Mumbai, January 31, 2025: The Government of Maharashtra and TEAM (Tech Entrepreneurs Association of Mumbai) join forces to host the second edition of Asia’s largest AI event- Mumbai Tech Week (MTW), from February 24 to March 1, 2025. Following a successful inaugural year in 2024 and recognized by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, MTW’25, aims to solidify Mumbai as an emerging force in tech and AI. This strategic partnership underscores India’s vision to become a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI), with Mumbai at the epicenter of this transformation.

“We are thrilled to present MTW’25 with the Government of Maharashtra, a landmark event that underscores Mumbai’s pivotal role in India’s ambitious AI & innovation ambition. This year’s event is a testament to the city’s dynamic ecosystem, where AI-driven innovation is not only transforming industries locally but also influencing global solutions. Mumbai stands at the forefront of the AI revolution, blending cutting-edge research, enterprise adoption, and world-class talent to redefine what’s possible. As the largest AI event in Asia and with an extraordinary lineup of leaders, Mumbai Tech Week 2025 is where the next era of technology is envisioned, discussed, and set in motion.” said TEAM spokesperson.

“With Mumbai contributing 4% to India’s GDP as its largest economic center, the Government of Maharashtra understands the critical role of technology in driving continued growth. Mumbai Tech Week 2025 provides the perfect platform for actionable insights and forward-thinking discussions on AI, as we partner with TEAM to solidify Mumbai’s role as an AI leader by supporting talent, infrastructure, investment, and innovation”, said Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra

Marking the convergence of tech, policy, governance, and AI, Mumbai Tech Week 2025 will demonstrate, deliberate on, and drive dialogue on the future of AI, showcasing what Mumbai’s AI boom means for the world. Spotlighting Mumbai’s emergence as the ‘AI Use Case Capital,’ driven by its strong entrepreneurial legacy and rapid AI adoption, Mumbai Tech Week 2025 will host a distinguished lineup of leaders across government, industry, technology, and entertainment.

Leading policymakers Shri. Piyush Goyal, Union Minister of Commerce & Industry, Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Government of India, Shri. Devendra Fadnavis, Chief Minister, Government of Maharashtra, and Shri. Rajeev Chandrasekhar, former Minister of State, Electronics & IT, Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Government of India, will address the audience, followed by insights from industry titans N. Chandrasekaran (Chairman, Tata Sons) and Uday Shankar (Vice Chairman, Jio Star). Emerging leader Akash Ambani (Chairman, Reliance Jio Infocomm) will also be featured, alongside tech leaders Arundhati Bhattacharya (Chairperson and CEO, Salesforce India), Sandhya Devanathan (VP & Head, India, Meta), and Puneet Chandok (President, Microsoft India & South Asia) and unicorn founders Kunal Shah (Founder & CEO, CRED), Peyush Bansal (Co-founder & CEO, Lenskart), Bhavish Aggarwal (Co-founder & CEO, OLA), Ritesh Agarwal, (Founder & Group CEO, OYO) and Aadit Palicha (Co-founder & CEO, Zepto).

MTW’25 will further explore the intersection of AI with culture, creativity and sports, featuring prominent figures from cricket and entertainment industry, including Rahul Dravid, filmmaker and producer Karan Johar, actor and investor Suniel Shetty, and influencer Raj Shamani. Attendees will gain invaluable insights from these global AI builders and enablers, discovering how Mumbai is at the forefront of AI innovation and its impact on business, governance, and society.

The week-long event is divided into two segments:

• February 24, 2025 to February 27, 2025 – satellite events across Mumbai will feature workshops, hackathons, and more
• February 28, 2025 and March 1, 2025 (Mega Days) – The excitement culminates at the iconic Jio World Convention Centre, BKC, where attendees can look forward to keynotes, panel discussions, stand-up presentations, fireside chats, and networking events.

The event will feature discussions where industry leaders will deliberate on sector-specific AI implementation strategies. Through Mumbai’s lens of practical innovation, each segment—from entertainment to retail, and from manufacturing to financial services—will find a path to AI transformation.

Mumbai Tech Week 2025 is proud to partner with CNBC-TV18 as the official media partner, ensuring comprehensive and insightful coverage of MTW 2025’s key discussions and events.

