----------------------------------
Festival
   
----------------------------------


Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia Launches Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav Website in New Delhi.

Union Minister Jyotiraditya M. Scindia launched the Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav website in New Delhi, aiming to promote the upcoming festival dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The event celebrates the importance of wealth and prosperity in Indian culture, featuring various cultural programs, exhibitions, and activities designed to engage the public and highlight traditional practices. Scindia emphasized the significance of the festival in fostering unity and cultural heritage among communities. The website will serve as a hub for information related to the festival, allowing visitors to stay updated on events, schedules, and other related activities as the celebration approaches.

         The Ashtalakshmi Mahotsav aims to strengthen cultural ties and promote traditional values among people of all ages.

          The website will enhance public participation, making it easier for families to engage in the festivities.

         
__________________________________________

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Buddhichandra (BD) Mishra, Inaugurates the 9th Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2024 in Sani.

Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Buddhichandra (BD) Mishra, inaugurated the 9th Ladakh Zanskar Festival 2024 in Sani. The festival aims to promote the rich cultural heritage of the Zanskar Valley, showcasing local traditions, art, and cuisine. In his opening remarks, Mishra emphasized the importance of preserving cultural identity and fostering tourism in the region. The event features various activities, including folk performances, craft exhibitions, and culinary contests, attracting both locals and tourists. This year's festival is expected to strengthen community bonds and highlight the unique cultural tapestry of Ladakh, making it a significant event in the region’s calendar.

         The festival showcases traditional Ladakhi music and dance, enhancing cultural exchange among participants and visitors alike.

          Local artisans display their crafts, providing a platform for economic growth and preserving indigenous skills in the region.

         
__________________________________________

Renowned Film Scholar Aruna Vasudev, Known as the 'Mother of Asian Cinema,' Passes Away.

Aruna Vasudev, a distinguished film scholar and celebrated figure in Asian cinema, has passed away. Known as the "Mother of Asian Cinema," Vasudev was a pioneering force in promoting and preserving the rich cinematic heritage of Asia. Her extensive work in film criticism, festival curation, and advocacy significantly shaped the international recognition of Asian films. Vasudev's contributions include founding the Asian Film Foundation and her influential writings on cinema. Her death marks a profound loss to the global film community, which admired her dedication and passion for the art form. Her legacy will continue to inspire future generations of filmmakers and scholars.

         Aruna Vasudev's efforts led to wider appreciation of Asian cinema on the global stage.

          Her impactful film festivals showcased numerous Asian filmmakers and brought their work to international audiences.

         
__________________________________________

PM Narendra Modi Addresses First International Solar Festival Virtually from New Delhi.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the inaugural International Solar Festival virtually from New Delhi. The festival, which brings together global leaders, experts, and innovators, aims to promote solar energy and sustainability. In his address, PM Modi highlighted India's commitment to advancing renewable energy and emphasized the crucial role of solar power in combating climate change. He also discussed India's achievements in solar energy and its future goals. The festival serves as a platform for sharing knowledge and fostering international cooperation in the field of solar energy. Modi’s participation underscores India’s leadership in the global renewable energy movement.

         The festival provides an opportunity for global collaboration on solar energy advancements and climate action strategies.

          PM Modi’s speech reinforced India's role in leading global efforts for a sustainable and green energy future.

         
__________________________________________

Ram Charan Honored as Ambassador of Indian Arts and Culture at Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024.

At the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne 2024, Ram Charan was honored as the Ambassador of Indian Arts and Culture. This accolade celebrates Charan's outstanding contributions to Indian cinema and his role in promoting Indian cultural heritage globally. The festival, renowned for showcasing the best in Indian film and culture, recognized Charan's dedication and influence in the arts. The award was presented at a prestigious ceremony attended by prominent figures from the film industry and cultural sectors, highlighting Charan's commitment to advancing and preserving the rich traditions of Indian arts and culture.

         Ram Charan’s award highlights the growing global recognition of Indian cinema and its cultural impact.

          The festival's honor underscores Charan's role in bridging Indian culture with international audiences.

         
__________________________________________

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur appointed IFFI festival director.

