Photography Exhibition by Neelesh Kale Scheduled from April 28 to May 3

PUNE: Art enthusiasts will have a unique opportunity to view photographs that shed light on various facets of the Kailasa Temple—a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a globally renowned marvel of architecture—as well as the Jain and Buddhist caves located at Ellora (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar). This occasion marks the hosting of a photography exhibition featuring panoramic images captured by the Lalit Kala Akademi Award winner Neelesh Kale. Titled ‘Ellorama,’ this exhibition is scheduled to take place from Tuesday, April 28, to  Sunday, May 3, at the Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery on Ghole Road. Connoisseurs will be able to experience this exhibition daily between 11:00 AM and 7:00 PM. Please note that this exhibition is free and open to all.

The inauguration of the ‘Ellorama’ photography exhibition will be held on Tuesday, April 28, at 5:00 PM, at the hands of Dr. G.B. Deglurkar, a world-renowned iconologist and a leading expert on the Kailasa Temple, Prof. Medha Kulkarni, Member of Parliament, and Jayant B. Joshi, renowned artist. During the event, Dr. G.B. Deglurkar will interact with the audience. Additionally, as part of the exhibition’s accompanying programs, Indologist Dr. Rahul Deshpande will engage with the audience on Thursday, April 30, at 5:00 PM, delivering a talk titled ‘Exploring Ellora.’ Please note that both of these events are open and free on a ‘first-come, first-served’ basis.

Providing further details regarding the photography exhibition, Neelesh Kale stated, “The Kailash Temple, carved by the Rashtrakutas, dates back to the period between 756 AD and 773 AD. These 34 caves are carved within an area spanning approximately two kilometers. Among them, Cave No. 16—the Kailasa Temple—is renowned globally as the largest monolithic temple (a temple carved from a single rock) in existence. The ‘Ellorama’ exhibition features photographs that shed light on the Ellora Caves—and specifically the Kailasa Temple—from a multitude of perspectives. This exhibition comprises a curated selection of photographs chosen from a vast collection captured using the techniques of ‘photogrammetry’. Furthermore, another highlight of this exhibition will be the inclusion of a precise 3D (three-dimensional) model created from these photographs using this advanced technology.”

Kale also expressed with confidence that, with the aid of 3D Vista and Cloud Compare technologies, visitors to the exhibition would gain comprehensive information—including where to begin their exploration of the caves, exactly what to observe at each stage, the specific features and unique attributes of the structures they view, and their precise dimensions (length, width, and height). Moreover, attendees will be treated to a ‘guided journey’—or a ‘virtual tour’—of this UNESCO World Heritage site during the event.

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This year’s announcement introduces an array of authors, thinkers, and artists who represent a rich variety of perspectives and disciplines. The confirmed names include Senior Physicist at CERN Geneva Archana Sharma; former Chief Economic Adviser to the Government of India Arvind Subramanian; Nobel Prize-winning economist Esther Duflo; Nobel Prize-winning economist Tanya Talaga; former Taoiseach of Ireland Leo Varadkar; noted art historian and curator Debra Diamond; editor of Private Eye and renowned satirist Ian Hislop; celebrated poet and novelist Jeet Thayil; Booker Prize-winning author Kiran Desai; award-winning nature poet Alice Oswald; art critic and broadcaster Andrew Graham-Dixon; bestselling novelist Ashwin Sanghi; pathbreaking writer Kunzang Choden Roder; historian and biographer Narayani Basu; acclaimed nutritionist and author Rujuta Diwekar; award-winning writer and chronicler of the Himalaya Stephen Alter; disability rights activist and writer Tarini Mohan; literary advocate and publisher William Sieghart; and Telugu feminist writer Volga.

Namita Gokhale, Co-Director of the Jaipur Literature Festival, shared: “Come January, the greatest literature festival on earth returns to Jaipur! It provides a crucial cross-fertilisation of ideas and literary narratives in our fractured world. The multilingual lineup of writers and speakers is as diverse and eclectic as ever, showcasing the best of recent writing from across the Indian languages and the globe. With themes that are classic, radical, and timeless, the 19th edition of our festival provides windows to many worlds and glimpses into the future.”

