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Drip Marketing: Secrets Of Effective Lead Generation

By
Cscope Staff
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0
Drip-Marketing-01
Image – Pixabay

All About Drip Marketing

Drip marketing is a communication strategy tactic in which regular emails are sent to customers. The result of this kind of communication is the recognition of your name and company’s brand.

It’s such an exciting name. This type of marketing is borrowed from agriculture, where they use drip irrigation: constant and balanced irrigation of crops leads to a good harvest. Letters consist of a chain. They are sent at certain intervals and are timed to coincide with specific events. In this way, the customer is moved along the sales funnel, gradually leading to a purchase or other targeted action planned by the company.

Creating a drip email marketing from your website dashboard is the most convenient way. With this approach, all your business information, reports, and email newsletter data will be centered in one place. If you are looking for a service to handle these tasks, here are the best services:

  1. Gumroad is a widely-used place to sell digital products and services. Now, the service still has an email feature that allows you to collect and store data about potential and existing customers. You can then segment based on numerous features and send updates about your products.
  2.  Drip Email Marketing – Selzy is a multifunctional online service designed to organize email newsletters in your email list.
  3. ConvertKit is a service where you can send targeted messages to subscribers based on their interactions with your emails. The system also has standard schemas using which you can quickly create messages tailored to any situation.

Types Of Drip Marketing Campaigns

Drip marketing involves relevant content and email newsletters as a way to connect with subscribers and target customer behaviors and actions.

Types of drip marketing campaigns are:

  • Association Drops. This campaign aims to form an association with your product in people’s minds. For example, many people associate soda with Coca-Cola. 
  • Educational Drops provide information to the customer about the product’s benefits and advantages to prepare them for a purchase.
  • Status Changing Drops. This campaign involves various methods to regain customers’ interest in the product.
  • Competitive Drops. It is designed to turn those who buy products or services from your competitors into your customers. Alternatively, the campaign can be applied when a person compares the features of the same or similar products from different manufacturers. Here, the assignment is to show how your products are better than your competitors.
  • Promotional Drops. This campaign involves time-limited promotions and offers.
  • Training Drops. It refers to different courses and online training, submitted as emails that may end with some task. It is possible to achieve a particular result by completing the courses.

Drip marketing involves mailings based on user actions. It allows you to stay in touch with groups of people, such as when a user signs up for an account. Each newsletter is sent from a queue of already-written emails, so there is no need to manually write and send them. Newsletters can even be personalized.

Benefits of the Strategy

When using this outreach method, it should be noted that it is a soft relationship development rather than an aggressive sales pitch. The action builds trust and loyalty. It also keeps customers from forgetting about the brand and guides them through the sales funnel, converting them into customers.

The main benefits of drip marketing campaigns are as follows:

  • Increased sales. An elaborate drip mailing neatly and unobtrusively promotes the customer through the sales funnel. Letters gradually reveal product benefits or promote content that also promotes the product. “Droplets” nudge customers toward a sale at just the right moment, such as reminding them of an abandoned shopping cart.
  • Drip mailings simplify the marketer’s job. Because they are automated, marketers don’t have to do routine activities. Their time is freed up for strategies, creative campaigns, and other tasks.
  • Increased engagement. When a brand reminds you, it communicates with users and builds trust. Audience surveys, soliciting feedback, and reviews make it clear that the brand is ready to hear from customers, and those customers become more willing to respond to the company’s messages. Also, the business better understands the audience’s interests through engagement tools.

How to Set Up a Drip Campaign

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Image – Unsplash

You may want to gain new customers or generate brand awareness. Regardless of your aim, you must have a clear goal in mind when developing a drip campaign. Let’s further explore each stage of a drip campaign in a little more detail. 

Identify Your Target Audience

Digital marketing is not a one-size-fits-all story; it works best when messages to users are personalized. To make emails more personal, break your target audience into segments – that way, you’ll have an easier time figuring out the main message for each user group.

Plan Your Campaign

At this stage, you should know the purpose of the mailing and what groups of people you’ll be sending it to. But how many emails should you create, and how often should they be sent? You want your audience to be interested and engaged, but you don’t want to annoy them with too much content.

Create Compelling Content

Brands, like people, have personalities. Help your clients recognize and love your project by creating a memorable brand. Determine how you want to communicate with your clients—relaxed or professional, using slang and humor, or strict and businesslike.

Start the Campaign

Once you’ve created the emails and finalized your strategy, it’s time to send them to your audience. Since the process is automated, you only need to set an initial trigger and specify the number of days between emails. 

Optimize Your Strategy

As with any good marketing campaign, you should constantly adapt your strategy to improve your results. If a campaign isn’t reaching its goal, you may need to change audience segments, adjust content, or change the timing of emails.

What’s the Most Important Thing about Drip Marketing

Personalization of emails is crucial for the success of drip marketing, so the company needs to get information about the user before launching the mailing. If this is not done, the emails will look like regular mass mailings and the customer may lose interest in them. Another critical factor is the regularity with which the emails are sent. Drip marketing is an essential part of nurturing a lead, and for good growth, customers need to be “watered” constantly. Ensure the emails remind you of the company but are not intrusive.

Male Infertility – Understanding Its Significance in IVF

By
Cscope Staff
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0

male-infertility-impacts-on-ivf-procedure

In very simple words, Male infertility means a man can’t make a woman pregnant.

It’s often diagnosed when a couple has been actively trying to conceive for at least a year without success. Male infertility symptoms can result from various factors, such as low sperm count, poor sperm motility (movement), abnormal sperm shape, or blockages that prevent the delivery of sperm. As couples seek solutions to fertility challenges, the choice of the best IVF center in Indore plays a pivotal role in shaping their path towards parenthood. Understanding the essential role of male infertility in the IVF process is essential for navigating this path towards achieving the dream of parenthood.

Surprisingly, about 50% infertility couple cases come from male issues, and up to 2% of men have fertility problems.

How Male Infertility Impacts IVF Procedures

When it comes to in vitro fertilisation (IVF), various reasons for male infertility can impact the procedure in several ways.

