The Iconic Blenders Pride Magical Nights Brought Young Talent at The Forefront with An Evening Full of Fashion and Style!

Mumbai, December 19 2018:
 
Blenders Pride Magical Nights, a registered fashion property of Pernod Ricard India, hosted a successful evening at Su Casa in Mumbai. The Magical Runway is an initiative by blenders pride magical nights for young designers to get mentored and showcase their talent! The evening saw a young group of designers showcasing their collection to a Jury consisting of industry veterans like Actress and Singer Sophie Choudry, Singer Monica Dogra, Designers Shruti Sancheti, Gavin Miguel, Rina Dhaka, Celebrity Stylist Mohit Rai and Choreographer Vahbiz Mehta.
 
The evening began with a fashion show where models were seen donning the latest collection by all the young designers. The pre-function area was full of designer artworks and creative walls. The style anchor zone saw some enthusiast people sharing their style statement and appreciation of the grand setup. One of the walls which had a mix-match of photo frames with creative props had the audience awestruck. The evening saw the fashion industry’s creme-de-la-creme at the event which recognizes new and upcoming talent while celebrating the best of India’s happening fashion scene! 
 
Blenders Pride Magical Nights encourages people to discover their own style quotient. The night brought alive the essence of Modern India through multiple reflections of style, with an eclectic mix of the most stylish in fashion, music, and Bollywood.
 
The designers shortlisted at Blenders Pride Magical Nights will get a chance to showcase along with well-known designer duo Gauri and Nainika. The Finalists will get to showcase their collection in February and March 2019 in Nagpur, Bangalore, Indore, Jaipur and Goa,  1 show per designer. Each finalist will have a personal mentor as per region, out of Nikhil Thampi, Shruti Sancheti, Candice Pinto, Ken Ferns, etc. The iconic, Blenders Pride Magical Nights has brought a fresh take to style every year! And 2019 plans to be bigger and better!
 

Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain gets a Gujarati twist

The fans of Binaifer and Sanjay Kohli's Bhabhi Ghar Par Hain are in for a treat. A special track is on its way and all we can say is that there is a Gujarati twist to the same!

Actor Sandeep Anand, who plays the role of Puttan, falls in love with a Gujarati girl. Now, the problem is her mother who doesn’t want her to marry a guy who is non-Gujarati. "The challenge is for Puttan and the whole Tiwari family to solve this problem and let Puttan marry his love," says Sandeep.

He adds, "We had veterans such as Apara Mehta ji with us for this track. It was a fun learning experience working with her. She has so many years of experience with her, you get to learn so much. This track is full of fun and it will take the audience by surprise at the end."

Actor Zara Bakula, who plays the role of Hetal, also enjoyed shooting with an experienced actor such as Apara. "It feels great shooting with such experienced actors. I got to learn so many things from them. I tried to enjoy and make the most of the time on the sets. Everyone was nice to me and it was great working with them," says Zara.

Actor Shubhangi Atre, who plays the role of Angoori Bhabhi, says this track has changed the look and feel of the show. "The Gujarat special track has brought a change in the UP flavour of Bhabiji Ghar Par Hain. Now, we are all are trying to act like Gujratis and we also played Dandia. It was amazing to work with Apara ji as she is such an experienced actor," she says.

Actor Rohitashv Gour,  who plays the role of Manmohan Tiwari in the show, also enjoyed shooting the track. "It was a totally different type of content. It was the first time when hum UP se nikal kar Gujarat ko gaye hain. So, we have tried to mix up our UP style with Gujarati style to make the dialogues more humorous. The interaction with Apara Mehta was also very good. The episode has a different colour and a different theme," he says.

Talking about the sequence, veteran actor Apara Mehta, who played the role of Madhuri, says, "Basically, when I was told that it was a Gujarati character that I have to play, I was very happy as there is no track right now which has a Gujarati character anywhere. So, I was looking forward to it. This was about a Gujarati mother's daughter who has fallen in love with a North Indian and the mother doesn't know that he is not a Gujarati. The mother also insists that she wants her daughter to be married to a Gujarati. The mother has a problem with the North Indians and the reason is what you will see in the show. In that whole track, the mother will fall in love and it is a very well written and scripted scene."

She enjoyed shooting with the rest of the cast as well. "The main actors of Bhabiji are very nice and talented. The direction of the show was amazing and gave you a space to improvise or come up with an extempo line," she says.

MUMBAI WITNESSES POWERPACKED FITNESS ACTIVITIES BY BODYPOWER INDIA ON 14TH DECEMBER 2018

December 14 :Giving Fans Unprecedented Access- MR. BODYPOWER featured a Stellar Line-Up Of Athletes such as Kevin Levrone, Jacob Sumana, Paul Poloczec, Jagienska Kaminska, Tom Coleman, Dan Wynes And Marguerita To Name A Few~
 
 
After the huge success of FitFactor India and BodyPower’s BodyBuilding show in Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata and Pune, BodyPower India attracted thousands of fitness enthusiasts at their fitness event FitFactor India in Mumbai on 14th December 2018 at Rangsharda Auditorium, Mumbai, 6 pm to 10 pm.
 
The event featured some of the best-known big profile athletes, Legendary IFBB Hall of Fame Kevin Levrone, celebrated IFBB PRO's  Jacob Sumana and Paul Poloczec, IFBB Bikini Diva Jagienska Kaminska, WBFF PRO, PCA PRO, Muscle Model Tom Coleman, International UK Fitness Model Dan Wynes and WBFF PRO Marguerita to name a few, giving fans unprecedented, exclusive access…incredible stuff!
 
On BodyPower’s roaring success in Jaipur, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune and Mumbai these events will also be held in Hyderabad 15th December, Bangalore 16th December and Chennai 17th December, 2018.
 
Commenting on the occasion, Nick Orton, CEO, BodyPower said, “Whilst I may have started BodyPower in India by training Bollywood superstars, it was always my intension to take our inspirational message about the importance of staying fit and healthy, to everyman. After six years working in the country, I have seen a monster change in peoples attitude to fitness – now it reaches every corner of this great country, and I think that BodyPower has acted as a catalyst to drive that change, with our expo’s and events creating fever pitch levels of excitement amongst the youth in particular. This year’s BodyPower tour is full of excitement, challenges and top quality competitions! Visitors to the events will witness world class athletes performing in front of their eyes; they will get the chance to meet and talk to a plethora of fitness superstars and I will be the guest MC, talent spotting and having some fun along the way…prepare for the most widely anticipated tour ever to grace the country, you cannot fail to be motivated and inspired.”
 
ABOUT BODYPOWER INDIA:
BodyPower India is Asia's largest sport, fitness, wellness and nutrition exhibition, set to attract over 50,000+ visitors in 2019, 11th-13th January celebrating its 6th Anniversary in India.
BodyPower India is the fitness hub of Asia, attracting thousands of fitness enthusiasts, key buyers, distributors and manufacturers from all over Asia!
 

Meeraas "2018"

Meeraas 2018, an evening of soulful ghazals honoring MajroohSultanpuri

 

The well-known literature foundation, Pasbaan-e-Adab, is organizing its most awaited event, Meeraas, on 22nd December 2018 at Y B Chauhan Auditorium, Nariman Point, Mumbai.

Meeraas - The Heritage, an evening of soulful ghazals, brings together poets whose renditions are composed by the musicians of Pasbaan-e-Adab and will be sung by renowned singers on stage.

This year, Pasbaan-e-adab will be honoring Shri. MajroohSultanpuri, Dada Saheb Phalke Awardee, in his centenary year by presenting the unheard, unsung and uncomposed poetry of the legend. The evening promises to bring forth these poets by his son, JanabAndalibSultanpuri

MajroohSultanpuri, is a name that does not need any introduction in the arena of Urdu Literature. His work and his contribution of Urdu poetry to the mainstream cinema are remembered by lovers of music till date.They still having his songs on their lips and the tune in their hearts!

He has worked with great stalwarts, from Naushad, Madan Mohan, S. D. Burman, Roshan, Ravi, N. Datta, Shankar-Jaikishan, O. P. Nayyar, Usha Khanna, Laxmikant Pyarelal, Anu Malik, R.D.Burman, Rajesh

Roshan, BappiLahiri, Kalyanji-Anandji, Anand-Milind and Jatin-Lalit, to Leslie Lezz Lewis and A. R. Rahman in his expansive 60 year career.

He won the Filmfare Best Lyricist Award in 1965 for "Chahunga Main Tujhe" (Film Dosti). He was honored with the highest award in Indian cinema, the DadasahebPhalke Award for lifetime achievement in 1993.

In the 1980s and 1990s, most of his work was with Anand-Milind. Their most notable collaborations being Qayamat Se QayamatTak, Lal Dupatta Malmal Ka, Love, Kurbaan and Dahek.

