In a moment of pride for India’s arts and heritage community, Mrs Sangita Jindal, Chairperson of the JSW Foundation, has been awarded the prestigious Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by the French government. The honour was presented by the Ambassador of France to India, H.E. Mr Thierry Mathou, at a private ceremony at Mrs Jindal’s residence in Mumbai on September 25, 2025.
This recognition acknowledges Mrs Jindal’s exceptional contribution to the preservation and promotion of art, culture, and heritage in India, as well as her dedication to building meaningful Indo-French cultural collaborations. As the head of the JSW Foundation, she has integrated cultural engagement into the very fabric of the Foundation’s mission, transforming heritage conservation and the cultural landscape of India with deep vision and commitment.
Mrs Jindal has notably fostered artistic exchanges between India and France through initiatives like the artist residencies at Hampi Art Labs. In 2024, she collaborated with France during the Paris Olympic Games to highlight the intersection of art and sport, and later this year, she will participate in the exhibition “Textile Matters” at the Mobilier National in Paris.
Presenting the honour, Ambassador Thierry Mathou said, “Through her passion, vision and generosity, Mrs Jindal has profoundly enriched the cultural landscape of India and brought our two countries closer together. This decoration reflects France’s deep gratitude and admiration for her achievements and her commitment to building cultural bridges.”
Mrs Jindal accepted the award with humility, stating, “I am deeply honoured to receive this recognition from France. It reaffirms my commitment to safeguarding India’s heritage while fostering meaningful cultural bridges between our two nations. Heritage is a living resource that connects generations, and I remain dedicated to ensuring it continues to inspire the future.”
Beyond this accolade, Mrs Jindal’s work speaks for itself. Her leadership has guided the restoration of iconic sites like the UNESCO World Heritage site of Hampi, the Keneseth Eliyahoo synagogue, and the Sassoon Library in Mumbai. She has been instrumental in launching cultural platforms such as Art India magazine and the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, and in creating spaces for dialogue through exhibitions like “Woven Narratives” during India’s G20 Presidency. She is also supporting the establishment of a museum in Assam dedicated to regional crafts.
The Ordre des Arts et des Lettres is one of the highest French honours in the realm of arts and literature, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to the arts, or to the promotion of culture in France and around the world. Previous Indian recipients of this honour include Aishwarya Rai Bachchan, Shah Rukh Khan, Pt. Hariprasad Chaurasia, and Bharti Kher.
With this recognition, Mrs Sangita Jindal joins an illustrious list of global cultural leaders. Her vision continues to inspire a new generation of changemakers who see culture not as legacy alone, but as a living force that shapes the future.
The 71st National Film Awards transformed Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, into a vibrant celebration of cinematic excellence as President Droupadi Murmu honoured the finest in Indian cinema. From revered legends to emerging stars, the awards reflected the breadth and brilliance of storytelling that continues to define India’s cultural landscape.
In a moment that will be etched in the annals of film history, President Murmu conferred the prestigious Dadasaheb Phalke Award on veteran actor Mohanlal. She praised his journey from theatre to screen, his embodiment of India’s cultural heritage, and his deep impact on audiences across generations. From the classical Karnabharam to his poignant role in Vanaprastham, Mohanlal’s contribution has been both prolific and profound. With humility and gratitude, the actor dedicated the award to the stalwarts of Malayalam cinema and reaffirmed his commitment to the art form, calling cinema the “heartbeat of his soul.”
The President emphasized the unique role cinema plays in reflecting India’s democratic spirit and cultural diversity. She noted the growing representation of women in the industry and underscored the importance of equal opportunities, both on and off screen. The spotlight on young talent, children’s creativity, and environmental storytelling highlighted the evolving nature of cinema as a force for awareness and innovation.
Among the standout winners of the evening was Shah Rukh Khan, who won Best Actor for Jawan, a role that demanded both scale and nuance. Sharing the honour, Vikrant Massey’s performance in 12th Fail was recognised for its quiet resilience and authenticity. Rani Mukerji, awarded Best Actress for Mrs. Chatterjee v/s Norway, delivered a performance that blurred lines between reel and real, embodying a mother’s anguish with raw emotion.