William Dalrymple, Co-Director, added: “This year we present one of our most extraordinary line-ups since the festival began, including many of the world’s most celebrated writers, thinkers, poets and satirists. Do not miss Jaipur ’26- it’s going to be completely astonishing.”

Sanjoy K. Roy, Managing Director of Teamwork Arts, said: “The Jaipur Literature Festival is more than an event; it’s a celebration of free expression, diversity, and the power of narrative to build bridges. As we approach our 19th edition, we’re proud to offer a platform where voices from around the world can engage, inspire, and transform audiences through the art of storytelling.”

Priya Agarwal, Director, Vedanta Resources, said: “At Vedanta, our partnership with the Jaipur Literature Festival reflects our belief that when creativity and conversation come together, they can shape a more connected and compassionate world. As the Festival enters its 19th edition, we are proud to support a platform that celebrates diverse voices and the timeless power of storytelling to drive progress.”

Alongside its literary sessions, Jaipur Literature Festival 2026 will present a diverse programme including the much-loved Heritage Evenings, set against the historic backdrop of Jaipur, featuring music, poetry, and performance. The Jaipur Music Stage will showcase leading Indian and international musicians in performance alongside the festival. The industry-focused Jaipur BookMark (JBM) will once again provide a premier platform for publishers, agents, authors, and other stakeholders to network and collaborate. Now in its 19th year, the Jaipur Literature Festival remains committed to being an accessible, inclusive space where writers, thinkers, and audiences come together to celebrate ideas and the universal love for stories.

For further information on the festival, please visit: https://jaipurliteraturefestival.org/

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WHEN: 29, 30& 31 August 2025 from 10 am to 7 pm (Artist interaction 4 pm to 7 pm)

WHERE: Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute, Law College Road

ABOUT: ‘Poonah-Revisiting Pune’ is a photography exhibition by 19-year-old Adi Anand Chordia. The exhibition offers a visual journey into Pune’s rich heritage through over 150 handpicked photographs, selected from 5000+ raw images clicked by Adi. It features Pune’s old temples, traditional wadas, historic markets, and colonial-era architecture – all seen from the eyes of a young photographer trying to capture and preserve the art, culture & heritage of the city

ENTRY: FREE

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The lecture will take place on Saturday, August 23, at 10:00 am at the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute (BORI), Law College Road.

Organizers said the initiative aims to provide deeper insights into the cultural, spiritual, and artistic significance of Ganesh idols as devotees prepare for the much-awaited festival.

Entry is free of charge, but seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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On the occasion of Nag Panchami, the birth anniversary of Padma Vibhushan Late Shivshahir Babasaheb Purandare (as per the Hindu calendar) was celebrated at Shivsrushti. Pravin Tarde visited the theme park and expressed his heartfelt gratitude.

Pravin Tarde’s wife and actress Snehal Tarde, Dhole Patil Educational Institute’s President Sagar Dhole Patil, his wife Uma Dhole Patil, trustees of Maharaja Shivchhatrapati Pratishthan Amrit Purandare, Vineet Kuber, administrative officer of Shivsrushti Anil Pawar, former Sarpanch and ex-corporator of Ambegaon Shankarrao Beldare Patil, former deputy Sarpanch Dinesh Kondhare, advisor to the trust Biru Khomane, and social worker Gunesh Purandare were also present on the occasion.

Pravin Tarde expressed,

“Visiting Shivsrushti and seeing Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s vision of Swarajya (self-rule) was a wonderful and unforgettable experience for me. This place is truly special, and its beauty catches the eye instantly.” The forts that Maharaj spent his entire life building, their significance, the battles fought there, and the power to present Shivaji Maharaj to the younger generation as he truly was, are all brought to life through modern technology. Citizens must visit.”

