Hong Kong

Spring in Hong Kong means one thing: festivals – and lots of them! The much-loved Cheung Chau Bun Festival runs from 5-6 May, marking the start of a non-stop season of arts, culture, and sporting events across the city for many Indian travellers planning their summer vacations.

A man participating in the Bun Scrambling Competition during Hong Kongs Cheung Chau Bun Festival

Held annually on the charming outlying island of Cheung Chau, this iconic event transforms the slow-paced fishing village into a whirlwind of colour, tradition, and high-flying fun. With lively parades, age-old rituals, and quirky customs unique to Hong Kong, it’s no wonder the festival draws thousands of visitors from near and far each year.

From Buns to Beats: Top Hong Kong Events This Spring

A cornerstone of Hong Kong’s cultural calendar, the Cheung Chau Bun Festival is steeped in folklore and history. Recognised as part of China’s national list of intangible cultural heritage since 2011, it honours the sea god Pak Tai, who is said to have saved the island from a deadly plague in the 18th century. Today, it continues to enchant visitors with Taoist ceremonies, lion dances, and its signature event: the thrilling bun-scrambling competition. Here are a few festival highlights:

Climbing Carnival – 27 April 2025

Immersing visitors in bun tower fun, the Climbing Carnival (12 pm-6 pm) promises an exciting afternoon of stall games, handicrafts, and variety shows.

Piu Sik Parade – 5 May 2025

One of the festival’s most anticipated events, the Piu Sik Parade, draws thousands of onlookers each year. During this vibrant spectacle, children dressed as deities, public figures, and pop-culture icons appear to “float” above the crowds in a vibrant, carnival-like procession.

Bun-Scrambling Competition Final – 5-6 May 2025

At midnight, the legendary Bun-Scrambling Competition begins. In this whimsical event, 12 climbers race up a roughly 14-metre tower covered in lucky buns (ping on bao), grabbing as many as they can. Higher buns earn more points, and the top scorer wins. Meanwhile, the competitor with the most buns earns the playful title of “Full Pockets of Lucky Buns.”

Nightfall Celebration: A Dazzling Drone Show

Beyond Cheung Chau, spring also brings Labour Day Golden Week, running (1 to 5 May), filling the city with festive energy. Highlights include the celebration of Tin Hau (20 April); Buddha’s Birthday (5 May); and the Tam Kung Festival (5 May), traditionally observed by maritime communities.

To mark the occasion, an immersive 12-minute drone show will light up the night sky at 8 pm on 1 May, set to newly composed music and framed by Hong Kong’s iconic skyline. For the best views, head to the Wan Chai Temporary Promenade.

Feel the Pulse: More from Hong Kong’s Cultural Beat

Alongside the Cheung Chau Bun Festival, an exciting lineup of events comes together as part of Cultural Beat – a citywide initiative that celebrates the arts, crafts, and traditions that give Hong Kong its one-of-a-kind rhythm.

Among the highlights:

• Buddha Bathing Ceremony at Po Lin Monastery (29 April-5 May)

Step into serenity with this peaceful tradition, where visitors pour water over Buddha statues in a symbolic act of renewal.

• Hong Kong International Dragon Boat Races (7-8 June)

Feel the adrenaline as teams paddle in sync during this high-energy showdown of speed, colour, and tradition.

• Tam Kung Festival @ Eastern District 2025 (29 April-7 May)

Soak up the colour and spirit of Hong Kong, with Cantonese opera, a parade featuring lion and dragon dances, and an international lion dance competition to honour sea god Tam Kung.

As the season unfolds, Hong Kong will host even more fairs and festivals:

• Affordable Art Fair Hong Kong (22-25 May)

Explore connection, cultural identity, and the fusion of tradition and modernity at the Affordable Art Fair in Hong Kong this May, featuring works from 98 leading galleries.

• French May Arts Festival (through 13 July)

Celebrate all things French with citywide events devoted to dance, theatre, music, cinema, circus, gastronomy, and art exhibitions.

• Chinese Culture Festival (June to September)

Experience the richness of Chinese heritage through months of dance performances, opera, film screenings, talks, and art exhibitions throughout the festival.

