Innovative Stroke Care: Regenerative Medicine Solutions
Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher & Founder of StemRx Hospital & Research Centre
Spotting the Signs: What Stroke Looks Like
Strokes don’t sneak up quietly. They announce themselves with symptoms like sudden weakness (often on one side of the body), slurred speech, blurry vision, dizziness, a pounding headache, nausea, or even passing out. These happen because of clots or broken blood vessels cutting off the brain’s oxygen supply. If ignored, they can lead to paralysis, memory problems, trouble swallowing, seizures, or breathing issues. The brain is the body’s VIP, so any glitch calls for urgent help.
When a stroke hits, doctors jump into action with traditional treatments to stop the damage. For ischemic strokes, clot-busting drugs or blood thinners can break up blockages, while surgery might fix a burst vessel in a hemorrhagic stroke. These methods tackle paralysis, memory loss, and other complications head-on. But they’re not perfect, medications can cause dizziness or nausea, and surgery carries risks like infection. Plus, if you don’t tweak your lifestyle afterward (think diet and exercise), another stroke could be waiting in the wings.
Now, here’s where things get exciting: regenerative medicine. Unlike traditional fixes that manage symptoms, this approach aims to heal the brain. Picture stem cells as tiny repair workers, being sent in to rebuild damaged brain tissue, boost blood flow, and calm inflammation. They can regrow lost brain cells, reconnect nerves, and help you move, talk, and think better. It’s like giving your brain a second chance.Take Asha’s story, for example. She arrived at StemRx Hospital with severe brain damage; three blood clots and three aneurysms, one already burst. Her right side was paralyzed, and she could barely wiggle her left fingers. Doctors gave her a tough prognosis: recovery would take 6 to 8 months, if at all. But atStemRx, Asha got a cutting-edge mix of treatments: stem cell therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), microcurrents, muscle stimulators, lasers, and more. With expert care and her own grit, she was out of bed by day three or four, her memory flickering back to life. In just a month, she regained 70% of her abilities—way faster than anyone predicted. That’s the power of regenerative medicine paired with determination.
A stroke is a scary wake-up call, but it’s not the end of the story. Quick medical care can limit the damage, and traditional treatments lay a solid foundation. But StemRx takes it further with regenerative medicine, repairing the brain, not just patching it up. With therapies like stem cells, physiotherapy, and smart lifestyle changes, patients can reclaim their movement, their words, and their lives. Stroke may knock you down, but with the right tools and spirit, you can get back up stronger than ever.
An Afternoon of Elegance: Sulwhasoo’s Self-Care Experience
March 25, 2025: Sulwhasoo, the luxury Korean skincare brand renowned for its heritage-driven approach to beauty, hosted an intimate gathering at Arts Café, NMACC, Mumbai, on March 19. The event offered a thoughtfully curated experience that blended time-honored traditions with modern skincare innovations, inviting guests to indulge in rituals that nourish both skin and spirit.
The afternoon unfolded with a tea leaf reading session, a symbolic nod to Sulwhasoo’s deep-rooted connection to nature and tradition. Mini Sood, Amore Pacific’s Assistant Director & Head of Marketing, welcomed the beauty enthusiasts to experience the brand’s legacy and took them through the marvels of Korean skincare. This was followed by a personalized skin analysis, where guests gained insight into their skin’s unique needs while discovering Sulwhasoo’s transformative formulations. The highlight of the event was an elegantly curated sit-down lunch, where guests indulged in a menu inspired by Korean elements and Ginseng—the hero ingredient of Sulwhasoo’s skincare philosophy. Each dish was thoughtfully crafted to reflect the brand’s essence, creating a sensorial experience that extended beyond skincare
The event brought together notable personalities such as Maheep Kapoor and Bhavna Pandey, along with key KOLs like Janki Desai, Nisha Agarwal, and Anshula Kapoor, who immersed themselves in the world of holistic beauty and timeless rituals.
