Women Square

Day: November 18, 2025

  • Nritya Parva 2025: Day 2 Blends Scholarship and Performance in a Fitting Tribute to Dr Bhupen Hazarika

    Nritya Parva 2025: Day 2 Blends Scholarship and Performance in a Fitting Tribute to Dr Bhupen Hazarika

    Guwahati, 16 November 2025: Day 2 of Nritya Parva – the Annual Festival of Sattriya Dance, organised by Sattriya Kendra, Guwahati (a centre of the Sangeet Natak Akademi, New Delhi), unfolded with an engaging combination of scholarly discourse and compelling stage presentations at the Srimanta Sankaradeva Kalakshetra.

    Morning Session: Dialogue on Tradition and Interpretation

    The day began at the Sattriya Kendra Hall with a keynote address by scholar Pradip Jyoti Mahanta, setting the tone for a morning of reflective inquiry into Sattriya’s aesthetic foundations.
    This was followed by two thematic presentations:

    • Mahesh Champaklal offered an analysis of the Natyashastric principles of Nritta, contextualising classical movement vocabulary within Sattriya practice.

    • Shantana Saikia presented a study on the possibilities of incorporating Sattra legends into choreographic narratives, highlighting ways in which textual tradition can expand artistic expression.

    The discussions brought nuance and academic depth to the festival’s broader mission of examining Sattriya’s form, philosophy and contemporary potential.

    Evening Performances: Tradition in Full Bloom

    The evening programme at the Srimanta Sankaradeva International Auditorium showcased a vibrant lineup of performers, reflecting the diversity within the Sattriya tradition.

    The stage opened with Gayan-Bayan by Sri Sri Kamalabari Sattra Kristi Prachar Samittee, Titabar, followed by a refined solo presentation by Seujprriya Borthakur. A coordinated trio by Apurba Chutia, Manash Protim Bora, and Biswajit Gogoi added dynamic range to the evening.
    A group performance by Duliajan Club Music Academy further enriched the programme with rhythmic precision and ensemble harmony.

    The highlight of Day 2 was “Jajabar Bhupen Hazarika”, a choreographic tribute presented by Sattriya Kendra, Guwahati to commemorate the Birth Centenary of Dr Bhupen Hazarika. Conceived by choreographers Ramkrishna Talukdar and Anita Sharma, with music by Bhaskar Jyoti Ojah, the piece drew an emotional response from the audience, celebrating the legendary artist’s enduring influence.

    A Day of Reflection, Resonance and Continuity

    Audience engagement remained strong throughout the day, with participants responding enthusiastically to both the intellectual discussions and the rich spectrum of performances. The blend of ideas, rhythm and storytelling underscored the festival’s commitment to honouring tradition while encouraging fresh dialogue.

    As Nritya Parva moves forward, Day 2 stands out for reinforcing the evolving cultural relevance of Sattriya, one of India’s major classical dance traditions, and for offering a meaningful tribute to Dr Bhupen Hazarika in his centenary year.

  • Blue Planet to Expand in India, GCC with Novo Holdings Funds

    Blue Planet to Expand in India, GCC with Novo Holdings Funds

    India, 18 November 2025 – In a significant boost to Asia’s sustainability and waste management landscape, Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, a Singapore-headquartered leader in advanced waste management and upcycling technologies, has announced a strategic investment from Novo Holdings. The Denmark-based global investment powerhouse, renowned for championing planetary health and long-term environmental stewardship, is backing Blue Planet’s vision of building resilient, scalable, and circular waste ecosystems across high-growth markets.

    Founded in 2017, Blue Planet has rapidly emerged as one of the most innovative players in integrated waste management. The company operates on a technology-first model, combining proprietary IP-driven solutions, data intelligence, and deep operational expertise to transform waste into high-value resources. Its diversified portfolio comprises several notable entities across multiple countries — including Zigma in India, Wah & Hua in Singapore, Smart Environmental in New Zealand, and other specialised sustainability firms — collectively delivering comprehensive solutions in landfill remediation, recycling, biofuel generation, hazardous waste processing, and e-waste valorisation.

    Strengthening a Circular, Low-Carbon Future

    With Novo Holdings’ investment, Blue Planet is positioned to deepen its presence across Asia-Pacific, India, New Zealand, and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. The partnership comes at a crucial time, as emerging markets face rising urbanisation, escalating waste volumes, and growing pressure to adopt sustainable, circular solutions that reduce landfill dependence and carbon emissions.

    The strategic funding will support Blue Planet in expanding its infrastructure footprint, enhancing technology integration across its group companies, and accelerating M&A-driven growth in priority segments. A key emphasis will be placed on developing modular, scalable waste valorisation systems capable of converting landfill materials into eco-friendly, commercially valuable products. This includes pellets, cladding, and other construction materials made from reclaimed waste, contributing to both environmental and economic sustainability.

    Additionally, the collaboration will drive initiatives in carbon credit generation, ESG-focused innovations, and digital tools that enable cities and enterprises to track, optimise, and reduce their waste-related environmental impact. Blue Planet aims to use the investment to further build circular resource loops that not only minimise waste but also maximise value creation.

