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Red FM’s South Side Story Season 6: Coming Soon This September

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93.5 Red FM, India’s leading private radio and entertainment network announced the highly anticipated return of South Side Story. Set against the backdrop of Delhi, Season 6 of South Side Story will extend into a two-day extravaganza showcasing the essence and elements of Southern India’s artistic flair.

South Side Story has become synonymous with celebrating the diverse heritage of South India, and Season 6 promises to be no exception. From pulsating rap beats to soul-stirring folk melodies, and rock anthems to infectious pop tunes, and a gala of fusion performances, attendees can look forward to a diverse lineup of some of the most talented and sought-after artists, including Khatija Rehman and Band, Sean Roldan & Friends, Sithara Project Malabaricus, T.M Krishna, Agam The Band, Nithya Mammen, All Okay, Maalavika Sundar, Job Kurian, Arivu + The Ambasa Band and Thaikkudum Bridge.

Red FM’s South Side Story is more than just a music festival – it’s a holistic cultural experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to explore authentic South Indian delicacies at the food joints and shop for treasures at the shopping stalls. From traditional handicrafts to contemporary fashion, there will be something for everyone to discover and enjoy.

Speaking on the wins, Nisha Narayanan, COO and Director, of Red FM & Magic FM, said, “As a brand that is both national yet local (NAT-local), inclusive, and celebratory of local cultures and ethos, we are thrilled to announce the next season of South Side Story. This upcoming edition marks a significant milestone as we celebrate six years of transporting the flavors of South India to the North, primarily through music. Due to the overwhelming response we received year after year for this IP, we have extended the festival into a two-day celebration. We are head over heels for the incredible lineup of artists that we have curated; we are looking forward to revealing the artists soon.”

Each day of the event will be themed to maintain excitement and ensure an unforgettable experience for attendees. From traditional festivities to contemporary expressions of art and culture, South Side Story Season 6 promises to leave a lasting impression on all who attend.

About 93.5 Red FM

Red FM stands out as India’s largest radio channel and one of the biggest entertainment networks. We are hyper-local, hyper vocal, and with our brand philosophy and attitude ‘Bajaate Raho!’ We are at the core of millennials’ hearts. By leveraging our two-decades-old legacy and expertise, we sow the seeds of a ‘larger than life experience’. We thrive on the emotional connection with the listeners and audience fashioned through a massive footprint of 69 radio stations nationwide. We create original podcasts, digital shows, and on-ground events, feature independent music, make 360-degree noise, and speak the truth. As the ‘station of expression,’ Red FM boasts over 699 award-winning campaigns including Best Brand, Best FM Station, and Best RJs.

‘Kalki 2898 AD’ Movie Review: Prabhas and Amitabh Bachchan Shine in a Visually Stunning Drama

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Director Nag Ashwin’s ambitious mythology-inspired science fiction film, Kalki 2898 AD, features a brilliant Amitabh Bachchan and Prabhas. This visually stunning drama soars high but falls just short of being a game-changer.

We need not look beyond Indian epics for riveting, complex stories of good versus evil, superheroes and demons, darkness and dawn. In Kalki 2898 AD, Ashwin blends stories from the Mahabharata with a futuristic, dystopian science fiction world, underlining that heroes are not born but rise. The masterstroke lies in casting the indefatigable Amitabh Bachchan as Ashwatthama, the oldest human alive from the Kurukshetra war, and making him the backbone of the narrative. He is pitted against Bhairava (Prabhas), setting the stage for the arrival of Kalki, the final avatar of Vishnu. The film takes giant leaps of faith and has awe-inducing segments. Is Kalki 2898 AD a game-changer? In terms of ambition, yes. In terms of writing and storytelling, there are niggles.