Guests experienced Sulwhasoo’s most coveted skincare range, including the newly relaunched Concentrated Ginseng Renewing Cream, Serum, and Eye Cream, alongside other sought-after formulations like First Care Activating Serum, Gentle Cleansing Foam, Overnight Vitalizing Mask, Clarifying Mask, Gentle Cleansing Oil, and White Ginseng Radiance Refining Mask.
Reflecting on the brand’s journey in India, Paul Lee, AmorePacific Managing Director & Country Head, shared, “As we look back on Sulwhasoo’s presence in India, we are deeply grateful for the warm reception from beauty enthusiasts. Hosting this event marks not just a milestone but a testament to our growing bond with discerning consumers. Together, we celebrate a confluence of Korean heritage and Indian beauty culture—one that is rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving. Here’s to many more years of timeless beauty powered by art, innovation, and ritual.”
Mini Sood Banerjee, Assistant Director & Marketing Head at AmorePacific, further emphasized the brand’s vision, adding, “True beauty is cultivated through rituals that nurture both skin and soul. Through this event, we wanted our guests to experience not just Sulwhasoo’s formulations but the artistry and intention behind each product. The integration of Ginseng into both skincare and the menu was a reflection of how beauty extends beyond topical care it’s an immersive, holistic journey.”
Jin Hyuk Lee, Brand General Manager of Sulwhasoo India, shared his thoughts on the brand’s legacy, stating, “Sulwhasoo is more than skincare it is a philosophy, a journey that intertwines the wisdom of traditional ingredients with modern science. With the relaunch of our iconic Concentrated Ginseng Renewing range, we reaffirm our commitment to innovation while staying rooted in our rich heritage. India has embraced Sulwhasoo with open arms, and this event is a testament to our shared love for mindful beauty.”
Set against the refined backdrop of Arts Café, NMACC, the event was a celebration of mindful beauty where self-care met storytelling. Guests engaged in enriching conversations and departed with a renewed appreciation for holistic skincare, leaving with a deeper understanding of Sulwhasoo’s commitment to timeless beauty.
A pioneer in skincare innovations that go beyond the skin’s surface, Sulwhasoo uncovered every skin’s potential at this event.
Giresh Kulkarni Named ‘Global Thought Leader 2025’
March 25,2025:Founder of Temple Connect, Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni was recently honoured as a Global Thought Leader of 2025 at the ‘Skill Live: Visionary Voices: Networking Experience’ event at the Fitzwilliam College, in the prestigious University of Cambridge, UK. This award was an acknowledgement of his relentless efforts in transforming temple ecosystems and pioneering temple management through his innovative entrepreneurial venture, Temple Connect.
Organized by the London Organisation of Skills Development (LOSD), the event brought together a distinguished assembly of global visionaries, industry leaders, and thought pioneers for insightful discussions, book launches, and high-impact networking. A key highlight was launching the ‘Global Thought Leaders of the Year 2025’ coffee table book that prominently featured Giresh Kulkarni. The coffee table book celebrates individuals driving groundbreaking transformation across various fields.
Speaking about this recognition, Giresh Vasudev Kulkarni said, “It’s my pleasure to share this achievement as one of the proud ‘Global Thought Leaders of 2025’. Receiving this honour at Cambridge University is both humbling and inspiring. It reaffirms Temple Connect’s aim to revolutionise temple operations through sustainable, tech-driven innovation and strategic collaboration, ensuring stronger community engagement. This recognition fuels our commitment to preserving cultural legacies while embracing progress, thus enhancing the spiritual experience.”
Through Temple Connect, Kulkarni has redefined a structured approach to temple operations, heritage conservation, and religious tourism. He seeks to ensure that these sacred spaces remain efficiently managed and thrive as centres of faith, history and sustainable development. Building on this vision, Kulkarni founded an innovative initiative, the International Temples Convention & Expo (ITCX) which emerged as the world’s largest knowledge-sharing platform for temple administrators, religious scholars, and industry stakeholders. The recognition by LOSD stands as a testament to his vision, further amplifying the significance and impact of his work on an international scale.
