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First time in the history of RSS- its chief in a film function

First time in the history of RSS its chief has attended a Film programme. Chief of Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Shri Mohanji Bhagwat has attended a film programme on 16th Sept Sunday in Mumbai.  The occasion was the release of film documentaries on 100 National Heroes, “Personalities of india” directed by Devendra Khandelwal. These films were in making for last 15 years and many technicians worked to make these films a realty.

Lokarpan of ‘Personalities of India’ was a grand success. The films contained the life of 100 historical personalities, who played a key role in India’s independence. These personalities were picked from the fields of politics, Freedom struggle, Art, Science, Culture, Music, Cinema, Sports etc. It was a star studded affair. Auditorium was packed with number of film personalities, leading journalists and news channels.

The chief guest Mohanji Bhagwat said that the efforts of Devendra khandelwal need to be applauded. More and more films on our ‘Real Heroes of India’ should be made and those films should reach out to people from every corner of the world. Film is the only medium which can go to places and tell people about our real heroes of India, their struggle and their sacrifices for their motherland. It is important for people to know about them. He further said, children are the future of our country. These films will inspire them and will make them realize their duty towards their motherland. Towards the end of his speech he assured Devendra Khandelwal, Chairman, iiMC that he will do his best to support such great and inspiring work. 

Ministry of Minority Affairs Shri Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi who wrote the scripts of these short films spoke on the occasion that there are such thousands of national heroes who gave up their life with passion in India’s freedom struggle and nation building, but are not known to people and ignored in the history of our nation. He mentioned some of the names which were not in 100 films but deserved to be there which he would like to incorporate in the next series.

Chairman, iiMC Devendra Khandelwal said ‘When he thought of making these films, the first thought crossed his mind was who will buy these films, who will be the audience of these films. But then irrespective of the outcome, he went on completing 100 films on ‘Personalities of India’ and that release of the films by Mohanji Bhagwat has given him his reward. He couldn’t have asked for more’. He further said ‘Making 100 films on ‘Personalities of India’ is a record in itself and tells about the reach and success of our endeavours.

This event has inspired thousands of film-makers from all over the world to make such films and keep our historical personalities of India alive in every Indian’s heart. All the films were highly appreciated by everyone present in the auditorium.

6th Guru M.L. Koser Music & Dance Festival from 15th & 16th September at New Delhi

Pracheen Kala Kendra is a harbinger of a new era in the preservation and promotion and dissemination of Hindustani classical music and Art realms.  Kendra is a highly creditable institution which has grown up in more than five decades and is now established as the oldest, pioneer and unique body of its kind.

Besides, the Kendra undertakes various cultural activities and organizes a number of programs of classical music and dance not only in Chandigarh but also in various parts of the country.  In the series of its cultural programs Kendra is organizing one of its major festivals at New Delhi, Guru M.L. Koser festival of Music and Dance 2018 to be held on 15th & 16th September at Triveni Kala Sangam, New Delhi at 6:30 pm daily. Eminent artists of the country will perform in this two day mega fest . Guru M.L.  Koser had a special kind of affection with Delhi because during his early days as an upcoming artist, he spent many years of learning and practice at New Delhi.  Kendra, therefore, as a tribute to him, six years ago, decided to organize an Annual music festival in his memory, thus, was born Guru M.L. Koser Music and Dance Festival and this year is the 6th edition.

Kendra’s prestigious status is a result of  vision of its Founder , Guru Madan Lal Koser who was so well known and popular in the realm of art that he needs no introduction. He was not only a great exponent of Indian dance but so also a brilliant scholar of classical literature.  Koser, full of honours and distinctions, was the recipient of many awards and title which he earned in recognition of his glorious performances and making admirable contribution in the field of music and dance. At the young age of 21, he was awarded the title of “Dwitya Tandu”, the second Shiva, a rare distinction from Manipur, the traditional home of Indian classical dancing. Koser was indeed a superb artist of tremendous range with exceptional intelligence, musicality and arresting stage presence. In his art, Koser always tried to find the most direct, most forceful and truthful interpretation of what he felt and saw. He had a powerful mind and indefatigable energy. The quality of his performance remained incomparable and matchless. It would be conceded that his achievements in the myriad fields of dance and music have secured for him a lofty place in the galaxy of world’s foremost exponents, originators, organizers and true propagators of the musical arts.