The awards also recognised the unsung heroes—supporting actors who breathe life into narratives. Vijayaraghavan and Muthupettai Somu Bhaskar won Best Supporting Actor, while Urvashi and Janki Bodiwala were honoured as Best Supporting Actress, showcasing performances that left a lasting impact.
12th Fail was named Best Feature Film, a testament to the power of hope and determination. Non-feature categories also shone brightly, with Flowering Man and God Vulture and Human being recognised for their compelling storytelling and documentary excellence. India’s growing strength in the AVGC space was acknowledged with Hanu-Man taking home the award in that category, and Giddh: The Scavenger earning the Best Short Film honour.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw lauded Mohanlal and reiterated the government’s commitment to positioning India as a global content powerhouse. He highlighted the success of initiatives like Waves 2025 and the International Institute of Cinema and Technology (IICT), launched in partnership with tech giants like Meta, Google, Microsoft and NVIDIA. The focus on indigenous film equipment production, live concert economy, and regulatory reforms reflects the roadmap towards a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
Secretary Sanjay Jaju encapsulated the spirit of the event, calling cinema a celebration of stories, dreams, and shared experiences. This year, marked by legends and landmark moments, echoed the motto “Ek Desh, Hazaron Kahaniyan, Ek Junoon”—a tribute to India’s enduring cinematic passion.
As the hall stood in ovation and hearts brimmed with pride, the 71st National Film Awards reminded the nation that cinema is not just entertainment—it is emotion, legacy, and the ever-beating pulse of a country telling its story to the world.
PM Shri GHS came alive with patriotic energy as it celebrated Hindi Diwas, a day dedicated to honoring Hindi as the cornerstone of India’s cultural and linguistic identity.
The event was marked by a series of engaging competitions designed to showcase students’ creativity and love for the language. Students participated enthusiastically in slogan writing, essay competitions, speeches, and dance performances, all centered on the theme of Hindi Diwas and the importance of preserving linguistic heritage.
Teachers and organizers highlighted how Hindi continues to bind the nation together, transcending regions and reflecting the essence of India’s unity in diversity. The vibrant dance performances and powerful speeches further underlined the significance of the day.
Hindi Diwas is observed annually on September 14, commemorating the adoption of Hindi as one of India’s official languages in 1949. At PM Shri GHS, the celebration was more than just a ritual; it was a heartfelt tribute to the richness of Hindi and its role in shaping India’s cultural identity.
The event concluded with words of encouragement from the school leadership, motivating students to take pride in their language and heritage.
By Maryanne De Souza || Team Allycaral In its largest-ever edition, the festival will have 35+ curators including Shubha Mudgal, Lillete Dubey, Ehsaan Noorani, Manu Chandra, Thukral & Tagra, and Geeta Chandran among others across disciplines like visual and performing arts, craft, culinary arts and accessibility.
Serendipity Arts Festival (SAF) returns to Panaji, Goa in its landmark tenth edition, from December 12 to 21, 2025, with a renewed vision, expanded ambitions, and a vast roster of curators and grants. As one of India’s largest multi-disciplinary arts events, it will mark a decade of celebrating the arts and fostering creativity, collaboration, inclusivity, and cross-cultural exchange across disciplines.
To mark this significant edition, along with the recently concluded SAF Mini Edition in Birmingham, UK, the Festival will extend its presence beyond Goa, activating events in cities across India through the year, culminating in the main event in December. This anniversary edition will reflect on Serendipity’s past journey while also looking forward — with dynamic art-led interventions, deeper community engagements, and greater national and global presence.
Commenting on the milestone 10th Edition, Sunil Kant Munjal, Founder and Patron, Serendipity Arts says, “Ten years ago, when we conceived the first Serendipity Arts Festival, we imagined a place where canvasses, workshops, stages, cuisines, cultures, and audiences could come together in a seamless mix…and where everyone felt welcome. We also visualised a platform where technology and tradition could blend and reflect on our reality. At that time, it seemed like a difficult, if not an impossible, goal. It is a delight to see that a decade later, this very place has become a thriving city of ideas where we are not merely celebrating art—we are redrawing its map and reaffirming our belief that when the arts come together, society moves forward. Many have played a part in this evolution: our own teams, the Government of Goa, the people of Goa, our amazing partners from many counties, the thousands of artists, the millions in the audience over ten years and our curators with their rich imagination and boundless energy. Each of these stakeholders are deserving of a big thank you from all of us.”
