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Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest Ends on High A Note with Prestigious Godrej Awards

MUMBAI, India, Nov. 17, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 16th edition of Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest presented by Godrej Industries Group successfully concluded on Sunday, reaffirming the city’s place as India’s cultural and literary capital. Over three engaging days, the festival brought together more than 120 celebrated authors, thinkers, and artists from India and around the world, creating a space where ideas, art, and imagination converged.

The 2025 edition offered a rich blend of panel discussions, readings, performances, and workshops that explored how storytelling continues to shape our understanding of an ever-changing world. Themes such as diversity, inclusion and creativity, the evolution of Indian identity, and the power of narrative to drive social change dominated this year’s conversations.
The festival featured an exceptional lineup, including Nobel Laureate Venki Ramakrishnan, Booker Prize winner Shehan Karunatilaka, former CJI Dhananjay Chandrachud, Shashi Tharoor, Shobhaa De, Jerry Pinto, Luke Countinho, Anindita Ghose, Swati Pandey, Paromita Vohra, Tarini Mohan. Signature sessions such as ‘The Great Debate: India and China Must Be Friends,”Book in Focus,’ and ‘Young Voices’ drew enthusiastic participation. A special installation titled ‘Letters to the Future’ offered a reflective space for attendees to share their hopes for the next generation of readers and writers.
Among the highlights was the prestigious Godrej Literature Live! Awards, honouring excellence across Fiction, Non-Fiction, Business Writing, and Playwriting. The festival’s top honours — the Poet Laureate Award and the Lifetime Achievement Award — were conferred upon ShriSitanshu Yashaschandra and ShriVinod Kumar Shukla, respectively, in recognition of their outstanding literary contributions.

Nadir Godrej
, Chairperson and Managing Director, Godrej Industries Group, said: “Literature has the power to distil the essence of our times, to question, to comfort, and to connect. Through Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest, we celebrate not just stories and ideas, but the spirit of curiosity that drives innovation and progress. Every edition strengthens our belief that creativity, whether in science, business, or art, is rooted in the courage to imagine differently. We’re honoured to help sustain a platform that keeps that imagination alive.”

Amy Fernandes, FestivalCo-Director, added, “A fabulous finish to the 16th year of the Mumbai LifFest. What began as a gathering of readers and writers 15 years ago has grown into a vibrant exchange of ideas that transcends genres and generations. With Godrej Industries as our partner in purpose, we continue to nurture this spirit, keeping literature relevant, inclusive, and deeply intertwined with the cultural pulse of our city, Mumbai and the world around us.”
In addition to this Roopa Kudva, author and business leader, said, “I couldn’t have asked for a better platform than the Mumbai Litfest 2025 to launch ‘Leadership Beyond the Playbook’. The conversation with two pioneering women – Arundhati Bhattacharya and Shereen Bhan – was thoughtful, engaging, and fun. The packed audience and the festival ambience reflected the spirit of Mumbai at its very best.”
Building on its commitment to inclusion, this year’s LitFest took accessibility a step further with over 15 sessions interpreted in Indian Sign Language (ISL) by Access for All. The organization also conducted a zine-making workshop for children, aimed at nurturing empathy and creative expression. Additionally, a sensory-friendly tent at the Open-Air Plaza offered a soothing space for neurodivergent children and others, featuring tactile materials, soft seating, noise-cancelling aids, and support from trained facilitators.
Through its continued partnership with Literature Live!, Godrej Industries Group reaffirms its commitment to supporting creativity, inclusivity, and culture, championing platforms that inspire dialogue, imagination, and collective progress.

About Godrej Industries Group:

The Godrej Industries Group (GIG) serves 1.1 billion consumers globally across businesses in diverse industries, including consumer products, real estate, agriculture, financial services and chemicals. Godrej was founded in 1897 to help build economic independence for India. We are committed to growing and strengthening this legacy of innovation for a cause; building for a more sustainable future, while placing our planet and people alongside profit. GIG houses several rapidly growing businesses that are the leaders in their respective categories. Godrej Consumer Products (GCPL) is an emerging markets FMCG leader in Home and Personal Care with a growing presence in Asia, Africa and Latin America. Godrej Properties (GPL) is India’s leading real estate developer by sales and brings the Godrej philosophy of innovation, sustainability, and excellence to the real estate industry. Godrej Agrovet’s (GAVL) portfolio businesses address key challenges faced by Indian agriculture; improving the productivity of Indian farmers through innovative products and services that sustainably increase crop and livestock yields. Godrej Industries (Chemicals), the group’s oldest business, is India’s leading manufacturer of oleochemicals and surfactants. Godrej Fund Management (GFM) is the real estate private equity arm of the group. Godrej Capital (GC), the newest company in the group, is a fast-growing financial services business.
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India Emerging as Stable Investment Anchor in Turbulent Global Economy, Say Investors at IGF Mumbai 2026

Capital allocators at IGF Mumbai 2026 assess India’s role as conflict in West Asia reshapes global markets.MUMBAI, India, March 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As military conflict in West Asia disrupts energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and global liquidity tightens, leading investors, policymakers and capital markets leaders gathered at IGF Mumbai 2026: Catalysing Capital to assess India’s position in an increasingly fragmented global economy.