  1. Firstly, if a man has low sperm count or poor sperm quality, it may be necessary to use techniques like intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) during IVF. With ICSI, a single sperm is injected directly into the egg to facilitate fertilisation, bypassing natural barriers that may prevent sperm from fertilizing the egg on its own.
  2. Secondly, if the male partner’s infertility is severe and there are no viable sperm in the ejaculate, sperm may need to be retrieved directly from the testes or epididymis SURGICALLY. This will involve procedures like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA). These retrieved sperm can then be used for IVF with ICSI.

Various Reasons of Male Infertility

reasons-of-male-infertility

Only a comprehensive evaluation by a fertility specialist can help identify underlying causes and develop personalised treatment plans to optimise reproductive outcomes. These could be…

  1. Genetic Factors like inherited genetic abnormalities are among the top Causes of Male Infertility. These may involve alterations in the structure or number of chromosomes, which can affect sperm production, motility, or morphology. Genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, Y chromosome deletions, and cystic fibrosis mutations can interfere with normal reproductive function in males.
  2. Lifestyle Factors or bad choices can exert a significant influence on male fertility. Smoking tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and illicit drug use have been linked to decreased sperm quality and quantity. Again, the most common cause of infertility in males, as these substances can disrupt hormone levels and block sperm production.
  3. Hormonal Imbalance is the most common cause of infertility in males. Disruptions in hormonal balance, such as low levels of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), or luteinising hormone (LH), and also conditions like hypogonadism or pituitary gland disorders can lead to hormonal imbalances and subsequently become top reasons of male infertility.
  4. Environmental Factors like toxic work environment or say exposure to environmental toxins and radiation can adversely affect male reproductive health. Chemicals found in pesticides, plastics, and industrial pollutants, radiation from sources like X-rays or occupational exposure – can disrupt hormonal balance, damage sperm DNA, and hamper sperm function.
  5. Hidden Medical Conditions also can impact male fertility by affecting sperm production, transportation, or ejaculation. For instance, varicocele, a condition characterised by enlarged veins within the scrotum, can lead to elevated testicular temperature, hampering sperm production and quality. Infections, such as sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or urinary tract infections (UTIs), can also damage the reproductive organs and hinder fertility.

How to Diagnose Male Infertility

diagnose-male-infertility

Causes of Male infertility can be diagnosed through several factors as below: 

  1. Semen analysis is a primary diagnostic tool, assessing sperm count, motility, and morphology. Abnormalities in these parameters may indicate infertility issues.
  2. Imaging studies like ultrasound and MRI can reveal structural abnormalities in the reproductive system, such as varicoceles or blockages, which can cause male infertility symptoms.
  3. Genetic testing is crucial for identifying inherited conditions causing male fertility symptoms. These factors are chromosomal abnormalities or genetic mutations impacting sperm production or function.
  4. Hormonal testing evaluates levels of key hormones involved in sperm production, such as testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), and prolactin. Imbalances in these hormones can disrupt the reproductive process.

Impact of male Infertility on IVF Treatment

Male infertility symptoms can significantly influence in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatment outcomes. 

  1. Treatment options for causes of male infertility:
    When male factor infertility is identified, various treatment options exist, such as intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) and surgical sperm retrieval techniques like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or epididymal sperm aspiration (TESA). These interventions aim to overcome sperm-related challenges and enhance the chances of successful fertilisation.
  2. Emotional and psychological impact on couple
    The diagnosis often triggers feelings of inadequacy, guilt, and stress, leading to strains in the relationship. Couples may experience anxiety about the success of the treatment, fear of judgment from others on reasons of male infertility, and uncertainty about their future as parents. Down below we will discuss how these emotional burdens acan be warded off towards a smooth IVF.

Male Infertility Treatment Options for IVF

male-infertility-treatment-options

For IVF treatment, addressing male fertility concerns can involve various approaches. Let’s break down how each of these can be utilised in two different scenarios:

  1. Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART)
    In cases where a man’s sperm count is low or the sperm quality is compromised, ART techniques like Intracytoplasmic Sperm Injection (ICSI) can be employed. During ICSI, a single healthy sperm is directly injected into the egg to facilitate fertilisation.Another ART option is sperm retrieval through techniques like testicular sperm extraction (TESE) or percutaneous epididymal sperm aspiration (PESA). These methods are suitable for men with obstructive azoospermia, where sperm production is normal but there is a blockage preventing sperm from reaching the ejaculate.
  2. Surgical Interventions like Varicocelectomy & Vasectomy Reversal
    Varicocelectomy procedure is performed to correct varicoceles, which are enlarged veins within the scrotum that can affect sperm production and quality. By removing the varicocele, blood flow to the testicles improves, potentially enhancing sperm production and removing causes of male infertility.Vasectomy Reversal is for men who have undergone a vasectomy and now wish to father children, a vasectomy reversal can be performed. During this procedure, the previously cut or blocked vas deferentia is reconnected, allowing sperm to once again travel from the testicles to the ejaculate.

How to Mentally Deal with Male Infertility During IVF Treatment

stress-and-anxiety

Couples dealing with male infertility during IVF can take several steps to address the emotional, psychological, and lifestyle factors associated with the process. But even before they take external help, some internal steps are also required: 

  1. Manage Stress and Anxiety as a Couple
    Open communication between partners is vital. Encouraging honest and supportive dialogue, setting realistic expectations, and acknowledging each other’s feelings can strengthen the couple’s bond and resilience throughout the IVF journey. Also, finding effective stress management techniques, such as hobbies together, going out for dates, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, or deep breathing exercises, can help reduce anxiety levels and promote relaxation.
  2. Support Groups and Counselling
    Joining support groups for infertility can provide couples with help in venting out, sharing experiences, concerns, as discussions can offer valuable emotional support. On the other hand, professional counselling, either individually or as a couple, can help navigate the complex emotions via experts’ communication tools, and a safe space to express feelings of grief, frustration, or anxiety.
  3. Lifestyle Changes to Improve Fertility
    Couples can focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Regular exercise, within moderation, can help manage weight, reduce stress, and improve overall well-being. Avoiding tobacco, excessive alcohol consumption, and recreational drugs is crucial, as they remove certain causes of male infertility symptoms, and can enhance sperm production and quality.

