Kolkata’s favourite international dance festivalbrings you a stunning line-up of artists in its 6th edition that centers provocative works about human identity and personal experiences. 

 
 Kolkata’s favourite international dance festival
brings you a stunning line-up of artists in its 6th edition that centers provocative works about human identity and personal experiences.
 

 
 
20-24 August 2026, various times and venues (see full programme)
Performances, Showcases, Residency, Film Screening, Artists’ Talks, Workshops, Dance Jam
 
Performances and Workshops Chargeable l Film Screening, free but by prior registration.
 
Venues: Alliance Française du Bengale, International Management Institute (Alipore), Anuchintan Art Centre,, Studio Cocoon, Pathshala Dance Academy, Rajya Sangeet Academy, Red Bari, The Creative Arts Academy, The Urban Theatre Project.
 
Tickets:  https://dancebridges.in/book-tickets-2026/

We are pleased to announce the 6th edition of the Festival will be held in Kolkata from August 20th-24th, 2026. This year’s festival has been curated by Artistic Director, Ms. Vanessa Mirza (UK/India), with the theme ‘Converging Identities’ and will present international and national artists presenting performances, workshops, dance film screenings and artistic showcases. The works reflect the depth of human experiences seen from individual and social perspectives. Each choreographer’s work is crafted through the lens of diverse political, economic and cultural contexts that bring an impressive range to this year’s Festival programme. The opening night took place on Thursday August 20 at Gyan Manch with electrifying performances and a talk show. Performances included ‘Alleo’ Colectivo Glovo Spain; ‘We are not beautiful’ Laura Kenyon UK;
‘Waiting Music’ Dom Czapski UK; and ‘Meeting Point’ Chen Yu-Chi Taiwan.

 ”I love that Dance Bridges Festival carries an intention to listen, share and understand different cultures and people from across the globe. This intention is clearly reflected in this year’s theme of ‘Converging Identities’ particularly given what the city of Kolkata is witnessing at this present moment. Reflecting on identity and commonality is really important in our current times.” – Vanessa Mirza

The artists presented this year include performances from Spain, France/Italy, Canada, India, the United Kingdom, Taiwan, Brazil and two commissions under our Dance Bridges Festival Residency project. There are two longer documentary films from France and India alongside dance shorts from Cyprus, Ukraine and Italy. The artist showcases include works by artists from different Indian cities as well as two artist pitches from Nigeria and Tunisia. The Dance Bridges Festival residency led by Chen Yu-Chi(Taiwan) and Laura Kenyon (UK/France) will culminate in performances of new works with artists from India, Bangladesh and Denmark.

We are working with a wide variety of venues across the city to bring performances to a theatre/gallery/site-specific venue close to you. Check out our Festival venues and full schedule to find out more. Ticket links are available via Razor Pay and will be posted on our website and social media for all events. Mark your calendars for this weekend in August for an exciting programme of contemporary dance!
Dance Bridges Festival Trailer 2026
 
 
 

 

SBI General Insurance Launches New Motor Insurance Film Featuring Pankaj Tripathi

SBI General Insurance Launches New Motor Insurance Film Featuring Pankaj Tripathi

August 2026: SBI General Insurance, one of India’s leading general insurance companies, has unveiled the next chapter of its integrated brand campaign, ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’, with a new film centered on Motor Insurance. Featuring actor and brand ambassador Pankaj Tripathi, the campaign continues to bring alive SBI General’s core message of trust by highlighting the importance of choosing an insurance partner with confidence.

The Motor Insurance film carries forward the core thought of ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’, into another important aspect of everyday life. Built around a simple yet relatable insight, the film highlights that just as people are careful about whom they trust with something as valuable as their vehicle, choosing the right motor insurance partner also deserves the same thought and confidence. Through a simple yet engaging narrative, the film encourages consumers to look beyond just a product and choose a partner who stands by them when it matters.

For most customers, buying a vehicle is a carefully considered decision, yet motor insurance is often treated as a routine purchase. Through the motor film, SBI General Insurance encourages consumers to make informed choices by looking beyond the policy and choosing a partner they can trust. Reinforcing its commitment to making insurance simpler, more accessible and more relevant, the company continues to deliver protection backed by trust and support when it matters most.

