Formal Inauguration Of AAFT School Of Fine Arts At 14th Global Festival Of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2026

Noida: The formal inauguration of the AAFT School of Fine Arts, one of the most dynamic and creative departments of Asian Academy of Film and Television (AAFT), was conducted with great enthusiasm at Marwah Studios, Film City Noida, during the 14th Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2026.

The School was inaugurated by Meenakshi Lekhi, Former Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Culture, Government of India, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Dr. Neeraj A. Sharma, Hon. Consul General of the Palau.

A massive display of paintings and artworks created by the students of AAFT was showcased on the occasion, reflecting exceptional creativity, technical excellence, and diverse artistic expression. The exhibition was widely appreciated by the guests and attendees.

Addressing the gathering, Meenakshi Lekhi lauded AAFT for continuously promoting art, culture, and creative education. She emphasized the importance of fine arts in preserving cultural heritage and strengthening the soft power of the nation. She appreciated the vibrant display of student works and encouraged young artists to use their talent as a medium of social change and national pride.

Dr. Neeraj A. Sharma expressed his admiration for the scale and quality of artistic expression presented at the exhibition. He highlighted that art serves as a universal language connecting nations and fostering mutual respect and understanding across cultures.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah, President of AAFT and Festival President, stated that the School of Fine Arts has been established with the vision to nurture creative minds and provide them with global exposure. He remarked that the overwhelming display of paintings by students demonstrates the institution’s commitment to excellence in arts education. He further added that platforms like the Global Festival of Journalism & AVGC create meaningful opportunities for young artists to present their work before an international audience.

The inauguration marked another significant milestone in AAFT’s journey of promoting creative education and cultural diplomacy through art and media.

Formal Inauguration Of AAFT School Of Fine Arts At 14th Global Festival Of Journalism & AVGC Noida 2026

Between Surface And Depth: The Inner Landscapes An Exhibition By Bharti Verma And Ruchi Chadha

The art exhibition Between Surface and Depth: The Inner Landscapes by Bharti Verma and Ruchi Chadha opened on 3rd March at Jehangir Art Gallery, Gallery No. 2, Kala Ghoda, Mumbai, marking a thoughtful beginning to a week-long showcase of contemporary artistic expression. The exhibition will remain on view until 9th March, inviting visitors to engage with works that explore the subtle terrain between external form and inner experience.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by distinguished members of the art and academic community, lending the event a sense of significance and encouragement. The exhibition was formally inaugurated by Rajendra Patil, President and Founder of the India Art Festival, along with Rishiraj Sethi, Director of Aura Arts. Their presence underscored the continuing dialogue between artists, curators, and platforms that support contemporary art practices.

The event was further graced by the presence of noted academicians including **Ganesh Tartare, Professor at the Sir J. J. School of Art, and **Him Chatterjee, Vice Chancellor of J.J. School of Art Architecture and Design. Their participation reflected the close relationship between artistic practice and academic discourse, particularly in a city like Mumbai where both traditions continue to shape the contemporary art landscape.

The opening evening brought together artists, students, collectors, and art enthusiasts, creating an atmosphere of engagement and dialogue. Visitors moved through the gallery spaces encountering works that explore inner landscapes through distinct yet complementary visual languages. While Bharti Verma’s practice engages with the human form and emotional interiority, Ruchi Chadha’s works draw upon the symbolic resonance of the lotus, reflecting themes of resilience, emergence, and quiet transformation.

Together, the exhibition creates a contemplative space where figuration and symbolism intersect, encouraging viewers to pause and reflect on the layers that lie beneath the visible surface of experience. Between Surface and Depth thus unfolds as both a visual and introspective journey within the walls of one of Mumbai’s most significant cultural venues.

 

Between Surface And Depth: The Inner Landscapes An Exhibition By Bharti Verma And Ruchi Chadha

Conclave On Gujarat’s Entertainment & Media Industry On February 28, 2026, At The Campus Of Gujarat University, Ahmedabad Successfully Concluded

Mumbai: The Western India Film & TV Producers’ Association (WIFPA) and the Services Export Promotion Council (SEPC), a body under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, organized a conference on Gujarat’s entertainment and media industry on February 28, 2026, at the campus of Gujarat University in Ahmedabad. The seminar witnessed participation from government officials, prominent personalities from the film fraternity, producers, artists, technicians, and students of Gujarat University.

Renowned speakers including Dr. Jayantilal Gada, Dr. Abhay Sinha, Sandeep Patel, Dr. Netri Trivedi, Abhishek Shah, and Abhishek Jain shared valuable insights on the opportunities and challenges in the entertainment sector. The chief organizers of the council, SEPC Director Dr. Abhay Kumar Sinha and WIFPA President Sangram Shirkhe, cited the example of the superhit Gujarati film Lalo, stating that the Gujarati film industry is poised to achieve a distinct position in the coming years. They also encouraged the students of Gujarat University. WIFPA Vice President Dr. Hirachand Dand, one of the key organizers, shared his perspectives on the future of the entertainment industry.

The WIFPA delegation included Senior Vice President Mrs. Anjana Sharma; Honorary General Secretary Dinesh Ashiwal; Joint Secretary Chandni Gupta; Dharmendra Mehra, Honorary General Secretary of the Film Makers Combine and the Film Federation of India; Amit Kumar Gupta, Treasurer – Film Makers Combine; Dr. Pralhad Khandare, Champ Treasurer; Mrs. Chanda Patel; Akhil Kotak; and Executive Committee Member and Gujarat Office Manager Hitesh Anand.