4th edition of Konark International Cyclothon “Tour-de-Kalinga” to kick start from 8th December

Konark International Cyclothon team announced the much awaited date of the 4th edition of Konark International Cyclothon Titled “Tour De Kalinga”. Tour De Kalinga will start from 8th December, 2018 and will conclude at Bhubaneswar on December 23, 2018. KIC also announced internationally famed Sprinter Dutee Chand, Trans Siberia Extreme Cycling Race Participant Dr. Amit Samarth, Internationally acclaimed sand artist Manas Sahoo joined as their Brand Ambassadors.

On the occasion Dutee Chand said, “I am highly grateful to be a part of KIC and appeal everyone to develop a habit of cycling in your daily life because its goof for our health.”

Sudhir Dash organizing Chairman of ROOTS of Odisha Foundation , in a press meet at the Constitution Club, New Delhi said Konark International Cyclothon will start from 8th December, 2018 with unique Moto and an enlarged perspective. We have one Planet to Live in it so let’s Care, Conserve and Love our Plant echoes Sudhir Dash. Come 8th December, 2018 and the chilled winter, over 1,000 of cyclist will parade on the Marine Drive from Bhubaneswar via Konark, puri  to Satapada. Out of which 40 cyclist mentored by professionals will go on the 15 days cycling expedition from Bhubaneswar -Koraput-Bhubaneswar. Cyclists from various corner of the world joining the Konark International Cyclothon & Tour De Kalinga along with iconic cyclists like Dr. Amit Samarth, Yogendra Singh, Prof. Sadananda Sahoo, Jagiwinder Singh Binay Sahoo and others.

On this occasion KIC released sand animation on benefit of cycling and objective of Konark International Cylothon. The sand animation is prepared by Internationally acclaimed sand animator Manas  Sahoo. KIC team also unveil the logo and brochure of Tour De Kalinga. 

With a vision for mass appeal and to ignite citizens of this country, On the occasion, the organiser has felicitated the Legendary Personality and Youth Inspiration to Ms Dutee Chand, Dr. Amit Samarth, Jagwinder Singh and Binay Kumar Singh for their extra ordinary achievement and continued efforts to promote Green cause. This is with a vision for mass appeal and to ignite citizens of this country for promoting clean, green and a Health life for all.

Ms. Dutee Chand the Olympian sprinter who has made Odisha and India Proud for her bringing silver medal in the Malaysian Asian Games has been a brand ambassador of KIC is a role model to many for promoting carbon minus life and say no to plastic.

Dr. Amit Samarth has been the only Asian to complete RAAM (Race Across America) and the 9200 km Trans-Siberian Extreme Cycling Race. Being a Physician himself Dr. Samarth vouches for the endless benefits of cycling to health, to environment, to community and to the economy at large.

Jagwinder Singh, the sensational para cyclist from Chandigarh has been an inspiring personality to the specially aboded community for his vision, passion and the commitment to promote cycling. Setting example that disability is a unique ability, he has been a message for the masses OH MY GOD, It can happen only in India.

Binay Kumar Shahu, the lad from Manipur, who lost his one hand fully paralysed in an accident has dedicated his life to cycle around the country for promoting Swachh Bharat and Plant a Tree. Setting example that disability is a unique ability, he has been a message for the mass appealing for Swachh Bharat Hai Swasth Bharat.

While most cities in India fight for Pollution and are worst affected due to Climate Change, Odisha has its unique demographic beauty. We should count our blessings and preserve our nature. This year KIC will cover the Coastal Line and the beautiful green mountain terrain of the eastern ghat showcasing the serene beauty of Odisha to the world narrates Shri Sudhir Dash. This visit via Chillika, Rambha, Chandragiri , Eastern Ghat, Daringi badi, Phulbani, Nayagarh and the sabara khetra of Koraput is a mesmirising treat to our participant says an excited Sudhir Dash.

On this press meet KIC Patron Yoginder Singh , KIC Co-ordinator Madhusudhan Mishra and other KIC team members were presented.