The third edition of India Global Forum’s flagship Mumbai gathering brought together authoritative voices from private equity, venture capital, public markets and policy to examine how shifting geopolitics, supply-chain disruptions and tightening financial conditions are reshaping global capital flows – and where India fits within this evolving landscape.Despite global uncertainty, investors at the forum expressed strong confidence in India’s structural growth story.Speaking at the forum, Howard Morgan, Chairman of B Capital, said the current moment reflected more than just rising foreign investment.”What makes this moment different is not just the amount of foreign capital – it is the spirit and confidence within India itself.”Morgan added that global investors increasingly see India evolving beyond its traditional role as a services hub.”There’s a strong belief that India can become a global technology player, not just a services provider or a support hub for the rest of the world. India can produce goods and services for global markets, and for its own domestic market, which is now larger than China’s.”Reflecting on India’s position in a rapidly changing global landscape, Manoj Ladwa, Chairman of India Global Forum, said the country’s strategic balance is becoming increasingly important as global capital recalibrates.”In this evolving global landscape, India occupies a uniquely powerful position. Large enough to matter, open enough to integrate, and independent enough to make sovereign choices. India can expand trade while strengthening resilience, attract global capital while building domestic capability, and partner widely without becoming narrowly dependent. That balance will define the next phase of India.”Several speakers highlighted the growing importance of domestic capital in strengthening India’s financial resilience.Sunjay Sudhir, former Indian Ambassador to the UAE, offered a sobering assessment of the regional conflict that framed the day’s discussions.”The geopolitics of the Middle East are changing rapidly, and history is being written in real time. What we are witnessing now is unprecedented in this part of the world. The region has always been volatile, but few imagined that tensions could escalate to this extent.”Amit Chandra, Chairperson of Bain Capital Private Equity, pointed to the scale of local investment capacity.”Domestic capital is becoming one of India’s biggest strengths. Indian investors are increasingly deploying capital through equities and SIPs, while the country also holds vast untapped wealth in assets like gold.”Market participants also noted the rising maturity of India’s financial ecosystem and the expanding role of domestic investors in supporting market stability.Radhika Gupta, Managing Director & CEO of Edelweiss Mutual Fund, said increasing participation in mutual funds reflects changing investor behaviour.”February 2026 numbers for the mutual fund industry were actually 10% higher than January 2026 numbers. I think that reflects rising consumer maturity.”Similarly, Manisha Girotra, CEO of Moelis, highlighted how domestic investors are increasingly competing with global capital in major transactions.”One of the most encouraging trends is the rise of domestic capital. Indian strategic players are now competing with global investors to acquire assets. That rarely happened earlier.”Karthik Reddy, Co-founder and Managing Partner of Blume Ventures, highlighted India’s continued ability to sustain public listings as a meaningful differentiator, noting that despite periodic foreign outflows from Indian equities, global investors continue to allocate meaningfully to Indian primary markets, particularly IPOs.Vani Kola, Managing Director of Kalaari Capital, offered the long view: “In the last 40 years that I have been professionally engaged in the world of startups, conflict cycles come and go. They don’t matter if you take a long-term perspective.”Against a backdrop of geopolitical uncertainty and shifting capital flows, the conversations at IGF Mumbai 2026 underscored a growing consensus among global investors: India’s economic scale, domestic capital strength and institutional resilience are positioning the country as a defining force in the next phase of the global capital order. For investors navigating an uncertain world, India is increasingly becoming a market of stability rather than speculation.About India Global ForumIndia Global Forum tells the story of contemporary India. The pace of change and growth India has set itself is an opportunity for the world. IGF is the gateway for businesses and nations to help seize that opportunity.For more information, visit: www.indiaglobalforum.com Twitter: @IGFUpdates | @manojladwaLinkedIn: India Global ForumPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2932542/Manoj_Ladwa_Howard_Morgan_IGF.jpgLogo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2566069/IGF_Logo.jpg 

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Reliance Digital Introduces High-Performance iQOO 15R to its Nationwide Store Network

MUMBAI, India, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Reliance Digital announces the offline retail availability of iQOO, the high-performance smartphone brand built for today’s youth and tech-forward consumers. Following strong traction in online channels, iQOO is now extending its presence into physical retail, allowing customers to experience and purchase its devices first-hand at Reliance Digital stores across India.

