Author: Sutun Nayak

Pune (Maharashtra) [India], July 8: A celebration of resilience, grace, and limitless ambition unfolded at the grand finale of Mrs. India – Empress of The Nation 2025, held on June 29, 2025, at the luxurious HYATT Pune. Among the 53 extraordinary women crowned that evening was Gitanjali Lenka from Thane, who was honored as the Elite 2nd Runner-Up and awarded the prestigious title of ‘Mrs. Achiever’. The evening sparkled with glamour and warmth, and was further elevated by the presence of celebrity guests Rohit Roy and Tanisha Mukherjee, who added star power and encouragement to the proceedings. The event is the brainchild of Anjana Mascarenhas and Karl Mascarenhas of Diva Pageants (www.divapageants.com).

A professional athlete, certified running coach, and founder of “Speedies”, Gitanjali is no stranger to grit and growth. She currently serves as the Head Coach of Skechers GORUN Club, training people across age groups to embrace fitness with purpose and passion. Her journey to the crown is a natural extension of her life’s mission: empowering others through endurance, discipline, and belief in one’s potential.

“As a marathon runner and coach, I’ve always believed in embracing challenges – whether on the road, in life, or now, on stage,” Gitanjali shares. “Mrs. India, Empress of the Nation, gave me the chance to represent strong, self-made women in their 50s who are still running toward dreams, goals, and new beginnings. I wanted to show that age is no barrier to confidence, health, or beauty.”

Balancing motherhood and ambition, Gitanjali’s proudest cheerleaders have always been her children. “My daughter and son have seen me rise through struggles, train hard, and stay true to myself. Their faith in me pushed me to take this bold step.”

On stepping into the spotlight, Gitanjali compares it to her races: “It felt like the start line of a big marathon – nervous but ready. Years of running taught me to wear my confidence and enjoy the moment. But it was the grooming, motivation, and support from Anjana Ma’am and Karl Sir that helped me bring my best self to that stage.”

For Gitanjali, this crown isn’t a finish line – it’s a milestone in an ongoing journey. “I want to use this platform to inspire more women to believe in themselves, invest in their health, and never give up on their dreams, no matter their age. Whether it’s completing a 5K or walking on stage, I’m here to cheer them on every step of the way.”

Looking ahead, she is determined to expand her running goals internationally, with plans to participate in global marathons and spread her message of fitness, confidence, and ageless ambition.

That’s not all – Gitanjali now sets her sights on representing India at international pageant platforms, with every confidence that she will bring home pride, recognition, and accolades.

With a heart that races for change and a stride that never stops, Gitanjali Lenka is running the ultimate marathon – one that leads to inspiration, impact, and legacy.

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Surat(Gujarat) [India], July 7: Surat came alive with a burst of color, texture, and boundless imagination as the International Institute of Fashion Design (IIFD) threw open its doors for the annual Arasa and Gaba exhibitions on July 5 and 6. At Riga Street in Vesu, what began as a simple showcase turned into a full-blown celebration of ideas, craftsmanship, and a fearless love of design.

Since its establishment in 2014, IIFD Surat has gently established itself as a nurturing hub for emerging talent within Gujarat’s vibrant creative community. Guided by Mukesh Maheshwari, the school has blossomed from a promising starting point into an inspiring and lively environment where students freely explore new forms, colors, and ideas, challenging even the most experienced designers to take notice.

A Gathering of Creative Energy

Stepping into this year’s exhibitions felt like entering a series of tiny worlds, each one handcrafted by students who poured months of thought and effort into their displays. The buzz was electric. Parents arrived wide-eyed, students darted around making last-minute adjustments, and visitors strolled through the halls, soaking in the sheer diversity of ideas.

The opening ceremony itself was no small affair: Surat Police Commissioner Anupam Singh Gahlaut, Padma Shri Mathurbhai Savani, former Surat BJP Vice President Chhotubhai Patil, and Vinod Agrawal of the Laxmihari Group all turned up to lend their support, underscoring the growing recognition that design is not just decoration – it’s a driver of culture and innovation.

Inside Arasa: Stories in Spaces

This year’s Arasa interior design exhibition drew together 75 students who transformed concepts into immersive experiences. One section felt like a meditation on tranquillity, with Japanese Zen-inspired spaces designed to pull visitors into a state of calm. Another was bursting with vivid pinks, yellows, and blues – furniture echoing the joy of Mexican festivals, complete with surprising shapes that looked like they’d come to life mid-dance.

Then there were the pieces inspired by Bandhani, Gujarat’s iconic tie-dye technique, but reimagined into sharp, modern silhouettes and muted tones – a deliberate twist on tradition that left many onlookers nodding in quiet appreciation. Not to be missed were the sculptural, modular pieces: tables that folded, chairs that stacked seamlessly, and shelves that seemed to float mid-air.

As one visitor remarked while trailing a hand over a polished surface, “It’s like walking through the minds of tomorrow’s architects.”

