MUMBAI, India, March 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Mumbai will host Gen O – Pixels & Play, a four-day international platform celebrating creativity, technology and youth innovation, from 19–22 March 2026 at MMRDA Grounds, BKC. The initiative will bring together creators, innovators, startups, cultural practitioners and international delegates from over 23 countries, placing Mumbai at the centre of global conversations around the future of the Orange Economy and the AVGC sector. The initiative is organised by EFlag Corp, supported by the Government of Maharashtra, with Maharashtra Tourism as the Title Sponsor, as a part of its “India Maha India” initiative.
The festival will be inaugurated by Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, in the presence of Shri Shamburaj Desai, Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Government of Maharashtra and Shri Uday Samant, Hon’ble Minister for Industries, Government of Maharashtra along with international delegates, industry leaders and global participants.Maharashtra has emerged as one of India’s leading centres for media, entertainment and digital content industries, with Mumbai at the heart of the country’s film, broadcasting, gaming and creative technology ecosystem. With world-class connectivity, a vibrant talent base and strong industry presence, the state is increasingly positioning itself as a hub for next-generation creative industries including animation, immersive media, gaming and digital storytelling.The Government of Maharashtra is actively working to strengthen the ecosystem for animation, gaming, visual effects and immersive media through policy support, infrastructure development and skill initiatives. With Mumbai already serving as India’s creative capital, the state aims to further position itself as a global hub for the AVGC and digital creative industries, creating new opportunities for studios, startups, creators and international partners.Gen O has been conceived as a platform bringing together multiple dimensions of India’s rapidly expanding AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming & Comics) ecosystem, including immersive media, gaming, digital storytelling, creator-led culture and emerging technology platforms.As a part of the programme, Mumbai will also host an international esports championship featuring national teams from 23 countries across six global regions, highlighting the growing global significance of competitive gaming within the next-generation entertainment economy.The initiative comes at a time when India is placing focus on creative industries through initiatives such as the WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) announced by the Government of India, aimed at positioning India as a global hub for media, entertainment and digital content industries in line with Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision for the sector as a key pillar of India’s future economy.According to the Government of India’s AVGC Task Force, the sector is expected to require nearly two million skilled professionals by 2030, while estimates suggest India’s AVGC ecosystem could grow to over $26 billion by the end of the decade.Across four days, Gen O – Pixels & Play will present a curated festival experience featuring:Live cultural performances and artistic showcasesAVGC-XR innovation and technology demonstrationsStartup and creator ecosystem engagementsArtisan showcases and cultural installations celebrating Maharashtra’s heritageYouth engagement initiatives exploring emerging careers in creative and digital industriesThe festival is expected to attract over 10,000 visitors per day, including creators, developers, students, entrepreneurs and international delegates.Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, said: “Maharashtra has always been a centre of creativity, enterprise and cultural influence. As technology reshapes the global creative industries, platforms like Gen O bring together innovation, talent and international collaboration. Mumbai already stands at the heart of India’s media and entertainment ecosystem, and initiatives like this will further strengthen our position as a global hub for the AVGC and digital creative economy while opening new opportunities for young creators and startups.”Shripad Ashtekar, Founder, EFlag Corp, said:”India’s creative and digital sectors are entering a defining decade. The Orange Awards recognise the emerging creators, innovators and entrepreneurs shaping the future of the Orange Economy, and aim to inspire the next generation of talent across India’s creative and technology ecosystem.”With participants arriving from across the world, Gen O – Pixels & Play aims to position Mumbai as a global meeting point for creativity, technology and digital culture, reinforcing Maharashtra’s role in shaping the future of the global creative economy. About Gen O – Pixels & PlayGen O – Pixels & Play is a platform focused on the intersection of creativity, technology and youth innovation across the AVGC ecosystem. The initiative brings together creators, startups, technologists and cultural practitioners to explore emerging opportunities within India’s Orange Economy, while showcasing the future of digital storytelling, immersive media, creator culture and next-generation entertainment industries.About EFlag CorpEFlag Corp builds platforms at the intersection of technology, digital engagement and emerging creative industries. Its initiatives span phygital discovery infrastructure, AI-driven engagement solutions and esports ecosystem development, designed to connect physical experiences with digital ecosystems. The company works with governments, institutions and industry partners to enable scalable innovation across sectors such as tourism, culture, entertainment and the AVGC industry.

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BENGALURU, India, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Herbalife India, a premier health and wellness company, community and platform, has unveiled a new episode of its podcast Live Your Best Life, Unscripted, featuring renowned social entrepreneur and women’s empowerment champion Ruma Devi.

