“Symbols adorn our world and mind at every turn. India’s Sages and seers have created symbolic imagery, transforming mudras (hand gestures) into instantly recognized emblems and transmitters of a Deity’s power or a particular frequency of energy. Each of the dozens of Deities in the Hindu pantheon conveys a cosmic function, force or capacity. Today this ancient magic is carried forward in a multitude of ways, from the temple priest’s invocation to the Indian housewife’s drawing of multi-colored designs, called kolams or rangoli, on the ground as auspicious auguries, household blessings and greetings.

It was this that inspired the theme for Feb3’2024. Although Malls are the INDRAPRASTH of today that had something for every seeking heart, what it needed was the Arts and thanks to Shri Sandip Soparrkarji and GM Shri Satyajit Kotwalji, my dream processed out to a reality which was to have the general public who frequent Malls to connect to the finer aspects of life . ”  said  Kalashri Dr Lata Surendra curator of the unique ‘Ode to Sacred Symbols’ With the Inorbit culture Club as the venue partner, the unique event that had 150 participating professionals took shape at  the extraordinary venue under the umbrella of the NCPA Mumbai Dance Season, with the aim being to have more rasikas connect to the rich spectrum of Indian Classical dance forms .

The traditional Lamp Lighting by Guest of Honour -Shri Sandip Sopaarkar-Indian Latin and ballroom dancer, choreographer, actor, columnist, Philanthropist,Chairperson of India Fine Arts Council, Doctorate in World Mythology,  G.M – Inorbit Mall Shri Satyajit Kotwal, Prog Head for Dance- Dr Swapnokalapa Dasguptaji.   

Senior Gurus present and celebrity guests Fashion Guru – Sonia Mayers -The face of Swadeshi Brand& Founder of Dr A. P. J .Kalam Bharata Puraskar Ridhima Pai- Pantaloons Femina  Miss India Finalist & Model ,Indian Actor -Shri Mukul Naag of Saibaba fame , Bollywood Actor Shri Kamal Ghimire  set the prelude to the beautiful chapter. 

The positive message that Sandip Soparrkar highlighted, bespoke of a concern for unity vital in this world today and artists as those responsible mediums who could highlight it most effectively  .  The anticipation in onlookers who thronged to witness the show was obvious and infectiou.

The Sacred Symbol of CHAKRA ,  Vishnu’s symbol as the wheel of time by  Nalanda Nritya Kala Mahavidyalaya set the flow. The dancers through the synergy of three dance forms  elaborated interestingly the Kaal chakra concluding with Abhimanyu’s Chakravyuh- a formidable military structure that resembled a labyrinth of several defensive walls. The evocative exploring  through an interesting choreography that endorsed the beauty of three styles -Bharata Natyam, Kathak and Mohiniattam  rooted the moving crowd of the Inorbit Mall to stillness! . 

Guru Keka Sinha- Kalapi Centre of Performing arts  with Somangka Bhattacharjee presented     Kannadi bimbam – the  Mirror .The mirror worshipped as the manifestation of  the wrathful merciless  Bhadrakali  – who emanated from the third eye of Lord Shiva to vanquish Demon  darika accorded with the boon of immortality by Brahma . Senior Manipuri Exponent and Teacher Latasanadevi – the senior disciple of Padmashri Guru  Darshana Jhaveriji,   through  ‘Prarthana’  highlighted  the significance of Tilaka  . With the flowing grace that is Manipuri, she highted  why staunch Vaishnava devotees wear tilak on twelve parts of the body.  Guru  Dr Sailaja Desai  (Kuchipudi)& Guru  Dr Suman Badami (Bharata Natyam ) both Mentors and Exponents in their Respective styles and Curators of Powai Fine Arts , explored  the echoes of Dharma unravelling  the Symbolism of Lord Krishna’s Conch Panchajanya .

