Mumbai, Maharashtra, 23^rd April 2024: Learning Links Foundation and Cisco hosted the Cisco-LLF Women Entrepreneurship Program conclave in Mumbai, commemorating the accomplishments of the initiative. Aligned with the Government of India’s objective of fostering inclusive growth, the Cisco-LLF Women Entrepreneurship Program is dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. Its mission is to enable women from low-income households to realize their entrepreneurial dreams by establishing their own micro-enterprises.

Since its establishment in 2023, the program has supported more than 12,000 aspiring women entrepreneurs across three states: Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi. In the ongoing year of 2024-25, the program remains committed to empowering an additional 12,000 women, with a particular emphasis on the states where it has already made a significant impact. Specifically, it has provided training and grants to over 8,000 and 1,200 women entrepreneurs, respectively, in these states.

Smt. Kusum Balsaraf, Project Advisor, Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), Government of Maharashtra, was the Chief Guest and the keynote speaker at the conclave. In 2023-24, the Learning Links Foundation forged a collaborative partnership with MAVIM, aimed at jointly extending their efforts to provide comprehensive support to women entrepreneurs. Through this collaboration, a total of 1,712 women have been reached and positively impacted. During the event, Smt. Kusum Balsaraf inaugurated an exhibition of stalls hosted by women entrepreneurs from the program, showcasing their products. The Hon’ble Chief Guest also awarded certificates to a few women entrepreneurs who received the micro-grant from Mumbai and Pune under the Cisco-LLF Women Entrepreneurship Program.

The event also featured the digital launch of the Success Stories booklet by Ms. Rohini Kamath, Program Manager, Social Innovation & Investment, Cisco, followed by an address to the participants delivered by Mr. Vinay Inamdar, Director for Strategic Enterprise, Cisco.

The Cisco-LLF Women Entrepreneurship Program provides aspiring women entrepreneurs holistic training and handholding support, including e-knowledge about legal matters and compliance related to micro-enterprises, government schemes designed for micro-entrepreneurs, and digital skills that can help them reach more customers. It also encourages them to join self-help groups (SHGs) and cooperatives so they can get the best price for their products.

“The Cisco-LLF Women Entrepreneurship Program is a highly innovative initiative that must persist in its dedication to supporting women in Maharashtra, as empowering women entrepreneurs will not only enhance economic growth but also foster greater participation of women in the workforce, thereby driving societal progress and gender equality. The Government of Maharashtra extends its wholehearted endorsement to the collaborative initiative between Cisco and Learning Links Foundation, recognizing its targeted efforts to promote financial inclusion and entrepreneurship.,” said Smt. Kusum Balsaraf, Project Advisor, Mahila Arthik Vikas Mahamandal (MAVIM), Government of Maharashtra.

“Women entrepreneurs are instrumental in achieving the Government of India’s vision of a ‘Viksit Bharat,’ signifying a developed and progressive nation. Keeping this in mind, it is crucial to provide women with relevant training and support from the outset, equipping them to thrive in a dynamic and competitive business landscape. Cisco takes immense pride in being part of this program, a focused effort aimed at digitally and financially empowering women entrepreneurs in India.”, said Mr. Harish Krishnan, Managing Director & Chief Policy Officer of Cisco India & SAARC Cisco.

“Learning Links Foundation acknowledges the vital role of entrepreneurship in securing the financial independence of women and harnessing their potential to drive economic growth in the nation. We extend our appreciation to Cisco and MAVIM for their support of this initiative. The Cisco-LLF Women Entrepreneurship Program is poised to have a lasting impact on the lives of women entrepreneurs and their families, fostering long-term empowerment and prosperity.,” said Mr. Sudeep Dube, Senior Vice President, Learning Links Foundation.