He also wrote timeless classics with Jatin-Lalit for films like, ‘Jo JeetaWohi Sikander’ (including the song PehlaNasha) &YaaraDildara (including the song Bin TereSanam), which are still heard to this day on the airwaves.

With different styles and mediums, the ghazals and poetry of MajroohSahab, will bring back nostalgic moments for the audience, to enjoy and cherish.

The program of Meeraas commences at 6pm.It FREE for the lovers of literature and music. Seating is based on first come, first served basis. Pre-registration / Invitation is mandatory to attend the event.

Pasbaan-e-Adab – Introduction

The younger generation of our times is getting detached from their traditional and cultural roots due to influences of different cultures. Change is always difficult and though we learn from other cultures, keeping our heritage and culture alive by spreading the knowledge about its richness and depth is crucial for the next generations to be able to access, learn and value it.

Pasbaan-e-Adab, stands for protecting the patrons of literature. The foundation aims to spread and maintain the country’s historical and cultural values.This was the primary reason for which Pasbaan-e-adab was formed.

In the past decade, the foundation has organized many programs, promoting peace and harmony through Literature. As an institution it has grown to welcome an elite audience with willingness to learn and grow their understanding of Literature in various languages and forms in the company of the most renowned poets of the country. It includes, Izhaar – International Poetry Festival, Anubhuti – Quality Hindi Literature, Meraas –Heritage portraying our ancestral heritage, Kavyanjali – Literary works from Marathi Poets & Literati.

These programs are conducted in the Hindi, Urdu and Marathi languages respectively. The programs include International Literature Festival, adapting well-known literature writings with a musical representation, discussions and views on various writings by the poets and writers.

 

 

 

Founder Introduction: Shri. Quaiser Khalid, IGP, Mumbai Police

Shri QuaiserKhaild,a serving IGP, Mumbai Police, is the founder of Pasbaan-e-Adab (in Mumbai) and Jashan-e-Adab (in New Delhi). Being passionate about literature, he set up the foundation with a mission is to keep the culture of the Ganges-born Indian Heritage alive. Shri Khaild believes that to maintain harmony and co-existence in all classes of the society, literature plays an important and pivotal role. He further adds, “Literature has its thoughts and till we share and understand each other’s viewpoints on various topics and issues of the society, our feelings of humanity are not rekindled to be able to understand the need to coexist in harmony and peace”.  The exchange of views through literature brings about unity among members of the society. This is the crux of a harmonious, peaceful and culturally rich society, the foundations of which have been laid by Pasbaan-e-Adab and Jashan-e-Adab over the years.

INDIAN ACTOR AMAR UPADHYAY, TV’S BELOVED ‘MIHIR’, STUNS IN GRADO BLAZER!

Mumbai, December 2018: Upping the fashion quotient in the city, Amar Upadhyay, popularly known as the beloved Mihir Virani from ‘Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi’, made a style statement by pairing the classic white t-shirt with a fabulous blazer by GRADO from the House of GBTL-Grasim and OCM. Being a rare yet essential combination of comfort and style, the blazer complemented Amar’s entire look, making him in vogue and up to date with the current fabric trends.

Custom-made for Amar, the blazer was crafted out of tweed fabric from GRADO; the right shades of blue gave him a completely fresh and zesty look. Amplifying the fact that Checks will forever be in vogue, it was trendy, highly appealing and superbly smart!

        Gushing over its wonderful fit, Amar Upadhyay, Indian Actor, said “GRADO is something different, something unique. It makes one feel very comfortable and I’m sure that I’ve made the right choice, given its perfect fit, design, look and comfort. Blazers are usually worn for formal occasions but GRADO fabrics are so versatile, their blazers can be worn anywhere and everywhere! Not only that, one can sway away from the norm of wearing shirts with blazers, you can pair GRADO blazers with anything, even a simple t-shirt! It took me around four to 5 hours to select from their wide range of options! That’s the kind of variety of feel-good fabrics they have and trust me, once you wear their apparels, you will want to wear them all the time.”

 

About GRADO by GBTL-GRASIM and OCM

The House Of GBTL-Grasim & OCM recently launched a New Age Brand ‘GRADO’. With the advent of ‘GRADO’ and the combined star wattage of the greatest actor of Indian cinema, Mr. Amitabh Bachchan as the Brand Ambassador, Brand ‘GRADO’ is all set to usher a successful new wave in the Luxury Fabrics & Apparels industry.

GRADO will cater to maximum product segments and across a range of price points so there is something for everyone under the brand name ‘GRADO’.

From an end-consumer viewpoint, the composite Power Brand ‘GRADO’ offers a rich repository of fabrics and apparels to choose from, namely, Wool, Wool blends, PV, PV blends and Cottons.

The road to ending Gender-Based violence in India

India has reached a critical juncture in its journey towards sustainable development, but this cannot be ensured without equal participation of its women, and without a strong commitment to gender equality and eliminating Gender-Based Violence (GBV).
GBV is a massive problem that women face across the country, irrespective of whether they live in rural or urban India. It can be broadly categorized into:
Sexual violence (rape, sexual assault, sexual harassment)
Physical violence (physical assault including hitting, kicking, punching, etc)
Emotional violence (psychological abuse)
Economic violence (denial of resources)
Harmful traditional practices (forced marriages, female genital mutilation)

According the National Family Health Survey-4, every third woman from the age of 15 has faced some form of domestic violence in the country. While the numbers are self-explanatory, the number of cases reported by women in both rural and urban India are at 29% and 23% respectively. Additionally, numbers provided by the United Nation Population Fund Report reveal 66% of married Indian women have suffered from domestic violence and as many as 70% of married women in India between the age of 15 and 49 are subjected to beating, rape or forced sex. The NFHS-4 data also reveals that one in five women and girls under the age of 50 will have experienced physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner within the last 12 months.
According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, GBV is deeply rooted in discriminatory cultural beliefs and attitudes. Other factors such as poverty, lack of education and awareness, and lack of livelihood opportunities, birth of a girl child, and alcoholism, that culminates from the lack of a job, reinforce a culture of violence.
Effects of GBV
Effects of GBV can be devastating and long-lasting and pose danger to a woman’s overall health, including reproductive health. In addition, GBV can scar a survivor psychologically, cognitively and interpersonally. A woman who experiences domestic violence and lives in an abusive relationship may be forced to become pregnant or have an abortion against her will, or her partner may expose her to a sexually transmitted infection (STI). Younger people are especially at risk and this can have lasting consequences for their sexual and productive health. The costs can include unwanted pregnancies, STIs, physical injury, trauma and chronic mental depression.

