Category: Occasions

  • Grand Jury ready to mark new chapter for DNPA Conclave & Award 2024

    Grand Jury ready to mark new chapter for DNPA Conclave & Award 2024

    Mumbai: In the ever-evolving landscape of the media industry, the Digital News Publishers Association (DNPA) is set to host the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024, exploring the profound impacts of digital transformation. The conclave, scheduled for 6 February 2024 at Shangri-La, New Delhi, promises to be a ground-breaking event, with a Grand Jury meeting on 15 January 2024, laying the foundation for an insightful and impactful gathering.

    Storyboard18 is the “Knowledge Partner” for the “DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024”.

    Jury Powerhouses: Steering the Course of Digital Transformation

    Distinguished leaders from across industries will be a part of the jury meet.

    The jury will be chaired by senior politician, and former senior parliamentarian of India, Suresh Prabhu.

    The Grand Jury includes Sanjeev Bikhchandani, founder and executive vice chairman, Info Edge; Ajay Prakash Sawhney, former secretary, MEITY, Government of India, Shashi Sekhar Vempati, former CEO of Prasar Bharati; Dr Aruna Sharma, former secretary, MEITY, Government of India and Practitioner Development Economist, Arvind Gupta, co-founder, Digital India Foundation; Robert Ravi, chief technology officer, Government of Tamil Nadu; Prasoon Joshi, chairman, McCann Worldgroup Asia Pacific and CEO & CCO at McCann Worldgroup India; N.S. Nappinai, Supreme Court advocate and founder of Cyber Saathi Foundation; Vinit Goenka, author and former BJP spokesperson; and Vivan Sharan, founder and partner, of Koan Advisory Group.

    Their collective expertise will significantly enrich the deliberations of the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024.

    The Grand Jury will focus on outstanding contributions in navigating India’s digital transformation and fostering innovation. The DNPA Awards serve as a platform to honour cutting-edge digital initiatives that have had a profound contribution to the nation’s progress. The awards recognise the extraordinary innovations made in various sectors including health, education, finance, and media, alongside pivotal areas like women empowerment, environmental protection, governance, and administrative reforms, acknowledging those who have been instrumental in India’s digital journey and inspiring continued innovation and excellence, while setting global standards.

    As the credibility, transparency, and excellence custodians, DNPA is committed to ensuring that the awards bestowed reflect a thorough and meticulous selection process.

    “DNPA Conclave and Awards bring together the best minds in India to select the country’s cutting-edge digital initiatives that are transforming the lives of millions of people and taking India to greater heights. It gives me immense pride to share that some of India’s most credible names are part of this year’s grand jury. I am certain that DNPA Conclave and Awards 2024 Jury Meet will be a great success” commented Tanmay Maheshwari, Chairman, DNPA.

    “As we gear up for the DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024 Grand Jury meet, there’s a buzz of anticipation in the air. It’s not just a meeting; it’s a deep dive into digital impact. With industry leaders coming together, these awards are all about celebrating excellence and fostering innovation as we navigate a brave new world driven by human intelligence and technology,” commented Sujata Gupta, Secretary General, DNPA, emphasizing on the importance of the Grand Jury meeting and awards.

    The DNPA Conclave Agenda: Navigating Digital Transformation in the Media Industry

    The conclave scheduled in February, will delve into critical facets of the ongoing revolution in media. Dialogues and discussions will dissect the role of online intermediaries in shaping public trust, the impact of misinformation on a diverse society like India, and the readiness of the Indian media industry to embrace technological disruptions. Equitable monetization models, advancements in generative AI, and the future of job prospects in the media and entertainment sector will be central to the discussions.

    It promises to be a day of engaging discussions and insightful keynotes by the most notable leaders from corporate and media spheres, and policymakers, culminating in the DNPA Digital Impact Awards (DDIA) ceremony. Tanmay Maheshwari, Chairman of DNPA and managing director of Amar Ujala, will set the stage for the awards’ proceedings, where the winners will be honoured, signifying their endorsement of outstanding contributions.

    The DNPA Conclave & Awards 2024 promises to be a landmark event, bringing together the brightest minds and visionaries to navigate the digital transformation of the media industry which is foundational to India’s progress, and set the tone for a dynamic and innovative future.