The exhibition features a captivating range of Ash’s work, including sketches, landscapes, self-portraits, portraits, the iconic Avatar Series, vibrant pastels, and his enduring Children Series. Visitors will gain a deeper understanding of Ash’s artistic evolution, his mastery of techniques, and his unwavering commitment to forging a path for modernism in India.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Indrajit Chatterjee, Curator said, “Prinseps delves deeper into the artistic legacy of Bengal with a landmark exhibition showcasing over 100 artworks spanning 4 decades of his artistic excellence, including his iconic ‘Avatar Series’ from the late 1940s and his meditative landscapes of Bengal. Through this retrospective, we celebrate and honour Gobardhan Ash’s enduring legacy in the history of art. This exhibition, accompanied by a comprehensive catalogue raisonne, offers a unique opportunity to rediscover Ash’s brilliance and immerse oneself in a pivotal era of Indian art (1930s-1960s).”

Gobardhan Ash (1907-1969) stands as a towering figure in Indian art history. Born in a simple family in Begampur, West Bengal, Ash defied artistic convention and dedicated his life to creative expression. The Retrospective of Gobardhan Ash offers a unique opportunity to explore four decades of his artistic journey, showcasing over 100 artworks.

Prinseps is a research-focused auction house with a commitment to fostering discovery and education within the art world.

Earning the title of one of the biggest hits in Malayalam cinema, ‘Manjummel Boys’ surpassed the previous record held by Jude Anthany Joseph’s flood saga ‘2018’, which collected over ₹150 crore. With its impressive journey and unprecedented box-office run, fans of mainstream Hindi cinema are now eagerly anticipating the dubbed Hindi release of the film, mirroring the success of other hit regional films.

Written and directed by Chidambaram, produced by Parava Films and featuring an ensemble cast, ‘Manjummel Boys’ premiered worldwide on February 22, 2024. Its engaging storyline and stellar performances have led to fans demanding a Hindi dubbed version, allowing audiences across the nation to experience it.

In a strategic move to elevate its presence in the indoor amusement industry, Masti Zone plans to roll out this expansion in phases, projecting the opening of more than 100 new outlets during this period. Unlike previous expansions, this growth strategy encompasses not only metropolitan areas but also smaller cities, marking a remarkable shift in the brand’s reach.

As part of its comprehensive expansion plan, Masti Zone will allocate substantial resources to establish additional snow parks under its renowned brand, ‘Snow Masti.’ Given the surge in demand for indoor theme parks, particularly snow-themed attractions, this move reflects the Modern Group’s commitment to staying at the forefront of the industry.

The new outlets, coupled with the existing ones, will strengthen the collective offering of indoor amusement facilities provided by Masti Zone and Snow Masti. “Masti Zone aims to sustain its current momentum and further propel its growth, extending the overall reach, in the years ahead,” said Ankur Maheshwary, the founder of Masti Zone.

Highlighting India’s potential as a thriving market for amusement projects, Ankur Maheshwary expressed his eagerness to harness the country’s opportunities. “Be it local manufacturing or additional production capabilities, Masti Zone, is on a mission to create more jobs in times when some of the global giants are cutting down staff – this is to ensure more development opportunities besides just employment,” he stated.

India’s burgeoning economy and its position as an emerging global power present tremendous prospects for the amusement sector. However, challenges persist, especially concerning infrastructure development and economic recovery in the wake of the global pandemic. Despite these hurdles, Masti Zone is committed to enhancing the availability of entertainment and leisure options across India.

With this massive expansion initiative, Masti Zone envisions a proliferation of its outlets across numerous cities by the year 2024 itself. The brand has already kickstarted operations in new locations, including Ghaziabad, Chennai, Jodhpur, and Lucknow, with plans to launch more outlets throughout FY24, FY25, and FY26.

“As the company expands its operations, Masti Zone will persist in fortifying its footprint in the southern and central regions of the nation,” concluded Maheshwary.

Masti Zone is on a thrilling mission to redefine indoor entertainment. With innovation and creativity as the brand’s guiding forces, Masti Zone aims to create an unforgettable experience for their valued customers.