The legal framework to address GBV
The PROTECTION OF WOMEN FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACT, 2005, envisions a clear framework for women survivors that enables them to lead their life with dignity. Under the purview of this Act, the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India has mandated district authorities to ensure that at least one Swadhar Greh (shelter home) is set up in every district with a capacity to provide shelter, food, clothing and medical treatment to about 30 women and rehabilitate them emotionally and economically.
Other salient provisions within the Act:
-  Apart from the victim herself, the complaint regarding an act of domestic violence can also be lodged by ‘any person who has a reason to believe that’ such an act was committed or is being committed.
- The magistrate has been given powers to permit the aggrieved woman to stay in her place of choice. She cannot be evicted by her male relatives in retaliation.
- The respondent can be prohibited from dispossessing the aggrieved person or in any other manner disturbing her possessions or entering the aggrieved person’s place of work, (if the aggrieved person is a child, the school).
- The magistrate can impose monthly payments of maintenance on the respondent.
- The respondent can pay a penalty up to one year and a fine of up to Rs 20,000 under the Act. The offence is also considered cognizable and non-bailable.
- The Act ensures speedy justice.
- The Act makes provisions for state to provide for protection officers and status of ‘service providers’ and ‘medical facility’.
Additionally, women who are survivors of GBV also have the right to free legal services under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Gaps in implementation
While there is a strong  law in place to address GBV, proper implementation and awareness amongst the public is still lacking. Even on social media - which has become the platform for GBV – understanding about laws is vague.
When it comes to law enforcement, India needs more women police personnel. In March 2017, the government admitted a shortage of women in the force, saying that only 7% of the total police strength in India comprised women.
Secondly, the Indian police is short-staffed. A 2013 report said that the rural police in the country did not even meet the 1960 standard, while a revelation in the Lok Sabha in 2016 showed that India was short of half a million police officers across the country.
Role of Stakeholders
Stakeholders right from the central and state governments to individual citizens have a significant role to play in curbing GBV. While political parties in India have addressed GBV as a major issue, numbers suggest lack of implementation at the ground level. Gender inequality is a complex issue to understand and report about, and the complexities increase manifold while addressing GBV. Gender-based violence is a phenomenon deeply rooted in gender inequality and continues to be one of the most notable human rights violations within all societies. At this time, it is the role of journalists reporting on GBV to be trained and sensitised. News organisations, too, should adopt and enforce stronger policies and put the onus on editors and reporters to take responsibility while covering such sensitive topics. 
The FPA India initiative to prevent and mitigate Gender Based Violence
Family Planning Association of India, a leading national NGO, plans to launch a nationwide campaign #StreeHinsaMuktBharatAbhiyaan aimed at strengthening its work around GBV. The campaign coincides with the 16 days of activism against GBV, an international campaign to challenge violence against girls and women, kicked off from November 25, 2018, which is observed as International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women.
#StreeHinsaMuktBharatAbhiyaan involves
Awareness and sensitization of communities to prevent GBV
Identifying and helping those in need to access care and support
Empowering young women with life skills training to say ‘no’ to violence
Reducing the stigma around survivors of violence and create an enabling environment for them to live with dignity
Conducting income generation activities for women
Appealing to men and boys to break away from the rigid norms of patriarchy
Engaging with diverse stakeholders to do their bit to prevent and mitigate GBV
Creating a cadre of individuals who will take a pledge neither to commit nor tolerate GBV
Under the aegis of this campaign a stakeholders’ consultation and media meet is organized on December 12, 2018 at the Mumbai Press Club to address GBV in the country. Statistics and impact of GBV on the health and well-being of survivors, the legal framework to seek recourse and secondary prevention and the role of the development sector and media in creating an enabling environment to prevent and mitigate GBV, testimonials from survivors of GBV as well as agents of change from the community, who have made a difference, to prevent or mitigate gender based violence  will be discussed and presented during this meeting.
 About FPA India:
Established in 1949, the Family Planning Association of India (FPAI) is a founding member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation (IPPF). Its work in sexual and reproductive health (SRH) covers safe motherhood and child survival, empowerment of women, male involvement, adolescent health and youth development. FPAI works closely with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the government.
Recognised as India’s leading and largest sexual reproductive health (SRH) organisation and having nearly seven decades of experience in the field of Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), FPA India presently operate in 44 Branches and Projects across 18 States in India.
Over the years, FPA India has helped millions of poor and vulnerable people living in rural and urban areas to improve their reproductive and sexual health by strengthening access to high quality SRH information and services and promoting sexual and reproductive rights. The integrated package of services provided through the 40 static clinics of FPA India comprises of family planning, maternal and child health, safe abortion services, health of adolescents and young, HIV/AIDS and sexuality related services to prevention and mitigation of gender-based violence towards promoting a gender equal society.
FPA India has conducted several educational sessions on gender inequalities, GBV, and discrimination. In 2017, more than 145,000 persons were screened for GBV. Timely and proper referral remains one of the core aspects of quality of care for FPA India. In 2017, branches established 6342 support groups for GBV survivors that resulted in 42,000 persons availing various GBV related counselling services.

100 MARATHONS IN 100 DAYS: MINA GULI concludes the Indian Marathon at Mumbai.

Mumbai, December 6, 2018. On the 4th of November at the New York Marathon, international water advocate, Mina Guli, set out on the ambitious individual challenge of running 100 marathons in 100 days to highlight the global water crisis. Having already completed more than 30 of the 100 marathons, through the UK, France, Italy, Uzbekistan and India, Mina has experienced first-hand ‘choke points’ that are feeling the impact of the emerging global water crisis.
Mina’s Indian Marathon started on 23rd November in New Delhi and after running through various parts of Haryana, Rajasthan and Gujrat Mina concluded the Indian leg at the iconic Gateway of India in Mumbai. Mina will head to Hong Kong and China after India.
“My journey so far has allowed me to meet so many incredible people and to see the real effects that water shortages are already having on our world,” says Mina. “For many of us, we don’t have a real concept of where our water comes from. We simply turn on a tap and the water is there. To meet children as young as 3 years old walking more than 2km a day to collect water has given me a real appreciation of just how precious water really is.”
Mina’s passion to change how people think about water and have a world where there is enough water for everyone forever is what keeps her going. She has been meeting with local water heroes within each of the regions she is visiting. These water heroes are people who are devoting their time and energy to making a difference to the global water crisis.
“In the UK, for example, I was joined on one of my runs by Dr Liz Goodwin of the World Resource Institute. Liz ran12.3km with me to represent SDG 12.3 which is the sustainable consumption and production patterns,” says Mina. “I learnt from Liz that if we stopped all food wastage we would be able to save 18% of the world’s water, which is a staggering number if you consider that less than 1% of the earth's water is useable by plants, animals and humans as the rest is "locked" in the oceans, ice caps, glaciers etc. We need to stop living as though everything can be replaced and start placing value on our precious resources.”
So how is she feeling after 30 marathons in 30 days? “Exhausted!” she laughs, “But inspired.” Mina, a 48-year old Australian who is based in Hong Kong, is no stranger to long runs. The #RunningDry Expedition follows the 2016 7 Deserts campaign and the 6 River Run in 2017, which saw Mina complete the equivalent of 40 marathons in 40 days down six of the world’s great rivers. Mina aims to create a global community of water savers and change the way we use and think about water. People can follow her journey on social media where she’ll be documenting the entire expedition.
“As a society, we hold the power,” says Mina. “With that power we need to encourage companies and governments to make a real change in the way we not only use, but also view our precious and incredibly scarce water supply.”

Ms. Vanita Bhandari – Managing Director, DBS Business Centers, expressed her thoughts and said “At DBS we try and take every small step to save water as Water is the most essential element and forms a significant part of all three basic needs for humans - Food, Shelter and Clothing. Infact, the consequences of today’s negligent water consumption pattern is unfortunately going to lead towards 40 per cent of our population having no drinking water by 2030 which could impact India’s GDP by 6 per cent*. And at DBS Business Centres we are happy to be associated with the cause and are glad that we could participate in whichever way possible”
Mr. Aditya Bhandari – Director, DBS Business Centers, who is involved in various CSR activities said, “It’s time for the younger generation to take the command in our own hands and lead the initiative from the front, we are enjoying what our elders saved for us and now we have to do the same for our coming generation, we have to assure the world is a better place for all.”
Mrs. Asia Woman of the Universe - Naavnidhi K Wadhwa expressed her excitement saying “I am feeling really happy and proud on meeting Mina Guli, who is showing the world that if determination is there than even a single person can bring a great change. India is a country where we worship the sources of water and call them mothers because of their contribution for our survival, thus it is our duty to conserve these sources for our future generation.” 
Human civilization is facing an unprecedented crisis: a projected 40% shortfall in the availability of fresh water by 2030 under current business-as-usual projections of population and economic growth.
Indian Association
Proxima life is organising the event in India and bubble communication is the official communication partner for the event. BIG FM is the official Radio partner for the event in Mumbai.
To follow Mina’s journey and find out how you can make a real difference in solving our water crisis visit:
Websitewww.minaguli.com
Facebook@MinaGuliWater
Twitter@MinaGuli
Instagram@minaguli

*Statistics as per NITI Aayog (National Institute for Transforming India).
ABOUT #RunningDry
Mina and #RunningDry are proudly supported by Colgate and Reebok, as well as the UNESCO World Water Assessment Programme. Other supporting organizations include the Global Water Partnership and the UN Development Programme.
ABOUT MINA GULI
The founder and CEO of Thirst, Mina Guli is a global leader, entrepreneur and adventurer passionate and committed to making a difference in the world. Following a 15-year career as a world leader in climate change that started with law, but progressed quickly to the World Bank and to co-founding boutique investment firm Peony Capital, Mina established Thirst – a non-profit that is solving the water crisis by changing the way we think about water.
To highlight the global water crisis, in 2016 Mina completed the 7 Deserts Run -- running the equivalent of 40 marathons across 7 deserts on 7 continents in 7 weeks. A self-confessed "non-runner", Mina told the stories of some of those affected by the crisis during the run. The success of the expedition encouraged Mina to undertake the 6 River Run in support of the UN’s Sustainable Development Goal 6. She ran 40 marathons in 40 days down 6 of the world’s great rivers on 6 continents. With media coverage around the world, including on CNN, BBC, ITV, ABC and CCTV, Mina’s messages about water have reached more than 4 billion people, inspiring a generation of water heroes.
Mina has been recognised for her leadership: she has been named a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum, one of Australia’s most influential women, and by Fortune Magazine in 2016 alongside Angela Merkel, Jeff Bezos, Tim Cook and the Pope as one of the 50 greatest leaders in the world.

ABOUT THIRST
The #RunningDry campaign is organized by Thirst, an international not-for-profit organization focused on educating and promoting action on and solutions to the water crisis. Since its launch in 2012, Thirst has educated more than 2 million students in China, has had more than 600,000 participants in its innovation competitions and now works with more than 1000 qualified volunteers and has the support of the Chinese Government.
Thirst founder and CEO Mina Guli will undertake the #RunningDry campaign.

