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  • JKLU Hosts Transformative Design Workshop with Gaurav Juyal, Inspiring Students to Create Worlds Beyond the Screen

    JKLU Hosts Transformative Design Workshop with Gaurav Juyal, Inspiring Students to Create Worlds Beyond the Screen

    Jaipur, April 2026: The JK Lakshmipat University (JKLU) successfully concluded a four-day immersive workshop titled Designing Worlds Beyond the Screen. Led by renowned designer and creative educator Gaurav Juyal, widely recognized as the former host of Art Attack on Disney Channel, the program brought together 58 students for an interdisciplinary exploration of storytelling, game design, and hands-on creativity.

    Participants engaged with key concepts such as world-building, character design, and narrative development. A distinctive highlight was “Vibe Coding,” where AI-driven prompts were used to conceptualize and prototype ideas, encouraging students to push beyond conventional design methods. Everyday objects were transformed into story-driven characters with unique personalities and backstories, helping students uncover creative potential in the ordinary.

    In addition, students took part in a clay moulding session, creating handcrafted structures to strengthen their tactile and spatial understanding of design. The workshop also featured a screening of The Gods Must Be Crazy, a satirical film that explores how a simple object (a Coca-Cola bottle) disrupts an indigenous community, sparking discussions on context, perception, and how a simple object can disrupt systems and communities. This encouraged reflection on how design carries meaning and impacts diverse user groups.

    The workshop emphasized collaborative learning, with students working in groups of 12–14 to produce dioramas, object theatre pieces, visual storyboards, and playable app and game concepts. It concluded with dynamic two-minute presentations and peer feedback sessions.

    Balasubramaniam, Director, Institute of Design at JK Lakshmipat University, said, “This workshop reflects our commitment to nurturing creative confidence and interdisciplinary thinking among students. Collaborating with Gaurav Juyal provided our learners with a unique opportunity to explore storytelling and design in deeply engaging and innovative ways.”

    By the end of the program, students had developed a strong understanding of design thinking across multiple creative domains, gaining confidence in storytelling, ideation, and collaborative execution. The workshop not only enhanced their creative skills but also encouraged them to experiment with new tools and perspectives. All participants were awarded certificates upon successful completion, signed by Gaurav Juyal.

    Known for his unconventional and engaging approach to art and storytelling, Gaurav Juyal brought a unique blend of visual arts, filmmaking, and experiential learning to the workshop. His mentorship inspired students to push creative boundaries and express themselves innovatively. The successful completion of this workshop reinforces JKLU’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary learning and providing students with opportunities to engage with leading creative professionals.

  • KL Deemed to be University Begins Counselling for 2026 Admissions Across Vijayawada & Hyderabad Campuses

    KL Deemed to be University Begins Counselling for 2026 Admissions Across Vijayawada & Hyderabad Campuses

    KL Deemed to be University has begun its counselling process for 2026 admissions across its campuses at Vijayawada (Vaddeswaram) and Hyderabad—including KLH Aziznagar, KLH Bachupally, and KLH Global Business School, Kondapur—providing students with a comprehensive and structured pathway to secure admissions across diverse undergraduate programmes.

    The counselling sessions are scheduled from April 26 to April 30, 2026, and are being conducted in two slots each day—Morning Session and Afternoon Session—to ensure smooth participation of candidates across categories.

    Admissions are open for programmes including B.Tech, BBA, B.Com (ACCA), BBA-LLB, BCA, BA (Economics with IAS Orientation), B.Pharmacy, Pharm D, B.Sc (Hons.) Agriculture, B.Sc (Animation & Gaming), Food Technology, and Lateral Entry into B.Tech, among others. The process accommodates students based on KLEEE, KLHAT, KLSAT, KLECET ranks, as well as JEE Mains percentile and Intermediate (10+2) performance.

    Speaking on the occasion, Dr. JSR, Director – Admissions, KL Deemed to be University, said, “Our counselling process is designed to guide students at every step, ensuring clarity, transparency, and the right academic choices. With multiple entry pathways, scholarships, and strong academic support systems, we aim to make quality education accessible while helping students align their aspirations with the right programme and campus.”

    The university has ensured inclusive access by extending special fee concessions to SC/ST/OBC candidates, differently abled students, sports quota applicants, and other eligible categories. In addition, bank counters at counselling centres are facilitating on-the-spot education loan assistance, making the admission process more convenient for students and parents.

    Interested candidates can check their scholarship details, reservation eligibility, and admission call letters through the official website and attend counselling as per their rank and eligibility schedule.

