Meenakshi Shukla – Capturing Emotions through Sketches and Teaching the Art

Artists, Meenakshi Shukla
Artists, Meenakshi Shukla

It’s wonderful to hear that Meenakshi Shukla, an emerging artist, has completed workshops with 1000 students over the past three years. Conducting workshops and teaching others about art is a great way to share knowledge and inspire creativity.

Working with such a significant number of students shows Meenakshi Shukla’s dedication to promoting art education and nurturing the next generation of artists. By providing workshops, she likely offered aspiring artists the opportunity to learn new techniques, explore different mediums, and develop their artistic skills.

Through her workshops, Meenakshi Shukla might have also encouraged students to express their creativity and discover their unique artistic voice. These experiences can be transformative for students and may inspire them to pursue careers or further education in the arts.

Overall, Meenakshi Shukla’s achievement of completing workshops with 1000 students demonstrates her commitment to art education and her impact on the artistic community.

Actress Sakshi Pradhan spotted wearing exquisite and refined jewellery pieces by Archana Aggarwal at Cannes Film Festival 2023

Actress Sakshi Pradhan spotted wearing exquisite and refined jewellery pieces by Archana Aggarwal at Cannes Film Festival 2023

Actress Sakshi Pradhan attended one of the most prestigious global events, the Cannes Film Festival on 15th May 2023 to promote her upcoming Hollywood movie ’MR9’. The trailer of the same was premiered at the event. She chose to wear exquisite and refined jewellery pieces by Archana Aggarwal that matched the actress’s vision and guise for her appearance at the 76th annual Cannes Film Festival. The magnificence of the entire ensemble was embellished by the beautiful and regal creativity.

She was looking heavenly and ethereal as she made her debut at the occasion. She was awestruck by the exquisite craftsmanship of the jewellery. Archana Aggarwal’s jewellery design, she said, “fitted my ideas. I would like to extend my sincere congrats to her and her team for creating such an incredible look.”

These dazzling pieces are a true testament to artistry. The diamonds and polki set in a mesmerizing pattern, exude unparalleled brilliance and radiance, elevating Shakshi Pradhan’s red carpet look to a whole new level of luxury and opulence.

“Every piece I make is a style statement. The label is a celebration of today’s woman who is feminine yet strong” adds Archana Aggarwal.

Showroom: Ambawatta One, H 5/3-4, Kalka Das Marg, Mehrauli, New Delhi 110030 About Archana Aggarwal Archana graduated in Gemology and further launched her own label Jewels by Archana. Her unique designs and quality in jewellery have always been her strength and forte. To suit the taste of the consumers she has blended the contemporary artefacts into modern designs with authentic and 100% hallmarked certified Jewellery. Archana Aggarwal fine jewellery is inspired by the rich Indian heritage and is handcrafted to create statement pieces which are traditional and chic. The luxury jewellery represents the fine craftsmanship of our artisans and can be worn on any occasion. The motifs and designs are intricate and delicate and represent expression and culture. Our pieces of art will adorn your soul and speak volume about your exquisite style. At Archana Aggarwal, we empower women with jewellery that creates an artistic balance between modern and traditional.

Revolutionizing Fashion: Ashfaque Ahmed’s Avant-Garde Journey of Unconventional Glamour

Designer Ashfaque Ahmad with Model Ruchita Rao

Ashfaque Ahmed, an exceptional Indian designer, is a true maestro of innovation and creativity and presented at #delhitimesfashionweek23.

The studio seamlessly blends traditional Indian craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, resulting in unique and luxurious designs. Ashfaque Ahmad Design Studio specializes in exquisite and contemporary fashion, Every piece whispers tales of impeccable craftsmanship and passion for fashion. Ashfaque pushes the boundaries of style, captivating hearts with his unconventional designs. You will discover new dimensions of confidence, as they curate a selection of ensembles.

Step into a realm where style seamlessly merges with elegance, where Ashfaque Ahmad Design Studio beckons you with its irresistible allure. Whether your gaze is set on an upcoming event or simply yearning to revel in the latest fashion trends, this is the definitive destination for connoisseurs of couture.

