Panaji: Mauvin Godinho expressed his appreciation after receiving a unique artwork created using grains and pulses, thoughtfully crafted by noted painting and sculpture artist Shri Kenchappa Badiger along with his team.
Sharing his thoughts on the gesture, Godinho said he was deeply touched by the creativity and meaning behind the artwork. The artist explained that grains, being essential for human survival, were intentionally used to convey the idea that meaningful artistic work should also support livelihoods and families.
The artwork reflects a blend of creativity, sustainability and social purpose, highlighting the role of art not just as an expression, but as a medium that carries deeper values connected to life and community welfare.
The gesture was described as both thoughtful and symbolic, resonating with the importance of purpose-driven creativity.
Echoes of Earth returns with a new edition that once again positions Bengaluru at the heart of India’s eco-conscious music movement. Over the years, the festival has evolved into a vibrant platform for indie, fusion, and experimental artists — a cultural space where bold ideas thrive in harmony with nature. With thoughtfully designed stages, art installations made from upcycled materials, and an audience that deeply values sustainability, the festival is not just an event but an experience rooted in creativity and environmental awareness.
This year continues that spirit. As music lovers prepare for the weekend, the lineup reflects a beautiful mix of fresh talent, seasoned performers, and globally acclaimed artists. Audiences also get a chance to win festival passes by scanning the QR code and testing their Echoes knowledge — a fun way to connect more people with the energy of the festival.
For Sahib from the Carnatic-jazz fusion band Jatayu, performing at Echoes of Earth is more than just a gig — it’s the fulfilment of a long-held dream. He has admired the festival for its curation and for the space it provides musicians who explore new sounds. To him, true experimentation comes from staying original, and Echoes stands out as a platform that celebrates that authenticity.
For musician and composer Varijashree Venugopal, being part of the festival feels like returning to a familiar creative home. She describes Echoes as a uniquely conceptualised celebration of art and nature — a space where the beauty of the environment and the depth of musical expression come together seamlessly. With a specially curated set for this edition, she reflects on how experimentation has always been deeply rooted in Indian tradition, shaped through ideas refined over centuries. Festivals like Echoes, she feels, keep that spirit alive by giving artists the freedom to explore new languages of expression.
Derek Mathias of Derek & The Cats echoes this sentiment. Calling Echoes one of the best music festivals in the country, he highlights how its sustainability-driven outlook, impeccable organisation, and carefully crafted lineup create an unforgettable experience. Even when he doesn’t know all the artists, he discovers new acts every time — a reminder of what festivals are truly meant to offer.
For Harshita, widely known by her stage name Sage, Echoes of Earth is woven into her memories with friends. After attending the festival for five consecutive years, she now returns in a new role — this time standing on the stage as an artist. She feels deeply connected to the festival’s intentional culture, its sustainable installations, and the sense of community that has grown around it.
Beyond its Indian talent, Echoes of Earth brings an exciting global lineup to Bengaluru. LA-based musician and activist Madame Gandhi arrives with her signature blend of electronic music, catchy percussive elements, and empowering narratives on freedom and femininity. British producer Aroop Roy brings a warm, groovy mix of Afro, Latin, and soulful house that audiences around the world have come to love. German multi-instrumentalist Monolink returns with his atmospheric vocals and hypnotic blend of deep house and live instrumentation. International duo Bedouin adds a spiritual, desert-inspired electronic sound that beautifully complements the festival’s immersive open-air experience.
As Echoes continues to champion sustainability, celebrate art, and create a space where music and nature coexist, this year’s edition promises to be a memorable blend of discovery, creativity, and connection. It is a festival where every stage tells a story, every performance sparks imagination, and every visitor becomes part of a community that honours the planet while celebrating the power of sound.
HYBE, the South Korean entertainment conglomerate behind global music sensations like BTS, SEVENTEEN, and NewJeans, has made its official foray into the Indian market with the launch of HYBE India Entertainment Private Limited. This Mumbai-based subsidiary becomes HYBE’s fifth international arm after successful operations in Japan, the United States, Latin America, and China.
