Category: India

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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’”

Global, India, LifestyleLeave a comment

Jet Airways Operates All-Women Crew Flights On the Occasion Of ‘International Women’s Day’

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On the occasion of International Women’s Day on 08th March, 2019, Jet Airways, India’s premier full-service international airline, is planning to operate four domestic flights with all-women Cockpit and Cabin Crew members.

 These planned domestic flights 9W 346, 9W 355 (Mumbai-Delhi); 9W 358 (Delhi–Mumbai) and 9W 481 (Mumbai–Bengaluru), will be further managed exclusively by all-women teams from a cross-section of the business, including Engineering, Ground Handling, Ground Services, Security and Cabin Appearance Supervisors. Women aircraft Engineers, Technicians and Flight Dispatchers will attend to the technical services; while the non-technical work on the ground will be handled by women Duty Managers, Counter Staff and Security Officers highlighting the professionalism and capabilities of the airline’s women employees.

 The airline will surprise select women guests on-board these flights by presenting them with gift hampers, where each goody bag will contain gifts from top-notch participating brands such as Colorbar Cosmetics, Jean-Claude Biguine, Paris Salon & Spa and Lemon Tree Hotels. Jet Airways’ International Women’s Day will be replete with Lucky Draws for its women guests on these select flights.

As part of its special in-flight fundraising drive, Jet Airways is supporting the work of two leading NGOs working on women’s issues. Continue reading “Jet Airways Operates All-Women Crew Flights On the Occasion Of ‘International Women’s Day’”

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महाशिवरात्रि के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। ऊँ नम: शिवाय”

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The Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi, has extended his greetings on the occasion of Maha Shivratri.

“Maha Shivratri greetings to everyone.  महाशिवरात्रि के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। ऊँ नम: शिवाय”, the Prime Minister said.

 Maha Shivratri, the last bathing festival, celebrated at Prayagraj Kumbh today

Maha Shivratri, the last bathing festival of Prayagraj Kumbh, was celebrated today with religious fervour and enthusiasm. Large number of devotees thronged the Sangam, the confluence of rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati braving cold and rains from mid night. Bathing was started very early morning.

Prayagraj Mela Authority had developed ghats at Sangam and other areas of the Mela for pilgrims. Mela Administration had estimated that about one crore devotees would take holy dip on the occasion. Special trains and buses were put into service to ferry the devotees. Elaborate security arrangements were in place in and around the Mela area. Entry of vehicles into Mela area was prohibited.

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, Mr Amit Khare visited the Prayagraj Kumbh. He went to the camps of All India Radio and Doordarshan and exhibition of BOC set up at the Mela. Continue reading “महाशिवरात्रि के पावन अवसर पर सभी देशवासियों को बहुत-बहुत शुभकामनाएं। ऊँ नम: शिवाय””

Health, India, LifestyleLeave a comment

“Benchmarks for Training in Yoga”

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Ministry of AYUSH and WHO are jointly organizing a three days Working Group Meeting for reviewing the WHO document “Benchmarks for Training in Yoga” from 26-28 February, 2019 at New Delhi, India. WHO is developing Benchmarks Document for Training in Yoga as part of its global strategy to strengthen the quality, safety and effectiveness of Traditional and Complementary Medicine.

Total 16 experts of yoga would be reviewing the draft document. Out of 16 experts, 11 International experts are from USA, UK, Canada, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Japan, Australia and Malaysia. There would be 4 session on all 3 days. All the technical sessions would be coordinated by the experts from WHO Secretariat.

The specific objectives of the meeting are to discuss the challenges in training of Yoga, to review & discuss the scope and structure of the working draft document, to review and discuss the contents of the working draft document, to identify the type, scope and criteria of information/data that are further required, and to discuss the working procedure and time frame for further development of the document. This benchmarks document will be used in evaluating Yoga therapy, identifying trends in utilization, developing payment structures for service models, establishing regulatory framework for Yoga practice.

World Health organization (WHO) has been launched Traditional Medicine Strategy 2014-2023 to help health care leaders to develop solution that contribute to a broader vision of improved health and patient autonomy. Continue reading ““Benchmarks for Training in Yoga””

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BAPS Organizes Prayer Services Globally for Pulwama Attack Victims

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As thousands of mourners attended funerals across India this week for the paramilitary personnel who lost their lives to terrorism in Pulwama (Kashmir, India), His Holiness Mahant Swami Maharaj offered his deepest sympathy and prayers. As spiritual leader of the BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha, Mahant Swami Maharaj, prayed for peace for departed and a full recovery of those who were injured. All BAPS mandirs globally as well as the 100 BAPS mandirs across North America held special prayer services. Together they prayed for strength and solace for the families of all those effected by this tragedy.

The prayer service held at the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir at 61 Claireville Drive in Toronto, on Sunday February 18, 2019, was attended by the Consul General of India, Toronto Dinesh Bhatia along with many community leaders, dignitaries and hundreds of community members.

Echoing the sentiments of other well-wishers at BAPS mandirs across North America, Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, said: “The 44 CRPF personnel who lost their lives each have families and communities who are feeling their absence.  I feel part of their community and am here to pray for calm in their hearts which we know are hurting.”

