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  • Huma Qureshi Calls Rocking Star Yash’s Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-ups “India’s Biggest Film”

    Huma Qureshi Calls Rocking Star Yash’s Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-ups “India’s Biggest Film”

    When Huma Qureshi was asked about her experience of working with Rocking Star Yash on Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-ups, the actor remained deliberately guarded. Yet, even in her restraint, she let slip a statement powerful enough to set expectations soaring.

    With a knowing smile and carefully chosen words, Huma made it clear that the film demands a rollout worthy of its scale.

    “You know I can’t talk about it right now,” Huma said, carefully. “Also, it’s very unfair for anybody to talk about such a big film because I think the film itself deserves a kind of rollout and a presentation that the makers have planned.”
    “Having said that,” Huma added, “I think it’s going to be India’s biggest film. And it’s going to blow people away. I’m just saying this as a fan.”
    Toxic marks Yash’s first theatrical release after the monumental success of the KGF franchise.

    Helmed by filmmaker Geetu Mohandas who is celebrated for her emotionally layered and internationally acclaimed work, Toxic is mounted as a globally ambitious project with a formidable technical backbone. National Award-winning cinematographer Rajeev Ravi brings raw, atmospheric visuals, while Ravi Basrur—fresh off redefining soundscapes with KGF—is expected to craft a darker, more unsettling sonic identity. Action is orchestrated by a powerhouse combination of Hollywood action director JJ Perry alongside National Award-winning Indian action directors Anbariv, promising visceral, grounded, international-grade action.

    Toxic: A Fairytale For Grown-ups is slated for a grand theatrical release over the long festive weekend of 19 March 2026, coinciding with Eid, Ugadi and Gudi Padwa.

  • Oru Pere Varalaaru’, the second single from Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, celebrates the power of the people’s leader with 15.1 million views

    Oru Pere Varalaaru’, the second single from Thalapathy Vijay’s Jana Nayagan, celebrates the power of the people’s leader with 15.1 million views

    After the roar of Thalapathy Kacheri, ‘Oru Pere Varalaaru’ from Thalapathy Vijay’s swan song Jana Nayagan has struck a massive chord, clocking an impressive 15.1 million views within hours of its release. Serving as the film’s second single, the track pays tribute to the legacy of the leader of the people.

    Composed by the ever-explosive Anirudh Ravichander, Oru Pere Varalaaru arrives with the exciting firepower and the confidence of a film that knows its pulse. Lending their voices to the track are Vishal Mishra and Anirudh Ravichander himself, bringing together soul and surge, while lyricist Vivek pens words that carry gravitas, pride, and purpose.

    Oru Pere Varalaaru translates to “A name that became history.” It frames not just a character or a moment, but a journey that has shaped generations of cinema-goers. The 3-minute-and-54-second track encapsulates Vijay’s legacy over the years and the integral role he has played in shaping Tamil cinema’s pop culture and mass imagination.

    The creative synergy of the song is thanks to Anirudh’s composition balancing intensity with emotion, while Vishal Mishra’s vocals bring a textured depth that complements the film’s larger-than-life canvas.

    What further elevates the buzz around Oru Pere Varalaaru is the scale of celebration being planned around it. The production house has announced a grand musical event on 27 December, expected to witness a massive fan turnout. The cast of Jana Nayagan will be present, turning the occasion into a landmark gathering that mirrors the emotional weight of the film and its music.

    Produced by Venkat K. Narayana under KVN Productions, Jana Nayagan is gearing up for a global release on January 9, 2026, just in time for Pongal. The film is especially significant as it marks the grand finale in Thalapathy Vijay’s illustrious film career.

  • IFFK 2025: Sheena Chohan Highlights Women’s Narratives and Her Struggle as an Industry Outsider

    IFFK 2025: Sheena Chohan Highlights Women’s Narratives and Her Struggle as an Industry Outsider

    Sheena Chohan speaks about her struggle and surviving without a godfather—where women’s narratives and stronger representation take center stage at IFFK

    Actress Sheena Chohan, known for carving her own path in Indian cinema without industry backing, recently made a powerful statement at the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK), where she was invited as a panelist for a masterclass focused on women’s narratives in cinema.