The first edition of Mumbai Tech Week was the largest tech event in Indian history. Setting new benchmarks for technology conferences in India, Mumbai Tech Week 2024 drew over 4,000 attendees and featured more than 50 distinguished speakers from across the globe. The event catalyzed significant industry growth through 10 satellite events, partnerships with 30+ leading organizations, and facilitated over 100 job placements. A key highlight was the startup pitch competition, where 30+ innovative companies presented their groundbreaking solutions to top investors and industry leaders.

31 January 2025, National: The much-anticipated Artisan Awards 2025 concluded on a grand note, with Princess Gauravi Kumari gracing the occasion as the esteemed chief guest. Known for her patronage of art and culture, Princess Gauravi Kumari presented the awards to the winners, lauding their ingenuity and dedication to preserving Indian craftsmanship and design.

The 8th edition of The Artisan Awards was hosted by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) powered by GIA India, in association with the World Gold Council.

The presence of Princess Gauravi Kumari added a regal touch to the celebration, making it a night to remember for the artists, industry stalwarts, and dignitaries in attendance.

As the Artisan Jewellery Design Awards continue to spotlight the best of India’s craftsmanship, this year’s finale set a new benchmark in creativity, elegance, and royal patronage. She was joined on stage by Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Mr. Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director, GIA India; Mr. Sachin Jain, Regional CEO, India, World Gold Council; Mr. Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotions & Marketing, GJEPC; and Mr. Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC.

The event celebrated the finest expressions of Indian craftsmanship under this year’s theme, “Indian Crafts Reimagined,” which received over 630 entries.

In the diverse realm of Indian crafts, the 2025 Artisan Awards highlighted the interconnected nature of regional artistry within the country. Each participant drew inspiration from India’s rich heritage, blending traditional techniques with innovative interpretations. This thoughtful fusion ensured that age-old crafts not only retained their cultural significance but also found a meaningful place in modern design narratives.

The viewing gallery of the 20 finalists from the 8th Artisan Awards, themed Indian Crafts Reimagined, was open at JWCC. The showcased designs blended heritage crafts with innovation, celebrating ancient traditions while ensuring their modern relevance.

A visibly impressed Princess Gauravi Kumari of Jaipur remarked, “All the winning jewellery designs showcased at GJEPC’s Artisan Awards innovatively incorporated traditional art and craft. I believe that traditional crafts will always be relevant to today’s generation as long as designers introduce fresh perspective and new twists, while utilising modern silhouettes that appeal to global audiences. The new-age young consumer is moving from fast fashion to slow luxury. Gen-Next will get interested if we shift the narrative from the brand or product to the karigar (artisan) – the storytelling of their creative vision and interpretation is always compelling.”

Talking about jewellery making and craftsmanship as legacy passed on from generation to generation, Princess Gauravi said, “Global connoisseurs recognise that Indian craft techniques have been passed on from one generation to another, just like the heritage legacy brands of Europe. Some of the best global designers have learnt and educated themselves about Indian craftsmanship and then used their creativity to bring innovation and relevance. My great-grandfather, Maharaja Man Singh II, wanted to see Jaipur as a global centre of design, art, and crafts. I want to carry forward this legacy and empower craftsmen who defy challenges and create with a positive attitude.”

Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, remarked, “The Artisan Awards aims to spotlight India’s unparalleled jewellery craftsmanship. This year’s theme, ‘Indian Crafts, Reimagined’, compelled participants to employ age-old crafts and design them through a contemporary lens, producing pieces that transcend cultural boundaries across the globe.

“Designing is one of the most sought-after skill sets in the industry and plays a pivotal role in generating value addition. For the sector to advance beyond retail, it is essential to enhance and expand design capabilities. The Artisan Awards serves as a platform to harness design talent at the grassroots level, nurturing India’s raw potential while driving innovation and creativity.

“At GJEPC, we also invest in structured skill development through our training institutes to ensure the industry’s sustained progress. Additionally, we strive to preserve and promote local crafts like the timeless jadau and meenakari of Jaipur and Benares, the intricate filigree of the East, and the temple jewellery of the South.

“I invite industry stakeholders such as the World Gold Council, PGI, and De Beers to collaborate with GJEPC in marketing and popularising India’s unique jewellery crafts on the global stage.”