Summing up, we have tried to share all aspects of understanding male infertility symptoms’ impact on IVF is crucial for couples seeking successful fertility treatment. If you wish to know more you may please write to our experts.

Suggested Read: Female Health Complications Which Leads to Infertility

Thriving Thrift Culture in India – Sustainable and Pocket Friendly Fashion

By
Deba Prasad Nayak
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3
Thriving-Thrift-Culture-in-India-01
Image – Naya Purana

The thrift culture, which is a Western concept is slowly catching up in our country, especially among youths. As a cultural trait and also largely influenced by our tradition religious practices, wearing hand-me-down clothes, and that too those belonging to strangers is looked down upon. But it seems the youths have no qualms about it, so long as they keep up with the Joneses. Thrifting refers to the practice of purchasing pre-owned gently used products, mainly clothing. Thrifting or upcycled products are already used by someone, cleaned, retouched and if needed made necessary changes to it, and sold. These clothes are sold at a comparatively lower price than the original ones. Thrift is more famous among Gen Z. They have their reasons which make sense in today’s world, thrift culture combines fashion and sustainability. This trend is also economical and does not burn a hole in the pocket.

Sustainability

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Thrifting seems to be more of an ethical choice. It serves a larger goal such as environmental protection. After a few years of use, the garments end up in landfills or get burned, which is a huge problem for the environment and climate change. The fashion industry produces and sells more than 150 billion garments a year globally, roughly up to 21 articles per human being on this planet, about three in five of these clothing products become a waste within years of production. Most of the clothes these days are made up of materials such as polyester which is a form of plastic. If not managed properly, old clothes that do not biodegrade in a landfill and could remain there for more than 200 years before decomposing, can be a serious threat to our ecosystem and lead to serious damage to our planet in the long run. Thrifting and upcycling serve the purpose here. Second-hand clothes are eco-friendly as it is reused again with little or no modifications, thereby reducing the carbon footprints. The damage caused by the fast fashion industry is a driving force for people to turn to thrifting. 

 Pocket friendly

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This mode of fashion is pocket-friendly. It saves our money. The thrifting culture saw a huge rise during the pandemic when the world was going through economic turmoil. It costs much less than the usual new clothes and provides an ample amount of choices. Fashion got more acceptance in tier 1 cities in India as people over there tend to think twice before spending on fashion due to the high cost of living in those cities. The young generation prefers thrifting due to economic reasons as well, this allows everyone to stick to the current fashion trends without spending much. 

Cons of Thrift shopping

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The biggest cons of thrift shopping is the non-availability of garments of different sizes. Though the thrift culture is thriving in India, yet the country does not have more offline stores, it largely depends on online stores based on social media platforms. Similarly, as it promotes second-hand clothes, the parent company can file legal suits under different intellectual property rights, which can hamper the business of the retailer. So it is recommended to explore all legal aspects before embarking on this venture. Sometimes old clothes get damaged in the process of upcycling and need to be checked before buying. As it has become a trend among youths, retailers are taking advantage of it and selling it at an elevated price.

Guide to thrift shopping 

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Thrifting will provide many choices so one should think and decide beforehand as per the need. Second-hand clothes will sometimes not be fit so it is ideal to check sizes before buying. The background of the seller and feedback from the customer must be considered prior buying from any store. Product return policy of the retailer must be enquired enough for easy return and exchange in case of damaged products.   

Due to the change in mind set, thrifting has been accepted by the Indians which once used to be a taboo. Thrift stores are available in both online and offline mode with the former being more popular in India. Unlike other Western countries, where thrift shopping is quite a norm and there are large stores dedicated to it, the concept is relatively new in India. Most Indians would rather not be seen buying offline, what is called second-hand stuff, the fashion industry is thriving in social media and online platforms. Looking at the demands, offline thrifting has already come up in tier-1 cities. Thrift culture has revolutionized the fashion industry and Indian homes. Thrifting will continue to thrive and it should for the best interest of people and the environment.      

The Wild Wild Dream

By
Amit Singh Negi
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7

The Wild Wild Dream-01

It must have been the first day of 6th or 7th grade when customarily the teacher asked us to introduce ourselves and share our future aspirations. When it came to my turn, I nervously mumbled- “Animal Scientist, Ma’am!”. The teacher appeared a bit confused, among the plethora of aspiring Doctors, Police officers, prime ministers, soldiers, and pilots hearing something rather odd she again asked-What does that mean? Do you want to be an Animal Doctor i.e. Veterinarian? Honestly, I wasn’t very sure what the term ‘Animal Scientist’ exactly meant but I had heard many a times my wildlife heroes like Jeff Corwin, Nigel Marvel, and others referring to themselves as “Pashu Vigyanik” at the start of the famous 2000s wildlife Tv Shows.

“No Ma’am, I want to be an animal scientist like the ones who feature on Discovery and Nat Geo …who follow wild animals in their jeeps and study them” I replied with a sense of satisfaction. “Okay! Great” said the teacher, still looking a bit unsure what I wanted to be. 

But I was pretty sure what I wanted to be. Ever since childhood, nothing provided me as much happiness and joy as watching the animals. I was absolutely fascinated by them. It was not just their aesthetics and quirkiness that caught my attention but I was filled with an innate desire and curiosity to understand the animals, observe their behavior, and know their life stories, their struggle, and their joy. Much of the day was spent personifying animals around me. Also, the thrilling scenes of wildlife heroes like Austin Stevens and Steve Irwin… (always flaunting khaki shorts) fearlessly running and jumping into dangerous murky waters to catch hold of an alligator or a python, all to showcase the majestic beasts; fueled my obsession of being out in the wild and explore the wonders of natural world.

The-Wild-Wild-Dream-Austin-Stevens
Austin Stevens

It was almost natural for me to get drawn to nature and other creatures, as is well captured by Erich Fromm, via the term biophilia, describing it as ‘the passionate love of life and all that is alive’. As a child, exposure to nature and wildlife didn’t only provide me a treasure trove of memories but it also had a profound impact upon me as a growing individual. Watching the life stories of animals helps develop a deep sense of empathy and early maturity. Beyond fostering patience, keen observation skills, and an open mind; nature education can also spark creativity and a sense of spirituality. Inspired by what I saw, I even started mimicking the TV wildlife researchers in the way they named their study subject based on physical attributes or behavioral characteristics, followed and observed them from a distance while making notes, the difference being they were observing the beasts of Serengeti while I spied the pack of dogs in our locality or the ant colony in the balcony.

