South Indian Bank Launches ‘Women Like You’ on Women’s Day

Bengaluru: South Indian Bank celebrated International Women’s Day by launching ‘Women Like You’, a special coffee table book chronicling the inspirational journey of 52 remarkable women from diverse fields. Ms. Lakshmi Ramakrishna Srinivas, Director, South Indian Bank, unveiled the book at a grand event in Bengaluru in the presence of distinguished guests, industry leaders and women customers.

South Indian Bank is happy to launch Women Like You on International Women’s Day. This unique coffee table book showcases inspirational stories of ordinary women who have overcome challenges with strength and resilience, ultimately achieving lasting success. Much like the evening’s celebration, the book honours women achievers who have broken barriers and paved their own paths to success. Their journeys serve as a testament to the fact that behind every successful woman lies a story worth reading and emulating.

It was an inspirational evening at Radisson, Bangalore headlined by international para-athlete, and Padma Shri and Arjuna awardee Dr. Malathi Holla. She shared her extraordinary journey in a session titled “Wings to Fly – An Inspiring Journey.” Subsequently, the versatile sports and celebrity anchor Madhu Mailankody moderated a panel discussion on “The Art of Balance”. The panel brought together many women achievers to discuss strategies for achieving personal and professional fulfilment.

The panellists included:

  • Sreedevi Ragavan – Founder, Tattvamassi & Board of Governors, IIM Kozhikode
  • Rasika Iyer – Co-founder & CMO, Tata Soulfull
  • Priya Sunder – Co-founder & Director, Peak Alpha Investments
  • Simi Sabhaney – Chief Growth Officer, Dentsu India

The celebration concluded with a mesmerising performance by Saxophone Subbalaxmi, the first female saxophonist to hold a world record for playing the instrument for the longest duration.

The evening reaffirmed the bank’s ethos to empower women by recognising their achievements while strengthening its engagement with customers and the community.

BollyHop Dance Workshop Commends Performers in a Dazzling Showcase of Unity

March 11,2025:Gillco International School hosted the highly anticipated BollyHop Dance Workshop, a vibrant celebration of womanhood that brought together students and faculty in an energetic display of strength, grace, and unity. The event, infused with boundless enthusiasm, highlighted the joy of dance while promoting empowerment and creativity.
A unique fusion of Bollywood and Hip-Hop, the BollyHop Dance Workshop allowed participants to experience the exhilaration of movement while embracing diversity and self-expression. The workshop served as a powerful reminder of the role of the arts in fostering confidence and camaraderie.

Dr. Kritika Kaushal, Principal of Gillco International School, shared her thoughts on the event, stating:

“At Gillco International, we believe in nurturing not only the academic excellence of our students but also their overall growth, including physical, emotional, and creative development. The BollyHop Dance Workshop was a fantastic way to celebrate womanhood, emphasizing the importance of strength, grace, and unity. It was heartening to see our students embrace the joy of dance and come together in this empowering experience. We hope to continue such celebrations that foster creativity, unity, and confidence among our students.”

Arena Animation’s National Students Meet 2025 Showcases Strong Industry Insights and Hands-On Learning