The first Konark International Cyclothon (KIC1) which started from Konark to Puri on December 2015 marked the beginning of its mission for promoting around the broad theme “health, cleanliness,  and eco-tourism”.  KIC 2 which started from Konark to New Delhi had the all India appeal for promoting Konark as well as clean and green India. KIC 3 had the broad social connect engaging school children to administration which started from Konark via Chilka lake to Koraput and revolve around green and save water. It should be noted that Konark International Cyclothon and Tour De Kalinga are the initiative of Roots of Odisha Foundation which is supported by CRESPAI, (An Industrial Forum for Promoting Renewable Energy)

Chitranganda Singh at Vivo launch event

Chitranganda Singh, the stunning actress from the movie Desi Boys, was spotted dazzling away at the Vivo phone launch held on the 12th of September at Ahmedabad city. The actress looked super alluring and yet elegant in the jaw-dropping outfit by Tanieya Khanuja teamed up with chic Steve Madden pumps. This splendid look was curated by Sabina Halder, the actress turned a lot of heads and showed us how to keep it simple yet dazzle the crowd. She will be soon seen tantalizing your taste buds on a food show on AXNIndia and she will be featured in the film Bazar, opposite Saif Ali Khan.

I make friends for life: Akhilesh Yadav on Rahul Gandhi at India Today Mind Rocks Youth Summit 2018

Becoming friends with Rahul Gandhi "was" a good idea, former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav said today at India Today's youth summit -- Mind Rocks 2018, Delhi. The comment by Yadav immediately prompted the question: Did he mean that he would not ally with Gandhi in the future?

"Forget it," Yadav in an attempt to evade the question. However, when pressed to answer, Yadav finally clarified: "I am the kind of a guy who, once he makes friends, he doesn't break that friendship."

The former Uttar Pradesh chief minister later went on to suggest once again that the friendship with Rahul Gandhi would last, by saying that his Samajwadi Party would will try and become part of any anti-BJP coalition that forms in Madhya Pradesh.

Madhya Pradesh will go to the polls later this year, and of late, there has been talk about the Congress and Mayawati's Bahujan Samaj Party joining hands to fight that election.

A large part of Akhilesh's Mind Rocks session was devoted to targeting the Bharatiya Janata Party for what he said was its taking credit for development work carried out by his government.

"Remember that Metro ride PM Modi took with the South Korean President?" Akhilesh asked, referring to the day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi and South Korean President Moon Jae-in travelled from Delhi to Noida on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro earlier this year.

"Nobody talks about who made that Metro line," Akhilesh said. "Also, the Samsung plant [located in Noida; inaugurated by PM Modi]... my government's policy was behind that."

Akhilesh went on to express confidence that the BJP would fail to win the same number of Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh as it did in the 2014 Lok Sabha election.

The string of losses suffered by the party in the recent Lok Sabha bypolls in Uttar Pradesh are enough indication that the party will find it difficult to win in the state, Akhilesh said.

Towards the end of his session, Akhilesh was asked if he would attend an event to which the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh is reportedly inviting Opposition party leaders. Akhilesh suggested he would not go because while he "doesn't know much about the RSS" he has read about "why Sardar Patel banned the RSS".

Cox & Kings appoints Anushka Sharma as brand ambassador

Celebrating 260 years, Cox & Kings Ltd., the oldest and leading tour operator has roped in Bollywood youth icon and avid traveller Anushka Sharma as the company’s first ever brand ambassador. The versatile actress will be seen promoting the company’s unique travel offerings in a new TV campaign to be released soon. 

Karan Anand, Head, Relationships, Cox & Kings said, “Anushka is known for her versatility, experimentation and unusual personality. She perfectly represents  a generation that is energetic, unapologetic and fun loving which makes her the right fit to showcase Cox & Kings’ innovative holiday offerings.”

Speaking about her experience Anushka Sharma said, “I am glad to be associated with the world's oldest travel company Cox & Kings. I love to travel and personally think that travelling opens us up to new incredible experiences and changes the way we look at the world. Whether you are travelling solo, with your partner or friends, Cox & Kings has a holiday experience for every type of traveller.”

This is the first ever association of Cox & Kings with a Bollywood superstar. Anushka will be promoting the brand across print, television and digital platforms. With this announcement, Cox & Kings will introduce Europe Summer 2019 packages starting at Rs. 69,750 and winter departures to Far East, Australia, New Zealand and Exotic destinations starting at Rs 58,980 only.