‘Khadaan’ Drops on Hungama OTT—Stream the Suspense
March 25, 2025:Hungama OTT, one of India’s leading digital entertainment platforms, launched its original series ‘Khadaan’ on March 19, 2025, a gripping thriller around an intriguing investigation set in a small village. The show features Aly Goni as the lead, alongside Karanvir Bohra, Jinal Joshi, and Rebecca Anand in intriguing roles. The original series promises a fascinating narrative that has a series of surprising discoveries, enough to keep the viewers hooked to uncover the mystery.
In a mining village haunted by a dark and sinister past, Inspector Veer Pratap Singh (Aly Goni) arrives seeking solace but is instead drawn into a chilling investigation. An entire family is found brutally murdered, raising unsettling questions. Has an angry spirit returned for revenge? Has the village’s long-dormant curse been reawakened? And who—or what—is behind the hundreds of bodies unearthed during the investigation? As Veer unravels the mystery, he is pulled deeper into a web of secrets and deception. With every revelation, the lines between folklore and reality blur, leading to a truth that will test his resolve and alter the course of his life forever.
Speaking about the show Siddhartha Roy, CEO, Hungama Digital Media said, “With the launch of ‘Khadaan’, we’re setting a new benchmark for original content on Hungama OTT. This gripping thriller showcases our passion for crafting stories that thrill, engage and captivate our audiences. At Hungama, we’re committed to innovation and delivering exceptional entertainment experiences that inspire, delight and leave a lasting impact on our viewers.”
Reflecting on his role, Aly Goni expressed his experience working on the original series. He said, “Playing the role of Veer Pratap Singh in Khadaan is truly special and close to my heart. The role demanded me to come out of my comfort zone and portray a role that I have never played before and try the horror-thriller genre. It is a show which is truly fascinating, and I have loved every bit of the process from script reading sessions to research to shooting. I mean, the story does get one engaged, and I hope that audiences like the show”.
“Playing a grey character is always exciting—it’s a challenge to add layers and bring such roles to life, but I love it. Khadaan weaves multiple parallel stories, each with its own set of struggles and past demons. Viewers will be intrigued to see how the characters navigate their hurdles to find their own truth. Working with this team has been an absolute blast, and I hope the audience appreciates the hard work we’ve put in.” added actor Karanvir Bohra.
Jinal Joshi, who plays a bold and enigmatic character in the series, shared her thoughts on her role, “Khadaan gave me the opportunity to play a character that is fierce, sensual, and shrouded in mystery. She is a woman who owns her power and carries secrets of her own. The show blurs the lines between folklore and reality, keeping viewers on edge. I can’t wait for audiences to dive into this intense and thrilling world.”
Rebecca Anand shares her experience of playing the character of Pragya, she says, “Khadaan is a maze full of deceit, unresolved past conflicts coming and haunting Veer and Pragya as they try to unfold the mysterious village. As the show proceeds, the viewers will find different layers of Pragya due to an interesting turn of events and will hook the audiences to the edge of their seats.”
Don’t miss out on watching KHADAAN, premiering today on 19, March 2025, on Hungama OTT. Download the Hungama app today to catch all episodes. The series is now streaming exclusively on Hungama and partner platforms, including Tata Play Binge, Watcho, BSNL, PlayboxTV, RailWire Broadband, Airtel Xstream Play, and Dor Tv.
ABD Bags ‘Company of the Year’ Title at INDSPIRIT Awards

Speaking about this milestone achievement, Alok Gupta, Managing Director, ABD, said, “INDSPIRIT’s recognition validates our strategic journey towards category leadership through innovation and uncompromising quality. The Company of the Year honour acknowledges not just our current success, but our commitment to shaping the future of Indian spirits. Seeing Arthaus and Zoya celebrated as category benchmarks confirms our ability to anticipate evolving tastes while honouring our heritage of exceptional craftsmanship.”Bikram Basu, Managing Director designate for ABD Maestro Pvt Ltd, the new subsidiary company which is a strategic business venture in collaboration with Powerhouse Ranveer Singh said, “Arthaus and Zoya will both be with our super-premium and luxury portfolio at ABD Maestro. This team set up the brands from scratch and it will be good to move with them to a new set-up for improved focus. We are grateful for the recognition from INDSPIRIT, and these moments support and give confidence to build a great margin forward business.”