    Speaking candidly, Sheena stressed the urgent need for equality and respect for women in Indian films, highlighting how on-screen representation directly influences real-life behaviour and safety.
    Addressing the impact of objectification, she stated, “When women are discriminated against or objectified on screen, it normalises behaviour that places women in danger on the streets. Want to have a stronger portrayal of women that can bring a powerful influence to the society with what is shown on screen is often being copied in everyday life across India.”

     

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    Sheena further emphasised the importance of the female gaze in storytelling, especially at a time when male-dominated narratives continue to find massive success. Reiterating her strong belief, she said, “If safety for women is India’s biggest concern, then respect for women is the solution. What more needs to happen – more of the same – more women writers, directors, cinematographers, producers. It’s already happening in a huge way, we just need to keep going – helping each other, believing in each other.”

    During the discussion, Sheena also opened up about her journey as an outsider in the industry. She shared, “Stepping into acting and surviving without a Godfather is really very difficult, but I have over all the challenges by dedicating myself for 5 years in Theatre training that has taught me on how research characters, understand them fully, and approach each role as a blank page for the director.”

    Sheena received widespread acclaim for her role as Avali Jijabai in Sant Tukaram, starring opposite Subodh Bhave, with her performance being hailed as the soul of the film. Her Netflix film Ant Story premiered at IFFK, and she also made her South Indian debut opposite Mammootty. With multiple independent films and an upcoming Pan-India release, Sheena, a power packed performer, continues to be a strong voice for meaningful cinema and women’s empowerment.

  • “Journey to Christmas” 2025: Moscow’s Grand Winter Festival Opens for Indian Tourists

    “Journey to Christmas” 2025: Moscow’s Grand Winter Festival Opens for Indian Tourists

    National, 18th December, 2025: From 12 December 2025 to 11 January 2026, Moscow will once again host its annual “Journey to Christmas” festival, transforming the city into a grand winter stage where cherished traditions, beloved fairy tales, and festive surprises come to life. The festival is part of the “Winter in Moscow” project. For an entire month, Russia’s capital will be immersed in the magic of the season. The aroma of holiday pastries will fill the air, the streets will sparkle with lights, and every district will unfold its own festive story, welcoming guests from different countries, including a growing number of travellers from India, who are increasingly choosing Moscow for its authentic winter charm and festive celebrations.

    This year, Manezhnaya Square will delight visitors with the “City of Christmas Tree Ornaments” — an enchanting market inspired by the warm, nostalgic aesthetic of early 20th-century cotton toys. Here, visitors will find not only the iconic figures of the Russian New Year — Ded Moroz and Snegurochka but also dozens of other vintage fairy-tale characters. Guests can take photos among decorations that look as though they’ve just been lifted from an old holiday coffer, take part in mini-performances inspired by fairy tales, and sample traditional dishes of Soviet New Year celebrations.

    On Tverskaya Square, visitors will find decorations inspired by Moscow’s most recognisable landmarks. Rising at the centre is an eight-meter Christmas tree crafted by local artisans and adorned with hand-painted ornaments measuring 90 and 70 cm, along with oversized golden icicles more than 70 cm long. Silhouettes of the Bolshoi Theatre, VDNH pavilions, and the Kremlin towers turn this tree into more than a festive installation — they form a living story of the city. These softly glowing miniature architectural symbols create an atmosphere of true holiday enchantment, inviting guests not only to admire Moscow as tourists but to feel part of its grand, celebratory spirit.

    A 22-meter natural fir tree, one of the city’s main holiday attractions (second in height only to the Kremlin tree), has been installed on Manezhnaya Square. This year, its décor pays tribute to traditional Russian ornaments of the past. More than ten thousand decorations and five kilometres of lights were used. Artisans created hundreds of hand-painted ornaments based on exclusive sketches by Moscow artists. They depict touching Christmas scenes, fairy-tale characters and festive winter gatherings. Elements such as silk pennants, gold and silver icicles, and traditional cotton figurines add to the nostalgic charm, turning the tree into a living illustration of a magical holiday tale.

     

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    Young visitors of the festival will enjoy a wide range of workshops, from metal stamping and crafting Christmas trick-objects to painting glassware, making candles and creating Soviet-style ornaments. New Year cooking studios will open for the smallest guests. Numerous theatrical performances based on classic Russian fairy tales will captivate visitors, while fans of active recreation can enjoy sports zones, a curling school and more than 170 festive ice shows, including Swan Lake, Snow White, The Twelve Months and other winter stories. The quest “Journey for the Dream Gift” will introduce visitors to traditions of Russia’s many regions as participants collect stamps in their traveller’s passport and exchange them for prizes.