The narrative goes back and forth from the Kurukshetra war to Kasi and Shambala, 6000 years after the war. Kasi is depicted as the last surviving city but everything is in shambles. The mighty Ganges has dried up, and food is scarce. Everything required to support life — water, food, and air — is within a Complex, a towering inverted pyramid structure that is out of bounds for common folks, and governed by Supreme Yaskin or Kali (Kamal Haasan). Shambala is a hidden refuge for people from different faiths and cultures who are willing to risk their lives for a better tomorrow.

Kalki 2898 AD (Telugu, dubbed in other languages)

  • Director: Nag Ashwin
  • Cast: Amitabh Bachchan, Prabhas, Deepika Padukone, Kamal Haasan, Shobhana
  • Storyline: Around 6000 years after the Kurukshetra war, Ashwatthama gears up for his final battle at the sign of hope in a dystopian world
  • Duration: 181 minutes

A lot has gone into building these worlds — the Kurukshetra battlefield, Kasi, Shambala, and the Complex. Kalki attempts to immerse the audience in the battles and unlikely partnerships between these worlds on a massive scale. It isn’t only narrating a good-over-evil story featuring superheroes and demons. It also tries to pay homage to Telugu classics, contemporary mainstream ‘mass’ cinema, and the penchant for comedies. Some of this works, while others seem misfit. For instance, two popular directors appear in cameos; these portions might have been better suited for Instagram reels and memes but seem out of place in this story.

In the runtime of 181 minutes, the first half goes into setting up the tale and establishing Bhairava as a laidback bounty hunter who is yet to find his true calling. He wants to earn one million units (a measure of currency) and enter the Complex to lead a good life. But his moral compass remains ambiguous. Bhairava’s introduction and his taking on a dozen men, at the surface, seems like a staple of any Telugu film with an A-list star. The payoff for this happens later when he locks horns with Ashwatthama in a prolonged but delightful sequence. That is when one truly appreciates the Bujji and Bhairava connection.

Bujji (Bu-jz-1, with a voiceover by Keerthy Suresh) is Bhairava’s AI (artificial intelligence)-powered custom-made vehicle. Bhairava and Bujji share an uncanny partnership but we get only a passing statement about the origin story of Bujji. The animation prequel series Bujji and Bhairava (streaming on Amazon Prime Video) is packed with more fun. The same goes for the bond between Bhairava and his landlord (Brahmanandam). The dialogues (by Nag Ashwin and Sai Madhav Burra) do not always hit the mark.

The romance track between Bhairava and Roxie (Disha Patani) is a deterrent, and I waited for the story to move on. Roxie is brought in for a reason — to introduce Bhairava and the audience to the Complex, but there could have been better ways to do this. Some other cameos in the initial portions also miss the mark, save the one played by Mrunal Thakur. The actor shown as Bhairava’s father and two other cameos that get a blink-and-miss appearance in the song featuring Bhairava and Roxie serve more as nods to those who featured in Vyjayanthi Films’ earlier ventures rather than add depth to the world of Kalki. Oh, there are other cameos as well in the Mahabharata portions that serve as a surprise.

The standout moments in the first half include the introduction of evil as the supreme Yaskin, with Kamal Haasan relishing the ominous turn, SUM-80 or Sumati (Deepika Padukone) as a lab rat yearning for a better life and motherhood, and Ashwatthama realizing that the time has come for his final battle.

Kalki 2898 AD finds its groove in the later portions, providing the much-needed emotional gravitas through Sumati. Mariam (Shobhana), Veeran (Pasupathy), and Kyra (Anna Ben) are among the several other characters. There are the masked raiders (costume design by Archana Rao) of the Complex, hundreds of them in dark attire, locking horns with the Shambala army in hues of white. When we get a closer look at the inhabitants of Shambala, cutting across cultures and faiths, and why they look for hope, it makes an impact. Between the action episodes involving futuristic machines, some moments underline how life as we know it has changed beyond recognition. Sumati trying to comprehend the idea of marriage and life thereafter, for instance. However, the writing is not free of predictable arcs. When a character reiterates that her name stands for good luck, we know what comes next.

