It’s an incredible time for India to be the content hub of the world, says Shraddha Kapoor

Source: Government of India

It’s an incredible time for India to be the content hub of the world, says Shraddha Kapoor

India is experiencing an unprecedented surge in content creation: Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram

WAVES 2025 discusses Trends and Virality in Fireside Chat

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:43PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 2 May 2025

“Today, anyone with a smartphone can be a content creator and producer”, said noted actress Shraddha Kapoor, highlighting the democratization of content through platforms like Instagram. Known for her authentic presence on social media, Shraddha emphasized India’s deep-rooted legacy of storytelling. “We’ve grown up on stories — it’s part of who we are,” she remarked.

She described the current moment as a golden era for Indian content creators: “It’s an incredible time for India to be the content hub of the world,” she flagged, pointing to the convergence of digital technology, affordable data, and a vibrant youth population. Narrating her story of success on social media, Shraddha further stressed the power of authenticity in content. “When content comes from the heart, it naturally connects with people. I always try to post authentic content rather than being strategic,” she asserted.

Shraddha also touched upon the ever-growing influence of India’s meme culture, and how platforms like Instagram, with its trending audios and hashtags, play a pivotal role in engaging the Gen Z audience. “It’s remarkable to see how quickly trends form and evolve, with each generation finding its unique voice,” she said.

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, Meta offered a global perspective, sharing his insights on the rapid transformation of digital content creation in India. He pointed to the revolution in digital infrastructure, noting how the decreasing cost of data and the widespread availability of high-speed internet have opened new doors for content creators. “India is experiencing an unprecedented surge in content creation,” Mosseri said, acknowledging the pivotal role technology has played in transforming how Indians engage with the digital world.

He also delved into the rise of visual content, particularly Reels, which have become a dominant mode of expression on Instagram. “Visual content is inherently more engaging and impactful. Reels have empowered individuals to tell stories in shorter and impactful manner, offering a creative platform to connect with a global audience,” Mosseri explained.

The In Conversation session on “Enabling Creative Expression: How Gen Z Consumes Content” was not just a conversation; it was a celebration of India’s boundless creative potential and the transformative role technology plays in empowering the next generation of digital storytellers. As digital platforms continue to democratize content creation, the session illustrated how the confluence of culture, technology, and creativity is shaping the future of content consumption for Gen Z.

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PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ Swadhin/ Lekshmipriya/ CShekhar | 149

(Release ID: 2126220) Visitor Counter : 66

Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks, and officials, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Source: Government of India

Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks, and officials, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

Union Minister conveyed a meaningful message on behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the people of India

A Sacred Bodhi tree sapling from India was planted by the Union Minister at the Vietnam Buddhist University

Relics were enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery following ceremonial prayers

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:57PM by PIB Delhi

In a significant cultural and spiritual milestone, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Ho Chi Minh City today aboard a special aircraft from India, marking the beginning of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations in Vietnam from May 6–8, 2025.

The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju and Andhra Pradesh Minister Shri Kandula Durgesh, was joined by monks and senior officials in accompanying the Sacred Relics from Sarnath, India. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, reflecting the profound and shared spiritual values that unite both nations.

Following ceremonial prayers, the Holy Relics were reverently enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery. In a symbolic gesture of peace and friendship, a Sacred Bodhi Tree sapling from India was also planted at the Vietnam Buddhist University. A joint press conference was held by the Indian delegation and leaders of the Vietnamese Sangha, where Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju conveyed a heartfelt message from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the people of India. The Government of Vietnam expressed its sincere gratitude for this sacred gesture, which stands as a symbol of the enduring civilizational and spiritual ties between the two countries.

The Holy Relics are being exhibited with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the National Museum of India, and the International Buddha Confederation. They will be displayed to the public in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, 2025, before continuing to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam until May 21, 2025.

A grand public procession brought the Sacred Relics to Thanh Tam Pagoda, where they will remain on public exposition. Cultural programs, including a specially curated exhibition and a dance-drama on the life of Lord Buddha, will accompany the celebrations, underscoring the deep-rooted India-Vietnam Buddhist heritage.

The Sacred Relics will be in Vietnam from May 2 to May 21, 2025, as part of the Vesak Day commemorations, strengthening people-to-people connections and honoring Lord Buddha’s message of peace, compassion, and harmony.