S. K. Majumdar Named Executive Director of Canara Bank
Chennai, 25th March 2025: Canara Bank is pleased to announce the appointment of Shri S. K. Majumdar as Executive Director of the Bank, with effect from March 24, 2025. Prior to this elevation, Shri Majumdar was serving as the Chief Financial Officer of Canara Bank.
Shri-S.-K.-Majumdar-Executive-Director-Canara-Bank
Shri S. K. Majumdar, aged 56 years, is a seasoned banking professional and holds distinguished qualifications as a Chartered Accountant and Cost Accountant. He brings with him over 25 years of experience in the banking industry and has been associated with Canara Bank since January 2000. During his long and illustrious career, Shri Majumdar has served in various capacities across branches and administrative offices, contributing significantly to key functional areas of the Bank. His tenure has been marked by strong leadership, financial acumen, and a steadfast commitment to organizational goals.
The appointment of Shri S. K. Majumdar as Executive Director reflects the Bank’s ongoing commitment to strengthening its leadership and enhancing governance structures, to drive sustained growth and operational excellence.
NVIDIA’s Confidential Computing Enhances AI Data Protection
March 25,2025:The explosive growth of AI is transforming enterprises and cloud providers alike, creating unprecedented demand for secure, high-performance AI infrastructure. At NVIDIA GTC 2025, Check Point will share how it is integrating the NVIDIA Cybersecurity AI platform to secure the next generation of AI cloud infrastructure at scale.
The Unique Security Challenges of AI Cloud Data Centers
AI Cloud Data Centers represent a fundamental shift from traditional data centers to accelerated computing. These AI Cloud Data Centers are sometimes called “AI factories” because they focus specifically on the creation, development, and delivery of AI capabilities that power innovation across industries.
AI Cloud Data Centers deal with the same requirements and attack vectors as other data centers, but with added challenges. They require massive computational resources, handle extremely valuable intellectual property, and process sensitive data at unprecedented scale. For cloud service providers, this creates a dual challenge: delivering the performance their customers demand while ensuring ironclad security for these critical workloads.
Enterprises are leveraging AI to transform core business operations, from detecting fraud to designing new products to driving earlier disease detection. Across all sectors, the security of AI infrastructure has a direct impact on business outcomes and customer trust. Stakes are particularly high in AI cloud environments. Training runs can last weeks or months using petabytes of sensitive data, and the resulting models often represent substantial investment and competitive advantage. Similarly, inference processes, where trained AI models draw conclusions from new data, must be protected. A security breach doesn’t just compromise their data – it can erase months of work and put essential intellectual property at risk.
AI Cloud Protect: Security without Compromising Performance
Through our AI Cloud Protect solution, we are delivering a new standard for securing NVIDIA AI factories and cloud infrastructure. This solution enables cloud service providers and enterprises to offer robust security that matches the need for speed in AI, with zero impact on performance.
That is because all the security functions run natively, as part of the AI infrastructure on the NVIDIA BlueField-3 DPU, meaning that CPU and GPU resources can be fully dedicated for AI workloads. It’s an approach that transforms security from a potential bottleneck into a business enabler, helping cloud service providers (CSPs) and enterprises create secure cloud platforms, protecting their most valuable assets.
Comprehensive Protection for AI Development, AI Training and Inference
Check Point’s AI Security solutions address critical vulnerabilities throughout the AI development and training stages for CSPs and enterprises. Check Point AI Cloud Protect secures AI infrastructure from unauthorized access to reduce risk for data poisoning and model exfiltration using network level protection. At the host-level, AI Cloud Protect leverages the unique direct memory access of NVIDIA DOCA App Shield to provide visibility into all running processes on the AI node. This enables Check Point to detect and prevent host-level malicious processes and workloads including those in publicly downloaded Large Language Models (LLMs), powered by NVIDIA BlueField DPUs.