As you cross the threshold, the store’s tasteful interiors embrace you, setting the stage for an enchanting retail experience. Every corner whispers tales of impeccable craftsmanship and a passion for fashion that permeates the air. Here, the art of style finds its truest expression.

Guiding your journey through the realms of fashion is an ensemble of seasoned professionals, whose profound understanding of fashion and styling is matched only by their unwavering commitment to customer service. With their discerning eye and innate flair, they effortlessly translate your aspirations into reality, ensuring that you emerge as a resplendent reflection of your unique persona. Embrace the opportunity to embark on a transformative voyage of self-discovery. When uncertainty clouds your fashion choices, a coveted consultation with our in-house expert awaits, ready to illuminate the path that aligns most harmoniously with your essence. With their expert guidance, you will discover a new dimension of confidence, as they curate a selection of ensembles that will effortlessly accentuate your individuality.

VANDE MATARAM DANCE BALLET CTES INDIA’S RICH CULTURAL DIVERSITY

VANDE MATARAM' DANCE BALLET CTES INDIA’S RICH CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Urvashi Dance Music Art & Cultural Society presented “Vande Mataram: Bharat Ek Sone ki Chidiya,” a magnificent dance ballet in which the audience was treated to a visual feast of colour, movement, and music, all of which combined to bring India’s rich culture to life. The dance ballet, curated under the direction of Rekha Mehra. The incredible performance, which comprised a mix of classical, folk, and modern dance genres, impressed viewers. The audience saw 100 artists perform, including 80 underprivileged girls. The ballet began on an upbeat note with Satyam Shivam Sundaram as the theme, with an energetic lively taal played with tabla and piano, setting the tone for the rest of the show. Then there were the Kathak and Chhau dancers, who were dressed in gorgeous white dresses and their moves were elegant and mesmerizing.  The Chhau dance brought a special touch to the show. This was followed by a beautiful jugalbandi of mridangam and sitar that charmed the audience. The following performance was a Manipuri dance reflecting the beauty of our nation, which has always been known as “Sone ki Chidiya.” The dancers donned petals and showed the beauty of nature in the backdrop with exquisite patterns and decorations. They displayed the beauty and grace of Indian traditional dance via Odissi and Mohiniyattam, with the G20 logo and the globe in the background. The Shakti, Yukti Sambhritam Bhavatu Bharatam performance was a tribute to the bravery of leaders and warriors who gave their lives to give us freedom and keep us safe. With the Holi performance that followed later, the occasion took on a more joyous tone. The celebration of Baisakhi followed, with a rural scene that transported the audience to a rustic environment, complete with crops dancing to the music. While the Haryanvi beat brought an earthy flavor to the performance, Bharatnatyam stances depicting yoga asanas were a lovely complement, and the usage of Malkham showed the artists’ flexibility. Rekha Mehra’s performance was a salute to women’s empowerment, displaying their strengths and versatility. The females performed sword dances, emphasizing their strength and might. Ganga Aarti was another delightful performance that captivated the crowd. The last performance was a tribute to India’s magnificence, featuring a song that included several Indian languages. The dancers honored Vishwaguru by performing to the tunes with love and intensity. The event was attended by several important dignitaries, including Ms. Meenakshi Lekhi, Minister of Culture, ICCR President Dr Vinay Sehsrabuddhe, Film Actress Joyshree,   Bollywood Ace Choreographer  Dharmesh Yelande and Taran Mehndi, CEO at DRecords International Pvt Ltd. Talking about the event, Rekha Mehra said, “We are delighted to present this larger-than-life dance ballet, which draws together the various art of Indian culture as well as artists from various nations. The entire performance was carried out using numerous props imported from Singapore to bring life to the sets and the performances.” The magnificent performance captivated the audience, which not only included a blend of classical, folk, and modern dance techniques, but also a stunning background and props imported from Singapore. These feature huge butterfly wings, large pink and yellow flower petals, golden bird attire, and a Led screen.

