Home Blog Page 147

Global Pharmaceutical Leaders from 7 Countries Attend Galgotias' International Conference – Pharmainnovate 2025

The 2nd PHARMAINNOVATE SUMMIT 2025 an International Conference on “From Molecule to Medicine: Drug Development, Drug Delivery & Life-Saving Therapies” was successfully organized by Galgotias College of Pharmacy, bringing together distinguished academicians, researchers, and industry experts from across the globe. The two-day event aimed to foster knowledge exchange and highlight recent advancements in pharmaceutical sciences, innovative technologies, and the sustainable development of drug delivery systems.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/33882_Pharmainnovate.jpeg

International delegates and pharmaceutical leaders at Galgotias’ Pharmainnovate 2025, highlighting a platform for innovation, collaboration, and advanced drug research

 

Mr. Suneel Galgotia, Chairman of Galgotias College of Pharmacy, extended his immense support for the growth and success of this inspiring event. He reaffirmed his commitment to encouraging such meaningful initiatives and strengthening future endeavours that promote academic excellence and innovation.

 

The conference began with a motivating inaugural ceremony led by Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO of Galgotias College of Pharmacy. He appreciated the efforts of all participants and emphasized that such conferences strengthen knowledge exchange, foster collaboration, and position Galgotias as a growing hub of excellence in pharmaceutical research. His encouraging words set a positive and dynamic tone for the event.

 

Dr. Vikram Sharma, Director, Galgotias College of Pharmacy, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the significance of life-saving therapies in modern pharmacy practice.

 

On the first day of the conference, Prof. Vladimir Tolmachev from the Uppsala University, Sweden, provided deep insights into how engineered scaffold proteins can be designed to recognize and bind to specific tumour markers, enabling targeted imaging and therapy.

 

The day continued with an engaging lecture by Prof. Wenxin Wang, from the University of Dublin, Ireland, explained the limitations of current gene delivery systems and introduced advanced biomaterials engineered to enhance cellular uptake, transfection efficiency, and biocompatibility.

 

This was followed by Prof. Renata Fonseca Vianna Lopez from the University of São Paulo, Brazil, delivered an insightful lecture on Breaking Barriers.

 

In the afternoon session, Prof. h.c. Thomas Rades, from the University of Copenhagen, Denmark addressed the students. His talk explored the crucial role of solid-state forms in determining drug solubility, stability, and bioavailability,

 

The final session of the day featured Dr. Harendra Parekh, from the University of Queensland, Australia, then presented an insightful talk on Industry–Academia Alliances: Navigating the Crossroads of Innovative Platforms.” He highlighted the growing need for strong collaboration between universities and the pharmaceutical industry to accelerate innovation.

 

The conference witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 1300 registrations from participants across academic, research, and industrial sectors. A total of around 400 abstracts were submitted for poster and oral presentations, reflecting the high level of scholarly engagement. Selected abstracts were further published in the Scopus-indexed Journal of Applied Pharmaceutics, adding significant academic value and visibility to the contributions presented during the event.

SMPP Enters into Teaming Agreement with KNDS for KATANA®

SMPP, one of India’s leading defence and aerospace companies, has entered into a teaming agreement through its subsidiary SMPP Ammunition with KNDS for the KATANA® range of precision-guided artillery ammunition. The KATANA® is a 155mm precision-guided munition designed to deliver high accuracy and extended range, addressing critical operational needs of modern artillery systems. The agreement was signed on 20th November 2025 at Milipol Exhibition in Paris.

 

Finalisation of Teaming agreement by SMPP with KNDS

 

The KATANA® family product includes KATANA® Ballistic Range (BR), Extended Range (ER) and High Precision (HP) with laser seeker ammunition. The KATANA family of ammunition offers a full-calibre Precision Guided Munition with extended capabilities to address armoured threats with decametric-level precision and leverages a hybrid guidance system that combines multi-constellation receiver (GNSS) and an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) to ensure accuracy across diverse terrains and combat environments. A future variant is expected to incorporate a semi-active laser seeker to achieve metric-level precision for even more demanding mission profiles. The fire-and-forget capability further enhances its effectiveness in complex operational scenarios, including densely populated urban areas.