    No one will leave without new impressions, memorable souvenirs or delightful culinary discoveries. The festival will unite festive spaces throughout Moscow: exhibitions of designer Christmas trees on Tverskoy Boulevard and near TSUM, as well as charming market pavilions offering ceramics, artisanal gifts, fragrant teas and dishes of traditional Russian cuisine. The gastronomic selection will impress with a variety of classic Russian meals, fresh pastries, signature delicacies, aromatic drinks and a special grill menu. The charity initiative “The Kind Christmas Tree” will help fulfil holiday wishes for those in need: visitors simply choose a wish on one of the festive trees and scan the QR code.

    “Journey to Christmas” will be the key event of the “Winter in Moscow” project, a major celebration that brings together tradition, modern culture and the warm spirit of the holiday season for residents and guests of all ages. For Indian travellers seeking an authentic winter experience, this festival offers a perfect blend of culture, entertainment, and festive charm, making it an unforgettable family getaway or solo winter adventure.

  • Indicus Neotė: India Modern Luxury Paint Rooted in Tamil Art & Architecture

    Indicus Neotė: India Modern Luxury Paint Rooted in Tamil Art & Architecture

    Chennai, December 17, 2025 — In a bold redefinition of luxury within India’s premium paints landscape, Indicus Paints has launched Indicus Neotė Luxury Interior Emulsion, a first-of-its-kind offering that seamlessly weaves advanced paint technology with the rich cultural narrative of Tamil Nadu. More than just a decorative coating, Neotė represents a philosophy—one that celebrates heritage, craftsmanship, and modern performance in equal measure.

    Indicus Paints, a brand known for its focus on durability, innovation, and Indian sensibilities, has positioned Neotė as a tribute to South India’s artistic legacy. Drawing inspiration from Tamil Nadu’s temples, classical art forms, festivals, and architectural geometry, Neotė introduces a new dimension to the luxury paints category. It elevates walls into canvases that reflect identity, tradition, and contemporary aspiration.

    At its core, Neotė delivers uncompromising performance. The luxury interior emulsion offers a radiant silky sheen finish that enhances spatial depth and light reflection, lending interiors a refined, elegant character. Powered by advanced stain-resistant polymers, the paint ensures superior washability and long-lasting scuff resistance—key attributes for modern, high-usage homes. The formulation creates a distinctive velvet-touch texture and an ultra-smooth surface, offering both visual richness and tactile comfort.

    Further strengthening its performance credentials, Neotė incorporates Silver Ion Technology, which provides natural antimicrobial protection. This innovation helps inhibit the growth of bacteria on painted surfaces, aligning with the rising demand for healthier indoor environments. The product is supported by an industry-leading eight-year warranty, covering film integrity, flaking, and peeling—reinforcing Indicus Paints’ confidence in both quality and longevity.

    Beyond performance, Neotė reflects a deeper commitment to sustainability and wellness. Its Low-VOC, odourless formulation minimizes indoor air pollution and ensures a comfortable painting experience, making it suitable for homes where health and environmental responsibility are top priorities. By embracing eco-conscious practices, Neotė reconnects sustainability with India’s traditional ecological wisdom—where circularity, natural materials, and biodegradability have long been a way of life. From banana-leaf dining to organic dyeing techniques, Indian heritage has always embodied environmental intelligence, and Neotė seeks to reclaim and reinterpret this ethos for modern living.

    “With Neotė, we wanted to do more than create a luxury paint—we wanted to honour the richness of Tamil Nadu’s cultural heritage,” said B. Gokul, Brand Founder, Indicus & Partner, VNC Group. “By bringing timeless arts and regional narratives into our packaging and design, we are making a clear statement that modernity doesn’t erase tradition. Instead, it reimagines it with confidence, relevance, and pride.”

    Design plays a central role in Neotė’s identity. The logo, crafted by Gautam Patil, Co-Founder and Design Head at Plus One, is inspired by the fluidity and elegance of Tamil script. Its typography mirrors the organic flow of wet paint while evoking the rhythm and harmony found in Indo-Western fusion music. The packaging further draws from South Indian motifs, architectural forms, and cultural symbolism, transforming the product into an aesthetic object that resonates with discerning consumers.