ShortsTV launches in India with Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films on Tata Sky

Mumbai : Pioneering Partnership brings the best short films from India and around the world for Indian viewers

 

ShortsTV, the world’s first and only 24/7 TV channel dedicated to short films, was officially launched in India on Tuesday 27th November 2018 in Mumbai.

 

The service ‘Tata Sky ShortsTV’ is available to Tata Sky subscribers through their televisions and the Tata Sky Mobile App. The service features thousands of award-winning and premium titles from around the world, including Oscar nominated short films.

 

ShortsTV has also partnered with Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films to bring their catalogue of high-quality Indian shorts to TV screens for the first time.

 

The launch event was hosted by Mr. Carter Pilcher, Chief Executive of Shorts International Ltd (the owner of ShortsTV) and an Academy of Motion Pictures, Arts & Sciences (AMPAS) Member.

 

The special guests for the evening were Mr. Jon Bloom, Oscar nominated short film producer/director and current AMPAS Governor (Short Film and Feature Animation branch), and Ms. Kristina Reed, Oscar winning producer of the Disney animated short film, ‘Feast’. Both guests travelled to India from Los Angeles specially to attend the launch events.

 

In addition, the evening was graced by personalities and celebrities from the Indian film fraternity, including Radhika Apte, Rasika Duggal, Pooja Gor and Shweta Rohira.

 

The evening started with an interesting panel discussion on the short film industry in India and around the world. The panel consisted of Mr. Jon Bloom, Ms. Kristina Reed, Actress Rasika Duggal, Arun Unni (Chief Content Officer, Tata Sky) and it was moderated by Mr. Carter Pilcher.

 

The conversation started on how the market share and popularity of short films is growing. The discussion enveloped the importance of film festivals in a country and their prominence leading to films getting recognition internationally.

 

Mr Jon Bloom noted how no Indian film festivals are currently accredited by the Oscars, which means if an Indian film wins an award at a local film festival they are not automatically considered for an Oscar – the highest award in film. Mr Carter Pilcher emphasised ShortsTV’s goal of working with Indian short film festivals to get them recognised by the Oscars so that more Indian films can have the potential to win an Oscar in the future. Ms Rasika Duggal concluded the discussion by highlighting how new platforms like ShortsTV are also helping independent filmmakers reach wider audiences.

 

 

 

·         Feast, a 2015 Oscar-winning animated short from Disney.

·         Shunyata, a 23-minute short film from Royal Stag Barrel Select Large Short Films, made by Indian director Chintan Sarda and starring celebrated actor Jackie Shroff.

·         The 11 O’Clock, nominated for Best Live Action Short Film at the Academy Awards in 2018.

·         The Phone Call, starring Sally Hawkins (The Shape of Water) and winner of Best Live Action Short Film at the Academy Awards in 2015.

 

Why Anuj Khurana loves being part of Tujhse Hai Raabta!

Actor Anuj Khurana, who hails from Punjab who is seen as Vivek Deshmukh in Sonali and Amir Jaffar's Tujhse Hai Raabta, says that audience is loving his character. The actor says that his character has a lot of layers and he loves playing him. “I am so happy to be playing this character. I'm playing the younger son in Tujhse Hai Raabta. He is playing an obedient guy but he has some grey shades which will come later on. He has a thing in his mind that he wants to start something by himself but the family is not supportive,” he says.
 
He adds, “The best one is that that silence works at times as my character does not speak much. So, being in the scene and not doing anything yet making his presence felt is amazing.”
 
The actor loves the title of the show too. “It is a unique title and it is one of my favourite songs as well. As everyone is connected with each other in life so this show is all about that. The sister is connected with her brother in a different way,” he says.
 
Anuj loves working with Sonali and Amir Jaffer as well. “I have only met them twice till now, but they are kind, generous, cooperative. The best part about them is that they have always had a smile on their face,” he says.

BodyPower India Tour is BACK with a BANG!

Mumbai: Asia's largest fitness hub, BodyPower India is all set to take the Nation by storm with its National Tour starting this 6th December feature offerings that include the highly anticipated FITFACTOR INDIA (Zonal | National Championships) and the prestigious championship MR BODYPOWER BODYBUILDING SHOW.

Spread across 6 states and 9 action packed cities in India – Jaipur, Delhi, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Kolkata, Pune, Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai, the BodyPower India National Tour will feature some of the best-known Big Profile athletes such as the legendary Bodybuilder Kevin Levrone, celebrated IFBB PRO's  Jacob Sumana and Paul Poloczec, IFBB Bikini Diva Jagienska Kaminska, WBFF PRO Tom Coleman and WBFF PRO Marguerita to name a few, giving fans unprecedented, exclusive access…incredible stuff!

Since its launch in 2014, being the fitness hub of Asia, BodyPower India has attracted thousands of fitness enthusiasts, key buyers, distributors and manufacturers from all over Asia! The tour will showcase a dose of entertainment, motivation, education and inspiration. FITFACTOR INDIA would be the prime highlight, along with Mr. BodyPower Zonal Championship 2018.

Commenting on the occasion, Nick Orton, CEO, BodyPower said, “Whilst I may have started BodyPower in India by training Bollywood superstars, it was always my intension to take our inspirational message about the importance of staying fit and healthy, to everyman. After six years working in the country, I have seen a monster change in peoples attitude to fitness – now it reaches every corner of this great country, and I think that BodyPower has acted as a catalyst to drive that change, with our expo’s and events creating fever pitch levels of excitement amongst the youth in particular. This year’s BodyPower tour is full of excitement, challenges and top quality competitions! Visitors to the events will witness world class athletes performing in front of their eyes; they will get the chance to meet and talk to a plethora of fitness superstars and I will be the guest MC, talent spotting and having some fun along the way…prepare for the most widely anticipated tour ever to grace the country, you cannot fail to be motivated and inspired.”

 

Fitfactor India is the place where aspiring Indian fitness models can strut their stuff! The highly anticipated fitness model competition that has already taken the nation by storm, with hundreds of entrants taking part in regional casting for a chance to step on stage at BodyPower India 2019 in front of thousands of fitness fans. The show is judged 50% on physique, 50% on whether the competitor has the 'Fit Factor', so personality, presentation on stage, grooming, attractiveness and choice of outfits are all key to success.

This time Bodypower India has organized Fitfactor India contest at three levels:

·         The recently concluded Fitfactor Regional Championship ( 30+ Major Cities covered across India)

·         Fitfactor Zonal Championship ( North, South, East, West) starting 8th December’ 19

·         Fitfactor National Championship ( BodyPower Mumbai Expo 2019) in January’ 19

The judges are industry experts carefully chosen for their knowledge and ability to further enhance your career. Please note, that judges decision will be final for shortlisting the candidates. The competition begin with Regional Championship and to get to the next level there will be qualifying criteria and prizes for each level. The Fitfactor India overall winner will be entitled for attractive offers and Grand prizes.

Touted as the prestigious championship in BodyPower Expo Mumbai, Mr Bodypower National – 2019 is all set to host competitions in the following categories: Senior BodyBuilding Category, Classic BodyBuilding, Senior Men Physique Category, Women Bikini Fitness Models, Junior BodyBuilding Category (Upto Age 23years) Junior Men Physique Category (upto age 23year)

Mr. BodyPower national winners will be entitled to grand gratifications and prizes.

The judges are industry experts carefully chosen for their knowledge and ability to further enhance your career. Please note, that judges decision will be final for shortlisting the candidates.

Come join us as BodyPower India celebrates and encapsulates everything positive about fitness this December.

 

 

ABOUT BODYPOWER INDIA:

BodyPower India is Asia's largest sport, fitness, wellness and nutrition exhibition, set to attract over 50,000+ visitors in 2019, 11th-13th January celebrating its 6th Anniversary in India.

BodyPower India is the fitness hub of Asia, attracting thousands of fitness enthusiasts, key buyers, distributors and manufacturers from all over Asia!

Introducing the world’s Most Secured Communication Suite, ‘’DirectBaat’’

Mumbai. November 26, 2018: In a packed house of media persons and journalists at the Press Club Mumbai, former encounter cop Sachin Waze today unveiled the most secured communication suite on earth,’’DirectBaat’’ offering features including direct messaging, file sharing, audio-voice calls as well as video calls.

 

DirectBaat ensures optimum safety, enabling you to seamlessly share your data through your smartphones. The cutting-edge communication suite is the brainchild of Mr. Sachin Waze and Mr. Sanyog Shelar and has undergone rigorous security assessments and testing on multiple benchmarks.

 

The communication suite adheres to all applicable regulations in India and offers unprecedented security for common citizens who are eying a reliable and secure mode of communication and document sharing platform.

 

Harnessing end to end encryption, DirectBaat furnishes you with the confidence to message, talk, share files with colleagues and clients via a single state of the art application.

