, Vikrant Reddy, Co-Owner of Chennai Blitz said, “We are looking for a long-term association with our sponsors and this can be taken forward to the upcoming seasons”

P C Hanimi Reddy, Co-Owner of Chennai Blitz, added, “We are pleased to have EaseMyTrip as our Associate sponsor for Chennai Blitz this season’’

On the roster this year, the team in shades of yellow and orange was able to get international players like Brazilian attacker Renato Mendes and outside hitter Moyo Audran from Cameroon, in addition to Indian players like Jobin Varghese, Raman Kumar, and Tushar Laware. The captain of the team is Naveen Raja Jacob. The team is being coached and mentored by Ruben Adrian Wolochin and Juan Jose Colucci. The relentless tenacity of Chennai will be on full display when the team plays this season.

The first season of the league will see 8 teams playing in Kochi, and will be broadcasted on Sony Six, Sony Ten3, Sony Ten4 and the online platform Sony Liv (English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu).

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India conducts Road Safety Awareness Campaign in Assam

Jorhat, 13 February 2023: Re-emphasizing the need for road safety awareness among the people to build a collision-free India, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India’s (HMSI) National Road Safety Awareness Campaign reaches Jorhat in Assam.

The two-day camp (10 – 11 February 2023) at Bahona College witnessed spirited participation from over 2000 college students and staff members who set out to imbibe safe riding practices. H MSI’s road safety instructors utilized age-appropriate road safety learning programs to enhance the retention of road safety awareness among all.

Speaking on HMSI’s commitment towards sensitizing India on road safety, Mr. Prabhu Nagaraj, Operating Officer – Brand & Communication, Honda Motorcycle, and Scooter India said, “Road safety education is essential for developing a road safety mindset. HMSI has been conducting a Road safety awareness campaign to develop more responsible road users across the country. With this campaign, we aim to cultivate the right road safety habits amongst the new and upcoming riders as well as help them in understanding the importance of using the roads safely.”

H MSI’s National Road Safety Awareness program made learning fun yet scientific through:

  •  SCIENTIFICALLY DEVISED LEARNING MODULE: Honda’s skilled instructors set the foundation with theory sessions on road signs & markings, driver’s duties on the road, riding gear & posture explanation, and safe riding etiquette.
  •  PRACTICAL LEARNING: A special training activity on Honda’s virtual riding simulator was executed for all to experience over 100 possible dangers on road before actual riding.
  •  INTERACTIVE SESSION: Participants were given danger prediction training known as Kiken Yosoku Training (KYT) which helps in enhancing rider/driver’s sensitivity to danger and ensures safe driving behavior on roads.
  •  EXISTING DRIVERS HONING RIDING SKILLS: Students & school staff members who are already existing riders tested & honed their riding skills through slow riding activities and riding on narrow planks.
  •  LEARNING IN A FUN WAY: To ensure that the young students could learn more about road safety, Honda also conducted fun educational activities like road safety games and quizzes on daily basis.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s CSR commitment towards Road Safety:

For Honda globally, road safety comes first. As announced in April 2021, “Honda will strive for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles globally by 2050”. Fulfilling its corporate social responsibility (CSR), HMSI has been promoting road safety in India since its start in 2001. Working towards the realization of Honda’s global safety vision, today HMS I’s road safety awareness initiative has already spread to more than 50 lac Indians. Its team of skilled safety instructors conducts daily programs at its 10 adopted traffic parks across India and 7 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC).

Not only this, all HMS I’s 1000+ dealerships across India spread road safety awareness. H MSI’s proprietary virtual riding simulator increases the risk-prediction ability of riders; while new customers to are given predelivery safety advice (PDSA) before they start riding at every dealership across India.

Additionally, to ensure that learning does not stop in the new normal, HMSI started the digital road safety education initiative – Honda Road Safety E-Gurukul. Since its start in May’20, this initiative has sensitized more than 8 Lac Indians on the importance of being aware & responsible road users.