 

Under the teaming agreement, SMPP and KNDS will focus on offering the KATANA® family of ammunition to the Indian Army under the Make in India policy, strengthening India’s capability in advanced artillery ammunition and addressing a key operational requirement for the Indian Armed Forces. This agreement comes at a time when the Indian Army has an extensive and urgent requirement for 155mm artillery systems and ammunition.

 

SMPP Limited, founded in 1985, is one of India’s leading defence and aerospace manufacturers with a diverse product portfolio that includes personnel protection, platform armouring, medium & large calibre ammunition & unmanned aerial systems (armed/ surveillance) and their respective payloads. The company is actively expanding into new areas critical to India’s defence preparedness. Headquartered in New Delhi, SMPP operates advanced manufacturing facilities in Haryana and Himachal Pradesh.

 

KNDS Ammo France belongs to KNDS Group which is a European land defence systems leader. As prime contractor and lead system integrator KNDS develop, deliver and sustain state of the art manned and unmanned ‘system-of-systems’, complete mission solutions and its main systems and sub-platforms, including the related ammunitions and services.

Fibe's NBFC arm EarlySalary Pvt. Ltd. Receives Ratings Boost from 3 Top Credit Rating Agencies

  • Acuité assigns Fibe’s rating to A (Stable) for the first time

  • India Ratings has upgraded Fibe’s long-term rating to A- with a Positive outlook

  • CARE Ratings has revised Fibe’s short-term rating from A2 (Stable) to A2+

  • Multi-agency Credit Rating upgrade reflects strong financial performance and governance excellence 

 

Fibe’s NBFC arm, EarlySalary Pvt. Ltd, has achieved an improvement in its credit ratings by three top rating agencies, reaffirming the company’s robust underwriting and risk management framework, operational resilience, and commitment to strong governance standards.

 

Acuité Ratings has assigned Fibe a long-term rating of ‘A’ with a Stable outlook. This reflects Fibe’s resilient business model and management’s focus on responsible growth and asset quality. On the other hand, India Ratings has upgraded Fibe’s long-term rating to A- with a Positive outlook whereas CARE Ratings has revised Fibe’s short-term rating from A2 (Stable) to A2+, recognising enhanced liquidity, diversified funding sources, and timely debt servicing.

 

Founded in 2015, the company recently marked its 10th year milestone. Fibe has significantly evolved over the years from a consumer lending platform to a full stack financial services platform. The company has diversified its portfolio and has a strong presence across impact lending sectors such as healthcare and education financing in addition to personal loans. 

 

Fibe caters to the growing aspirations of young and tech-savvy Indians and continues to build India’s most extensive digital-first consumer lending infrastructure focused on financial inclusion, accessibility, and impact. The company has expanded its footprint, having served over 37 lakh customers till date with presence in 930 cities in India.

 

Mr. Ashish Goyal, Managing Director of Fibe’s NBFC (EarlySalary Services Pvt Ltd) said, “The multi-agency rating upgrade reflects the strength and stability of our business model. It is a testament to the trust and confidence of our customers, partners and investors. Robust risk management has always been paramount to us at Fibe and as we enter the next decade of growth, we remain committed to delivering tech-enabled financial access to our customers while maintaining the highest standards of transparency and asset quality.” 

 

About Fibe 

Fibe is one of India’s leading consumer lending apps focused on young, aspirational, and tech-savvy Indian consumers. Fibe has grown multifold over the years and emerged as a market leader in providing financial assistance to young middle-income and underserved groups to support them fulfil their aspirations. It offers a range of financial products including impact loans for sectors like healthcare and education and solar rooftop financing. Fibe’s financial solutions suite is focused on individuals who need credit that’s transparent, responsive, and easy to manage digitally.

 

Due to its scalable business model, It has access to debt lines from leading banks, NBFCs and wholesale debt markets. It has been certified with ISO/IEC 27001 for its Information Security Management System (ISMS). Fibe has disbursed more than 8 million+ loans worth Rs. 33,000 Cr+ since inception through its lending partners.

