Category: TV Channels

  • World Esports Day: Indian stakeholders drive the shift of Video Gaming into mainstream sports.

    World Esports Day: Indian stakeholders drive the shift of Video Gaming into mainstream sports.

    Mumbai: Gone are the days when Esports was stereotyped as a pastime activity. Esports all over the world has now transformed into a mainstream sporting and entertainment phenomenon, drawing in sponsors, athletes, and fans.

    So, video gaming enthusiasts converge on the 21 October to celebrate the meteoric rise of this industry’s remarkable progress on ‘World Esports Day.’ This day serves as a reminder of how far the industry has come and how profoundly it has impacted the lives of millions worldwide.

    According to Newzoo’s Global Gamer Study Data 2023, 79 per cent of the total online population engages with video games. The report also states that video games have become important marketing tools for many companies and 50 per cent of players and/or viewers discovered new brands while gaming.

    Sharing his insights on the growth of video gaming and brand deals within the ecosystem, S8UL Esports co-founder and founder & CEO of 8Bit Creatives Animesh Agarwal aka 8Bit Thug commented, “The Esports industry, globally and in India, has evolved significantly in its ability to attract sponsors and brands. This transformation is driven by the immersive nature of gaming, allowing brands to connect deeply with their target audience. The response from fans and viewers offers brands a unique opportunity to enhance their visibility and influence. Gaming has become a dynamic platform that enables brands to engage with people in ways beyond traditional advertising, fostering exciting collaborations and an expanded presence in the gaming community”
    The Indian Esports industry is witnessing not just brands but well-renowned mainstream sports athletes get associated with the sector. India’s sporting sensations Neeraj Chopra, Rohit Tokas and Pramod Bhagat recently appeared at the BGMI India Series final LAN event, demonstrating how the lines between traditional sports and Esports are blurring. Even the country’s other sporting icons such as M.S. Dhoni, Sunil Chhetri, and all-rounder Hardik Pandya have all joined the Esports revolution, becoming ambassadors for games such as Free Fire and BGMI.

    Sahil Jakhar, also known as SOUL Omega, captain of Team SOUL, the champions of the Battlegrounds Mobile India Pro Series (BMPS) 2022, shared his thoughts on the impact of traditional sports athletes entering Esports, stating, “Esports and traditional sports share fundamental traits, including discipline, strategy and a competitive spirit. Witnessing cricket, football, boxing, and athletics stars become a part of Esports is truly inspiring for athletes like us. It validates the industry among the broader public who may still be unaware of its remarkable growth. Moreover, it serves as a driving force for players to grind hard with the aspiration of one day reaching the same heights as these legends in their respective sport.”

    After being recognized as an official multi-sport event by the government in December 2022, Esports has been included as a full-fledged medal event at the Asian Games 2022 and has also been confirmed as a medal sport for the 2026 edition of the prestigious tournament.

    Esports Federation of India (ESFI) director of and Asian Esports Federation vice-president of (AESF) Lokesh Suji talks about the increasing visibility of Esports as a new-age sport and its inclusion at the Olympics someday. “After the presence of Esports at the Commonwealth Esports Championships, Asian Games 2022 as well as the introduction of the Olympics Esports Week, we are witnessing the growing visibility of Esports as a new-age sport. Going by the IOC President Thomas Bach’s positive comments at the 141 IOC Session in Mumbai regarding the development of the Olympic Esports Games, it is safe to say that it is not a matter of ‘if,’ but ‘when’ it will find its place as a medal sport at the Olympics.