 

It is important to understand that unless you encrypt them your communications are not private. Every activity you perform over the web passes through a layer of servers before it reaches its destination. It could be intercepted midway and read at any point. Then endless possibilities of analysis of your conversation/communication and sharing further to various unknown vendors for various purposes.  This is where encryption comes into the picture for ensuring your privacy.

 

The End to End encryption leveraged by DirectBaat also ensures that no third party can comprehend the communication between you and your conversational DirectBaat partner. Furthermore, the dynamic generation of crypto-keys makes the decryption of the messages impossible, making it the most secured communication tool on the earth.

 

’’We have launched this application to build a real privacy environment for the citizens of our country. This application will help you to keep your privacy intact. Since DirectBaat operates on very secured and practically un-snoopable software and hardware platforms even we can’t read anything other than user’s registration information,’’ said Mr. Sachin Waze, Former Encounter Specialist, on behalf of SIGMA SSG and VNT. “It's a small contribution to India's step ahead towards creating a real sense and effect of 'Privacy' as well as marching towards a great feeling of un-snoopability which will result into confident communication." He further said.

 

The application is priced for ₹ 25,000 which is the costliest app on the earth. But on the request of a student Mr. Sachin Waze has reduced the pricing from ₹ 25,000 to an Introductory offer ₹ 500. It is till 31st December, 2018 that the most secured communication suit will be available in this price.

 

To further bolster the security and privacy of the platform users, DirectBaat ensures that no data of the users under any circumstances is stored on its servers. Guaranteeing a secured and fluidic conversation, it is the only solution for the large section of privacy-concerned individuals who need a communication medium which will have virtually no vulnerabilities related to privacy.

 

DirectBaat is available for download on Google Play store. The application post installation involves a brief registration process before you step into the world

Abhijet Raajput: Small Town Guy Living His Big Dream of Video Direction

On the sparkling highways of Music Video Direction & Fashion Photography, from the humble beginnings of those narrow streets of the small town of Aligarh (UP).
It is a dream that he would like to live every lifetime, says Abhijet Raajput, formally known as Mr. Raajput in the media industry.
 
Painting the story with the passing years of his life that can inspire many from small towns of India, who dream of making it big in Media and Fashion industry, yes where you come from doesn’t matter! What matters is your never say die attitude to achieve your ambitions, says Abhijet Raajput, giving us a brief narrative of his journey from Aligarh to Pune’s world of music videos and fashion photography. He is now all geared up for his next big leap - International music videos lined up for a release to test waters on the global music video circuit.
 
He says, more than dreaming, what it takes is to keep staring into the eyes of everyday obstacles and growing above it in a way that dealing with the challenges becomes a fun lifestyle.
 
It all started in the year 2008 with inquisition about the Punjabi music videos which he used to watch sitting at his house in ‘Sasni Gate’, a small locality in  Aligarh. Seeds of the dream to be someone shooting similar videos someday were perhaps sowed right there. There was something enthralling about the amalgamation of visuals with music, singing & performance of an artist telling a story, he shares.
 
He says, after realizing what you want to do, the bigger task is to take the next step of moving to the place where you can be around experts and learn the art. For him it was Pune. It wasn’t easy to make a move as there were a lot of insecurities attached with pursuing a career coupled with the family pressure, not believing that a career in such fields can make a good living & life.
 
He says that the kick start happened when his dad, a defense army personnel, was transferred to Pune. He then knew, that was his start point, Pune being close to Mumbai, ‘The City of Dreams & The Capital of Entertainment’  
 
He said, with the interest in making videos brimming under his belly, he started connecting with people from FTII - Film & Television Institute of India. this further fascinated him about making videos, with his newly developed relations and his passion to learn film making, in 2009, he got his opportunity and started assisting FTII directors. This helped him experience the live shoot sets to learn and acquire the technical know-how of the process of film making. Working under experts helped him to a great extent, he says.
 
 Pune in those days was coming up in a big way in fashion photography as a market, so he decided to give it a shot. He carried his work of fashion folios and went to the known fashion photographers of the city for work, but was refused as they believed his skills were not up to the mark.
As they say, sometimes setbacks direct you to the path you are destined be on! the same happened to him, when he, after those rejections decided to start shooting fashion folio as a freelancer. This marked the turning point which he refers to as the ‘Rise of The Phoenix” in the frame of his life.
He says, fashion photography which he undertook to get out of the low phase of his life turned into his profession as people started noticing and appreciating his work. One year of fashion folio shoots and the city of Pune was introduced to the success of Mr. Raajput, as he is known by all in Pune.
 
He says, his claim to fame in Pune was a calendar shoot in 2014 with some top international models of that time, from agencies like Toabh, Inega etc . That calendar shoot was noticed and taken well by pune’s media corporate and it led to more such shoots followed by magazine editorials, designer collection shoots with international top models and known brands.
 

That’s when he felt that he was now set to realize his dream of shooting music videos, which led to the shoot of the song ‘Kurban’ https://youtu.be/dI8njqOsrmI  by singer ‘T Jay’
Receiving a fair response and marking the beginning of his career as a Music Video Director.  The Kurban music video led to inquiries from the Punjab music industry, which in-turn introduced him to the well acclaimed Punjabi singer ‘ Sarthi K‘. The music video of the song ‘Nakhra’ https://youtu.be/PSXeTbOr4_s  happened, garnering a great response from viewers. The ball was now set in motion, leading to more of such work coming his way. Current viewership of his you tube videos is in the millions.
 

But the dreamer in him didn’t just want to stop there! He wanted to shoot videos of international scale and quality. His first attempt to inculcate the international feel in a Punjabi video can be seen in his music video of the song ‘Explain’ https://youtu.be/_QB9tmomeJw  with singers ‘T Jay’ & Mellow D and the song  ‘Love Struck’ https://youtu.be/A3_hzgnuvJs with singer ‘T Jay’. viewership of his you tube videos is in the millions.
 

It’s then that he realized that it was time and he needed to come up with more concepts independently and start working on them.
He has shot three international videos which are now in post-production and will release soon, potentially taking him to the big leagues!  
 
We can’t wait to see his next videos, and seeing how the story further enfolds! Wishing him all the best! 

https://youtu.be/A3_hzgnuvJs  

 https://youtu.be/dI8njqOsrmI

https://youtu.be/PSXeTbOr4_s  

Source: press release

Sabbas Joseph to address BeaWorld – international festival of events in Portugal

 

Sabbas Joseph, Co- Founder & Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt Ltd, will be addressing the BeaWorld Festival of Events and Creativity in Coimbra, Portugal later this week, becoming the first Indian entrepreneur to take stage at this premium global event industry convention and awards.

 

Sabbas is recognized as a thought leader in the field of unconventional media and events. He is listed as the first Indian Speaker at BeaWorld, The International Festival of events and live communication to be held in Coimbra, Portugal from November 21st to 24th. Other international dignitaries include, Salvatore Sagone, Patrick Roubroeks, Jeannine Koch, Claudia van't Hullenaar, Maayke Konemann and Charles Bahr who will be sharing their valuable insights.

 

BeaWorld is a highly coveted networking platform for the international event community to share knowledge and opinions by the leaders and pioneers in the space. The occasion will be attended by the heads of leading event agencies, corporate directors, senior representatives of event associations and trade media from over 29 countries to exchange ideas on various subjects. 

 

At the international conference, Sabbas will share his thoughts on Globalization- a Blessing or Curse on November 23rd from 11:55 am - 12:25 pm. He has always endeavoured to look beyond and enlighten forums with his experience and expertise. He has shared ideas on strategic inputs stemming from his years of being in the media before co- founding Wizcraft International. Today he has also spearheaded and managed several mega events for the company, as well as lending his strategic foresight for some of the country’s biggest brand launches and corporate events. 

 

Sabbas Joseph, Co- Founder & Director, Wizcraft International Entertainment Pvt Ltd shares, “It is an honour to accept this opportunity to be the first Indian speaker at the international networking event, BeaWorld. It is a great platform for everyone to share their thoughts on globally relevant topics and it is a matter of pride for me to be representing our country at a mega event of this stature. I look forward to sharing my views on the subject and exchanging ideas with my fellow counterparts”.

 

Wizcraft International is considered one of the biggest event agencies in the country having handled some of the biggest events in the country, Michael Jackson Live in concert, IIFA, Commonwealth Games to name a few.

         T3

 

ABOUT WIZCRAFT

 

Wizcraft is one of India’s leading COMMUNICATION & ENTERTAINMENT Company, integrating strategy, creativity and technology to provide unique experiences.

 

Wizcraft started as a dream of three very different, yet extremely enterprising men - Wiz Andre Timmins, Wiz Viraf Sarkari & Wiz Sabbas Joseph and today, has become a phenomenon in the event industry. They have tirelessly worked towards making Wizcraft, India’s leading communication and Entertainment Company and continue to do the same till date. Headquartered in Mumbai, Wizcraft has offices in Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Ahmedabad and Vizag in India, with international liaison offices and associates across the world.

