Madhya Pradesh’s Glorious Heritage Moves Towards Inclusive Tourism

* Work underway in Maheshwar, Mandu, Dhar, and Orchha to make historic sites accessible for all

Every monument has a story, every ruin whispers history, and every ancient wall echoes the soul of a civilization. This World Heritage Day, Madhya Pradesh is not just celebrating its rich cultural legacy, but also ensuring that its heritage is experienced by everyone — regardless of ability.

In a remarkable initiative to make tourism more inclusive, the Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board is executing the ‘Accessibility Infrastructure and Development’ project across four prominent heritage sites — Maheshwar, Mandu, Dhar, and Orchha. The move is aimed at making these culturally significant destinations accessible to persons with disabilities through thoughtfully designed infrastructure like ramps, Braille signage, accessible washrooms, and wheelchair-friendly pathways.

“Under the guidance of Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav and the leadership of Minister of State for Tourism, Culture and Religious Trusts & Endowments (Independent Charge) Shri Dharmendra Bhav Singh Lodhi, we are working to have more of Madhya Pradesh’s iconic locations added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. Our goal is to make these destinations not only more visited, but more inclusive. This is a step towards enabling every individual, regardless of physical ability, to experience the timeless beauty of our heritage,”

— Shri Sheo Shekhar Shukla, Principal Secretary, Tourism, Culture, and Religious Trusts & Endowments Department, and Managing Director, Madhya Pradesh Tourism Board.

Heritage for All: What the Project Entails

Designed with a people-first approach, the project will enhance facilities for those with locomotor disabilities, visual and auditory impairments, intellectual and multiple disabilities. Modern features like audio guides, tactile paths, and signboards in Braille will offer a more immersive experience to visitors.

Major Site-Wise Interventions:

• Maheshwar: Improvements at Narmada Resort, Ram Kund, Devi Museum, Kaleshwar Temple, Jaleshwar Temple, and Kamani Gate.

• Mandu: Development at Seven-Chamber Temple, Delhi Darwaza, Jami Masjid, Ashrafi Mahal, Hoshang Shah’s Tomb, Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Baz Bahadur Palace and others.

• Dhar: Upgrades at the ancient Bagh Caves and Bagh Museum.

• Orchha: Infrastructure for accessibility at Raja Mahal, Jahangir Mahal, Rai Praveen Mahal, Chhatris, Panchmukhi Mahadev Temple, and Tamirat ki Kothi.

The detailed project plan is ready, and financial support is proposed under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. Once implemented, this will further position Madhya Pradesh as India’s most inclusive tourism state, enabling a larger, more diverse group of travelers to engage with its timeless heritage.

A UNESCO-Rich State

Madhya Pradesh currently has 18 sites recognized by UNESCO, with 3 on the permanent list — Khajuraho Group of Monuments, Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, and Sanchi Stupa — and 15 on the tentative list, including:

• Ashokan Rock Edicts, dating back 2,200 years

• The mystical Chausath Yogini Temples (Khajuraho, Mitaoli, and others)

• Ancient Gupta-era temples that showcase India’s temple architecture at its early zenith

• Grand Bundela palaces and forts in Orchha, Datia, and Gadhkundar

• Gwalior Fort, Bhojeshwar Temple, the Bhedaghat-Marble Rocks in Narmada Valley, and more

These recognitions reaffirm Madhya Pradesh’s reputation as the heart of India’s heritage landscape — where every stone is steeped in stories, and every initiative is a step towards preserving those stories for all.

Dream, Together’ With Sonata’s Wedding Collection, Crafted For Modern Couples

Weddings mark the beginning of a new chapter, where connections, values and aspirations seamlessly intertwine to create a shared future. Today weddings are evolving to embrace each other's personal identity while building a relationship that fosters support and mutual growth. Embracing this evolving narrative, Sonata, India’s largest-selling watch brand from Titan, unveils its latest wedding collection centered around the ‘Dream, Together’ theme, reinforcing its position as the ultimate destination for wedding watches.

Marriage is more than just a union of two individuals; it is a start of a new chapter, a fresh journey into shared dreams, aspirations and a lifetime of experiences. Dream, Together captures the essence of what this milestone means to a modern couple: a blend of tradition and modernity, commitment and conviction. The narrative positions Sonata as an ideal companion for those who carve out their identity in relationships and build a shared future, with thoughtfulness and confidence.