    The global reach of Esports and its ability to unite people from different backgrounds make it a powerful contender for recognition on the world’s grandest sporting stage,” said Mr. Suji.
    As Esports makes its way into the mainstream and major international tournaments, it leaves a lasting impact on the video gaming ecosystems of countries all over the world. Akshaj Shenoy, the captain of India’s League of Legends team that achieved a historic fifth-place finish at the Asian Games 2022 sheds light on this aftermath, said, “Esports has started to become a serious and rewarding career option in India. The platforms, support, and recognition that we athletes receive today are unparalleled. Representing the country at the Asian Games in Hangzhou was an honour for me and I can surely say that aspiring Indian video gamers are already dreaming of competing for India in such a competition one day. India’s Esports ecosystem is all set to benefit from this participation through new talent right from the grassroots level that will proliferate the country’s presence on the global stage.”

    Looking ahead, the future of Esports is promising. The integration of cutting-edge technologies like Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR) will offer new dimensions to the gaming experience. With the backing of industry leaders, influential athletes, and a growing fan base, the future holds limitless opportunities for Esports, not just in India but globally. 

  • History TV18 unveils new documentary on India’s Jal Jeevan Mission, ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’

    History TV18 unveils new documentary on India’s Jal Jeevan Mission, ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’

    Mumbai: History TV18 has announced the premiere of its new documentary, Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’, releasing on 23 October, 2023 at 8 p.m. The 40-minute documentary unravels the remarkable story of India’s ambitious ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’, a nationwide initiative aimed at providing permanent water connections to 16 Crore rural households by 2024. The mission is set to quench the thirst of millions of Indians and prevent the impending water crisis in the country.

    Narrated by renowned journalist Richa Anirudh, ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’ takes viewers on an inspiring journey that traces the beginning of India’s water revolution, which started in Gujarat. The film features personalities like Bharat Lal, (Former JJM Mission Director), Ashok Gulati (Agricultural Economist and Professor at ICRIER), Vini Mahajan (Secretary, Jal Shakti Ministry – DDWS), Sunita Narain (Environmentalist – Centre for Science and Environment) and R. K. Sama (Project Director – WASMO, Gujarat), who highlight the tireless efforts of India’s ‘water warriors’, including the inspiring ‘Jal Sahelis’, dedicated ‘Pani Panchayat members’ and ordinary citizens who are making valuable contributions towards water security for all.

    ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’ transcends geographical boundaries as it travels from the parched valleys of Ladakh to traditionally water-stressed regions like Bundelkhand and Vidarbha. It explores the difficulties encountered in areas in and around the Thar desert, and urban coastal landscapes in cities like Chennai.

    While the film highlights the daily struggles of people due to water scarcity, it also showcases the historic milestone of laying water pipelines that reach even the most remote and inaccessible corners of India, transforming ‘Har Ghar Jal se Nal’ into a people’s movement.

    The documentary provides audiences with insights into India’s innovative ‘Water Model,’ a blend of traditional water wisdom and cutting-edge technology. It highlights the revival of traditional water sources, the construction of check dams and watersheds for rainwater harvesting, and the significance of ‘catching the rain where it falls, when it falls.’ The film also explains how technology is empowering individuals and communities while creating new opportunities for livelihood and financial security. It features large-scale projects for water management, desalination, and greywater treatment, as well as satellite mapping, climate-smart farming, and sustainable housing.

    The Jal Jeevan Mission is not only shaping a sustainable and water-secure future for India but also serving as a global model for future initiatives.

    ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’ premieres on History TV18 on 23 October, 2023 at 8 p.m. and will also be made available on the factual entertainment leader’s YouTube channel.

  • MADverse launches nationwide hunt for rising stars

    MADverse launches nationwide hunt for rising stars

    Mumbai: MADverse, the leading tech-driven music platform, is excited to announce a game-changing event for talented musicians across India. Starting on October 15th, 2023, this event is a rallying call to independent artists nationwide, introducing the MADVerse Empower Fund. This initiative is dedicated to recognizing and supporting extraordinary musical talent within the independent music scene and consists of two vital components: the Marketing Fund and the Mix & Master Fund.