The establishment of HYBE India marks a strategic expansion into a dynamic and rapidly growing music and entertainment ecosystem. With India boasting the world’s second-largest music streaming market—home to nearly 185 million users—the move positions HYBE to tap into a vast and diverse talent pool while catering to a massive audience with evolving tastes and increasing global influence.
HYBE’s India mission is encapsulated in its powerful statement: “Where voices of India become global stories.” The company has announced plans to conduct regional auditions and implement a bespoke training system between September and October 2025. This initiative aims to discover Indian artists capable of connecting with both domestic audiences and the global music scene. It will bring HYBE’s rigorous, globally respected artist training framework to India while making necessary cultural and creative adaptations for local resonance.
The Indian subsidiary will also serve as a local hub for promoting existing HYBE artists and supporting their activities in the subcontinent. From localized campaigns to fan engagement, HYBE India will ensure stronger connections between HYBE’s global acts and the Indian fanbase.
This move falls under HYBE’s broader “Multi-home, Multi-genre” strategy, focused on cultivating artists who are regionally rooted and globally competitive. A representative from the company emphasized that this approach is already showing results in other markets and could significantly shift the global music industry landscape, traditionally dominated by a few major Western players.
While detailed plans for the Mumbai office are still under wraps, what’s certain is HYBE’s commitment to investing in Indian talent and reshaping the music ecosystem. By establishing a solid base in Mumbai—the cultural and commercial heart of India’s entertainment industry—HYBE is poised to play a significant role in shaping the next generation of global stars from South Asia.
“Make art when no one cares. Make it raw, make it real. That’s where your true voice takes shape—not through perfection, but through consistent, honest expression.” – Sharmila Coutinho
Sharmila Coutinho’s journey as an artist is one that beautifully blends resilience, creativity, and a deep sense of purpose. She recalls how drawing came naturally to her, never forced or taught, but simply present as her happy place—a space where the world made sense. At just seven years old, a simple Santa gift of a 24-shade colour set opened a world of endless hues and possibilities. That magic box was the first spark that set her on a path she would later choose to embrace fully.
Encouraged by her mother, Sharmila joined Bal Bhavan, where her creativity was nurtured in countless ways, from the art studio to the music room, from clay modeling to the library where she first discovered Vincent van Gogh’s letters. These experiences shaped her perspective, revealing not only the struggles of an artist but also the beauty of persistence and self-expression. Although she initially chose the conventional path of science and computer studies, her heart was always drawn back to colour and canvas. Dropping out to pursue Fine Arts was one of the most defining choices of her life, one that came with struggles but also profound fulfillment.
Her path as an artist was far from smooth. She faced doubts—both her own and those of others—but chose to bloom where she was planted. She worked hard, supported herself, and learned the ways of the art market through experience and even through setbacks. Her studio in Goa became the place where her work reached people across the world—Spain, the UK, and beyond—all without her chasing opportunities. Instead, her art spoke for itself. Among her many milestones, two stand out: conceptualizing and designing the Lusofonia Games torch, a seashell-inspired piece that symbolized unity among coastal nations, and creating the official IFFI poster when the festival first came to Goa.
Today, Sharmila continues her creative journey as Deputy Infographic Editor at The Times of India, where she works with visionary editors and design professionals who recognize her talent. She sees art not as confined by borders but as an evolving practice of growth and expression. For her, creativity begins in silence, in stillness, and in the ability to declutter both the mind and surroundings. Travel, music, psychology, and deep conversations fuel her inspiration, while minimalism helps her maintain the clarity to create.
Creating for Meaning, Not Metrics
She acknowledges the challenges—self-doubt, external pressures, fleeting digital attention spans—but believes true growth lies in creating for meaning, not metrics. For aspiring artists, her advice is simple yet powerful: create when no one is watching, create without applause, and create because it fulfills you. Recognition may come, but fulfillment lies in the process itself.
Looking ahead, Sharmila hopes to reconnect with the tactile side of art after years of working in the digital realm. She dreams of returning to hands-on creation—painting, experimenting, and building with materials directly.
Her journey is ongoing, her canvas still open, and through it all, one truth remains: stay true, don’t lose yourself in the noise, and let your creativity continue to bloom without borders.