The-Wild-Wild-Dream-Steve-Irwin
Steve Irwin – Paul Williams/Flickr

But all was not rosy, very soon I was acquainted with the grim reality that the precious wildlife was in great danger and utter neglect. I just couldn’t reconcile the amount of cruelty inflicted upon these magnificent creatures. They were being poached for their beauty, and their homes and habitats were being destroyed globally. Humans, the smartest species, had quite conveniently normalized a stepmotherly attitude towards fellow inhabitants of the earth. Horrific tales like that of Maharaja of Surguja who is reported to have killed around 1700 tigers and 2000 leopards as well as the last three Cheetahs of India, disappointed and cautioned me of the immense capacity of human brutality and greed. This categorical injustice and impunity of humans greatly disturbed me and an inner resolve to fight against it ignited in me. Hope wasn’t hard to find as I recall reading a Prose chapter in school on how with the introduction of cameras in the wild, a big-time trophy hunter transformed into someone later shooting wildlife with a camera instead of a gun. Also, the Save the Tigers TV campaign of the 2000s did much to leave a lasting imprint on the minds of young nature lovers like me. 

Growing up as I delved deeper into the academic domains of environment and ecology, I could better understand the intricate connections between wildlife, forests, human existence, and the health of the planet. Finally, it all started to make sense, what did the iconic phrase ‘Agar bagh nahi rahenge toh van bhi nahi rahenge’ actually mean, why conservation of wild flora and fauna wasn’t just an ethical issue but a question of our very own survival. Once one gets a basic sense of the timelessness of Earth’s past wherein human existence represents a mere 0.007% of the entire history of the planet, it’s not difficult to understand that it’s us, humans, who need saving. Earth has seen it all and in one stroke it can restore any imbalance caused by any species (no matter how smart) it’s just that in that calamitic restoration other species will also be imperiled. I had already been deeply in love with nature’s beauty and wonder but now I had a deep respect and gratitude to the natural world and its manifold intricate processes that made it possible for us to relish the gift of life.

The-Wild-Wild-Dream-Jane-Goodall

The story of Jane Goodall, who was chosen for the groundbreaking Chimp Project because she was unbiased by academic learning, and had uncommon patience and dedication, greatly inspired me as I decided to make a career-switch. Fortunately, I got an opportunity to be associated with a Livelihood Project of WWF@ Corbett. It was again a great learning experience that helped me realize that Species research and documentation is just one aspect in the broader domain of Environmental Conservation and Sustainability. There were other vital aspects like Human-Wildlife Conflict Mitigation, Livelihood Intervention for forest-dwelling communities, Eco-Tourism, and Environmental Policy and advocacy. A successful Conservation effort requires coordinated intervention in all these aspects wherein the role of Forest bureaucracy comes in. Therein the idea to become a Forest Officer was conceived to make a bigger impact from within the system. Although with an Engineering background, I undertook a challenging yet exciting academic journey meandering through realms of natural and earth sciences which further ameliorated my understanding of the earth and its living system. Sadly, even after giving multiple attempts I couldn’t make it to the list. Could never comprehend why future forest bureaucrats were not only being evaluated via the same entrance exam as civil servants but they are also supposed to be top scorers in preliminary exam. But in the end, the reality was that I couldn’t make it.

This period of continuous failure and health hardships harmed my mental health. Once you have risked it all for a pressing dream, for something you genuinely believed in but couldn’t cross the final frontier, it breaks your spirit, your optimism, your soul. I had hit rock bottom but the worst was still yet to come as I struggled to land a decent job in the domain of conservation mostly because I didn’t have a degree in life sciences. It acquainted me with the final realization of the plight of a wildlife enthusiast in India. But the lessons from all those wildlife documentaries didn’t go in vain. Resilience and grit are part and parcel of the life in wilderness. After every tragedy and injury, animals have a habit of making a miraculous comeback, be it the bloody massacre of their young litter or a fatal injury leaving flesh hanging out of their bones, these wild animals show tremendous ability to recover and move on with their lives. Misfit the weak, ignored lion cub defied all odds to turn into a majestic and handsome lion king. The fiercest lion ever known Mr. T, even during his final moments, though outnumbered and severely injured, fought till the very end like the true warrior and king that he was. 

The-Wild-Wild-Dream-Mr.-T
Lion Mr. T

I still dream of an Education of Nature, to be surrounded by an indefinite forest, documenting the wild souls. I am not giving up. Likewise, I find hope for the future of depreciating wildlife, this very hope is echoed in the ending scenes of Planet Earth II, wherein out of the whole wide world it is in a temple premises of Jodhpur that the BBC team could find an extraordinary relationship between humans and animals. They found people so tolerant and generous towards langurs that the birth rate was twice as compared to their forest counterparts. They were so well fed that a very rare sight was captured, a mother langur with her rich milk supporting twins. Hope just doubled for The Wild Wild Dream.

Dos and Don’ts Of Applying For A Credit Card

By
Cscope Staff
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0

Dos and Don'ts Of Applying For A Credit Card

Applying for a credit card requires thoughtfulness to avoid common mistakes that can hurt your chances of approval. Follow smart strategies to increase your chances of success. This article will cover the best practices for seamlessly navigating the credit card application process.

Understanding Credit Cards

Credit cards can be an invaluable financial tool when used responsibly. More than just a way to buy now and pay later, they help build your credit, earn rewards, and manage money with flexibility. Picking the right card aligns with your financial goals and spending style.  

Dos of Applying for a Credit Card

1. Research Before Applying

Choosing a credit card can be overwhelming. Research is key. Take time upfront to compare different cards using online tools. Read reviews and weigh the pros and cons of top contenders that fit your needs. Being an informed applicant makes getting a new card feel like an exciting next step.