    “Tamil culture has an extraordinary sense of rhythm, restraint, and confidence,” Patil explained. “The Neotė logo and packaging reflect how heritage and progress coexist effortlessly in Tamil Nadu. It’s about expressing luxury that feels rooted, not borrowed.”

    The launch of Neotė coincides with a transformative phase in Tamil Nadu’s economic and lifestyle evolution. As India’s fastest-growing major state, Tamil Nadu has recorded a real growth rate of 9.69% and witnessed a 75% rise in millionaire households since 2021. This surge in prosperity has reshaped the real estate and interiors market, particularly in cities such as Chennai, Coimbatore, Madurai, and Trichy. Ultra-luxury villas, gated communities, and bespoke residences are becoming increasingly common, driven by affluent domestic buyers, High Net-Worth Individuals (HNIs), and Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) investing in premium homes.

    With this shift, interior design preferences have evolved significantly. Homeowners are seeking bold expressions, texture-driven finishes, and culturally meaningful aesthetics rather than generic minimalism. According to Gokul, the paint industry itself is undergoing rapid change. “Repainting cycles have shortened from eight to ten years to nearly five to six years. Features like anti-bacterial properties, Low-VOC formulations, and odourless paints have moved from being premium add-ons to mainstream expectations. At the same time, design-conscious buyers are embracing feature walls, tactile finishes, and maximalist materials such as wicker, terracotta, brass, and handloom textiles.”

    Neotė aligns seamlessly with these converging trends. It offers advanced functional benefits while adding a layer of cultural storytelling that resonates deeply with Tamil Nadu’s heritage and the broader “India Modern” design movement. This emerging aesthetic prioritizes authenticity, regional identity, and expressive craftsmanship over imported design languages. By drawing inspiration from Tamil typography, festivals, and architecture, Neotė demonstrates that luxury can be proudly local yet globally relevant.

    In launching Neotė, Indicus Paints is not just introducing a new product—it is shaping a narrative where walls become expressions of identity, history, and aspiration. The brand’s vision underscores a growing belief that true luxury lies in meaning, longevity, and connection to one’s roots.

    About Indicus Paints

    Indicus Paints is a performance-driven paints and coatings brand from the VNC Group, backed by over four decades of industry expertise. Designed specifically for Indian homes and conditions, Indicus blends durability, innovation, and cultural expression. Through initiatives such as Crossections and Neotė, the brand celebrates India’s diverse heritage while delivering modern, high-performance solutions. Committed to sustainability, cost efficiency, and aesthetic excellence, Indicus Paints is redefining modern living and emerging as a distinctive voice in India’s premium paints segment.

  • Kailash Hospital Khurja Launches Free Eye Check-Up & Surgery Camps Across Villages in December

    Kailash Hospital Khurja Launches Free Eye Check-Up & Surgery Camps Across Villages in December

    Khurja, Dec ‘25: Kailash Hospital, Khurja, is organizing a slew of free community health camps throughout the month, anchored around eye care and general surgery awareness. Regular screening, early diagnosis, and consultations by specialists will ensure access to quality healthcare for all residents of Khurja city and villages under this initiative.

    The camp is scheduled for Monday, at various rural and urban locations, including Nagla Sekhu Village, Pahavti Village, Daurau Village, Khurja City, along with select in-house specialty units. This month’s schedule is divided as follows: an Eye Camp by Dr. C.B. Singh on 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th December, 2025, and a General Surgery & Eye Camp on 15th and 26th December 2025 by the specialist team under the leadership of Dr. C.B. Singh (Eye), Dr. Shekher Singh Jadon, and Dr. Priyanka Kaul (General Surgeon). The in-house eye camps are expected to serve an average close to 100 patients at a time, while the outdoor village camps will reach a target of 80 to 100 at each location, with wide coverage in order to reach out to the underprivileged groups.

    Dr. Digvijay Singh, Medical Superintendent, Kailash Hospital, Khurja said, “With such camps, we try to ensure that nobody in Khurja or around the surrounding villages is deprived of timely eye care or basic surgical consultation. People, either out of ignorance or lack of easy access, ignore the early signs. Closer to the community, we are more likely to find the issues at an early stage and help avoid complications and lifestyles that are avoidable. It is part of our commitment towards building up preventive healthcare and reaching out to the most needy.”