AAYAM DANCE TROUPE BRINGS A SPECIAL BHARATANATYAM DANCE PRODUCTION TO CELEBRATE AKSHAY TRITYA

Aayam Dance Troupe
Photo : Aayam Dance Troupe
New Delhi: April 19, 2023 – On the occasion of Akshay Tritiya, Aayam Dance Troupe is proud to present Krishna Leela, a unique Bharatanatyam dance recital dedicated to Lord Krishna. The concert, organised in partnership with the Association of Domestic Tour Operators of India, will take place on April 22, 2023, starting at 5 p.m. at Triveni Kala Sangam in Delhi. The event will highlight the talents of the Aayam Dance Troupe, who are renowned for their unique blend of traditional and contemporary dance styles. The event will commemorate the life and teachings of Lord Krishna, one of the most renowned and worshipped deities. The performance will begin with a devotional piece on Lord Ganesh called “Gaiye Ganapati Jag Vandan,” taken from Saint Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, and will close with a strong reflection of his devotional love for Ram and Sita, in which he pleads that they remain in his heart forever. This performance will be presented in a gripping interplay of Hindustani and Carnatic tradition. This will be followed by Varnam, a vital component of Bharatanatyam that includes jathis (rhythmic patterns) and abhinaya. The poetry of this varnam comes from Soorsagar, where Maa Yashoda is reading the Ramayana to little Krishna, who dozes off in the middle of the narrative of Ravana abducting Sita but wakes up with a thundering summons to Laxman, asking for his bow. This varnam is designed to depict the eternal love between Ram and Sita, which may be seen in Ram’s following incarnations. His unexpected and impulsive reaction, which causes him to forget his current existence, displays Ram and Sita’s everlasting bond. Later, the troupe will present Raagam Gambhira and Taalam Adi with Kalinga Nartana Thillana. This thillana is about the child Krishna, who is seven years old, hops onto the serpent’s hood and performs a famous dance known as Kalinga Naratana and fights him to prevent him from polluting the river Yamuna. Talking about the production, Guru Smt Sindhu Mishra said, “We are delighted to deliver this unique performance in honor of Lord Krishna on Akshay Tritiya. We hope that Krishna Leela will encourage listeners to connect with Lord Krishna’s teachings and ideals, such as love, compassion, and devotion.” The dancers will bring to life the pleasure, love, and devotion that characterize this magnificent deity’s life and belief

SVECH : Sustainable Brand Founded By Anjali Balan

Svech
Svech - sustainable brand founded by Anjali Balan
Svech is a sustainable brand founded by Anjali Balan, who is a law student and an inherent entrepreneur having dabbled with franchise outlets of well known FMCG brands. She has also worked with HR firms in UAE and was pegged in November 2022 as an upcoming woman entrepreneur by Business Today.
Anjali Balan founder and CEO of Svech
Anjali Balan founder and CEO of Svech
The idea to start a brand of her own came about from her own interest towards holistic well-being with a need to enhance the quality of products to aid yoga and work-outs. During her research for creating an eco-friendly product that was also reasonably priced, she wanted to build a brand that involved all the aspects of nature and studied the Indian market to identify the gaps.
Svech Yoga Mat
Svech Yoga Mat
She came about with Svech in 2020, and in a short span of 2 years the brand has gained reasonable recognition. Being promoted in her yoga work-outs, actress Vidya Malvade hailed the brand as a good work-out mat that is unlike other mats which have the use of plastic (pvc) which is bad for the lungs, linking it to cancer.
Svech Yoga Mat
Svech Yoga Mat
Svech competes in the marketplace with a very niche set of brands and is available for same on top portals like Amazon, Cred etc. The brand is also available for sale on the website – www.svech.in

Crafted Exquisite Jewelry By DRK Jewels

“Jewellery is not just about stones and metal; it symbolizes the art of proficient design radiating finesse that entails real sincerity involved in designing.”

