Category: India

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Non-Stop to New York: New Delta Airlines to take off from Mumbai on Dec 24th

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• Flight connects financial capitals of United States and India, linking New York-JFK and Mumbai
with the only nonstop service by a U.S. carrier
• Delta will fly the route with a newly renovated Boeing 777-200LR, featuring the airline’s awardwinning product, seatback entertainment throughout, Wi-Fi connectivity and free mobile messaging

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) will begin flying nonstop from Mumbai to New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport from December 24, 2019. This route establishes a new link between the financial capitals of two large trade partners and boosts competition, choice and options for customers traveling between India and the United States.

“Delta’s nonstop service between New York and Mumbai is the latest example of our international growth as we strive to connect the world better than any other airline,” said Ed Bastian, Delta’s chief executive officer.

Connecting through New York’s JFK, customers have access to more than 50 onward destinations throughout North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. Demand for flights between the U.S. and India has increased by 60 percent in the last decade, and New York is the largest U.S. market to India with the largest base of corporate customers. Continue reading “Non-Stop to New York: New Delta Airlines to take off from Mumbai on Dec 24th”

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Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi – A Spiritual Oasis for Global Harmony

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Marking a significant moment in the history of the UAE, around 5,000 devotees and well-wishers thronged to participate in and witness the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the BAPS Hindu Mandir. Volunteers began to arrive at the site location as early as 6:00 a.m., with participants arriving at 8:00 a.m. The Shilanyas Ceremony, which is an ancient Vedic ritual performed to bless and sanctify the main foundation stones, commenced at 9:00 a.m.

This ceremony signifies the beginning of the construction of the Mandir. The Vedic ceremony was performed by His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj, the spiritual leader of BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha. The occasion was also graced with the presence of His Excellency Dr Mugheer Khamis Al Khaili, Chairman of the Department of Community
Development and Member of the Executive Council, His Excellency Dr Thani Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, and His Excellency Dr Ahmad Bin Abdullah Humaid Belhoul Al Falasi, Cabinet Member and Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills.
Also present were His Excellency Navdeep Suri, Indian Ambassador to UAE, Vipul, the Consul General of India, and Dr. B.R. Shetty, Chairman of Mandir Ltd. After laying the foundation stones in position, water from the three main holy rivers of India was showered on the stones by His Holiness and the distinguished guests. The enthusiasm and devotion of all participants and volunteers was evident as they arrived for the Vedic ceremony. Continue reading “Hindu Mandir, Abu Dhabi – A Spiritual Oasis for Global Harmony”
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River Ganges Initiative 2019 Kickstarts India’s Earth Day 2020 Plans

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A landmark citizen-led cleanup of the iconic River Ganges is to be launched by the Earth Day Network as part of worldwide plans to mark the 50th anniversary of Earth Day.

The initiative, which got underway on April 13 as part of Earth Day 2019,  began on Vaisakhi—the Hindu New Year for many in India —high in the Himalayan mountains at Devaprayag where two glacier-fed streams meet to form India’s most famous and sacred river.

This first phase will evolve over the next 15 months to encompass 100 cities and towns close to the Ganges—known as the Ganga in India– as it meanders to the famous Sunderbans Delta.

A Global Clean Up Movement

The launch of the first phase coordinated by Earth Day India and NGO partner Lok Paryavaran Shiksha Sansthan (LPSS), comes as major cleanups are planned during the month of April in countries across the globe including the United States, where more than 2,000 cleanups are taking place from American Samoa and Asheville North Carolina to Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Seattle and Honolulu.

Many of these are expected to join the even bigger 50th anniversary Great Global Cleanup planned for 2020.

Kathleen Rogers, President of Earth Day Network, said: Continue reading “River Ganges Initiative 2019 Kickstarts India’s Earth Day 2020 Plans”

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IFFSA: Voice of South Asian Cinema in Canada

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On April 18th, IFFSA Toronto unveiled an exciting lineup of films and events for this year’s festival, which runs from May 9th to May 20th. As a film festival, every year IFFSA’s attempt has been to surprise the film lovers, to take us on new adventures.

To begin with,   IFFSA, is over the moon to have the opportunity and honour to share some very special films, with their audiences, as part of our celebration of the ‘Hundred Years of Bengali Cinema’,

IFFSA Toronto is THE LARGEST SOUTH ASIAN FILM FESTIVAL IN NORTH AMERICA. In its 8th year now, the festival has become an international icon and the voice of South Asian cinema in Canada.