The brand’s vision is to make every visit an extraordinary adventure, where each memory is a boundless treasure of excitement. The rapid advancements by Masti Zone are a call to prepare for stepping into a world where ordinary amusement gives way to the extraordinary, and joy knows no limits. With back-to-back openings queued, the company invites you all to join them on a journey filled with awe and endless fun at Masti Zone.

Holi, the festival of colours, finds its perfect match in the vibrant hues of Indian classical music. Embrace the essence of this festival by attending the third edition of Fagunotsav, a tribute to the month of Phalguna, the precursor to Holi. This event not only celebrates tradition but also heralds the arrival of spring and the harvest season. With a carefully curated selection of ragas, Fagunotsav promises to take you on a musical journey through our rich cultural heritage.

Event Details

Organized by Dhaani Music and Cultural Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting Indian classical music, Fagunotsav will be held at Veer Savarkar Auditorium, Dadar (W), Mumbai, on March 23, from 4.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m.

Artistic Line-up

The event boasts an impressive line-up featuring renowned artists such as Kathak dancer Pandit Rajendra Gangani, tabla maestro Pandit Kumar Bose, celebrated vocalist Pandit Raghunandan Panshikar, Santoor maestro Pandit Ranjeet Pathak, and tabla maestro Pandit Ajeet Pathak. Accompanying them will be musicians Vinayak Netke, Sandeep Mishra, Siddhesh Bicholkar, and Manoj Desai.

Artist Insights

Pandit Bose expresses his honor to be part of Fagunotsav, highlighting its celebration of Indian classical music and cultural heritage. Pandit Panshikar reflects on the significance of spring, seeing Fagunotsav as a platform for artists to resonate melodies with the essence of the season. Pandit Pathak emphasizes the santoor’s ability to evoke the colours and fragrances of spring, aiming to create an immersive musical experience. Pandit Gangani sees Kathak as a medium to celebrate life’s rhythms and emotions, inviting everyone to revel in movement and melody during Fagunotsav.

Conclusion

Join us at Fagunotsav, where the melodies of Indian classical music blend with the spirit of Holi and the vibrancy of spring. Experience the magic at Veer Savarkar Auditorium, Dadar (W), Mumbai, on March 23, from 4.30 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. Tickets are available on www.bookmyshow.com.

The exhibition was graced by the presence of various celebrities and eminent personalities like: Tanusree Chakraborty, Shaheb Bhattacherjee, Richa Sharma, Mumtaz Sorcar, Moubani Sorcar, Mallika Banerjee, Sayantani Guhathakurta, Shreya Pande, Falaque Rashid Roy, Subhamita Banerjee, Rita Bhimani, Sudarshan Chakravorty, Sonal Ravi Srivastava, Poulomi Polo Das, Jessica Gomes and many others.

FIREFLIES offered a wave of style for every taste and one-stop shop for discerning shoppers, featuring over more than 65 curated stalls. From renowned designer labels and emerging talents to homeware and wellness havens, the event catered to every taste. Attendees reveled in discovering the latest trends in ethnic Indian and international western wear, from smart casuals to trendy and chic. The exhibition also featured bridal collections, accessories, garments, home décor, and lifestyle products. FIREFLIES serves as a platform for both established names and aspiring talent in the fashion and lifestyle industry. The event focuses on current trends and offers a range of products catering to different budgets. It provides a unique opportunity to discover a diverse array of exclusive products under one roof.

Speaking to the media, Mrs. Priti Agarwal and Mrs. Sneha Tapdiya, Curator of Fireflies said, “Fashion to us is P-Fashion as there is a lot of passion in fashion. We aim to create a niche in the world of fashion and lifestyle, showcasing the best of creations and ensuring the best buys. Shimmering fabrics that evoke flowing water, cool color palettes of blues, greens, and silvers, and accessories that resemble pearls, shells, or water droplets laid emphasis on our theme of Drench in Luxury. The exhibition layout incorporated water features like fountains or cascading displays, further enhancing the theme”.