2025 also introduces exciting new cultural events:

• Cirque du Soleil KOOZA (starts from 21 May)

Get swept into a whimsical world of acrobatics, stunts, and theatrical magic – a high-flying thrill from start to finish.

• The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Picasso for Asia – A Conversation (through 13 July)

See over 60 Picasso masterpieces up close in this rare showcase at M+, offering fresh insights into the legendary artist’s creative journey.

And for sports fans:

• Volleyball Nations League Hong Kong 2025 (18-22 June)

Feel the energy as six top teams serve, spike, and dive in this high-stakes showdown at Hong Kong’s newest world-class venue.

To explore everything happening across the city, visit the Hong Kong Tourism Board’s dedicated Cultural Beat website. With real-time updates and insider tips, it’s your ultimate guide to experiencing the best of Hong Kongs arts, culture, and events.

About Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB)

The Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) is a government-subvented body tasked to market and promote Hong Kong as a travel destination worldwide and enhance visitors experience once they arrive. These include making recommendations to the Government and other relevant bodies on the range and quality of visitor facilities.

The HKTB’s missions are to maximise the social and economic contribution made by tourism to the community of Hong Kong and to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as a unique, world-class, and most desired destination.

HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, is delighted to announce its recognition as ‘Next Leader’ in the Indian Corporate Governance assessment conducted by Institutional Investor Advisory Services (IiAS) as of 31^st December 2024. This is a testament to the Company’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and exemplary governance practices.

HDFC Life is ‘Next Leader’ on the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard for 2024

As HDFC Life enters the 25^th year of its journey, this recognition comes as an acknowledgement of the Company’s superior standards of Corporate Governance. This is the fourth consecutive year that HDFC Life has been featured as part of this prestigious list which is an outcome of the annual assessment of the BSE 100 companies based on the Indian Corporate Governance Scorecard framework.

This scorecard framework developed jointly by IFC, BSE, and IiAS is based on the G20/OECD Principles of Corporate Governance and has been in use since 2015.

Speaking on this, Narendra Gangan – General Counsel, Chief Compliance Officer & Company Secretary – HDFC Life, said, “We are delighted to be a part of this esteemed list. For us at HDFC Life, ensuring adherence to the highest standards of Corporate Governance is a way of life. We endeavour to stay true to our commitment towards all aspects of Environment, Social and Governance (ESG). We humbly accept this recognition as we continue our journey of securing lives of Indian citizens and work towards achieving the industry’s collective goal of ‘Insurance for All by 2047.”

Indias first private FM station Radio City is collaborating with Triton Digital, the global technology and services leader in the digital audio, podcast, and broadcast radio industries to launch Radio City’s brand-new platform dedicated to podcasts, RC SWAPPR. This engaging platform is now live at www.rcswappr.com across the globe. True to its core belief, “The Art of Podcast Creation,” RC SWAPPR, delivers new, compelling, and culturally relevant audio content to listeners worldwide in 120+ countries, such as the US, UK, Canada, and Europe. With podcast consumption skyrocketing, Radio City aims to pioneer yet another revolution in the world of podcast consumption and make this a go-to destination for all audio lovers. To enhance the digital audio content of RC SWAPPR, Radio City will leverage Triton Digital’s Omny Studio platform and advertising technology.

Radio City partners with Triton Digital to launch global podcast platform RC SWAPPR, redefining audio experiences for audiences worldwide

RC SWAPPR offers a diverse range of programmes across genres that resonate with Indian listeners, including Horror, Crime, Comedy, Love and Relationships, Entertainment, Religion, and Spirituality. Recognising Hindi and English as two of the popular languages preferred in podcast, RC SWAPPR is committed to delivering content in these languages to cater to the growing demand of a broader and more inclusive audience.

The platform also features a dynamic leaderboard showcasing the top 10 podcasts each month, adding a layer of excitement and discoverability. Some podcasts will also be available in video format, adding a visual dimension for more immersive and entertaining consumption. RC SWAPPR is available for free to users across the globe and the RC SWAPPR App can be downloaded from Apple App Store and Google Play Store.