This 12+ day extravaganza showcases a diverse, language independent, selection of the best feature films, featurette films, short films, documentaries and music films from around the world, on themes of South Asian cultures and identities. In the spirit of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam – the world is one family”, a select number of foreign films are considered under Beyond South Asia segment.

In addition, the festival also features gala dinners, red carpet premiers, concerts, lounge parties, exhibitions, seminars, workshops and networking opportunities with government representatives, business leaders, local organizations that support film development, film stars, producers, directors, members of the media and more. Continue reading “IFFSA: Voice of South Asian Cinema in Canada”

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President of India extends greetings for Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba

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The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in his message on the eve of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba has said: –

“On the auspicious occasion of Chaitra Sukladi, Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chetti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba, I extend my greetings and good wishes to all my fellow citizens.

Traditionally, these festivals mark the onset of New Year and the warmer months and they reflect values of prosperity and well being. Let the spirit of joy and happiness signified by these festivals pervade the heart of every Indian.

May these festivals strengthen the bonds of love and affection in our society as well as the spirit of fraternity among people across the nation”.

The Vice President of India, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu has also greeted the people on the joyous and auspicious occasion of ‘Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Chaitra Sukladi and Cheti Chand’. In a message, he said that all these festivals celebrated across the country with different names and customs, mark the beginning of traditional New Year and reflect the composite culture and rich heritage of our country. Ugadi marks the beginning of the New Year and brings new hope, new joy and happiness, he added. Continue reading “President of India extends greetings for Ugadi, Gudi Padava, Cheti Chand, Navreh and Sajibu Cheiraoba”

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Hyatt’s Presence in India to Expand from 19 Cities to 27 Cities by 2020

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14 new Hyatt hotels to open, adding approximately 2,100 new guestrooms during the next 24 months

Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced that 2019 will mark record growth for Hyatt in India. Expansion plans foresee the addition of over 2,100 guestrooms through the opening of more than 14 new properties over the next 24 months. Aside from growth in the larger capital cities, the emphasis will be on leisure and cultural destinations, with a focus on emerging cities within India.

As a result of an increasingly favorable business climate and heightened tourism spend, encouraged by relaxed visa rules and a growing upper middle class, there is a general demand for growth in the hospitality industry in India. This expansion includes hotels in eight new markets in the country, thereby establishing Hyatt’s brand presence across 27 cities in India over the next 24 months.

“Hyatt is one of the longest-running international hotel management brands in India, the first Hyatt hotels in India opened over 30 years ago,” said Dhruva Rathore, vice president development-India, Hyatt. “Our heritage and experience in this complex market, paired with the strong relationships we hold with local developers and owners has helped make India one of the top three growth markets for Hyatt globally.”

This year’s expansion began with the introduction of the Hyatt Centric brand through the opening of Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa. Continue reading “Hyatt’s Presence in India to Expand from 19 Cities to 27 Cities by 2020”

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Book reveals that the Biblical Hebrew people came from Ancient India

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HINDUS EMBRACE JEWISH WRITER’S RESEARCH

Toronto’s Hindu community is embracing the work of a Jewish writer whose research shows the Biblical Hebrew people came to the Middle East from Ancient India.

Earlier this month, Author Barry Brown, who spoke at the Hindu Sabha Mandir, was warmly welcomed by the hundred plus audience in Brampton.    His richly detailed book, Humanity: The World Before Religion, War & Inequality, claims the start of the Jewish Bible and the end of India’s ancient text the Mahabharata are connected by the same ancient history.

“Barry Brown is a Pulitzer Prize-nominated Canadian journalist. His book says that the first war in the world is the Mahabharata,” said Ashok Kapoor, of the Hindu Sabha Mandir, introducing Brown to the audience.

. According to Brown, ancient India’s history ends almost 6,000 years ago with the destruction of its ancient kingdoms in what Brown’s book claims is the first large-scale, organized war in human history. And that war is also the historic event that inspired the Bible’s tale of the “fall of mankind” in the Garden of Eden and the beginning of the Jewish calendar nearly 6,000 years ago.