On this occasion, Mrs. Saloni Bhalotia and Ms. Shillpi Goel, Curator of Fireflies said, “Fireflies provide a perfect platform for participants to gain maximum exposure and connect with various sales channels and consumers. This Drench in Luxury approach uses water as a metaphor for luxury and indulgence. Here, the focus is on high-quality materials, intricate designs, and a sense of exclusivity. We have used cool, watery tones of blue and green to create an atmosphere of luxury and serenity. The exhibition showcased limited-edition collections, designer collaborations, and luxurious lifestyle products.”

The event not only provided an interactive platform for businessmen and entrepreneurs but also offered designers a chance to showcase their collections. Consumers benefited from inspirational ideas and stunning lifestyle solutions presented by various brands, including Saatvika, Medhavini Khaitan, Ohas, House of Giani, House of Ganges, Revelry, Youmaa, Avama Jewellers, Off the Hook, Rutuja Thomas, Zuilee, Harshita Sultania, Prashant Chouhan, House of Preeti Mehta, Suman Thard, Anshika Jain, Virrayaa, Nona Sarna, Style Addict, Binita Tanna, She Shoo, Tad, Just Billi, Ruchika Malika Pret, London Homes and many more. The resounding success of the “Drench in Luxury” themed FIREFLIES exhibition has left attendees eager for more.

However, the question arises: why did the government have to ban them? What kind of content was being served that necessitated such a drastic step of shutting them down forcibly? Answering this, India’s Minister of Information Technology, Anurag Thakur, explained that the action to ban them all was taken under the provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000. Minister Anurag Thakur emphasized the responsibility of these platforms to not disseminate obscene and indecent content in the guise of ‘creative expression’. He mentioned that warnings had been issued previously, but no steps were taken by them, and they continued to broadcast objectionable content continuously. Therefore, besides shutting them down, there was no other option left.

Appreciating the step taken by the central government, Mansie Bhatt, channel producer of Mask TV OTT platform, stated that they have been operating their OTT platform in accordance with the guidelines of the central government. This is why their platform has been gaining popularity among the public. Those who spread obscenity in society should face consequences. We have been offering content for people of all ages on our Mask TV OTT platform, which is why our platform has firmly established itself in the market. We have released various types of content such as crime thrillers, romantic comedies, suspense thrillers, comedy, documentaries, social dramas, patriotic, mythological, in several languages on our OTT platform. Many of our series/films have been viewed millions of times in such a short time, which indicates the excellence of our content. We will continue to create content keeping in mind the demands of our audience. Recently, a web film titled “Hindutva” was released on our Mask TV OTT platform, featuring television’s renowned serial Ramayana’s Sita Ji, Dipika Chikhlia Topiwala, bhajan samrat Anup Jalota, Ram of Sita fame Ashish Sharma, and renowned actors like Govind Namdev.

Throughout her amazing career, Lady Superstar Nayanthara has fearlessly played strong and positive female characters, stunning fans with her range and level of detail. Here, we exhibit some of her outstanding films that have made an unforgettable impression on Indian cinema.

Airaa – Nayanthara portrays two contrasting parts with great skill, creating an unforgettable blend of drama and terror for movie fans. Her performance shows her versatility as an actress, leaving fans in awe of her breadth and skills. Nayanthara impressed fans with her portrayal of two different roles. Her ability to easily move between characters showed her wide versatility as an actress.

Anaamika – Nayanthara performed brilliantly as the lead in this multilingual thriller. She received praise for her performance as the leading lady as a protagonist, reflecting the grit and solve of the character from the original Bollywood film, Kahaani.