The wedding collection reflects this very sentiment, making it perfect for young couples who wish to leave a lasting impression on their special day. Blending traditions with new-age design, the collection features sleek, well-defined silhouettes and an artful medley of detailing and bold accents. Featuring designs that combine contemporary sophistication, a hint of sparkle and a whole lot of glamour, Sonata’s wedding range is more than a statement piece or a thoughtful gift; it is a reflection of the wearer’s personality and aspirations, as they prepare to walk the aisle. Whether paired with a traditional ensemble or a contemporary look, these timepieces elevate every wedding celebration with effortless style and refined confidence.

With this, the brand reflects the spirit of the upstart generation who embrace new beginnings with passion, enthusiasm and ambition. As a gift or symbol of self-love, these timepieces become the perfect choice for brides, grooms, groomsmen, bridesmaids, and loved ones who wish to mark the occasion with something truly meaningful.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Prateek Gupta, Marketing Head, Sonata said, "Today's ambitious upstarts are apprehensive when it comes to commitment because they think it may hinder their personal growth. However, partnerships are pathways to broaden dreams, not limit them. At Sonata, we recognize that weddings symbolize the union of two futures. Through our ‘Dream, Together’ narrative, we highlight the transformative power of shared time over individual time, celebrating the synergy of two individuals who, when together elevate each other’s goals."

Starting at INR 2495, explore the Sonata Wedding Collection at Titan World outlets or online at www.sonatawatches.in. Embrace your new journey with style and celebrate your shared journey with Sonata.

HDFC Life: Another Year Of Sustained Performance And Consistent Delivery: 18% Individual APE Growth

The Board of Directors of HDFC Life approved and adopted the audited standalone and consolidated financial results for the year ended March 31, 2025. The Company grew faster than the sector, whilst delivering healthy performance across all key metrics.

Performance Highlights:

Topline Growth: Delivered strong individual APE growth of 18%, supported by increase in both number of policies sold and ticket size and a balanced product mix

Market Share: Overall market share (individual WRP) increased by 70 bps to 11.1% for the period 11MFY25. Private sector market share stood at 15.7%, an increase of 30 bps

Value of New Business (VNB) grew by 13% to ? 3,962 crore, reflecting robust growth in profitable business

Assets under Management (AUM): AUM stood at ? 3,36,282 lakh crore as on 31st March 2025, an increase of 15% YoY

Persistency: Our persistency for the 13th and 61st months stood at a strong 87% and 63%, respectively. Notably, our 61st-month persistency saw a significant improvement of 1000 basis points, demonstrating the company's deep customer engagement and effective retention initiatives

Embedded Value (EV) grew by 17% and stood at ? 55,423 crore, with 16.7% operating return on EV, showcasing sustained long-term value creation for shareholders

Profit After Tax (PAT) of ? 1,802 crore was achieved in 12M FY25, clocking a steady growth of 15% year-on-year, helped by an 18% increase in profit emergence from our back book. The Board has recommended a final dividend of ? 2.1 per share, in line with our dividend payout policy, aggregating to a payout of about ? 452 crore

Solvency Ratio stood at 194%, comfortably above the regulatory threshold of 150%

Employee Focus: certified as Great Place to Work in 2025, highlighting commitment to employee well-being. Also recognized amongst the top 50 organisations for building a culture of innovation by Great Place to Work. HDFC Life was recognised for its inclusivity and employee-friendly policies, being awarded the Best Companies for Women in India 2024 in the BFSI sector and Exemplar of Inclusion (Most Inclusive Companies India 2024) by Avtar & Seramount.

CEO’s Statement:

Vibha Padalkar, Managing Director and CEO of HDFC Life, commented: “FY25 was a year where we deepened our reach, continued sharpening our value propositions and demonstrated the resilience of our business model. We are happy to report an 18% growth in Individual APE for FY25, in line with our stated growth aspirations for the year. Our overall industry market share expanded by 70 bps to 11.1% and by 30 bps to 15.7% within the private sector.

Retail protection continued to show strong momentum with APE growth of 25%. All channels registered double-digit growth. We continue to enhance customer experience through intuitive digital platforms, with over 90% of service requests now handled via self-service.

As we enter our 25th year of existence, our aspiration remains, against a backdrop of a stable regulatory regime, to consistently outpace sector topline growth, deliver VNB growth in line with APE growth and double key metrics every 4 to 4.5 years.”