Mayor of Panaji, Rohit Monserrate, lauds all the past editions of the Festival which have added to the cultural vibrancy of Panaji. He says, “In each of its past nine editions, the renowned Serendipity Arts Festival has brought Panaji, the state capital of Goa, alive, nurturing creative expression, supporting our local economy and putting Goa on the world map as far as cultural and artistic expression are concerned. The festival’s diverse programming and inclusive spirit bring life to public spaces and boost tourism, helping create jobs and support Goa’s local economy. SAF is a stellar illustration of how art and culture are the soul of our city and the backbone of its growth. On behalf of the citizens of Panaji, we offer best wishes to the organisers of SAF on the occasion of their landmark 10th edition.”
Curators for the 2025 edition
In celebration of its grand 10th edition, Serendipity Arts Festival has brought together its largest-ever line-up of 35+ curators across disciplines like visual arts, dance, music, theatre, design, and culinary innovation amongst others. It features some of the most accomplished voices including actor-directorLillete Dubey, musicians Ehsaan Noorani, and Zubin Balaporia, Padma Shri Geeta Chandran, art historian Anjana Somany, artist Sudarshan Shetty, curator-publisher Rahaab Allana, tabla maestro Aneesh Pradhan, celebrated chef Manu Chandra, acclaimed poet and cultural theorist Ranjit Hoskote, multi-disciplinary designer Sandeep Sangaru, theatre director and recipient of Sangeet Natak Award Anuradha Kapur, amongst others.
Speaking about this year’s robust curatorial mix, Smriti Rajgarhia, Director, Serendipity Arts Foundation & Festival says, “As we step into our 10th year, Serendipity Arts Festival remains committed to creating spaces for artists, audiences, and communities to meet in meaningful and inclusive ways. With a stellar line-up of curators and an expanded set of grants and initiatives, we hope this edition catalyses new ideas, questions and connections that continue to energise the arts in South Asia.”
The Visual Arts section includes curators like cultural theorist Ranjit Hoskote, artist duo Thukral and Tagra and large-scale conceptual artist Sudarshan Shetty. Mumbai-based curator and writer Veeranganakumari Solanki known for her narrative-driven practice spanning public and private spaces will take the visitors on an interesting site with her artistic interventions. Vidya Shivadas, Director of Foundation for Indian Contemporary Art (FICA), and has a practice deeply rooted in critical art discourse, will curate exhibitions based on pedagogical and material experimentations.
The Craft section has curators such as ceramic artist Kristine Michael, and textile designer/artist Rashmi Varma who is known for exploring identity, memory, and gesture through the language of handmade fabric. Art historian and craft researcher Anjana Somany, committed to showcasing living craft traditions, will curate a project exploring the subterranean worlds of step-wells with a craft showcase. Designer Sandeep Sangaru, who works with indigenous materials will spotlight Kashmiri crafts in his curation.
The Photography section will be curated by several lens-based practitioners including Ravi Agarwal, an artist and environmentalist whose lens-based work interrogates ecology and nature. Rahaab Allana, curator and publisher of the Alkazi Foundation for the Arts, will curate an exhibition of image-oriented works from the Indian subcontinent and Arab peninsula. Documentary photographer and co-founder of Nazar Foundation, Prashant Panjiar’s curation will spotlight various occupational communities from Goa. Another of his curations will be a display on preserving family tales woven through self-portraits, inherited material, workshops, listening booths and talks. Dinesh Khanna, a veteran photographer and educator will curate projects on the theme of migration and memory.
The Dance section will have curators including the iconic Geeta Chandran, founder of Attakkalari Centre for Movement Arts, Jayachandran Palazhy, writer and dance practitioner Ranjana Dave, and Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Tanusree Shankar. Dave’s curation based on dance and movement will focus on a wide range of accessibility needs. Palazhy will curate projects that explore the strength of human connections, the concept of influence, and daily urban challenges through AI interventions, visual installations and interactive performances.