Mr. Sachin Jain, Regional CEO, India, World Gold Council: “GJEPC’s Artisan Awards is a true testament of creativity and royalty in design capital. We at the World Gold Council are partnering with GJEPC to crown India as the jewellery hub of the world. It’s time for us to take Indian creativity and designs to the world. We appreciate the kalakaari (artistry) of India and will work with GJEPC to uplift the pristine status and impeccable standards of our craftsmanship. The Artisan Awards are a great celebration of Indian artistry. Every piece of gold jewellery crafted by these artisans is a testament to their dedication, skill, and artistic vision. The Awards serve as a platform to recognise their achievements and inspire future generations to appreciate and continue the legacy of gold jewellery artistry.”

Mr. Milan Chokshi, Convener, Promotion & Marketing, GJEPC adds, “The theme ‘Indian Crafts, Reimagined’ successfully inspired participants to leverage their creativity and design jewellery that seamlessly integrates global aesthetics with the essence of Indian craftsmanship. Through this journey, we witnessed exceptional pieces that not only preserved ancient crafts but also redefined their relevance for today’s discerning audience. The innovative interpretations highlighted the rich heritage of Indian techniques, demonstrating how our traditional craftsmanship remains relevant and continues to captivate younger generations in today’s dynamic world.”

The entries underwent a thorough scrutiny by a distinguished jury comprising Dr. Usha Balakrishnan, Eminent Jewellery Historian; Mr. Jay Sagar, Jewellery Specialist at AstaGuru Auction House; Mr. Apurva Kothari, Founding Partner of SAVAAB; Ms. Priya Tanna President, @trscreativeconsulting; Mr. Apoorva Deshingkar, Sr. Director – Market Outreach and Education, GIA India; and Ms. Shachee Shah, Founder & Creative Head, Shachee Fine Jewellery.

The technical jury included Mr. Devinder Layal, Jewellery Artiste and Educationist; Ms. Meenal Choksi, Head of Design, Moksh Fine Unseen Jewellery; and Ms. Sushama Kalzunkar Sawant, PD & Merchandising Head, KP Sanghvi.

At the celebratory event,  GJEPC also honoured industry stalwarts whose remarkable contributions have made a lasting impact on both domestic and global fronts.

Mr. Sajil Shah, Creative Head and  Founder of Sajjante, was honoured with the Design Excellence Award, while  Mr. Ankit Mehta, Founder and diamond and jewellery business entrepreneur of the high-end brand Aneka, (previously Her Story),  was bestowed with the prestigious Global Indian Jewellery Designer award.

Mr. Biren Vaidya, Managing Director of The House of Rose, was presented the Retail Excellence Award for its exceptional designs, high standards and excellent customer service.

The House of BNM was chosen for the Manufacturing Excellence Award, underscoring its commitment to quality and innovation.  The award was received by its Co-Founder Mr. Binoy Shah.

Here’s what the judges had to say about The Artisan finalists:

Mr. Apoorva Deshingkar, Sr. Director – Market Outreach and Education, GIA India: “It is a privilege to be able to witness the design talent and their creations at The Artisan Awards. Not only does the theme – ‘Indian Craft, Reimagined’ – pose a challenge for the designers, but it also offers them a chance to creatively showcase the rich culture and heritage of Indian jewellery and artisanry. More than 630 entries are a testimony to the recognition that comes with a platform such as The Artisan Awards, and I extend my compliments to GJEPC for organising it successfully year on year and raising the bar in the process. GIA India continues to support this industry initiative that helps empower talented jewellery designers.”

Dr. Usha Balakrishnan, Eminent Historian: “Every Artisan piece has layers of narrative, from the designers who create it to the materials and designs that reflect our heritage. Crafts like Thewa, with their delicate artistry and potential for contemporary appeal, deserve greater global recognition.”

Mr. Jay Sagar, Jewellery Specialist at AstaGuru Auction House – “The designs beautifully blended tradition with contemporary appeal, and intricate creations that showcased impeccable attention to detail and lightweight charm. Indian craftsmanship is evolving, and with the younger generation of designers pushing boundaries, we are witnessing a transformative era.”

Mr. Apurva Kothari, Founding Partner of SAVAAB: “The participants have showcased exceptional creativity, blending India’s rich heritage with modern craftsmanship. The enamel work combined with gold truly stands out, reflecting a finesse in design and execution that brings every piece to life.”

Ms. Priya Tanna, President, @trscreativeconsulting: “I’m pleasantly surprised this year to witness a true revolution in the pieces being judged. The blend of traditional Indian crafts like Meenakari and beaten gold with contemporary designs is remarkable. What’s even more impressive is how these creations are designed for everyday elegance, making them both wearable and timeless.”