    The event is supported by three honored partners including Superkicks India as the culture partner, Global Music Institute as the education partner, and the Indian Music Diaries as the media partner. A distinguished panel of music industry figures, including Rohan Nesho Jain, Anurag Tagat, Dhruv Vishwanath, Kamakshi Khanna, and Sandhya Surendran, will select three outstanding artists or bands from the pool of applicants.

    The Creative & Marketing Fund, in collaboration with SymphonyOS, a US-based AI marketing company, will provide each selected artist with marketing funds valued at 30,000 INR, dedicated to promoting their upcoming releases. SymphonyOS is a data-driven, smart-automated platform focused on building creators’ fan bases and promoting their content.

    The Mix & Master Fund offers the winning artist a chance to partner with Bharg, India’s top music producer, known for collaborations with artists like King, Krishna, and Rawal. The artist will receive complimentary mixing and mastering services for one of their tracks, followed by distribution and promotion through MADverse.

    MADverse CEO & founder Rohan Nesho Jain, emphasised the importance of empowering independent artists in a competitive music industry. The fund allocation for each selected artist totals Rs 50,000 with a total fund value of Rs 1.5 lakh. The application window is open from 15 October to 15 November 2023, with winners to be announced by 29 November 2023.

    The MADVerse Artist Fund is open to artists of all backgrounds, ages, and languages, promoting inclusivity and diversity. It’s a platform where artists can shine, regardless of their musical genre, and MADVerse welcomes all independent artists to embrace this extraordinary opportunity to redefine their musical journeys. MADverse empowers artists with a comprehensive suite of services, liberating them from traditional record label dependencies and connecting them with a global community of independent musicians. Join MADverse in revolutionizing the music industry!

  • Warner Bros. Discovery India offers festive deals on discovery+ subscriptions

    Warner Bros. Discovery India offers festive deals on discovery+ subscriptions

    Mumbai: Warner Bros. Discovery India is ushering in the festive season with enticing offers on discovery+, its definitive non-fiction and real-life entertainment subscription streaming service. Starting from October 25, 2023, viewers can enjoy a flat 25 per cent discount on the discovery+ annual membership, offering a diverse and premium content library of renowned shows.

    discovery+ brings fans a differentiated direct-to-consumer (D2C) streaming experience. With thousands of hours of exclusive content spanning over 55 genres, including Science, Adventure, Food and Lifestyle, and available in seven languages such as Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and Bengali. Premium subscribers gain access to a curated selection of never-before-seen premium Discovery titles, must-watch documentaries, homegrown India originals, and exclusive acquisitions. As viewers set out to unwind for the holidays, they can enjoy premium content at reduced prices.

    Warner Bros. Discovery head – Subscriber Growth & Retention, APAC,  Praveen Chaudhary said, “We are delighted to elevate the festivities this season with exclusive discovery+ subscription pricing.  In addition to an extensive premium library, we have a compelling lineup of upcoming releases on the horizon that we know viewers will enjoy. discovery+ has indisputably pioneered the realm of real-life entertainment content in India, offering an extensive array of non-fiction subjects that deeply engage audiences across the country. From standout true crime shows, exhilarating adventure reality series, and delectable culinary delights, there’s something for everyone.”

    Kickstart the festive season and subscribe to discovery+ only at Rs 299 starting 25 October 2023. 

  • Colors Kannada launches the biggest ever family Drama of Kannada entertainment – BRUNDAVANA

    Colors Kannada launches the biggest ever family Drama of Kannada entertainment – BRUNDAVANA

    Mumbai: This Vijayadashami, the Kannada GEC market is set to witness an unparalleled family fiction show, boasting a cast of 36 powerhouse actors playing unique characters who are all part of the same family, uniting to captivate audiences within a single frame.

    True to its commitment to delivering fresh and captivating content, Colors Kannada proudly presents Brundavana, a family-based fiction show that promises a unique and engaging storyline previously unseen in the market.