The conference featured discussions on various topics including the Gujarati film industry, film production challenges, government subsidies, the role of writers and directors, and the development of cinema halls in Gujarat. Gujarati film star Hitesh Kanodia, along with the entire team of the film Lalo and other artists, participated in the seminar and B2B sessions. The event showcased the talent of Gujarati artists and technicians, giving a new direction to Gujarati cinema.

The Government of Gujarat’s cinema and tourism policy aims to facilitate film production by offering financial incentives, infrastructure development, and employment opportunities for youth.

First Dialogue Council On Gujarat Entertainment And Media Industries Concludes At Gujarat University, Ahmedabad

Mo Fakhro Launches India–Bahrain Biotech Corridor Integrating Genomics, Technology Commercialization And Scalable Enterprise Models

Mo Fakhro, Stanford-trained scientist and technology entrepreneur, has announced the launch of a structured India–Bahrain biotech collaboration framework aimed at accelerating cross-border research, commercialization, and scalable life sciences ventures.

Branded “Dhows to DNA,” the initiative references the historic trade routes between Indian ports such as Mumbai and Gulf commercial hubs like Manama — but its mandate is firmly future-facing: building an innovation corridor connecting Indian scientific institutions with Gulf capital, regulatory ecosystems, and expansion markets.

From Scientific Discovery to Market Deployment

Unlike conventional academic exchange programs, the India–Bahrain Biotech Corridor is designed as an implementation-led platform.

Fakhro brings experience across genomics research, technology commercialization, venture structuring, and franchise-led enterprise scaling. His approach integrates scientific discovery with operational frameworks that allow biotech solutions to move from laboratory environments into commercially viable, regionally scalable enterprises.

The initiative will prioritize:

* Translational genomics and applied biotechnology

* Climate-resilient agriculture and precision bio-manufacturing

* Structured IP co-development frameworks

* Commercialization pathways linking Indian R&D to Gulf investment ecosystems

* Replicable expansion models inspired by franchise-based scaling principles

“India’s research depth and entrepreneurial dynamism, combined with Gulf capital strength and diversification strategy, creates a powerful alignment opportunity,” Fakhro stated.

Strategic Timing

India has solidified its position as a global pharmaceutical and biotechnology powerhouse, with expanding capabilities in advanced genomics, bio-manufacturing, and health innovation. Simultaneously, Bahrain and neighboring Gulf economies are accelerating post-oil diversification strategies centered on knowledge industries and high-value technology sectors.

The proposed corridor seeks to align these trajectories through structured collaboration — connecting research institutions, investors, regulators, and enterprise operators.

Fakhro’s prior work in technology deployment and cross-border enterprise scaling underpins the framework’s commercial viability. Rather than limiting engagement to research memoranda, the initiative emphasizes operational roadmaps, capital integration, and long-term ecosystem building.

Economic and Policy Implications

The India–Bahrain biotech corridor has potential implications across:

* Life sciences exports and IP co-ownership

* Advanced manufacturing and supply chain integration

* Scientific talent mobility

* Joint venture structuring in emerging biotech verticals

* Bilateral innovation diplomacy

By combining heritage ties with structured enterprise architecture, the initiative aims to serve as a replicable model for South Asia–Gulf technology collaboration.

About Mo Fakhro

Mo Fakhro is a scientist and technology entrepreneur with experience spanning genomics, biotechnology commercialization, cross-border venture structuring, and scalable franchise-driven enterprise development. His work focuses on designing systems that connect scientific innovation with operational execution across emerging markets.

More information: https://mofakhro.com/

Mo Fakhro Launches India–Bahrain Biotech Corridor Integrating Genomics, Technology Commercialization And Scalable Enterprise Models

Strengthening India–Slovakia Cultural Diplomacy: Dr. Sandeep Marwah Meets President H.E. Peter Pellegrini

New Delhi, India: In a landmark diplomatic engagement underscoring the growing synergy between India and Slovakia, Dr. Sandeep Marwah, Chair of the Indo Slovakia Film and Cultural Forum, had the distinguished honour of participating in an exclusive and high-level interaction with His Excellency Peter Pellegrini, Hon’ble President of Slovakia, at the Embassy of the Slovak Republic in India.

The meeting was further elevated by the gracious presence of H.E. Robert Maxian, Ambassador of Slovakia to India. The atmosphere reflected warmth, mutual admiration, and a shared vision to deepen cultural and educational bonds between the two nations.

Dr. Sandeep Marwah—President of Marwah Studios and Founder of Asian Academy of Film & Television—articulated the transformative power of creative industries in shaping global diplomacy. Representing the Indo Slovakia Film and Cultural Forum, he emphasized the strategic importance of cinema, media, performing arts, and academic collaboration as dynamic instruments of people-to-people engagement.

“Cultural diplomacy forms the bedrock of enduring international relationships,” remarked Dr. Marwah. “By fostering collaborations in film production, education, and artistic innovation, India and Slovakia can craft a partnership anchored in shared values, progressive thought, and creative excellence.”

The high-level dialogue explored expansive opportunities including film co-productions, structured student exchange programs, collaborative research initiatives, cultural festivals, and institutional partnerships aimed at building a vibrant bridge between the creative and academic communities of both countries.

This significant meeting reaffirmed a collective commitment to broadening bilateral cooperation and marked a decisive step toward strengthening the long-standing friendship between India and Slovakia through cultural and educational diplomacy.

Strengthening India–Slovakia Cultural Diplomacy: Dr. Sandeep Marwah Meets President H.E. Peter Pellegrini