For all the gradual building of the world and the characters in the first hour, the payoffs come in the form of battles involving Ashwatthama (referred to at one point as ‘angry giant man’), Bhairava, Bujji who transforms into a giant machine, and commander Manas (Saswata Chatterjee) with futuristic guns, laser-powered detonators, flying machines, and more. As a visual spectacle, it is magnificent on the large screen and Kalki sets a new benchmark. “It is always darkest just before the day,” goes a statement by 17th-century scholar Thomas Fuller. The essence of his words echoes across cultures and faiths. When the world is torn apart with strife and people are distraught to a point of breaking down, hope and light cannot be far away. Cinematographer Djordje Stojiljkovic and the production team led by Nitin Zihani Choudhary paint a brooding dark world, bathed in muddy browns and ominous blacks, and hope comes in the form of sunlight that struggles to stream in, a hint of glow and warmth from the fire, and so on.

Making his character appear every bit larger than life is Amitabh Bachchan as the mighty Ashwatthama, supposedly standing tall at nearly eight feet. He towers over everyone else, and his demeanor shows who is the boss. He looks utterly believable when he tosses men and machines into the air. Kalki also plays to the strengths of the stardom of Prabhas, with the actor gamely trying to be a modern-day superhero with an attitude to boot. A reveal towards the final portions is a big, pleasant surprise and builds anticipation for the Kalki Cinematic Universe (yes, there will be part two). Despite this, the end also felt abrupt rather than a cliffhanger. The music too is a bit hit-and-miss. Santhosh Narayanan pays rich homage to the Bhagavad Gita and old Telugu classics and then stunningly transitions into a futuristic gaming zone realm. However, the songs take some getting used to.

Kalki’s narrative has several subtexts to decode long after the film is over. The parallels drawn between Yaskin and Kamsa, the design of the Complex, the surroundings of Yaskin, and the flying machine used by Manas. There is a lot to root for. If only it had sidestepped the lackluster romance and the underwhelming dialogues to make for a more cohesive narrative. Despite these shortcomings, Kalki is a brave new attempt that deserves big cheers.

Six-Day Residential Manav Rachna Global Summer School Delivers Transformative Experiences

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  • 52 Future Maestros attended the 6 day residential program
  • Students explored learning across 6 domains
  • Program culminated with celebratory showcase of student learnings

Manav Rachna Educational Institutions (MREI) recently hosted the Future Maestro Global Summer School – a 6-day residential program designed to provide students with multidisciplinary exposure and experiential learning opportunities. 

The Global Summer School offered a unique blend of academic exploration and practical experiences. Students immersed themselves in 6 exciting domains – Design & Creativity, MediaVerse, InnoTech Fusion, Legal Vibes, Psychology Experientia, and Hospitality & Culinary. The program featured interactive sessions with industry leaders, entrepreneurs, cybersecurity experts, finance professionals, and sustainability icons, while engaging participants in fun and adventure activities such as trekking, sports matches, and heritage walks. Community service initiatives and workshops on building personal relationships and confidence were also integral parts of the curriculum. The program culminated in a grand ceremony where parents joined to witness their children showcase the projects they had worked on throughout the week.


The program featured interactive sessions with industry leaders and engaging activities. Participants connected with Mr. Manan Gandhi, Founder & CEO of &work, to learn about his entrepreneurial journey and with Mr. Himanshu Mangla from Art of Living for insights on interpersonal relationships. Key sessions included Mr. Sumant Shekhar, Founder & CEO of Lakshya, discussing sustainability, and Mr. Suraj Kumar Ashoka from StockGro covering investment fundamentals. Ms. Pooja Malhotra from NCSSS highlighted social media risks and cybersecurity importance.


Fun activities like movie nights, heritage walks, talent showcases, and sports were highlights, along with a trek in the Aravalli hills where Mr. Pankaj Grover taught about conservation. Cooking competition judged by Chef Lalit Mohan added excitement, and community service at The Earth Saviours Foundation, led by Mr. Jas Kalra, emphasized empathy and giving back.


