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Tag: D.K. Shivakumar

  • Appu’s aura goes digital with launch of Puneeth Rajkumar Star Fandom app

    Appu’s aura goes digital with launch of Puneeth Rajkumar Star Fandom app

    MUMBAI: The Power Star has found a new stage, the digital kind. The late Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar’s infectious energy and enduring charisma now live on through pixels and code, as Star Fandom LLP unveils the Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Star Fandom App, a first-of-its-kind platform blending emotion, technology, and fandom.

    Conceptualised by Dr. Samartha Raghava Nagabhushanam, founder chairman of Star Fandom, in collaboration with Smt. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar, the app was launched in the presence of deputy chief minister D. K. Shivakumar. The platform uses artificial intelligence, machine learning, and emotion mapping to let fans experience what technology rarely delivers connection with heart.

    “Star Fandom was envisioned to bring fans closer to the emotions and values their stars ignite within them,” said Dr. Nagabhushanam. “Puneeth Rajkumar’s aura continues to be the heartbeat of this initiative. With the app, we’ve harnessed AI to make that connection dynamic and personal.”

    The app is designed to unite over 70 million fans across the globe, serving as a digital meeting point for Kannadigas and cinema lovers. It reimagines fandom not as a one-way adoration but as a living, evolving relationship between fans and the legacy they love.

    Smt. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar described it as “a space to celebrate Puneeth, learn from his values, and keep his energy alive every day.”

    And there’s plenty within the app to keep the spirit of Appu alive:

    ● Podcasts – For the first time, Smt. Ashwini Puneeth Rajkumar opens up about her journey with Puneeth and the legacy of the Rajkumar family. Hosted by Anushree, the series features friends, colleagues, and collaborators sharing unseen memories and heartfelt anecdotes.

    ● Chota Appu – A playful, inspiring corner for children filled with stories and rhymes inspired by Appu, nurturing creativity and kindness.

    ● Puneeth-Inspired Fitness – Guided workouts modelled on the Power Star’s discipline and positivity, letting fans train like their hero.

    ● Quizzes & Puzzles – Fun challenges celebrating Puneeth’s cinematic milestones and Sandalwood culture.

    ● Sandalwood Pulse – A news hub tracking everything from new releases to behind-the-scenes stories across Kannada cinema.

    ● Connect to Connect – A collaborative digital space bringing together fans, artists, and technicians to co-create and share ideas.

    ● Daily Vibes – Wallpapers, stickers, and personalised content that keep the Power Star’s infectious positivity glowing on every device.

    But this isn’t just a nostalgia app, it’s a tech-forward tribute that learns and evolves. With AI and emotion mapping, each interaction shapes a personalised journey, making the experience as unique as every fan’s connection to Puneeth.

    For Star Fandom LLP, founded to bridge the gap between celebrities and their audiences, the app is just the first step. “We see Star Fandom as a blueprint for a new digital era of engagement,” Dr. Nagabhushanam added. “An era where emotion, innovation, and community come together to create living, lasting connections that transcend generations.”

    Now available globally on Android and iOS, the Dr. Puneeth Rajkumar Star Fandom App ensures that the Power Star’s light doesn’t just shine on screen, it glows in every fan’s palm.

     

  • Zee Kannada News Achievers Awards 2025: Honouring Karnataka’s visionaries

    Zee Kannada News Achievers Awards 2025: Honouring Karnataka’s visionaries

    MUMBAI: Karnataka’s finest achievers are set to take the spotlight as Zee Kannada News presents the Zee Kannada News Achievers Awards 2025 on 8 February. This grand celebration will shine a light on visionaries, changemakers, and trailblazers whose relentless dedication is driving Karnataka’s progress across industries.

    With the overwhelming success of Yuvarathna and Veera Kannadiga, this prestigious event returns bigger and bolder, uniting distinguished personalities, industry leaders, and public servants for an evening of recognition and inspiration.

    Leading the charge at this prestigious ceremony will be Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah as the chief guest. Joining him are former CM Sadananda Gowda; Nirmalanandanatha Mahaswamiji; Deputy chief minister D.K. Shivakumar; and Transport minister Ramalinga Reddy. The event will also feature celebrated icons from entertainment and social spheres, including Priyanka Upendra, Dhruva Sarja, Lakshmi Govindaraju, Poornima Ramkumar, Divyashree, Madhumala SN, and singer Bobby.

    Beyond a glittering affair, the Zee Kannada News Achievers Awards serve as a powerful platform to honour game changers and emerging leaders shaping the future of Karnataka. The awards will highlight contributions across multiple categories, with a special focus on public service & welfare, covering education, MSME, women empowerment, infrastructure, health, and agriculture.