    The camps will provide free-of-cost eye screening, including vision check-ups and cataract evaluations, and general surgery consultations to the residents for the treatment of their untreated health issues, especially senior citizens, daily wage workers, and underprivileged communities.

    Kailash Hospital is committed to further strengthening preventive healthcare in Khurja by extending quality medical services right to the doorsteps of people at the grass-roots level.

    Kailash Healthcare Ltd 

    Kailash Healthcare Ltd is a trusted and leading network of nine multi-specialty and super-specialty hospitals, including a dedicated Health Village, an Ayurvedic Hospital, and a Wellness Centre across Delhi-NCR and Uttarakhand. For over 40 years, Kailash Healthcare has been synonymous with quality, ethics, and compassionate service, staying true to its belief that “We heal lives, not just patients.”

    With a combined capacity of over 2,200 beds and a team of 800+ specialists, the Group continues to set new benchmarks in advanced medical infrastructure and patient care. Its flagship facility, Kailash Hospital, Sector 27, Noida, is a 325-bed NABH-accredited tertiary care hospital, offering comprehensive diagnostic, surgical, and emergency services.

    The Group’s advanced Kailash Hospital & Neuro Institute, Sector 71, Noida, stands as a centre of excellence in neurosciences, cardiology, and robotic joint replacement, reflecting Kailash Healthcare’s commitment to bringing world-class technology closer to the community.

    Guided by its founding vision of “Bringing World-Class Healthcare Within Everyone’s Reach,” Kailash Healthcare remains dedicated to healing with compassion, integrity, and innovation.

  • S&A Law Offices Acquires U&L Partners and Increases Presence in Ahmedabad

    S&A Law Offices Acquires U&L Partners and Increases Presence in Ahmedabad

    New Delhi / Ahmedabad, 16th December 2025 – S&A Law Offices has acquired Ahmedabad-based boutique disputes firm U&L Partners, strengthening its dispute resolution capabilities and expanding its footprint in western India. The founders of U&L Partners, Nilesh P Udernani and Gaurav K Lakhwani, will join S&A Law Offices as Partners leading the firm’s Ahmedabad office, along with their 12-member team, bringing deep regional insight and a strong dispute resolution practice to the firm.

    Commenting on the acquisition, Daizy Chawla, Managing Partner at S&A Law Offices, said, “This acquisition aligns with our long-term vision of building a market-leading disputes practice with strong regional depth and national reach.” Gunita Pahwa, Joint Managing Partner at S&A Law Offices, added, “Nilesh, Gaurav, and their team bring exceptional courtroom experience and client trust that will significantly enhance our Ahmedabad presence.”

    Nilesh is a Gujarat National Law University graduate. And Gaurav completed his LLM from Jindal Global Law School and B.A. LL.B from M. S. University of Baroda. Both bring with them vast experience in Civil and Criminal Disputes, IBC, IP, real estate and corporate transactions advisory.

    Sharing their thoughts on the move, Nilesh P Udernani said, “Becoming part of S&A gives us the scale, shared values, and institutional depth to grow alongside our clients and take on more complex, high-impact work.” Gaurav K Lakhwani added, “We are excited to integrate with S&A’s culture of excellence and collaborate across offices to deliver even greater value to clients.”

    This acquisition aligns with S&A’s continued commitment to strategic growth and investment in talent to meet the evolving needs of its clients across India.

  • A Full-Circle Moment at IFFK: Sheena Chohan Returns to Kerala Where Her Film Journey Began

    A Full-Circle Moment at IFFK: Sheena Chohan Returns to Kerala Where Her Film Journey Began

    Actress Sheena Chohan, who made a striking Malayalam debut opposite legendary actor Mammootty in director Jayaraj’s action thriller The Train, returned to the International Film Festival of Kerala (IFFK) after nearly a decade. Her presence marked an emotional homecoming to the very place where her cinematic journey first took shape.

    Returning to the Land That Shaped Her First Film

    Sheena graced the opening ceremony of IFFK in Thiruvananthapuram, revisiting Kerala—the land where she shot her first Kannada film and portrayed Mammootty’s wife in The Train. The visit coincides with an important phase in her career, as she gears up for her upcoming Telugu film opposite JD Chakravarthy, slated for a theatrical release soon. In the film, Sheena will be seen in a powerful new avatar as a female cop.