The program concluded with Mr. Sushant Kalra from the Parwarish Institute of Parenting sharing insights on communication with teens. During the grand ceremony, parents proudly witnessed their children’s project presentations, reflecting a week of significant learning and development.


Dr. Amit Bhalla, Vice President, MREI, commented, “The Future Maestro Global Summer School exemplifies our commitment to holistic education. By exposing students to multiple disciplines and real-world experiences, we’re nurturing well-rounded individuals prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.”

This initiative aligns perfectly with MREI’s mission of fostering future leaders and supports the New Education Policy’s emphasis on multidisciplinary education. The program’s success has prompted plans for expansion in the coming years, with the aim of reaching more students and further enhancing MREI’s reputation as a pioneer in innovative education.

Mr. Rajiv Kapoor, MD, MREI added, “We’re thrilled with the enthusiastic response to our Global Summer School. By combining academic rigor with real-world applications and fun activities, we’ve created an environment where students can discover their passions and develop crucial life skills. We look forward to building on this success and creating even more impactful educational experiences in the future.”

The Future Maestro Global Summer School 2024 marks another milestone in Manav Rachna’s journey of providing education that transcends conventional boundaries, preparing students not just for careers, but for life.

Superplum Launches ‘Ripe and Ready to Eat’ Mangoes: India’s Favourite Fruit Now Arrives Chilled and Perfectly Sweet Every Time

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Superplum, a leading Indian Agritech company has introduced guaranteed sweet and ripe mangoes, delivered directly to you. This unique offering ensures customers receive the company’s range of premium mangoes perfectly ripe and chilled for immediate enjoyment.

While India is, by far, the largest producer of mangoes in the world and has many of the world’s finest varieties of fruit, Indian consumers typically face a challenge in getting reliably and safely ripened mangoes. Mangoes in the market tend to be too raw or too ripe and consumers hate having to wait or waste!

Superplum’s end-to-end supply chain and state-of-the-art automated ripening facilities ensure safe and carbide-free ripening. The mangoes are chilled and delivered to customers in a ready-to-eat condition. As always, the company buys directly from farmers and ensures full traceability and product safety for consumers.

Superplum’s ripe and ready-to-eat mangoes are available on Amazon Fresh and in your favourite neighborhood stores. Consumers can also order directly at shop.superplum.com. This product is especially appealing for those seeking a quick and healthy snack, providing an instant treat that aligns perfectly with today’s fast-paced lifestyle.

Ripe mangoes are not only perfect for snacking but also ideal for various culinary applications. Whether used in desserts, smoothies, or salads, these mangoes add a burst of flavor & sweetness while offering essential vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber.

In addition to quality and convenience, Superplum prioritizes sustainability and ethical practices. The mangoes are sourced from trusted farmers who employ sustainable farming techniques. By partnering with these conscientious farmers, Superplum supports local agriculture and promotes environmentally friendly farming methods. This commitment to ethical sourcing ensures customers can enjoy their mangoes while contributing to practices that benefit the planet and farming communities.

About Superplum

Superplum, a start-up backed by some of Silicon Valley’s most notable investors, has been addressing Indian agriculture’s endemic issues since 2020 by building the country’s most sophisticated supply chain for fresh produce. The company works with farmers across the country to ensure product quality right from the source. Their fruits are delivered to over 500 stores in Delhi-NCR and Bengaluru, including Spar, Lulu Hypermarket, and Star Bazaar. They are also available on Amazon Fresh, Zepto, Blinkit, Swiggy Instamart, and directly on shop.superplum.com. With a fully digitized system, each product is fully traceable from the farm to the consumer via a QR code seamlessly integrated into their vibrant packaging.