 

Wizcraft, with a depth of expertise in experiential marketing, boasts of having in its client portfolio more than 500 leading MNCs and corporate houses including Microsoft, IBM, Zee TV, Bacardi, Audi, Standard Chartered, Wipro, Redbull, Adidas and many more. Wizcraft’s in-house brands include IIFA, IIFA Utsavam & GiMA Awards. Wizcraft has successfully conceptualized, organized and executed large scale events such as the Opening and Closing ceremonies at the 19th Commonwealth Games, 50 years of Indian Independence Day Celebrations and Opening Ceremony at the Hannover Messe (2015).

 

Wizcraft is in the business of creating experiences and our staunch belief is that an event may be forgotten, but an experience will last a lifetime. Wizcraft, a pioneer in the events, exhibitions, activations, television, PR & digital space has been instrumental in shaping the event management industry in India.

 

Global March for Avni on Nov 11 by 168 organisations across five continents, Mumbai march at Worli

Over 168 International organisations across 5 continents, more than 30,000 people who have called in support of the movement and millions of people on social media have all expressed their anguish and solidarity to the cause, and the numbers are growing rapidly. There is absolute pain and concern for the cubs, anger and frustration against the officials for their apathy.

“Animal lovers are pouring in, in big numbers in various cities in India and globally to voice their protest against the killing of Avni and the irresponsible attitude of the Maharashtra Forest Department in not securing the cubs safely. There is now growing unrest and anxiety that it may perhaps be too little and too late to get them safely into a rescue centre.

The gathering will take place in Mumbai at the Worli Seaface when hundreds are expected to congregate to demand the resignation of Mr. Sudhir Mungantiwar for his lackadaisical handling of the situation, right from the declaration of Avni as a man-eater and all his irresponsible decisions leading to the predicament of her cubs, and everything in between, including the reasons behind the selling of forest land to corporate India and therefore the need to sanitise the forest. The original petitioners to the case are Dr. Sarita Subramaniam, Dr. P. V. Subramaniam.

Celebrities crusading for Avni like Rupali Ganguli, Jaya Bhattacharya, Ananth  Mahadevan, Priyanka Timmins, Kashmira Shah, Anusha Srinivasan Iyer among others held a press conference at Pawsitive Farm Sanctuary at Andheri, Mumbai to request the people to stand up for Avni’s cubs in the powers to be, to help find the two starving tiger cubs whose mother had been made pawn to power play. It was an unusual press conference for Avni’s cubs as 56 cats, 14 dogs and 5 humans came together for the same.

Actress Rupali Ganguly, known for her power-packed television performances, spoke of how two children were named man-eaters when their killed mother had not herself eaten for days.

Director Ananth Mahadevan expressed that the tigers were mere representatives of the state that our Earth is in, and the destructive direction that we are taking. Director Anusha Srinivasan Iyer, citing reports, spoke of Avni’s injuries in the shoulder blade, indicative of the direction she was heading, and the fact that she was not in attack mode. “Her post mortem reports revealed that she hadn’t eaten in days, and the fact that the doctors have cited that the darts were placed on the body of the tigress.  Her children are starving with her and after her death. We let a mother searching for food for her children be killed legally. It is shameful. We only think and react when it happens to our own; we forget that the Earth is as much our own,” she stated.

Bharat Sharma added, “We are invading the forests and calling animals, man-eaters. How is it justified?”

Felt Rupali Ganguly, “We would like the honourable Prime Minister to come out and speak for the cubs. It is time each Indian stands up as well.”

Avered Anusha, “There were candle-light marches for Avni and she is dead. Enough has been spoken. Avni’s children represent the future of animals and our own existence of Mother Earth. Let us get into action mode.”

Ananth Mahadevan has the final word, “The Earth always belonged to the animals. We were the last to come. Let us not be the first to wipe out the animal along with our humanity.”

The global protest venues are  India: Delhi, Mumbai, Nagpur, Chennai, Udaipur, Kolkata, Surat, Ranthambore, Trivandrum, Bangalore, Pune, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Goa, Vizag, Guwahati &Manipur, International: Zagreb, Croatia, Durban, South Africa, Perth, Australia, San Jose, California, USA, Los Angeles, New York, Toronto, Canada, Christchurch, New Zealand & Nepal.

Hopefully this unity, though late for Avni, can help save her little cubs. And thereby the forests and their inhabitants, who make our Mother Earth.

Teena Swayyam diwali party

Teena Swayyam's Diwali bash was graced by newly weds Yuvika-Prince!
 
Teena Swayyam  who produced Badho Bahu surely knows how to throw her parties well. She organised a special Diwali bash for her first Diwali at her den in Juhu, and all we can say is that it was one classy affair.
 
The Diwali Dhamaka party was attended by Swapna Wagmare with her daughter Sanhita. Arjun Baran, Trupti Toradmal. Others who were also part of celebration included Manish Raisinghan and Dipti Kalwani.
 
This was no ordinary party and Teena welcomed the newlywed couple Prince Narula and Yuvika Chaudhary with a bridal cake. The entire family was part of the celebration. Teena loves house parties and that personal touch is visible in all her parties.
 

LA VALLÉE DES COULEURS NATURE PARK MAURITIUS Where 23 Shades of Earth Wait to Welcome You!

La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park in Mauritius is home to a unique geological feature - a landscape with 23 colours dating back millions of years following the eruption of the Bassin Blanc volcano. Discovery of the 23 shades of Earth in the Park in the late 1990s helped establish La Vallée Des Couleurs as an important destination for Eco-Tourism in Mauritius.

The 450-acre Park teems with indigenous flora and fauna that have made the Park their home, spread across the varied landscape - from mountains to valleys, plateaus to plains. Adding to this utopian yet real imagery, majestic waterfalls cascade into shimmering pools. 

With so much beauty to absorb, for the best views, tree-top heavens open up. A flight across the Vallée along the Park's 1.5 km long zip line - the 3rd longest in the World - promises a stunning bird’s-eye view. 

The Longest Nepalese Bridge in the Indian Ocean - suspended at 350 metres - offers a thrilling and completely secure skywalk. 

For more down-to-earth activities, there are plenty of quads and buggies to choose from for an adventurous drive along wooded paths to watch Nature come to life in all its glory.

It's no surprise that La Vallée Des Couleurs is a popular location. Not just for leisure but it’s also an in-demand choice for film and music video shoots, including the Siddharth Malhotra-Shraddha Kapoor starrer Ek Villain. 

La Vallée Des Couleurs is committed to creating lifelong joyful memories. Visitors can expect to enjoy the thrill of discovery around every corner of the Park which hopes to soon count itself amongst one of the World's best resorts and theme parks.

For more on 'La Vallée des Couleurs Nature Park, Mauritius’, log on to:

Website: https://www.lvdc.mu/en/home
FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/Lavalleedescouleurs

Philip Kotler returns to India

Marketing extraordinaire Philip Kotler returns to India this December

19th October 2018, Delhi: Considered as a top-marketer, the world-famous American marketing guru and seasoned author Prof. Philip Kotler will be delivering at the World Marketing Summit 2018 (WMS). The WMS will be held in December this year in New Delhi, India on 14th December 2018.

Dr Kotler, who has been the Distinguished Professor and holder of the Chair of International Marketing S.C. Johnson & Son in the J.L. Kellogg Graduate School of Management, Northwestern University since 1988, is known as the Father of Modern Management. His seminal textbook, Marketing Management, first published in 1967, is still widely regarded and read as the top marketing book. He studied under three Nobel Laureates in Economic Science. Prof. Kotler has authored over 50 books including some of the most widely used marketing textbooks in graduate business schools worldwide.

This will be Dr Kotler’s ninth visit to India, last being in 2013. Talking about this, Chirag Bagaria, Business Head, Proton Communications, the agency on record says, “We’re happy to host Dr Kotler and I am sure that this summit will be much more insightful. We’re looking forward to more such sessions by Dr Kotler in India which focus on how marketing can solve the real world issues prevalent in the country.”

On his previous visits to India, Kotler remarked how India is blessed with just the right entrepreneurial and marketing skills, which can be noted in the start-up boom in the country.

The summit will also see top-performing organisations and distinguished individuals battling it out for the esteemed Kotler Awards. The event will see CEOs, Managing Directors, Directors–Marketing, entrepreneurs, senior management of top MNCs in attendance. Amitabh Kant, CEO at NITI Aayog and Kohzoh Takaoka, CEO at Nestle Japan, will be some of the eminent speakers at the summit. The convention is expected to be attended by around 400+ business executives and participants from India and the neighbouring countries.