 

  • Winner of BW Festival of Fintech Lending Platform of the Year (Gold) and Fintech Brand of the Year (Silver)

  • ET Healthcare Awards 2024 & 2025 – Excellence in Affordable Healthcare Financing

  • Entrepreneur 2024 Founder of The Year & Best Innovation in Financial Services

  • Winner of G20 Digital Innovation Alliance – Best Startup in Fintech 

SMART Technologies Unveils Its First 'Make in India' Solutions Designed for Education at DIDAC 2025

SMART Technologies launches its first-ever SMART ‘Make in India’ interactive flat panels, flagship solutions designed for education, at DIDAC. During an exclusive media briefing held on Thursday, 20th November 2025, at The Lalit, New Delhi, the company made the announcement signalling a significant milestone in the company’s global strategy, strengthening its commitment to the Government of India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Digital Education’ missions. 

 

SMART Technologies Unveils Its First ‘Made in India’ Solutions for Education


The event brought together senior leaders from SMART’s international headquarters, educators, AV/IT partners, and media representatives for a high-impact launch and live product showcase. Attendees explored the new India-manufactured interactive display first-hand, featuring superior energy efficiency, enhanced annotation with SMART Ink, and streamlined teaching experiences through Lumio’s AI capabilities, SMART’s innovative learning platform. During the briefing, SMART also outlined its India-focused roadmap centred on strengthening local support for schools, universities, and corporate learning environments. 


Reflecting on the significance of the launch, Toke Tangkjaer, Chief Revenue Officer (CRO), SMART Technologies said, “This is a proud moment for us at SMART. Bringing manufacturing to India enables us to deliver our world-class technology, to more deserving classrooms. The response we’ve had at DIDAC 2025 affirms the need for solutions that truly support teaching and learning.” 


Anshul Srivastav, Country Head, India, SMART Technologies, added, “Our India-made solutions truly represent our dedication to empowering educators and learners across the country. By localising manufacturing and tailoring our solutions to the needs of Indian classrooms, we are investing in both educational outcomes and India’s EdTech market.


The event featured a detailed AV presentation showcasing SMART’s product ecosystem, including SMART Board® GX Plus, Lumio’s AI Assist, and the company’s customer-centric support framework. Attendees were able to experience the India-made solution first-hand and understand how the new features support real classroom needs, educator workflows, and long-term digital learning outcomes.


The company’s manufacturing operations for the India market are located in Andhra Pradesh, forming the foundation of its long-term investment in local production and education-focused technology solutions.


With strong interest from institutional buyers and partners at DIDAC 2025, SMART Technologies has set the groundwork for its next phase of growth in the country through locally manufactured solutions, educator-informed innovation, and a long-term vision for India’s digital learning future.

 

For More Details Visit at: www.smarttech.com

Monolithisch India Named Among 'Select 200 Companies with Global Business Potential' at Forbes India presents DGEMS 2025 – The Select 200

Monolithisch India, a listed entity on the NSE Emerge platform and a leading manufacturer of high-quality quartz and quartzite solutions, has been recognised as one of the ‘Select 200 Companies with Global Business Potential at Forbes India presents DGEMS 2025 – The Select 200, an exclusive global forum celebrating high-growth, high-impact enterprises.

 

The recognition highlights Monolithisch India’s contribution to powering critical industrial sectors through advanced mineral solutions. The company currently serves India’s rapidly expanding secondary steel manufacturing ecosystem and is set to diversify into additional mineral and material products next year, reinforcing its position within the country’s manufacturing value chain.

 

Harsh Tekriwal, Managing Director, Monolithisch India

 

Speaking on the recognition, Harsh Tekriwal, Managing Director, Monolithisch India, said, “Our mission has always been clear — to manufacture the finest quartz and quartzite products that fuel industries fundamental to global progress, from steel and semiconductors to paints and medical technologies. India holds vast, yet underutilised mineral potential comparable to global benchmarks like Spruce Pine. Our vision is to harness these resources, apply world-class technology, and position India as a global leader in premium quartz solutions.”