    With its strong academic ecosystem, industry-aligned curriculum, and multi-campus presence, KL Deemed to be University remains a preferred destination for students aspiring for quality higher education.

  • Adi Vidya Foundation to host India’s first National Conference on Spirituality in Schools on April 27 in New Delhi

    Adi Vidya Foundation to host India’s first National Conference on Spirituality in Schools on April 27 in New Delhi

    New Delhi, April 22, 2026: Adi Vidya Foundation, will host India’s first National Conference on Spirituality in Schools on 27 April 2026 at India International Centre. This conference will bring together policymakers, educators, school leaders and wellness experts to discuss the role of inner development and holistic well-being in mainstream education.

    At a time when education systems globally are grappling with rising concerns around student well-being, stress, and lack of purpose, the conference seeks to initiate a structured and forward-looking dialogue on integrating spirituality often understood as self-awareness, emotional balance and ethical grounding into school education in a manner that is inclusive, non-sectarian and aligned with modern pedagogical frameworks.

    The conference is anchored in the belief that education must evolve beyond academic achievement to nurture balanced, self-aware and responsible individuals. Drawing from the philosophical direction of the National Education Policy 2020, the initiative aims to explore how Indian Knowledge Systems and contemporary educational practices can come together to create a more holistic and human-centered model of learning.

    The one-day programme will feature keynote sessions, expert panel discussions and a closing roadmap for the future of spirituality in education in India.

    The conference will conclude with a special cultural performance by the Mohan Brothers, renowned exponents of Indian classical music.

     About Adi Vidya Foundation

    Adi Vidya Foundation is a non-profit public charitable knowledge trust committed to restoring Indian inner sciences as a structured and rigorous component of modern education. The Foundation addresses a critical gap in contemporary education systems, which often prioritize technical and cognitive skills while overlooking the development of inner clarity, ethical grounding and emotional self-regulation. Through its work in building the world’s first spiritual sciences curriculum for schools, research and scholarly validation, faculty development and institutional partnerships, the Foundation seeks to integrate inner development into K12 mainstream education in a responsible and academically grounded manner. Operating with a strong emphasis on institutional integrity and constitutional alignment, the Adi Vidya Foundation positions inner sciences not as belief systems but as a disciplined and universal body of knowledge for human development and collective well-being.

    For more info, visit- https://www.adividyafoundation.org/ 

  • Sotrue Crosses Rs 100 Crore ARR, Emerges as a Fast-Growing Consumer-First Beauty Brand

    Sotrue Crosses Rs 100 Crore ARR, Emerges as a Fast-Growing Consumer-First Beauty Brand

     

  • Anjolie Ela Menon’s solo closes with talk

    Anjolie Ela Menon’s solo closes with talk

    Artist Anjolie Ela Menon’s epic exhibition Revisitations, consisting of old and new works closed on Saturday 18th April with a curatorial walk by curator and critic Uma Nair who has followed her work for 36 years.The exhibition at Shridharani Gallery in Delhi saw a large number of visitors over 8 days who came from different parts of the world. Presented by the 39 year old Vadehra Art Gallery,Delhi the idea of the exhibition was to present a senior veteran artist in the vein of a journey that stands testimony to devotion and intrinsic richness in subject matter and creating an organic experience—that pushes slightly beyond ordinary boundaries.

    “The beauty of experience with Anjolie is defined by her own voracious reading habits, as well as her deep seated connection to everyday realities, close family connections, spirituality and her love for art history that she picked up on her French scholarship years ago as a teenager in Paris as well as on her travels with her husband Admiral Raja Menon all over the world, ” said Nair in her introduction.The audience listened in rapt attention to associations as well as multiple references and also looked deeper into Anjolie’s latent love for landscape elements that were distinct in her old as well as new works. Her older oil on masonite works are a mesmerizing collection of classics specially works like Frenchman’s House, Pyotr and November.

    At the end of the 20 minute talk, Anjolie thanked all those who had come and gifted a copy of the Revisitations catalogue to two institutions in Delhi.The first was to Vivek Kumar Sahani an MFA ( Painting ) student from Delhi College of Art as well as Dr Bindu Sharma, Dean of Fine Arts Faculty Jamia Millia Islamia University.

    “This exhibition is a lesson in art history as well as an artist’s evolution.We all love the work of Anjolie Ma’am and consider her one of India’s greatest living artists. Meeting her in person today and seeing her old works that go back more than 50 years has been a wonderful experience , ” said Dr Bindu Sharma who came just after the inauguration of the prestigious Kalam Festival at Jamia Millia Islamia University. Also amongst the crowd was ceramic master and award winning artist, Keshari Nandan Prasad from Jaipur who said: “ Anjolie Ma’am’s works are an inspiration to all of us.To see her new and old works together has given us a deeper understanding of the journey of her command over colour and composition.This show also taught me that an exhibition need not be big, a small exhibition can create deeper impressions and is beautiful for audience impact and impression.”