    Leadership Speaks: A Partnership With Shared Purpose

    Madhujeet Chimni, Founder and Chairman of Blue Planet Environmental Solutions, expressed strong confidence in the partnership:

    “We are excited to partner with Novo Holdings, whose global sustainability expertise aligns with our vision of building scalable, responsible waste solutions. This investment strengthens our strategic expansion into Southeast Asia and GCC markets and enables continued M&A-driven growth in priority segments. It positions Blue Planet to deliver measurable social and economic impact while advancing Zero Waste to Landfill across the regions we serve.”

    Prashant Singh, Co-Founder and CEO of Blue Planet, highlighted how the investment will accelerate innovation and technology deployment:

    “This partnership empowers us to continue our strong focus on innovation across our platform and deploy advanced waste valorisation technologies, including converting landfill materials into high-value products such as pellets and cladding. It also supports our mission to expand sustainable infrastructure and develop data-driven circular models that reduce environmental footprints, drive resource efficiency, and create long-term value for industries and cities.”

    From Novo Holdings’ perspective, the investment aligns with its commitment to advancing sustainability and planetary health across emerging markets.

    Deepa Hingorani, Partner and Head of Asia, Planetary Health Investments at Novo Holdings, said:

    “The rapid pace of urbanisation across Asia is intensifying the need for sustainable and context-specific waste solutions. Blue Planet exemplifies the type of knowledge-driven, impact-oriented platform that promotes resource efficiency and circularity. We are impressed by the company’s vision and execution and look forward to supporting its continued growth.”

    About Blue Planet Environmental Solutions

    Blue Planet Environmental Solutions is a Singapore-based sustainability company pioneering integrated, technology-led waste management solutions across Southeast Asia, India, the UK, and New Zealand. Its operations span landfill reclamation, hazardous and e-waste recycling, biogas and biofuel production, and energy recovery. Since its founding in 2017, Blue Planet has focused on creating scalable circular ecosystems that extract value from waste, reduce environmental harm, and contribute to its mission of achieving Zero Waste to Landfill.
    More information: www.blueplanet.asia

    About Novo Holdings

    Novo Holdings is a global holding and investment firm responsible for managing the assets and wealth of the Novo Nordisk Foundation. With a mission to improve global health outcomes and advance environmental sustainability, the firm invests across life sciences, infrastructure, private equity, real estate, and emerging technologies. Novo Holdings is the controlling shareholder of Novo Nordisk A/S and Novonesis A/S and manages a portfolio valued at EUR 142 billion as of 2024. Through its Planetary Health, Asia, Seed, Venture, and Growth investment teams, it continues to accelerate solutions that contribute to a healthier, more sustainable planet.
    More information: www.novoholdings.dk

  • Sheena Chohan on Tom Cruise’s Oscar: Recalls Mumbai Meet & Energy

    Sheena Chohan on Tom Cruise’s Oscar: Recalls Mumbai Meet & Energy

    Actress Sheena Chohan took to her social media to celebrate a milestone moment in Hollywood, sharing a heartfelt tribute to none other than Tom Cruise, who recently received an Honorary Academy Award—his first-ever Oscar—at the 16th Governors Awards held on November 16.

    Sheena was personally invited by Tom Cruise and the Mission Impossible team for the India premiere. Sheena posted a throwback selfie with Cruise, taken during his visit to Mumbai when he was promoting Mission: Impossible. In the picture, the two are seen smiling warmly at the camera, capturing a memory that Sheena says she has cherished for years.

    Sharing the post on her social media, Sheena penned down a sweet note, she wrote, “My inspiration @tomcruise, receives an honorary Oscar! A lifetime achievement award. What a body of work! What a commitment to cinema! This picture was taken at the @tajmahalmumbai … I still remember meeting Tom Cruise when he came to promote Mission Impossible. Since then, my heart has been filled with respect and admiration, and he is truly my absolute inspiration.
    Congratulations on the Oscar — truly deserved.❤”

    Reflecting further on her first encounter with the Hollywood icon, Sheena recalled being completely mesmerized by his energy and presence.

    “My inspiration, Tom Cruise, receiving an honorary Oscar — a Lifetime Achievement Award — is inspirational on another level. Meeting Tom Cruise during his first visit to India inspired me instantly — his passion for craft, cinema, compassion, competence, and quiet strength stayed with me. I’ll always remember how sincerely he acknowledged my humanitarian work, and even last year, how deeply he engaged with it again. His contribution to cinema has created an entire civilisation of storytelling that elevates artists and audiences. Seeing him receive the honorary Oscar fills me with immense pride. This honour is so truly deserved.” says, Sheena

    We surely agree with Sheena’s admiration for Tom Cruise, who has indeed brought a multiverse of cinema for the generations to watch on.

    At the Governors Awards, Tom Cruise received the honour from director Alejandro González Iñárritu. During his acceptance speech, he reflected on his cinematic journey and spoke about the power of film as a global medium that connects cultures and inspires generations.

    Sheena Chohan’s heartfelt tribute has resonated with fans, many of whom applauded her admiration for the Hollywood superstar and celebrated Cruise’s long-awaited Oscar recognition.