Pravin Tarde further said,

Pravin Tarde and other dignitaries visited different parts of Shivsrushti, including the forts gallery, the gallery of Maharaj’s principles Swarajya, Swadharma, and Swabhasha, and the Bhavani Mata temple. Around 2,000 tourists, including some from abroad, explored the Shivsrushti today.

To celebrate Babasaheb Purandare’s birth anniversary, a 10×6 ft rangoli was made at Shivsrushti by Neelam Shivtare, Poonam Pawar, Neha Dixit, Shriram Mahamuni, and Yogita Jadhav.

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PUNE: Shivsrushti, a historical theme park located in Ambegaon Budruk, recorded over 15,000 visitors in the last 15 days. The park presents various aspects of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s life and achievements, attracting a diverse age group of visitors.

Shivsrushti recreates the era of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through elements such as the Sarkarwada, which reflects Maratha royal architecture, a temple dedicated to Goddess Bhavani, and several other historical structures. These are supported by stories, paintings, museum artifacts, and various installations that collectively bring the historical period to life. Currently, a growing number of visitors are coming to experience this recreation and draw inspiration from it. As a special initiative, entry to Shivsrushti is being offered at a nominal fee of ₹50, valid only until July 15. This has been made possible by a donation of ₹51 lakh from the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, Pune. Shivsrushti’s Administrative Officer, Anil Pawar, has urged citizens to take full advantage of this opportunity while it lasts.

Speaking about the overwhelming response, Pawar shared, “Since the beginning of this initiative, over 15,000 people have visited Shivsrushti in the last 15 days. With summer vacations going on, visitors can enjoy a comfortable, air-conditioned experience while immersing themselves in the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj era. This initiative aims to educate the younger generations about Shivaji Maharaj’s history, his struggles, his visionary governance, and the dream of Swarajya he fought for. It is our sincere intention to spread the values of Swarajya and Swadharma envisioned by Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. We believe Shivsrushti, spread across a 21-acre campus in Ambegaon Budruk, Pune – 411 046, will reach more and more people“.

Visitors to Shivsrushti can explore sections such as Durgavaibhav (Fort Grandeur), Ranangann (Battlefield), a hall depicting the thrilling escape from Agra, and Shrimant Yogi, an experience that makes it feel like you’re directly interacting with Shivaji Maharaj. There’s also Simhasanadhishwar, portraying the coronation scene, and high-resolution image prints of paintings from world-renowned museums showcasing the life of Shivaji Maharaj. Other highlights include a section on his legendary battles, a replica of the Tulja Bhavani temple from Pratapgad, and the Ganga Sagar lake.

“Additionally, the Time Machine Theatre is proving to be a major attraction. Here, visitors can travel back thousands of years via a time capsule to visually and audibly experience Shivaji Maharaj’s era. Using cutting-edge technology like mapping, holography, physical effects, and a 360-degree rotating theatre, this immersive show brings history to life. Each 36-minute show in the theatre can host up to 100 people at a time, offering a truly unforgettable experience“, Pawar added.

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The program is free and open to all. To obtain complimentary passes, please reach out to Yashashree Athawale (Mob. 94220 04195), Mrinal Godbole (Mob. 98810 76349), or Smita Natu (Mob. 98900 26222).

This special program has been organized to commemorate the Hindu Mahila Sabha’s 90th anniversary and the Amrit Mahotsav year of its annual Navratri Mahotsav celebrations.

Supriya Damle, President of Hindu Mahila Sabha, said, “This unique program, featuring Aditya Oke and Satyajit Prabhu, will take the audience on a journey through the harmonium’s history, its evolution in India, and its significance in various music traditions. With a blend of classical, semi-classical, and popular music, this event promises to be both entertaining and enlightening.”

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The entrepreneurs who are representing various sectors have joined more than 90 startups, including investors and innovators, for a weeklong iconic event celebrating bold ideas and scalable impact. Vienna UP 2025 is being organised by Vienna Business Agency, hosted by 45 programme partners, exposing the participants to the startup ecosystem of Vienna, providing them with the opportunity to connect with entrepreneurs and investors from different parts of the world.