 

He added, “Being selected for Forbes India presents DGEMS 2025 – The Select 200 gives us access to global insights, expert networks, and transformative opportunities. What truly excites us is the eXtrefy and Select 200 community — a powerful circle of founders and innovators committed to reshaping the industries of tomorrow. Together, we look forward to amplifying India’s voice on the world manufacturing stage.”

 

DGEMS 2025, a first-of-its-kind platform focused on cross-border expansion of high-growth companies, brings together founders, investors, and industry decision-makers to accelerate global market entry, partnerships, and innovation.

 

With this recognition, Monolithisch India reaffirms its commitment to advancing India’s role in global manufacturing through responsible resource development, technological excellence, and sustained industry collaboration.

Galgotias Among India's Top Institutions in QS Sustainability 2026 Rankings

Galgotias University has achieved remarkable national positions in the prestigious QS World University Rankings 2026 for sustainability, reaffirming its commitment to responsible, future-focused education. With strong performances across multiple categories, the University continues to set benchmarks in social responsibility, environmental stewardship, and transparent governance.

 

Galgotias University achieves strong positions in the QS Sustainability 2026 Rankings, underscoring its commitment to responsible and future-ready education


Galgotias University has been ranked #18 among the Top Private Institutions in India, reflecting its growing leadership in sustainable academic excellence. Additionally, the university secured the 49th spot among top Government and Private Institutions in India, showcasing its competitive position at the national level.


In category-wise performance, Galgotias University has delivered a strong showing:

 

  • #38 in India for Social Impact, highlighting the university’s deep commitment to community development, inclusion, and nation-building initiatives

  • #55 in India for Environmental Impact, recognizing continuous investments in green infrastructure and ecological sustainability practices

  • #59 in India for Governance, reflecting responsible administration, policy transparency, and adherence to global governance standards.


Speaking on the achievement, Dr. Dhruv Galgotia, CEO, Galgotias University, said, “These rankings reflect our unwavering commitment to empowering students through a purpose-driven education model. Sustainability is not just an initiative for us, it is embedded in our culture, pedagogy, and long-term vision for nation-building. Galgotias University will continue to lead with responsibility, innovation, and impact.”


These achievements further strengthen the university’s global standing, with Galgotias recently also securing notable positions in the QS World University Rankings Asia 2026: 15th among private universities in India, 43rd among private and government universities in India, 116th in Southern Asia and 454th across Asia. These recognitions reaffirm Galgotias University as one of the youngest and fastest-rising institutions in the region, steadily advancing toward its vision of becoming a hub for transformative education and international collaboration. Complementing this progress, Galgotias University’s strong performance in the QS Sustainability Rankings 2026 underscores its mission of delivering high-quality, socially conscious education and nurturing future-ready leaders who contribute meaningfully to society and the planet.


About Galgotias University  
Galgotias University Among the World’s Leading Universities in QS and THE Rankings.


Galgotias University proudly ascends in the QS World University Rankings 2026 by Quacquarelli Symonds, securing a coveted position in the 1201–1400 global band. Ranked 15th among top private universities and 43rd among all Indian universities—public and private combined—this achievement marks a powerful endorsement of Galgotias’ unwavering commitment to academic excellence, global relevance, and innovation in higher education.


In the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Galgotias University has been ranked 45th among Indian universities (including both government and private institutions) and placed in the globally prestigious 1001–1200 band. This significant achievement reinforces the university’s growing stature in the international academic arena and validates its consistent progress in global higher education benchmarks.

 

Dwarika's Sanctuary: A Himalayan Rebirth Unveiled in Nepal

A part of the award-winning hospitality brand, Dwarika’s Collection, Dwarika’s Resort has been recently renamed Dwarika’s Sanctuary. This transformation, reflecting a renewed vision rooted in Himalayan philosophies of wellbeing, has already earned the prestigious 2025 Michelin Key – recognizing it for its outstanding excellence, authenticity, and distinct personality in hospitality.
 