Commenting on the campaign, Mr. Naveen Chandra Jha, MD & CEO, SBI General Insurance, said, “Insurance is built on the confidence customers have in the partner they choose. As vehicles become an integral part of everyday life, customers are looking for protection that is simple, transparent and dependable. Through the Motor Insurance chapter of ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’, we continue our commitment to making insurance more relevant while delivering the support customers need throughout their ownership journey.”

Adding to it, Mr. Rathin Lahiri, Head – Marketing & CSR, SBI General Insurance, said , “At the heart of this campaign is a simple idea: A car is an achievement, its private space, self-expression, gives independence and control, and is one of the most valuable assets one owns. When it comes to protecting something so valuable to you, why would you take a chance? It is better to go with the most trusted brand with its wide network of garages and documented claims support experience. Pankaj Tripathi’s natural warmth and authenticity make this message resonate effortlessly across audiences. Through this campaign, we hope to encourage customers to view motor insurance not just as a policy, but provide assurance of having a dependable partner by their side.”

Known for his relatable screen presence and effortless storytelling, Pankaj Tripathi continues to embody the values of trust, simplicity and dependability that define the ‘Chuniye Bharosa, Apno Sa’ campaign. His natural connection with audiences across geographies and demographics makes him an ideal ambassador for SBI General Insurance’s customer-first philosophy.

The campaign will be amplified across a wide range of platforms including television, print, outdoor, OTT, and digital channels, allowing SBI General to connect with consumers through multiple formats and touchpoints.

Supporting the campaign is SBI General Insurance’s comprehensive motor insurance proposition, designed to make vehicle ownership simpler and more secure. Backed by an extensive network of over 8,400+ network garages, cashless repair facilities, faster approvals and a transparent claims process, the company continues to enhance the overall customer experience while helping vehicle owners stay protected against unexpected situations with greater confidence.

Eicher Trucks and Buses Inaugurates Dedicated Dealership for Eicher Pro X in Howrah

Eicher Trucks and Buses Inaugurates Dedicated Dealership for Eicher Pro X in Howrah

• Future Automobile Agency Private Limited, Howrah, is part of Eicher Pro X born-digital dealership network.
• The dealership is designed to redefine commercial vehicle ownership in Howrah by delivering an omni-channel retail experience, along with enhanced service and uptime support.
• Strategically located on NH-16, near the Kona Expressway, the dealership brings Eicher’s new-age, fuel-efficient and 100% connected vehicles within easy reach of fleet owners and transporters across the Kolkata Port logistics corridor.
Howrah, 19th August 2026: Eicher Trucks & Buses, a business unit of VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd. (VECV), inaugurated its exclusive dealership for its Eicher Pro X Small Truck range in Howrah. The state-of-the-art Future Automobile Agency Private Limited 3S dealership facility is located at Dey Motors Compound, NH-6, Chamrail, Kona, Howrah, West Bengal – 711114, on NH-16.

The Eicher Pro X showroom will offer the 3T and 3.5T GVW range of small commercial vehicles in EV, diesel and CNG variants, providing customers with solutions for a wide range of applications. Spread across approximately 8,000 sq. ft., the dealership brings sales, service and spare parts together under one roof for Pro X customers.

The facility features dedicated service bays, a spacious display area, customer and driver lounge and utility spaces to ensure an enhanced customer experience. Equipped with interactive digital displays, the dealership enables fleet owners and transporters to explore the Eicher Pro X range in detail and experience Eicher’s connected, customer-centric mobility ecosystem.

Commenting on the inauguration, S S Gill, Chief Commercial Officer, VECV, said, “The inauguration of our first Eicher Pro X dealership in East India marks an important step in expanding the Pro X ecosystem into one of the country’s key commercial and logistics markets. Howrah, together with the wider Kolkata region, is a significant industrial and logistics hub, with growing demand for efficient and reliable last-mile logistics. Through our partnership with Future Automobile Agency, we are bringing Eicher’s Pro X range closer to customers in this important market, while strengthening our presence and service support across Eastern India.”