For more information, please visit to website: www.superplum.com

Maluti Temples: The Vanishing Cultural Heritage

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Maluti Temples are a group of 72 temples, which earlier used to be 108. These temples are situated in Maluti village in Jharkhand and now both the temples and village are now declared as one of the world’s 12 most endangered cultural heritage sites by Global Heritage Fund.

I am pretty sure that many of you had no idea about this place cause these temples remained unknown to the outside world until 1979, when A.K. Sinha, the Director of Archaeology for the Government of Bihar, first brought them to public attention.

History

The history of these temples is tied to the gift of the Maluti kingdom, once known as “Nankar Raj”. This kingdom was granted to a Brahmin named Basanta by the Muslim ruler Alauddin Husain Shah of Gaura (1495–1525) as a reward for saving and returning his hawk. Basanta was honored with the title Raja, becoming Raja Baj Basanta. Being a devoutly religious man, Basanta chose to build temples rather than palaces. His family, later divided into four clans, continued constructing temples in their capital, Maluti, inspired by their family deity, goddess Mowlakshi. The name Maluti is believed to be derived from Mallahati, named after the Malla Kings of Bankura. According to the Indian Trust for Rural Heritage and Development (ITRHD), these temples were built between the 17th and 19th centuries.

Features

Initially, there were 108 temples built in the village within an area of 350 meters (1,150 feet), all dedicated to Lord Shiva. Today, only 72 of these temples still stand, but many are in poor condition, and 36 have been lost. While many temples are dedicated to various gods and goddesses like Shiva, Durga, Kali, and Vishnu, the main deity is goddess Mauliksha.

In addition to the Shiva temples, there are eight temples dedicated to Goddess Kali. There is also a temple for a saint named Bamakhyapa, where his trident is worshiped. Another important temple is dedicated to Manasa Devi. The Baj Basanta dynasty’s family deity, goddess Mauliksha, is widely worshiped, and devotees visit her temple throughout the year. The goddess is depicted facing west and is believed to be the elder sister of goddess Tara.

The temples, built in various styles popular in Bengal at the time, were designed by Bengali artisans. These styles are grouped into five categories, none of which are in the architectural styles of Nagara, Vesara, or Dravida. According to McCutchion, these temples follow the Cara-cala design, featuring a square chamber with an internal dome built over pendentives, and corbelled cornices that make the roof look like a hut.

The temples are decorated with sculptures depicting episodes from the epics Mahabharata and Ramayana, as well as the battle between Durga and Mahishasura. Some temples also have carvings of village life. There are a few inscriptions on the temples that provide information about their construction and the socio-political history of that time. These inscriptions, written in early Bengali script, combine elements of Sanskrit, Prakrit, and Bengali, and are dated according to the “shaka era” (Indian national calendar).

Steps takes for conservation

Efforts to conserve the Maluti temples began with an NGO called “Save Heritage and Environment (SHE),” which sought help from the Global Heritage Fund (GHF). Together with the Indian Trust for Rural and Heritage Development, GHF conducted a study to develop conservation plans for the temples. This study outlined the specific needs and threats for each temple and identified potential international organizations for funding and expertise. It emphasized preserving the traditional terracotta tiled roofs and recommended involving the local community through education and awareness to ensure their active participation in the conservation process. The GHF has now listed Maluti and its temples among “the world’s twelve vanishing cultural heritage sites,” with Maluti being the only site from India on the list.

27 Olympians Say Go Clean for the Win with Evocus Hydration I.V.

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On World Olympics Day, AV Organics is pleased to introduce Evocus Hydration I.V. the ultimate Olympians hydration partner recommended by Olympians. Some of these elite athletes, including Tulika Maan (Judo), Hardik Singh Rai (Hockey), Dilpreet Singh (Hockey), Aruna Talwar (Taekwondo), are amongst 27 other Olympians that recommend Evocus Hydration I.V. for its superior hydration properties, natural ingredients, and performance-enhancing benefits, making it the preferred choice for sports and fitness enthusiasts. The Olympians trust Evocus to keep them at their best, both in training and competition. Discover the difference with Evocus Hydration I.V. and join the movement for a cleaner, more powerful hydration solution.