Dwarika’s Sanctuary in Nepal, a 2025 Michelin Key Himalayan wellbeing retreat

 

The Sanctuary will further unveil its new minimum three-night, all-inclusive concept beginning January 2026, marking a new chapter in immersive Himalayan wellbeing. The all-inclusive concept aligns with Dwarika Sanctuary’s philosophy of living wellbeing based on the ancient wisdoms of the Himalayas. Where every guest journey is immersive, exclusive, and deeply personal, with experiences rooted in the traditions of Buddhist and Vedic medicine and designed for travellers seeking not just rest, but profound renewal of body, mind, and spirit.

 

Nestled in the pristine Dhulikel hills of Nepal, Dwarika’s Sanctuary offers a carefully curated environment designed to foster deep relaxation, rejuvenation, and holistic renewal. Spread across 22 acres of stunning hills with panoramic views of the Himalayas, the Sanctuary is inspired by Mother Nature, boasting 40 residential suites reflecting the traditional Nepali village ethos, where trails, glades, and terraced farms are woven into the verdant woodland ecology. Expansive suites overlooking the mountains and the valley, offer a serene and harmonious retreat with natural materials, soft textures, and open views to connect every guest to the surrounding nature.

 

Immersive All-Inclusive Wellbeing:
Every stay begins with a Personalized Ayurvedic consultation with the resident doctor to understand each guest’s unique mind-body constitution. Daily wellbeing activities such as breathwork at Himalayan Rock Salt House, meditation at Himalayan Rock Crystal Chamber, Shiva linga maze meditation walk, open air yoga, nine planet balancing, singing bowl therapy and spiritual blessing ceremony re-align and re-center energies. The all-inclusive services also include Pancha Kosha Spa treatments, harmonizing the five layers of being, with one signature massage per three nights of stay. The kitchens at the retreat offer nourishing cuisine, prepared with fresh, local, seasonal, and organic produce from the Sanctuary’s own farms, alongside non-alcoholic wellness beverages. For those interested in exploring the outdoors and learn more about the local culture can sign up for exclusive curated experiences including monastery visits and Dwarika’s Organic farm hike and lunch prepared by local farmers. Each element is intentionally designed to guide guests through a journey of restoration and reconnection – with themselves, with nature, and with the spiritual essence of the Himalayas.

 

Dwarika’s Sanctuary is more than a destination—it is an inward journey for travellers seeking not just rest, but a profound renewal of body, mind, and spirit,” shares René Vijay Shrestha, CEO of Dwarika’s Collection. “Rooted in the ancient philosophies of the Himalayas, our immersive wellbeing experiences are both exclusive and deeply personal, inviting each guest to reconnect with themselves and with nature in a truly transformative way.”

 

Accessible by a 45-minute road drive from Kathmandu airport, with no visa requirements for Indians, Dwarika’s Sanctuary is an easy getaway for a quick detox and reset for those looking to restore and rejuvenate.
 

For bookings, call (+977-1) 4579488 / 4570770, email partners@dwarikas.com or log in to www.dwarikas.com/dwarikassanctuary

 

For media enquires:
sowmya@tresindia.in
digitalmarketing@dwarikas.com

 

About The Dwarika’s Collection
An intimate collection of two distinctive, Michelin Key-awarded retreats, The Dwarika’s in Kathmandu, popularly known as the ‘living museum’, and one-of-a-kind Himalayan wellbeing offering Dwarika’s Sanctuary in Dhulikel. Deeply committed to the principles of preservation and revival of Nepal’s architectural, cultural, natural, and spiritual heritage, both retreats weave these ethos into all aspects of the guest experience – from the cuisine to wellbeing offerings, curated outdoor activities to the service. 

M3M India Family Office Forays into Sports Management with Acquisition of NCR Franchise in the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL)

In a strategic expansion beyond real estate, the promoter family behind M3M India has entered the fast-growing world of sports management by acquiring the NCR franchise of the debut Indian Pickleball League (IPBL)—a premier initiative of the Times of India Group. The franchise, named Capital Warriors Gurgaon, will be led by Dr. Payal Kanodia & Mrs. Aishwarya Bansal, Family Office of M3M India, who will drive strategy, brand-building, and team vision.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/33878_Mrs_Aishwarya_Bansal_and_Mr_Vineet_Jain.JPG

L to R: Mrs Aishwarya Bansal and Mr Vineet Jain

 

This move marks the second major investment by the M3M India Family Office into new-age consumer sectors. Earlier, the family office made headlines by investing USD 20 million in beauty-tech platform Kult, acquiring 55% equity. The investment came at a time of exceptional growth in India’s beauty and personal-care market.