Dilli Darbar 2023-Renowned Singer Malini Awasthi and Creator of the Mohan Veena Grammy Awardee Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt Captivate the audience on opening day of Dilli Darbar 2023

New Delhi, 13th February 2023: Dilli Durbar 2023 is being organized by Dilli Gharana on 10th, 11th & 12th February 2023 (Friday, Saturday & Sunday) at Kartavya Path, Central Vista, New Delhi (India Gate Lawns). Dilli Durbar 2023, the biggest celebration of Indian Classical Music in India (basis the stature and varied congregation of the Musical Maestros and exponents participating), is aimed solely towards the renaissance of age-old Indian Culture and Hindustani Classical Music in the country. Renowned Singer Malini Awasthi and Creator of the Mohan Veena Grammy Awardee Pt. Vishwa Mohan Bhatt Captivate the audience on the opening day of Dilli Darbar 2023

Dilli Gharana, Delhi’s own Music Conservatory and arguably India’s oldest Music Gharana has been promoting Indian Classical Music in every possible way so as to preserve and showcase India’s rich cultural legacy for our next generation.

Late Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan saheb, the last Khalifa (Doyen) of Dilli Gharana had seen an open-eyed dream of creating a bridge that will connect the present generation, especially the Youth, with our country’s rich and age-old Indian culture and Hindustani Classical Music. Dilli Durbar is the culmination of that dream.

The 2023 edition of Dilli Durbar is being organized under the aegis of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav, Ministry of Culture, Government of India, and powered by IndianOil. It promises to be the most melodious musical extravaganza ever in the city, bringing together the greatest exponents of Indian Classical Arts on one platform to present a grand spectacle, one like never experienced before.

Ustad Iqbal Ahmed Khan, the Founder of Dilli Durbar and the Doyen (or Khalifa) of Dilli Gharana used to say, “I had the great privilege to learn music under the tutelage of great maestros of Indian Classical Arts; they not only taught us the art but also imbibed in us the great culture and traditions of India. I being the flag-bearer of Dilli Gharana feel that it is my responsibility that I now pass on my learnings to the younger generation to refine their sensibilities and to cultivate their taste for these finer things in life.”

This second edition of Dilli Durbar will witness the participation of renowned Music Maestros and Culture proponents including Ustad Wasifuddin Dagar, Shri Hansraj Hans, Ustad Saeed Zafar Khan, Guru Shovana Narayan, Smt Malini Awasthi, Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt; Arts Entrepreneur Sanjoy Roy; and Hindi Film Industry’s personalities like Shyam Benegal, Piyush Mishra & Yashpal Sharma.

Apart from the established personalities, we would also have the younger torch-bearers of Indian Cultural traditions like Antara Nandy, Jayateerth Mevundi, Vusat Iqbal Khan, Pandit Naveen Sharma, Vidya Shah,

Pandit Anantha Krishnan, Shahid, Saami Niyazi Qawwals, and many more. This year we would also see the performance of American citizen Stephanie Gravelle performing Western Classical vocals.

Dilli Durbar 2023 will also be a reflection of Indian Cultural tradition, Music, and its ethos. We are sure this year too our efforts will help in attracting music connoisseurs and the general public from far and wide. The main attractions of our Festival include typical Indian Cultural elements of Music and Dance; and Seminars, Panel Discussions and Performances on them, all led by world-renowned personalities.

Sursagar Society (an NGO which works for the legacy of Dilli Gharana) has instituted the “Sangeet Martand Ustad Chand Khan Lifetime Achievement Award” which this year will be conferred upon Shri Shyam Benegal, the legendary octogenarian Indian film director, screenwriter, and documentary filmmaker, He is the pioneer of parallel cinema who is widely considered as one of the greatest filmmakers India has ever produced.

Ustad Chand Khan was a legendary Indian classical vocal maestro of the 19th Century of the Dilli Gharana of Classical Music and so far the award has been conferred on towering personalities like Pandit Jasraj, Ustad Abdul Rashid Khan, Pandit Birju Maharaj, Ustad Abdul Haleem Jaffer Khan, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Pandit Shivkumar Sharma, and Pandit Vishwa Mohan Bhatt.

