Connect with us

News Wire

A Puja Tale of 2 cities: The Times of India’s Maa Aaschen. Tumi kothaye? celebrates togetherness this Durga Puja, even if separated by miles

KOLKATA, India, Sept. 30, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — The Times of India under their campaign Phirey Esho Kolkata, has launched a special edition of ‘Maa Aashcen. Tumi kothaye?’ on Durga Puja, celebrating togetherness and connection between loved ones during the festival.

Maa Aaschen. Tumi kothaye?’ literally means Maa Durga is coming home, where are you? Each year, during this time of the year, loved ones travel back to Bengal to be together for the biggest celebration of the year – to celebrate the homecoming of Goddess Durga. The beauty and the spirit of the festival is best enjoyed when it can be shared with families and friends. But there are many across the globe and in other Indian cities, who are unable to make it to their home this festive season. Though they will be celebrating the festival with passion in whichever part of the world they are, floods of memories will crowd the mind.

Maa Aaschen. Tumi kothaye?‘, an initiative of The Times of India is a celebration of this feeling of belonging, of togetherness, and of reaching out to near and dear ones, who can’t be with their near and dear ones this year. Loved ones will urge those separated to continue with the celebrations wherever they are. The idea is to remind them that they are with them this festive period and that is the real essence of Durga Puja. 

The print campaign brings this alive by showcasing visuals of two friends connecting through a symbol of joining their hands forming a heart. The campaign video is a tale of two friends, who now live in two different cities – Mumbai and Kolkata. The film features actress Priyanka Sarkar and dancer, actress Sreenanda Shankar as friends who share their story of separation and how Puja unites them.

The film begins with both friends reminiscing a promise that they made years ago that they will never spend any Durga puja without each other. But unfortunately, they have not been able to fulfil their promise. The video portrays the unconditional friendship between two friends, who, though settled in different cities, share the deep emotional bond among themselves. As a ritual and marker of their presence, they have sent each other Puja gifts – sarees and silver jewelry. The two of them might be physically apart as one will celebrate Durga puja in Lokhandwala and another in north Kolkata but in spirit they will be together as they take part in Sandhi puja, Dhunuchi naach and other rituals and traditions, wearing each other’s gifts. The film beautifully reminds us that the autumn sky is the same everywhere and it never allows us to be separated. The festive spirit of Durga puja unites everybody’s hearts wherever they are, in spite of the distances. 

“While shooting for the film, I was constantly thinking of my best friend, who is now settled in Kerala. I have innumerable memories of Durga puja from childhood to teenage years with her so during the festive season, I miss her very much,” said Sarkar, adding that she liked the story of the film because it celebrates the unconditional bond between two friends and also portrays how both of them understands each other’s circumstances of not being able to make it to the Puja in spite of making promises. 

Shankar echoes the same thoughts but is excited to be back in Kolkata to spend the Durga puja with her family. “There have been occasions when I had tours during puja so I could very well relate to the emotions portrayed in the video. But thankfully, this year, I will be able to spend the puja days with my loved ones at home in the City of Joy,” added Shankar. 

The film is partly shot in Mumbai with Shankar with Bandra Worli Sea Link as the backdrop and partly in Kolkata’s Kumartuli and iconic bonedi bari ‘Badan Chandra Roy’ with Sarkar. The palatial house hosts the 186-year-old Durga puja, which started in 1858. In front of the arched ‘Thakur Dalan’ there is a beautiful quadrangle marked by pillars and lamps.

In an endeavor to connect with readers to celebrate with missed loved ones, TOI invited them to share the pictures on www.phireyeshokolkata.com. Hundreds of entries from Kolkatans and Bengalis across the cities have been received. Select quotes have been featured in the newspaper.