     

  • Anime Fusion: A spectacular celebration of anime culture at Anime Times event

    Anime Fusion: A spectacular celebration of anime culture at Anime Times event

    Anime enthusiasts and aficionados gathered at two iconic venues, FTII in Pune on 13 December and ITM IDM in Mumbai on 15 December, for a vibrant celebration of Japanese anime at the captivating Anime Fusion event. This thrilling event, presented by AnimationXpress.com and powered by Anime Times, brought together the mesmerising world of anime with a fusion of creativity, passion, and sheer entertainment.

    The event commenced with an enthusiastic welcome from the emcee, setting the stage for a day filled with excitement. AnimationXpress director Mishaal Wanvari shared insightful perspectives about AnimationXpress and anime, igniting the crowd’s anticipation for the exhilarating journey into the world of anime.

    From left to right: Mishaal Wanvari, Anil Wanvari (founder, chairman and editor-in-chief of AnimationXpress), Haruka Kikuchi, Yumi Takimoto, Neha Singhal Mehta (COO of AnimationXpress)

    The spotlight of the event was on Anime Times, a newly introduced channel on Amazon Prime Video. Accompanied by Anime Times general manager Haruka Kikuchi and Yumi Takimoto, the stage lit up with an exclusive presentation unveiling the richness and diversity of anime content available on Anime Times. The audience was invited to delve into the world of Japanese anime, captivating their imaginations and interests.

    The Anime Fusion event witnessed a dazzling array of cosplayers, each meticulously embodying beloved characters from the expansive world of anime. From the enigmatic Enderman and the formidable Chainsaw Man to the charismatic Lelouch and the iconic Jotaro Kujo, the venue came alive with the dedication and artistry displayed by these passionate individuals. Attendees were treated to a visual feast as cosplayers transformed into Megumin, Griffith, Batman Ninja, among others, bringing these characters to life with remarkable attention to detail. The event celebrated the diversity of anime through the creative expressions of these talented cosplayers, making it a vibrant showcase of fandom and dedication to the anime culture.

    Cosplayers at Mumbai edition of Anime Fusion

    Among these passionate participants, the winner of the cosplay competition at each venue received a grand cash prize of Rs 10,000, while the second place was awarded Rs 5,000. Additionally, the remaining four winners were presented with exciting goodies, adding to the spirit of enthusiasm and camaraderie among the cosplaying community.

    In the spirit of engagement, a riveting quiz session tested the audience’s knowledge of anime, with lucky winners receiving official anime merchandises like notebooks, keychains, stickers and much more adding a touch of excitement and fun to the event.

    The highlight of the day was a special screening of ZOM 100: Bucket List of the Dead. The series, centered around Akira Tendo, a corporate worker finding renewed vigour amidst a zombie apocalypse. The show’s blend of humour, action, and a poignant exploration of life’s meaning amidst adversity left attendees spellbound, making it a standout feature of the Anime Fusion event.

    Cosplayers at Pune edition of Anime Fusion

    As the event drew to a close, Mishaal Wanvari, alongside Haruka Kikuchi and Yumi Takimoto, shared reflections on the day’s incredible journey through Anime Fusion, emphasising the significance of anime culture and its vibrant community.

    The success of Anime Fusion resonated with the collaborative efforts of Anime Times, AnimationXpress, and the enthusiastic attendees, promising the continuation of such immersive events celebrating the magic of anime. As the curtains drew to a close, the spirit of anime remained alive, leaving attendees eagerly awaiting the next spectacular event.

  • KelpHR marks 10 years with 4th edition of KelpHR PoSH Awards 2023 for safer workplaces

    KelpHR marks 10 years with 4th edition of KelpHR PoSH Awards 2023 for safer workplaces

    Mumbai: KelpHR, one of India’s leading HR solutions provider, is delighted to unveil the much-anticipated fourth edition of the KelpHR PoSH Awards 2023. This event will shine a spotlight on the top 25 safest workplaces in India. The award ceremony will be held in Mumbai on 7 December 2023, in attendance will be global organisations, industry experts, and luminaries to recognise and honour the pillars of workplace safety and inclusion.