    By celebrating these champions of change, Zee Kannada News reaffirms its commitment to empowering those who make a difference. More than just a trophy, these awards embody a movement—fueling aspirations, fostering innovation, and driving collective progress. The platform stands as a beacon of inspiration for future generations, encouraging them to dream bigger and achieve more.

    Zee Kannada News invites business leaders, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and citizens to witness and celebrate Karnataka’s finest achievers. Tune in on 8 February to experience a night of honour, impact, and inspiration!

  • Sustainability 100+ Summit in Karnataka drives collaboration and empowerment for sustainable growth

    Sustainability 100+ Summit in Karnataka drives collaboration and empowerment for sustainable growth

    Mumbai: Marking a significant step towards a more sustainable future for Karnataka, the inaugural Sustainability 100+ Summit, a joint initiative by AB InBev India and Network18, successfully concluded on 7 February. The summit, themed “”Sustainable Future through Innovative Strategies in Climate Change and Water Stewardship” brought together prominent voices from government, industry, and civil society to discuss and drive collaborative action on critical sustainability challenges in the state. . Envisioned as a platform for transformative dialogue, the summit’s agenda was meticulously crafted around four crucial pillars: Climate Actions, Smart Agriculture, Water Stewardship, and Circular Packaging The Karnataka Government, a staunch advocate for sustainability, hailed Sustainability 100+ for its visionary initiative and underscored the pivotal role of unified action in realising our sustainable development goals.

    The event featured a distinguished keynote address by the deputy chief minister of Karnataka, D.K. Shivakumar, who emphasised the importance of collaboration and empowerment for achieving sustainable growth. Shivakumar said, As far as renewable energy is concerned, we have taken a leading effort. We have produced more than 10000 MW of renewable energy in the past two years. Let’s take it forward. Together, Karnataka will be much greener. We want to see that the natural and the nature mix together.”

    He added, “In our state of Karnataka, we have embarked on numerous initiatives aligned with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. From harnessing renewable energy to fostering green agriculture, our commitment to sustainability remains unwavering, regardless of our partnership with corporate entities. I urge everyone here to embrace the spirit of innovation and environmental stewardship by participating in this 100+ Sustainability Awards. This initiative celebrates those making strides in climate action, water stewardship, circular packaging, and smart agriculture.”

    Applauding the Sustainability 100+ initiative, the Chief Guest of the summit, LK Atheeq, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, shared the initiatives taken by the state government to achieve the sustainability goals. Addressing the gathering, he said, “Our approach to sustainability revolves around four key pillars: energy, transport, water, and waste management.”

    He further elaborated, “In energy, Karnataka proudly leads in renewable sources, with 63% of our 32 GW capacity coming from solar, wind, and hydroelectric power. In transport, we are spearheading sustainable public transport initiatives, including the introduction of 500 electric vehicles in Bangalore and orders for 1800 electric buses. Solid waste management is a priority, with a systematic campaign promoting waste segregation and recycling. We believe in turning waste into wealth, contributing to a circular economy.”

    Uniting in support of a sustainable future, Budweiser Brewing Company APAC  CEO & Co-Chair, Jan Craps said, “Our commitment to sustainability in India involves investing in water recharge stations, renewable energy, and farmer collaborations. Our goal is carbon neutrality by 2040, extending across our supply chain.”

    AB InBev India president Kartikeya Sharma said, “We take a great amount of pride in our efforts towards agriculture and our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals of having fully skilled, connected and financially empowered farmers. These farmers and our operations are at great lengths, but this is where, ultimately, the power of the total ecosystem kicks in. The impact we are creating in one part of India is generating jobs in another part of India, contributing to revenue in a completely disassociated part of India, and that sort of the end to an impact. Our goal is the 2040 net zero objective as far as carbon neutrality is concerned, and that’s what we are working towards.”

    Network18 Media & Investments Digital & president – Corporate Strategy Puneet Singhvi, emphasised the critical importance of unified action, stating, “Effecting meaningful change necessitates a concerted, collective endeavor. At Network18, we staunchly advocate for the power of collaboration to magnify endeavors and yield impactful solutions. Leveraging our expansive network platforms, we serve as a catalyst for raising awareness and nurturing dialogue on pressing issues such as sustainability. Teaming up with AB InBev, for Sustainability 100+, our joint mission is to amplify voices, ignite action, and spearhead initiatives that chart the course towards a sustainable and equitable future for all.”

    Through its inclusive approach and impactful discussions, the Sustainability 100+ Karnataka State Summit has catalysed momentum for sustainable practices, setting a precedent for collective action and driving positive change in the region.

  • 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.