Known for pushing the boundaries of speed, and power, the iQOO 15R is powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5, delivering exceptional speed, responsiveness, and sustained performance throughout the day. It packs iQOO’s biggest battery yet in an ultra-slim 7.90mm design, making it India’s slimmest smartphone with a 7600 mAh battery.The device features a 6.5K IceCore VC Cooling Chamber for stable performance and runs on OriginOS 6.0 based on Android 16 out of the box, supported by 4 years of software updates and 6 years of security updates. It is also equipped with a Sony LYT-700V OIS camera, a 1.5K 144Hz AMOLED EyeCare display, and IP68 & IP69 dust and water resistance, making it a dependable daily partner for professionals on the go.The brand’s offline expansion marks an important step in deepening consumer engagement by offering hands-on access to its devices, enabling customers to explore iQOO’s powerful performance, advanced display technology, and flagship-grade camera capabilities in a real-world retail environment.The availability of iQOO at Reliance Digital brings together two brands driven by innovation and consumer experience. While iQOO continues to build its reputation as a performance-led smartphone brand, Reliance Digital strengthens its portfolio by offering customers access to cutting-edge technology brands through its extensive nationwide retail network.Through engaging in-store experiences, knowledgeable staff, and immersive product demonstrations, Reliance Digital aims to help consumers better understand iQOO’s performance-first DNA. This move further reinforces Reliance Digital’s commitment to staying ahead of evolving consumer preferences and serving as a preferred destination for discovering new-age technology.With this expansion, Reliance Digital continues to play a key role in shaping India’s consumer electronics landscape by bringing future-ready brands closer to customers, while enabling smartphone brands like iQOO to build stronger connections with a growing, performance-driven audience.The all new iQOO 15R is now available at Reliance Digital stores nationwide.Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2931475/iQOO_15R.jpg 

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Power Creator Awards – Women’s Edition by Times Entertainment, Lights Up Mumbai, Celebrating Digital Trailblazers on International Women’s Day

MUMBAI, India, March 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In a dazzling celebration of creativity, influence, and impact, Times Entertainment successfully hosted the Power Creator Awards – Women’s Edition on March 9th at The Lalit, Mumbai. Marking International Women’s Day, the gala honored the extraordinary women who are not just creating content but are building communities and driving meaningful change across India’s digital landscape.

The evening brought together the biggest names from the world of entertainment and digital media. The ceremony was graced by high-profile personalities including Hina Khan, Kusha Kapila, Sanjana Sanghi, Sona Mohapatra, Sonnalli Seygall, and Sumukhi Suresh, who stood as a testament to the growing synergy between traditional stardom and digital influence.A Distinguished JuryThe ‘Jury Choice’ winners were selected after a rigorous deliberation process by an esteemed panel of industry veterans. The jury featured:Divya Dutta (National Award-winning Actor & Author)Rasika Dugal (Versatile Actor known for Mirzapur & Delhi Crime)Shweta Tripathi Sharma (Acclaimed Actor and digital pioneer)Anup Soni (Renowned Actor and Anchor)”To witness so many creators through the jury process was a reminder that creation is a reflection of who we are,” said Shweta Tripathi Sharma. Rasika Dugal added, “I was particularly moved by the ‘Breaking the Bias’ category; the courage and honesty of these women is truly inspiring.”Celebrating the WinnersThe awards followed a dual-winner format—Jury Choice and Popular Choice (voted for by millions of fans nationwide)—covering over 20 diverse categories.CategoryWinner (Jury/Popular Choice Highlights)Power Comedy CreatorSrishti Dixit / Aanchal AgrawalPower Fashion & StyleRachel D’cruz / Jhanvi BhatiaPower Breaking BiasMira Erda / Saniya Mistri KaiyumuddinPower Music CreatorSantvani Trivedi / Melissa SrivastavaPower Food CreatorNatasha Gandhi / Kriti BhoutikaPower Fitness IconNeha Singh / Vibha MahajanPower Podcaster CreatorAleena Qureshi/ Srishti Ganguli and Salonie PatelCheck out the full winners list here – https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/women/voices-of-power/times-entertainments-power-creator-awards-womens-edition-complete-winners-list-palak-muchhal-ira-khan-and-more-honored/articleshow/129344078.cmsPhoto: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2931390/Power_Creator_Awards.jpg 

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