 

A Bold New Chapter in Sports, Youth Culture & Urban Engagement

Speaking on the announcement, Mrs. Aishwarya Bansal, Family Office of M3M India, said, Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports globally, and India is perfectly positioned to lead this cultural movement. Our entry into the Indian Pickleball League (IPBL) is not just an investment in sport—it is an investment in community, youth engagement, and the future of urban experiences. In times to come, we see Pickleball as the second highest in followers after cricket. The Capital Warriors Gurgaon will embody the spirit of new-age India: energetic, inclusive, and globally inspired. We are grateful to the Times of India Group for creating a world-class platform that allows emerging sports to thrive.

 

At the launch, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Family Office of M3M India, and Chairperson & Trustee, M3M Foundation said “With ‘Lakshya’—our flagship sports initiative—at the heart of the nine major programmes of the M3M Foundation this year, we have deepened our commitment to nurturing sporting talent and strengthening sports infrastructure and accessibility across India. Recognising the vital role that sports play in building character, discipline, and resilience, we took a bold step forward by committing to the development of 50 pickleball courts across the country, especially to train and uplift underserved children. By creating infrastructure that inspires active and healthy living, we are opening new pathways for growth, inclusion, and community empowerment. At the launch of India’s first national government-recognised pickleball league—an extraordinary awareness milestone—The Times of India acknowledged this transformational effort. Together with ‘Capital Warriors Gurgaon’, we are striving to give back to the city we love, envisioning it as a vibrant playground where every child has the opportunity to play, every family finds time to bond, and every elderly citizen finds joy simply by being part of an active, connected community.”

 

Key Drivers for the Investment:

 

  1. Massive Growth Potential

    • Pickleball is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports. Globally, it attracts millions; in India, the momentum is especially strong.  

    • The Indian pickleball market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of ~26% from 2024 to 2029, according to market research firm Bonafide Research. 

    • Domestic participation is surging: in recent years, active players in India have reportedly grown by 275%, with forecasts estimating over 1 million players by 2028. 

  2. Accessible & Inclusive Sport

    • The sport has low barriers to entry. Existing infrastructure (tennis or badminton courts) can often be repurposed for pickleball, making it cost-effective

    • It is inherently inclusive: played by people aged 8 to 80, it appeals equally to recreational and competitive players.  

    • Its social nature fosters community — weeknight games, WhatsApp groups, friendships across generations. 

  3. Strategic Alignment with M3M’s Vision

    • As a family office building a diversified portfolio, M3M India has long looked beyond real estate into new-age, consumer-oriented sectors — such as beauty tech (Kult) and now sports & wellness.

    • Pickleball resonates with M3M’s urban, lifestyle-driven ethos: it is not only about competition but building a community-based, brand-led experience.

    • The investment also dovetails with M3M’s long-term commitment to youth engagement, health & wellness, and socially inclusive recreation.

 

Pickleball: India’s Next Big Sport

With millions of new players joining globally, pickleball has fast emerged as an accessible, high-energy sport suitable for youth, families, corporates, and wellness communities. The Indian Pickleball League, launched by the Times of India Group, is set to become India’s largest, most influential platform for this rapidly growing sport.

 

The Capital Warriors Gurgaon will represent NCR in the inaugural season, bringing together top Indian athletes, global coaching talent, and a world-class fan experience.