Definitions and abbreviations

Annualized Premium Equivalent (APE) - The sum of annualized first year regular premiums and 10% weighted single premiums and single premium top-ups

Assets under Management (AUM) - The total value of Shareholders’ & Policyholders’ investments

managed by the insurance company

Embedded Value Operating Profit (EVOP) - Embedded Value Operating Profit (“EVOP”) is a measure of the increase in the EV during any given period, excluding the impact on EV due to external factors like changes in economic variables and shareholder-related actions like capital injection or dividend pay-outs

First year premium - Premiums due in the first policy year of regular premiums received during the financial year. For example, for a monthly mode policy sold in March 2025, the first monthly instalment received would be reflected as First year premiums for 2024-25 and the remaining 11 instalments due in the first policy year would be reflected as first year premiums in 2025-26, when received

New business received premium - The sum of first year premium and single premium, reflecting the total premiums received from the new business written

Operating expense - It includes all expenses that are incurred for the purposes of sourcing new business and expenses incurred for policy servicing (which are known as maintenance costs) including shareholders’ expenses. It does not include commission

Operating expense ratio - Ratio of operating expense (including shareholders’ expenses) to total

premium

Operating return on EV - Operating Return on EV is the ratio of EVOP (Embedded Value Operating Profit) for any given period to the EV at the beginning of that period

Persistency - The proportion of business renewed from the business underwritten. The ratio is measured in terms of number of policies and premiums underwritten

Premium less benefits payouts - The difference between total premium received and benefits paid (gross of reinsurance)

Renewal premium - Regular recurring premiums received after the first policy year

Solvency ratio - Ratio of available solvency margin to required solvency margin

Total premium - Total received premiums during the year including first year, single and renewal premiums for individual and group business

Weighted received premium (WRP) - The sum of first year premium received during the year and 10% of single premiums including top-up premiums

About HDFC Life

Established in 2000, HDFC Life is a leading, listed, long-term life insurance solutions provider in India, offering a range of individual and group insurance solutions that meet various customer needs such as Protection, Pension, Savings, Investment, Annuity and Health. The Company has over 70 products (individual and group products) including optional riders in its portfolio, catering to a diverse range of customer needs.

HDFC Life continues to benefit from its increased presence across the country, having a wide reach with branches and additional distribution touch-points through several new tie-ups and partnerships. The count of distribution partnerships is over 300, comprising banks, NBFCs, MFIs, SFBs, brokers, new ecosystem partners amongst others. The Company has a strong base of financial consultants.

For more information, please visit www.hdfclife.com.

Malaysia Aviation Group Achieves Positive NIAT Of RM54mil And Third Consecutive Operating Profit On The Back Of Operational Headwinds

* Positive EBITDA at RM788mil with Operating Profit at RM113mil

* Stronger load factor, averaging 80%, a 3 percentage point increase from 2023

Malaysia Aviation Group (“MAG” or “the Group”) reports a positive Net Profit After Interest and Tax (NIAT) of RM54 million for the year 2024, marking a third consecutive year of positive operating profit at RM113million. This performance is further underscored by a robust Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of RM788 million, achieved despite operational headwinds, including proactive network cuts in Q4 2024, which reduced capacity by 18%.

The Group maintained a strong cash balance of RM3.0 billion as of 31 December 2024, without any capital injections from its main shareholder, Khazanah Nasional Berhad, since October 2021.

The capacity cuts, driven by supply chain disruptions which extended maintenance times and delays in new aircraft delivery, were implemented during a traditionally strong quarter, impacting the Group’s full-year revenue, which stood at RM13,679mil – a marginal 1% decrease year-on-year on the back of a 6% increase in Available Seat Kilometre (ASK). However, passenger traffic remained robust in the premium segment with stronger load factors for both passenger and cargo segments. The Group also expanded its international network through new routes and deep partnership collaborations.

The Group's positive NIAT was further supported by a reversal of impairment on Rights of Use Assets, Aircraft, Property, Plant and Equipment and Intangible Assets amounting to RM426 million. These impairments, initially recognised during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, were reversed due to improved capacity, revenue, seat factor, and yield experienced in the financial years 2023 and 2024.

Operational Highlights: Airlines and Non-Airlines Business Segments Airline Business Segment

Malaysia Airlines Berhad (MAB) posted an operating profit of RM139 million, a 87% decline from RM1.09 billion in 2023 due to lower yield and detrimental impact of capacity cut in Q4 2024.