Ashit Kukian, CEO, Radio City, commented, “Given that audio is Radio City’s core strength, we seek to expand its reach through RC SWAPPR. This initiative is our promise to nurturing the space with innovation and inclusivity for all our listeners across the globe. With creative use of sound, and dramatic narration to soothing spiritual guidance, RC SWAPPR is more than just a platform-it’s a movement to democratise audio storytelling. As we establish a strong content foundation, build a thriving community, and work towards global expansion, we are excited to launch a place to resort for everyone who prefers this “on-the-go” nature of podcast.”

Richard Palmer, VP of Market Development and Strategy (APAC) at Triton Digital said, “We are thrilled to partner with the Radio City. With Indias digital audio industry seeing rapid growth, RC SWAPPR is poised to take audio storytelling and listener interaction to the next level. This partnership will increase the reach of RC SWAPPR and enable the provision of high-quality, content that resonates with the global audience. This is a solid step ahead for Indias podcast landscape.”

Each month, listeners can expect the addition of 150+ new podcasts, including 2-3 brand-new show properties and extended episodes of existing favourites. This consistent influx of new content ensures that the platform remains fresh, diverse, and continuously evolving. With RC SWAPPR, Radio City is offering worldwide access, cross-platform reach, and contemporary user experiences.

About Radio City
Radio City, a subsidiary of Jagran Prakashan Ltd. under Music Broadcast Limited (MBL), is India’s first private FM radio broadcaster with over two decades of experience. With 39 stations across 12 states and 1 Union Territory, Radio City reaches 62% of Indias FM population, engaging 69 million weekly listeners (Source: AZ Research 2019). Its digital presence extends through www.radiocity.in

Driven by its brand philosophy “Rag Rag Mein Daude City,” Radio City has pioneered unique and impactful content that resonates with city pride. The launch of #CityKiNayiVibe aims to connect with Gen Z through a fresh, modern sound. Popular IPs like Babber Sher, Joke Studio, and Love Guru have become listener favourites. The station also champions independent music with the ‘Radio City Freedom Awards’ and provides a platform for emerging talent through ‘Radio City Super Singer,’ the first radio singing talent hunt, ongoing for 16 years. Additionally, Radio City Business Titans was introduced in 2022 to honour excellence in Indian businesses.

Radio City has embraced ‘Radigitalization,’ integrating radio with digital technology for a seamless experience. This includes AI-driven RJ Sia, who offers personalized, dynamic content, and RC Studio, a 24/7 video channel that blends video and audio, expanding Radio City’s reach and engagement. Radio City launched Muzartdisco, India’s first one-stop platform empowering independent artists with 360-degree career opportunities and global visibility, while also introduced SMINCO.in, an automated influencer marketing platform redefining digital brand engagement.

Radio City has earned over 229 awards from prestigious platforms such as New York Festivals, ACEF Global, IASA and India Radio Forum. In 2022, Music Broadcast Limited received ‘Indias Best Company of the Year 2022’ from Berkshire Media. Radio City has consistently ranked as a top workplace in the Great Place To Work survey. In 2024, it was named the 7th Best Workplace in India and the Best Workplace for Millennials, while ranking 33rd in Asia and 1st in the Media sector. Previously, Radio City was recognized among India’s Top 75 Workplaces for Women in 2019 and achieved 4th place for Best Large Workplaces in Asia in 2020. Known for its vibrant culture, Radio City embodies trust, pride, and camaraderie, offering an exceptional workplace experience for all employees.

About Triton Digital
Triton Digital is the global technology and services leader to the digital audio, podcast, and broadcast radio industries. Operating in more than 80 countries, Triton provides innovative technology that enables broadcasters, podcasters, and online music services to build their audience, maximize revenue, and streamline their day-to-day operations. In addition, Triton powers the global online audio industry with Webcast Metrics, the leading streaming audio measurement service and Podcast Metrics, one of the first IAB certified podcast measurement services in the industry. With unparalleled integrity, excellence, teamwork, and accountability, Triton remains committed to connecting audio, audience, and advertisers to continuously fuel the growth of the global audio industry.

Leading economists from across the country gathered at the Vels Institute of Science, Technology and Advanced Studies (VISTAS) for a two-day national seminar on “Indian Economic Progress Towards Achieving Sustainable Development Goals”, hosted in collaboration with the Indian Economic Association (IEA).