    KelpHR takes a significant stride this year by introducing “The Torchbearers” or the Triple Safety Award. This distinctive accolade acknowledges organisations that have been consistently honoured as the top 25 safest workplaces in India at the KelpHR PoSH Awards for three consecutive years, commencing in 2021. The Triple Safety Award aims to commend organisations that have displayed an unwavering commitment to preventing sexual harassment.

    The KelpHR PoSH Awards 2023 will be presided over by chief guest – Director General of Police, Railways, Maharashtra State, Dr. Pradnya Saravade (IPS), and keynote speaker Kashish Mumbai International Queer Film Festival director Sridhar Rangayan. This event will be MC’d by Nishtha Nishant, a prominent transgender personality who embodies the event’s distinctive and inclusive culture. The event will also draw attendance from essential stakeholders, including HR heads/CXOs of the 50 finalist organisations, jury members, well-wishers, and the KelpHR team and board members.

    The fourth edition showcases an esteemed panel of judges providing valuable insights for the creation of inclusive environments. This year’s jury comprises Dr. Dharaniikota Suyodhan, International commercial and corporate lawyer; Pernod Ricard India chief inclusion & diversity Zainab Patel; VIDHI Centre for Legal Policy co-founder and lead Alok Prasanna Kumar; practising lawyer & chevening scholar Vaishali Shintre-Bhagwat; Bombay High Court advocate CJ Joveson; Aspire for Her founder & CEO Madhura Dasgupta Sinha; and Diversity Simplified founder & chief consultant Tina Vinod.

    KelpHR recently released the results of its employee survey conducted across the 30 organisations who were finalists at the KelpHR PoSH Awards 2022; which garnered an impressive 15,206 responses. The survey sheds light on the prevalence of workplace harassment and the imperative need for proactive measures. Among the key findings:

    1   409 individuals out of 15,206 respondents reported being victims of sexual harassment in the workplace.

     119 of the victims held managerial positions, underscoring the need to address this issue at all levels of the organisation.

    3   69 per cent of the victims chose not to report the incidents, emphasising the necessity for a more conducive environment for reporting.

     Out of 5,217 surveyed women, three per cent reported facing workplace harassment.

    5   Among 9,921 surveyed men, three per cent also reported harassment.

    These statistics highlight the critical importance of fostering a workplace culture that actively addresses and prevents harassment, ensuring a safe and inclusive environment for all employees. The KelpHR PoSH Awards serve as a platform to recognise organisations actively working towards eliminating harassment and championing the cause of safer workplaces.

    KelpHR CEO & co-founder Smita Shetty Kapoor stated, “As we commemorate the 10-year anniversary of the POSH Act on December 9, 2023, we stand firm in our belief that every employee deserves to work in an environment that is not only compliant but goes above and beyond to create a culture of safety. The KelpHR PoSH Awards are our way of recognising and celebrating organisations that share this commitment. It is an honour to be part of a movement that encourages the continuous improvement of workplace safety and inclusivity.”

    The esteemed recipients of the KelpHR PoSH Awards in 2023 comprise prominent entities such as Indigo Airlines, Uber India, DBS Technology Solutions India, Tata Consulting Engineers Ltd, Swiss Re, Aditya Birla Fashion & Retail Limited and numerous other organisations spanning a wide array of sectors, including automotive, aviation, consulting, IT, ITES, Pharma, manufacturing, financial services, and social service.

  • Gujarat to boost India’s sports industry with first-ever Sports Startup Conclave

    Gujarat to boost India’s sports industry with first-ever Sports Startup Conclave

    Mumbai: With an aim to boost India’s sports startup market and encourage upcoming businesses to prosper, Gujarat government will be hosting the country’s first-ever Sports Startup conclave at TransStadia University in Ahmedabad on 11 December.