Aakash Vaghela, Founder and Managing Director of Evocus, expressed his enthusiasm about the launch, “We are honored to have 27 Olympians, recommend Evocus Hydration I.V. as their preferred clean hydration drink for their rigorous training. This unique formula meets the demands of modern lifestyles, helping individuals achieve optimal performance and overall well-being. Evocus Hydration I.V. is more than just a drink mix-it represents a commitment to excellence in hydration technology. Some of these Olympians are also participating in this year’s mega sporting tournaments as well representing India in front of the world & we are surely very proud of them.”

Indian footballer Bala Devi said, “As an athlete, staying hydrated is essential and Evocus Hydration I.V. ensures I maintain peak performance levels. Its unique formula keeps me refreshed and ready to tackle any challenge on the field.” Shooter Abhishek Verma added, “Optimal hydration is paramount for peak performance in shooting, particularly regarding focus and maintaining hand steadiness. Evocus Hydration I.V.’s electrolyte blend plays a vital role in my training regimen. It ensures I’m properly hydrated, allowing me to maintain focus and recover efficiently between rounds, ultimately contributing to my performance during competitions.”

Evocus, India’s first natural black alkaline water, expands its product portfolio with the introduction of Evocus Hydration I.V. This advanced beverage blend, featuring Active Absorption Technology, sets a new benchmark in hydration. Naturally sweetened with organic cane juice powder, reduces post-workout fatigue and aids muscle recovery, rejuvenating the body at a cellular level and with no processed sugar, fizz-free, zero fat, zero cholesterol, and zero caffeine, it is a guilt-free choice for those prioritizing health and performance. Enriched with vitamins C, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B12, Evocus Hydration I.V. offers a balanced blend of essential vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes. Formulated with clean, high-quality ingredients, it is free of artificial colors, flavors, and additives, ensuring pure performance enhancement.

Evocus Hydration I.V. goes beyond just hydration, offering a powerful and refreshing way to replenish your body. Packed with a balanced blend of essential vitamins (C, B1, B2, B3, B5, and B12), minerals, and electrolytes, it fuels your performance without the added sugar or fizz of traditional sports drinks.

Evocus Hydration I.V. is available in four delightful flavors: Blueberry, Tangerine, Lime & Yuzu, and Cranberry. It comes in powder form, available in packs of 6, 12, and 24 sachets, starting at INR 240 for a pack of 6 sachets. The product is now available on the Evocus website, leading e-commerce platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, q-commerce platforms including Swiggy, and retailers like Apollo Pharmacy, Nature’s Basket, and WH Smith at airports.

About Evocus
A.V Organics Pvt. Ltd. is the leading manufacturer of Evocus black alkaline water, Evocus Hydration I.V. and natural mineral water. With a commitment to health and wellness, the brand continues to introduce cutting-edge solutions that redefine the standards of hydration. Evocus is India’s first new-age, black alkaline bottled water brand that offers 100% natural products and is committed to redefining the standards of hydration. Evocus, the black alkaline drink is available PAN India. 

Eggfirst Creates ‘Meri Mitti, Mera Yakeen’ Campaign for Inera with MS Dhoni

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Inera – India’s leading agri-inputs brand – has unveiled its latest campaign titled ‘Meri Mitti, Mera Yakeen’, featuring MS Dhoni. The campaign uniquely brings alive the value proposition for brand Inera while striking a chord with farmers across the country.

Eggfirst, the advertising agency specializing in semi-urban and rural markets, meticulously crafted the campaign. Ravi Banka, Founder and CEO, expressed his excitement, saying, “Having created numerous impactful rural brand campaigns, this one stands out as it directly enhances the lives of farmers. Dhoni’s alignment with the brand, given his persona and popularity, brings unparalleled value.