MAB's yearly capacity increased by 7%, with a 17% rise in passengers carried and a load factor of 81% compared to 77% in 2023.

MAB introduced three new destinations: Male (Maldives), Da Nang (Vietnam), and Chiang Mai (Thailand), and resumed flights to Kolkata, India.

MAB’s on time performance (OTP) improvement was impeded by aircraft constraints, with just a 1% improvement year-on-year.

Firefly’s loss widened year-on-year due to the commencement of its jet operations in Subang Airport. Load factor registered a 10 ppt increase year-on-year but yield declined by 19% due to jets operation from Subang Airport.

Amal by Malaysia Airlines recorded a 36% improvement in its financial performance year-on-year.

Non-Airline Business Segment

MAB Kargo, the Group’s cargo division, posted a higher operating profit, supported by additional capacity and higher load factor. The load for belly and freighter cargo was 8 percentage point and 3 percentage point higher respectively.

AeroDarat Services, the ground handling solution provider, reported a remarkable improvement in its financial performance. Operating profit increased three times on the back of higher flights handled for the Group and foreign carrier business segment.

MAB Academy, the Group's premiere training and development arm, achieved better results than the previous year, while MAB Engineering Services faced challenges due to skilled workforce shortages.

In 2024, MAG and its subsidiaries received significant global recognition for their products and services. Malaysia Airlines was awarded the APEX Four-Star Major Airline status and ranked among the Top 10 for World's Best Cabin Crew by Skytrax, while also moving up to #39 (from #47) in the World’s Best Airline rankings. The mainline also received awards for its in-flight dining, reflecting its commitment to enhancing its onboard offerings, including through the introduction of its Best of Asia menu. Additionally, the Enrich loyalty programme continued to earn accolades for its strong performance in member engagement and customer loyalty.

Remarks by Group Managing Director of MAG, Datuk Captain Izham Ismail

2024 has been a testament to MAG’s resilience and commitment to both growth and sustainability. While facing operational challenges, we have not only maintained profitability but also ensured that we are strategically positioned for the future. As we work towards our vision of Destination 2030, a future of stability and growth, we remain deeply focused on two guiding principles: commercial sustainability and nation building. Our vision is clear – to continue playing a key role in the nation’s economic development while ensuring the long-term strength and competitiveness of the Group.

A central element of this strategy is our continued investment in modernising and expanding our fleet. By 2030, we aim to operate a modernised, new generation narrowbody fleet of 55 aircraft comprising the Boeing 737-8 and 737-10, significantly enhancing our operational efficiency and flexibility to better serve both domestic and international markets. In parallel, we are progressively integrating the A330neo aircraft into our long-haul network, further elevating the travel experience for our customers. Two aircraft have already entered service, operating to Melbourne, Bali and Auckland, with eight more expected this year.

As our fleet modernisation progresses, we are also strengthening our network to maximise connectivity and meet growing demand. With forward bookings increasing approximately 9% year-on-year, our mainline will continue to expand its presence in key markets including ASEAN, Australia, New Zealand, and South Asia, reinforcing our role as the gateway to Asia and beyond. This strategic growth is further complemented by our return to Paris on 22 March 2025, marking the second European destination in our network.

Meanwhile, our non-airline businesses will continue to support MAG’s broader strategic objectives. MAB Academy’s new simulator building, set to complete by Q2 2025, is poised to enhance regional training capabilities as a premiere aviation training provider. To support MAG’s fleet expansion and growing demand for maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, MAB Engineering Services will continue to strengthen its talent pipeline, while Hangar 4 in Subang (SZB) remains on track to open in Q1 2026, further enhancing our maintenance capacity. At the same time, MAG’s catering operations (MCAT) continues to grow from strength to strength, having transitioned to the new MCAT West facility, which is well-positioned to support the Group’s future in-flight catering aspirations and expansion.

These strategic investments not only position MAG for success but also demonstrate our ongoing contribution to the nation’s growth by fostering employment, improving connectivity, and driving economic activity. As we move forward, we remain committed to building a strong, commercially sustainable organisation that contributes meaningfully to Malaysia’s development, all while delivering exceptional value to the stakeholders we serve.

About Malaysia Aviation Group

Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is a global aviation organisation comprising three focused business portfolios from Airlines, Loyalty and Travel Services (LTS) and Aviation Services.