    Brundavana, with the tagline “Dodda Mane – Sanna Thappu – Gantu Mooru” which translates to “A grand abode – small mistakes – three knots”, will make its grand debut exclusively on Colors Kannada starting 23 October at 8 PM, airing from Monday to Saturday.

    Speaking about the show, Colors Kannada business head Prashanth Nayak said, “At a time when a joint family is a rarity, we are bringing this show which has 36 members living under the same roof. This show represents the rustic essence of Kannada culture where diverse characters coexist in the same household purely driven by love, affection, and harmony. We are immensely proud to launch this beautiful story of Brundavana, and with the auspicious occasion of Vijaya Dashami, we are confident that the Navaratri fervor will be magnified among all our audiences across Karnataka”.

    The story revolves around a sprawling joint family of 36 members. The elderly matriarch, on the brink of her final moments, holds a heartfelt wish to see her grandson, Akash, embark on a journey of education abroad and find matrimonial bliss. The question arises: Will our protagonist honor his grandmother’s dying wish, setting the stage for the dramatic interplay surrounding Akash’s wedding and unraveling the individual storylines of all 36 family members.

    Helmed by the celebrated Kannada television director, K S Ramji, “Brundavana” is produced under the Gagana Enterprises banner. Vishwanath Haveri, renowned for Kannada Kogile and BIGG BOSS Season 8, plays the role of Akash in this show.

    This exceptional cast also includes promising talents like Chitkala Biradar from the popular show Kannadathi, which concluded earlier this year, portraying the role of the Grandmother, and real-life couple Veena and Sundar. The show has 33 other characters, ranging from a 5-year-old child to an 80-year-old man. What’s more, the storyline introduces four additional characters from a different family, adding depth to the unfolding events.

  • This festive season Sony YAY! unveils multi multi-multi-genre, multi-platform extravaganza

    This festive season Sony YAY! unveils multi multi-multi-genre, multi-platform extravaganza

    Mumbai: Sony YAY! has consistently captivated millions of young fans across the country through its multi-genre content offerings with engagements across multiple platforms and multiple screens. Its multi-genre offerings make it the preferred destination for kids, solidifying its position as a leader in the industry with a weekly reach of over 12.3 million viewers in HSM urban markets.

    The channel continues its commitment to delivering a diverse lineup of multi-genre content this festive season. Young audiences can look forward to an exciting blend of brand-new shows and fan favourites YAY! classics that span across chase comedy, family drama, anime and many more.

    “Oh my Lallan” – A heartwarming chase comedy series features Lallan, a lovable stray dog on a quest for food, as he encounters cunning house pets.

    Ninja Boy Rantaro – A brand-new anime series that follows the adventures of Rantaro and his friends as they embark on ninja training.

    “Honey Bunny Ka Jholmal” – The channel’s longest-running pet comedy primetime show, featuring non-stop banter and witty jokes presented by the OG Jholers.

    “Oggy and the Cockroaches” – The show will star the nation’s foremost animated character and the ultimate YAY! showstopper, Oggy, the blue cat. This series promises to offer a fresh and exhilarating take on the classic chase, all thanks to his relentless arch-nemeses, the clever cockroaches.

    Sony YAY! remains at the forefront of innovation with its commitment towards a multi-screen approach. In a groundbreaking move in the category, the channel introduces an AR game – “Oggy and the Cockroaches.” this game promises Oggy fans an experience like never before. The game developed in collaboration with Superfan Studio allows young audiences to immerse themselves in Oggy’s world, setting a new entertainment standard that has the potential to revolutionize how audiences interact with their favourite shows.

    Sony Pictures Networks India, Kids’ Genre! business head  Leena Lele Dutta commented “At Sony YAY!, our mission is to continuously redefine kids’ entertainment by delivering fresh storylines, toons, and immersive experiences, across multiple platforms. The ‘Oggy and the Cockroaches’ AR game showcases our commitment to delivering unparalleled, inspiring adventures for the kids who have shown love to our beloved characters.”  