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Sunil Kumar Tiwari

pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

(Release ID: 2126226) Visitor Counter : 73

IOS SAGAR IN PORT VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES

Source: Government of India

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles on 01 May 25, marking another important milestone in her ongoing operational deployment across the South-West Indian Ocean Region. The ship’s arrival follows the successful completion of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance mission of Mauritius, undertaken in coordination with National Coast Guard Mauritius.

The ship was accorded a warm welcome and received by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles, and the Defence Adviser. The port call will feature a host of professional and cultural exchanges, including cross-deck visits involving multinational crew, and interactions with the CDF and senior officers of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) and a joint Yoga session.

These engagements aim to reinforce longstanding defence ties and mutual trust between India and Seychelles while deepening the spirit of cooperation among regional maritime partners.

INS Sunayna, designated as IOS Sagar, has embarked a multinational crew comprising 44 naval personnel from 09 friendly foreign nations of the South-West Indian Ocean Region. The deployment exemplifies India’s commitment to fostering regional maritime cooperation and capacity-building in the spirit of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

Earlier, the ship made port calls at Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Nacala (Mozambique), and Port Louis (Mauritius), engaging with local navies and maritime security stakeholders to train together, exchange best practices, and enhance interoperability and mutual understanding.

The ship is scheduled to depart Port Victoria on 02 May 25 for her final port of call, Male, Maldives, where she will continue her collaborative maritime security and regional outreach mission.

INS Sunayna, a state-of-the-art Saryu class NOPV is equipped with medium and close-range gunnery weapons and modern electronic warfare suites, including missile defence measures. She can also carry a helicopter, which enhances her operational and surveillance capability.

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(Release ID: 2126198) Visitor Counter : 49

India Showcases Skilling and AI Innovation at TiEcon 2025: AiVerse

Source: Government of India

India Showcases Skilling and AI Innovation at TiEcon 2025: AiVerse

India nurturing over a million entrepreneurs through Startup India, Skill India and Atal Innovation Mission: Shri Jayant Chaudhary

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:58PM by PIB Delhi

TiEcon 2025, the world’s leading technology and entrepreneurship conference, kicked off its three-day run at the Santa Clara Convention Center, California, with a powerful focus on Artificial Intelligence under the theme “AiVerse.”This annual three-day conference, themed “AiVerse”, will focus on the vast potential and disruptive power of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of enterprises and society and has brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and academia. The three-day mega event is being held from 30th April to 2nd May, 2025.

Addressing the conference through a recorded message, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary said that the Indian Government is nurturing over a million entrepreneurs through its ambitious programmes like Startup India, Skill India, and Atal Innovation Mission.

The Minister further  said, “India today stands at a powerful inflection point where innovation, enterprise, and skills are converging to shape a new global narrative. Across every corner of our nation, entrepreneurs are solving real problems, building sustainable ventures, and creating scalable impact.”

A high-level Indian delegation comprising leaders in deep-tech, climate innovation, healthcare, AI, and digital transformation showcased the country’s expanding role as a global innovation partner. The delegation reflected India’s entrepreneurial spirit rooted in resilience, inclusion, and purpose-driven development.

India’s participation at TiEcon 2025 marks a significant step in strengthening its positioning as a global talent hub and innovation partner in the AI era. With strategic initiatives underway, India continues to bridge global skill gaps and contribute meaningfully to the evolving AIVerse.

Addressing at the TieCon 2025 Convention at Silicon Valley, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International, said, “AI is transforming the world in ways we never imagined which necessitates proactive measures to navigate the challenges and harness the opportunities it brings. Skilling our youth and professionals is one of the most critical steps we must focus on today to prepare for the future. NSDC has been making significant efforts to skill and upskill the workforce through various targeted initiatives. We are empowering young people with the capabilities to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders in emerging fields. Our focus is on leveraging the power of human capital and technology to build a better tomorrow.”

He also highlighted how India’s skilling ecosystem is evolving and democratising access to future skill training. Cutting-edge platforms like Skill India Digital Hub allows learners from across the country to learn from anywhere, anytime. He underscored NSDC International’s critical role in transforming India into a global supplier of skilled manpower.

The corporation has also set up a dedicated exhibition stall at the conference, which drew enthusiastic engagement from global participants.