Ms. Shachee Shah, Founder & Creative Head, Shachee Fine Jewellery: “Jewellery is emotion brought to life, and when infused with Indian craftsmanship, it carries a deeper connection to our roots. This emotional resonance enhances its value, whether through meaningful storytelling, spiritual elements, or personalised touches like using birthstones.”

Bengaluru, 31 January 2025: Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru, a constituent unit of Manipal Academy of Higher Education, hosted Turinger 2025, a grand three-day celebration of technology, innovation, and discovery. Organized by the MITB ACM Student Chapter, the event took place from January 17 to 19, 2025, and brought together a diverse group of students, researchers, industry leaders, and academicians. This unique platform celebrated cutting-edge technological advancements and fostered intellectual exchange among participants.

Turinger 2025 was much more than a technical event; it embodied the spirit of collaboration and innovation. With a meticulously curated lineup of talks, workshops, and competitions, the event drew participation from over 20 institutions across the country. It featured distinguished speakers such as Dr. Meena Mahajan from the Institute of Mathematical Sciences, Chennai, and Dr. Yogesh Simmhan, an ACM Distinguished Member and Associate Professor at IISc Bengaluru. The inaugural session set the tone for the event with Chief Guest Mr. Rakesh Tergundi, CEO and Co-Founder of Jini Commerce, Bengaluru, and Guest of Honor Dr. Meena Mahajan. Dr. Mahajan captivated the audience with her keynote on “The Fascinating World of Computational Complexity,” inspiring participants to delve deeper into the world of computational sciences.

The event showcased the dynamic involvement of MITB ACM’s various student chapters. The ACM-W Student Chapter conducted an engaging quiz competition and hosted technical discussions focusing on diversity in technology. They also organized an Eminent Speaker Talk by Dr. Mahajan. Meanwhile, the ACM SIG-AI Student Chapter facilitated a thought-provoking panel discussion on “Bias in AI: Can We Build Truly Unbiased Systems?” featuring notable industry experts – Mr. Sridhar Tonse Pai and Mr. Deepak Chawla . The ACM SIG-SOFT Student Chapter added further value by hosting an App Development Workshop led by Hasnen Tai, an Enterprise Customer Engineer from FlutterFlow, and an exciting Debug Marathon that tested participants’ problem-solving skills.

One of the major highlights of Turinger 2025 was the Research Poster Presentation, held on the final day. This competition served as a platform for budding innovators to showcase groundbreaking research addressing critical challenges in fields such as cybersecurity, environmental engineering, and advanced technology solutions. The vibrant participation underscored the depth and diversity of ideas being explored by young researchers across the country.

The first-place winners, a team from Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru comprising Nishanth Shet, PCS Harikrishna, and Daksh Mutneja, impressed judges with their project titled “SPIRE: Self-Optimizing Proactive Intelligence and Response Engine for Advanced Cyber Threat Detection and Mitigation.” The second-place team, Olumide Joseph Ilelaboye, Mitha H S, and Somnath Gorai from Jain University, presented an insightful project on the “Application of Data Science in Cybersecurity.” The third-place award went to Adisha Sarika Gowda, Akshay S P, Chandana N R, and Krishna S Bharadwaj from The National Institute of Engineering, Mysuru, for their innovative work on “Solid-State Thermoelectric Coolers.”

Special recognition was also awarded to projects demonstrating inclusivity and innovation. Dr. Shobha K and Dr. Rajashekhara from Siddaganga Institute of Technology received the Best Poster for Women in Engineering award for their project on “Noise Removal, Feature Extraction, and Classification of Environmental Sounds.” The Best Innovative Poster award was presented to Sai Jayanth Kothamadduri from Manipal Institute of Technology Bengaluru for his groundbreaking research on “Cybersecurity Challenges in Modern Vehicles.”

Adding to the excitement, Turinger 2025 also hosted Tessellate MAHE Bengaluru, a collaborative event organized alongside the SMI ACM SIGCHI Chapter. Tessellate provided participants with opportunities to engage in problem-solving and collaborative challenges, further enriching the experience.