    The Gujarat Sports Startup Conclave will be an intersection between sports and business in alignment with the Government of Gujarat’s vision of the growth of sports in India and recognise the outstanding achievements in the sports business landscape in the country. One of the key component of the conclave is sports startup awards wherein a total of Rs 2.5 million cash prize shall be awarded to the top three winners. This flagship event will be hosted in the lead-up to Vibrant Gujarat — India’s marquee international investor summit, conceptualised under the visionary leadership of Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

    India’s economy is already growing rapidly and the Morgan Stanley report stated that the nation will emerge as the third-largest economy in the world by 2027. Sports industry has been one of the key factors in this growth with the Indian sports industry’s spending crossed over Rs 14,000 crore, according to the GroupM ESP’s Sporting Nation Report 2023.

    The conclave aims to spotlight the startup community which has been working to highlight innovative strategies, technological advancements and transformative initiatives that are reshaping the dynamics of the world of sports and business. This unique opportunity will provide a platform to many sports startups to showcase their strategies, plans, growth and impact as the five best startups will be recognised as winners with cash awards and mentorship.

    Organised by the Government of Gujarat and the Sports Authority of Gujarat, the conclave is partnered with TransStadia University and Sportscom Industry Confederation and backed by iCreate, i-Hub, the strong incubation setups which have been working with the Gujarat Government to facilitate ‘Next Generation Entrepreneurship’. While i-Hub is envisioned to be a center for all startup stakeholders to develop an end-to-end innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem in the state of Gujarat, iCreate is India’s leading institution for transforming tech innovation-based startups into successful businesses in Gujarat and across India.

    The conclave will not only showcase India’s potential as a sporting powerhouse but also bolster the startup economy and the growth progress of sports in Gujarat as well as other parts of the country. It also intends to inspire and help the country’s youth to explore the huge business potential of the sports market.

    India’s young business minds will also get much-needed guidance from the top sportspersons, coaches, industry leaders, successful founders, policymakers and sports administrators who will be part of the conclave as speakers and panellists. The conclave will also feature a dynamic line-up of keynote speeches, panel discussions, pitch competition, interactive workshops.

    While discussing the latest trends and challenges in the field, the participants will also get opportunities to share knowledge and seek investment.

    Logo launched

    A commemorative logo for the Gujarat Sports Startup Conclave indicates the importance of business networking, knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships for inclusive growth and sustainable development of the rapidly evolving sports startup sector having the vibrant colors of Gujarat’s growing economy.

     

  • Get ready for Stardom: Bollywood’s finest live

    Get ready for Stardom: Bollywood’s finest live

    Mumbai: Mumbaikars are all set to witness the first-of-its-kind LIVE Bollywood show slated to be hosted on 20 January 2024. Talented artists across Bollywood, Music, and Comedians will come together with their power-packed performances at this spectacular event. ‘Stardom’, presented by Outcry Entertainment is set to redefine entertainment with an unparalleled line-up of curated dance and music acts by prominent Bollywood personalities, Shahid Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, Malaika Arora, and Comedian Sunil Grover. The evening will feature a star-studded line-up like never before!

    What to expect:

    • Power-Packed Dance Performances: Shahid Kapoor, Nora Fatehi, and Malaika Arora will set the stage on fire with their larger-than-life dance acts.

    • Hilarious Comedy Acts: Get ready for a laughter riot as Sunil Grover takes on multiple characters in his side-splitting comedy acts.

    • Non-Stop Entertainment: With 4 hours of non-stop entertainment, Stardom guarantees an evening packed with excitement and unforgettable moments.

    • Grand Entries: Experience the grand entries of your favourite stars, adding to the overall glitz and glamour of the event.

    •  Professionally Choreographed Acts: Witness professionally choreographed acts with an ensemble of talented dancers that will leave you mesmerized.

    •  Ultimate Showdown Finale Act: Stardom concludes with a spectacular finale act that promises to be the ultimate showdown, leaving the audience breathless.

    Moreover, the event will also witness high-energy musical performances by well-known music artists.

    The event will also offer multiple bars and a food court to cater to all needs.

    Outcry Entertainment Director and Founder Saurabh Chaudhary said, “Stardom is an exceptional live Bollywood entertainment event concept that will debut with its first event in Mumbai. This event will create a one-of-a-kind experience, providing a space for the audience to come together and celebrate with their favourite artists while experiencing them perform live. With Stardom, we aim to set new standards in the world of entertainment by bringing together the most acclaimed Bollywood artists on a single platform.”