  • Debut alert: Ansh Duggal in ‘Nakhrewaalii’ by Jio Studios & Colour Yellow Productions!

    Debut alert: Ansh Duggal in ‘Nakhrewaalii’ by Jio Studios & Colour Yellow Productions!

    Mumbai: Jio Studios and Aanand L Rai’s production house, Colour Yellow Productions, are all set to light up the Indian film industry with their latest project, “Nakhrewaalii,” featuring the promising talent Ansh Duggal in the lead role.

    Known for providing opportunities to emerging talent in the world of cinema, Colour Yellow Productions has chosen Ansh Duggal as the leading star of this exciting adventure, marking the beginning of a journey that guarantees to captivate audiences with its innovation and creativity. The film will be directed by Rahul Shanklya and goes on floors today. The movie will be produced by Jyoti Deshpande, Aanand L Rai and Himanshu Sharma.

    This film promises to be a complete entertainer, offering a plethora of emotions that will strike a chord with audiences across India. A glimpse of the film’s theme can be seen in the introductory video, which will pique your interest in this romantic comedy.

    Ansh Duggal, the lead actor, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “I am thrilled and honoured to be making my acting debut with Anand sir and our director Rahul Shanklya. It is truly a dream come true and I’m looking forward to this incredible journey. Today is the beginning of an exciting chapter in my life. With utmost gratitude, I’m ready to give it my all.”

    For a taste of the announcement, watch the video here:

    This film also marks the second collaboration between Aanand L Rai’s Colour Yellow Productions and Jio Studios, following their recent announcement of the Marathi franchise “Jhimma 2.” As production begins for “Nakhrewaalii,” fans and movie lovers eagerly anticipate the exciting partnership between Colour Yellow Productions and Jio Studios. The journey of creating “Nakhrewaalii” promises to be an extraordinary one, filled with creativity, entertainment, and laughter.

    Colour Yellow Productions has a rich history of crafting endearing and unforgettable characters that have impacted Indian cinema. Films like “Shubh Mangal Saavdhan,” “Tanu Weds Manu,” and “Raanjhanaa” have achieved iconic status, and “Nakhrewaalii” is poised to continue this tradition.

    Jio Studios, the media and content arm of Reliance Industries Ltd was set up in 2018 to build a pure-play content studio focused on developing, producing, and owning intellectual property in films, web series and other content in Hindi and all other major Indian languages. It is the largest studio by far in terms of the number of content assets produced, with critical acclaim not far behind with 16 films and web series of Jio Studios sweeping over 100 awards in India and internationally in the last five years. Jio Studios is designed to be the key catalyst that powers Jio’s distribution platforms and services with world-class entertainment content.

  • Anuj Singhal – Fuelling CNBC Awaaz’s Unrivalled Success

    Anuj Singhal – Fuelling CNBC Awaaz’s Unrivalled Success

    Mumbai: CNBC Awaaz is a prominent Indian business news channel that primarily broadcasts in the Hindi language. It is a subsidiary of CNBC, which is known for its comprehensive coverage of business, finance, and economic news.

    CNBC Awaaz focuses on delivering business and financial news in a format that is accessible to Hindi-speaking audiences in India. The channel provides real-time updates on the stock market, business developments, economic trends, and investment insights. It features discussions, interviews with industry experts, and analysis of market conditions to help viewers make informed decisions regarding their finances and investments.

    The channel also covers a wide range of topics, including entrepreneurship, personal finance, and consumer-related issues. CNBC Awaaz’s programming is designed to cater to both seasoned investors and individuals looking to enhance their financial literacy. CNBC Awaaz plays a vital role in keeping viewers informed about the ever-evolving world of business, finance, and economics.

    Anuj Singhal, the managing editor of CNBC-Awaaz, reflected on the journey of being a pioneer in the Hindi business news segment 18 years ago and discussed the opportunities as well as challenges in the genre today.