The valedictory ceremony marked the grand finale of Turinger 2025. The event concluded with an insightful keynote by Dr. Yogesh Simmhan, followed by a motivating address from Guest of Honor Mr. Pavithran Ayyala, Head of Digital IT at Utthunga, Bengaluru. The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Arindam Das, Director of SMI Bengaluru, who was joined by Faculty Sponsors Dr. Gururaj H L, Dr. Shreyas J from the MITB ACM Student Chapter, and Mr. Vivek Garady, Faculty Sponsor of the SMI ACM SIGCHI Chapter.

With the support of the ACM India Council and the collective efforts of various ACM Student Chapters, Turinger 2025 proved to be an inspiring and transformative event. It provided an unparalleled platform for young minds to explore their potential, exchange ideas, and celebrate the boundless opportunities in technology and innovation.

Recognised as the grandest celebration of books and ideas worldwide, Vedanta presents Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 in association with Maruti Suzuki and powered by Vida, which opened today with a calming Ganesh vandana by classical vocalist Supriya Nagarajan and the resounding notes of nagadas by Nathoolal Solanki’s group. This imbued the air of Jaipur with the infectious buzz of celebration.

Highlights of the day include:

The 18th Jaipur Literature Festival commenced with an Opening Ceremony at Hotel Clarks Amer in Jaipur, which blended music, welcome addresses, and the traditional lamp lighting ceremony. The morning began with an evocative performance by Carnatic vocalist Supriya Nagrajan. Festival Co-Directors Namita Gokhale and William Dalrymple spoke about this year’s diverse and inclusive programme, highlighting key sessions, while Festival Producer Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, reflected on the Festival’s 18-year journey. The lamp lighting ceremony was performed by dignitaries on the dais, including Apurv & Timmy Kumar, Venki Ramakrishnan, Faith Singh, the EU Ambassador H.E. Herve Delphin, Sanjay & Jyoti Agarwal, among others. The keynote address was delivered by acclaimed molecular biologist and Nobel Laureate Venki Ramakrishnan, who discussed the intersection of the arts and sciences. The opening concluded with two minutes of silence in remembrance of Mahatma Gandhi, who was assassinated 77 years ago on this day.

The sessions on the 1st day of the 18th edition of Vedanta presents Jaipur Literature Festival 2025 in association with Maruti Suzuki and powered by Vida featured an acclaimed line-up of speakers, including Nobel laureate- Esther Duflo, Kailash Satyarthi, Gideon Levi, William Dalrymple Ijeoma Oluo, Geetanjali Shree, Javed Akhtar, and Venki Ramakrishnan. A range of fascinating themes and ideas were discussed in the sessions, including conversations on Democracy and Equality, Geopolitics, Biographies and Memoirs, History and Culture, and more, offering something for all.

Namita Gokhale, Festival Co-director, Jaipur Literature Festival said, “Our festival, the greatest literary show on earth, is a different sort of pilgrimage. It is a conference of thought and mindfulness, a hub and platform for words and for the search of meaning.”

William Dalrymple, Festival Co-director, Jaipur Literature Festival said, “From the beginning of mankind’s story, the public performance of literature is something related but quite different and this is something that has always been particularly strong in India.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director, Teamwork Arts, said, “Today in the darkness that we see around us, wars that surround us, hatred that we see that is all-consuming, the one thing that we can take solace in is writing and books.”

Presenting partner, Priya Agarwal Hebbar, Non-Executive Director, Vedanta Limited, and Chairperson, Hindustan Zinc Limited, shared, “Stories have the power to connect minds and inspire change. With its celebration of diverse voices and global themes, the Jaipur Literature Festival creates a space for ideas to flourish and to foster dialogue on the soft power of storytelling.

At Vedanta, we believe in creating stories of transformation. Through Hindustan Zinc and Cairn Oil & Gas, our businesses in Rajasthan, we have implemented various social impact initiatives through Anil Agarwal Foundation that have nurtured sustainable livelihoods and supported micro-enterprises that are reshaping communities. With social impact initiatives reaching 17.3 million people, this festival is more than just a celebration—it is a reflection of Vedanta’s vision to blend culture and progress, fostering a future where every story contributes to collective growth.”

Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Promoter, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, “Jaipur Literature Festival is one of the most-anticipated events in Jaipur, and I am thrilled to be associated with Teamwork Arts in its endeavour to inspire change and impact lives. JLF is more special to me as it has put Jaipur on the world map by creating a globally renowned platform for free expression, diverse views and ideas, fostering a deeper understanding of our complex world. Throughout history, literature has been a catalyst for revolutionary ideas and societal shifts and this year too I am hoping to witness many such ideas at the 18th edition of JLF.