    Actor Shahid Kapoor enthusiastically expresses, “It’s always exciting to do live stage shows because you get to interact with the live audience, which is my favourite part. I’m extremely excited to be dancing in Mumbai, which is my hometown, and performing live for the Mumbai audience. I can’t wait to get on stage and give them an amazing night.”

    Actor Malaika Arora says, “I have been performing live since many years now. Stage performance is something that instantly connects me to the audience, and I am happy when I do it. Waiting to share Bollywood magic right with you. It’s time to celebrate the sheer joy of Bollywood with an unforgettable show!”

    Actor Nora Fatehi mentions, “I am excited to be a part of Stardom. Live performances are something that I thoroughly enjoy as an artist. That’s where the magic of storytelling truly comes alive, where we connect, inspire, and share our souls with the audience that’s right there, in the moment with us. It’s time to rejoice again with a mesmerizing show.”

    Comedian and Actor Sunil Grover says, “I feel comedy is all about the right timing at the right time. Performing LIVE on stage has always been special to me. The instant feedback from the audience is a game-changer, and it helps refine my act. Glad to be a part of Stardom, where I will be showcasing a few of my favourite acts for the crowd.”

    Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the most electrifying Bollywood live event in Mumbai. Stardom is where the magic happens, where Bollywood comes alive, and where you’ll create memories that last a lifetime.

    For ticket information and details, visit

    https://in.bookmyshow.com/mumbai/events/stardom-biggest-bollywood-live-experience/ET00370038

  • Designyatra 2023 day 2: Transforming ideas into design masterpieces

    Designyatra 2023 day 2: Transforming ideas into design masterpieces

    Mumbai: Kyoorius, since its inception, helmed by the creative evangelist Rajesh Kejriwal has worked relentlessly to empower the creative community in India.

    Kyoorius has a wide range of creative properties like ZEE Melt, Kyoorius Creative Awards & the Kyoorius Design Yatra.

    As a non-profit organisation, Kyoorius encourages the creative industry to excel through these endeavors.

    That’s a wrap on day two of Designyatra 2023! As it has been before, each day brings something, and someone, new to the table. With plenty of food for thought to go around, there was a fantastic lineup of speakers serving it. And an equally fantastic, and loud, audience.

    We kicked today off with Pau Garcia, the man who’s delivering data with storytelling. He, and his team at Domestic Data Streamers, have built everything from a time machine to a system of storing synthetic memories. Because to create impact, numbers aren’t enough. After running the delegates through his excellent portfolio of work, the duo that banded together, Anil Aykan and Jonathan Barnbrook took the stage. As a couple, the two form both halves of electronic band, Fragile Self, and their talk took us through the eclectic and unique cover art, release album, and music videos for the band. And in typical Jonathan Barnbrook style, type was the hero. As they exited stage left, the audience welcomed the legendary Dick Powell. If you have a steam iron or a spaceship, you can be almost sure that Dick had a hand in making it better. But his talk centred around the practicalities of what design needs to do; make things better for the people who use them. After a quick lunch, the show was stolen by the queen of sustainable fashion, Shamyra Moodley aka LaaniRaani. Through her talk she took the audience through the seen and unseen parts of her life, from growing up in Apartheid-era South Africa to leaving her accountant career behind to pursue her passion in fashion. And she’s done it all herself. DIY to her core. She stunned the audience with an impromptu fashion show, comprised completely of delegates that attended the conference. Her inspiring and innovative story is sure to stay with the audience. But that wasn’t even close to the end of the excitement. Manavendra Singh Shekhawat took the stage next and spoke about his mind-blowing efforts to turn desolate land into a destination. He’s built one of the most successful boutique hotels and his eyes now lie on creating a new sustainable city called Dhun; a project that has already brought life to a land that was previously devoid of it. And creating a cultural library that preserves pieces from the past so that they don’t get lost in our rush to the future. Next in line we welcomes Nathan Yong. Energetic, funny, and insightful, Nathan believes that every object has a story to tell. And he’s hell bent on using the materials he has to create functional and fun products. From furniture to a ring made of 124 concrete blocks that brought people together, Nathan showcased the emotion behind design, without any pretence. As one designer left, another visionary entered. We welcomed Christopher Bauder to the stage, and from minute one, the only sound you could hear is the gasps and applause of the crowd. His kinetic light sculptures, insane scale of work, and the heart behind it left everyone with not just admiration, but pure drive to create something that they’ve never done before. As the light and sound show of Christopher’s work subsided, Murthovic and Thiruda brought their own brand of an experimental and sensational music and visual performance. Rooted in the cultural history of India, there was everything from game design to character creation to the multidisciplinary Elsewhere in India performance that showcased their skill in making sound and sight synonymous with each other.