The souvenir was released by VIT Founder Chancellor Dr. G. Vishwanathan, with the first copy received by IEA Conference President Dr. A. Jothi Murugan

The event was formally inaugurated by Dr. G. Viswanathan, Renowned Economist and Founder Chancellor of VIT, who also released the seminar souvenir. The occasion was graced by the presence of eminent economists including Dr. Vedagiri Shanmuga Sundaram, Dr. Anil Kumar Thakur, Dr.Praveen Jha and Dr. Ravindra Brahme, who delivered impactful keynote addresses.

In his address, Dr. G. Viswanathan emphasized the critical role of education in driving economic growth. “The Central and State Governments must prioritize education through increased budget allocations. Corruption, black money, and tax evasion continue to be major obstacles to our economic progress. While India’s top 10% of the population holds nearly 80% of the nations wealth, they contribute minimally to tax revenues. It is the middle class that bears the brunt, contributing nearly 50-60% of total tax collections. This imbalance must be addressed,” he asserted.

He further urged economists to take on the responsibility of educating the public on economic issues, stating, “Economic awareness and inclusive education are fundamental to achieving sustainable development. Education for all should be our top national priority.”

Dr. A. Jothi Murugan, Conference President of the Indian Economic Association (IEA) and Pro Chancellor of VISTAS, expressed his pride in hosting the seminar. He stated, “The Indian Economic Association, one of the oldest and largest bodies of economists since 1917, remains dedicated to fostering economic research and policy making. India has made commendable progress in areas such as poverty reduction, literacy, and climate change. However, addressing income inequality remains crucial to sustaining and enhancing the nations economic growth. VISTAS is honored to collaborate with the IEA and looks forward to organizing the second edition of this seminar in the near future.“

Thiru R. Priyakumar, Information Commissioner, Government of Tamil Nadu, graced the valedictory function of the seminar as the Chief Guest. In his address, he emphasized the vital role of economists in driving economic progress. He stated, “Without economists, the field of economics cannot thrive, and likewise, sustained economic growth is not possible. The Indian Economic Association has a rich legacy, having been led by eminent economic leaders such as Dr. Manmohan Singh, Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, and Dr. C.Rangarajan.I am honored to serve as the Chief Guest at this prestigious event.”

His inspiring speech was warmly received by the august gathering, marking a fitting conclusion to the successful seminar.

Over the two-day seminar, nearly 30 distinguished speakers from the Indian Economic Association and many internationally reputed economists addressed a range of pressing economic issues, offering valuable insights to the students regarding the economic status of the nation. Notably, more than 400 research papers were submitted, setting a new milestone in the history of VISTAS.

Leadership at VISTAS

The event was graced by the presence of prominent leaders and dignitaries from VISTAS, who have played a significant role in promoting academic excellence

• Dr. S. Sriman Narayanan, Vice-Chancellor

• Dr. M. Bhaskaran, Pro Vice-Chancellor

• Dr.Saravanan, Registrar

• Dr. A. Udhayakumar, Controller of Examinations

About VISTAS

Established in 2008 and recognized as a deemed-to-be Institution by the Ministry of Human Resource Development (MHRD), Government of India, VISTAS has emerged as a leading multidisciplinary institution in Tamil Nadu. With three campuses spread across 100 acres in Chennai, offers a wide range of programs at undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral levels across various fields such as Medicine, Nursing, Engineering, Agriculture, Management, Law, Arts, and Sciences.

In addition to its academic achievements, Our Institution recently earned the prestigious NAAC A++ accreditation, further solidifying its commitment to academic excellence.

For more details visit vistas.ac.in.

International Schools across India are increasingly embracing student agency-a transformative approach that places learners at the centre of their educational journey. Oakridge International School Bengaluru has been a forerunner of this methodology as an IB continuum school, empowering students to take ownership of their learning process.

Student Council Members at Investiture Ceremony (AY 24-25)

“When students feel heard and valued in the school, they become empowered,” explains Kavita Sukhani, Principal, Oakridge International School Bengaluru. “Our students graduate from school with everything they need for success – whatever they choose to be or do in life.“

The initiatives by Student Council at Oakridge exemplify how learner agency positively impacts both the school community and society at large.