2. Check Your Credit Score

While good credit isn’t essential, knowing your score provides insight into approval odds and what terms you may qualify for. Before applying, check your credit reports and FICO or Vantage score. If it’s lower than you’d like, you may wait, work on improving it, and revisit credit card options when your score rebounds. Or you may apply for a credit card anyway if you find one suited for building credit.  

3. Read the Fine Print

Research different credit cards online. Read reviews and weigh the pros and cons of top contenders that fit your needs. Being informed makes getting a new card feel like an exciting next step.

4. Consider Your Financial Situation

Before applying for new credit, consider your income, expenses, savings, and financial priorities. Think about how you use cards and manage payments. Does taking on another account support healthy financial habits or risk getting overwhelmed? Choose the right card that fits your unique circumstances.

Don’ts of Applying for a Credit Card

To get approved for a new credit card, avoid common mistakes. Be aware of these pitfalls to set yourself up for success.

1. Don’t Apply for Multiple Cards at Once

Limit your credit card online apply applications to one at a time to avoid multiple hard inquiries that can negatively affect your credit score.

2. Avoid Cards with High Fees Without Benefits

Consider if annual membership fees are worth it based on how much you’ll use the perks. Compare fees to your lifestyle before signing up.

3. Don’t Ignore Your Credit Utilisation Ratio

Maintaining a low balance-to-credit ratio is recommended by experts. A high ratio suggests greater risk to lenders. Keeping balances low in relation to credit limits shows financial responsibility and can help you qualify for better interest rates.

4. Don’t Misrepresent Your Information

Provide accurate details when applying, even if the truth seems unfavourable. Adjusting finances to appear more creditworthy may backfire with application denial and damage credibility if uncovered. 

Applying for a Credit Card Online

  • How to Apply Credit Card Online

Online credit card apply are straightforward. Have personal and financial details handy before starting. Make sure the site is secure before entering them. Application forms are simple online questionnaires to provide key info. Read carefully before authorising a credit check and submitting the form.

  • What to Do After Applying

After submitting your application, please allow a few days to process it. You may receive immediate feedback or have to wait for a decision. Suppose your application is approved right away, congratulations. If not, please check for status updates regularly. If your application is denied, read the reasons why and use them to guide your next steps before reapplying in the future.

Conclusion

Applying for new credit is easiest when you avoid common missteps, supply accurate information, pick the optimal card for your finances, and follow application protocols. A smooth approval process gets your new card in your wallet faster so you can reap the available benefits and rewards.

The Magaji Laddu – The GI Tagged Delicacy of Odisha

By
Deba Prasad Nayak
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5

Magaji-Ladu-01

India is a country of diversity, not just in social characteristics and culture but in food as well. The land of Odisha has its own unique cuisine. This place has many sweet dishes like Rasagola to Chenapoda. There’s also a sweet that is originated from the Dhenkanal district of Odisha which is located in central part of the coastal state. The name of the dish is ‘Magji Laddu’ which is made from milk of the buffaloes.  

History & Significance of Magaji Laddu

Introduction-Magji-Laddu

The Magji is believed to originate from the Sadangi area of the Dhenkanal district. . Dhenkanal district is in central Odisha. During the British era, thousands of people were earning their livelihood through animal husbandry, especially buffalo rearing in this region.

This region was the hinterland of buffalo milk production, cheese was a prominent product produced. People had several value-added products produced from cheese and Magji is one of them. The Mandar – Sadangi area of the Gondia block is believed to be the origin of the sweet stuff “Magji” also known as ‘Magaja’. But, as of now, it has spread to the entire Dhenkanal district. As the preparation and sale of the sweet is spread over the whole district, the geographical area of production is considered to be the entire Dhenkanal district of the state.

History-and-Significance-Magaji-Laddu

As per the local history during 1300 – 1400 AD, a saint namely Sridhar Swami was staying in Kapilas, an 8th-century shrine, Chaitanya Mahaprabhu had visited Sridhar Swami and learnt about Bhagabat from Sridhar Swami. During his stay, Sridhar Swamy offered sweets prepared from buffalo milk cheese to Chaitanya Mahaprabhu which became famous as Magji later on and local confectioners continued to prepare it. As most of the traditions and culture in Odisha, this too has a connection with Lord Jagannath. The sweet is one of the dishes among ‘chappan bhog’ (56 dishes) served to lord Jagannath. Hrushikesh Sahoo, a prominent Magji maker reveals the specialty of the dish that it can offer to any god as there is a very low chance of this getting impure because a very small number of ingredients are used in the making process. 

Making Process of ‘Magaji Laddu’

Making-Process-of-Magji-Laddu

Magji Laddu is an off-white coloured sweet that is prepared with sugar, cardamom and cheese from Buffalo’s milk, which is locally known as ‘Desi Chenna’. The ‘Chenna’ or Cheese is wrapped up in a cotton cloth and squeezed to filter out the extra water from the cheese. After the filtration process sugar, cardamom are added to it. The sugar in the mixture is always kept half as of the cheese. The mixture is fried in a pan on a burner with a mild flame. Previously it used to be fried in an earth pot. The entire stuff is mixed thoroughly for some time until the cook is satisfied. After frying, it kept for up to 35-40 minutes to cool down. Then the cook made it into small balls of the desired radius by rolling them in the palm. The ‘Magji’ is ready after this process.

Hrushikesh Sahoo Magaji-Laddu

Hrushikesh-Sahoo-Magji-Laddu

Hrushikesh Sahoo, a 65-year-old man belongs to the Sadangi area of Dhenkanal, who is the pioneer behind the Geographical Indication (GI) tag recognition of Magji laddu, though many are into this, Sahoo’s hand Magji is famous. The four generations of his family are associated with this sweet. His grandfather first opened the sweet-making shop, and now the art of making this sweet has passed to his son as well. The current stall from where Sahoo operate was set up in 1968, and now after getting a GI tag, he gets orders from many places throughout the state and outside the state. He said that for best taste ‘Magji’ cheese that is made up of Buffalo’s milk should be used, right composition of everything is the key behind the good taste of this off-white sweet dish. “The GI tag for Magaji fills our district with immense pride.” added Sahoo.