Imagery of Shankh through Andal’s Naachiyar Tirumozhi – karuppuram narumO  by  Dr Suman  Desai and  Kurukshetra battle scene  where the Lord sounded his Conch -by Dr Sailaja Desai brought to life the Symbol of the Conch .Manas Cultural Institute- Disciples of Guru  Smt Manisha Jeet  with absolute soulful energy of Kathak  took up Kasturi Tilakam from  Sri Krishna Karnamrutham,  to explore Tilaka .

Accomplished Odissi Mentor,Exponent Dr Sarmishta Chattopadhyay-explored sandal paste – chandan through an odiya song by upayendra bhanja wherein  a young gopi comforts her Krishna with a garland of soft malli flowers to soothe him by applying sandal paste .Dr Ayswaria Wariar explored ankusa –the goad of Bhadrakali  and began interestingly  with the kerala temple ritual of kalamezhuthu paatu concluding with creation of bhairavi from shivas third eye. The sound of the reed comes from fire, not wind and  Disciples of Purbita mukherjee – explored the sacred flute.Seasoned Kathak exponent Isha kathavathe  explored the SHREE yantra- supreme mystical mandala –the living yantra and related its distinct geometric symbolism with the kinestheics of Kathak. Disciples of Guru Padmini Radhakrikrishna – Saundarya Natya Kalalaya Foundation explored the  bell -Ghanta  used in ritual puja that stimulates the inner ear to remind us that, like sound, the world may be perceived but not possessed ! Upasana Academy  of Fine Arts – Disciples of Guru Jayshree Nair reached out with the Star  through bhakta Dhruva to awaken all to  a lesson of surrendering all worries, to the divine.

Aditi Nrityalaya –Disciples of  Guru Sushri Lata Bakalkar explored with commitment  the sacred  dumroo – the two sides of which represented the duality of existence.  Ananya Iyer and Megha M Pillai ,the Disciples of Kalashri Lata Surendra-the curator took up the Peacock as the vehicle or Vahana of  Lord Subramanya.

Though the Peacock is noted for its excessive pride which is  attributed as  a negative trait , the rhythm- packed choreography symbolically attributed  it as the pride that a seeker of Truth should have for Supreme Self and the answering rhythm binding the vahana and the deity reflective of the harmony ever so vital in the universe resounding with Omkaram . Sujatha Ramanathan-the accomplished Bharata Natyam exponent  once again accentuated harmony through the vaak devi- embracing wisdom and creativity  The veena, in addition to representing the arts, serves as a reminder to tune one’s heart and mind to live in harmony with others and the world.

Ved dance academy  – graceful Kathak exponent&Teacher  Aditi Yadav &   Senior  Mentor and exponent  Smt  Paullumi Mukherjee awakened all to the saguna and nirguna aspect.Paullumi with maturity  explored  the  texture of peetham  in the creation of Haridri Ganesha  while  through the Composition of Sant Kabir  Aditi Yadav,with poise  gracefully set about  the awakening of ebullient yellow through the formless.  Bharatanatyakalalaya- with Anupama Devrajan, the dedicated disciple of Guru Geetha Venkateshwar exponent explored the dualistic aspect of Sacred Symbol -Agni.The Founder of  Geetanjali dance school,renowned Mohiniattam  Guru Geetha Vijayshanker’s talented Disciples evocatively   highlighted the ornaments of Lord Shiva, through  sopana sangeetham.

The  imaginative choreography invoked the Lord’s grace  with the crescent moon and sacred  Ganga flowing from his  matted locks!. The theme was once again elaborated by vibrant  disciples of imaginative  Guru Shri K V Rajan, Founder of Meenakshi Nritya Vidyalaya . Kalangan Guru Moli Sidharth ‘s disciples   explored the sacred symbol of the tears of Lord Shiva- Rudraksh through a thought provoking choreography . ‘Ecological responsibility is not an obligation, once we realize we are all an integrated’  and this was what was sensitively  highlighted through the sacred Vat Vriksha by Taal Mani Pandit Brijraj Misra Foundation by Mentor Smt Anu Harshal & Disciples.