• Oak Insider – Digital Community Building

Teachers at Oakridge constantly train students on digital etiquette and encourage responsible use of gadgets which is an essential self-management skill. This academic year, the student-led Instagram page garnered 60,000+ views and 1,000+ interactions, establishing an effective communication channel for school events.

• OAKMUN – Oakridge Model United Nations

Oakridge International School, Bengaluru hosted its 9th edition of prestigious Model United Nations, bigger & better as OAK MUN in November 2024. The one of its kind MUN in the city, solely organized by the student leaders witnessed the participation of 350+ students from 12 schools. The event is expanding to international level as SEAMEI OAKMUN in September 2025.

• CASNIVAL – Creativity, Activity, and Service in Action

Christmas is when students celebrate the “Joy of Giving” through CASnival. Students organized food and game stalls, raising Rs. 1.5 lakhs to support the different charitable causes they are part of. Their efforts contributed to community development and to the Social Impact campaign of Nord Anglia Education.

• Codefest – Overnight Hackathon

The 8th edition of Oakridge Codefest, the prestigious overnight hackathon witnessed more than 100 participants contesting to secure cash prizes from a pool of Rs. 1.5 lakhs. The student committee successfully secured Adobe as the event sponsor with the teachers supporting them to independently organise a large event.

• Relay for Life – Social Impact Campaign

This Social Impact initiative steered by the student-led Social Outreach Committee at Oakridge successfully raised Rs. 2,20,000 for the activities of Indian Cancer Society. Students brought together the school community for Relay for Life, an overnight walkathon dedicated to celebrating cancer survivors, honouring the loved ones lost, and raising funds for the work that aids cancer patients.

• Phoenix Cup – Interschool Sports Competition

The interschool sports competition featured basketball, football, and swimming events, drawing around 400 enthusiastic participants from 12 schools across Bengaluru. The event highlighted student independence and autonomy in organizing the event and networking with fellow players from different schools.

• Inter House Activities & Cultural Celebrations

Regular house-wise competitions ensure a supportive ecosystem for students to celebrate inquiry and creativity. Through the year, the Student Council also organizes celebrations for Dussehra, Diwali, Halloween, Winter Spirit Week, Teachers’ Day, and Good Luck Party, promoting inclusivity and encouraging cultural appreciation within the school community.

“We are constantly on the lookout for opportunities where the Council can support students and enrich their school experience. This year, one of our key focuses is to strengthen school and student culture by organizing a variety of events throughout the year“, says Yajwin Krishna, Student Council President (AY 24-25). Speaking of student agency at Oakridge, he further added, “The events are closely aligned with our school’s mission and vision, which remain at the heart of all Council initiatives. We have an open environment where students feel encouraged to voice their thoughts and opinions. Our Student Council is truly by the students, for the students,” Sachit Shastri, Student Council Vice President (AY 24-25) echoed the same sentiment.

About Nord Anglia Education
As a leading international schools organisation, were shaping a generation of creative and resilient global citizens who graduate from our schools with everything they need for success, whatever they choose to be or do in life.

Our strong academic foundations combine world-class teaching and curricula with cutting-edge technology and facilities, creating learning experiences like no other. Inside and outside of the classroom, we inspire our students to achieve more than they ever thought possible.

No two children learn the same way, which is why our schools around the world personalise learning to what works best for every student. Inspired by our high-quality teachers, our students achieve outstanding academic results and go on to study at the worlds top universities.

Our Nord Anglia global family includes 80+ day and boarding schools in 33 countries, teaching over 90,000 students from ages 3 to 18.

To learn more or apply for a place for your child at one of our schools, visit www.oakridge.in/bengaluru

For admission enquiries: mac.blr@oakridge.in

UKG (Ultimate Kronos Group), the largest U.S.-based private SaaS company in the world and an Industry leader in HR, Payroll, and Workforce Management solutions, announced the opening of its Centre of Excellence in Pune, Maharashtra, marking a new milestone in UKG’s growth journey in India. This new India office is designed to deliver cutting-edge solutions to customers in 150 countries worldwide, leveraging the city’s highly skilled and diverse talent pool. With 80,000 organizations using its cloud solutions around the world, UKG supports a growing customer base across the world and in India to optimize workforce strategies, drive better business outcomes, and help every organization become a great place to work through technology built for all.