“The Bible says Eden was located at the eastern end of a larger land called “Havilah” and according to the 20-volume, 1906 Jewish Encyclopedia, the oldest traditions in Judaism and Christianity dating back more than 2,000 years all agree Havilah was India. Continue reading “Book reveals that the Biblical Hebrew people came from Ancient India”

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Modi: The Journey Of A Common Man

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~Eros Now & Benchmark Pictures to make an original series biopic on the political superstar of India ~

Eros Now, the cutting-edge digital over-the-top (OTT) South Asian entertainment platform owned by Eros International Plc, a Global Indian Entertainment Company, offers a wide range of quality content that draws the attention of its worldwide audience. In an attempt to present yet another gripping story, the premium OTT platform, today announced the most-sought after biopic on India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, produced by Benchmark Pictures, a leading production house of India led by Umesh Shukla and Ashish Wagh. Titled ‘Modi,’ the Eros Now original series showcases the eventful life of the inspiring and influential leader.

The 10-part original series on Eros Now directed by the talented filmmaker Umesh Shukla captures different phases of Modi’s life. The story begins with 12-year-old Narendra and traverses through his teenage, youth to becoming the Prime Minister of world’s largest democracy, India. Modi’s siblings, friends, neighbours and school teachers reminisce his fascinating journey of self-discovery and enhances the authenticity of the original series. Actors Faisal Khan, Ashish Sharma and Mahesh Thakur play his part to depict the different stages of his life. The original series is written by Mihir Bhuta and Radhika Anand and each episode ranges between 35 to 40 minutes highlighting many incidents that made him devote his life to the service of the country.

Narendra Modi was born to a family of grocers (who owned a tea stall) in Vadnagar, Mehsana district, Bombay state (present-day Gujarat) Continue reading “Modi: The Journey Of A Common Man”

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ROM Celebrates Opening of Treasures of a Desert Kingdom:The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India with Charity Gala

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Philanthropic community raises over $500,000 net in support of the Museum

On March 6, 2019, the Royal Ontario Museum (ROM) welcomed more than 500 special guests at the ROM Ball, Ontario’s preeminent cultural charity gala in
support of the Museum.

“We are immensely grateful to the many volunteers, donors and partners who helped make our signature fundraising event a terrific success for the ROM,” said Susan Horvath, President & CEO
of the ROM Governors. “It was a wonderful night celebrating one of the largest and most important exhibitions of South Asian art and culture ever presented at the Museum.”
An unforgettable evening of culture and glamour made possible with generous support from Presenting Sponsor CIBC, the spectacular biennial fundraising affair, co-chaired by Deepak and
Neera Chopra & Victor and Maureen Dodig, featured a stunning cocktail reception followed by dinner in the majestic Samuel Hall Currelly Gallery, special live performances, and an
exclusive preview of Treasures of a Desert Kingdom: The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India, with Lead Exhibition Patron Dan Mishra. This exhibition opens to the public on March 9, 2019 in the
ROM’s Garfield Weston Exhibition Hall. Treasures of a Desert Kingdom is organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston with the collaboration of the Mehrangarh Museum Trust,
Jodhpur, India. Continue reading “ROM Celebrates Opening of Treasures of a Desert Kingdom:The Royal Arts of Jodhpur, India with Charity Gala”

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Andhadhun to release in China as ‘Piano Player’

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Andhadhun, a film that got the audiences, industry and even the critics raving, can easily be called the ‘Best Film of the year 2018. After winning accolades in India, the film is now set for a big opening in China soon. Produced by Viacom18 Motion Pictures& Matchbox Pictures, Andhadhun is directed by India’s king of neo noir cinema, Sriram Raghavan. The film has been distributed internationally by Eros International.

Ajit Andhare, COO, Viacom18 Studios, says, “I am happy to announce that Viacom18 Studios has secured its maiden release in China and that too with our favourite film Andhadhun. I am very excited about our film’s prospect at the China box office and celebrating what is a major first for the studio.”

The film titled ‘Piano Player’ for the Chinese audiences is also the first China release for maverick director, Sriram Raghavan. He says, “I am super thrilled that Andhadhun is releasing in China. Ten years back, on a visit to China, I walked into a Beijing Cafe and was zapped to see Nasir Husain’s CARAVAN playing on a big screen. Dubbed in Chinese except for the songs. I was told the film was the favourite Indian film of that generation. I am curious how the Chinese audience responds to our musical thriller.”

Viacom18 Studios along with Eros International has now partnered with Tang Media Partners to release this quirky thriller in China.

Andhadhun starring Tabu, Ayushmann Khurrana and Radhika Apte opened to rave reviews in India on October 5th, 2019.

Continue reading “Andhadhun to release in China as ‘Piano Player’”