The attack on February 14, 2019 has sparked peaceful vigils across India and the world, and BAPS joins in prayer for the families of India’s servicemen and for unity and peace.  BAPS as an organization and its followers have also pledged financial support of 10 million rupees for the relief fund to support the victims and their family members on the road to recovery. Continue reading “BAPS Organizes Prayer Services Globally for Pulwama Attack Victims”

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Kesari trailer out now. Megastar Akshay Kumar Starrer Showcases ‘The Story Of The Bravest Battle Ever Fought’

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The much awaited trailer for Kesari is out and has left audiences enthralled. After sharing glimpses of the battle of Saragarhi in three teasers that were released last week, the trailer, which is packed with action, drama and emotion gives audiences an insight into the bravest battle ever fought. 

The Kesari trailer begins with Akshay Kumar saying, “A Britisher, once told me, I am a slave and only cowards are born in India. Today is the day to give him a reply.” Just a few seconds later, the viewers can see thousands of Afghan soldiers running towards Akshay’s character Havildar Ishar Singh, the leader of the Sikh regiment. The trailer then takes the audience into the middle of the epic battle of Saragarhi. All who experience the trailer for ‘Kesari’ will be left with the urge to find out how these 21 brave Sikh soldiers fought against 10,000 Afghan soldiers to safeguard their land from invasion.

Akshay Kumar looks convincing as a leader of the Sikh soldiers, who can be seen roaring like lions in the midst of combat with weapons in their hands and rage in their eyes. The trailer captivates and fascinates with fearsome action scenes, spectacular sword fighting techniques, and intense dialogues. The trailer also introduces the female lead of the film Parineeti Chopra, who is filled with pride as Akshay Kumar heads for the battle.

The background score, action scenes and rugged avatar of megastar Akshay Kumar will surely leave movie lovers wanting more. Continue reading “Kesari trailer out now. Megastar Akshay Kumar Starrer Showcases ‘The Story Of The Bravest Battle Ever Fought’”

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Panorama India celebrates India’s 70th Republic Day

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Panorama India celebrated the 70th India Republic Day on Sunday, February 10, 2019 at the Pearson Convention Center, Brampton. The event united the local Indian community through celebrating the diversity of Indo-Canadians in Canada.

Overwhelming support for the event was garnered by community leaders, political dignitaries and sponsors, all of whom came together to celebrate India’s 70th Republic Day. Attendees included the Consul General of India in Toronto, Dinesh Bhatia, Federal Minister of Science, Kristy Duncan, MP Ruby Sahota, MP Ramesh Sangha, MP Bob Soraya, MPP Nina Tangri, MPP Deepak Anand, MPP Amarjot Sidhu, Mayor of Mississauga Bonne Crombie and Mayor of Brampton Patrick Brown.

The program consisted of 20 community organizations of which 200 local performers were given the Panorama India Platform. These groups showcased talent in all forms of artistic expression such as dancing, singing and drawing.

Opening ceremony commenced at 12pm with Republic Day greetings and poignant messages from dignitaries. Panorama India Chair, Anu Srivastava welcomed everyone and recognized the political dignitaries, community leaders, and guests. She said “Unity in Diversity and building Indo Canada bi-lateral relations through culture is the prime objective of this celebration.”

Consul General of India Mr. Dinesh Bhatia enthusiastically addressed the crowd and brought the Republic Day greetings on behalf of the President of India. Consul General emphasized his appreciation for the Indian Diaspora in Toronto and gave a recap of the past three years in Toronto. Continue reading “Panorama India celebrates India’s 70th Republic Day”

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Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt visit India Pavilion at Berlinale 2019

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International Festival Heads keen to attend the 50th Anniversary of IFFI

The team behind the upcoming movie‘Gully Boy’including Mr. Ranveer Singh, Ms. Alia Bhatt, Ms. Zoya Akhtar &Mr. RiteshSidhwani visited the India Pavilion at Berlin International Film Festival (Berlinale) 2019. They released the IFFI 2019 Brochure and were apprised by the Indian delegation about activities planned for the Golden Jubilee anniversary of IFFI to be held later this year.

The Indian Delegation members at Berlinale met with over half a dozen Film Festival Heads & Key Senior Executives of the film industry. Ms Nadia Dresti, Deputy Artistic Director and Head of Locarno Film Festival was apprised about several policy initiatives of the Government of India to promote ease of filming and curb piracy. Her help was sought by the delegation to reach out to Locarno Film Festival for IFFI 2019.Ms Dresti expressed that she had visited IFFI Goa last year and emphasized her proactive participation for the 2019 Edition as well.

Indian Delegation also interacted with Mr Stephan Ottenbruch, Head of Indo-German Films, wherein they discussed about a larger German presence at IFFI 2019 andexplored possibilities ofcollaboration. Continue reading “Ranveer Singh and Alia Bhatt visit India Pavilion at Berlinale 2019”

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Participate & Celebrate: India Day Celebrations on 10 February 2019

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Panorama India, with the support of the Consulate General of India, Toronto will be  celebrating  India’s 71st anniversary of Independence Day.

The programme includes flag hoisting ceremony, singing of the national anthem,  and cultural programmes.

Members of Indian community and friends of India are cordially invited to take part in the flag hoisting ceremony. There will be food stalls, vendors and fun activities for all age groups – children, teens, adults and seniors. The festivities will be on throughout the day.

The Panorama India Idol Grand Finale will also take place on February 11th at Pearson Convention Centre, Brampton at Panorama India Republic Day Cultural Festival.

This is a  free event for the community, so all are welcome to attend, participate and celebrate! See you all there! Continue reading “Participate & Celebrate: India Day Celebrations on 10 February 2019”