Its current Airlines business portfolio that serves the global, domestic and segmented market comprises Malaysia Airlines – the national carrier of Malaysia, Firefly and MASwings – the regional airlines focused on serving communities across Malaysia, and AMAL by Malaysia Airlines – leading one-stop pilgrimage travel solutions centre.

MAG also focuses on Aviation Services business such as maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), cargo, ground handling and training that houses MAB Engineering, MASkargo – one-stop cargo logistic and terminal operations service provider, AeroDarat – one-stop ground handling solution provider and Malaysia Airlines Academy – one-stop Aviation and Hospitality Centre of Excellence.

The Loyalty and Travel Services (LTS) business portfolio focuses on providing end-to-end travel solutions and loyalty programs, complementing its established strength and expertise in the airline and aviation service businesses. It comprises Journify - the integrated one-stop travel and lifestyle digital platform, Enrich – the award-winning Travel & Lifestyle Loyalty Programme of Malaysia Airlines; and MHholidays – the flight and hotel package arm for the Group.

With the clear business portfolios, MAG is set to achieve its vision anchored on becoming Asia’s Leading Travel and Aviation Services Group, focused on delivering highly customised, end-to-end travel solutions by 2025.

Celebrate The Summer Wedding Season With Rivaah By Tanishq, A Bridal Collection Rooted In Traditional For The Mordern Day Bride

* Blending Heritage and Innovation with Exquisite Bridal Jewellery for the Modern Bride

As the auspicious festival of Akshaya Tritiya approaches, Tanishq’s exclusive wedding sub-brand, Rivaah, is set to celebrate the grandeur of upcoming summer Indian weddings with its exquisite bridal jewellery collections. With a profound understanding of diverse wedding traditions, Rivaah by Tanishq is all set to offer the perfect jewellery for every occasion — from the Nishchayam to the Muhurthum to the grand reception. Each piece is designed not only to honor these cherished traditions but also to reflect the individuality and elegance of the bride. Rivaah seamlessly blends heritage with personal expression, empowering brides to craft their own unique bridal narrative. Rivaah by Tanishq is committed to elevating every aspect of the wedding experience, ensuring that each moment resonates with timeless elegance.

Recognizing the evolving preferences of today’s South Indian bride, Rivaah by Tanishq presents a thoughtfully curated selection of bridal jewellery — blending cultural richness with contemporary design sensibilities. Each piece is meticulously handcrafted over 100 days using time-intensive techniques such as nakshi engraving, temple repoussé, Kasu malai linkwork, Kemp stone inlay, hand-strung pearl bunching, granulation, and South Indian-style filigree. From flexible chokers and structured mango harams to vankis, layered necklaces, and statement waist belts, the collection reflects a modern interpretation of South Indian bridal jewellery — detailed, elegant, and deeply personal. Designed to complement bridal silks while offering versatility across functions, every piece is a blend of precision craftsmanship and purposeful design.

By reimagining heritage forms through a modern lens, Rivaah by Tanishq caters to the individual style of today’s bride — confident, expressive, and rooted in authenticity.

As Akshaya Tritiya symbolizes new beginnings, and with the onset of the ‘diamond wedding season’, the collection caters to the growing demand for jewellery that seamlessly blends tradition, intricate high value designs, and long-term value. Weddings are deeply personal, and Marriages Crafted by You embodies the spirit of self-expression, allowing brides to celebrate their tradition while embracing contemporary elegance. Each design of the wedding collection narrates a story of custom and modernity, making it an heirloom-worthy investment for every bride. The Natural Diamonds collection epitomizes luxury and sophistication, featuring timeless jewellery that combines traditional artistry with modern aesthetics; highlights include natural diamond chokers and necklace sets, offering versatility for various wedding occasions.

Pelki Tshering, Chief Marketing Officer, Tanishq, said, “Jewellery buying is intrinsically rooted in the South Indian culture. It is a symbol of prosperity and tradition, and as we enter a high-intent buying season driven by weddings and Akshaya Tritiya, customers are looking for options that are rooted in cultural sensibilities yet have a modern touch. In line with this, Rivaah by Tanishq’s latest collection offers jewellery that aligns with this sentiment. Created in response to the rising preference for heirloom-worthy natural diamond jewellery and gold that can be passed on for generations, it offers timeless value and regional craftsmanship. As a brand, we continue to focus on innovation within tradition, ensuring to remain the preferred one-stop bridal destination for modern Indian consumers. We also recognise the current price volatility when it comes to purchasing a desired piece, this is why customers can now avail the best deals, including the Rivaah Golden Advantage scheme that mitigates the impact of fluctuating prices and enables customers to buy their dream jewellery”.