Commenting on the inauguration, Abhishek Chaudhary, SVP, SCV – Sales & Marketing, VECV, said, “The Eicher Pro X range has been developed for the evolving needs of modern last-mile logistics with a strong focus on efficiency, connectivity, driver comfort and uptime. With three fuel-efficient powertrains, 100% connected technology and multiple configuration options, the Eicher Pro X is engineered for e-commerce, parcel courier, FMCG and industrial goods movement, with the driver’s needs kept in focus for efficiency, safety and timely delivery. We welcome Future Automobile Agency Private Limited to our family as we take a significant step towards making the Eicher Pro X ecosystem accessible to valued customers in the Howrah region.”

The new Eicher Pro X dealership offers strong accessibility for customers and fleet operators across the Howrah region. The dealership is strategically located close to major industrial hubs such as the Jalan Industrial Complex, Lakshmanpur Industrial Estate, Sankrail Industrial Park and the Jangalpur–Dhulagarh industrial belt. Connected via NH-16, the Kona Expressway, NH-19 and the Kolkata Port corridor, the dealership is well positioned to serve Howrah’s growing industrial and logistics ecosystem.

The Eicher facility integrates sales, servicing, and spare parts under one roof, supported by service infrastructure designed to maximize uptime and operational efficiency. Fleet owners and transporters in the region will benefit from quick access to Eicher’s small commercial vehicle range, reinforcing the company’s commitment to enabling efficient and reliable last-mile logistics.

Born-digital and customer-centric, the dealership features an interactive customisation zone that allows customers to configure vehicles based on cargo body requirements, load deck options, fuel choices and colour preferences, bringing a new level of flexibility and personalisation to the commercial vehicle buying experience. Trained technicians, advanced service support tools and customer engagement platforms further ensure prompt service delivery and a seamless ownership experience.

The facility is also equipped with dedicated EV charging infrastructure and EV-trained technicians, in line with Eicher’s readiness to support emerging mobility requirements. Additional customer support features such as power backup infrastructure, EOS Vans and EOS Bikes for doorstep services, and GPS-enabled breakdown assistance further enhance customer support and maximise vehicle uptime.

About VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV):

VE Commercial Vehicles Limited (VECV) is a joint venture between the Volvo Group and Eicher Motors Limited. In operation since July 2008, the company’s businesses include Eicher branded trucks and buses, Volvo Buses in India, exclusive distribution of Volvo Trucks in India, exclusive global manufacturing hub for Volvo Group for 5- & 8-liter automotive engines, Engineering Components business and Eicher Power Solutions (Gen Sets and Versatile Engines). A multi-brand, multi-division Company, backed by innovative products & services, VECV today is recognized as an industry leader for modernizing commercial transportation in India and the developing world.

For further information, please contact:
Namah Chawla
PR & Corp. Communications, VECV
nchawla2@vecv.in

MONSOON FOOD FEST at The Conclave Verde

MONSOON FOOD FEST at The Conclave Verde

WHAT:
Monsoon Food Fest

WHEN:
Till 31st August, 2026

WHERE:
Maple, The Conclave Verde

ADDRESS:
The Conclave Verde, Ambuja Neotia, Kolkata

POCKET PINCH:
400 onwards

Celebrate the flavours of the rainy season at The Conclave Verde’s Monsoon Food Fest, where the specially curated à la carte menu at Maple brings together comforting monsoon favourites and crispy fried delights. Guests can indulge in an array of seasonal snacks, from Mixed Vegetable Pakora, Stuffed Chilli Pakora and Mushroom Tempura to Kolkata classics like Egg Devil, Egg Chop, Fish Chop and Chicken Cutlet. Seafood lovers can savour Fish Fry (Bhetki/Pomfret), Prawn Tempura and Crispy Calamari, while hearty favourites such as Chicken 65, Chicken Popcorn and Chicken Lollipop add to the indulgence. Complementing the spread are flavourful accompaniments including Mint-Coriander Chutney, Garlic Mayonnaise, Spicy Schezwan Dip and Kasundi Mustard, making every bite a perfect companion for the monsoon.

UTI Mutual Fund partners with CAMSPay to offer first-of-its-kind investment journey solution on WhatsApp

UTI Mutual Fund partners with CAMSPay to offer first-of-its-kind investment journey solution on WhatsApp

National: UTI Mutual Fund, one of India’s leading fund houses, has launched a first-of-its-kind milestone offering for investors to complete their entire investment journey, including payments, without leaving WhatsApp.