    For Vadehra Art Gallery that has been dealing with Anjolie Ela Menon’s works and doing her shows for more than 30 years this exhibition has been a milestone in offering an immersive experience to citizens of Delhi.The exhibition also coincided with Triveni Kala Sangam’s 75th year celebration.The Shridharani Gallery at Triveni Kala Sangam stands as an iconic gallery of eminent shows and retrospectives, the finest being the exhibitions of Ebrahim Alkazi, A.Ramachandran, Rameshwar Broota, Prodosh Das Gupta, and ceramic master G.Reghu.

  • Santanu Hazarika Returns with new full-arm mehendi design for sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma

    Santanu Hazarika Returns with new full-arm mehendi design for sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma

    After an earlier mehendi collaboration drew widespread attention online, visual artist Santanu Hazarika has created a new, more expansive full-arm design for sitarist Rishab Rikhiram Sharma, continuing the exploration of body art within live performance.

    The previous half-arm piece, shared across social media, was widely appreciated for its distinctive blend of traditional mehendi with Hazarika’s graphic style. The latest work builds on that response, scaling up both in detail and narrative, with motifs extending across the entire arm.

    Explaining the details of the design, Santanu in his post wrote, “New Rishab x Santanu. Designed a custom Heena sleeve for the 👑 sitar maestro. Rooted in the language of mehendi and reinterpreted through a contemporary graphic lens, the artwork maps a journey of energy, devotion, and rhythm across the arms. At its core sits Nataraj, symbolizing creation through destruction, much like music itself. Flowing outward are elements drawn from mythology and sound. Like the rakta kamal associated with Ravana’s devotion, the conch, wind patterns representing Pavan Putra, and string-like forms echoing the sitar’s resonance. Along with that there are elements from Lord Shiva’s body itself – the naag, crescent moon and the trident, on the forearm. The composition unfolds like a visual raga, rising, spiraling, and resolving in sync with the emotional arc of the performance. All composed in front of a sonic form of the Kailasha. The entire composition is an ode to Lord Shiva and devotion towards untamed raw energy. Beautifully executed by Sona Mistry.”

    Shared by both artists online, the collaboration has once again sparked conversation around how traditional practices like mehendi are being reinterpreted in contemporary cultural contexts, particularly within music and performance.

    Click here to see the design:

  • Ishita Raj Shares Serene Nature Moments on World Earth Day

    Ishita Raj Shares Serene Nature Moments on World Earth Day

    Actor Ishita Raj celebrated World Earth Day with a heartfelt message that beautifully captured her appreciation for the planet and its natural wonders. Through a calming blend of visuals and words, the actress reminded her followers of the urgent need to protect and cherish the Earth.

    Taking to her social media platforms, Ishita shared a series of serene glimpses from her time spent in nature. The collection featured breathtaking snow-covered mountains, expansive green landscapes, and tranquil waterside sunsets—each frame radiating peace and simplicity. The visuals not only highlighted nature’s raw beauty but also reflected a deeper sense of connection and gratitude toward the environment.

    Accompanying the visuals was a powerful yet minimal message that resonated with many: “One planet, The Earth. One family, The Mankind. Keep it safe and beautiful!! Happy Earth Day.” Her words emphasized unity and responsibility, reminding people across the globe that despite differences, humanity shares one home—and its preservation is a collective duty.

    Fans and followers quickly engaged with the post, praising Ishita for using her platform to spread awareness about environmental conservation. Many echoed her sentiments, expressing how her message served as a gentle reminder to adopt more sustainable habits and appreciate the natural world.

    https://www.instagram.com/stories/iamishitaraj/3880809967355706439?utm_source=ig_story_item_share&igsh=MWZnZmh0bHhtY3hhNw==

    In an era where environmental concerns like climate change, deforestation, and pollution dominate global discourse, celebrities leveraging their influence for meaningful causes can have a powerful impact. Ishita Raj’s Earth Day post stands out not for grand gestures, but for its sincerity and calming authenticity.

    Her tribute aligns with the core spirit of World Earth Day—encouraging individuals to reconnect with nature and take conscious steps toward protecting it. Whether through reducing waste, conserving resources, or simply spending mindful time outdoors, the message remains clear: small actions can lead to significant change.