The stall showcased India’s innovative skilling models and AI-integrated learning platforms. Delegates from across sectors explored potential collaborations in talent development, workforce mobility, and AI-centric skilling programmes.

On the second day in TieCon 2025, Satya Nadella CEO of Microsoft and Mr. Tiwari had a brief interaction about India’s skill ecosystem and about of NSDC’s initiatives and how the organisation is equipping Indian youth with job-ready and future-ready skills. The interaction took place at the NSDC stall set up at the exhibition zone.

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Beena Yadav/Shahbaz Hasibi

(Release ID: 2126229) Visitor Counter : 59

Pan-Indian Cinema is Not a Myth; Film Industry Veterans Emphasize Unity in Indian Cinema

Source: Government of India

Pan-Indian Cinema is Not a Myth; Film Industry Veterans Emphasize Unity in Indian Cinema

Anupam Kher Highlights Shifting Cinema Consumption Trends Post-COVID

When you honour our shared heritage, our songs, our stories, our soil, your film becomes Indian cinema: Khushboo Sundar

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:57PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 2 May 2025

 

The World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, WAVES 2025, being held at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai, hosted an inspiring panel discussion titled “Pan-Indian Cinema: Myth or Momentum.” Moderated by Sh. Naman Ramachandran, the session brought together four distinguished personalities from the Indian film industry, Sh. Nagarjuna, Sh. Anupam Kher, Sh. Karthi, and Ms. Khushboo Sundar, for an engaging conversation.

Ms. Khushboo Sundar reminded the audience that cinema’s power lies in its emotional resonance. She emphasized that there should be no perceived divide between Bollywood and regional film industries, as Indian films are created with the intent of resonating with all Indians. “When you honour our shared heritage, our songs, our stories, our soil, your film stops being regional or national, it becomes Indian cinema and that is what makes everything fall into place,” she observed.

Sh. Nagarjuna echoed this sentiment by celebrating the rich cultural tapestry that weaves together India’s filmmaking traditions. He spoke of the myriad languages, customs and landscapes that inspire storytellers, and he reminded attendees that pride in one’s roots does not constrain creativity, it liberates it and that is the true essence of Indian cinema.

Sh. Anupam Kher spoke about how COVID-19 pandemic changed the behavior of cinema consumption. He recounted how audiences started consuming films from different sources and it is not about cinema from different regions, but cinema from India alone. He also stressed about one must be true and honest in their craftsmanship, “Whether you are broadcasting a mythic saga on the big screen or streaming a slice-of-life drama, honesty in storytelling is your greatest ally. Audiences may crave spectacle, but they will always applaud sincerity and that is what works in films.”

Further adding to this, Sh. Karthi reflected on the enduring appetite for larger-than-life experiences. He expressed that while audiences today have access to diverse content, they still flock to theatres for the magic of song-and-dance extravaganzas and heroic epics.

Throughout the discussion, the panelists spoke about the importance of evolving beyond the notion of “regional” films and embracing the idea of Indian films. They emphasized on the importance of emotions, sincerity and that Indian cinema’s true strength lies not in divisions, but in unity, rooted in our soil, and it is that momentum that will carry Indian cinema forward.

 

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(Release ID: 2126230) Visitor Counter : 47

Create in India Challenge Season 1: Shaping India’s Creative Future

Source: Government of India

Create in India Challenge Season 1: Shaping India’s Creative Future

WAVES 2025 honours winners of 32 creative challenges under Create in India Challenge; over 750 finalists from 60+ countries converge to celebrate innovation and talent

“The journey has just begun, and we are committed to empowering India’s creative minds with initiatives like the Indian Institute of Creative Technology:” Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw

“This platform is a beautiful example of how young minds are fusing creativity with technology:” MoS Dr. L. Murugan

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:08PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 2 May 2025

 

The much-anticipated Create in India Challenge (CIC) Season 1, an initiative that has captured the imagination of creators across the globe, culminated in a spectacular ceremony at WAVES 2025, marking a significant milestone for India’s creative landscape. This monumental event honoured the winners of 32 distinct challenges, spanning every domain of the media and entertainment industry, from animation, gaming, and filmmaking to AI, music, and digital art.

Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed the young creators and visionaries, calling this a historic moment. “For the first time, an award is being given purely for creativity. This journey has only just begun. With this initiative, you are stepping into a world of new opportunities. We are also launching the Indian Institute of Creative Technology like an IIT, but for training in creativity, to build a strong foundation for innovation and expression.”

Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting, Dr. L. Murugan, congratulated the participants, highlighting the dynamic energy and technological prowess of the youth. “Best wishes to all of you. This platform is a beautiful example of how young minds are fusing creativity with technology. It also reflects the strength of Nari Shakti and the future of Indian content creation,” he remarked.

Secretary, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Shri Sanjay Jaju, reflected on CIC’s evolution. “When we began in August, there were 25 challenges across the M&E spectrum.  After Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke about CIC in Mann Ki Baat in September, the participation surged. The number of challenges grew to 32. We received nearly one lakh registration. Today, 750 finalists are here and each of them is a winner,” said Shri Jaju.

The Create in India Challenge (CIC) was launched to provide a global platform for emerging talent and to showcase the vibrant creativity of young minds. The challenges spanned a wide range of categories, giving creators the opportunity to explore and push boundaries across various forms of media. From the Anime Challenge to the AI Film Making Competition, XR Creator Hackathon, each category encouraged innovative expression, bringing together creators, technologists, and storytellers from around the world.

CIC has garnered significant attention, both domestically and internationally. With entries pouring in from over 60 countries, including more than 1,100 international participants, CIC has proven to be a global success. The response underlined the ever-growing demand for opportunities to engage with creative technologies and develop new forms of media that are both innovative and influential.

The prestigious awards were presented by a stellar lineup of industry legends, including Aamir Khan, Anupam Kher, Mithun Chakraborty, Akkineni Nagarjuna, Vikrant Massey, Prasoon Joshi, and Aroon Purie, alongside other dignitaries and officials.

The 32 challenges were conducted in collaboration with leading industry bodies, allowing the CIC to reach its full potential by bringing together a wide array of creative disciplines, technology-driven projects, and future-ready content.

This initiative served as a launchpad for the next generation of creators who are redefining India’s position in the global entertainment and technology ecosystem. It stands as a testament to the importance of fostering homegrown talent and celebrating innovative content creation across various media formats.

 

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(Release ID: 2126318) Visitor Counter : 43

India and Denmark signs renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.

Source: Government of India

India and Denmark signs renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.

India and Denmark Strengthen Energy Sector Cooperation Through Renewed Partnership

The renewed MoU supports India’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 6:08PM by PIB Delhi

India and Denmark have reinforced their long-standing energy cooperation by signing a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) today.

The MoU was signed by Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power, Government of India, and H.E. Mr. Rasmus Abildgaard Kristensen, Ambassador of Denmark to India, in the presence of Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs. This agreement reflects both countries’ continued commitment to accelerating clean energy transitions.

The renewed MoU supports India’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. It aims to foster knowledge exchange and technological collaboration between the two countries, particularly in the area of clean and sustainable energy solutions.  This agreement follows five years of successful collaboration under the original MoU, signed on June 5, 2020, and initially set to expire on June 5, 2025. The proactive renewal ensures continuity in dialogue and cooperation, allowing for a seamless extension of joint efforts in energy sector development.

The renewed agreement broadens the partnership to cover advanced areas such as power system modeling, integration of variable renewable energy, cross-border electricity trading, and development of EV charging infrastructure. It also emphasizes increased knowledge exchange through expert interactions, joint training sessions, and study tours.  Shri Manohar Lal, Hon’ble Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs said that the renewed energy cooperation expresses the mutual commitment of India and Denmark to foster sustainable development.

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SK

(Release ID: 2126235) Visitor Counter : 82

Government sets up inter-departmental dedicated team to follow up on suspected closure of private healthcare facilities

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Government sets up inter-departmental dedicated team to follow up on suspected closure of private healthcare facilities 
     Customs is actively looking into this incident and is conducting investigations into offences under the Trade Descriptions Ordinance (TDO) regarding the unfair trade practices. If there is any violation of the TDO, Customs will take appropriate enforcement actions. As at 4pm today (May 2), Customs and the police received 312 related reports and the Council received 157 related complaints. The Council urges the responsible persons of the relevant private healthcare facilities to explain as soon as possible whether it has closed down and the subsequent arrangements to address consumers’ concerns. Consumers are advised to call the Council’s hotline at 2929 2222 if they are in doubt.
 