Is a Ghost Lurking in Sai Darshan Society?
March 25, 2025: Sony SAB’s popular show ‘Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi, Naye Kisse’ has always depicted the challenges, joys and emotions of everyday life of middle-class families in a very interesting way. In the previous episodes, the Wagle family found themselves in a difficult situation when Sakhi (Chinmayi Salvi) took over the responsibility of handling an important client in place of Kiara. Although Rajesh (Sumit Raghavan) as a father was concerned about Sakhi’s safety, Sakhi’s determination to follow her own path created a tense atmosphere in the house.
But just as Sai Darshan Society heaves a sigh of relief, a strange shadow looms over them. This week’s story takes a chilling turn when security guard Tiwari spots a ghostly figure in the society garden, leaving the society members terrified. Things get worse when a thermal camera video captures some mysterious scenes. It doesn’t stop there — soon Harshad’s (Amit Soni) strange behavior creates a stir in the society. It seems as if some unseen force is controlling him. At the same time, Atharva (Shehan Kapahi) and Sakhi also come under the influence of this ghost. The entire Sai Darshan Society members unite and try to unravel this mystery.
Is there really a ghost in the society or is this part of some deep conspiracy? Will Rajesh be able to save his children and the society from this unknown power?
Sumeet Raghavan essaying the role of Rajesh Wagle said, “Wagle Ki Duniya has always kept the viewers hooked to the little moments of life. This week’s story has an exciting twist where the lives of ordinary people take a supernatural turn. The safety of the family and society is of utmost importance to Rajesh but when he is confronted by a force beyond logic, it tests his courage and faith. It will be interesting to know whether this ghost is dangerous for the family or is it a friendly ghost!”
Watch Wagle Ki Duniya – Nayi Peedhi, Naye Kisse Monday-Saturday at 9 PM only on Sony SAB!
Nasscom and Snowflake Collaborate to Bridge Data Skills Gap in India
25 March 2025 – Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, today announced its collaboration with FutureSkills Prime, a digital skilling initiative by Nasscom and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) with a vision to make India a Digital Talent Nation. Through this collaboration, Snowflake and Nasscom expect to enroll 100,000+ professional and student learners onto Snowflake’s free, on-demand, entry-level data and AI skills courses over the next two years. This initiative is supported by Snowflake’s global program, One Million Minds + One Platform, aimed towards global AI upskilling.
Futureproofing India’s workforce
According to Nasscom India ranks No. 1 in the AI skills penetration and holds 1st and 5th ranks globally in AI talent concentration and AI scientific publications, respectively. However, the current gap between demand and supply is about 51%, and, by 2026, the estimated demand for professionals in India is expected exceed 1 million. As companies across industries increasingly rely on data to drive AI, innovation, and business growth, the demand for skilled professionals in fields like Data Engineering, Data Science, and AI/ML is expected to increase with a growing demand for critical roles such as Data Analysts, Data Architects, and Data Administrators, whose expertise is essential for translating data into actionable insights and providing greater value to customers.
Through this collaboration, Snowflake and Nasscom are addressing the critical skills gaps by providing access to high-quality training and resources, ensuring that data and AI professionals are fully equipped with the necessary tools to succeed in the ever-evolving data landscape.
By joining the FutureSkills Prime platform, Snowflake will gain access to over 2,100 institutions within Nasscom’s Academia network. Snowflake’s training courses will be integrated into the university curriculum as either mandatory or optional programs in alignment with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. These courses are available to undergraduate and postgraduate students (starting from their second year in degree or diploma programs, aged 16 and above), as well as working professionals looking to enhance their careers. Delivered through the FutureSkills Prime platform, these comprehensive courses provide a structured pathway to developing expertise in high-demand technology fields.
The Snowflake courses will be aligned with the National Skills Qualification Framework (NSQF), which follows the National Credit Framework (NCrF) guidelines. The NSQF alignment will help learners integrate practical skills into their curriculum, enhancing their employability opportunities while meeting industry demands. Upon completing the approved courses, the students will be offered University credits aligned with their existing ecosystem.