    Through her serene snapshots and thoughtful words, Ishita Raj has once again proven that sometimes, the most impactful messages are the simplest ones—rooted in awareness, gratitude, and hope for a better, greener future.

  • The Association of International Schools in India joins Safer Internet India coalition as institutional partner

    The Association of International Schools in India joins Safer Internet India coalition as institutional partner

    New Delhi, [21st April, 2026] – The Association of International Schools in India (TAISI) has joined the Safer Internet India (SII) coalition as an institutional partner, bringing the country’s network of international schools into one of India’s leading multi-stakeholder initiatives on online safety.

    The partnership will see TAISI and SII collaborate on a structured programme of training sessions for educators, students, and parents across TAISI’s member schools. The two organisations will also work together on resource development and school-level interventions designed to strengthen digital literacy and online safety practices from an early age.

    “Bringing TAISI into the coalition is a significant step for us,” said Berges Malu, Convenor of Safer Internet India. “Schools are where conversations about online safety have to begin, and partnering with an association of TAISI’s reach gives the coalition a direct line into classrooms across the country. Our shared goal is to move from awareness campaigns to practical, sustained engagement with the communities that need it most.”

    Under the partnership, SII will help create training modules on issues ranging from cyberbullying and online harassment to misinformation, financial scams targeting young users, and privacy hygiene. TAISI will help coordinate delivery across its member institutions and support the co- creation of materials suited to different age groups and learning contexts.

    “Our member schools have been asking for structured, credible support on online safety for some time,” said Syed Sultan Ahmed, Chairperson of TAISI. “Joining the Safer Internet India coalition lets us offer that support at scale. This is not a one-off workshop programme. It is a long-term commitment to building a culture of safer digital behaviour across our schools, and to making sure students, teachers, and parents are equipped to navigate the internet with confidence.”

    The collaboration is expected to roll out across TAISI member schools in phases over the coming academic year, with training sessions, teacher resources, and student-facing materials forming the first set of deliverables. Both organisations will also contribute to the coalition’s ongoing policy and research work on online safety in India.

    About Safer Internet India

    Safer Internet India is a multi-stakeholder coalition working to build a safer, more trustworthy internet for users in India. The coalition brings together civil society organisations, industry, academia, and institutional partners to advance research, training, and policy engagement on online safety.

    About TAISI

    The Association of International Schools in India is the apex body representing international schools across the country. TAISI works to raise standards of international education in India through professional development, research, advocacy, and collaboration among its member institutions.

  • Sooraj Barjatya Announces Yeh Prem Mol Liya with Ayushmann Khurrana & Sharvari – Release Date Out

    Sooraj Barjatya Announces Yeh Prem Mol Liya with Ayushmann Khurrana & Sharvari – Release Date Out

    Celebrated filmmaker Sooraj Barjatya has officially announced his next directorial venture, Yeh Prem Mol Liya. The film, produced by Rajshri Productions in association with Mahaveer Jain Films, is set to hit theatres on 27th November 2026, promising a heartwarming post-Diwali family entertainer.

    A Return After National Award Win

    Following his National Award-winning success with Uunchai (2022), Barjatya returns to the genre he is best known for—wholesome, emotionally rich family dramas that celebrate relationships and values.

    Prem Returns to the Big Screen

    One of the biggest highlights of the film is the return of Rajshri’s iconic character Prem, making a comeback after 12 years. This beloved character, synonymous with innocence and charm, will now be portrayed by Ayushmann Khurrana for the very first time, bringing his unique warmth and relatability to the role.

    Fresh Pairing with Sharvari

    Starring opposite Ayushmann is Sharvari, marking their first on-screen collaboration. Sharvari is set to embody the grace, strength, and depth typical of Rajshri heroines, while their fresh chemistry is expected to be a major highlight of the film.

    Music by Himesh Reshammiya

    Reuniting after over a decade, Himesh Reshammiya joins Barjatya for the film’s music. Their previous collaboration on Prem Ratan Dhan Payo (2014) delivered chart-topping hits, raising expectations for another memorable and melodious album.

    A Classic Family Entertainer

    At a time when Hindi cinema is dominated by action, horror, and large-scale spectacles, Yeh Prem Mol Liya aims to bring audiences back to theatres with a feel-good, family-centric story—something Rajshri Productions has long been celebrated for.

    Release Date Confirmed

    Directed by Sooraj Barjatya, Yeh Prem Mol Liya is all set to release in cinemas on 27th November 2026, inviting families to come together and celebrate love, values, and togetherness on the big screen.