    At the end of the day, delegates left with their brains, and bellies, filled to the brim. Thankfully, there’s day three to make sure they’re satiated with all the exploration and inspiration they can digest until next year.

    The theme for the season is “Reset”, an attempt to look at how the world, the work, and most importantly how we work has changed. Designyatra, presented by Zee5, powered by Pidilite, with experience partner Absolut, will continue on the 27 and 28 October.

    For more information about the event, visit designyatra.com

  • Sharmila Tagore applauds healthcare sector progress at 15 FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards

    Sharmila Tagore applauds healthcare sector progress at 15 FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards

    Mumbai: Lauding the incredible progress of the healthcare sector in India, Sharmila Tagore, a celebrated film personality, yesterday said that India has come a long way in terms of healthcare advancement, but there is a need to prioritise rural healthcare.

    Addressing the ‘15 FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards’ Ms Tagore said, “Indian healthcare sector has seen a tangible success in the last few decades. This sector in India has advanced with technology. I believe in our doctors and do not see any point in going to foreign countries and spending a good chunk of treatment while we have the capability within our country itself.”

    She also applauded the efforts of FICCI for hosting the ‘Healthcare Excellence Awards’ every year to honour the invaluable contribution of individuals and organisations in the healthcare sector.

    FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards 2023 former secretary of the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare & Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Government of India and jury chair- C K Mishra said that the Indian healthcare sector has come a long way, and a healthy India is no longer a distant dream.

    “The healthcare sector has made significant progress. We need to work hard, explore new possibilities, and ensure that quality healthcare is accessible to all. A healthy India is no longer a distant dream. We need to step up our efforts in the healthcare sector and strive to bring about positive change,” he asserted.

    Dr Harsh Mahajan, chair of the FICCI Health Services Committee at the 15 FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards, also emphasised the need to expedite efforts. He added that the FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards, which recognise organisations and individuals for their exemplary contributions to the healthcare sector, can serve as motivation for the healthcare sector to make remarkable progress in this direction.

    Echoing a similar sentiment,  FICCI Health Services Committee co-chair Dr Sanjeev Singh; Medical director, Amrita Institute- Faridabad and chief Medical superintendent, AIMSRC Kochi also stressed the importance of recognising good work for progress.

    FICCI hosted its ‘15 FICCI Healthcare Excellence Awards’ to felicitate organisations and individuals for their invaluable contributions to the healthcare space in different categories on Thursday. The participants were evaluated on three criteria: Innovation, Impact Sustainability and scalability, by a distinguished independent jury panel chaired by C K Mishra. 

  • Designyatra 2023: Where creativity thrives with ‘Reset’ as the theme

    Designyatra 2023: Where creativity thrives with ‘Reset’ as the theme

    Mumbai: Kyoorius, since its inception, helmed by the creative evangelist Rajesh Kejriwal has worked relentlessly to empower the creative community in India.

    Kyoorius has a wide range of creative properties like ZEE Melt, Kyoorius Creative Awards & the Kyoorius Design Yatra.

    As a non-profit organisation, Kyoorius encourages the creative industry to excel through these endeavors.

    Day one at Designyatra was exactly like you would expect for the in-person comeback of one of India’s biggest and most beloved design festivals. Filled with old friends reuniting once again, new friendships being formed, and a whole boatload of inspiration.