Titled ‘Threads of Change: From Local Hands to Global Hearts’, the episode captures Ruma Devi’s inspiring journey from rural Rajasthan to global platforms, highlighting resilience, grassroots leadership and the transformative power of skill-based livelihoods.In conversation with Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, Ruma Devi shares how her journey began with a simple need for income and gradually evolved into a movement empowering thousands of women through handicrafts, training and community-driven opportunities. She reflects on building trust within conservative households, enabling women to work from home, and fostering financial independence that reshaped perceptions within families and communities.Speaking about her journey, Ruma Devi said:”Every woman carries a doubt within, that she may not be educated enough, or that her language might become a barrier. But confidence and skill can open doors anywhere. Art flourishes the more it is shared.”The episode also sheds light on the work of the Ruma Devi Foundation, which focuses on skill development, education support, healthcare initiatives and cultural preservation in rural communities. From livelihood training to scholarships and health interventions, the foundation continues to drive meaningful social change at the grassroots level.Commenting on the episode, Ajay Khanna, Managing Director, Herbalife India, said:”Ruma Devi’s journey is a powerful reminder that sustainable change begins at the grassroots and grows through courage, purpose and community collaboration. Her story perfectly reflects the spirit of Live Your Best Life, Unscripted, authentic conversations that inspire individuals to believe in their potential and build a better future.”Through her experiences, Ruma Devi reinforces a simple yet powerful message, that transformation starts the moment individuals choose to believe in themselves and take the first step forward.Watch the Full EpisodeYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSedbvqh2UIAlso streaming on:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4sAv4ewhQObo3kjOkpNi3V?si=kWMsSm1wSAKyNpb7HKUbQQApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/threads-of-change-from-local-hands-to-global-hearts/id1808386057?i=1000753523579Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a53233b6-84b5-43ce-a34a-5230c769168b/episodes/c38d5074-13f1-4ee0-82c1-591a5ad184e6/live-your-best-life-unscripted-threads-of-change-from-local-hands-to-global-hearts-ft-ruma-devi-live-your-best-life-unscriptedAbout Herbalife Herbalife (NYSE: HLF) is a premier health and wellness company, community and platform that has been changing people’s lives with great nutrition products and a business opportunity for its independent distributors since 1980. The Company offers science-backed food products to consumers in more than 90 markets through entrepreneurial distributors who provide one-on-one coaching and a supportive community that inspires their customers to embrace a healthier, more active lifestyle to live their best life.Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2935791/Ruma_Devi_Herbalife_podcast.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2238437/5868011/Herbalife_Logo.jpg  

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BENGALURU, India, March 18, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road marked World Kidney Day 2026 with an inspiring community event focused on awareness, prevention, and celebrating the extraordinary resilience of patients living with kidney disease. The highlight of the event was the felicitation of several ‘Kidney Champions’—patients whose journeys reflect courage, perseverance, and hope despite the challenges of chronic kidney disease.

The event saw a full house of senior citizens from nearby communities, along with patients, caregivers, and healthcare professionals, creating a lively atmosphere of learning and engagement.The program began with Dr. Garima Aggarwal, Lead Consultant – Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, who delivered an engaging talk on ‘What Do Kidneys Do and How Can We Protect Them?’ She explained the vital functions of the kidneys—from filtering toxins and maintaining fluid balance to regulating blood pressure and supporting bone health—while highlighting the importance of early screening and healthy lifestyle choices in preventing kidney disease.Speaking at the event, Dr. Garima Aggarwal said: “Kidney disease is often silent in its early stages. Awareness, early testing, and simple lifestyle changes can go a long way in protecting kidney health.”This was followed by Dr. Manoharan B, Senior Consultant – Department of Nephrology and Renal Transplantation, who spoke about chronic kidney disease and how patients can continue to lead meaningful and healthy lives even after diagnosis. He emphasized the importance of controlling diabetes and blood pressure, maintaining a kidney-friendly diet, staying physically active, and seeking timely medical care.Next, Dr. Abhigna Panda, Consultant – Urology and Renal Transplant Surgeon, spoke about urological and bladder health, addressing common concerns among elderly individuals such as urinary infections and prostate enlargement, and highlighting the importance of timely evaluation and treatment.The talks were followed by a highly interactive discussion session, with enthusiastic participation from the audience who asked numerous questions on kidney health, diet, medications, and preventive care.The most emotional moment of the event came during the felicitation of the hospital’s ‘Kidney Champions.’ These patients shared powerful stories of resilience that deeply moved the audience.One young transplant recipient, who continues to work at the hospital even after her illness, spoke about overcoming early rejection after her transplant and returning to work with renewed determination.Another patient who has lived with kidney disease for nearly three decades inspired the audience by continuing to run marathons and go on treks despite being on dialysis.A young father who developed kidney failure after suffering a stroke shared how the birth of his daughter renewed his motivation to keep fighting while he awaits a transplant.The audience also heard from a patient who has lived with physical disability all her life and has been on dialysis for over a decade, yet continues to pursue her career and maintain an extraordinarily positive outlook.Another transplant recipient shared how his life changed suddenly soon after marriage when kidney failure struck, and how perseverance, family support, and help from the Manipal Foundation eventually helped him receive a life-saving transplant.The stories were so powerful that many in the audience rose to give standing ovations, celebrating the courage and spirit of these individuals who refuse to let illness define their lives.The program concluded on a joyful note with a music therapy session, bringing together patients, caregivers, and doctors in a moment of shared positivity and emotional connection.Through initiatives like these, Manipal Hospital, Varthur Road continues to strengthen its commitment to patient-centered care, community awareness, and advanced kidney treatment, while reminding everyone that awareness, early care, and compassion can transform lives.For more information, please visit: https://www.manipalhospitals.com/Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2935873/Kidney_Champions.jpgPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2935874/World_Kidney_Day.jpg  

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