Author: Sutun Nayak

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 28: The FSM x GSG Band-It 2025 Grand Finale, India’s largest inter-school performing arts competition, concluded on an unforgettable note—celebrating not just exceptional young talent, but the passion, discipline, and dreams of thousands of student performers across the country. Organised by Furtados School of Music (FSM) in collaboration with Global Schools Group (GSG), the finale marked the culmination of a remarkable nationwide journey that brought together young artists who dared to express, perform, and shine on a national stage.

Now in its 9th edition, Band-It has grown into far more than a competition. It has become a meaningful platform where students experience the joy of performance, the confidence that comes with being seen and heard, and the pride of representing their schools and cities. Over the years, more than 20,000 students from across India have been a part of this journey—each performance adding to a larger story of growth, creativity, and self-belief.

The grand finale was elevated by a distinguished panel of judges and celebrated artists, including renowned choreographer Terence Lewis and popular independent music act SANAM, who brought with them not only expertise but genuine encouragement for the next generation of performers. Adding to the magic of the evening, legendary playback singer Shaan made a special appearance, captivating the audience with a live performance alongside Terence Lewis and transforming the finale into a heartfelt celebration of live artistry and shared emotion.

Students competed across categories including Solo Singing, Solo Instrument, Solo & Group Dance, Speech & Drama, Choirs, and Bands. Every performance reflected hours of preparation, dedication, and courage—young performers stepping onto the stage with confidence, vulnerability, and pride. Beyond scores and rankings, participants received thoughtful feedback from experienced jury members, reinforcing Band-It’s belief that learning, growth, and experience matter just as much as winning.

From cities and schools across the country, students came together with countless hours of rehearsal, courage, and belief, turning Band-It into a stage where India’s young talent stood united by passion and hard work.

The competition witnessed outstanding performances from across the country, truly reflecting India’s cultural and creative diversity. In the Band category, CS Howlers from CS Academy, Chennai emerged as winners, followed by GIIS Rappers from GIIS Hadapsar, Pune as runners-up, and Rhythmators from Mumbai as second runners-up. The Group Dance category saw Nritya Dhara from Glendale Academy, Hyderabad claim top honours, with Dancing Dynasty from Vikasa World School, Madurai finishing as runners-up. In Group Speech & Drama, Vibyo Stars from Vibgyor School, Pune stood out with a powerful winning performance. With participation from schools across multiple geographical regions, Band-It 2025 stood as a true reflection of India’s collective young talent.

Reflecting on the experience, members of the jury shared their admiration for the scale and quality of the performances.

“We are experiencing something like this after 20 years, and the fact that music has evolved so much, we were excited to see the talent.”
SANAM, Music Jury, Band-It 2025

“I want to congratulate Furtados school of music and Global School’s Group for bringing such a great concept and a competition that has a pan-India presence, you get to see talent from all across the country and truly understand the level of excellence students are achieving today.”
Terence Lewis, Dance Jury, Band-It 2025

Band-It 2025 was supported by FSM’s parent brand, Furtados, whose 160+ year legacy in music education and musical instruments continues to shape and strengthen India’s music ecosystem. As the curtains closed on yet another successful edition, the FSM x GSG Band-It 2025 Grand Finale reaffirmed its place as a platform where young performers don’t just compete—but discover confidence, build memories, and take their first steps towards a lifelong relationship with the performing arts.

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 27: India’s pioneering aromatherapist, beauty expert and wellness entrepreneur Dr. Blossom Kochhar was felicitated with the ELLE Beauty Legacy Award at the prestigious The ELLE List 2026, in Mumbai recently. The recognition was presented during an illustrious evening celebrating outstanding achievements across culture, fashion, beauty and lifestyle.

Dr. Kochhar was honoured in recognition of her decades-long contribution to India’s beauty, skincare and wellness landscape, driven by her visionary work in aromatherapy, holistic beauty education and the mentoring of industry professionals. With a career spanning over four decades, she has been instrumental in bringing natural and science-inspired beauty practices to the forefront of Indian and international markets, shaping the understanding of beauty as a seamless blend of wellness, self-care and lifestyle.

Reflecting on the honour, Dr. Blossom Kochhar said, “This honour from ELLE celebrates not just my journey, but the evolution of beauty in India. From surface aesthetics to holistic wellness. Having spent decades building education, innovation and natural beauty solutions, this legacy award feels like a meaningful milestone.”

Presenting the award, a representative from ELLE India added, “Dr. Blossom Kochhar’s legacy has redefined beauty in India by seamlessly integrating wellness, education and innovation, making her a truly deserving recipient of the ELLE Beauty Legacy Award.”