    From Theatre to the Big Screen: A Foundation Built on Craft

    Reflecting on her debut and journey, Sheena shared,

    “I acted in my first film opposite Mammootty sir after doing five years of theatre, where I learnt how to deeply research and truly fit into characters. My theatre days taught me the value of professionalism — something the Malayalam and Telugu film industries strongly believe in. Hard work, dedication to craft, and complete conviction to character. That’s why I’m extremely excited to present my new character to the world in my Telugu debut. Returning to Kerala feels like the perfect beginning for my next South release.”

    Nostalgia, Discipline, and the Spirit of Kerala

    The moment Sheena landed in Kerala, memories from her early shoot days came flooding back. Speaking about the overwhelming nostalgia, she said,

    “From the moment I landed, memories of my shoot days came rushing back — the discipline on set, the warmth of the people, the food, and of course working with Mammootty sir. Kerala always holds a very special place in my heart.”

    Director Jayaraj on Sheena Chohan’s Remarkable Talent

    Adding immense weight to her return was veteran filmmaker Jayaraj, who continues to speak highly of Sheena’s work even after a decade. He said,

    “Sheena acted with Mammootty in my film The Train. I was amazed while working with her because of her natural ability to portray the lead character, Mammootty’s wife. Her commitment as an actor and her professionalism during the shoot were admirable. I have directed 45 Malayalam films and worked with many actors across India, and I can proudly say that my experience working with Sheena was remarkable. Her evolution as an actor—marked by versatility, depth, and strength in every role—has been a joy to watch and a source of great pride.”

    A Career Spanning Languages, Borders, and Powerful Roles

    After her Malayalam debut, Sheena went on to act as the lead in over 10 international and independent films, earning Best Actress awards for her performances. This year, she made her Hindi film debut with Sant Tukaram, where her performance received widespread appreciation. Sheena also has a Hollywood film Nomad and an international series in the pipeline, along with a bold “she-devil” role in another international series, showcasing her fearless approach to unique and challenging characters.

    A Full-Circle Moment at IFFK

    As Sheena Chohan returns to Kerala after ten years, her visit goes far beyond attending the International Film Festival of Kerala. It stands as a full-circle moment—one that reflects her evolution as an actor deeply committed to her craft, celebrated for creating impactful characters, and admired for her formidable range across industries. From her early days with Mammootty to becoming a pan-India and international presence, Sheena’s journey continues to inspire.

  • Pearl Academy Partners with SETU Foundation to Boost Women Employability Through CSR

    Pearl Academy Partners with SETU Foundation to Boost Women Employability Through CSR

    New Delhi, December 15, 2025: Pearl Academy, a leading institution for creative education, in partnership with SETU Foundation, a Noida-based NGO has empowered 260+ students with technical, creative, and professional skills that strengthen their employability and economic independence, since the beginning of their partnership. Till date, more than 100 women have been employed in job roles across Fashion Designing and Beauty & Wellness. The collaboration was inspired by a shared vision, to close the widening skill gap faced by underprivileged youth. especially women, who are often unable to access quality, industry-ready education in fashion and beauty due to financial or social constraints.

    Since 2007, SETU Foundation has worked extensively in women’s education, youth empowerment, and livelihood creation, and this collaboration marks a significant step in strengthening those efforts with industry-relevant creative education. Through Pearl Academy’s CSR initiative, specialised training programmes in Fashion Design, Garment Construction, Makeup, Hair, and Grooming were designed and delivered for SETU students and trainers.

    With a focus on long-term learning, Pearl Academy’s academic teams created tailored curricula aligned with modern industry needs, supported by hands-on learning models and state-of-the-art training methods. This ensured students received contemporary, market-aligned training that helps them pursue employment or launch entrepreneurial ventures within their communities.

    Speaking about the collaboration, Aditi Srivastava, President, Pearl Academy said, “When we invest in women’s education, we invest in stronger families, communities and futures. Through this collaboration with SETU, Pearl Academy has designed learning pathways that are sensitive to context, build confidence and equip women with skills that support independence, self-belief and sustained livelihoods. Education, when delivered with care and purpose, has the power to change not just careers, but perspectives on life itself.”