4th Namaste Vietnam Festival Celebrates Culture, Creativity and Collaboration

The 4th Namaste Vietnam Festival 2025 concluded on a high note in Ninh Binh on 20 November 2025, marking the end of a four-day celebration of cultural diplomacy, tourism promotion, and cinematic collaboration between India and Vietnam. Jointly organised by the Provincial Government of Ninh Binh and Innovations India, the festival—curated by internationally acclaimed filmmaker Captain Rahul Bali—drew an impressive lineup of dignitaries, cultural leaders, diplomats, business heads, and film personalities from both nations, reflecting the deepening warmth and cooperation between India and Vietnam under India’s Act East Policy.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image1/33877_LIMELITE_Photo_1.jpg

Rahul Bali with Actors Riya Sen, Donal Bisht, Divya Agarwal, Niharica Raizada & Filmmakers Aashish Singh, CK & Abhishek

 

The grand red carpet opening ceremony, held at the state-of-the-art Versak Hall in the Tam Chuc Complex, was attended by a distinguished panel of VVIPs, including H.E. Mr. Ho An Phong, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports & Tourism of Vietnam; Mr. Tran Song Tung, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Ninh Binh; Ms. Pham Thi Thanh Huong, Head of the Cultural Department of UNESCO in Vietnam; Dr. Monica Sharma, Director of the Swami Vivekananda Cultural Centre at the Embassy of India in Vietnam; Mr. Chau A Nguyen, Director of Oxalis; Mr. Nguyen Khanh Luan, Chairman of Dragon Distillery Company; and Mr. Ngo Minh Quan, Director of Vietravel among many others. Their collective presence underscored the festival’s growing stature as a premier platform for strengthening bilateral cultural and economic relations.

 

During the ceremony, three major Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) were signed to further strengthen India–Vietnam cooperation. The first MoU, between Innovations India and Ninh Binh authorities, confirmed that an important portion of the upcoming Bollywood film SILAA produced by Captain Rahul Bali will be shot in Ninh Binh in January 2026, opening new cinematic collaboration avenues. The second MoU, signed between Indian travel company Destination Planners and Ninh Binh, aims to actively promote Ninh Binh as a preferred destination for Indian tourists. The third MoU, between the Indian wedding planning firm Global Access and Ninh Binh, focuses on showcasing the province as a premium destination for Indian destination weddings. These agreements represent a significant step forward in leveraging the festival as a platform for long-term partnerships.

 

https://www.newsvoir.com/images/article/image2/33877_LIMELITE_Photo_2.jpg

Vietnam’s Culture & Tourism Minister Mr. Ho An Phong with the Delegation from Mizoram and other dignitaries

 

Speaking at the event, H.E. Mr. Ho An Phong stated, “The Namaste Vietnam Festival has become a powerful symbol of the growing cultural affinity between Vietnam and India. Each edition brings our peoples closer through shared artistic expression, mutual respect, and a celebration of our rich traditions. We are proud to host this festival and look forward to deepening our cooperation with India across culture, tourism, and creative industries.”

 

Echoing his view, Mr. Tran Song Tung added, “Ninh Binh is honoured to host the Fourth Namaste Vietnam Festival, which beautifully highlights the harmony between our two nations. Through this festival, we not only showcase the cultural treasures of Ninh Binh but also build bridges of cooperation in tourism, trade, cinema, and people-to-people engagement. We warmly welcome our partners from India and look forward to shaping many more shared successes.”

 

A major highlight of the festival was the glamorous presence of film personalities from both India and Vietnam. The Indian delegation included well-known Bollywood actors Riya Sen, Divya Agarwal, Donal Bisht, and Niharica Raizada, along with noted filmmakers Chandrakant Singh, Tariq Khan, Zeba Sajid, and Abhishek Ankur. Representing Vietnam’s vibrant entertainment industry were celebrated actress and filmmaker Mai Thu Huyen, actor Trinh Tu Trung, and filmmaker Van Ha. Their participation added significant star power and reinforced the festival’s growing role in bridging the two nations’ entertainment industries.

 

The festival also welcomed representatives from India’s top film production houses: Dhruv Sinha of Reliance Entertainment and Aashish Singh of Red Chillies Entertainment (owned by Indian superstar Shah Rukh Khan). Their presence is expected to catalyse new Indo-Vietnamese collaborations in film production, location shooting, content development, and talent exchange.