8 Must-Have Summer Wardrobe Pieces: Comfort In Style

By
Nagaraj DH
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2

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Summertime

where the days are long, and the fashion is breezy. With the sun shining bright and temperatures rising, it’s time to revamp your wardrobe with pieces that offer both style and comfort. From flowy dresses to lightweight separates, we’ve curated a list of 8 essential summer wardrobe pieces to keep you looking elegant while staying cool in the heat.

Level up Your Summer Style: 8 Must-Have Wardrobe Pieces

Summer beckons with its promise of sunny days and balmy nights, urging us to shed our layers and embrace the freedom of lighter, more effortless attire. 

These pieces are not only great for regular wear but can be the spark of your special memories as well. From doubling as a perfect evening piece to being the star of your resort wear collection. These pieces are all you’ll need to curate outfits that effortlessly transition from day to night, ensuring you’re always dressed to impress.

1. Flowy Maxi Dresses for Effortless Elegance

Summer-Wardrobe-Pieces-Flowy Maxi Dresses

Maxi dresses are the epitome of summer style, offering a perfect blend of comfort and elegance. Opt for dresses crafted from breathable fabrics like cotton or linen to keep you feeling cool on even the hottest days. Choose vibrant colors or playful prints to add a pop of personality to your look. Whether heading to a beach picnic or a rooftop soirée, a flowy maxi dress ensures you’ll make a statement with every step.

2. Breathable Cotton Co-ord Sets for Casual elegance

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Level up your summer wardrobe with a cotton co ord set that exudes effortless elegance. Crafted from breathable cotton fabrics, these sets offer both comfort and style. Mix and match coordinating tops and bottoms for versatile outfit options that can easily take you from day to night. Whether running errands or meeting friends for brunch, a cotton co-ord set ensures you’ll stay cool and stylish all day.

3. Lightweight Linen Shirts for Effortless Cool

Summer-Wardrobe-Pieces-Breathable-Lightweight Linen Shirts

Stay calm and collected in the summer heat with lightweight linen shirts that offer a relaxed yet refined look. Opt for oversized silhouettes or cropped styles in neutral tones or classic stripes. Pair them with denim shorts or linen trousers for a laid-back ensemble that exudes effortless cool. Whether you’re lounging at home or exploring the city, a linen shirt is a summer wardrobe essential.

4. Breezy Sundresses for Casual Charm

Summer-Wardrobe-Pieces-Breezy Sundresses

Sundresses are the ultimate summer wardrobe staple, offering comfort and charm in equal measure. Choose dresses crafted from lightweight fabrics like cotton or chambray in relaxed silhouettes and playful prints. Whether strolling through the farmers’ market or enjoying a leisurely brunch with friends, a breezy sundress ensures you’ll look elegant while staying cool in the summer heat.

5. Relaxed Shorts for Casual Comfort

Summer-Wardrobe-Pieces-Relaxed-Shorts-for-Casual-Comfort

Keep it casual and comfortable with relaxed shorts perfect for outdoor summer days. Opt for breathable fabrics like cotton or linen in tailored or relaxed-fit styles. Pair them with a simple tank top, a lightweight blouse, or a breezy kimono for an easygoing look that’s perfect for everything from beach days to backyard barbecues, from hiking in the mountains to exploring city streets, from picnics in the park to sunset cocktails on the beach.

6. Lightweight Jumpsuits for Effortless Style

Summer-Wardrobe-Pieces-Lightweight-Jumpsuits

Jumpsuits are a versatile summer staple that offers instant style with minimal effort. Choose jumpsuits crafted from lightweight fabrics like cotton or rayon in relaxed or tailored silhouettes. Whether you’re sightseeing in the city, lounging at a beachside cafe, or attending a rooftop party, a lightweight jumpsuit ensures you’ll look effortlessly chic while staying relaxed and comfortable all day long.

7. Flowy Skirts for Feminine Flair

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Add a touch of romance to your summer wardrobe with flowy skirts that exude feminine charm. Opt for midi or maxi lengths in lightweight fabrics like chiffon or crepe for an elegant yet effortless look. Pair them with a fitted tank top, a cropped tee, or a breezy blouse for a romantic ensemble that’s perfect for everything from afternoon picnics to sunset strolls along the beach, from outdoor concerts to romantic dinner dates, from garden parties to summer weddings.

8. Relaxed Tank Tops for Easy Versatility

Summer-Wardrobe-Pieces-Relaxed-Tank-Tops

Tank tops are a summer essential that offers endless versatility. Choose relaxed-fit styles in soft fabrics like cotton or modal for maximum comfort. Pair them with shorts, skirts, or trousers for a laid-back and casual look perfect for everything from morning yoga sessions to evening rooftop cocktails with friends, from running errands to lounging at home, from brunch with the girls to dinner with your sweetheart.

Conclusion

As the sun sets on another glorious summer day, it’s time to reflect on the effortless elegance and comfort that defined our seasonal style. With our 8 must-have summer wardrobe pieces, comfort seamlessly melded with style, creating a sartorial symphony that resonated with every occasion and adventure.

From the flowy maxi dresses that danced with the breeze to the lightweight linen shirts that kept us cool and collected, each piece became more than just a garment—it became a vessel for memories and moments shared under the summer sun.

Bihari’s Sat Sai – The ‘Seven Hundred Verses’ in Art

By
Soma Ghosh
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Did you know that the Satasai (Sat sai) or Bihari Satsai (Seven Hundred Verses of Bihari) was started to be written as a wake-up call for a king neglecting his royal duties? Let’s find out more! 

This work of literature is a famous work of the early 17th century by the Hindi poet Bihari Lal, in the Braj Bhasha dialect of Hindi spoken in the Braj region of northern India. It contains dohas, or couplets, on bhakti – ‘devotion’, neeti – ‘moral policies’ and shringara – ‘love, beauty, romance’. It is an important work in the Ritikavya Kaal or Ritikaal of Hindi literature. The collection consists of seven hundred verses (sai), hence the name “Sat Sai,” which translates to “Seven Hundred Sai.” Bihari Lal’s verses are celebrated for their depth, emotion, and philosophical insights. It is an excellent depiction of divine and erotic love’s pleasures and sorrows.