One of the opening sessions was ‘Our City That Year’ with International Booker Prize winner Geetanjali Shree. Shree explained that her work reckons with the concept of “borders,” and the fluidity of individuals, communities and societies. Communalism straight-jackets people into a single definition, and Shree said there is an urgent need to look inward and ask what has gone wrong and what can be done to fix it. She described Hamara Shahar Us Baras (translated as Our City that Year) as her most didactic novel, as it directly confronts communal tensions in India. “There are no water-tight borders, not even in our identities. It is that which has kept a lot of exchange of all kinds possible between peoples, and that which has enriched cultures and all of us.” It is the urgency to look inwards and at yourself and say, ‘where have we gone wrong and what is it that we need to do?’ That is a question that plagues the characters of the book,” Shree said.

At a session called, ‘Gyan Seepiyan: Pearls of Wisdom’, poet and writer, Javed Akhtar stressed on the importance of learning our native tongues. “Learning some other language (English) should not be at the cost of your own language. I would like to see our children multilingual, he said.” He went on to say, “There is no poetry in fascism, as poetry is written in the language of love whereas fascism is dictated on the lines of hatred.”

Another fascinating session featuring Festival Co-Director and award-winning writer Namita Gokhale was about the medieval mystic and maverick saint Drukpa Kunley, beloved across the shadow line of the Himalayas. Upending the notions of conventional, Drukpa Kunley challenges any dogmatic, textual prescriptions of Buddhism and encourages questioning of everything including conventional reason. Needrup Zangpo’s collection Drukpa Kunley: Sacred Tales of the Mad Monk shines a light on the life and tales of the saint and his transcendent vision.

At a session called ‘You Are Here’ with bestselling writer and screenwriter, whose multimillion One Day has recently been made into a popular Netflix series, David Nicholls said, “As so often happens when you reach the age of 40, you ask yourself the question how did I get here and One day is very much about that, how do you take this unpredictability of the future the way that friendships change the course of a life.” Nicholls drew a distinction between solitude, which can be fulfilling, content and desirable and loneliness which is heartbreakingly haunting in his new book You are Here Nicholls also talked about the barriers a writer has to get through to write a fiction novel and his journey through writing his previous six novels.

Nobel Laureate Esther Duflo and her illustrator Cheyenne Olivier were at a session called Poor Economics for the Young in which she shared how her early experiences inspired her to write for children. Olivier explained that the characters in the book are depicted in diverse colours, drawing inspiration from cultures around the world. Duflo emphasized her goal of helping young readers grasp different perspectives on poverty through shared experiences across continents.

In the session ‘David Hare: A Life in Theatre and Film’ celebrated playwright and screenwriter David Hare provided insight on how the audience can interact with a work. If the audience does not respond to a play he has written with enthusiasm, he trusts the actors to observe and adapt the characters accordingly. The conversation shifted to how culture and politics influence theatre. Hare said he often writes about women. Coming from an all-male boarding school, Hare understood the importance of the rising feminist movement. Hare stressed on the need to write and perform for the sake of art, which can be lost when producing for film and TV.

Another conversation featured beloved author Sudha Murty in conversation with Meru Gokhale.

In the session, Murty said that she assumes a childlike mindset to write for children. The session shifted to discuss how children’s literature can be used to pass on heritage and culture. Murty shared the inspiration behind her books The Gopi Diaries and Grandpa’s Bag of Stories, which are some of her most notable works. “I write children’s books well because of the child within. What’s the definition of a child you feel innocent. You feel fruitful. You feel adventurous, and you feel very curious. That mindset is called a child.”

Festival Co-Director and award-winning historian William Dalrymple’s session on his new bestselling book The Golden Road focused on India’s pivotal role as the heart of ancient Eurasia. Traversing through Indian art, ideas, and innovations, Dalrymple takes us on a journey through the ancient world and describes how Indian ideas helped form the world as we know it today.​ The session was introduced by author and historian Anirudh Kanisetti.

Chennai, January 2025: ITC Grand Chola’s Fabelle Chocolate Boutique invites chocolate connoisseurs to celebrate World Hot Chocolate Day with an unparalleled experience of indulgence and craftsmanship. Nestled in the heart of Chennai, Fabelle is renowned for its luxurious handcrafted chocolates, and this special day offers the perfect opportunity to savour the art of chocolate in its most comforting form.

