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Beyond October: Think Pink. Live Green

The Arabian Post Network — Fri, 01 Nov 2024 08:25:57 +0000

Cancer awareness campaign completes 10 years

“In a world full of entertainment events, it is always a gratifying challenge to venture into an event that inspires and empowers all. The Beyond October Cancer Campaign that I started in 2014 as a Can Defeat Cancer Campaign is just that,” says Manju Ramanan, a journalist, author and Founder of the Beyond October Cancer Campaign.

The platform exclusive to cancer warriors, encourages them to narrate their stories in an effort to break the space between the audience and them. It started 10 years ago, with the venues being the Beauty Connections Spa SZR, followed by Danube Home, Radisson Blu, Deira, Crowne Plaza, Dubai Marina and Gargash Hospital, Dubai. In its 6th edition, Beyond October: Think Pink, Live Green continues to raise awareness about breast cancer also champions sustainable living – a dual call to action that intertwines health and wellness with environmental consciousness. Beyond October: Think Pink, Live Green was hosted at the Dubai International Arts Centre, Jumeirah.

The participants got the audience teary eyed with their cancer warrior stories of grit and courage. While cancer warrior Fiza Khan spoke of battling two cancers – thyroid cancer and breast cancer at the same time, Umaima Tinwala spoke of losing hair and going bald and how she decided to wear it with pride. ” I often found random people asking me if they could give me a hug. The world is that kind,” she said. Chelo Gagarin who is a special educator mentioned how her students healed her during her times of crisis showering her with love and affection. Dr Seema who is a gynecologist went about her task of delivering babies while attending chemo sessions. ” I wore a wig so that my patients were not alarmed,” she added. Tigitsi who broke down mid session was cheered by all her friends and the crowd to put her back on her feet and Jenny warmed their hearts by saying that she cured her cancer through treatments and prayer. “I prayed that I didnt want cancer in my body and I prayed fervently,” she said. Sandra Martinho spoke of her book, ” The Dance of Life,” where she talks of battling cancer and the steps she took to deal with it and Binu Sivan spoke of being a cancer warrior herself and losing a child to cancer. Binu has started a theatre foundation in the name of her daughter Sakshi – The Sakshi Verkot Memorial Theatre Festival. Together, the warriors faced the audience bravely and narrated stories that were very personal and close to their hearts – in the process inspiring the audience with their grit and resilience. Indian actor Kalpana Iyer and Sudanese actor Rik Aby were present at the event alongwith other dignitaries.

An evening where art met purpose and story telling connected everyone in one bond of humanity.

Bhima Jewellers that completes 100 years in India and 10 years in the UAE graciously supported the campaign as part of their CSR initiative. Lifestyle brand Innara conducted a series of pottery classes with the cancer warriors and attendees who expressed their unique sensibilities. They were then led to the eco-souq presented by Your Eco Souq, that champions sustainable products and slow living. Beyond October has been supported enthusiastically by several media partners that include the Zee TV Middle East, Talk 100 FM, Khaleej Times Newspaper, WKND Magazine and Vidisha’s creations. From India we have been supported by The Glitz magazine spearheaded by Sumita Chakraborty. Playfield Entertainment supported the campaign with its podcast and Hidden Healthc ame on board as the food partner.

The article Beyond October: Think Pink. Live Green appeared first on Arabian Post.

An entrepreneurial initiative to honour healthcare professionals

The Arabian Post Network — Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:44:58 +0000

Manju Ramanan

Entrepreneur Madhurima Nigam, founder of Andromeda Productions, speaks to Arabian Post on her latest venture – The Forttuna Excellence Awards ( 9-10th December 2023) that honours healthcare professionals the world over. The event then rounds off with a Bollywood night in the desert.

When did you decide to be an entrepreneur?

I have been in the business of entertainment and fashion for more than a decade. I have been involved in a number of endeavours as my mind is always brimming with new ideas. I enjoy working on projects which will challenge me and where I can balance my life at home and work. Being married to a celebrity has always kept me in the public eye and I wanted to keep my work on a separate pedestal.

How has the journey been?

I have been very blessed to have a very plain sailing journey. When you have a big support from your family and friends…you have already crossed the barricades with some small stumbles which makes the journey inspiring.

Who are your partners?

I generally don’t work with partners. Forttuna Global Excellence Awards for Healthcare professionals came as an idea from Jiiber Jaber Entertainment and they being nascent to the business approached Andromeda Productions, that is my company for advice on how to create an awards ceremony. Over the course of time, Andromeda Productions curated and produced the event to support Jiiber Jaber Entertainment.

What have been the roadblocks on the way?

Roadblocks are like building blocks. One just needs to rearrange them for a smooth journey.

Tell us about the Forttuna Excellence Awards? Is it going to be an annual event?

Forttuna Global Excellence Awards is a concept of Jiiber Jaber Entertainment and my company Andromeda Productions has curated and produced the event. This year we honor the Healthcare professionals and I wanted to make the Awards an unique experience for those who provide us a healthy safe life. Andromeda Productions planned to create a never before experience in the desert sands of Dubai with an international lineup of artists. The healthcare professionals will go home with an award in their hand and a memory to cherish. Jiiber Jaber Entertainment hopes to continue this endeavour. Andromeda Productions has not committed to being a part of this project in the coming years.

You are an integral part of the Indian entertainment industry. How do you blend your creative pursuits with your experience?

I was born into a family of artists. My grandparents have been theatre actors and my mother was a kathak dancer. From a very young age I was encouraged to pursue music and dance. When I met my husband, Sonu Nigam, I was not prepared for the glitz and glamour but the art was intriguing. Over the years I have learnt a lot as I have become a part of this ever blossoming entertainment industry. The glamour comes with a lot of hard work and sacrifices. I have pursued theatre and have been a radio journalist while creating my own menswear label to keep my creative passion alive.

What is your next venture?

I have some very exciting projects lined up. I like thinking out of the box and working on projects that will give me an adrenaline rush. Besides entertainment I am working on creating a new brand of products which is my favorite project.

The article An entrepreneurial initiative to honour healthcare professionals appeared first on Arabian Post.

Forttuna Healthcare Awards to set Dubai sands on fire

The Arabian Post Network — Tue, 05 Dec 2023 04:58:48 +0000

Manju Ramanan

Entrepreneur Madhurima Nigam of Andromeda Productions, in collaboration with Jiiber Jaber Entertainment, unveils the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards for Healthcare Professionals 2023 in Dubai, offering a fresh approach to recognize the global efforts of healthcare professionals. The event, scheduled in Dubai’s vibrant atmosphere, breaks away from traditional corporate award norms, emphasizing a recognition process led by a global jury and nominations.

In accordance with the Dubai Healthcare Authority, the event features a panel of renowned doctors and surgeons presenting lectures on Healthcare Trends of 2024 on December 9th, with attendees receiving certified credits from the Dubai Healthcare Authority (DHA).

Aptly called Bab Al Najma, the Gateway to the Stars, the awards ceremony at Al Sahara Desert Resort on December 10th promises a unique experience under the Dubai stars. The diverse cultural showcase includes performances by international and Bollywood talents like Meet Bros, DJ Sunny Leone, A Band of Boys, Krushna Abhishek, Rajeev Thakur, Vipul Roy, Moroccan Iraqi singing sensation Shatha Hassoun, and international performers like Liyah Creative.

Madhurima Nigam states, “Our goal is to create an unforgettable experience for attendees, providing a lasting memory for the audience and a cherished moment for the awardees.”

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