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Tag: Mallika Sarabhai

  • NEXION Sponsors the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts for artists residency

    NEXION Sponsors the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts for artists residency

    Mumba: Nexion, the Indo-Italian one of the production company  of high-quality sintered stone, entered into a sponsorship agreement with the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts in Ahmedabad, India. This collaboration was proposed by Mallika Sarabhai, an influential figure in the city of Ahmedabad. She completed her MBA from IIM Ahmedabad and her Ph.D. from Gujarat University. Mallika established herself as an international activist, actress, and dancer in Indian classical dance.

    Mallika is the daughter of Dr Vikram Sarabhai, a prominent figure in the field of science and development in India, considered the father of the country’s space program, and Mrinalini Sarabhai, dancer of Indian classical dance and the founder of the Darpana Academy of Performing Arts. Today, Mallika leads the Darpana Academy, preserving and promoting the rich artistic heritage of India.

    This year, Mallika Sarabhai and Nexion decided to form a three-year partnership to sponsor an artist residency at the Darpana Academy. Thanks to Nexion, India hosted Massimiliano Troiani, an Italian director and son of a master in cinematographic photography, known worldwide for his work in documentary and theatre, and Laura Fasciolo, a renowned Italian set designer with years of experience in theatrical and museum exhibitions related to iconography and bibliography.

    Massimiliano staged a reinterpretation of Shakespeare’s Macbeth, incorporating both Italian and Indian cultural elements. The show, which featured Mallika in a leading role, premiered at the 44th Vikram Sarabhai International Arts Festival of Natarani, Darpana Academy of Performing Arts, and will be going on tour.

    Darpana Academy of Performing Arts founder Mallika Sarabhai expressed her joy in the collaboration stating, “Working on Macbeth with Massimiliano was a delightful experience. His diverse background as a theatre director, filmmaker, and puppeteer aligns well with the varied artistic fields at Darpana. The synergy between our culture and artistic approach allowed for the emergence of new and exciting elements during the collaboration.

    She added, “The collaboration between Darpana and Nexion has been fueled by a shared passion for the arts. Nexion’s founder, Luca, recognizes the humanizing power of the arts and believes in providing support without interfering with the artistic vision. “

    Nexion CEO Luca Majocch said, “Since its inception, we have brought the Italian way of doing business to India. With our commitment to societal contribution, we seamlessly align with Darpana Academy, celebrated for its rich legacy in promoting art and culture. Massimiliano’s participation in the residency further underscores our shared dedication and efforts. This commitment extends to our core values, where we prioritize people’s well-being through the consistent delivery of high-quality products. Our holistic approach interweaves cultural exchange and community well-being, creating a meaningful connection between our values and endeavors.”

    Massimiliano Troiani, Italian Director, mentioned, “Embarking on a collaborative journey with Darpana is a captivating experience within a culturally rich environment, where artistic and technical talents seamlessly unite. My initial collaboration dates back to 2000 when I directed a performance inspired by the ancient Latin tale Aeneid. This journey emphasizes the lasting connection between India and Italy over the years, based on cultural connections that go beyond mere economic or political factors. Italy has contributed to scholars like Giuseppe Tucci and Weaver, enriching the understanding of Indian culture. Indian philosophy continues to captivate Italy, from poetry to pedagogical studies, as exemplified by Maria Montessori, who found inspiration in meeting Mahatma Gandhi.”

    The goal of the production was to create a cultural bridge between Italy and India, celebrating the rich cultural heritage of both nations. The collaboration not only celebrated art and creativity but also contributed to strengthening ties between local and international communities, promoting cultural exchange, mutual learning, and the well-being of the community.  Ahmedabad, as a meeting point between the two realities, is also where Nexion’s central office and production facility have found their home.

    Here, in the heart of this city, Ahmedabad, not only products and projects come to life but also human connections that transcend geographical boundaries.

     

  • AAP a big draw for media professionals

    AAP a big draw for media professionals

    MUMBAI: As a fledgling party which emerged from the larger ‘India against Corruption’ movement, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) had already captured a nation’s imagination.

     

    But when it made a splash at the Delhi Assembly Elections, going on to form the government in the national capital, it made seasoned politicians sit up and take notice as well.