For millions of Indians who already use WhatsApp daily, investing with UTI Mutual Fund will now be as intuitive as sending a message (to explore investors can click: https://bit.ly/UTIMFWhatsApp). Investors can make one-time payments and transact through UPI — all natively within a single, uninterrupted WhatsApp conversation. No app switching, no browser redirections.

This capability has been made possible through a collaboration between CAMSPay as the payment partner, Gupshup as the conversational platform, and Meta’s WhatsApp as the engagement channel. Unlike conventional approaches that redirect users to external payment platforms — a leading cause of transaction drop-offs — this integration keeps investors within WhatsApp at every step of the journey.

“At UTI, we are committed to making investing simpler, faster, and more accessible for every investor. By becoming one of the first in the mutual fund industry to enable native in-chat payments on WhatsApp, we are meeting investors where they already are — on a channel they use every day. This is a significant step in our journey to make investing truly effortless for every Indian,” said Mr. Peshotan Dastoor, Group President & Head – Sales, Product & Digital, UTI AMC.

“CAMSPay enables WhatsApp Native Payment Solution to solve a real and measurable problem for BFSI institutions where payment drop-offs are caused by broken journeys and external redirections. By enabling in-chat one-time and recurring payments with automated WhatsApp notifications, we’re helping institutions shift WhatsApp from a communicational touchpoint into a relationship-based digital conversion platform. We are proud that UTI adopted this capability and launched it for investors,” added Mr. Vasanth Jeyapaul, CEO, CAMSPay.

The integration is powered by Gupshup’s conversational engagement infrastructure and Meta’s WhatsApp Business platform, enabling UTI to deliver this experience securely and at scale across its investor base.

“Gupshup is delighted to power end-to-end customer experience for UTI Mutual Fund on WhatsApp, including payments in WhatsApp. We believe conversational journeys are the future of financial services engagement, and UTI’s launch is a compelling example of what’s possible when great institutions commit to meeting their customers on the channels they love,” opined Mr. Gaurav Kachhawa, Chief Product Officer, Gupshup.

Flipkart Partners Netflix to Reward Everyday Shopping

Flipkart Partners Netflix to Reward Everyday Shopping

Kolkata, 31 July 2026: Flipkart and Netflix have announced a first-of-its-kind partnership in India that enables Flipkart Plus members to earn a Netflix Mobile Plan every month through their everyday shopping. Starting 1 August 2026, members can unlock a 30-day Netflix Mobile Plan by completing four qualifying orders of ₹299 or more within a calendar month across Flipkart, Flipkart Grocery and Flipkart Minutes. The benefit is activated directly through the Flipkart app without a separate subscription or bundled recharge and can be re-earned every month through continued shopping. Customers who are not yet Flipkart Plus members become eligible after completing 15 orders within a 12-month period at no additional cost.

The partnership brings together shopping and entertainment in a new way, making Netflix available as an earned loyalty benefit rather than a separately purchased service. It also reflects the growing demand for experience-led rewards among India’s digital consumers while enhancing the value of the Flipkart Plus programme across metros as well as Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.

Ravi Iyer, CFO and SVP, Strategic Partnerships, Flipkart, said, “As grocery, daily essentials and quick commerce become an increasingly important part of how customers shop, we see a significant opportunity to make those everyday interactions more rewarding. Completing four orders a month is already a natural shopping pattern for many of our customers, and this partnership transforms that everyday behaviour into access to world-class entertainment.”

Laurent Uguen, Vice President, APAC Partnerships – Business Development, Netflix, said, “Flipkart is part of everyday shopping for millions of Indians, and together we are giving Flipkart Plus members a simple, rewarding way to unlock one month of Netflix Mobile through their monthly shopping milestones. This is Netflix’s first e-commerce partnership in India and reflects the kind of consumer-first collaborations we want to build.”