Imaikkaa Nodigal – In the interesting psychological thriller ‘Imaikkaa Nodigal,’ Nayanthara shines as a CBI officer, her character of a tough and determined female cop earned her not just huge praise, but also many significant awards, confirming her standing as an exceptional actor. Nayanthara’s mesmerising character and outstanding acting talents provide depth and realism to her character, interacting viewers with each scene. Her performance in ‘Imaikkaa Nodigal’ established her status as a force to be reckoned with in the film industry.

Aramm – In the powerful film ‘Aramm,’ Nayanthara plays a district collector and commands the screen, attracting viewers with her performance of leadership and honesty. With a wide range of qualities of leadership on display, Nayanthara’s performance highlights the value of women in places of power, leaving a lasting impression on target audiences.Nayanthara’s performance in ‘Aramm’ is a powerful reminder of the power and skill of female leaders, resonating with audiences all over the world.

Kolamavu Kokila – In a groundbreaking shift towards women-driven narratives, Nayanthara portrayed a brave woman taking down a drug smuggling racket single-handedly. Her portrayal of courage and resilience resonated with audiences, making this film a milestone in Indian cinema.

“For me, Women’s Day isn’t just about fleeting celebrations; it’s about recognizing the inherent value of women every single day. Despite the challenges we face in a judgmental world, women possess immense strength and resilience. We don’t require a designated day for discounts and freebies. What we truly need is genuine equality – in pay, in opportunities, and in every aspect of life,” Saxena asserts.

Highlighting persistent stereotypes and barriers faced by women, Saxena stresses the importance of dismantling systemic obstacles to progress. “We’re on the brink of the 21st century, yet women continue to be unfairly pigeonholed. True empowerment comes from breaking free of these limiting labels,” she remarks.

Echoing sentiments expressed by Miley Cyrus, Saxena emphasizes self-sufficiency and independence. “I resonate deeply with Cyrus’s sentiment – I can buy my own flowers, take myself on solo dates, and embark on solo trips. What women truly desire is not superficial gestures, but equal treatment and opportunities,” Saxena affirms.

Amidst celebrations honoring women’s achievements, Saxena’s message serves as a poignant reminder that Women’s Day is more than just a day of recognition; it’s a catalyst for tangible change. It’s a day to recommit to building a world where every woman is esteemed, respected, and empowered to realize her full potential.

Saif Ali Khan

Saif Ali Khan, who is well-known for his numerous Bollywood roles, has an intense fondness of books. He was found by his wife Kareena Kapoor Khan deeply immersed in a book and interacting with his family during the lockdown. Saif believes that reading is important and spends his free time reading a variety of books.

Twinkle Khanna

Twinkle Khanna, a former actor who became a renowned author, is well-known for her sense of humour as well as her passion for reading. Her love of reading continues to inspire others, and she authored several best-selling books. Twinkle’s commitment to the literary world can be seen in the many glimpses of her reading moments she shares on social media.

Mahesh Shetty

Mahesh Shetty is well-known for his powerful performances in the Indian entertainment industry. Mahesh Shetty is a talented actor and enthusiastic book reader. Although Mahesh Shetty is now reading “Sambhaji” by Vishwas Patil and “Al Pacino in Conversation with Lawrence Grobel,” he has a long list of books that he has yet to read, including the memoirs of Habib Tanvir. His passion for collecting books is a reflection of his great admiration for books.

Sonam Kapoor

Sonam Kapoor, Bollywood’s fashion icon, has a deep love for books. During the lockdown, Kapoor has been seen getting herself in various literary works. Her willingness to play around with different genres reflects her intellectual interest and depth, which expand beyond her glamorous look.

Pooja Hegde

Pooja Hegde’s passion for books is evident in addition to her outstanding on-screen personality, which never fails to amaze fans. Well-known for her keen choices when it comes to scripts, she also has a selective sense when it comes to the knowledge and understanding that can be found in a written book. She finds comfort in the books, indulging herself in stories that take her to new places and perspectives