Step into the enchanting world of Fabelle as we present an exclusive range of Signature Hot Chocolate Creations, crafted with precision and passion by our master chocolatiers. From the rich, velvety Spiced Hot Chocolate to the adventurous Sao Tome Classic Hot Cocoa, each cup is a journey of flavours designed to awaken your senses and soothe your soul.

At Fabelle Chocolate Boutique, we believe that every cup of hot chocolate is a work of art. To commemorate World Hot Chocolate Day, Fabelle Chocolate Boutique is proud to unveil a Limited-Edition Collection, featuring:

• Sao Tome Classic Hot Cocoa: A luxurious blend of Madagascar vanilla pod paired with Lankan cinnamon, frosted with whipped cream and cocoa nibs
• Spiced Hot Chocolate: A bold and intense cocoa experience, served with truffled French Chantilly Cream.
• Milk Cocoa: A bold and intense cocoa experience.

January 31, 2025 – Mann Deshi Foundation is excited to announce the much-anticipated Mann Deshi Mahotsav 2025, a vibrant celebration of rural entrepreneurship, traditional crafts, and indigenous culture. This grand event, set to take place at Nare Park, Parel, Mumbai from February 5th to 9th, 2025. The program will be inaugurated by Maharashtra’s Minister for Information Technology and Culture, Ashishji Shelar, with Maharashtra’s Minister for Rural Development, Hon. Shri Jayakumar Gore, as the chief guest. H.T. Parekh Foundation CEO Zia Lalkaka, Aloka Majumdar, Managing Director and Global Head of Philanthropy and Head of Sustainability, India, at The Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited along with other dignitaries, will also be present at the event.

Program promises to be an immersive experience for visitors, featuring a unique blend of local cuisine, cultural performances, crafts, and workshops. The Mahotsav aims to bring the richness of rural Maharashtra, Silvassa, and Karnataka to Mumbai, creating an exciting platform for the women entrepreneurs of Mann Deshi Foundation.

The Mann Deshi Foundation, founded in 1996 by Ms. Chetna Sinha, is dedicated to empowering rural women, helping them make their own choices, and celebrating their contributions as equal and valuable members of their families and communities. Together with Mann Deshi Bank, the Foundation provides comprehensive business support to rural women entrepreneurs, enabling them to thrive and build successful businesses. The Mann Deshi Mahotsav serves as a showcase for their hard work, creativity, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of rural Maharashtra and support the women entrepreneurs of Mann Deshi Foundation.

Join us at Nare Park, Parel, Mumbai from February 5th to 9th, 2025 for a truly unforgettable experience!

Dates: February 5th to 9th, 2025
Time: 10.20 AM To 9.30 PM
Venue: Nare Park, Parel, Mumbai

Mumbai, 30th January 2025 – Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL), in collaboration with OTTplay, India’s leading streaming platform aggregator, has introduced BSNL Intertainment—an innovative Internet TV service. This service provides BSNL mobile users all over India with free access to over 450+ live TV channels, including premium channels.

Following the launch of pilot in Pondicherry, BiTV is now being launched pan India as part of BSNL’s vision to bring world-class entertainment to its users. With BSNL Intertainment, BSNL customers can access OTTs like Bhaktiflix, Shortfundly, Kanccha Lannka, STAGE, OM TV, Playflix, Fancode, Distro, Hubhopper and Runn Tv along with 450+ live TV channels, blockbuster movies, and web series.

Speaking at the launch event, BSNL CMD Robert J Ravi I T S, stated, “With BiTV, through our partners, BSNL is giving every customer the power to access entertainment on the go, ‘anytime, anywhere’, free of cost, irrespective of the plan they are on. BiTV is a testament to BSNL’s commitment to digital inclusion and BSNL will be one of the first telecom service provider to revolutionize through this groundbreaking service.”

Echoing this vision, Avinash Mudaliar, Co-founder & CEO of OTTplay, shared, “We are incredibly excited to announce our partnership with BSNL for the launch of BiTV. Through this partnership, BSNL users will gain exclusive access to an extensive library of premium content, offering a truly elevated viewing experience. Whether it’s movies, TV shows, or exclusive content, we’re committed to delivering world-class entertainment. Together with BSNL, we aim to set a new standard for entertainment services in the region, ensuring that users can enjoy high-quality, on-demand content anytime, anywhere.”