Shri Shyam Benegal is the recipient of the Dadasaheb Phalke Award, Padma Bhushan, Padma Shri, eighteen National Film Awards, a Filmfare Award, and a V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award. He made his first Documentary film in Gujarati, Gher Betha Ganga in 1962 and his first feature film in 1973 – Ankur. Since then he has made 23 Feature Films, 41 Documentaries, 4 Short Films, and 6 Television Series. He is still busy and directing a biopic on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman named Mujib: The Making of a Nation which will presumably be released this year.

Vusat Iqbal Khan, Co-Founder of Dilli Durbar says, “The idea of Dilli Durbar originated from the fact that many youngsters in the country today are being fed a deadly cocktail of cacophony in the name of Music which is as far removed from true Music as chalk is from cheese. It does not adhere to the basic tenets of music – whether Indian, Western nor any other. Hence, we wanted to reintroduce the young people of India once again with true Indian Music. We hope we will be able to at least make a small change with this initiative of ours.”

PRCAI Collaborates With Indian Deaf Cricket Association For Sixth Edition of Public Relations Premier Cricket League

New Delhi, Saturday, Feb 13, 2022: Public Relations Consultants Association of India (PRCAI), joined hands with Indian Deaf Cricket Association (IDCA) for the first time ever, to host a special sporting event of equals at its annual Public Relations Premier Cricket League (PRPCL).

PRPCL 2023 is a celebration of teamwork, and industry camaraderie, and brings everyone together for one of India’s favorite sporting games of cricket. Through this special collaboration, PRCAI welcomes diversity and inclusion of the specially-abled cricketers who are today mainstream players and making a mark on a global stage.

Speaking on the occasion, Deeptie Sethi, Chief Executive Officer, PRCAI, said, “PRCAI’s cricket premier league has become one of the most awaited member events of the year and demonstrates high team spirits, great energy and brings the industry together to celebrate equality and oneness. This new collaboration with the Indian Deaf Cricket Association is ultra-special and an inspiration to see the world of equals. We thank the IDCA team for their enthusiastic and competitive spirit that made this weekend a great sporting event for our PR industry.”

PRCAI’s Vice President, Kunal Kishore added, “We are excited to see the enthusiasm shown by all member firms for this league. Our endeavor through all such activities are to bring the industry together on a fun platform. We have seen growing competitiveness for the tournament and it only reflects how this event is gaining massive traction.”

The sixth edition of PRPCL 2023 (North) was held this weekend on February 18 & 19, 2023 and the Semi-finals and Finals will be held between 14 participating PR consultancies on Saturday, Feb 25. On Saturday, one of the most humbling experiences on the field was witnessing the two benefit matches played between the players from IDCA and Team Archetype and BIU Warriors from Concept BIU on the other side, showcasing the true spirit of sportsmanship in this world-class sport.

Reena Jain Malhotra, Patron of IDCA, Sumit Jain, President of IDCA, Coach Devdutt Baghel, and other committee members joined to motivate and encourage the players.

Roma Balwani, CEO & Brand Custodian, IDCA commented, “This special collaboration of PRCAI – IDCA to promote specially-abled cricket is a testimony to social & diversity inclusion. Thank you team PRCAI for this partnership that truly envisions an equitable world and provides a unique platform to demonstrate & provide equal opportunities for specially-abled cricketing talent. ‘Cricket for a Cause’ is an endeavor to celebrate IDCA’s journey in India & globally to create awareness & mainstream Deaf Cricket. We are thankful to IDC’s ‘Cause Partner’ Hero Motocorp for supporting the PRPCL 2023 Benefit Match & motivating our team.”

PRPCL 2023 matches were streamed live for the first time and cricket fans, consultancy employees can watch online by downloading the MyySport app.

This is the only cricket league in the PR community that encourages both men and women to participate in the games. Each playing team includes a minimum of 2 women players amongst eleven payers. The consultancies are also eligible to invite 2 corporate communications professionals from their respective clients to join the tournament.

Tata Motors, the title sponsor of PRPCL 2023, displayed onsite India’s bestselling Nexon EV at the Gymkhana Club, Delhi, with vehicle walkarounds and test drives. Hero Motocorp and Godrej have been extending continued support to PRCAI for this event. Select category team prizes are sponsored by PR Consultancies including Kaizzen PR, MSL, and Avian We.