History of Bihari Sat Sai 

Bihari Lal, a highly acclaimed poet, earned recognition at the court of Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. Raja Jai Singh of Amber/Amer (1611–1667) impressed by Bihari’s talent, invited him to his court.

“Both good and bad win riches, rubies, gems, and strings of pearls: fortune marks the brow of those gifted with the presence of Jai Shah”.

Bihari’s Sat Sai, Maharaja-Jai-Singh-of-Amer-with-Maharaja-Gaj-Singh-of-Marwar
Maharaja Jai Singh of Amber/Amer (with raised hand) seen with Maharaja Gaj Singh of Marwar, circa 1630. – Wikimedia

However, the Raja soon became infatuated with his new young wife, neglecting his royal duties and other wives. Concerned ministers and the senior wife sought Bihari’s help. Bihari cleverly sent a single couplet hidden among flower petals for the Raja’s bed:

“Nahin paraga nahin madhur madhu nahin vikasa yahi kal ali kali hi saun bandhyau again kaun haval.” 

“There is no pollen; there is no sweet honey; nor yet has the blossom opened. If the bee is enamoured of the bud, who can tell what will happen when she is a full-blown flower.”     

This verse served as a gentle wake-up call, reminding the Raja of his responsibilities and urging him to regain his composure. He asked Bihari to compose more couplets, and he gave him a gold coin for it everyday, eventually forming the Bihari Sat Sai and the rest is history! 

“With crowned head and girdled waist, with flute in hand and garland on your chest: in such a guise dwell ever in my heart, Biharilal”.

Bihari’s Sat Sai, The poet Bihari Lal approaches Krishna
The poet Bihari Lal approaches Krishna, from a Bihari Sat Sai, circa 1770. Image – The San Diego Museum of Art Collection/Flickr

As mentioned, the Sat Sai comprises around 700 couplets or dohas covering three main themes: bhakti – poems expressing devotion to various deities, primarily Krishna, neeti –verse reflecting on values, life lessons, social commentary and shringara – couplets depicting various aspects of love, romance, and beauty. Bihari’s masterful use of language, vivid imagery, and wit elevated the Sat Sai to a timeless classic. It became a significant work in the Ritikaal period of Hindi literature, known for its focus on aesthetics and emotion. The Sat Sai continues to be celebrated today, with translations in various languages and depictions in Indian miniature paintings. In Bihari Satsai, there are  amorous narratives about the legendary lover Krishna and Radha as hero, nayaka and heroine, nayika which are reflected in artworks. The verses show Bihari Lal’s deep knowledge of the Braj region (in Uttar Pradesh) and life there. Bihari expresses through his verses youthful beauty, romantic trysts, and sorrow of separated lovers.

Sat Sai in Indian Miniature paintings

Let us check out some beautiful translated verses and interesting paintings from this wonderful work of early 17th century literature! It is mentioned here that the quoted verse may or may not tally with the inscription on the top of the painting but depicts the scenes in the compositions.  A painting from the Mewar school depicting people having multiple conversations; maybe discussing the king who is neglecting his royal duties.

Bihari’s Sat Sai, Conversations, from a Bihari Sat Sai, Mewar, Rajasthan, 19th century.
Conversations, from a Bihari Sat Sai, Mewar, Rajasthan, 19th century. Wikimedia

The painting from Mewar shows Krishna along with Radha and other ‘gopis’, the cowherd maidens and others enjoying the feats of a juggler in a beautiful palace setting. Verdant ‘kadamba’ trees add to the composition. There are two women in dancing postures on the steps; a scene of merriment. 

Bihari’s Sat Sai, Krishna watches a juggler, from a Bihari Sat Sai, Mewar, Rajasthan, 18th century.
Krishna watches a juggler, from a Bihari Sat Sai, Mewar, Rajasthan, 18th century. Wikimedia

A painting shows Krishna and Radha in a decorated marble pavillion in a palace setting. Radha is angry with Krishna and turning away from him. Other ‘gopis’ seem to be cajoling Radha as Krishna too seems to be reasoning with her. The foliage in the forefront is of banana and ‘kadamba’ tree surrounding a fountain arrangement. A lover’s tiff captured in courtly splendour. 

“Her eyelids glisten with tears, for she’s just heard he’s soon to leave; an artful yawn conceals the cause even from her friends’’.

Bihari’s Sat Sai, Krishna-and-Radha-in-a-pavilion
Krishna and Radha in a pavilion, page from a copy of the Sat Sai, Mewar, Rajasthan, early 18th century. Wikimedia

A scene of frolic as Krishna swims where the ‘gopis’ have arrived to bathe in the Yamuna. A ‘gopi’ is arguing with him and trying to get him to leave the river. The backdrop is a green bank with the bluest skies. Lotus float on the water as well! 

Bihari’s Sat Sai, Krishna-swims-with-gopis
Krishna swims with gopis, from a Bihari Sat Sai, circa 1719. Image – The San Diego Museum of Art Collection/Flickr

A painting in an oval format with arabesque pattern in the four corners, showing Radha hanging up a pot of curd, Krishna is speaking to her from a settee. A tree is in the background. 

“Don’t hang the curd pot up! Nor take it down!  Stay as you are—just reaching for the hanging net, you look so fine”.

Bihari’s Sat Sai, Radha-reaches-for-a-pot
Radha reaches for a pot, from a Bihari Sat Sai, Pahadi painting, 19th century. Image – The San Diego Museum of Art Collection/Flickr

Radha is pining for Krishna and seems to have developed a fever, two ‘sakhis’ (confidantes) are worried and tending to her, while a cowherd informs Krishna about her condition. Trees are the sentinels in this scene of grief due to separation. 

“Your absence is a rare and matchless fire:  it flourishes in monsoon rains. No waterfall, oh Lal, can douse its blaze”.

“Hari, Hari! She burns and burns. I’m done with cures. I swear, good doctor; your tonic alone can bring her fever down”.

Bihari’s Sat Sai, Grief-of-separation
Grief of separation, from a Bihari Sat Sai, Mewar, Rajasthan, circa 1719. Image – A.Davey/Flickr

Radha sits under a tree leaving the comfort of the indoors as she waits pining for Krishna; her companions are seen discussing how to help her situation.