Dhoni’s association with Inera not only amplifies its outreach but also underscores his genuine commitment to empowering rural communities through sustainable agricultural practices. His endorsement enhances Inera’s credibility and connects deeply with the hearts of farmers nationwide.

A bioscience company, Inera’s breakthrough ag biologicals – biofertilisers, biostimulants and biocontrols, are restoring the golden balance between path-breaking science and natural potent systems. Inera is making progressive, sustainable agriculture universal. On every acre. Globally.

Eggfirst is a specialist rural advertising agency with extreme digital prowess. Its true-blue advertising strategies provide a solid foundation for brands, and its digital expertise drives powerful connections with consumers while being cost-effective. Having worked with numerous rural brands across FMCG, BFSI, agri-inputs, building construction materials and more, Eggfirst has a deep understanding of the consumers and markets of Bharat

Kozhikode: India’s First UNESCO ‘City of Literature’

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Kozhikode, a city rich in cultural heritage located in north Kerala, has been officially declared India’s first UNESCO ‘City of Literature’. This prestigious recognition was announced on June 23, marking a significant milestone for the city renowned for its literary history and contributions.

In October 2023, Kozhikode was inducted into the ‘Literature’ category of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). This achievement places Kozhikode among the world’s leading cities recognized for their commitment to literature and creativity. As part of the celebrations, the state government has declared that June 23 will henceforth be celebrated annually as the ‘City of Literature’ Day in Kozhikode.

Celebrating Literary Heritage

To commemorate this honor, special awards will be announced in six categories each year on June 23. During the inaugural celebration, Tourism Minister P A Mohammed Riyas unveiled the official ‘City of Literature’ logo by UNESCO. The event also included a visit to the house of Jnanpith awardee M T Vasudevan Nair, where the Diamond Jubilee award, instituted by the Kozhikode city corporation, was presented to him.

A Hub of Literary Greats

Kozhikode has a long and storied history as a literary hub. It was once known as the city of Zamorins and later as Calicut during British rule, serving as a gateway for many foreign traders, including Persians, Arabs, Chinese, and Europeans. This historical confluence of cultures has contributed to the city’s rich literary and cultural landscape.

The city is celebrated for its literary giants like the late S K Pottakkad and Vaikom Muhammed Basheer. It has been a cradle of the freedom movement in Kerala and a prominent destination for book festivals for many decades. Today, Kozhikode boasts over 500 functioning libraries and has been the base of legendary Malayalam writer M T Vasudevan Nair for several decades.

Joining the Global Literary Network

Kozhikode’s inclusion in the UCCN is part of a larger recognition by UNESCO, which acknowledges cities for their strong commitment to harnessing culture and creativity as part of their development strategies. The UCCN now includes 350 cities across more than 100 countries, representing seven creative fields: Crafts and Folk Art, Design, Film, Gastronomy, Literature, Media Arts, and Music.

Gwalior, another Indian city, also joined the UCCN in the ‘Music’ category. The new additions to the network were announced on World Cities Day, October 31, and include other notable cities such as Bukhara for Crafts and Folk Art, Casablanca for Media Arts, Chongqing for Design, Kathmandu for Film, Rio de Janeiro for Literature, and Ulaanbaatar for Crafts and Folk Art.

Looking Ahead

The newly designated Creative Cities, including Kozhikode, are invited to participate in the 2024 UCCN Annual Conference scheduled for July 1-5, 2024, in Braga, Portugal. The conference will focus on the theme ‘Bringing Youth to the Table for the Next Decade’, highlighting the importance of engaging younger generations in the cultural and creative development of cities.

Kozhikode’s recognition as a UNESCO ‘City of Literature’ not only honors its past but also sets the stage for a vibrant future in literary and cultural endeavors, further solidifying its place on the global map as a center of creativity and literary excellence.