Dr.Nehaal Mayur Youth Advocate from India leading the World on Sustainable Development.

          

Dr. Nehaal Mayur, Youth Advocate on Sustainable Development Goals and Representative to the United Nations has his Expertise in International Development. Since last eight years he has traveled to 30 countries to work on Sustainable Solutions and joined the taskforce  to tackle global social challenges. He recently visited Kerala, post flood, to do need assessment analysis along with a team of disaster experts.

He is also involved in developing schools, which were destroyed in Nepal earthquake. He was invited to work on need assessment at cox bazar in Bangladesh with maximum refugees in the world.

His vast experience working from ground level, research experience and partnership building to overcome any social challenges are his strengths.

He was a youth observer at the United Nations General Assembly for three years and has interacted with Heads of States and Prime Ministers and Presidents from different countries.

His view on our planet is that we have limited resources, which we need to conserve and protect and reuse. The best we can give our children is one beautiful planet rather then few beautiful countries.

VLCC brings leading French skincare brand ERICSON LABORATOIRE to India ERICSON facial range will be available exclusively at VLCC centres

Mumbai: VLCC, a leading Indian beauty and wellness chain, has partnered with renowned French skincare brand ERICSON LABORATOIRE, to introduce 5 out of their 14 premium range of facial treatments and homecare range in India. The first 5 facial treatments introduced at VLCC centres include - Fresh Caviar, Slim-Face-lift, Enzymacid, GenX Skin and Perfection, which are suitable for all skin types and successfully tackle the visible signs of ageing and various skin problems.

ERICSON LABORATOIRE’s treatments are the result of scientific expertise based on the knowledge and thorough understanding of various physiological problems that improve the beauty of one’s face by affecting the skin. The therapeutic approach taken by the brand with its line of facial treatments are intended for consumers who are seeking a genuine skin care treatment that gives visible and long-lasting results, without recourse to a medical procedure of any kind. This line of facial treatments is good for all skin types and can treat wide spread skin concerns of pigmentation, dull and dehydrated skin, collagen elastin deficiency, wrinkles & jowls formation, fine lines , age marks, blemishes  and skin resurfacing.

Speaking on the partnership, Ms. Monica Bahl, Sr. Vice President – Operations, VLCC Healthcare Ltd. said, “At VLCC, we constantly strive to bring in the best and the latest scientific dermal solutions to our customers, by collaborating with the best skincare brands from across the world. We are elated to partner with ERICSON LABORATOIRE. Their skin care treatment line has some of the most scientific, innovative and high performing products which ensure to bring the skin back to its optimal condition. This range when combined with the expertise of our in-house beauticians, will provide customers solution to all their skin concerns, resulting in a healthy and radiant skin.”

Speaking on the launch, Ms. Fabienne Prudent, Trainer, ERICSON LABORATOIRE said, “We are delighted to partner with VLCC and launch 5 top of line, world class, facial treatment lines and related homecare, this festive season across India. The Ericson Laboratoire skincare range is suited to all Indian skin types and the active ingredients used are all very high tech. The skincare treatment line deals with all types of problems: fine lines, wrinkles, pigmentation spots, premature ageing, uneven skin tone, skin resurfacing, collagen elastin remodelling, hydration etc.  The results achieved are quite visible in just a single session though for optimal results, continual packages addressing the anomaly are needed. Results are highly satisfactory.”
   
Details of the Facial Range:

Fresh Caviar

Intense regeneration treatment dedicated to mature skins as well as to devitalized skin, the professional fresh caviar treatment uses all the virtues of caviar to fight against premature ageing. This treatment with its high nutritious and regenerating potential helps to stimulate cell metabolism deep down and provide essential nutrients to the skin’s youthfulness. 

Slim Face Lift

This treatment is designed for men and women who want to fight signs of facial ageing naturally and effectively, without using a heavy invasive surgical procedure. This technique is excellent for targeting fatty areas, such as double chin, chubby cheeks and sagging skin. Its active ingredients work on increasing collagen production and giving a lift to jowls.

Genxskin

The GENXSKIN treatment uses all the energy potential it has as a powerful and innovative agent, to enable the reactivation of 14 genes involved in the structure of the extracellular matrix, for a visible anti-aging effect in just a few sessions.

Enzymacid

It is a high-performance exfoliation method which combines 5 high-tech cosmetic innovations, inspired by the latest medical beauty treatments. This multi-action peeling treatment dramatically improves the quality of the skin tissues, removes superficial layers and dead cells, enhances complexion radiance, etc. It is ideal for those who have a dull complexion, smoke, have pigmented blotches or keratinized thick skin, residual scars, superficial spots, and tired-looking skin.

Perfection

Enhance the radiance of complexion with this lightening treatment program. Three active ingredients and three actions characterize these care products―the genetic actions, the pigmentation action, and the protective action. This treatment effectively regulates the skin color and lightens the face, while correcting localized pigment spots.

*Available at VLCC centres across India – Centre locater 
https://www.vlccwellness.com/coco-centers

About ERICSON LABORATOIRE:

ERICSON LABORATOIRE is an international skin care concept distributed in approximately 65 countries. Its products are manufactured by 8 French Laboratories, which offer skin care products with exclusive formulas developed in specialized research units.

ERICSON LABORATOIRE uses the approach of celltherapy, a clinical method which utilise the action of cellular extracts for treating skin problems. This clinical approach was used for the first time in France by Professor Ericson. Intelligent Bio-tech enzymes, highly polymerized DNA, phytohormonal skin care and anti-cellulite lipo-blocking active ingredients form the core of this range of facial treatments.

About VLCC

Founded by Mrs. Vandana Luthra as a beauty and slimming services centre in 1989, VLCC is today widely recognized for its comprehensive portfolio of beauty and wellness products and services and also enjoys a high level of consumer trust. The VLCC Group’s operations currently span 330 locations in over 150 cities and 14 countries across South Asia, South East Asia, the GCC Region and East Africa. This includes UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand VLCC:

• Manages one of the largest chains of Slimming, Beauty & Fitness centers across Asia;

• Runs one of Asia’s largest networks of vocational education academies in Beauty & Nutrition;

• Manufactures in Switzerland and the company’s plants in India and Singapore, a comprehensive range of skin care, hair-care and body-care products as well as nutraceuticals under the VLCC Natural Sciences™, Skin MTX™, BelleWave™, Enavose™, VLCC Slimmer’s™, VLCC Shape Up™, Specifix™ and VLCC Wellscience™ brands, which are not only used as consumables in treatments and therapies at all VLCC Wellness Centers globally but are also retailed through over 100,000 retail outlets and beauty salons across South Asia, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, South East Asia and East Africa.

Kerala Tourism organises Trade Meet in Mumbai

 
 
Mumbai, Oct 12: Overcoming the ordeal caused by the recent floods with a remarkable swiftness, Kerala today presented before various stakeholders of tourism and hospitality industry in this western megapolis a string of exciting new products, exuding confidence that the novel initiatives would spark interest among tourists from both India and abroad.
 
Kerala has emerged stronger from the traumatic aftermath of the floods. The just concluded Kerala Travel Mart (KTM) 2018, which saw the participation of over 1500 buyers from across 66 countries in one of the most successful editions of the event, is a strong proof of it, Tourism Secretary Mrs Rani George said at a media interaction at The Club Mumbai.
 
“At the KTM, industry stakeholders showed huge confidence in the state’s readiness to host tourists.  The most important task at hand now is to put it out to the world that we are back on track and ready to receive tourists from everywhere in all major destinations,” she added.
 
Listing the new products and experiences tailor-made for the domestic traveller, Mrs George said Jatayu Earth Centre in south Kerala, which contains the world’s largest bird sculpture of Jatayu mentioned in the epic Ramayana, a virtual reality museum and a state-of-the-art ropeway to reach the destination, could be among the new tipping points for the state’s tourism. The giant statue of Jatayu is 200 feet long, 150 feet wide and 70 feet in height, making it the largest functional bird sculpture in the world. 
 
“Spurred by Kumarakom bagging the prestigious Responsible Tourism award at the London World Travel Mart last year, we have founded a new Responsible Tourism Mission. Our new tourism policy focuses in depth at sustainable, responsible and environment-friendly tourism,” she pointed out.  
 
For those who seek an adrenalin rush, the timing could not be more perfect to explore the rolling hills of Munnar and explore Neelakurinji, the rare flower which blooms once every 12 years covering the landscape with a fascinating carpet of lilac and blue. The young travellers can savour the beauty by trekking, cycling or biking.
 
Further, the Nehru Trophy Boat Race (snake boat race), will be held this year on Nov 10th at the Punnamada Lake in Alappuzha as a subtle reminder that Kerala’s waters continue to be safe for adventurous activities.  The Chaliyar River Challenge 2018 (a 68-km kayaking championship), which is aimed at tapping the potential of adventure tourism in the state, will also be held as per the schedule. 
 