  • Women Partner Onboarding Jumps 97% at InsuranceDekho; 54% of New Additions Come from Tier 3 Towns

    Women Partner Onboarding Jumps 97% at InsuranceDekho; 54% of New Additions Come from Tier 3 Towns

    • North India Leads Surge as Smaller Cities Drive Female Participation to Record High
    • Tier 3 Towns Emerge as hub of Women Micro-Entrepreneurs in Insurance

    Gurugram, 21st April 2026: InsuranceDekho, one of India’s  fastest-growing insurtech platform, today reported a near-doubling of women insurance partners onboarded on its platform from Q3 FY 2024-25 to Q3 FY 2025-26, a year-on-year growth of approximately 97%. Emerging data for Q4 FY 2025-26 indicates this momentum is accelerating, with female partners’ trajectory trending upwards of all new partner additions where gender has been declared.

    A striking aspect of the trend is its geographic character. Over 54% of all women partners onboarded by InsuranceDekho in Q3 FY 2025-26 came from Tier 3 cities, towns such as Unnao, Hapur, Karnal, Mathura and Godda, challenging the conventional narrative that women’s entry into financial services distribution is primarily an urban phenomenon.

    Unlike salaried roles, an insurance partner on a platform like InsuranceDekho is structurally a micro-entrepreneur sourcing her own clients, building a local book of business, and earning on the basis of policies sold. For women in smaller towns where formal employment options are limited, this model offers something rare: income, autonomy, and a professional identity, without requiring relocation or fixed working hours.

    Commenting on the growing participation of women in insurance distribution, Ankit Agrawal, Founder & CEO, InsuranceDekho said,  Insurance distribution in India is increasingly becoming a pathway to financial participation, especially for women in emerging markets. What we are seeing is not just higher participation, but a shift towards more individuals building independent, flexible income streams through insurance advisory. As the market expands, growth will be led by advisors who are deeply rooted in their communities. Our focus is to strengthen this ecosystem with the right platform and support, ensuring that expansion is both inclusive and sustainable.

    For InsuranceDekho, the North Zone registered the highest growth across all regions, with female partner additions rising substantially in Q3 FY26 compared to Q3 FY25; a 118% jump. Cities including New Delhi, Lucknow, Ghaziabad, Gurgaon, Jammu, among others contributed significantly. All four zones recorded steady growth, underscoring that the trend is not localised to one geography.

    After a marginal dip in female share in Q1 FY 2025-26, attributable to overall platform-wide onboarding seasonality. The organisation has recorded consecutive quarters of rising female participation, reaching 17.2% in Q3 FY26.

    InsuranceDekho’s data mirrors a broader structural shift in the Indian economy. India’s Female Labour Force Participation Rate (FLFPR) improved from 49.8% in FY2017-18 to 60.1% in FY2023-24, according to the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation’s ‘Women and Men in India 2024’ report. Female job applications in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities have grown exponentially, particularly in sales and business development roles, according to research by Invest India.

    The insurance partner model sits at the intersection of two of India’s fastest-growing workforce trends: the rise of women’s self-employment and the expansion of the platform-enabled gig economy into smaller cities. NITI Aayog projects India’s gig workforce to grow to 23.5 million by 2029-30, that is nearly three times its 2021 base. Within this, women in flexible, commission based roles in financial services represent one of the most economically consequential and undercovered cohorts. InsuranceDekho’s partner data offers one of the few granular, ground-level signals of this shift in action.

    Industry-wide, gender balance among insurance distribution partners remains a work in progress. InsuranceDekho’s current trajectory with the female share approaching 17% and growing, positions it as an active contributor to closing this gap.

    About 

    InsuranceDekho is one of India’s fastest-growing insurtech, reshaping the future of insurance by delivering inclusive financial protection at scale to individuals and businesses across Bharat. With a robust omnichannel model that seamlessly integrates AI-powered technology with human expertise, the platform ensures personalised onboarding, efficient servicing, and dependable support throughout the customer journey. Operating across ~1,500 cities and covering 98% of Indian pincodes, InsuranceDekho is supported by over 21 offices and a network of over 2.7 lakh+ partners. To date, it has insured 13,000+ businesses and continues to expand its reach across the country.

    Backed by marquee investors such as Goldman Sachs, TVS Capital, and MUFG, the company combines deep domain expertise with digital-first innovation. Its growing portfolio spans motor, health, life, travel, and corporate insurance, offering 750+ plans from 49 insurers. Enabled by a specialised team and a tech-driven service infrastructure, InsuranceDekho is aligned with the Government of India’s vision of “Insurance for All by 2047”, contributing to the broader goal of inclusive and sustainable financial security.

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