 

Vietnam Airlines, the national flag carrier, continued its legacy of support by serving as the Official Airline Partner for the third consecutive year, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening tourism, trade, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties between India and Vietnam.

 

This year’s festival also saw the participation of India’s leading tour operators and wedding planners, who explored the picturesque landscapes of Ninh Binh—including Tam Chuc, Trang An, Bai Dinh, Tam Coc, and Hoa Lu Ancient Town. Their curated visits aim to promote Vietnam as a preferred destination for Indian travellers, particularly in the fast-growing segment of destination weddings and luxury tourism.

 

A major milestone in the 2025 edition was the first-ever participation of a high-level delegation from the Indian state of Mizoram. Known for its natural beauty, organic produce, and cultural similarities with Vietnam, Mizoram’s involvement is expected to unlock new opportunities for cooperation in tourism, trade, and organic products—particularly bamboo and ginger, for which the state is renowned. The delegation also met H.E. Mr. Tshering Wangchuk Sherpa, The Ambassador of India in Hanoi and deliberated upon the same.

 

Throughout its duration, the festival featured a rich array of Indian and Vietnamese cultural performances, interactive seminars on film cooperation, tourism collaboration, and industry networking sessions. Delegates from India were given immersive tours of Vietnam’s scenic and cultural heritage sites, reinforcing the festival’s role as an engine for people-to-people connectivity and bilateral engagement.

 

Launched in 2022 by Innovations India under the aegis of the Embassy of India in Vietnam, the Namaste Vietnam Festival has rapidly evolved into a significant annual platform celebrating the friendship between India and Vietnam through cinema, culture, tourism, business opportunities, and creative partnerships. Led by Captain Rahul Bali, Innovations India continues to play a key role in conceptualising and executing international initiatives that highlight India’s cultural and creative excellence.

 

From dazzling red carpets to the scenic charm of Ninh Binh, the 4th Namaste Vietnam Festival 2025 unfolded as a spectacular celebration of cinema, culture and camaraderie, gathering Bollywood and Vietnamese stars, esteemed dignitaries and festival guests, and heralding three key MOUs to deepen partnerships in film, tourism and destination weddings.

Celebrating a Decade of Kuchipudi Excellence and Reviving Indian Art Forms in Modern Living

ASBL, a leading name in creating future-forward living spaces, has partnered with NrityaPriya Dance Academy as the Cultural Partner for its 10th Anniversary Celebration at Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, King Koti. The milestone event, themed around Lord Sri Krishna, brought together over 500 students, alumni, and art enthusiasts to commemorate a decade of excellence in the classical Kuchipudi dance form.

 

ASBL strengthens its cultural initiative by partnering with NrityaPriya Dance Academy

 

The evening featured soulful performances such as Ambaparaku, Ganesha Pancharatnam, Jayadeva Ashtapadi, and Nauka Charitam capturing the divine grace and storytelling essence that define India’s classical traditions. The event also included felicitations for esteemed guests, including cultural icons like Dr. Maddali Usha Gayatri (Central Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee) and ASBL’s Founder and CEO, Ajitesh Korupolu, who attended as Chief Guest.

 

Speaking at the event, Ajitesh Korupolu said, “Culture is the soul of a community. As we build modern living spaces, we believe it’s equally important to build emotional and cultural connections within them. Our partnership with NrityaPriya is an expression of this belief to celebrate the richness of Indian heritage and ensure that art, tradition, and togetherness remain part of contemporary life.”

 

ASBL’s association with NrityaPriya reflects its broader mission to integrate culture into the fabric of urban living. Through initiatives such as cultural workshops and community art programs at ASBL Landmark and upcoming projects, the brand aims to create spaces where residents don’t just live, they belong.

 

For ASBL, art and architecture share the same purpose: to inspire, connect, and create meaning. By supporting institutions like NrityaPriya, ASBL continues to nurture India’s cultural heritage while empowering communities to rediscover the joy of shared experiences.

 

This partnership marks another step in ASBL’s vision to bridge heritage and modernity reminding us that true progress is built not just with structures, but with stories, traditions, and a shared sense of identity.