UKG Pune Office

With recent strategic appointments-including Jennifer Morgan as EO and Nitin Chandel as Group Vice President and India Country Manager-UKG is reinforcing its leadership bench as it enters a new chapter of growth and innovation.

Expansion In India
UKG has been present in India since 2007. The new space in Pune will complement UKG’s existing offices in Noida, Mumbai, and Bengaluru, contributing to the company’s growing presence in the country, where UKG employs more than 3,000 people. The Pune centre is expected to house up to 500 employees this year and will focus on advancing UKG’s product innovation along with AI-powered workforce management platforms and solutions. By tapping into Pune’s thriving technology talent ecosystem-including the presence of premier engineering colleges and a talented tech community-UKG aims to accelerate its mission of helping organizations become great places to work.

To celebrate this milestone, an exclusive networking event with Punes top and trending tech minds was organised this week, with an opportunity to explore new ideas and strengthen the bonds that drive our collective success as a region.

“India has always been a key global growth engine for us. The contributions from the India team have been critical for UKG in reaching the #1 market share position in our industry worldwide. Our continued India expansion, starting here in Pune, will play a pivotal role in driving the next chapter of our global growth success,” said Nitin Chandel, Group Vice President & India Country Manager, UKG. “Our investment in this new centre reinforces our long-term commitment to India and recognizes Pune’s rising stature in the global tech landscape as a strategic location for growth and AI-led innovation.”

“At UKG, we are focused on building global platforms that power the modern workforce. The Pune Centre of Excellence will be an integral part of our product and technology ecosystem, helping us scale faster, innovate more boldly, and deliver outcomes that matter-not just for our customers in India, but all 80,000 organizations that rely on UKG solutions around the world,” said UKG Chief Product Officer Suresh Vittal. “We see Pune as a strategic site where deep engineering expertise meets a culture of innovation. The talent we bring here will be at the forefront of solving complex challenges and shaping the future of our global HCM and workforce management solutions.“

UKG cares deeply about its community and its responsibility to take care of the world in which it lives and works. Doing the right thing for its employees, customers, and communities is a core commitment. In the coming months, UKG is set to invest in several new initiatives in the region, in addition to the support it already extends to its community partners ANK-NGO and based in Delhi-NCR.

As part of its India growth strategy, UKG plans to hire more than 500+ professionals across engineering, product, and customer-facing roles in Pune by the end of the year. To further strengthen its talent base, UKG has also launched nationwide hiring drives – engaging talent across India – and introducing them to its innovation-led, R&D-focused culture. These efforts reflect UKG’s deep commitment to belonging, inclusion, and building dynamic teams that represent the best of India’s technology talent.

Kickstarting its talent development and campus engagement in the region, UKG was a key sponsor for the Tech Fest in April, hosted by MKSSSs Cummins College of Engineering for Women in Pune. UKG’s Early Careers team has hired 300+ campus graduates across the country this fiscal year, reflecting the company’s focus on building a strong talent pipeline in India.

About UKG
UKG is on a mission to inspire every organization to become a great place to work through HCM technology built for all. More than 80,000 organizations across all sizes, industries, and geographies-including two-thirds of the Fortune 1000-trust UKG HR, payroll, and workforce management culture cloud solutions to drive great workplace experiences and make better, more confident people and business decisions. With the world’s largest collection of people data, work data, and culture data combined with rich experience using artificial intelligence in the service of people, we connect culture insights with business outcomes to show what’s possible when organizations invest in their people.

On the occasion of International Dance Day, the World University of Design (WUD) has announced that it will host ANVESHANA2025, the 2nd International Conference on Performing Arts, with a special focus on “Indian Knowledge Systems in the Global Context” by School of Performing Arts at WUD. The conference aims to rediscover and recontextualize the traditional wisdom inherent in Indias rich performing arts heritage. Bringing together scholars, artists, and practitioners from around the world, the event will explore how these ancient knowledge systems can offer meaningful insights and solutions to contemporary global challenges.