     

    And just in case you thought there was no public relations mechanism behind the phenomenal success of AAP, you couldn’t be more wrong. The party has been a magnet for media professionals ever since its inception with many known names coming forward to support it and in some cases, even going on to join politics.

     

    For instance, the media campaign for the Jan Lokpal Bill was the brain child of former media professional Shaizia Ilmi. Manish Sisodia, who played a key role in the foundation of the anti corruption bill and went to jail with activist Anna Hazare is a former journalist who worked with Zee News and All India Radio. Ditto for Rajan Prakash, who worked as a journalist in TV, print and radio for more than a decade apart from helping write the scripts of over 12 documentaries as well as radio programmes before finding his political calling. At 26, former journalist Rakhi Birla, who won Delhi’s Mangol Puri constituency, is the only woman in Arvind Kejriwal’s cabinet and the youngest one at that. The much talked about addition to AAP has been that of Ashutosh, former IBN7 managing editor who left a high-profile job to join the party.

     

    So what is it about AAP that is encouraging the media fraternity to enter the political circus?

     

    “It’s their honesty which I support,” says Leo Burnett NCD K V Sridhar (Pops) who tweeted and facebooked his support to AAP and joined it through its massive ‘Mai bhi Aam Admi’ campaign that lets anyone be a part of the ‘change’. “Until and unless they make mistakes or become like the others, they have my support,” he adds.

     

    Former COO of Star Network now turned media entrepreneur Sameer Nair, who joined AAP last year, believes any professional with the right principles would support the party. “We all want corporate governance, financial stability, anti corruption amongst all the correct ingredients to run the country in a better way,” he says, pointing out that the Right to Recall is a basic right as one shouldn’t take his/her seat lightly once elected for five years by the junta. “Every day, media professionals walk into the AAP office to support it or help in whatever way they can. We need such enthusiasm from people,” Nair says, stressing that the party needs the expertise of professionals from all walks of life to work together and create a better nation.

     

    Political analyst Dr Suhas Palshikar feels AAP is a refreshing change from the rest. “There are many who want to see a change in the country and the new party brings with it new ideas. It has provided people, especially the middle class, a platform to be part of a change and voice their opinion,” he says.    

     

    Writer-entrepreneur-youth expert Rashmi Bansal, who met Kejriwal in 2009 and featured him in her 2011 book ‘I have a Dream’ feels that media professionals have a close-up view of such issues which is why they get more drawn to it. “Media professionals know what goes on behind the scenes and they see AAP as a different entity which will not only hear them but also give them a voice and a platform to make the change they want to see,” she says.

     

    And the list of supporters keeps growing… Late Jaspal Bhatti’s wife Savita Bhatti, Mallika Sarabhai, Tejaswini Kolhapure, Aamir Khan and Salman Khan all believe the party can bring about a change…

  • NDTV announces first RTI Awards

    NDTV announces first RTI Awards

    MUMBAI: NDTV has joined hands with Public Cause Research Foundation (PCRF), an organisation set up by Magsaysay awardee Arvind Kejriwal, to organise the first RTI Awards.

    The awards will be given away on 1 December to acknowledge those who have displayed exemplary commitment to RTI Act. These will honour public information officers (PIOs), citizens and information commissioners who have strived through the RTI to make India better, claims the channel.

    The awards ceremony, in New Delhi, will be graced by Vice President of India Hamid Ansari.

    NDTV chairman Prannoy Roy said, “NDTV is privileged to present the RTI Awards to the citizens and officials of India who have made the Right-To-Information Act a success. RTI has helped Indians in getting justice that they are entitled to and brought in transparency in our democratic system.

    Added Kejriwal, “The purpose of these awards is to enthuse commissioners, officers and citizens alike to make RTI a reality in letter and spirit, which it is far from right now.”

    The awards will be given in three categories – best information commissioner in the country, best public information officer in the country and best RTI citizen.

    The jury comprises personalities and citizens of India like Aamir Khan, NR Narayana Murthy, Mallika Sarabhai, Fali S Nariman, Santosh (RTI activist), Justice JS Verma, Madhu Trehan, JM Lyngdoh, Pullela Gopichand, Sanjay Gupta, and Prannoy Roy.

    Each winner will receive a citation, a plaque and prize money of Rs 200,000.