The Theatre section’s curations are poised to ignite the socio, political and cultural consciousness of the society. Award-winning playwright, director, and filmmaker Mahesh Dattani known for bringing contemporary issues to the stage will curate an Ambedkarite opera. Sangeet Natak Akademi Awardee Anuradha Kapur will spotlight the 180-year-old rich legacy of Marathi theatre. Sankar Venkateswaran will bring a classical touch to his curatorial work around a Koodiyattam act which will let the audience reflect on the themes of justice, power, and love in an unequal world. The other curators in this section also include popular actor-theatre director Lillete Dubey, and theater actor-director Quasar Thakore Padamsee.
The Music section will have an exciting lineup of curators like Ehsaan Noorani, Bickram Ghosh, Aneesh Pradhan, Ranjit Barot, Shubha Mudgal and Zubin Balaporia. Balaporia and Noorani will curate a performance that will bring the magic of blues, funk and jazz. Barot with Balaporia will curate a musical tribute to the iconic tabla player and composer Zakir Hussain. Pradhan and Mudgal’s curatorial performance will enthral the audience with a percussion act spotlighting folk instruments.
The Culinary curators including Odette Mascarenhas, Rahul Akerkar, Thomas Zacharias and The Locavore will create a sensorial experience that will extend beyond taste and smell. The collective Edible Issues focussed on Indian food systems, will curate projects that probe the cultural perceptions of aroma, as well as those around climate change’s effect on livestock and pastoral communities. Influential Chef Manu Chandra who has helmed several award-winning restaurant brands will pay an ode to old Goan tavernas in his curation. Sommelier-restaurateur Prahlad Sukhantar will spotlight India’s diverse salt traditions in his curation.
As Accessibility of arts forms the core of Serendipity Arts Festival, writer and disability campaigner Salil Chaturvedi will curate acts led by deaf and mute artists, workshops tailored to audiences with special needs, and create an inclusive space like Studio Me where everyone at the festival can try their hand at art.
These curated programmes will be spread across age-old heritage venues in Panjim including the Old GMC Complex, Art Park, Promenade and Gazebo, Kala Academy, Excise Building, Directorate of Accounts Building, Azad Maidan, Santa Monica Jetty, Yoga Promenade Jetty, The Arena at Nagali Hills Ground amongst others.
Below is a sneak peek into the much-anticipated 10th-year edition
Serendipity Arts continues its commitment to supporting emerging and mid-career practitioners through an expanded portfolio of grants in 2025. These initiatives are designed to provide financial, infrastructural, and mentorship support to practitioners across regions and disciplines through the following grants and residencies:
Futures in Formation | Public Art Programme (in partnership with FICA)
Serendipity Arts Residency 2025
Senior Artist Residency (in collaboration with Royal College of Art)
Enduring Traditions Grant
Serendipity Arles Grant
Folk Arts Grant
Independent Music Production Grant
WAC (Write | Art | Connect)
Arts Journalism Grant
With such an exceptional curatorial team, an expanded grants portfolio that will be showcased at SAF 2025, along with a commitment to year-round multi-city engagement, the 2025 edition promises to be its most exciting edition yet for the Serendipity Arts Festival. The Foundation invites audiences, practitioners, and patrons to be part of this milestone celebration as it reaffirms its belief in the transformative power of the arts.
Overview:
Serendipity Arts
Serendipity Arts is a not-for-profit collaborative platform based in Delhi, fostering empathy, curiosity and cross-cultural dialogue by supporting emerging artists across South Asia. The Foundation’s aim is to nurture artistic practice, promote research, and provide sustainability and education in the field of the arts. Over the past decade, Serendipity Arts has encouraged cultural heritage projects alongside contemporary art practices with extensive residencies, grants, collaborative projects, art writing initiatives and a multi-disciplinary arts festival.