এনবিসি বিয়ারিংস লো নয়েজ, লো ভাইব্রেশন ইএমকিউ বিয়ারিং চালু করেছে

এনবিসি বিয়ারিংস লো নয়েজ, লো ভাইব্রেশন ইএমকিউ বিয়ারিং চালু করেছে

দুর্গাপুর ২৫ জুলাই ২০২৬: এনবিসি বিয়ারিংস, ন্যাশনাল ইঞ্জিনিয়ারিং ইন্ডাস্ট্রিজ লিমিটেড -এর ফ্ল্যাগশিপ ব্র্যান্ড। (এনইআই), একটি সিকেএ বিড়লা গ্রুপ কোম্পানি, ব্যাঙ্গালোরের মোজেন এক্সপোতে তার নতুন লো নয়েজ, লো ভাইব্রেশন ইলেকট্রিক মোটর কোয়ালিটি (ইএমকিউ) বিয়ারিং লঞ্চ করার ঘোষণা দিয়েছে। পণ্যটি উন্মোচন করেন ড। জিএম রামচন্দ্রন, প্রধান নির্বাহী কর্মকর্তা, এলইডিএল এবং জনাব শচীন সিং কুশওয়াহা, ভাইস প্রেসিডেন্ট, কোয়ালিটি, আথার, দ্রুত বর্ধনশীল বৈদ্যুতিক মোটর, বৈদ্যুতিক যান এবং নির্ভুল সরঞ্জাম শিল্পের জন্য ভারবহন প্রযুক্তিতে উল্লেখযোগ্য অগ্রগতি চিহ্নিত করে৷

শব্দ সংবেদনশীল অ্যাপ্লিকেশনের জন্য ডিজাইন করা হয়েছে, নতুন ইএমকিউ বিয়ারিং রেঞ্জ মেশিনগুলিকে উল্লেখযোগ্যভাবে কম কম্পন এবং শব্দ স্তরের সাথে কাজ করতে সক্ষম করে। অপ্টিমাইজ করা অভ্যন্তরীণ জ্যামিতি, নির্ভুল সমাপ্ত রেসওয়ে এবং উন্নত কম শব্দ তৈলাক্তকরণের সাথে ইঞ্জিনিয়ারড, বিয়ারিংগুলি স্থিতিশীল, মসৃণ এবং দীর্ঘস্থায়ী কর্মক্ষমতা প্রদান করে। স্ট্যান্ডার্ড পরীক্ষার অবস্থার অধীনে, ইএমকিউ পরিসর শব্দ এবং কম্পনের একটি উল্লেখযোগ্য হ্রাস প্রদর্শন করেছে, যা মোটর দক্ষতা, অপারেটিং আরাম এবং সামগ্রিক সরঞ্জাম নির্ভরযোগ্যতা উন্নত করতে সহায়তা করে।

বৈদ্যুতিক মোটর, ইভি, হোম অ্যাপ্লায়েন্স এবং নির্ভুল শিল্প সরঞ্জামগুলি ক্রমাগত বিকশিত হওয়ার সাথে সাথে, নির্মাতারা গতি, স্থায়িত্ব বা দক্ষতার সাথে আপস না করে অপারেশনাল শব্দ এবং কম্পন কমাতে ক্রমবর্ধমান চাপের মধ্যে রয়েছে। প্রচলিত বিয়ারিংগুলি প্রায়শই এনভিএইচ প্রয়োজনীয়তা পূরণের জন্য লড়াই করে, যার ফলে উচ্চ কম্পন, পরিধান বৃদ্ধি, পরিষেবা জীবন হ্রাস এবং বৃহত্তর রক্ষণাবেক্ষণ খরচ হয়।

বিদ্যুতায়ন এবং অটোমেশনের দিকে দ্রুত রূপান্তর কম শব্দ এবং কম কম্পন কর্মক্ষমতাকে একটি গুরুত্বপূর্ণ প্রকৌশল প্রয়োজনীয়তা করে তুলেছে। এটি পরবর্তী প্রজন্মের অ্যাপ্লিকেশনের জন্য নির্মিত বিয়ারিংয়ের চাহিদাকে চালিত করছে।

Kolkata Witnessed a Powerful Dialogue on the Future of Mental Wellness at ANNANTAA MINDSPACE 2026

Kolkata Witnessed a Powerful Dialogue on the Future of Mental Wellness at ANNANTAA MINDSPACE 2026