Akshobhya Bharadwaj, who is at the core of the new generation of Kathak dancers, embodied Bhasma  through his energetic performance . The Creative Visualiser  Debabrata Pal through the  synergy of dance and painting depicted the ardhanarishwara symbol . Committed Kathak exponent Shri Kailasnath Kurup doing his Masters at the Bharata College of Fine Arts, explored the blue lotus garland of Lord Shiva choreographed  by the very thinking artist and researcher Dr Sunil Sunkara.

The seasoned Kathak Exponent charismatic  Disha Desai & team explored bilva patra . The Ode to Sacred Symbols concluded with a stirring definition of Dwaj-The Flag  through  the lament of a patriot’s motherby curator Kalashri Dr lata Surendra  . She highlighted to all that the flag is symbolic of our Nation’s pride and accords unto each of us our very Cultural identity . Thus with the promise of new beginnings, the witnessing eyes of thronging rasikas at the In orbit Malad reached out to waiting life realizing that life is not just about passing moments but about shared moments that take our breath away!

By a Dance  Reporter  – Inorbit Culture Club

Ode To Sacred Symbols  Curated By Kalashri Dr Lata Surendra

Social media star Akriti Agarwal and Anis Mirza’s music video “Begairat” launched, lyricist Arafat Mehmood, music Shabab Azmii, director Ranveer Rajput, singer Aaman Trikha*

Nowadays social media has become such a platform through which many new talents become stars. The name of social media influencer Akriti Agarwal can be taken in this list, who has millions of followers. Akriti Agarwal, who was fond of dance and acting since childhood, first became a Tik Tok star, after which her videos gained immense popularity on Instagram also. Due to her lovely smile, beauty and facial expression, she got millions of fans. Her performance in many music videos was also praised. Now Akriti Agarwal and Anis Mirza’s new song “Begairat” has been released which is being liked a lot.

Akriti Agarwal and Anis Mirza’s music video “Begairat” was grandly launched at Red Bulb Studios, Mumbai. The producer of this song is Leens Queens Entertainment. Akriti Agarwal and Anis Mirza’s music video “Begairat” is directed by Ranveer Rajput, lyricist Arafat Mehmood, music director Shabab Azmii. Many guests and influencers including Himanshu Kumar Kushwaha were also present as guests. In the video showing the story of a broken heart, Akriti and Anis have given wonderful expressions.

Made under the banner of Leens Queens Entertainment, the singer of the music video is Aaman Trikha who has gained popularity by singing many Bollywood songs. Lyrics are written by Arafat Mehmood and music is by Shabab Azmii. On the occasion of the launch, many guests including Puneet Star, Jogendra, Saddu, Arun ji, Azhar Hussain, Sufiyan Kapadia, Mojassim Khan, Abraaz Khan were present. Everyone praised the song and appreciated the acting of Akriti Agarwal.

Himanshu Kumar Kushwaha, owner of AK Group of Companies, was present as the guest. Himanshu Kumar Kushwaha, associated with the corporate world, is the owner of 13 companies but he also runs an NGO. He also provides free online education. Himanshu Kushwaha has also received many awards.

He praised the hard work and dedication of the entire song team.

Everyone praised director Ranveer Rajput’s direction and concept and said that this song has been filmed exactly like a film song. Aaman Trikha has also lent his voice and acted in the song.

Leens Queens Entertainment Presents: Anis Mirza and Akriti Agarwal’s Latest Song ‘Begairat”

She is pretty. She is vivacious, she is dynamic and at 26, she is an actress-music label owner rolled into one. She is an Arlin Maitra, the driving force behind Omcar Records.

And she is launching her music label  Omcar Records’ with the romantic singles Love and Latte. An interesting song shot in Azerbaijaan, the launch has Arlin, Sharad Malhotra, Altamash Faridi, Saahil Goradia of Sumeet-Saahil, Palash Dutta, Hrishikesh Pandey, Neel Motwani, Aditya Bhansali, Sushweta Tewary, among others.

Arts including acting and music have always been Arlin’s passion. “After dabbling in modelling and acting. I figured my passion for music.