EduQuest Student Rudraksh Bhandari Wins Prestigious UAE Awards

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Rudraksh Bhandari, a student from Sharjah, has earned significant recognition in the UAE by winning both the Sheikh Hamdan Award and the Sharjah Award. These accolades highlight his remarkable achievements and dedication. Rudraksh’s journey to success began in the 9th grade when he started receiving guidance from EduQuest, an education consultancy.

EduQuest has been instrumental in shaping Rudraksh’s academic journey. With a focus on personalized profile building, SAT coaching, AP exam coaching, 10th and 12th Board exam preparation and university applications. EduQuest provided tailored support that balanced his academic and extracurricular activities. Their comprehensive approach ensured Rudraksh was well-prepared from every aspect, for his journey towards his dream university abroad.
 

EduQuest has been providing end-to-end PSAT/SAT/ACT/AP/Tuitions/Olympiads and University Applications since 1995 and has extensive experience, training various levels of students. The students undergo assessment through their “Diagnostic Test Framework”, which enables the design of individualized, customized modules and preparation for target examinations by both “Online Live” and “Classroom Sessions”. EduQuest also advises students in building their Profile, university essay writing and guides them in choosing the right universities, colleges, and institutions, under one roof.
 

Rudraksh Bhandari expressed his gratitude, saying, “EduQuest has made my dream come true. They guided me to create a robust profile for international universities and taught me to think differently when crafting university essays. Their guidance for essay writing and resume presentation was superb. Under their mentorship, I scored 1540 on the SAT and prepared for 10 AP exams. My elder sister Nilisha, who is at Purdue, was also guided by EduQuest. I owe so much to EduQuest, a one-stop solution for all educational services.”
 

Priya Mahajan, Director of EduQuest Gurgaon, shared her pride in Rudraksh’s accomplishments, “We are honored to coach students like Rudraksh Bhandari. After assessing his strengths and goals, we developed his profile by blending academic and extracurricular activities. Academically, we prepared him for his board exams, where he excelled, and provided SAT and AP coaching. We are also proud to have guided his sister Nilisha, another exceptional student. Rudraksh’s acceptance into numerous elite universities, including Georgia Tech, UCSD, and Purdue, reflects our commitment to developing our students fully.”
 

Contact for EduQuest: Phone: +91-9958041888
Email: info@eduquest.org.in
 

For more information, please visit eduquest.org.in.

Music composer Devi Sri Prasad Announces Indian Music Tour; Fans are Excited

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Devi Sri Prasad (DSP), the renowned Music Director in the Indian Film Industry, has announced his much-awaited India Tour, marking a triumphant return to his home country after a series of successful music tours across the globe. The announcement, made via his official social media channels on June 21, 2024, has sparked excitement among his fans nationwide.

Teasing his followers with a cryptic post inviting guesses about the first city on the tour, DSP’s announcement coinciding with World Music Day has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from his devoted fanbase. Known for his dynamic and powerful compositions that have defined a career spanning over 25 years, DSP’s tour promises to be a celebration of his legendary journey.

Having garnered acclaim and numerous awards in Telugu, Tamil, and Hindi cinema, including the prestigious Nandi Award for ‘Attarintiki Daredi‘ and a National Award for ‘Pushpa: The Rise,‘ DSP is celebrated not only as a Music Director but also as a versatile singer, lyricist, and choreographer. His music blends diverse sounds seamlessly, captivating audiences worldwide and earning him the moniker of ‘Rockstar‘.

Produced and managed by ACTC Events, DSP’s India Tour is poised to be a resounding success, set to resonate deeply with fans as they come together to celebrate his iconic career and timeless hits. Eagerly anticipated by fans who await the opportunity to sing, dance, and revel in the magic of his blockbuster albums live on stage, DSP’s tour is expected to create lasting memories and cement his legacy as a music icon.

For further information and updates on DSP’s India Tour, fans are encouraged to stay tuned to his official social media channels and the ACTC Events.