Kolkata, July 25, 2026: The future of mental wellness at work and in life took centre stage as ANNANTAA MINDSPACE 2026: A Conclave of Leadership, Innovation & Wellbeing, an initiative by Annantaa – Power of the Mind, brought together an eminent gathering of business leaders, industry experts and mental health professionals for a day of thought-provoking discussions. The conclave examined how the future of organisations would depend not only on innovation and performance but also on emotionally intelligent leadership, resilient workplace cultures and the wellbeing of their people.
The gathering was graced by Mr. Debashis Sen, IAS (Retd.), Former HIDCO Chairman, along with an illustrious line-up of distinguished speakers including Abhijan Nandy, Senior Vice President, Dentsu India; Santanu Mukherjee, Director, Indus Net Technologies (INT); Sonali Bhattacharya, Vice President, LTM; Mr. K. Sunil Kumar, General Manager – Corporate Communications & PR, JIS Group; Anirban Gupta, Managing Director, Colliers International; and Pijush Ranjan Ghosh, Senior Project Manager, IBM. They were joined by Mr. Yuvraj Kapadia, Founder and Director, EKAA Foundation, who brought a unique perspective on purpose-driven leadership and social impact.
The conclave featured engaging panel discussions, insightful keynote sessions and interactive conversations that explored the evolving future of mental wellness at work and in life. Bringing together corporate leaders and mental health professionals on a common platform, the discussions seamlessly blended real-world business experiences with expert psychological perspectives, highlighting the growing need for empathetic leadership, emotionally intelligent workplaces and resilient organisational cultures. Another engaging session titled “Bridging the Worlds of Academia and Mental Wellness,” featuring Prof. Shabina Omar and Mr. Yuvraj Kapadia, explored how educational institutions can foster emotionally resilient students by integrating mental wellbeing into learning environments and nurturing supportive academic ecosystems. Speakers emphasised that sustainable success was no longer defined by business performance alone, but also by the wellbeing, trust and resilience of people.
The conversations at ANNANTAA MINDSPACE 2026 reflected a challenge that organisations across the world had increasingly begun to recognise. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 15% of working-age adults were living with a mental disorder, while depression and anxiety alone had led to the loss of around 12 billion working days every year. These figures highlighted why mental wellbeing had become far more than just an employee welfare initiative. Throughout the conclave, speakers emphasised that creating mentally healthy workplaces was no longer optional—it had become essential for building stronger leaders, resilient teams and organisations that could thrive in the future.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Yuvraj Kapadia, Founder and Director, EKAA Foundation, said, “Mental wellness is no longer a personal concern alone; it has become a shared responsibility. As workplaces continue to evolve, organisations must create environments where people feel supported, heard and empowered. When we invest in mental wellbeing, we don’t just build healthier individuals—we build stronger teams, better leaders and a more sustainable future.” Sharing her vision, Ms. Madhuri Sarda, Psychologist & Founder, Annantaa, said, “Mental wellness is the foundation of how we live, work and lead. Through ANNANTAA MINDSPACE 2026, we wanted to inspire conversations that encourage workplaces to value people as much as performance.” Ms. Vidhi Bansal, Co-Founder & Psychotherapist, Annantaa, added, “Mental wellness begins with creating workplaces where people feel safe, supported and heard. When people thrive, organisations thrive too.”
With thought-provoking discussions, diverse perspectives and meaningful exchanges, ANNANTAA MINDSPACE 2026 concluded by reinforcing a simple yet powerful idea—that the future of work and life would depend as much on mental wellbeing as on innovation and leadership. The conclave left participants inspired to translate conversations into action and foster cultures where people and organisations could grow together.

THE BENGALI MONSOON TABLE

THE BENGALI MONSOON TABLE

WHAT:
The Bengali Monsoon Table – A specially curated monsoon food festival celebrating Bengal’s iconic seasonal delicacies.

WHEN:
16th July – 2nd August, 2026

WHERE:
Orko’s Restaurant & Lounge Bar

ADDRESS:
E 306 & 307, E Block, 3rd Floor, City Centre 1, Salt Lake, Kolkata – 700064

POCKET PINCH:
1000 onwards

As the monsoon sets in, Orko’s Restaurant & Lounge Bar welcomes guests to indulge in The Bengali Monsoon Table, a celebration of Bengal’s most cherished rainy-season flavours. Commenting on the festival, Kaushik Sengupta, Corporate General Manager, Sens Hospitality Division, said, “The monsoon has always held a special place in Bengal’s culinary traditions. With The Bengali Monsoon Table, we wanted to recreate the warmth, nostalgia and flavours that define this beautiful season. Every dish has been thoughtfully curated to celebrate our rich gastronomic heritage while offering guests an authentic and memorable dining experience.”