    The day kicked off with Abha Narain Lambha, the master restoration architect bringing back heritage buildings from the dead. From high-altitude Buddhist temples to some of the most iconic buildings like The Royal Opera House, her talk showcased not just her skill, but also her love for the work she does. Next up, the crowd gave a roaring welcome to Sindiso Nyoni, and was then immediately left speechless after looking at his unique brand of Guurill(art). Focusing on protest art, his talk centred around his hard-hitting posters, slick animations, and inspired installations. By the end, the audience was roaring again. And that theme continued on as Khyati Trehan took the stage. A Designyatra alumnus, Khyati’s talk went into her life behind the scenes, before she was the inspiration she is today. And then she brought it to her present, outlining the tenets that have helped her become a freer, more explorative designer. Candid, playful, and obviously well-designed, her presentation received several whoops from around the room. The dynamic duo, Yael Mer and Shay Alakaly, took the stage next. From their love for pushing design ideologies with playfulness at the core, to their stellar product design portfolio. They’ve pitched to Louis Vuitton with paper models, cooked wood to change its colour, and made furniture that is adored by people around the globe, but mainly their children. As the audience bid adieu to the power couple, Shubhi Sachan took the stage. The founder of the Material Library of India, she showed how waste can become wonderful, if treated the right way. And outlined how important it is for the world to make the most of what we have before we deem it useless. The day ended on a massive high as Jonathan Barnbrook leaped onto stage. His talk left the audience laughing, crying (because they were laughing so hard), and braver than when they walked in. With a new perspective unlocked, and new inspiration in their back pocket, Designyatra is, and always will be, the place where creativity prospers.

    The theme for the season is “Reset”, an attempt to look at how the world, the work, and most importantly how we work has changed. Designyatra, presented by Zee5, powered by Pidilite, with experience partner Absolut, will continue on the 27 and 28 October.

    For more information about the event, visit designyatra.com

  • CoinDCX’s Unfold 2023: Shaping India’s Web3 leadership

    CoinDCX’s Unfold 2023: Shaping India’s Web3 leadership

    Mumbai: Unfold 2023, India’s largest Web3 event organised by CoinDCX from 19 -21 October 2023, was wrapped up on a high note. The sheer scale of the event and the overwhelming success reflects the promising future of Web3 in India. This objective is no less than propelling the nation to the forefront of Web3 leadership, thereby charting the course for the next phase of the internet revolution.

    Unfold 2023 witnessed a remarkable turnout of over 2,500 participants during its three-day duration. Eminent leaders from the Ministry such as Priyank Mallikarjun Kharge, Minister IT/BT Karnataka, Jayant Sinha, Chairman PSC-FINANCE and MP and Rajeev Gowda, Vice Chairman, Karnataka Policy and Planning Commission, former- MP, Rajya Sabha, spoke at the event, sharing a firm belief in the potential of Web3 to generate employment opportunities and revolutionize the internet landscape. The Event featured participation both in person and virtually, with over 60 distinguished global Web3 leaders and entrepreneurs, including notable figures such as Base founder Jesse Pollak, Ava Labs founder Emin Gün Sirer, Solana Labs co-founder Raj Gokal, Balaji Srinivasan, BitOasis co-founder and CEO Ola Doudin, and Aptos Mo Shaikh.

    Unfold 2023 hosted Asia’s largest multichain multiprotocol hackathon, drawing over 700 web developers who competed for a total prize pool of $85,000. The Demo Day, which was also part of the event, saw some exceptional ideas from the entrepreneurs. The perks of winning the Demo Day included a $1 million pool of funding from CoinDCX Ventures and some of the top-tier Web3 investors, including Pi Ventures, Mumbai Angels, Global Coin Research, Dorahacks Ventures, Hashed EM, Draper Dragon, and IOSG Venture. By every metric, the event stood as the grandest and most significant in the realm of Web3.

    CoinDCX also unveiled its upgraded app, offering Indian crypto investors and traders a seamless experience with integrated advanced features from CoinDCX Pro. The user-friendly app launched during Unfold 2023 ensures secure and compliant trading in Virtual Digital Assets (VDAs).