Dr Kochhar is the founder and chairperson of the Blossom Kochhar Group of Companies and India’s largest aromatherapy brand, Aroma Magic. She is also the Chairperson of Beauty and Wellness Sector Skill Council (BW&SSC). A globally respected authority with a double doctorate, educator to over one lakh students, author of five books, philanthropist, and industry leader, she has elevated beauty into a respected profession while empowering women, youth, and underserved communities, leaving a legacy rooted in holistic wellness, compassion, and a deep love for nature.

The ELLE List is ELLE India’s flagship annual awards platform that honours visionary individuals and trailblazers across diverse fields.

The award evening brought together an exclusive gathering of influencers, leaders and creatives from the fashion, entertainment and lifestyle sectors.

For any information, please visit www.aromamagic.com or contact Payal Khanna at 9971573764 or Payal.khanna@aromamagic.com

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Dr. Pravin Amin, Mr. Shivjeet Singh Raghav, Dr. Ketna Mehta, Shri Arvind Prabhoo and Nishant Khade with the wheelchair community at the Will on Wheelz event.

Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 27: Nishant Khade marked a deeply personal milestone – he celebrated 25 years of life after a spinal cord injury at a commemorative gathering for the community of wheelchair users titled Will on Wheelz, held on January 25, 2026, at Courtyard by Marriott, Nerul.

Conceived and organised by Nishant himself, Will on Wheelz was envisioned as both a celebration and a gesture of gratitude, a heartfelt thank-you to the people who stood by him after his accident and became part of his journey of healing, rebuilding, and growth. Close family members, friends, doctors, therapists, mentors, and members of the disability ecosystem came together to honour a journey shaped by resilience and community.

Sharing his perspective on the significance of the gathering, Nishant said,

“Will on Wheelz is my way of saying thank you and of reminding others that life doesn’t stop after injury, it evolves. Being on a wheelchair changed how I move through the world, but it didn’t take away my ability to dream, to contribute, or to live meaningfully.”

In 2001, at the young age of 23, Nishant sustained a spinal cord injury that placed him on a wheelchair and altered the course of his life. What followed, however, was not an end, but a transition; one that demanded not only medical care, but emotional strength, sustained rehabilitation, and long-term support.

A pivotal role in this journey was played by Nina Foundation, which supported Nishant during the most critical phase after his accident. The Foundation provided structured rehabilitation guidance, emotional reassurance, and access to resources that helped him navigate the uncertainty of life after injury. Its holistic approach focusing not just on physical recovery but also on dignity, confidence, and independence, proved instrumental in Nishant’s long-term rehabilitation.

Dr. Ketna Mehta from Nina Foundation emphasised the importance of sustained, people-centric rehabilitation, stating,

“Nishant’s journey reflects what is possible when medical care is combined with emotional support and long-term rehabilitation. At Nina Foundation, our focus has always been to help individuals move beyond survival to regain confidence, independence, and a sense of control over their lives.”

The morning opened with a welcome address, followed by an audio-visual film chronicling Nishant’s life before the accident and the 25-year journey that followed, capturing moments of struggle, resilience, humour, and growth. Nishant then addressed the audience, sharing reflections on acceptance, choice, and redefining purpose after injury.

“This journey has taught me that acceptance is not about giving up, but about choosing to move forward with intention. Life after injury isn’t about going back to who you were; it’s about discovering who you can still become. Purpose doesn’t disappear; it simply takes a new shape when you choose to build again, every single day,” he said.

A panel discussion on spinal cord injury followed, featuring Dr. Ketna Mehta, Shivjeet Singh Raghav, Shri Arvind Ramesh Prabhoo, Dr. Pravin R. Amin, and Nishant Khade, bringing together medical expertise, rehabilitation insight, mentorship, and lived experience to discuss recovery, resilience, and inclusion.

The event also spotlighted Access4All Foundation, a social initiative co-founded by Nishant Khade and Arvind Prabhoo. Born out of their own lived experiences as wheelchair users, Access4All addresses the lack of accessible public transport by providing specially modified wheelchair-friendly vans and trained support staff to ensure safe, dignified, and hassle-free travel for persons with disabilities. The Foundation also offers consultancy for disability-inclusive infrastructure development, working to create more accessible urban spaces.

In addition, the gathering highlighted Nishant and Arvind Prabhoo’s pan-India initiative, Beyond the Barrier – a cross-country journey undertaken on a wheelchair to challenge perceptions around disability, accessibility, and independence. The initiative stands as a testament to the belief that physical limitations need not restrict ambition, exploration, or purpose.

The event concluded with a felicitation ceremony honouring the doctors, therapists, mentors, and supporters who played pivotal roles in Nishant’s journey, followed by a closing note of gratitude.

As Nishant marks 25 years on a wheelchair through Will on Wheelz, the event served as a powerful reminder that recovery after spinal cord injury is never a solitary effort. With committed institutions like Nina Foundation, solution-driven initiatives like Access4All Foundation, dedicated medical professionals, and strong personal networks, life beyond injury is not only possible; it can be purposeful, dignified, and extraordinary.

