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HarperCollins presents ‘THE DISRUPTOR: How Vishwanath Pratap Singh Shook India’ by Debashish Mukerji

An engaging account of the life of a former Prime Minister who struck Indian politics with the force of a tornado
NEW DELHI, Nov. 13, 2021 /PRNewswire/ — HarperCollins India presents A richly detailed narrative of Vishwanath Pratap Singh’s extraordinarily eventful life, told in the context of his times, releasing on 8th December, 2021.
Order Now: bit.ly/VPSinghBook
‘An extremely impressive work … Impossible to put this book down’KARAN THAPAR
‘An admiring and admirable account of the life of a very complex public personality’JAIRAM RAMESH
A SNEAK PEEK INTO THE BOOK
Part 4, Chapter 3: The rivalry with Amitabh Bachchan, pp. 248 to 250
Part 4, Chapter 2: As Finance Minister, V.P. Singh’s ‘raid raj’ against corporate corruption, pp. 222 to 230; Taking on Reliance, pp. 230 to 238; pp. 250 to 252
Part 5, Chapter 1: V.P. Singh–Rajiv Gandhi fallout and his dramatic resignation as Defence Minister, pp. 237 to 260; pp. 265 to 268; pp. 276 to 279
Part 5, Chapter 3: Defamatory campaign against V.P. Singh by the Congress, pp. 253 to 256; pp. 265 to 266; pp. 276 to 279; pp. 301 to 303
Part 6, Chapter 2: V.P. Singh curtailing his own security cover, accused of reducing Rajiv Gandhi’s, pp. 350 to 352; pp. 430 to 431
India could have gone nuclear but V.P. Singh chose not to, pp. 357-358
Biggest airlift evacuation in world history, pp. 358-360
Steps initiated by V.P. Singh’s government, but completed and claimed by later governments: RTI Act, Lok Pal Act, OROP, MNREGA, pp. 360 to 363
Part 7, Chapter 1, Implementing the Mandal Commission Report, pp. 386 to 405
Author Debashish Mukerji says, “By bringing together a divided Opposition to usher in an era of coalition governments at the Centre, as also by implementing the Mandal Commission report which provided job reservations for the Other Backward Classes, Vishwanath Pratap Singh permanently altered India’s political landscape. A politician ambivalent about pursuing power, and obsessed with financial integrity, he was also an extremely complex human being. The main issues he confronted – caste disparities, communal tensions and corruption – continue to bedevil the country even today. All these reasons prompted me to attempt this biography, which sets V.P. Singh against the context of his turbulent times.”
Siddhesh Inamdar, Executive Editor, HarperCollins India, says, “V.P. Singh was Prime Minister of India for just about eleven months, and yet his short time in office proved immensely consequential in shaping the country. As a leader who took on a party with an overwhelming majority in Parliament, his career is also relevant in the context of the politics of today. For all his achievements, V.P. Singh remains an understudied former Prime Minister. November marks the anniversary both of his death (in 2008) as well as of the fall of his government (in 1990), and this meticulously researched biography by a seasoned journalist will throw much-needed light on Singh’s extraordinary life and times.”
ABOUT THE BOOK
Vishwanath Pratap Singh, India’s seventh Prime Minister, struck Indian politics with the force of a tornado. Primarily remembered for implementing the recommendations of the Mandal Commission report, which provided reservations in Central government services for the first time to the Other Backward Classes, he deserves a place in history for much more—from conducting raids on the biggest business houses of his time when he was finance minister to investigating murky defence deals as defence minister (which cost him his job); from bringing together a divided Opposition to form an unlikely coalition government at the Centre comprising the BJP and the communist parties to spearheading the biggest airlift evacuation in Indian history—of Indians stranded in Kuwait during the first Gulf War.
V.P. Singh weathered repeated crises during his eleven-month prime ministerial tenure: the rise of insurgency in Kashmir, starting with the kidnapping of his home minister’s daughter by terrorists; L.K. Advani’s rath yatra in support of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya, which led to communal riots; and, above all, the backlash that followed the Mandal Commission report’s implementation.
Known for his integrity and honesty, V.P. Singh ended up antagonizing both the Congress and the BJP—perhaps one of the reasons he has not been given the posthumous attention he deserves. The Disruptor is a richly detailed account of his extraordinarily eventful life, told in the context of his times.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
DEBASHISH MUKERJI was a journalist for nearly forty years, working with numerous publications, including Hindustan Times, The Week and Business Today. He has written extensively on Uttar Pradesh and on national politics.
PRAISE FOR THE BOOK
‘The Disruptor is an extremely impressive work. It brings together all the important but often-forgotten facts about V.P. Singh’s life and career, and fits them into a convincing and comprehensive argument and analysis, which is then presented in an engaging and readable style. Once you start reading, it’s almost impossible to put this book down. This is not simply a biography—it is a serious work of history.’
— Karan Thapar
Journalist, Television Anchor and Author
‘This is an admiring and admirable account of the life of a very complex public personality. V.P. Singh commands our attention because he became a pivotal figure in Indian politics between 1987 and 1990; his brief tenure as Prime Minister was both consequential and controversial; and because he played an important role in the formation of the United Front and UPA governments.’
— Jairam Ramesh
Member of Parliament, Author and Former Union Minister
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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 EventsFounded 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://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2972758/Kalpesh_Kinariwala.jpg 