–     Shri Dhani Ram Khanna, Founder DRK Jewels

With a lineage of over seven decades, DRK Jewels is a name to reckon with. It was founded in 1950 by Shri Dhani Ram Khanna, an ordinary man who hailed from a small town in Uttar Pradesh, India. He was a great visionary, who not only defied age but also overcame hearing impairments to start the business from zilch in his late 50’s and made a mark for himself. 

DRK Jewels, named after its founder, has been crafting exquisite jewelry since then, mastering the art of valued brilliance. Renowned for its signature magnificent pieces and rare craftsmanship, DRK Jewels harmonizes classical tradition with modern interpretation of ancient aesthetic and techniques.

The brand initially catered to an elite clientele in South India, including bureaucrats and royal family members. Regular patrons included the Maharaja of Vijaynagar, Raja of Ramchandrapuram, and Rani Hemlata Devi of Andhra, amongst many other well-renowned people. The Raja of Ramchandrapuram was so enamored by the brand’s design that he gifted Shri Dhani Ram Khanna, a piece of art from his very own royal collection.  

Having made a mark in the Southern part of the country, DRK Jewels expanded into North India about five decades ago under Shri Dhani Ram Khanna’s Son, Mr. Deepak Khanna. Deepak Khanna perceives the importance of heritage while simultaneously evolving DRK’s designs to suit the times. The skilled karigar (artisans) under him have meticulously created and customized pieces to cater to many clients’ needs in North India.  Former Chief Election Commissioner Dr. GVG Krishnamurthy, EX General of Indian Army – OP Malhotra and many more have been regular clients in the northern part of the country. Mr. Deepak’s client-focused services have ensured strong ties and invaluable trust from his clients. He has gained recognition for his par excellent work across north and south India. 

The third generation expands the legacy to blend new designs and technology with tradition to create modern eclectic jewelry with world-class designs. Parth Khanna joined the family business after doing his Masters from Delhi University and a course in Gemology from IGI. . He has not only gained the industry wisdom of business from his father, but he has also travelled in many countries and interacted with local artisans to understand the art and intricacies of designs more deeply. He has honed his skills and knowledge through unconventional ways, like one of his masterpieces designed on Persian architecture’s inspiration- Called the Persian filigree earrings. Paarth also derives inspiration from various forms of art and strongly believes that the best designs stem out of a deep emotional connect. He is advertently influenced by Leonardo Da Vinci and his style of art.

JK Tyre WIAA Women’s Rally to the Valley

JK Tyre Women's Rally to the Valley 2023
JK Tyre Women's Rally to the Valley 2023

JK Tyre WIAA Women’s Rally to the Valley”, organized by the Western India Automobile Association (WIAA) and presented by JK Tyre, was flagged off, amidst thunderous support from the participants.

JK Tyre racer & one of India’s leading professional women racer Mira Erda cheered for the participants and kickstarted the rally driving the ‘Zero Car’.

The participants of the JK Tyre WIAA Women’s Rally to the Valley came from different backgrounds including Indian Navy, Army, Airforce, Highway Traffic Police Maharashtra, Regional Transport Department and others.

The event is held in TSD (Time, Speed, Distance) format which is a unique form of rallying where crossing the chequered flag fastest is not the objective.

 

The participants put forward various themes ranging from child abuse, ‘nari shakti’, women empowerment, child marriage, women leadership, women’s safety, and many more. The decorated car costume evoked the messages of the participants.

The JK Tyre WIAA “Women’s Rally to the Valley” aligns with JK Tyre’s vision of bringing more women into motorsport and giving them a platform to celebrate their true potential.

Aalekh Foundation to organize the Women Achiever Awards in New Delhi

Aalekh Foundation to organize the Women Achiever Awards in New Delhi
Aalekh Foundation to organize the Women Achiever Awards in New Delhi

Aalekh Foundation, a non-profit organization based in India, has been working tirelessly towards empowering women and children in the country. As part of its ongoing efforts to promote the cause of women’s welfare and empowerment, the foundation has decided to organize the Women Achiever Award this April in New Delhi.