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New Delhi [India], January 28: Renowned spiritual leader and foremost voice of Sanatana Dharma, Morari Bapu, conducted a nine-day Ram Katha in the national capital from January 17 to January 25 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The Katha, titled Manas Sanatana Dharma, concluded symbolically a day ahead of Republic Day.

Elaborating on the timeless nature of Sanatana Dharma through diverse perspectives and drawing from its foundational scriptures, beginning with the Vedas, Morari Bapu explained that Sanatana Dharma is the only perennial religion, beyond the confines of historical dating, and one that harmoniously links the essence of all spiritual traditions. He stated that its core values are Truth, Love, Compassion, and Non-Violence.

Morari Bapu cautioned that although several attempts have been made to undermine Sanatana Dharma over the centuries, the greatest threat today arises from internal divisions. He expressed concern over sects that seek to promote their own deities and propagate false narratives by making unauthorized interpolations into sacred texts and circulating them as authentic.

Bapu warned that while such sects may find support from other “gaadis” (powerful seats), they will never receive legitimacy from the Vyas Gaadi, which has remained, since time immemorial, steadfastly aligned with the authentic values, scriptures, and deities of Sanatana Dharma—namely Lord Ram, Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, and Goddess Durga.

From Vedas to Ram Charita Manas – Morari Bapu Defines the Canon of Sanatana Dharma

The celebrated Ram Katha exponent reiterated that the sacred textual tradition of Sanatana Dharma begins with the Vedas, followed by the Upanishads, the established Puranas, and the Bhagavad Gita. He further stated that Goswami Tulsidas’ Ram Charita Manas is the final scripture in this continuum, and that no text written thereafter can be regarded as part of the canonical Sanatana Dharma corpus. This, he emphasized, is conclusively accepted by its adherents.

Morari Bapu also poetically described the spiritual symbolism of Sanatana Dharma: its pravah (flow) is the Ganga, its sacred mountain is Kailasa, its holy tree is the Akshay Vat, its granth is the Vedas, its chakra is the Sudarshan Chakra, its cooling serenity is the Moon, and its illumination is Surya Bhagwan.

The Katha was inaugurated by Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, while the inaugural and valedictory address was delivered by former President Ram Nath Kovind. During the week, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta attended the Katha and made a solemn commitment to Morari Bapu to fully clean the River Yamuna.

On the very first day, Morari Bapu visited Raj Ghat and offered prayers at the samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation.

The Ram Katha was hosted by Acharya Lokesh Muni, noted Jain spiritual leader and founder of the World Peace Centre. The event was financially supported by devotees of Morari Bapu. Bapu also generously assisted Acharya Lokesh Muni in raising funds for the World Peace Centre through his personal contribution and by inspiring his followers—whom he affectionately calls “flowers”—to contribute.

On Day 8, Acharya Lokesh Muni invited leaders of various faiths, who praised India’s the largesse of Sanatana Dharma and the inclusive spirit of its great democracy.

Manas Sanatana Dharma marked Morari Bapu’s 971st Ram Katha and was open to all, irrespective of background or belief.

It is noteworthy that Morari Bapu never accepts any remuneration for conducting Ram Katha. The discourses, as well as the meals served to attendees, are entirely free of charge.

Rooted in the eternal values of Satya (Truth), Prem (Love), and Karuna (Compassion), the Ram Yatra continues to reaffirm Morari Bapu’s lifelong mission to spread the light of the Ram Charita Manas and to strengthen Sanatana Dharma across the nation.

About Morari Bapu

Morari Bapu was born on Mahashivratri of 1946. He has been reciting Ram Kathas for over sixty-five years, beginning his spiritual journey at the age of 14 under a village tree in Gujarat. He was initiated into the Ramcharitamanas by his grandfather and guru, Tribhuvana Das ji. Drawing from Vedic Sanatana Dharma, popularly known as Hindu Sanatana Dharma, Bapu’s narrations emphasize universal peace, truth, love, and compassion. Those attending his kathas belong to all regions, castes and creeds.

Over the decades, Morari Bapu has conducted over 970 Ram Kathas in numerous cities and pilgrimage sites across India and around the world, including Sri Lanka, South Africa, Kenya, the United Kingdom, the United States, Brazil, Australia, Israel, and Japan, attracting millions of followers.

Morari Bapu has conducted Kathas at all 12 Jyotirlingas in India as well as in all places associated with Ram Yatra during Lord Ram’s 14 years of exile, travelling by train. He has organized landmark events at the United Nations Headquarters in New York and at the University of Cambridge. He has also performed Kathas on a ship and on a plane during a circumnavigation of the globe.