National, March 11, 2025: Arena Animation, one of India’s leading animation institutes and a training brand of Aptech Limited, successfully hosted the highly anticipated National Student Meet 2025. This three-day event, held from March 4th to March 6th near Lonavala, provided an enriching learning and networking experience for students aspiring to build careers in the dynamic media & entertainment industry.
With a strong focus on animation, VFX, gaming, and digital media, National Students Meet 2025 aimed to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations. The event was designed to equip students with practical skills and exposure, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world challenges. The program featured interactive industry sessions, hands-on workshops, and engaging discussions, bringing together students, faculty, and professionals from leading studios and organizations.
An Experience Beyond the Classroom
The event commenced on March 4th with an energetic inauguration ceremony, setting the stage for an inspiring and immersive experience. The day featured insightful sessions from distinguished industry professionals, including Ashish Kulkarni, Chairman, of Animation, VFX, Comics and Gaming Forum, FICCI, Sanjeev Naik, a Senior VFX Supervisor, and Yogesh Chhag, VP of Business, among others. These sessions provided students with valuable insights into the latest trends, technological advancements, and career opportunities in the AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics) sector.
March 5th was dedicated to hands-on learning through a series of workshops designed to enhance practical knowledge and technical proficiency. Students participated in diverse sessions covering topics such as Digital Portrait Sculpting, VFX Breakdown for the movie Thangalaan, Character Rigging and Animation Workflow in Unreal Engine 5.5, and CG Compositing and Integration on Live Plate. These workshops were led by accomplished professionals, including Krishna Babu from Zebu Animation, Art Director B. N. Vichar, and John Varghese and Hariharan from Hybrid 360.
A key highlight of the day was the Industry HR Conclave, which offered students an exclusive opportunity to interact with hiring experts from top studios. The panel featured HR representatives such as Niloy Kanti from Wacky Toons, Reshav Pandey and Karan Shimpi from Fluid Studio, Dipali Sawant from NY VFXWALA, and Kunjal Dedhia and Ruchi Sharma Nair from Industrial Light & Magic (ILM). These experts shared insights into hiring trends, essential skills, and career pathways in the Media & Entertainment sector.
Reflecting on the impact of NSM, Mr. Sandip Weling, Chief Business Officer, Global Retail Business, Aptech Limited and Brand Custodian, Arena Animation, said, “National Students Meet 2025 was more than just a student conclave; it was a transformative experience that equipped students with the industry exposure and practical skills necessary to excel in their careers. By bringing together industry veterans, thought leaders, and young creative minds under one roof, we aimed to foster innovation, skill development, and meaningful connections that will shape the future of the AVGC sector. Through National Students Meet 2025, Arena Animation reaffirms its commitment to empowering students with industry-relevant education and experiences, ensuring they are well-prepared to thrive in the ever-evolving Media & Entertainment sector.
Speaking about the importance of such industry interactions, Ms. Dipali Sawant, Head of Human Resources at NY VFXWALA, remarked, “Talent is everywhere, but opportunities are not always evenly distributed. The AVGC-XR VFX industry is evolving at a rapid pace, creating a demand for skilled professionals who can adapt to cutting-edge technologies and storytelling techniques. Events like National Students Meet serve as a crucial platform for aspiring artists to connect with industry leaders, gain hands-on exposure, and understand what it takes to succeed in this highly competitive field. It’s not just about learning software or technical skills; it’s about developing an artistic vision, problem-solving abilities, and a collaborative mindset. By fostering these connections, we empower students to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry expectations, ensuring they step into the professional world with confidence and clarity.
Adding to the excitement, a Live Creative Digital Art Competition, hosted by HUION, provided students with a platform to showcase their artistic talent. This competition encouraged creativity and innovation, pushing participants to apply their skills in a competitive setting. HUION is the world’s leading pen tablet display brand that builds drawing tablets and pen displays, largely used by creative professionals worldwide.
A Grand Conclusion
The final day, March 6th, was a blend of networking, celebration, and fun. Students engaged in interactive networking sessions, allowing them to build connections with mentors and peers. The closing ceremony celebrated the achievements of participants, recognizing outstanding contributions and creative excellence displayed during the event. To wrap up the experience on a high note, students were treated to an exciting visit to Imagica Theme Park. This excursion not only provided a well-deserved break but also an opportunity to observe entertainment design in action, further fuelling their creative aspirations.
National Students Meet 2025 was a testament to Arena Animation’s dedication to nurturing the next generation of creative professionals. By providing students with a platform to learn, connect, and grow, the event played a vital role in shaping their journey toward successful careers in the Media & Entertainment industry. With its blend of education, inspiration, and fun, the event left an indelible mark on every participant, setting the stage for future successes.

Rupal Patel Encourages Fans to Embrace Eshaa Pathak as Gauri in Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri

When two strong women come together, they create something unforgettable! Rupal Patel won hearts with her iconic role as Kokila Ben, and now, she is here to celebrate another powerful woman—Gauri, the lead of Sun Neo’s upcoming show Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri, played by Eshaa Pathak. The two ladies shot together for a special promo, making it an exciting and unmissable moment for viewers.

While welcoming Gauri and giving her blessings, Rupal Patel says, “I’m so happy to share some wonderful news with you all. For the very first time, I’m coming to Sun Neo with a very special project—Rishto Se Bandhi Gauri. With all my heart, I introduce you to Gauri. And I, Rupal Patel, whom you have always loved and supported, am bringing her into your lives. The love you have given me over the years, I now ask you to shower even more on Gauri. Welcome her into your hearts, your homes, and your families. Make her your daughter, your daughter-in-law. Bless her, love her, and embrace her with open arms.”

Reflecting on the strength of womanhood, Rupal Patel shares, “I want to say how proud I am to be a woman—a daughter, a mother, a wife, and a daughter-in-law. Each of these roles is filled with love, respect, and honor. My heartfelt wishes go out to all the incredible women out there—may you continue to uplift your families, society, and the nation with your strength and grace.”

She further offers words of wisdom to Gauri, saying, “My advice to Gauri is—step forward with love, open your arms, and connect with people with warmth and positivity. The love and blessings you give will always come back to you. Stand by your family in tough times, and they will always stand by you.”