To elevate the festive shopping experience, Tanishq is offering a powerful value proposition with up to 20% off on making charges of gold jewellery and diamond jewellery value, along with 101 off per gram on gold purchases. Customers can also benefit from Gold Rate Protection by booking in advance and stay shielded from price hikes. Adding to the value, Tanishq assures 100% exchange value on old gold brought from any jeweller, reinforcing trust, flexibility, and smart gold buying this season.

Quest Global Agrees With MRO Japan To Provide Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Services

Quest Global, a leading global product engineering services company, today announced that it has entered into an agreement with MRO Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Naha City, Okinawa Prefecture), which is a regular member of the Okinawa Aviation Industry Cluster Formation Promotion Committee and a core business operator in the cluster, to provide aircraft maintenance engineering services to major aircraft engine and airframe manufacturers.

Quest Global is a global engineering services company with a proven track record of providing engineering services to major aircraft engine and airframe manufacturers for over 20 years. Through its support of MRO Japan, Quest Global will contribute to the growth of MRO Japan's aircraft maintenance business, as well as contribute to the formation of the cluster as a regular member of the Okinawa Aviation Industry Cluster Formation Promotion Committee.

“Quest Global is thrilled to partner with MRO Japan on this very strategic and important program. It is an honor to join in this partnership which we believe will deliver value to Okinawa and Japan overall through economic impact, jobs, and recognition across the global A&D market,” said Dean Kuroff, President and Global Business Head, Aerospace & Defense, Quest Global. “MRO is one of the fastest growing and most essential services needed across the Aerospace and Defense industry today, will be for years to come, and will continue to be a vital part of the value we bring to our clients and the A&D industry overall.”

About Quest Global

At Quest Global, it's not just what we do but how and why we do it that makes us different. We are in the business of engineering, but what we are really creating is a brighter future. For over 25 years, we've been solving the world's most complex engineering problems. Operating in over 20 countries, with over 85 global delivery centers, our 20,000+ curious minds embrace the power of doing things differently to make the impossible possible. Using a multi-dimensional approach, combining technology, industry expertise, and diverse talents, we tackle critical challenges faster and more effectively. And we do it across the Aerospace & Defense, Automotive, Energy, Hi-Tech, MedTech & Healthcare, Rail and Semiconductor industries. For world-class end-to-end engineering solutions, we are your trusted partner. 

Launch Of The 3rd Call For Applications For Villa Swagatam Residencies, Across South Asia And France

The French Institute in India and the French Embassy in India announce the launch of the third edition of the Villa Swagatam cross-residency programme, which brings together around thirty partners across France, India, Bangladesh and as of 2025, Sri Lanka. In South Asia, the focus is on two key themes of bilateral cooperation: literature and arts and crafts. In 2025, a residency for translators has also been introduced.

Launched in March 2023 during the visit of French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Catherine Colonna to New Delhi, highlighted the roadmap adopted for the 25th anniversary of the strategic partnership in July 2023. The programme has already supported around fifty residents in just two years, offering residencies ranging from one to three months. 

“Villa Swagatam reflects a shared desire to strengthen human exchange between our countries in a meaningful and sustained manner. The French Embassy in India acts as a catalyst to foster the emergence of new creative dialogues and to deepen mutual appreciation of our respective cultures,” emphasised H.E. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India.

The new call is open to French and Indian applicants who wish to join one of the network's residencies in 2025–2026. Applications are open until Monday, 2 June 2025, at midnight (CEST).

An overview of the origins and philosophy of the programme

Villa Swagatam aims to create a community of artists and writers who will become key players in renewing the cultural dialogue between France, India and South Asia, in the spirit of renowned cultural figures such as painter S.H. Raza, Nobel Prize-winning writer Rabindranath Tagore, screenwriter and author Jean-Claude Carrière, or theatre director Ariane Mnouchkine. The project also reflects the commitment of the French Institute in India to both cultural and environmental sustainability, favouring longer-term residencies.