Gini Majumdar, from Kolkata writes “My fifth puja without my son, as he is out of Kolkata for five consecutive years, three years in Bangalore and last two years in Glasgow. Missing him, and hope he joins us next year”

TOI & Languages Brand Director Kaustuv Chatterjee says “TOI, India’s most trusted news brand, has always celebrated the incredibly rich socio-cultural fabric of our country. Durga Puja is one of the largest festivals in the nation, in which people from all sections and communities participate and come together, not just Bengalis, to seek Durga Ma’s blessings. ‘Maa Aaschen. Tumi kothaye? Phirey Esho Kolkata’ is created for Durga Puja to celebrate and reinforce this value of coming together, more so with those most precious to us. The campaign is about celebrating togetherness even if they are miles apart from family and friends because our festival teaches us to celebrate ‘life’.”

This year the video has been scripted by music director, singer, lyricist Anindya Chatterjee, the video talks of Puja and how everyone carry the festivals in their hearts wherever they go, much like their loved ones. 

Watch the video here: www.facebook.com/TOIKolkata/videos/2620376601446122

Photo: https://oyefilmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/a-puja-tale-of-2-cities-the-times-of-indias-maa-aaschen-tumi-kothaye-celebrates-togetherness-this-durga-puja-even-if-separated-by-miles-1.jpg

Continue Reading
Advertisement
Click to comment

You must be logged in to post a comment Login

Leave a Reply

News Wire

Lumina Datamatics Wins IMC RBNQA – Performance Excellence Trophy 2025 in the Service Category

MUMBAI, India, May 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Lumina Datamatics, a strategic partner to global publishers and eCommerce retailers, has won the IMC RBNQA – Performance Excellence Trophy 2025 in the Service category. The award was presented at a prestigious ceremony held at the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Mumbai on 30th April 2026.

This esteemed recognition is part of the IMC Ramkrishna Bajaj National Quality (RBNQ) Awards for 2025, one of India’s most respected benchmarks for organizational excellence. The award underscores Lumina Datamatics’ unwavering commitment to business excellence, quality-driven processes, and continuous performance improvement. Notably, Lumina Datamatics Limited is the only organization recognized in the service segment this year, representing excellence across the Business Process Management spectrum.

The selection followed a rigorous multi-stage evaluation process conducted by an eminent panel of judges, assessing organizations on key parameters such as leadership, strategy, customer focus, operational effectiveness, and overall business performance.

Speaking on the achievement, Sameer Kanodia, Managing Director & CEO, Lumina Datamatics, and Vice Chairman & CEO, TNQTech said, “We are deeply honored to receive this recognition. This achievement reflects the collective dedication, collaboration, and relentless focus on quality demonstrated by our teams across the organization. It reinforces our commitment to delivering consistent value to our clients worldwide while continuously striving for excellence in everything we do.”

The milestone highlights Lumina Datamatics’ strong foundation in operational excellence and its ongoing efforts to set new benchmarks in service delivery across global markets.

About Lumina Datamatics:

Lumina Datamatics is a trusted partner in providing digital Content Services, Retail Support Services, and Technology Solutions to companies in the Publishing and Retail Industries worldwide. We are among the largest service providers in the Content space, and our customers include 8 of the top 10 academic publishers and 3 of the 5 largest Retailers and Marketplaces. Lumina Datamatics’ expert solutions combine its various in-house and client-facing platforms, partnerships with global technology leaders, and more than 7,500 professionals across the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, the Philippines, and India. This integrated global capability enables the company to deliver scalable, high-quality solutions to clients worldwide.

Photo: https://oyefilmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/lumina-datamatics-wins-imc-rbnqa-performance-excellence-trophy-2025-in-the-service-category-1.jpg

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2674666/5956151/Lumina_Datamatics_Logo.jpg

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/lumina-datamatics-wins-imc-rbnqa–performance-excellence-trophy-2025-in-the-service-category-302764010.html

Continue Reading

News Wire

HOP Events, helmed by Kalpesh Kinariwala, bridges Indian talent and global prestige at the Shows of India 2026 Conclave

  • The anchor sponsorship of the Shows of India 2026 Conclave marks HOP Events’ official pathway into the Indian subcontinent; the UAE-based premium live entertainment company aims to source and showcase extraordinary Indian talent in the markets it operates in.
  • This move will bridge the gap between iconic Indian artists — rooted in Indian and South Asian culture — and world-class international venues and global audiences.
  • In addition to headlining the conclave as its anchor sponsor, HOP Events also made its presence felt in crucial conversations and networking hubs, with Founder and Chairman Kalpesh Kinariwala gracing the conclave as a speaker.