Beyond traditional venues, Bapu has also conducted Ram Kathas for marginalized communities, including sex workers and transgender individuals, and has been actively involved in humanitarian efforts in disaster-hit areas globally, including war-torn Ukraine and Israel.

As a regular practice, free vegetarian meals are served as prasad for all those who come to the Katha.

Official Website:https://chitrakutdhamtalgajarda.org

Watch the live telecast of the event here:ChitrakutdhamTalgajarda

https://youtube.com/@MorariBapu

OfficialLinktree: https://linktr.ee/ChitrakutdhamTalgajarda

Official Social Media Channels

Instagram: @ChitrakutdhamTalgajarda https://www.instagram.com/chitrakutdhamtalgajarda/

Facebook: @ChitrakutdhamTalgajarda – https://www.facebook.com/ChitrakutdhamTalgajardaMorariBapu/

Twitter: @MorariBapu_ – https://twitter.com/MorariBapu_

Telegram: @ChitrakutdhamTalgajarda-https://t.me/ramkathaclips

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Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], January 28: Mumbai will witness a significant literary and intellectual event on January 31, 2026, with the launch of two books on the life, ideology, and nationalist vision of Veer Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, authored by senior journalist and author Dr Vaidehi Taman.

The books — “Reclaiming Bharat: Veer Savarkar’s Vision for a Resilient Hindu Rashtra” and “Veer Savarkar: Rashtravaadachi Krantikari Yatra” — have been written in English, Hindi, and Marathi, aiming to reach a wider readership and present Savarkar’s ideas in a comprehensive and accessible manner. The works seek to examine Savarkar’s role as a revolutionary, thinker, and nationalist ideologue, while addressing contemporary debates surrounding his legacy.

The book launch event will be held at Avion Hotel (Royale Hall), Vile Parle East, from 7:30 pm onwards. The programme will feature in-depth discussions on the books, along with addresses by eminent speakers on Veer Savarkar’s contribution to India’s freedom struggle, nationalism, and civilisational thought.

Renowned spiritual and thought leader Shri Swami Vigyananand Maharaj Ji, Author and Founder & Global Chairman of the World Hindu Foundation, will grace the occasion as the Chief Guest, while Shri Swami Jeetendranand Saraswati Ji, National General Secretary of the Akhil Bharatiya Sant Samiti and Ganga Mahasabha, will attend as the Guest of Honour.

In addition to the formal discussions and speeches, the event will also offer an interactive and immersive experience for attendees. Specially curated selfie spots, book-themed installations, and exclusive merchandise related to the books and Savarkar’s ideas will be available, making the event engaging for readers, students, and young audiences alike.

Speaking ahead of the launch, Dr Vaidehi Taman said the books aim to encourage informed dialogue and a deeper understanding of Savarkar’s vision for a strong, self-reliant, and culturally rooted Bharat. “This is an effort to present Savarkar beyond slogans and controversies, and to engage readers with his original thoughts and writings,” she said.

The event is expected to draw intellectuals, scholars, media professionals, students, and readers interested in history, nationalism, and contemporary political thought.

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New Delhi [India], January 28: Taara Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd. and Vijender Singh promotions marked its entry into the world of cinema with the unveiling of its first film project. The company positions itself as a creative platform committed to producing meaningful and engaging content for audiences across India and beyond.

The debut project brings together Olympic boxer Vijender Singh and Anuraag Malhan in lead roles, marking a unique collaboration between two personalities from diverse professional backgrounds. While Vijender Singh is celebrated for his achievements in international boxing and was last seen on screen alongside Salman Khan in Kisi Ka Bhai Kisi Ki Jaan, Anuraag Malhan is widely recognised for his work in the digital entertainment space. The film draws strong inspiration from Haryana, with the region’s cultural roots, ethos, and landscape forming a core element of its narrative. Their coming together, united by shared Haryana roots, promises a fresh and compelling on-screen dynamic.

The film will be directed by Sanju Sanjay Saini, who will helm the creative vision and storytelling of the project. His previous work includes the breakout series Akhada, which was rooted in Haryana and received recognition for its strong regional narrative. The production is being led by producers Shivani Malhan and Savita Malhan, with Jainandini Rathore serving as co-producer. Jainandini Rathore is the granddaughter of veteran actress Zubeida and His Highness Maharaja Hanwant Singh Ji of Jodhpur, bringing a distinguished cinematic and cultural legacy to the project.

Details regarding the film’s storyline, genre, and release timeline are currently under wraps, as the project remains in its early stages of development. The makers have confirmed that further announcements will be made as the production progresses.

With this inaugural venture, Taara Motion Pictures Pvt. Ltd. aims to establish itself as a contributor to the evolving entertainment landscape by supporting original storytelling and fostering collaborations across creative disciplines. This first project represents the beginning of the company’s broader vision within the film industry.

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