    Delivering a keynote at Unfold 2023, Priyank Kharge extended his support for Web3 innovation within the state. He proposed the exploration of a regulatory sandbox for development and innovation until a comprehensive framework is established. “The Government of Karnataka is willing to Listen, Learn and Adapt new technology and we are here to support the industry.In the burgeoning realm of Web3, our government is committed to not only observe and absorb but also to evolve with this digital frontier. We eagerly anticipate the establishment of a regulatory sandbox,” he said.

    Jayant Sinha praised CoinDCX for its outstanding initiatives in fostering synergy among developers, startup founders, and other participants within the Web3 ecosystem during Unfold 2023. “India and Indian digital infrastructure has been recognised globally. With the world’s largest open digital ecosystem and a passionate developer community, India is poised to lead the global Web3 revolution. The presence of so many developers at Unfold 2023 hackathon is a testament to this vision,” he added.

    Speaking at Unfold, CoinDCX co-founder Sumit Gupta said, “In this transformative decade, the VDA market cap is poised to surge by 15-20%, paving the way for a future that holds incredible promise. By 2030, we anticipate a landscape where over 1 million developers will be actively crafting the web3, ushering in web3 applications that will engage over 1 billion users. Our commitment at CoinDCX extends beyond building a large company. We are dedicated to crafting an open, inclusive, and efficient internet, right here in India, and sharing it with the world. Together, we will build for the long-term and build the right way.”

    “We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the distinguished speakers, valued partners, sponsors, developers who participated in the hackathon, and innovative startups who united with us in this remarkable journey at Unfold 2023. Together, we have taken substantial strides in constructing a unified and collaborative Web3 ecosystem,” Sumit added.

    Unfold 2023 stands as a monumental achievement, propelling India to the forefront of the global Web3 arena. With hundreds of startups, five unicorns, and a projected contribution of $1.1 trillion to India’s GDP by 2032, this event underscored the imperative of fostering a unified Web3 ecosystem. India’s pivotal role in grassroots crypto adoption, housing 11 per cent of the global Web3 developer pool, solidifies its position as a Web3 powerhouse. Anticipating a 120 per cent growth in blockchain talent, the nation is poised for remarkable progress. The retail and financial sectors, contributing 37 per cent and 15 per cent respectively, will drive Web3 and metaverse adoption, illuminating India’s dynamic potential. Unfold 2023 has firmly established India as a trailblazer in the ever-evolving Web3 landscape, marking a significant leap towards a collaborative and thriving future.

  • Banijay Asia forays into live entertainment

    Banijay Asia forays into live entertainment

    Mumbai: Banijay Asia, India’s leading content powerhouse, announced its foray into LIVE Entertainment & Special Events, with an unforgettable pre-match entertainment ceremony at the historic India-Pakistan cricket match. Produced and executed by Banijay Asia, and orchestrated by BCCI, the star-studded event, titled “A Musical Odyssey,” took place at the iconic Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, captivating an audience of over 100,000 cricket enthusiasts.

    The mesmerizing evening, directed by Varun Gupta, comprising an opening and a mid-innings act, and witnessed renowned musical talent including Shankar Mahadevan, Arijit Singh, Sunidhi Chauhan, Neha Kakkar, Darshan Rawal and Sukhvinder Singh, who set the stage on fire with their chart-topping hits and melodious renditions. The atmosphere was electric as the crowd joined in, creating a harmonious blend of cricket and music.

    Commenting on the project, Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India founder & group CEO Deepak Dhar stated, “We are honoured and humbled to be part of a historic evening, by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), and would like to thank the entire BCCI team for their confidence in us. This event marked the first foray for Banijay Asia into the ‘LIVE Entertainment’ space, an area which, with the support of Banijay Events, it hopes to grow. We believe in creating unique and unforgettable experiences, and this evening was a testament to our commitment to bringing home unforgettable entertainment experiences.”

    The “A Musical Odyssey” event added a new dimension to cricketing extravaganzas by merging the enthusiasm of sports with the magic of music, uniting fans from all walks of life. It showcased Banijay Asia’s expertise in producing and executing grand-scale, entertainment-driven events that leave an indelible mark on the audience.

    The news comes months after the global launch of Banijay Events, and Banijay’s acquisition of live entertainment specialist, Balich Wonder Studio. Banijay Events will look to partner closely with Banijay Asia in the region to expand its efforts in this space.