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Every Colgate Smile Has A Story: Celebrating Real People, Real Stories, and Real Impact

A tribute to the unwavering faith of Indian mothers, the series kicks off with the authentic story of a legendary 125-year-old sweet-making family from Dehradun.Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MQajpQ224EAMUMBAI, India, May 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — For nearly 90 Years, the indispensable Colgate tube has occupied a sacred, quiet corner of Indian homes serving as a Suraksha Chakra. It isn’t just a product; for generations of mothers, Colgate has earned a place as a ‘trusted member’ of the family, providing a foundation of care for their loved ones. 

Today, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited celebrates this enduring bond with the launch of the new platform, ‘Every Colgate Smile Has A Story’. This new series moves beyond traditional advertising to document the Real People, Real Stories, and Real Impact behind the brand’s 90-year legacy in India. The Heart of the Shield: A Mother’s Peace of MindAt the core of the campaign is the universal truth, a mother’s desire to protect her family, ensuring their health and well-being through every stage of life. This series explores what happens when this instinct meets a partner she can trust.To prove the strength of this shield, the series puts Colgate’s protection through the ultimate litmus test – a household with a 125-year-old legacy of making sweets.The first film, ‘Raised by Sweets,’ takes us to Dehradun into the home of Vertica Khandelwal, whose family has been crafting legendary sweets for over a century. Surrounded by a world of sugary temptations, Vertica balances her desire to let her children celebrate their heritage with the natural maternal anxiety regarding the impact such a sweet-rich environment could have on their teeth. Her peace of mind comes from a simple, powerful reassurance: ‘Colgate Sambhal Lega’ (Colgate will handle it). Science Rooted in LegacyWhile the stories are told through the lens of emotion, the foundation for Colgate is rigorous science. Colgate Strong Teeth reinforces this 90-year trust with its advanced Arginine + Calcium Boost Technology, providing 24-hour cavity protection. It is this quiet, scientific strength that gives mothers the confidence to let their children explore and grow, knowing the shield is always active.Gunjit Jain, Executive Vice President – Marketing, Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited, said: “For 90 years, mothers across India have trusted Colgate as their family’s ‘Suraksha Chakra.’ With ‘Every Colgate Smile Has A Story,’ we are stepping beyond traditional advertising to honour that profound trust. Vertica’s story in Dehradun perfectly captures what we stand for: allowing mothers to let their children fully experience life’s sweet moments, knowing our protection is always there.”The ‘Every Colgate Smile Has A Story’ series will be amplified nationwide across television, digital, and social media.About Colgate-Palmolive (India) LimitedColgate-Palmolive is a caring, innovative growth company that is reimagining a healthier future for all people, and the planet. Colgate-Palmolive (India) Limited is the market leader in Oral Care in the country, committed to delivering sustainable, profitable growth for its shareholders, while fostering an inclusive workplace for its people. With a primary focus on science-led innovations in Oral Care & Personal Care in the Indian market, the company is recognized for its leadership and innovative efforts in advancing sustainability and community well-being. Among its recent accomplishments, the company has made significant strides in reducing plastic waste and promoting recyclability, conserving water and energy at its manufacturing facilities, empowering women with financial and digital literacy and enhancing children’s oral health through its flagship, Colgate Bright Smiles, Bright Futures® program. For more information about Colgate’s global business and how it is building a future to smile about, visit: www.colgatepalmolive.co.inPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2972719/Colgate_Story.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2396024/Colgate_Palmolive_India_Logo.jpg 

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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 focusBuild practical skills through real-world projects and case studiesOffering industry interaction, mentorship, and exposureSupport students with internship and placement opportunitiesDr. 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 contactTasneem Limbdiwalatasneem@mseededucation.com About MSEEDMSEED, 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://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2971835/MSEED_SCOPE_Agreement.jpg 

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