Gaba: Where Fabric Meets Vision

Next door, Gaba was every bit as thrilling. Here, 175 fashion design students showed what happens when you mix confidence with an eye for what’s next. The collections ran the gamut from minimalist Western cuts to layered Indo-Western ensembles with flowing capes, embroidered jackets, and experimental draping.

Some pieces embraced a bit of the avant-garde charm, with structured gowns featuring jagged edges and shiny metallic finishes, while others offered soft, romantic shapes perfect for warm summer evenings. What truly made Gaba special wasn’t just the variety of styles but also the lively atmosphere: visitors could buy the designs right there, making the experience feel like a bustling, joyful marketplace of ideas.

A mother of one of the students, eyes shining with pride, summed it up perfectly: “It’s one thing to imagine, but seeing my daughter’s sketches become dresses people want to buy? That’s a dream.”

Building Bridges to the Real World

Mukesh Maheshwari, who has guided IIFD since day one, made it clear that these exhibitions aren’t just about flair; they’re essential training grounds. “Our students learn what it means to share their vision publicly,” he explained to a small group of reporters during a break in the festivities. “They get to see people react – sometimes with amazement, sometimes with questions – and that’s how real designers grow.”

Co-Director Pallavi Maheshwari echoed his point, saying the exposure builds grit and adaptability, skills that are just as critical as creativity in today’s competitive design industries.

And it wasn’t just families and fellow students making the rounds. Entrepreneurs, boutique owners, and interior decorators came by, scribbling notes, asking about collaborations, and swapping business cards – exactly the kind of connections that can launch a young career.

Surat’s Moment of Pride

The exhibitions did more than shine a light on student talent; they turned the spotlight on Surat itself. Here was a city showing that it can nurture world-class design thinking. Here were people proving they’re willing to come out in droves to celebrate art, ideas, and possibilities.

By the time the lights dimmed on the last day, exhausted but beaming students hugged each other, instructors shared quiet high-fives, and visitors drifted out, still talking about the pieces that had caught their imaginations. For anyone curious to explore the work further or learn about IIFD’s programs, details are available at IIFD Surat’s official site.

What lingered wasn’t just the memory of beautiful designs – it was a shared sense that, in these halls, the future of design had just taken a confident, colorful step forward.

New Delhi [India], July 7: In a resplendent blend of heritage, modern elegance, and cinematic flair, renowned film producer Deepakk Negi tied the knot with Radhika Rathore in a wedding that captivated hearts and brought together a confluence of cultures, ideas, and dignitaries. The grand wedding ceremonies unfolded across two majestic venues, beginning in Jodhpur, Rajasthan, and culminating in a lavish reception in Delhi, leaving an indelible impression on everyone who witnessed the union.

The couple exchanged vows on 8th June 2025 at the opulent Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels, Jodhpur—a venue steeped in royal grandeur and Rajasthani charm. Guests were welcomed with traditional folk music, intricate floral décor, and a warm hospitality that reflected the essence of Indian heritage. The wedding was a seamless symphony of tradition and innovation, much like Deepakk’s celebrated career.

The festivities moved to the capital on 12th June 2025, where the wedding reception was held at The Grandreams Luxury Venues, one of Delhi’s most prestigious banquet halls. The reception was a star-studded affair attended by eminent personalities from the film fraternity, corporate world, and government.

Among the many dignitaries present was Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, Joint Secretary at the Lok Sabha Secretariat, who graced the occasion as a guest and an affectionate witness to the couple’s new beginning. The event sparkled with the presence of film industry elites, creatives, and celebrities who have long admired Deepakk’s journey.

From traditional pheras under a canopy of marigold and jasmine to the glamorous Delhi reception lit with chandeliers and champagne toasts, the wedding was a visual and emotional spectacle. The couple’s attire—rooted in classic Indian design yet contemporary in appeal—mirrored the very ethos of their union: a meeting of tradition and modernity.

This landmark moment in Deepakk Negi’s life comes at the peak of his career. Under his visionary leadership, his production house, NEGIS Studios Pvt Ltd, has redefined cinematic storytelling.

Known for his innovative approach to production and casting, Deepakk has won several prestigious awards, including the ICON India Business Award for Emerging Line Producer, the Maharashtra Ratan Puraskar Samman 2024 for Most Promising Brand in Entertainment, and the Bhartiya Ratan Samman 2025. His presence has been regularly celebrated at renowned platforms such as the NEXA IIFA Rocks Awards and the Transmedia Gujarati Screen and Stage Awards.

Reflecting on his wedding, Deepakk shared, –“This marriage is not just the union of two souls, but a fusion of dreams, values, and shared visions for the future. Radhika completes me in every sense, and I feel deeply grateful that we could celebrate this love amidst such wonderful people.”

As Deepakk and Radhika embark on this new journey, their wedding stands as a tribute not only to their love story but also to the richness of Indian culture and the magic that unfolds when hearts and legacies come together.

In other news, Deepakk Negi proudly announces that Negis Studios Private Limited is coming up with a brand-new project in collaboration with Rangbhoomi Motion Pictures Private Limited. This powerful partnership marks the beginning of an inspiring creative journey, blending vision, talent, and storytelling excellence. Stay tuned for something extraordinary!

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