Dharbandora, February 26, 2025: Amidst the tranquil beauty of Goa’s hinterlands, Shiv Mahotsav 2025 unfolded as a spectacular event blending spirituality, tradition, and cultural vibrancy. Hosted by Goa Tourism, the festival took place at Satpal Ground, Sacorda, Molem, Tambdi Surla Road, Dharbandora. The event brought together thousands of devotees, cultural performers, and visitors, transforming the venue into a vibrant hub of devotion and celebration. The festival was held in celebration of Maha Shivratri and was a grand showcase of Goa’s rich spiritual traditions, culture, and artistic heritage.
The grand celebration was inaugurated in the esteemed presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant; Hon’ble MP Rajya Sabha Shri Sadanand Tanavade; Hon’ble Chairman, GTDC, Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar and Smt. Sadicha Ganesh Gaonkar; Director Tourism, Shri Kedar Naik; Managing Director, GTDC, Shri Kuldeep Arolkar; Shri Amol Deshmukh; Shri Abhijit Jog; Shri Ashutosh Jawdekar; Shri Arun Bicholkar; Dy General Manager, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar along with ZP members and Sarpanchs of various panchayats. The festival also saw the presence of Indian actress Sonalee Kulkarni and singer-musician Avadhoot Gupte, adding to the celebratory spirit.
Adding to the grandeur of the event, a series of meticulously curated performances offered a spiritual and cultural feast for all attendees. The celebrations featured a powerful Dhol Tasha performance by Barabhumi Sansthan, capturing the rhythmic energy of Shiv Ganas; a spellbinding Bharatanatyam recital on Shiva Bhakti by renowned artist Pavitra Bhat; and a Nrutya Natika on Shiv Sthuti, a mesmerizing dramatic dance presentation by artists from Barabhumi Sansthan.
The divine ambiance was further elevated by the Ganga Aarti ceremony, which was performed by Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar and other dignitaries, paying homage to the holy Ganga. The night culminated in a soulful live performance by legendary Bollywood singer Sudesh Bhosle, who enthralled the audience with Shiv Stuti, Bhakti Geet, and other devotional compositions.
CM Dr. Pramod Sawant while addressing the gathering said, “The true essence of Goa remains largely undiscovered, even by many tourists. Beyond the beaches, the real beauty of the state lies in its hinterlands and interior regions. To showcase this hidden treasure, visitors will be introduced to these lesser-explored parts of Goa. Special emphasis will be placed on promoting spiritual and temple tourism, highlighting the state’s rich cultural and religious heritage.’’ He further stated that the event venue is government-owned land and will henceforth be known as Shivmaidan.
Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar, Chairman, GTDC, stated, “Shiv Mahotsav is not just a celebration; it is a step towards promoting Goa’s rich spiritual heritage. The historic Sri Mahadev Temple at Tambdi Surla stands as a testament to our deep-rooted traditions, and through initiatives like this, we aim to highlight its significance while encouraging spiritual and hinterland tourism. I urge the people of Goa to support and take pride in this movement, as together, we can showcase the real Goa to the world.”
Hon’ble MP Rajya Sabha, Shri Sadanand Tanavade also spoke on the occasion, emphasizing the importance of preserving and promoting Goa’s spiritual and cultural heritage.
A moment of great pride was the release of a special book ‘Me Ganesh Gaonkar’, chronicling the remarkable journey of Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar at the hands of CM Dr. Pramod Sawant and others. During the event, CM Dr. Pramod Sawant and Dr. Ganesh Gaonkar felicitated each other alongside other dignitaries.
As part of the cultural engagement, a Rangoli competition on the theme of Mahadev’s avatars, and Shiv Ganas was organized, along with a Veshbhusha Spardha themed around Lord Shiva and Hindu gods & goddesses, providing a platform for young talent on the occasion.
MD GTDC Shri Kuldeep Arolkar welcomed the gathering whereas vote of thanks was delivered by Dy General Manager, GTDC, Shri Deepak Narvekar, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, artists, and attendees for making Shiv Mahotsav 2025 a grand success.
On February 26th, Prasad distribution was also held at Sri Mahadev Temple premises at Tambdi Surla. Shiv Mahotsav 2025 was a true testament to Goa’s spiritual richness, drawing visitors who seek an immersive cultural experience beyond its scenic landscapes.