NEW DELHI, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — HOP Events, a UAE-based premium live entertainment company, made landfall on Indian shores through the eagerly awaited Shows of India 2026 Conclave. The sixth edition of the event, which drew to a close on May 2, brought together high-profile industry veterans, change-makers, and disruptors who are shaping the future of India’s live entertainment economy.

Led by industry trailblazer Kalpesh Kinariwala, HOP Events not only participated as the anchor sponsor for the conclave but also broke new ground by offering Indian talent and agencies unprecedented inroads into global markets and prestigious productions.

Held at Delhi’s upscale The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel, the two-day Shows of India 2026 Conclave is India’s most anticipated flagship gathering focused on the live entertainment, events, and experiential segments. It brings together key players from across the industry’s value chain, including event professionals, artist managers, promoters, brands, and creators, and facilitates industry-shaping conversations and collaborations.

HOP Events’ rationale for backing the Shows of India 2026 Conclave was simple but powerful – as a hub for some of the greatest artistic talent in the world, India stands to benefit immensely from HOP Events’ proven expertise in the premium live entertainment industry. With the conclave sitting at the intersection of India’s creative excellence and its commercial ambition, it is the perfect avenue for HOP Events to seek the artists, managers, collaborators, and cultural voices they want to elevate and present to the world. This anchor sponsorship is thus a declaration of HOP Events’ intent to champion Indian talent and carry it far beyond India’s borders.

Elaborating further on the sponsorship, Kalpesh Kinariwala, Founder and Chairman of HOP Events, who also spoke at the conclave, shared:

“India is producing some of the most streamed, most loved, and most culturally significant artists on the planet. Arijit Singh ranks ninth among Spotify’s top artists globally. A.R. Rahman has 75 million followers and ranks ahead of global superstars. Rishab Sharma is the number one followed sitar player in the world. Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Aditya Gadhvi, Anuv Jain — these are artists with massive, passionate global fanbases.

Yet their presence on international stages, particularly in the Gulf and beyond, remains far below what their stature deserves. That is the opportunity HOP Events is seizing. The UAE is home to a millions-strong South Asian diaspora — professionals, families, and communities who are hungry for these artists and have both the means and the desire to attend premium live experiences. The Shows of India 2026 Conclave gives us the needed platform to engage with this talent ecosystem at exactly the moment when appetite for Indian talent on the global stage has never been higher.”

The conclave’s growing eminence as a premium, high-production-value platform was further underscored by its association with HOP Events, an industry leader in creating large-scale experiential events. Through the years, the Shows of India Conclave has differentiated itself through its trailblazing properties and a star-studded artist line-up. By essaying the role of anchor sponsor for India’s premier business and entertainment conclave, HOP Events is throwing the doors open for partnerships with Indian artist managers, talent agencies, record labels, and creative professionals.

As the force behind the sold-out Etihad Arena concert with Arijit Singh, A.R. Rahman, and Rishab Sharma, HOP Events knows what it takes to market Indian artists to global audiences, fill premium venues, and create experiences that do justice to the cultural magnitude these artists carry.

In the mid-to-long term, HOP Events aims to become the defining bridge between Indian artistic talent and the global stage. The company is actively scaling across the GCC and extending further into South Asian diaspora hubs globally, with the goal of bringing world-class talent backed by high-end productions and marketing sophistication to deep, passionate, and underserved audiences for Indian and South Asian cultural experiences.