“Music is something that we all love. When I knew music is that something I live for, I needed to be a part of this industry. Being an actress, it was easy for me to give the vocals a visual representation.”

Added Sharad Malhotra, “Love & Latte was one amazing experience. Lush locales,  amazing team, great producer and costar and a winning song; what more can one ask for!”

Arlin Maitra,  Sharad Malhotra, Altamash Faridi At Omcar Records’ Love And Latte Singles Launch

Tamil Nadu: February 8, 2024 – On the occasion of Road Safety Week, Swiggy, India’s leading on-demand convenience platform has collaborated with the Greater Chennai City Traffic Police to organize a comprehensive road safety and traffic awareness program for its delivery partners in the city. The program, initiated on February 5th, aims to run over a span of three days, covering key locations such as Anna Nagar and Adyar in Chennai.

The program commenced with a safety rally by Swiggy’s delivery partners at Anna Nagar yesterday, witnessing an impressive turnout of over 100 participants. This was followed by informative traffic awareness sessions led by Traffic Inspector Mr. Shakthivel. The inaugural session was graced by the esteemed presence of Mr. Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police Traffic, and Mr. Sundar Raj, Assistant Commissioner of Police. Today, another session has been lined up at Anna Nagar.

Following this, the program will extend its reach to delivery partners in Adyar next week before encompassing significant zones across Coimbatore. 

The “Road Safety and Traffic Awareness Programme” underscores Swiggy’s commitment to promoting responsible driving practices among its delivery fleet. Participants will receive training on crucial aspects such as traffic rules, helmet usage, case studies, consequences of reckless driving, and parking etiquette. Swiggy has been conducting annual road safety training for its delivery partners in the city since 2018.

“We appreciate Swiggy’s proactive approach to road safety challenges as evident from their collaboration with the Greater Chennai City Traffic. Their commitment to ensuring the safety of their delivery partners and the communities they serve is commendable. Such initiatives set a positive example for responsible corporate citizenship in our state,” remarked Mr. Kumar, Deputy Commissioner of Police Traffic.

“Road accidents, and resultant fatalities and injuries are a big scourge for India. Every year these cost the Indian economy 4-5 percent of the GDP. Most of the victims are pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorcyclists, with many of them in their prime working age. Swiggy is committed to the welfare of its delivery partners. By conducting regular road safety awareness programmes in association with police authorities, we hope to improve traffic sensitisation to delivery partners and to improve their safety,” said Dinker Vashisht, Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Swiggy.  

Parthasarthy, a Swiggy delivery partner who attended the session, expressed appreciation for the initiative. “Considering we delivery partners spend so much time on the road, I am glad that Swiggy and the Greater Chennai Traffic Police organized this session for us. Such sessions help us realize that Swiggy cares about our safety as much as it does about delivering to the customer.”

Over the years, Swiggy has conducted drives in different cities across India in its commitment to enabling a safe working environment for its delivery fleet. All delivery partners at Swiggy are provided with insurance that protects them on the road. 

Last year, in an industry-first initiative, Swiggy partnered with Dial 4242 to provide on-demand, free, and fast ambulance services to its delivery partners. Swiggy also has Emergency Support Services (ESS), which encompasses various options to cater to the needs of delivery partners during an emergency or mishap on the road. The ESS includes 24*7 hotline numbers, emergency cards for delivery partners, and a direct link to the local police and ambulance service via an SOS button on the delivery partner app.

For Swiggy, the safety and well-being of its delivery partners and the wider community are paramount. All delivery partners go through a road safety guidance module at the time of onboarding. The platform also conducts safety campaigns offering support and guidance throughout the year.

Three-Day Road Safety Program Launched By Swiggy And Chennai Traffic Police

~ Directed by the versatile film marker Akash Sagar Chopra the documentary was received warmly by a full house, with a remarkable 7-minute standing ovation~

India, 9^th February: Sagar Pictures Entertainment, rooted in the storytelling legacy of Ramanand Sagar, in association with the Manav Ekta Mission, proudly presented the Mumbai premiere of the award-winning documentary ‘Walking With M’ at the Royal Opera House in Mumbai.