Filmmaker Shekhar Kapur has been appointed as the Festival Director of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI). Known for his significant contributions to Indian cinema, Kapur brings a wealth of experience and creative vision to the role. His appointment is expected to enhance the festival's international stature and bring fresh perspectives to the event. IFFI, held annually in Goa, showcases a diverse range of films from around the world and aims to promote the art of filmmaking. Kapur's leadership is anticipated to further elevate the festival's reputation and impact on the global cinema landscape.

         Kapur’s appointment signals a renewed focus on global cinematic trends and innovative programming at IFFI.

          The festival is expected to feature a broader selection of international films under Kapur’s direction.

         
__________________________________________

Globally Acclaimed Filmmaker Vinod Ganatra Becomes 1st Indian to Receive 'Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award' of South Africa.

Globally-acclaimed film-maker Vinod Ganatra has become the first Indian to be conferred the prestigious ‘Nelson Mandela Lifetime Achievement Award’ of South Africa for his contribution to films, an official said here on Tuesday. Ganatra, a well-known film-maker and editor from Gujarat, now based in Mumbai, was honoured with the coveted award at the ongoing 7th Nelson Mandela Children’s Film Festival, for his immense contributions to the world of cinema for kids.

         Ganatra has already bagged 36 national and international awards, including the ‘Janakinath Gaur Award’ from Doordarshan for his children’s programme, ‘Baingan Raja.’

          Ganatra has been invited to serve on the jury of over a 100 national, regional and international film festivals world over in the past three decades.

         
__________________________________________

Wildlife Filmmaker Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu Won V. Shantaram LIfetime Achievement Award at 18th MIFF.

The 18th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) is honoring the illustrious wildlife filmmaker Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu by conferring upon him the much coveted V. Shantaram Lifetime Achievement Award, announced Dr. L. Murugan, the Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting today. Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu, has made exceptional contributions to wildlife cinematography, earning him global acclaim. An alumnus of the Film and Television Institute of India, he gained prominence with his work on Living on the Edge, India’s longest-running Panda Award-winning environment series. His expertise extends to his tenure with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) as a high-speed cameraman.

         Shri Subbiah Nallamuthu has won several national and international awards including the five National Film Awards. He is a regular jury member of the Jackson Hole Wildlife Film Festival and has also served as the jury chairman of the Indian Panorama Film Festival (2021).

         

         
__________________________________________

Fred Roos, Oscar-Winning Producer of 'The Godfather Part II,' Dies at 89.

Fred Roos, the Oscar-winning producer of The Godfather Part II and longtime collaborator of Francis Ford Coppola, died on Saturday, just days after his and Coppola's latest film, Megalopolis, premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Roos was 89. "Fred Roos possessed a casting instinct that was near infallible: so beautifully demonstrated in American Graffiti and The Outsiders," Coppola wrote on social media following news of Roos' passing. "He was a great lifelong friend and collaborator with, above all, a true love for movies... He was a unique talent and will certainly be missed."

         "There were 127 actors and actresses in Godfather Part II," Roos said onstage at the 47th Oscars, "and they all deserve to share in this honor."

         

         
__________________________________________

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvana Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 2550th Bhagwan Mahaveer Nirvana Mahotsav at Bharat Mandapam in the national capital, on the occasion of Mahavir Jayanti. He also released a commemorative stamp and coin at the event. Mahavir Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of the founder of Jainism or Mahavir Janma Kalyanak. The Jain community celebrates the festival to observe peace and harmony, and spread the teachings of Mahavira, the 24th Tirthankara of Jainism. The festival falls on the 13th day of the Chaitra month in the Jain calendar - this year it is being observed on 21 April 2024. Mahavir Jayanti is celebrated by taking a procession with Mahavir’s idol on a chariot and people reciting religious songs on the way.

         

         

         
__________________________________________

PhonePe has partnered with Nepal's digital wallet service eSewa and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Pokhara to promote digital payments through UPI on the Nepal payment processor Fonepay Network.

PhonePe has partnered with Nepal's digital wallet service eSewa and the Hotel Association of Nepal (HAN) Pokhara to promote digital payments through UPI on the Nepal payment processor Fonepay Network. The partnership is a part of the Fewa New Year Festival which will be held from April 11-14, 2024 in Nepal. PhonePe will run on-ground activation aimed at raising awareness about digital payments among local merchants while demonstrating the convenience of digital payments for customers.

         

         

         
__________________________________________