     Customs appeals to members of the public who have purchased prepaid services (including vaccinations) from the private healthcare facilities concerned to contact the department as soon as possible. Members of the public may report any suspected violation of the TDO to Customs by calling its 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or sending an email to its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk 
     Customs reminds traders to comply with the requirements of the TDO. Consumers are also reminded to procure services at reputable shops and consider prudently before making decisions to make prepaid purchases. After making prepaid purchases, consumers should keep the relevant records, such as transaction receipts and contracts, which can become basic information in case a complaint is lodged in the future.
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Under the TDO, any trader commits an offence if at the time of acceptance of payment, the trader intends not to supply the product or intends to supply a materially different product, or there is no reasonable ground for believing that the trader will be able to supply the product within a specified or reasonable period. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $500,000 and imprisonment for five years.
 
As regards the concerns of affected parents about their children’s remaining vaccinations, all 29 Maternal and Child Health Centres (MCHCs) under the DH provide vaccination service for infants and young children from birth to five years of age under the Hong Kong Childhood Immunisation Programme. For children affected by the incident and have been registered with one of the MCHCs, their parents may make an appointment by calling the registered MCHCs to consult the healthcare staff at the MCHCs on the vaccinations that their children need to receive in the future. For a small number of children who have not been registered with the MCHCs, parents may call this hotline (2125 1188), which will operate from tomorrow (May 3) from 9am to 5pm daily until further notice. Parents can also send emails to
dhhelpdesk_2501@dh.gov.hkIssued at HKT 23:12

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CHP investigates two food poisoning clusters

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

CHP investigates two food poisoning clusters 
A preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the affected persons had consumed common food, including marinated goose and smoked goose. Staff of the CHP and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and Environmental Hygiene Branch of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have conducted an investigation at the restaurant, examined the cooking process and food hygiene, and taken food and environmental samples for testing.  
The investigation of the CHP and CFS is ongoing. Issued at HKT 20:50

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Kiran Mazumdar Shaw charts India’s creative future at WAVES, says startups should think beyond films and build brands that create global waves

Source: Government of India

Kiran Mazumdar Shaw charts India’s creative future at WAVES, says startups should think beyond films and build brands that create global waves

It’s time for India to create new stories that blend tradition and technology: Shaw

Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:17PM by PIB Mumbai

Mumbai, 2 May 2025

 

Global business leader and Biocon Founder Kiran Mazumdar Shaw on Friday said that the Indian Startups involved in creative content sector should think beyond films and build brands, ecosystems, and intellectual property that create global waves. She was talking at an In Conversation session on the second day of the inaugural edition of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES) at the Jio World Centre, Mumbai.

Kicking off the discussion with Maneet Ahuja, Editor-at-Large at Forbes, on the theme “India’s Innovation Renaissance: The Next Decade of Global-First Startups,” Mazumdar Shaw spoke about the global potential of Indian narratives. Referring to the Ramayana, she said, “It’s time for India to create new stories that blend tradition and technology. Just as George Lucas drew inspiration from Indian epics for Star Wars, we can use technology to transform our cultural heritage into global franchises.”

Touching on India’s demographic and digital strengths, she said, “With over a billion smartphones and a tech-savvy Gen Z, India is poised for global innovation. But like any blockbuster, success starts small — with an idea, strategy, and relentless focus.” She drew parallels with her own journey of starting Biocon in a garage and building it into a global biotech force.

Talking about the India’s creative economy, she said that those in the filed should focus on the growth of the so-called Orange Economy which has immense potential. “The media and entertainment sector contributes 20 billion dollar to the GDP today. We must aim for a 100 billion dollar, and eventually, for a 1 Trillion dollar Orange Economy by 2047, which will resonate with the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” Shaw said.

Empowering Creators and Startups

Responding to questions on India’s creative edge, Shaw highlighted the convergence of AR, VR, and immersive experiences as key frontiers. “The next unicorns won’t just be apps — they’ll be creators who understand IP, tech, and immersive storytelling,” she noted. Citing examples like Naatu Naatu song in the movie RRR, she said that Indian creativity must go beyond diaspora appeal. “It must become globally relevant,” she added.

She urged startups to embrace originality and persistence: “Every great idea starts small. What matters is how far you take it. Failure is part of the journey.”

 

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(Release ID: 2126329) Visitor Counter : 82