With a legacy that dates back to 1758, Cox & Kings has established itself as a premium brand in all travel related services globally and has been at the forefront of thought leadership and industry innovation. Among its many products are Leisure Travel - Domestic (Bharat Deko), (Xperiential Holidays), catering to the discerning traveller, Inbound & International, Corporate Travel, MICE, Trade Fairs, Visa Processing and Foreign Exchange.  The Outbound Tours are segregated into Duniya Dekho (escorted tours), FlexiHols (customised tours), Luxury Escapades (unique & luxurious travel) & NRI (catering to Indians across the world).

Cox & Kings is the largest players offering a range of specialist options. Innovative packaging, pricing and marketing have been the hallmarks of its success over the years. Cox & Kings has also powered a few new initiatives recently with the launch of Enable Travel - India’s first accessible holiday specialist with customised itineraries for people with disabilities, Trip 360º - offers exciting experiences in Cycling, Diving, Biking, Trekking and cruise within India and abroad, Getaway Goddess - a unique and interesting collection of Women’s Holidays designed by women for women, and Self-Drive 365 - a self-drive holiday specialist in India that brings impeccable road journeys for enthusiasts from around the world.

Bollywood’s Elite in love with the music of Jalebi

When everyone from Karan Johar, Badshah to Pritam is hooked to the music of a soon-to-released film, you know they are hitting the right notes when the music actually drops. The Bhatt’s are known for soulful melodies over the years and this validation further amplifies the class of music.

Karan Johar, says, “Heard all the songs of Jalebi and I’m absolutely spell bound! Kudos to Mahesh Bhatt and Mukesh Bhatt for creating magic, time and over again!”

But what goes into the making of the trademark Bhatt sound? It is believed that the reason their music works is because the sounds are fresh and have soulful melodies that resonate with listeners and stick in memory.

A long-time Bhatt collaborator, Pritam narrows down the secret ingredient. “Being soulful, this is what a traditional Bollywood album is all about”.

The one word being repetitively used by everyone we spoke to, to define this soon to be released album is “soulful” and “melodic.” Some are even calling it as the surprise album of the year.

A multi-composer album, the lyrics of each of the songs are deep, enthralling and emotional and brings the album alive.

Album of the year? Guess we mere mortals will have to wait a little longer to know for sure. The Trailer of Jalebi along with its first song titled Tum Se released on Monday, 10th September.

Manto was a creative genius and a family man at the same time” says Nawazuddin Siddiqui

Godrej India Culture Lab and Viacom18 Motion Pictures hosted a special conversation based upon Manto, a film by Nandita Das as a precursor to the national release. It  included presence of the film’s cast members Nawazuddin Siddiqui and Rasika Dugal, literary historian Rakhshanda Jalil, as well as Nazia Erum, author of ‘Mothering a Muslim’.

Based on the idea of freedom of expression, the film revolves around Saadat Hasan Manto, the skilled satirist and chronicler of the chaos of Partition who was put on trial six times for his provocative writings. The prolific writer was thus invariably a champion of free speech. He once famously said, “If you find my stories dirty, the society you are living in is dirty.”

More than 400 people attended the event. The conversation not only focused on relevance of Manto and his writing in today’s contemporary India but also touch based upon topics like freedom of speech, and expression, progressive writers movement, attack on journalists or censorship of content in films and television.

The film follows the most tumultuous four years in the life of Manto and that of the two countries he inhabits – India and Pakistan. As sectarian violence engulfs the region, Manto makes the difficult choice of leaving his beloved Bombay. In Lahore, he finds himself bereft of friends and unable to find takers for his writings. His increasing alcoholism leads him into a downward spiral. Through all of this, he continues to write prolifically, without dilution. This is the tale of two emerging nations, two faltering cities, and one man who tries to make sense of it all.

The Godrej India Culture Lab is a fluid experimental space that cross-pollinates ideas and people to explore what it means to be modern and Indian. India Culture Lab is based in Vikhroli, Mumbai, at the Godrej headquarters. The Lab was launched in January 2011 as an attempt to create an alternative intellectual hub in Mumbai city that would serve as a catalyst for conversations about contemporary India, by brokering interactions between academia, the creative industries, the corporate world and the not-for-profit sector. Founded by Parmesh Shahani, the Lab curates and organize events of different sizes.

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