Founded by Dr. Rennie Joyy Aalekh Foundation in association with Gunjan Foundation is celebrating India’s G20 Presidency by organizing the Women Achiever’s Award. This award aims to recognize and honor 20 women across India who have achieved remarkable success and symbolize empowerment in various spheres of life. The decision to organize the Women Achiever Award was also motivated by the fact that India is currently holding the Presidency of the G20. As part of its responsibilities as the G20 Presidency, India is expected to focus on a range of issues related to women’s empowerment and gender equality. Aalekh Foundation saw this as an opportunity to align its efforts with the broader agenda of the G20, and to contribute to the national discourse on women’s empowerment.

An eminent jury will also be part of the event and they will decide the final award recipients. Comprising of Shri KJ Alphons (former Union cabinet minister for culture & tourism), Anoop Kumar Mittal (former CMD NBCC), Reva Nayyar (Chairperson Bal Sahyog & former Secretary), S Y Quaraishi (former Chief election commissioner of India) and Uma Suresh Prabhu(CSR committee) HEAD IIFCO TOKYO general insurance Co.

Aalekh Foundation is a non-profit organization that is committed to working towards the achievement of the G20 goals, with a specific focus on women and child welfare and empowerment. These goals are designed to address some of the most pressing issues facing our world today, including poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation. Aalekh Foundation is a section 8 non-profit organization formed in 2015 and was founded by Dr. Rennie Joyy an ex Banker and Corporate lawyer. Aalekh also provides free sponsorship for school children from marginalized communities and has partnered with institutions across North India to provide self-employment opportunities.

As part of its efforts to achieve these goals, Aalekh Foundation works on various initiatives aimed at improving the lives of women and children in India. These initiatives include programs to promote education, healthcare, and economic empowerment for women and children, as well as efforts to increase access to clean water and sanitation, reduce pollution, and promote sustainable development. The organization also works to promote child rights, protect children from abuse and exploitation, and provide education and healthcare opportunities for children in need.

DELHIITES TO WITNESS A BHARATANATYAM DANCE PRODUCTION ‘NAVDURGA’ BY THE DISCIPLES OF GURU SINDHU MISHRA

New Delhi: March 30, 2023 – Aayam Institute of Performing Arts will host an evening of devotion – Navdurga on April 2, 2023 (Sunday) at Triveni Kala Sangam, Mandi House, New Delhi starting at 6:30 p.m. The evening is dedicated to the highest primeval energy, which manifests in different forms as a guardian, a mother, and a guru. In this Aayam Institute of Performing Arts’ special production, the disciples of Guru Smt Sindhu Mishra will pay their heartfelt homage to Devi in the form of a Bharatanatyam dance recital themed Navadurga- the one who has neither a beginning nor an end, the one whose glories are infinite, and the one whose divine power we strive for through arts, music, and dance. The evening will witness musical performance on Bhakti poetry by saint poets such as Goswami Tulsidas and Adi Shankaracharya. The performance will begin with a devotional work on Lord Ganesh called “Gaiye Ganapati Jag Vandan,” followed by Navdurga Stotram, and will conclude with a thillana, a traditional Bharatanatyam piece. The music is composed by Delhi based Hindustani vocalist, Shri Nitin Sharma, thus presenting a gripping interplay of Hindustani and Carnatic tradition. The artists presenting the production are Arshia Mathur, Krithika Kumar, Ria Gupta, Shruti Verma, Aishaane Bhargava, Shatakshi Gupta, Isha Aggarwal and Khushi Yadav. Talking about the production, Guru Smt Sindhu Mishra said, “We worked really hard as a team on this project to provide something unique and appealing to fans of Indian traditional dance. Navdurga is a Bharatanatyam dance presentation that combines Hindustani and Carnatic music not just in rhythms but also vocally. With these young artists as a part of the production, I feel proud to see them promoting the art of Bharatanatyam dance form.”