    In the early days, CNBC was one of the few serious players in the field, with English channels like NDTV Profit attempting to enter the market. The decision to launch CNBC-Awaaz, a Hindi business channel, was based on the belief that Hindi was a growing and potentially significant market. While English was the primary language for business, the management seemed to foresee the increasing domestic investment in the market. What started as a hopeful endeavour has now become a major trend.

    In terms of expansion into regional languages, CNBC-Awaaz has already established a foothold in the Gujarati language. Singhal mentioned that business news in vernacular languages will likely evolve over time, and regions like Kerala could represent a significant market. However, the decision to launch a channel in a new language would be made at the network level, considering the market’s size and potential.

    When asked about what sets CNBC-Awaaz apart as the biggest player in the market, he highlighted the network’s strong reach and leverage as part of India’s top news network. “CNBC-Awaaz benefits from the research and management interviews conducted by CNBC TV18. Moreover, CNBC-Awaaz’s consistent leadership in the field and its legacy have contributed to its continued success.”

    Singhal also stated that CNBC-Awaaz has a Hindi-specific strategy and a top-tier Hindi team. “Our team excels in covering policies and is among the first to report breaking news. While they may pick up some reports from CNBC TV18, they produce substantial original content, particularly related to markets.”

    Regarding the influx of new investors and influencers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Anuj emphasized the importance of accuracy over speed. “CNBC-Awaaz prioritizes verification and ensures that all of the channel’s investment advisors are SEBI-licensed. This adds a level of accountability and trust for viewers,” he added.

    He also noted that Mumbai is the biggest market for CNBC-Awaaz, which also includes suburban regions of the city. The channel serves traders in various parts of the city, and its viewership extends to the southern regions where Hindi business news is consumed.

    Singhal highlighted the importance of the channel’s role, which includes providing feedback on industry responses to policies, which may influence government decisions.

    In conclusion, Anuj Singhal’s reflections on CNBC-Awaaz’s remarkable journey in the Hindi business news segment over the past 18 years underscore the network’s pivotal role in shaping and catering to the evolving needs of India’s diverse and dynamic business landscape. With a growing interest in regional languages and the potential for further expansion, CNBC-Awaaz is poised to continue its journey of informing, educating, and influencing the business community in India. Its role in providing valuable insights and facilitating policy discussions underscores its importance as a trusted source of information and a key influencer in the realm of business news in the country.

  • Manorama News Conclave 2023 – An Assembly of Influential Visionaries

    Manorama News Conclave 2023 – An Assembly of Influential Visionaries

    Mumbai: Union Minister Smriti Irani inaugurated the Manorama News Conclave 2023, held at the Lulu Bolgatty International Convention Centre at 9.45 am. The central theme of this edition was “India: The Future Story,” and it featured a distinguished lineup of speakers who shared their insights on various facets of India’s future, ranging from politics and space exploration to cinema and artificial intelligence.

    The event commenced with a warm welcome address from Jayant Mammen Mathew, Executive Editor and Director of Malayala Manorama. He underscored the pivotal role that India’s future plays, especially with the general election on the horizon.

    Mammen Mathew, Chief Editor of Malayala Manorama, added a unique touch by presenting gold medals to the accomplished winners of the Hangzhou Asian Games. Notably, these athletes received recognition before their official government recognition, marking a significant milestone in their sporting achievements.

    In her keynote address, Smriti Irani highlighted the striking divisions among opposition parties, despite their formation of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) with the aim of challenging the BJP in the forthcoming 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

    The Conclave hosted a series of thought-provoking sessions:

    India in the Perspective of Kashmir: Former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, discussed the unique status of J&K and questioned the temporary nature of Article 370.

    Yechury on ‘India – The Future Story’: CPM General Secretary, Sitaram Yechury, outlined his party’s vision for the 2024 general elections, emphasizing the ‘INDIA’ alliance’s pivotal role.