The specially curated menu brings together an indulgent spread of Hilsa delicacies including Bhaja Ilish with Fried Ring Onion & Green Chillies, Dhakai Ilish-er Paturi, Kacha Ilish Bhapa, Ilish Dia Begun-er Tel Jhal and Ilish Biryani. Seafood enthusiasts can also savour flavour-packed prawn specialities such as Dab Chingri, Barishali Bhapa Chingri, Chingrir Bhuna, Gondhoraj Narkoli Chingri, Chingrir Paturi and Chingri Pulao.

Completing the quintessential Bengali monsoon feast are comforting khichuri favourites including Thakur Barir Khichuri, Bhaja Muger Dal-er Khichuri, Veg Khichuri and the hearty Mutton Khichuri, making the festival a perfect destination to relish the timeless flavours of Bengal’s rainy season with family and friends.

RUFCON 2026 Showcased the Future of Robotic Urology with Focus on Innovation, AI and Advanced Surgical Care

RUFCON 2026 Showcased the Future of Robotic Urology with Focus on Innovation, AI and Advanced Surgical Care

MOLLA JASIMUDDIN,

Kolkata, 17 July 2026: RUFCON 2026, the 8th National Conference of the Robotic Urology Forum (RUF), was formally inaugurated, bringing together over 300 leading robotic urologists, surgeons, academicians and healthcare experts from across the country. As Eastern India’s first National Robotic Urology Forum Conference, the three-day event served as a platform to discuss emerging technologies, share clinical expertise and explore the future of robotic urological care.

The conference highlighted the rapid growth of robotic urology worldwide, driven by the increasing success of robot-assisted procedures such as radical prostatectomy, radical cystectomy and other advanced urological procedures. Experts discussed how robotic-assisted surgery is transforming urological care by offering greater precision, improved surgical outcomes and minimally invasive treatment options. The scientific sessions also explored the expanding global adoption of robotic platforms and their growing role in advancing patient care.

Deliberations focused on the clinical benefits of robotic-assisted surgery, including reduced blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and improved functional outcomes compared to conventional open surgery. Experts also discussed how high-definition 3D vision and advanced robotic instrumentation have enhanced surgical precision, particularly in complex urological procedures, while improving long-term recovery and quality of life for patients.

A major focus of the conference was the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into robotic surgery. Speakers highlighted how AI-powered systems and objective performance metrics are helping surgeons analyse procedures, measure surgical performance and improve clinical decision-making. Discussions also covered the role of machine learning and data-driven insights in enhancing surgical accuracy, reducing complications and supporting the future of personalised robotic healthcare.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tarun Jindal, Organising Secretary, RUFCON 2026 and Consultant Uro-Oncologist & Robotic Surgeon, Apollo Multispeciality Hospitals, Kolkata, said, “RUFCON 2026 reflected the rapid evolution of robotic urology in India and the importance of bringing experts together on one platform. The conference encouraged meaningful discussions on AI, Augmented Reality and next-generation robotic technologies that are transforming patient care. Beyond showcasing innovation, our objective was to strengthen clinical collaboration, promote skill development and ensure that advanced robotic surgery becomes more accessible to patients across the country. Such scientific exchanges play a vital role in shaping the future of urological care.”
Dr. Anant Kumar, President, RUF and Chairman, Urology & Robotics, Max Hospital, Delhi, said, “RUFCON continues to provide an important platform for sharing knowledge and advancing robotic urology through collaboration and scientific excellence.”

Dr. Ravimohan, Secretary, RUF and Professor, Department of Urology, PGIMER, Chandigarh, said, “Scientific discussions and exchange of clinical experiences are essential to improving patient care and driving innovation in robotic surgery.”

The conference concluded with a shared commitment to advancing robotic urology through innovation, research, education and collaboration, while making cutting-edge surgical technologies more accessible to patients across India.