The documentary, 7 years in the making, made with over 1800 hours of archival footage, is a cinematic marvel directed by the visionary Akash Sagar Chopra. The 1hr 37min feature, unveiled the monumental journey of Padmabhushan Awardee and Best-Selling Author Sri M, as he embarked on an epic 7,500-kilometer odyssey across India, traversing 11 states from Kanyakumari to Kashmir.

Amidst the cacophony of a divided world, the central plot of ‘Walking With’ is based on one of India’s ancient ideologies scripted in the Rig Veda – ‘Sang Gachattavam’ which translates to, may we walk together – that gave rise to The Walk of Hope 2015-2016, now hailed as the longest peace march in the history of India. Led by of Sri M, Mumtaz Ali (recipient of the Padmabhushan award in 2020) an Indian spiritual author, educationist, and an advocate for peace, The Walk of Hope or the Asha Yatra marks an arduous journey of 80 travelers who tried to bridge the chasms of discord across India, with the singular aim of bringing the diversity of India together.

At the premiere, Sri M expressed, “We may have differences which cannot be overcome, yet at our core, we’re all human beings and thus one. This timeless wisdom, deeply rooted in our ancient Indian culture, was the message we aimed to share during the ‘Walk of Hope’ padyatra. At its core, “Walking With M” embodies the indomitable spirit of humanity and traces the story behind one man’s unfathomable attempt to ignite a flame of hope and peace in a world gripped by turmoil.”

The Walk of Hope captivated the hearts of millions in India and abroad who joined the movement over a period of 16 transformative months in the year 2015-16. The yatra was greeted warmly by state chief ministers and the Honorable Prime Minister, who acknowledged and lauded the efforts of Sri M to explore the spirit of India.

“Covering over 7,500km from Kanyakumari to Kashmir, we traversed through diverse villages, towns and cities where we learnt a lot. More than what we could share, we ourselves discovered the true essence of Bharat— which we realised is truly united at its heart.” He further added.

The film maker and director Akash Sagar Chopra, “Walking With M’ stands as a testament to the enduring qualities of the human spirit in the face of adversity. In a world full of violence and discord, the story of Sri M’s walk of hope lends a unique perspective to understanding ‘the other’ who also walks beside you. My attempt with this documentary is to give everyone an opportunity to be part of this transformative 7500km journey and witness an unseen movement of global history— with an experience that leaves you feeling like you’ve walked alongside Sri M and his fellow travelers during the ‘Walk of Hope 2015-2016’ while exploring the diverse, beautiful, and ever-changing landscape of India.”

Resonating with the audience of over 600, a full house at the premiere, the film received a remarkable 7-minute standing ovation. Sagar Pictures Entertainment announced that all proceedings from this film and its collections going forward will be donated to the cause of Manav Ekta Mission.

‘Walking With M’ has garnered international acclaim, with a successful run across 8 European countries, screening at a diverse “community film festival” circuit to reach as many communities as possible. The film has also won several accolades such as Winner of Best Documentary at Film Fest International (Berlin FFI) 2023, Winner of the Global Peace Award at The International Film Festival The Hague, as well as nominations for Best Director of a Documentary, Historical Interest Award, and Best Editing of a Documentary.

The documentary has also been recognized at prestigious film festivals including the Athens International Monthly Art Film Festival, Scandinavian International Film Awards, Stockholm City Film Festival, Paradise Film Festival in Budapest, Film South Asia in Nepal and the Swedish International Film Festival, where it was honored with the Outstanding Achievement Best Documentary Feature Length award.

‘Walking With M’ is now scheduled to have multiple screenings across many Indian cities and educational institutes, and Sagar Pictures is already in talks with distribution partners for a worldwide release.

Sagar Pictures Entertainment Premieres Internationally Acclaimed WALKING WITH M Documentary At The Iconic Royal Opera House, Mumbai