This initiative stands alongside other prestigious French programmes that seek to build international networks of artistic residencies, such as Villa Albertine in the United States, Villa Kujoyama in Japan, Casa de Velázquez in Spain, as well as Villa Medici and Le Grand Tour in Italy. Two features distinguish Villa Swagatam: firstly, a commitment to reciprocity, with Indian laureates hosted in France under the same terms since 2024; secondly, the programme relies on a network of local partner residencies for the selection and support of residents, thereby ensuring greater visibility for the programme thanks to the involvement of a wide range of contributors.

A network of French, Indian and regional partners (Bangladesh and Sri Lanka)

Since its inception, Villa Swagatam has carefully onboarded partners for their deep roots in specific cultural contexts and their ability to represent regional cultures in innovative ways. The choice of partners — which includes both established residency spaces and those launched through the initiative, as well as workshops, publishing houses, and private foundations — reflects the diversity and vitality of the existing creative ecosystem.

Villa Swagatam is further enriched by an exceptional network of French partners that have been welcoming Indian writers and creators since September 2024. These French institutions were selected for their excellence and recognition in their respective fields, as well as their strong commitment to international exchange.

Practical details and residency framework

The Villa Swagatam call for applications is open to any French or Indian national (regardless of current country of residence), as well as any applicant who has lived in France or India for over five years (regardless of nationality). The selection process is conducted by the French Institute in India in close collaboration with each partner, in order to identify the candidate best suited to the objectives of the residency.

The French Institute in India covers international flights, visa fee reimbursements and a monthly allowance to support residents with daily living expenses. The residency, which lasts between 1 and 3 months, provides accommodation, a workspace, and production support. Thanks to its extensive network, the French Institute in India also facilitates connections between residents and major cultural institutions in the specific countries, thereby encouraging enriching exchanges during and after the residency. Residents dedicate part of their time to outreach activities, which may include open workshops, school visits, or participation in literary festivals and art fairs.

The programme is supported by the Institut français.

Villa Swagatam includes around thirty partner residencies, organised into three thematic and geographic categories.

In South Asia, the focus is on the following sectors:

Literature:

*   Alice Boner Institute (Varanasi) - literature

*   Eklavya Foundation (Bhopal) - children’s literature

*   Himalayan Writing Residency (Sathkol) - literature

*   MAD Salon+Lab (Bangalore) - graphic novels and comics

*   Rachna Books (Gangtok) - literature / graphic novels

*   Sangam House (Bangalore) - literature

*   Sunaparanta Goa Centre for the Arts (Angoulême and Goa) - graphic novels and  comics

*   Tara Books (Auroville) - children’s literature

*   Vagamon Writers Residency (Vagamon) - literature

*   Lakmahal Library (Colombo) - literature

Arts and Crafts:

*   Brihatta Art Foundation (Dhaka) - arts and crafts

*   Hampi Art Labs (Hampi) - arts and crafts

*   Jaipur Rugs (Jaipur) - hand-weaving

*   Kalhath Institute (Lucknow) - embroidery

*   Katkatha Puppet Arts Trust (Faridabad) - puppetry

*   Khoj International Residency (New Delhi) - design, technology, curatorial research, visual arts

*   Nila House (Jaipur) - textile and indigo

*   Public Arts Trust of India (Jodhpur) - arts and crafts

*   Serendipity Arts (New Delhi) - visual arts

*   Vastrakala (Chennai) - embroidery

*   Kochi-Muziris Biennale (Kochi) - visual arts

In France, there are ten partner residencies open to all types of artistic and literary profiles:

*   Centre National de la Danse (Pantin) - contemporary dance

*   La Maison de la Poésie de Nantes (Nantes) - poetry

*   La Maison des auteurs - Cité Internationale de la Bande Dessinée et de l’Image (Angoulême and Goa) - graphic novels and comics

*   La Maison Julien Gracq (Saint-Florent-Le-Vieil) - literature

*   La Marelle (La Ciotat) - literature & hybrid writing practices

*   La Napoule Art Foundation (Château de La Napoule) - literature, visual arts, performing arts

*   Art Scribes Award x Prameya Art Foundation (Château de La Napoule) - critical writing and curatorial practice

*   La Villa Gillet (Lyon) - literature

*   Manufactures Nationales (Paris et Sèvres) - arts and crafts

*  Le Chalet Mauriac (Saint-Symphorien) - translation