Cassie Wallgren, VP of Global Educational Services, Snowflake stated, “I’m thrilled about the transformative impact our partnership with Nasscom will have. Together, we are bridging today’s skills gap and building a future-ready workforce equipped to lead in a data-driven world. Through accessible learning pathways, industry-recognized certifications, and hands-on experience, this collaboration empowers individuals to unlock new career opportunities. It will shape the next generation of innovators, driving advancements in AI, technology, and beyond.”
Dr. Abhilasha Gaur, CEO of IT & ITeS SSC Nasscom, emphasized the impact of this initiative, stating, “As India continues to lead in digital transformation and data-driven innovation, we are thrilled to partner with Snowflake. The courses offered by them will equip students & professionals with the knowledge and expertise to harness the power of AI & Data Cloud, accelerating business growth and technological advancements across industries. These training programs are designed to upskill professionals in cloud data management, AI-driven analytics, and modern data architecture, fostering a stronger, more data-literate workforce in India.”
“There is no AI strategy without a data strategy. Snowflake’s commitment to bridging the skills gap in the data and AI sectors aligns seamlessly with Nasscom’s mission to advance India’s IT and technology workforce. Snowflake’s specialized courses in data and AI domains are strategically designed to enhance learners’ career prospects and industry readiness. The collaboration aims to pave the way for a future in which organizations can use their data to gain competitive advantage, innovate, and achieve long-term success,” said Vijayant Rai- MD- India, Snowflake.
Six Learning Modules – tailored for every type of learner
FutureSkills Prime currently has over 20 lakh learners upskilling at various stages of their career journeys. Through six free learning modules, Snowflake offers a structured, step-by-step program designed to support all data professional roles—from beginners to experts—including data engineers, analysts, architects, data scientists, machine learning (ML) engineers, administrators, and developers. Learners who successfully complete the courses will receive certifications from both Nasscom and Snowflake, enhancing their credentials and increasing their professional value in the job market.
The Snowflake programs are structured to offer comprehensive learning paths for professionals at different stages of their careers. The first-level courses, designed to be accessible to all, will provide an entry-level foundation and hands-on experience to include:
- On-Demand, Immersive Learning:Participants can access flexible, self-paced learning modules that combine theoretical knowledge with practical, real-world applications. This allows individuals to learn at their own pace, fitting their education around their schedules.
- Hands-on Labs:With access to hands-on labs, participants can experiment with Snowflake’s platform, run real-world simulations, and solve practical data challenges. This approach will foster deeper learning and give participants the confidence to apply their skills in the workplace.
- Entry-Level Training:These foundational courses will introduce learners to the core concepts of data management, cloud technologies, and SQL. They will also cover fundamental aspects of AI/ML and data science, ensuring that even individuals new to the field can build their technical skills from the ground up.
- Persona-Specific Role-Based Pathways:For learners interested in more specific roles (e.g., data analysts, data engineers, data architects, data admins, data scientists, business analysts, etc.), our training programs will provide tailored learning paths that dive deeper into the specialized skills required for these positions. These tracks will evolve based on the job analysis frameworks, focusing on key skills, tools, and technologies relevant to each profession.
Snowflake’s commitment to upskilling professionals and providing access to industry-recognized qualifications, such as SnowPro Certifications, not only addresses the growing demand for skilled data professionals but also empowers organizations to maximize business value by equipping their teams with the expertise to leverage data effectively.
Shriram Shankarlal Festival Finale Celebrates Timeless Melodies
March 25, 2025: The renowned Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival, one of India’s oldest and most prestigious celebrations of classical music, concluded at Kendra’s Open-Air Theatre in New Delhi on March 23rd, 2025. The festival presented a spectacular showcase of the finest talents in Indian classical music, offering a platform for both legendary maestros and emerging artists.