On May 8th, ahead of their journey, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister, also met and interacted with the entrepreneurs and extended his best wishes while also commending their contribution to elevating the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the state on a global platform. He commended the participants who are currently in Vienna, saying, “It fills me with great pride that the ideas and innovations born from our hills are being showcased at a global stage. The fact that they could even reach such an international event speaks volumes regarding the diverse entrepreneurial spirit of Meghalaya and its cultural richness. This is not only a personal achievement for them, but a celebration for the entire state. The world is getting a view into the new, vibrant Meghalaya – one that is bold, creative, and ready to lead.”

PRIME Meghalaya has been having an impactful role to play in the entrepreneurial journey of these entrepreneurs, whom they have been handholding through incubation, mentoring, and funding. Their innovations, representing Meghalaya’s rich heritage and indigenous products, have already caught the attention of European stakeholders who are interested in ethically handmade, culturally relevant products. Some products, including Eri silk textiles, handcrafted goods, as well as traditional beverages, have gone down well with the stakeholders, participants, and investors alike. These products are the kind that are being sought after as environmentally friendly and sustainable alternatives, ones where the entrepreneurs of Meghalaya are showing immense promise.

The eight entrepreneurs from Meghalaya are not only presenting their businesses but are also ambassadors of the creative development and entrepreneurial spirit of the state. The participation of these startups in the Vienna UP 2025 will provide them with valuable global insights, broaden their perspectives, open avenues for cross-country collaborations, and accelerate their growth potential as well as exposure to global markets and meaningful impact on their ventures in Meghalaya. It is also an opportunity to build relationships and learn from some of the innovative minds in the startup world, as well as an inspiration to empower more youth from the state to dream big and contribute to the growth and sustainability of Meghalaya’s economy.

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Situated on a 50-acre campus near the Pale Caves in Maharashtra, Abhay Prabhavana reimagines the very idea of a traditional museum. It is among the largest private museums in the world, yet its significance lies not in its scale, but in its core. Every element across its 3.5 lakh square feet premises has been curated to celebrate India’s civilizational wisdom, right from the timeless principles of ethics, education, enterprise, non-violence, compassion, and spiritual inquiry.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Abhay Firodia, industrialist and founder of the museum, and Chairman of the Amar Prerana Trust, said, “India’s greatest heritage is the power of its values. We aimed to build a space where these values are experienced in all their depth, not simply observed. Abhay Prabhavana is a place where knowledge, aesthetics, and spirit come together to offer inspiration for generations to come.”

Thirty immersive galleries form the core of the museum’s narrative journey. Each gallery is a dialogue: through sculptures, dioramas, digital installations, and storytelling that invites visitors to engage with India’s philosophical legacy. Concepts such as self-restraint, plurality, letting go, and inner awakening are presented through engaging experiences, encouraging reflection and inquiry. Interactive technologies, ambient sound, and subtle scenography are employed with restraint and intelligence, ensuring that the medium never overwhelms the message.

Beyond its galleries, Abhay Prabhavana’s architectural and symbolic elements offer equally profound experiences. The Manastambh, a 100-foot pillar, depicts the stages of spiritual evolution. On the other hand, the awe-inspiring 43-foot sculpture of Rishabhdev, the first of the 24 Tirthankaras, whose vision of order, discipline, and civilisation laid the foundations of Indian values and thought, represents a sense of calm like no other. The Plaza of Equanimity, a contemplative space centred around the Sarvatobhadra statue, anchors the campus in stillness and symmetry.

Abhay Prabhavana means a lot more than a museum for enthusiasts. It is a knowledge centre, with spaces such as the Kundanmal Firodia Auditorium and the Taxila Library, dedicated to scholarship, dialogue, and cultural programs. From lectures and exhibitions to research and learning initiatives, the museum instills a living engagement with India’s intellectual traditions.

As museums across the world grow into something more significant, Abhay Prabhavana leads with clarity. It does not focus on artefacts alone, but on the values and ideals that give them meaning. On this International Museum Day, it stands tall as a beholder of civilizational wisdom, reimagined for the world we live in today.

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