Nefertiti, the Egyptian themed luxury vessel of the Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC), is to be launched by this month-end, and it is expected to chart a new course in cruise tourism in Kerala.

The government has also decided to leverage the enormous potential of Malabar as an alluring tourist destination, famous for its piquant cuisine and rich heritage. A high-tech digital facility, known as ‘SMiLE Virtual Tour Guide’, has been launched which provides information on 40 Malabar attractions, ways to reach them, plan tours and fix reminder alarm notification, besides means to share portal material, find accommodation and book rooms.

“The international airport at Kannur is scheduled to open in December, and Kerala Tourism  hopes to establish Malabar, which shares boundaries with Coorg, Coimbatore and Mysuru, as the new tourism gateway to the state,” said the Tourism Secretary.
 
For art aficionados, the immensely popular Kochi-Muziris Biennale will be holding its fourth edition from December 12th, 2018 and will run till March, 2019. The biennial has changed the landscape of contemporary Indian art today and given Kochi the status of the art capital of India.
 
For history buffs looking to transport themselves to another era, there is the Muziris Heritage Project. The remains of a once thriving port frequented by Arabs, Romans, Egyptians as early as the first century BC is today preserved across 25 museums as the largest heritage conservation project in India. Another offering in the historical space is the Spice Route Project that rekindled the 2000-year old ancient sea links and shared cultural and culinary legacies with 30 countries.
 
“Travellers come in search of an enriching experience and it is via festivals, museums and exhibitions that we can help them gain a complete Kerala experience. We are planning to host a series of literary and music festivals which will be organised with the association of public organizations,” she said.
 

Action choreographer Prateek Parmar’s Suryansh receives massive appreciation

05 October 2018, Mumbai, Suryansh, the most anticipated Gujarati film of the year, hit the theatres on October 5th. The Freddy Daruwala and Heena Achhra starrer has lived up to its hype. Suryansh is a one of its kind film in Gujarati cinema, where storylines with action at its core are very rare.

Prateek Parmar is the man behind the incredible action sequences in the movie. Parmar is a trained martial arts practitioner, who has also choreographed the action sequences in Bhavesh Joshi Superhero, CID, Surya the Supercop. Talking about the action scenes designed by him, he says, “I really wanted the action to stand out. A lot of it is inspired by western action movies and icons. I am elevated that the audience took a liking to something new like this.”

Suryansh had already gained a huge following of action lovers since the trailer launch. It is being described as a “thrilling roller coaster ride of action, drama, emotions, mystery and an ending that is impossible to predict.” The audience loved the extensive action scenes designed by Prateek Parmar.

Parmar is professionally trained in wing chun, karate, taekwondo and wushu. He has been practicing martial arts for several years and is also a national level gold medalist and can perform the most daring stunts without any external equipments.  Prateek will also be seen as a cast in Mard Ko Dard Nahi Hota, directed by Vasan Bala and produced by Ronnie Screwvala. The film was the first Indian movie to win the People’s Choice Midnight Madness Award at the 2018 Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).

VYRL Originals release “Aaya Na Tu” by Arjun Kanungo & Momina Mustehasan bags `SILVER for Excellence in Marketing’ at the 23rd Edition of Big Bang Awards

 

 

5th October 2018, Mumbai: The hit song “Aaya Na Tu” by Arjun Kanungo & Momina Mustehasan – a VYRL Originals release – wins `SILVER for Excellence in Marketing’ at the prestigious 23rd edition of the Big Bang Awards held in Bangalore.

 

VYRL Originals is a music property under UMG’s sub-label EMI Records India co-founded by Universal Music India and noted film director Mohit Suri.

 

Interestingly, this is not the first award that the song has bagged. It had picked up two awards at the recently held Modern Marketing Awards  - “Best 360 degree Marketing campaign” and “Best PR campaign”.

 

The song had a robust 360-degree marketing and promotion campaigns that made it one of the biggest non-film songs of the year across labels. With over 100 Million combined streams, the song peaked at

 

Acclaimed film director Mohit Suri shares We had a robust marketing plan for ‘ Aaya Na Tu’. While the artist, Arjun and Mumina are extremely talented Universal Music and Vinit ensure it was amplify rightly and they were placed brilliantly.

 

Sharing about the overall experience Vinit Thakkar, Senior Vice President, Universal Music Group India & South Asia and EMI Records India said” The team worked around the clock to put out the song across platforms, we are glad to receive recognition for their efforts.

 

Speaking on the success, Momina Mustehsan said, “ Aaya Na Tu “ is really close to my heart and it’s amazing to see how VYRL Originals has placed the track in relevant spaces for the audience to enjoy it.

 

Sharing his experience Arjun Kanungo said “ The  marketing campaign for “ Aaya Na Tu” has been clutter breaking and innovatively drive to touch the heart of the audience. From engaging the right medium to highlighting it on the right platform. VYRL originals have fantastically covered the space.

 

The Big Bang Awards for Excellence in Communication and Media were given away in a grand function on Friday September 28th, 2018 at The Ritz Carlton, Bangalore. The Who’s who of the Industry attended the mega event which saw several Celebrity hosts and Guests.

 

 

 

 

  VYRL Originals – An EMI Records India property.

 

VYRL Originals is EMI Music India’s latest music property created to promote independent non-film music. This unique property is once again led by noted film director Mohit Suri - known for his excellent taste in music. Mohit will be curating every aspect of each track that is being produced. Right from the composers, lyricists to the singers, each of them have been carefully worked on and handpicked by the director himself. The sound will be in line with contemporary Bollywood music with great production values, albeit without the canvass of a film. The tracks under VYRL Originals will be launched simultaneously across every streaming service – in India as well as Globally - and will sit amongst today’s popular Bollywood songs giving the music lover a seamless listening experience. The property launched January`18 with the gorgeous ballad “Teri Yaad” by Yash Narvekar and is currently sitting high on charts and playlists across streaming services.

 

Angriya’, India’s first cruise service from Mumbai to Goa

 

The wait is over!

 

 

Goa is everyone’s favourite holiday destination and now one can start the party as soon as the travel begins with India’s first domestic cruise vessel, Angriya. It is a tribute to Sarkhel Kanhoji Angre and deriving its name from the Admiral of Maratha Navy it endeavours to create memories for a lifetime experience. Owned by Angriya Sea Eagle Private Limited, Angriya is a first of its kind domestic luxury cruise liner for travellers who wish to treat themselves with new involvement.

 

Passengers can choose from eight categories of rooms which includes high tea, delicious meal, and a breakfast. Adding onto the entertainment front, it has an infinity pool that gives an experience of swimming in deep seas along with a fun & interactive activity for kids, 2 level lounge, 6 themed bars and an exquisite spa to rejuvenate.

Leena Kamat Prabhu, Director, Angriya Sea Eagle Pvt Ltd, shares, “We are proud to announce the launch of Angriya- A voyage to remember. This experiential cruise will begin its journey from 12th October 2018 to Goa. We had conceptualized it years ago and we are delighted to see it coming true. We intend to give our passengers a feel of the deep seas with the pleasures that nature offers. The cruise leaves early evening allowing one to see the sun set and the sun rise under the clear skies. This one is our first Indian domestic cruise between Mumbai- Goa- Mumbai with various essence in every aspect of it”. 

Captain Nitin Dhond shares, “Angriya, is a world class vessel mapped to suit the Indian needs. The cruise is unique with remarkable features and safety measures. Our vision is to fill an existing gap of utilizing the Coastal Sea Route and exploring the true treasures of the high seas. This ship draws inspiration from the Government of India’s Prestigious ‘Sagarmala’ Initiative. While we want to create awareness and appreciation for our rich marine life and cultural heritage, we also aim to give our passengers an incredible cruising experience through the infinity pool, rejuvenating spas and breath-taking decks”.

 

Nirmal Kulkarni, Director, Ecology, states “Angriya is committed to high environment standards. Our policies of fuel efficiency, marine environment safety and waste management meet worldwide standards. Our ship is dedicated towards showcasing and conserving the marine diversity of the Konkan coast its rich history and culture. This is a unique opportunity for travelers on board to observe and marvel at sea turtles, pelagic birds and marine mammals like dolphins and porpoises in their natural environs alongside trained researchers.”

 

Angriya is not a typical cruise liner with packages but is a must have cruise experience that strikes a fine balance between interacting with nature and indulging in leisurely engagements. It empowers people to connect, participate and celebrate the newness in life. It is a priceless experience with incredible activities at the cruise. All this experience has one feeling in heart, 'the feeling of Wow!’

 

Angriya has now introduced its social media platforms to make people aware of their new offerings and services and can be reached on the below mentioned link of their Facebook & Instagram page:

Website: http://www.angriyacruises.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AngriyaCruise/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/angriyacruise/