The festival traces its roots to the day India gained independence on 15th August 1947 when Mrs. Sumitra Charat Ram, the founder of the Kendra, held an all-night musical soirée. This intimate gathering of luminaries from the world of Indian classical music captivated the audience until dawn. The event led to the formation of the Jhankar Music Circle, which aimed to promote appreciation for Indian classical music through regular concerts and an annual festival initially held at their home and later at the Constitution Club, New Delhi.
On the occasion of the festival this year, Mrs. Shobha Deepak Singh (Chairperson – Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra) said, “The Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival continues to be a cornerstone of India’s cultural calendar. We’re proud to offer a platform for musicians who represent the finest of Indian classical music, creating a bridge between the timeless and the budding ones. This year’s festival will honour the legacy of our great tradition while also embracing its evolution.”
Maruti Suzuki India Limited’s (MSIL) support this year was a crucial factor in ensuring the festival’s ongoing success. Their backing of Shriram Bharatiya Kala Kendra played an essential role in promoting and preserving Indian classical arts.
On Friday, 21st March the festival commenced featuring a performance by the acclaimed Santoor virtuoso Rahul Sharma. Renowned for his unique fusion of classical, world, and contemporary genres, Rahul Sharma expressed his sentiments: “Nothing is more fulfilling than sharing the timeless sound of the santoor with an audience that appreciates the depth of Indian classical music. The Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival has always been a cherished platform for artists like myself, and I am honoured to be part of it once again.”
After his performance, the Padma Shri awardee and renowned Hindustani classical vocalist of the Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana, Ashwini Bhide Deshpande, captivated the audience with her soulful Khayal, Thumri and devotional renditions. Ahead of her performance, she had expressed as, “The Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival holds a special place in my heart. It is a celebration of the richness of Indian classical music and a platform that honours tradition while encouraging innovation.”
The weekend of Saturday, March 22nd, featured the talented sibling duos Debopriya and Suchismita Chatterjee on flute, students of Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia, and Prabhakar and Diwakar Kashyap on vocals, trained in the Banaras Gharana under Pt. Rajan-Sajan Mishra, as they presented their eagerly awaited festival performance debut.
The evening came to a close with a performance by Padma Bhushan Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee, the world-renowned sitarist from the Imdadkhani Gharana. Known for his dynamic style and over 2800 global performances, Pandit Mukherjee said, “To perform at the Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival is truly an honour. It’s a space that has nurtured the finest of classical music over decades, and I am humbled to be part of it this year.”
The festival concluded on Sunday, 23rd March, with a performance by renowned khayal vocalist Pandit Vinayak Torvi, followed by a grand finale by Padma Vibhushan awardee Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, whose performance brought the festival to a spectacular close, celebrating his unmatched contribution to Indian classical music. Ahead of his performance, Pt. Torvi expressed, “Indian classical music is not just a performance, but a spiritual experience. The Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival captures this essence beautifully, and it is a joy to be part of an event that continues to keep this tradition alive for audiences across the world.”
Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, a frequent participant in the festival stated, “I have been involved with the Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival since its very inception. It is always a privilege to perform alongside the exceptional ensemble they bring on stage each year. I look forward to sharing my music with the audience and continuing to uphold this tradition.”
The festival’s long history features names of iconic performers who are no more, such as Pt. Bhimsen Joshi, Gangubhai Hangal, Pt. Mallikarjun Mansur, Pt. Ravi Shankar, Begum Akhtar, Ustad Vilayat Khan, Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pt. Jasraj, Girija Devi, Kishori Amonkar, Ustad Rashid Khan, Ustad Zakir Khan, Pt. Shiv Kumar Sharma among many others.
The support of Indian conglomerates such as Maruti Suzuki India Limited ensured that this tradition continues to flourish. This promises to strengthen the partnerships between the corporate and cultural world while preserving India’s classical music heritage alive for future generations.
As the oldest music festival in the country, the Shriram Shankarlal Music Festival is a guiding light of cultural preservation and innovation. It maintains its original essence while evolving to address today’s challenges. The festival remains a vital institution in India’s cultural fabric and continues to serve as a platform for established and emerging artists to showcase their talent.