    Ravi Kaul, Director, SETU Foundation added, “This collaboration has been life-altering for our students. Pearl Academy’s structured curriculum, rigorous training, and mentorship have opened doors to livelihood opportunities that were previously out of reach. We are proud of the women who have graduated and are now contributing meaningfully to their families and the community.”

    “Many graduates have already secured jobs, apprenticeships, and freelance roles with local boutiques, garment units, beauty studios, and retail stores. Encouragingly, several women have also launched their own small-scale ventures, from home-based boutiques to beauty services, helping strengthen local markets and boost household incomes.” he added.

    The impact of the initiative has been monitored since its first phase in 2017. Pearl Academy’s feedback-driven approach ensures regular inputs from students and trainers, enabling continuous improvement and long-term sustainability. Both institutions are exploring avenues for scaling the partnership across new regions to reach more learners and deepen the social impact. Pearl Academy and SETU foundation  remain committed to expanding this model and reinforcing the belief that creativity, skills, and opportunity together can spark lasting social transformation.

  • FUJIFILM India expands advanced diagnostic access in East with the installation of APERTO Lucent Open MRI at Mother Care Center, Siliguri

    FUJIFILM India expands advanced diagnostic access in East with the installation of APERTO Lucent Open MRI at Mother Care Center, Siliguri

    • The new Open MRI system brings high-resolution, patient-friendly imaging to Siliguri, also known as ‘The Gateway to North-East.
    • The installation strengthens a decade-long partnership while advancing access to early and accurate diagnosis in the region.

    Siliguri, December 14, 2025: FUJIFILM India, a leader in advanced diagnostic imaging solutions, has announced the installation of its state-of-the-art APERTO Lucent Open MRI system at Mothercare Centre Airport Plaza Building Bagdogra Naxalbari Block Close to Siliguri District, Darjeeling, strengthening a partnership that spans more than a decade. The centre, led by Director, Dr. Ranjit Bhagat, has long relied on FUJIFILM India’s CR, DR and ultrasound technologies, and this latest installation marks a transformative step forward in expanding high-quality MRI access for communities across North Bengal.

    The APERTO Lucent brings together precision imaging and patient-centric design, offering a uniquely open, comfortable scanning experience through its single-pillar structure and True OPEN Bore architecture. Equipped with a 0.4T permanent magnet, the system delivers stable, high-clarity imaging at low running costs, while its IP-RAPID technology significantly reduces scan times without compromising detail, helping clinicians diagnose complex neurological, musculoskeletal, cardiac, and oncological conditions with greater accuracy and efficiency.

    The city, Siliguri, functions as a critical healthcare hub for a vast regional population spanning North Bengal, Sikkim, Bihar and the North-East, where access to advanced imaging has historically been uneven and sometimes delayed. With India steadily expanding MRI availability beyond large cities, the installation of this machine in Siliguri aims to bridge these gaps by offering faster, more accurate diagnosis within the region and ensuring that high-quality care is accessible to every family without the burden of long-distance travel.

    Dr. Ranjit Bhagat, Director, Mother Care Center, added, “At Mother Care Center, our priority has always been to give patients access to the best possible care, supported by reliable and advanced technology. The APERTO Lucent Open MRI is a significant step forward for us, it delivers superior image quality while offering a more comfortable experience, especially for patients who feel anxious in closed scanners. This upgrade strengthens our ability to diagnose with confidence and ensures that our community benefits from modern, high-precision imaging right here in Siliguri.”

    Speaking on the milestone, Mr. Shunsuke Honda, Business Advisor, Medical Systems Division, FUJIFILM India, said, “At FUJIFILM India, improving access to advanced imaging is central to our mission. Many communities in North Bengal and neighbouring regions have long faced delays in reaching specialised diagnostic services, and installations like this help bring high-quality MRI closer to the people who need it most. Our partnership with Mother Care Center reflects our commitment to strengthening regional healthcare infrastructure and ensuring that world-class imaging is not limited to metro cities. With the APERTO Lucent Open MRI, we aim to support more equitable, timely and patient-friendly diagnostics across Siliguri and nearby cities.”

    This installation reinforces FUJIFILM India’s commitment to strengthening diagnostic ecosystems in emerging healthcare hubs, ensuring that access to advanced, equitable, and patient-friendly imaging continues to expand across the country.