About HOP Events

Founded by industry veteran Kalpesh Kinariwala, HOP Events is one of the UAE’s most prestigious names in premium live entertainment. It is hailed for curating global live experiences across the UAE and beyond. The company brings together eminent international artists, creativity, and immaculate organization on one stage, delivering world-class live concerts and entertainment experiences that make a lasting impression on the cultural fabric of the region. HOP Events’ expertise spans from close-up intimate performances to sold-out iconic arenas and includes notable names such as Arijit Singh, A.R. Rahman, and Rishab Sharma. The company differentiates itself through the three pillars of innovation, excellence, and a strong community focus. In doing so, it creates experiences that anchor communities, build connection, and foster a stronger sense of belonging, while delighting audiences with seamless execution, elevated experiences, and disruptive thinking.

https://hopevents.ae/

Photo: https://oyefilmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/hop-events-helmed-by-kalpesh-kinariwala-bridges-indian-talent-and-global-prestige-at-the-shows-of-india-2026-conclave-1.jpg

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/hop-events-helmed-by-kalpesh-kinariwala-bridges-indian-talent-and-global-prestige-at-the-shows-of-india-2026-conclave-302762789.html

Continue Reading

News Wire

MSEED and SCOPE Global Skills University Sign Strategic Partnership to Shape the Future of Experiential Marketing Education

MUMBAI, India and BHOPAL, India, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Premium education institute MSEED (The Management School of Events and Experience Design) today partnered with SCOPE Global Skills University, Bhopal, to introduce a two-year MBA in Event Management and Experiential Marketing.

Besides boosting students academically, this association intends to equip them with the evolving demands of events and the experiential marketing ecosystem. Furthermore, the collaboration will be fueled by industry expertise and academic structure, helping students build a career in the fast-growing fields of events, entertainment, and experiential marketing.

At a time when experiential marketing is ‘evolving from a tactical activation to a strategic growth engine for brands’, this collaboration serves right.

Speaking on this exclusive partnership between MSEED and SCOPE, Joshua Newman, Vice-President – Marketing & Partnerships, MSEED, said, “Our focus has always been on outcomes, not just education. This partnership allows us to extend that vision by working with SCOPE Global Skills University to create a program that prepares students for real careers. From curriculum to classroom delivery and industry exposure, every aspect is designed to ensure that students graduate with confidence, clarity, and practical experience.”

The MBA program is designed to:

  • Provide a recognized postgraduate qualification with a specialized focus
  • Build practical skills through real-world projects and case studies
  • Offering industry interaction, mentorship, and exposure
  • Support students with internship and placement opportunities

Dr. Vijay Singh, Vice Chancellor of SGSU, hailed the launch as a landmark moment for the city. “This is a remarkable event not just for our university, but for the city of Bhopal. We are witnessing a paradigm shift in how specialized education is delivered in Madhya Pradesh. By launching this MBA in Event Management, we are providing our youth with a platform to master the art of execution, creativity, and management right here in their home state,” he said.

The partnership was formally cemented through the signing of an agreement between the two institutions in the esteemed presence of Mangubhai C. Patel, the current and 19th Governor of Madhya Pradesh, marking a significant milestone in the evolution of industry-integrated education in India.

For more information on events and experiential marketing, please visit our website.

Media Contacts:

For media inquiries, please contact

Tasneem Limbdiwala

tasneem@mseededucation.com 

About MSEED

MSEED, a part of EVA Group, India’s one of the largest live event companies, and backed by 200 odd industry veterans, the institute brings with it deep-rooted industry expertise and real-world insights. It is a creative business institute designed for the next generation of storytellers, strategists, producers, and brand builders. The mission is not just to prepare students for jobs, but to lead industries. 

Photo: https://oyefilmy.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/mseed-and-scope-global-skills-university-sign-strategic-partnership-to-shape-the-future-of-experiential-marketing-education-1.jpg

 

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/mseed-and-scope-global-skills-university-sign-strategic-partnership-to-shape-the-future-of-experiential-marketing-education-302761332.html

Continue Reading

Trending