Hero Motocorp sponsored cash prizes to IDCA players that were handed over by the dignitaries.

PRPCL was started 6 years ago and is held annually in North and West regions and serves as a platform to interact, network, and enjoy a game that is an active lifestyle today. Stay tuned for matches in Mumbai in March 2023.

For more information about PRPCL and to access the complete list of participating teams and winners subsequently, visit www.prcai.org

RuPay Prime Volleyball League- Match Preview – Calicut Heroes vs Hyderabad Black Hawks

Calicut Heroes

Bengaluru, February 11th: In their first encounter against Mumbai Meteors, Calicut Heroes were stunned by the RuPay Prime Volleyball League debutants in the first set. As Mumbai won the set with ease, it seemed like Calicut might not be able to get back to the contest. But with hundreds of fans cheering on at the Koramangala Indoor Stadium in Bengaluru, Calicut Heroes went on to win the remaining sets with ease and picked up a comeback victory.

Speaking ahead of Calicut’s second encounter against Hyderabad Black Hawks, which is set to take place at the same venue on Saturday, star playmaker Jerome Vinith explained how his team managed to get the win despite losing the first set.

“When we entered the match and lost the first set, we were a little bit nervous. Our passes were not going right in the first 10 minutes. But we settled down and spoke to each other after the first set and rectified our errors to come back and win the match,” the attacker said.

Now, set to face off against the young and dynamic Hyderabad side led by SV Guru Prashanth, who have won one of their two games, Vinith said that his squad has made their strategies keeping the opposition’s strengths in mind.

“Hyderabad are a very good team and they can create pressure any moment. We have experienced players in our camp. So we are quite confident. We do not underestimate any opponents, and we have made our strategies keeping Hyderabad’s squad in mind,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Black Hawks were outplayed by the defending champions Kolkata Thunderbolts in their second encounter, as they lost the game 1-4. But attacker Varun GS insists that his team made the errors that cost them the game.

“Our team is quite strong. We picked an easy win in the first game as we played with confidence. In the second game, Kolkata Thunderbolts did not win points, we gave away points ourselves making unforced errors that cost us the game. We look to reduce these errors against Calicut Heroes,” he said.

It has already been seen several times in RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 that making too many unforced errors can prove to be costly. Bengaluru Torpedoes made 19 unforced errors in their first game against Kolkata and then continued a similar trend against Ahmedabad Defenders on Thursday, and ended up losing both games.

Vinith expands on why it is important to ensure players that they do not give away freebies in the 15-point format. “This is a 15-point match. It is very easy and very difficult to win the matches. If everyone makes one mistake, you have already lost six points. The team that makes fewer errors will win the matches,” he said.

For Hyderabad, two overseas players Trent O’Dea and Carlos Zamora have both proven to be quite effective and Varun opened up on how the two players communicate with the rest of the team during tough moments in a match.

“Trent O’Dea is quite experienced. He guides us a lot when we are going down in a match. He motivates us during the match and gives good advice. Carlos Zamora is also vastly experienced and a great presence on the field.”

While many would expect Hyderabad to get flustered seeing the level of support Calicut Heroes enjoy in the stadium, Varun made it clear that his team will focus on their own game and will not be affected by it.

“I don’t feel our team will get affected by the presence of Calicut fans. We are used to playing amid crowds. We just look to focus on our game. In fact, the stadium was empty last year – but crowds are back now, so it is quite thrilling to play in front of them.”

On the other hand, Vinith feels the fans are part of the Calicut army and he hopes to continue the winning momentum in front of them.

“We are excited to play in front of the fans again. Their presence really motivates us. They are a part of our army and we are eager to get another win against them,” he signed off.

The RuPay Prime Volleyball League powered by A23 will be telecast LIVE on Sony Sports Ten 1 (English), Sony Sports Ten 3 (Hindi), Sony Sports Ten 4 (Tamil & Telugu) & Sony Sports Ten 2 (Malayalam) channels in India and will be streamed on Volleyball World TV outside the Indian subcontinent, starting February 4, Saturday.