    Kerala Politics in 2024: A spirited debate featuring Kerala’s Opposition Leader V. D. Satheesan and CPM state secretary M. V. Govindan delved into the intricacies of Kerala politics and their respective alliances.

    India’s Space Dreams: ISRO Chairman, S. Somnath, shared his optimism regarding Chandrayaan-3 and the remarkable scientific contributions it promises to deliver.

    Future of Cinemas & Theatres: A discussion on the challenges faced by the film industry was led by Malayalam film personalities, including Basil Joseph, Jude Anthany Joseph, and Nikhila Vimal.

    Widening Space for Women in Politics: Notable women leaders in politics, including K. K. Shailaja (CPM), K. K. Rema (RMP), and Shoba Surendran (BJP), explored the imperative of enhancing female representation in politics. They addressed diverse issues, including women’s entry at Sabarimala and the Israel-Palestine conflict.

    Possibilities of Artificial Intelligence: Google DeepMind research director, Dileep George, delved into the potential of AI and whether it could surpass human intelligence.

    Reverse Brain Drain: Ashok Mani and Vivek Venugopal discussed solutions to counteract the brain drain issue in Kerala, focusing on the identification of strengths and the enhancement of social and entertainment infrastructure.

    The Conclave incorporated unique and engaging activities, including a digital “hope wall,” where dignitaries like Smriti Irani, Omar Abdullah and Basil Joseph penned well-wishes for India’s future. In a unique pre-event activity, college students were invited to pose impactful questions about India’s future. These students were subsequently given the opportunity to ask their questions directly to the experts at the Conclave.

    Notable mentions at the Conclave included Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, who shared insights about the ‘INDIA’ front’s plans for the upcoming general elections. He noted the growing anti-incumbency sentiment, particularly in the Hindi belt, and emphasized the importance of a well-crafted manifesto for the Congress party.

    The Conclave concluded on a thoughtful note with a session featuring spiritual guru and orator Gaur Gopal Das, who explored “The yardstick of happiness in the era of Artificial Intelligence.” Gaur’s philosophy emphasized that happiness is unrelated to possessions, and the key lies in how one lives, not what one has.

    In the valedictory address, Deputy Chief Minister of Karnataka, D. K. Shivakumar, acknowledged the indispensable role that media plays in Indian democracy. He expressed appreciation for Malayala Manorama’s significant contributions to India’s progress over its 130-year history.

    The Manorama News Conclave 2023 offered a platform for enlightening discussions and unique activities, bringing together diverse voices and perspectives on the future of India.

     

  • Gopal Bhar spotted at Pujo pandals in Kolkata

    Gopal Bhar spotted at Pujo pandals in Kolkata

    Mumbai: Sony AATH, one of the most loved Bengali entertainment channels, is adding a dash of colour to the Pujo celebrations with Gopal Bhar visiting Durga puja pandals. The iconic and much-loved character of Bengal is engaging with fans, giving them exciting giveaways and adding to the festive cheer.

    Gopal Bhar, known for his wit and humour, is being spotted in the city, making trips to select Pujo pandals. The legendary court jester began his pandal trail with Thakurpukur S B Park pandal on Panchami along with planned visits to Dakshin 41 Pally, Hindusthan Park Sarbajanin and Dum Dum Park Tarun Sangha on the rest of the days. The audiences were in for a treat to meet their favourite icon and click photos with him. To soar the excitement level, a special Gopal Bhar quiz was conducted giving people a chance to win exciting Gopal Bhar merchandises.

    Gopal Bhar has been an integral part of Bengal’s cultural heritage. Over the years he has amused families through stories that connect them to their roots. The channel aims to bring these timeless tales to life along with sharing the joy of laughter during the festival.

    Keep an eye out for Gopal Bhar’s appearances at Pujo pandals and stay tuned to Sony AATH for more updates throughout the festive season.