“Pining for your company, dear Lal, she sees the blazing volcano of love and consigns all happy comfort to the flames”.

The lovelorn heroine, from a Bihari Sat Sai, Garhwal, Pahadi school, 18th century.

Bihari’s Sat Sai, The lovelorn heroine, from a Bihari Sat Sai, Garhwal, Pahadi school, 18th century.
The lovelorn heroine, from a Bihari Sat Sai, Garhwal, Pahadi school, 18th century. Wikimedia

In this Pahadi painting Radha surreptitiously spies on Krishna as he looks for her confused. She is in half mind on whether to present herself. 

“Drawn equally by shyness and desire, she has no rest: she peeps on tiptoe, hides, and peeps—and, hiding, peeps again”

 “Now here’s a sight to charm the mind: see how she lingers as she stares, her fingers parting the blind”.

Bihari’s Sat Sai, Radha-spies-Krishna-in-front-of-her-doorway-through-a-window-blind
Radha spies Krishna in front of her doorway through a window blind, from a Bihari Sat Sai, Pahadi painting, circa 1820.Image – The San Diego Museum of Art Collection/Flickr

Thus, we see that sometimes inspiration can be driven by situations in life itself which is the biggest inspiration. Sat Sai Bihari is an amazing proof which is a timeless classic inspiring artists and lovers of poetry alike! 

References–

  1. Snell, Rupert, tr. (2022) Bihari Lal – He spoke of love: selected poems from the Satsai, London: Murty Classical Library of India.
  2. Randhawa, M. S (1996) Kangra paintings of the Bihari Sat Sai National Museum: New Delhi. 
  3. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Satasai (accessed 10.02.2024) 

‘COSMOS’ Exhibition: Vibrant Exploration at Gallery Pradarshak

By
Riya Mishra
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0

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Artist Nilesh Pawar Unveils ‘COSMOS’: An Exhibition where Art meets the  Elements at Gallery Pradarshak 

Artist: Nilesh Pawar 
Dates of Exhibition: 15th – 21st Feb’ 2024 
Venue: Gallery Pradarshak, 100 Kalapana Bldg, Plot No. 338, 12th road, Khar West, Mumbai  400052 
Timings: 11 am – 7 pm (except Sundays & Public Holidays) 

In his new solo exhibition titled “COSMOS at Gallery Pradarshak from 15th – 21st Feb’ 2024, Artist Nilesh Pawar combines acrylic paints with the airbrush technique to bring to life the five elements of nature in vivid colours and forms.  

From conventional, yet alluringly sensitive still life’s to stylized figure-based symbolic  compositions to his recent series on the 5 Elements of Nature, Nilesh dives deep into the  essence of earth, water, fire, air, and ether, exploring their interactions with human energy  and the universe at large. Explorations into both subject and medium seem to be an ongoing  process in his journey as an artist.  

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Colour controls the presence of emotion that is attached to every element in his work like – fiery, warm reds of fire, sublime blues of water and wind and the like… Form substantiates his  colour codes and is expressed through a conscious effort to create a ‘meaningfully  orchestrated’ visual. A smooth rendering in spray technique, specially selected by Nilesh for  this series is the ‘key’ that brings about harmony. Elements have been given a half-toned effect  like the earth or the symbolic spear which adds a fantasy feel to the subject. The depth in the  paintings reflects the artist’s own character.  

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Besides several exhibitions and workshops to his credit, Nilesh has been awarded nationally  for his work at several competitions. He has always striven to communicate the underlying  content of his thoughts through his works of art. 

This exhibition is not just a display of Nilesh Pawar’s artistic prowess, but an invitation to  experience the harmony and balance within the cosmos through his eyes. 

Don’t forget to step into the world of “COSMOS” at Gallery Pradarshak and embark on a visual  journey that transcends the ordinary. 

For any further information, please feel free to connect with

Shruti Chawan
Manager www.gallerypradarshak.com
Ph.: +91 9920386641 Email: pradarshak@gmail.com
Or Artist Nilesh Pawar
Ph.: +91 9822106419/ 9822624891

IIAD Shines Bright at the 20th Anniversary of The Ishara International Puppet Festival

By
Cscope Staff
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0

The-Ishara-International-Puppet-Festival-IIAD

New Delhi, 15th February 2024: The Indian Institute of Art and Design (IIAD), renowned for its immersive project-based learning approach, takes centre stage at the illustrious 20th Anniversary of the Ishara International Puppet Theatre Festival. With a gracious invitation extended by Dadi Pudumjee, the esteemed Founder of The Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust, IIAD students contribute their talents to creating various installations and showcasing their art for the event. The festival, organized by the Ishara Puppet Theatre Trust, serves as a vibrant showcase of diverse puppetry talents hailing from countries including France, Turkey, Sri Lanka, the USA, Taiwan, Brazil, Korea, Russia, and beyond.

Guided by the expertise of Shaaz Ahmed, Associate Professor of Communication Design, alongside Josh P. S. and Pankaj Narain, Associate Professors of Foundation in Design, and supported by 11 additional faculty mentors from IIAD, the students have curated 11 distinct installations to commemorate the festival’s 20th anniversary. A cohort of 45 second-year students representing diverse departments has infused their individual creativity and craftsmanship into this collective celebration.

Taking place at the esteemed India Habitat Centre (IHC) in Delhi from 16th February 2024 to 25th February 2024, the festival aims to foster awareness, exposure, and education surrounding the multifaceted traditions and techniques of puppetry both in India and around the globe. Among the showcased installations, a totem pole invites audiences to explore the perception of performance art through multiple senses, while a whimsical mouth with a long red tongue adds a playful touch. Additionally, a caricaturist-stylized cartoon 3D model in a distorted form cleverly forms the number 20, while another installation features iconic figures such as Marilyn Monroe, Gandhi, and Charlie Chaplin.

The festival not only serves as a platform to spotlight the talent and artistry of IIAD students but also underscores their significant contribution to a global celebration of creativity, unity, and the enduring art of puppetry.

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