World University of Design to Host ANVESHANA 2025

The 2nd edition of ANVESHANA will be held on May 8-9 at Triveni Auditorium, Mandi House, New Delhi. The registration is now open for academics, performers, students, and cultural enthusiasts. The event comes at a crucial time when indigenous knowledge systems are gaining recognition worldwide for their sustainable approaches to education, wellness, and social harmony-areas where modern societies are seeking alternative paradigms.

“At a time when India is reasserting its intellectual and cultural leadership globally, this conference serves as a vital platform for articulating the sophisticated knowledge systems embedded in our artistic traditions,” said Dr. Sanjay Gupta, Vice Chancellor of World University of Design. “By bringing together diverse voices-from traditional gurus to contemporary researchers-were not just preserving heritage but actively demonstrating how these ancient principles can address modern global challenges in education, wellness, and sustainable development,” he added.

Since its inaugural edition, the conference has grown considerably, now examining how traditional practices such as the guru-shishya parampara (mentor-disciple tradition), rasa theory (aesthetic emotion), and embodied knowledge transmission can influence modern methods of education, mental health, and social cohesiveness.

Dr. Parul Vats, Dean of the School of Performing Arts, World University of Design, emphasized the transformative potential of Indias traditional knowledge, “This conference represents our commitment to positioning Indian performing arts within the framework of knowledge systems rather than mere cultural expressions. We are creating a unique academic space where practice and theory converge, where ancient wisdom meets contemporary challenges, and where performers and scholars can engage in meaningful dialogue across disciplines.”

The conference will explore how traditional Indian performing arts address contemporary issues through sessions on music therapy, dance as mindfulness, and the psychological impact of ragas. Topics include gender dynamics in classical forms like Bharatanatyam, the integration of acoustic science in temple architecture, and the role of arts in cognitive and emotional development. Emerging scholars will also highlight the growing significance of Indian performing arts as tools of soft power in global cultural diplomacy.

Twenty curated performances will complement the scholarly presentations, transforming theoretical concepts into lived experience. These demonstrations will showcase how traditional knowledge systems remain dynamic and relevant while addressing contemporary concerns.

The conference will bring together an impressive array of voices, including Dr. Sachidanand Joshi (MS, IGNCA), Shri Prabhat Singh (Theatre & Traditional Arts Connoisseur, Author & Journalist), Sri. Jyothidas Guruvayoor (Ashtapadi Exponent), established performers like Guru Smt. Malti Shyam (Senior Guru, Kathak Kendra, New Delhi) acclaimed dance therapist Shri Tribhuwan Maharaj (Co-founder & Director, KathakNatyam) to name a few, alongside emerging scholars, medical professionals, architects, and educators.

The conference aligns with national initiatives to revitalize Indias indigenous knowledge systems and demonstrate their relevance in a rapidly changing world. Discussions emerging from the event are expected to influence cultural policy, educational curricula, and international cultural exchange programs.

Vegas Mall, Dwarka’s premier shopping and lifestyle destination, successfully hosted the Retailers Reward & Recognition 2025 at 5th Deck- Imperfecto. The event was a grand celebration dedicated to appreciating and honouring the relentless efforts of the retailers who have significantly contributed to the mall’s growth and success.

Vegas Mall Hosts Retailers Reward & Recognition 2025

The evening saw the participation of retailers from various categories, who were recognised for their outstanding performance, customer service, and contribution to enhancing the overall shopping experience. The awards ceremony aimed to motivate and celebrate the spirit of collaboration, excellence, and innovation that the retailers bring to Vegas Mall.

Speaking on the occasion, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice-President, Vegas Mall, said, “Our retailers are the backbone of our success. Their passion, commitment, and hard work have helped shape Vegas Mall into a thriving hub for shoppers. The Retailers Reward & Recognition is our way of expressing gratitude and encouraging our partners to continue achieving new milestones together.”

The event was filled with vibrant interactions, celebrations, and heartfelt acknowledgments. Retailers were thrilled with the initiative, and the evening was widely appreciated for fostering stronger bonds and creating a sense of belonging within the Vegas Mall community. Vegas Mall continues to strengthen its commitment to providing exceptional experiences not just to shoppers, but also to its retail partners, reiterating its vision of growing together while setting new benchmarks in the retail industry.