MAM
WIZCRAFT SOARS HIGH AT DEFEXPO 2020!
MUMBAI: Wizcraft makes a mark at DefExpo 2020 – Asia’s largest Defence Exhibition organized by the Dept. of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India – held in Lucknow from 5th to 9th February. The theme was ‘Digital transformation of Defence’ – with a focus on the latest technologies and systems powering Indian Defence.
Rohit Samuel, Vice President, Wizcraft, says – “Conceptualizing & managing the major proceedings involved nearly 4 months of rigorous research, creative planning and management. Over 40 Wizzes and 200 volunteers were involved in executing this on ground. Dedicated teams were aligned & they worked closely with the teams within DDP – to deliver impactful concept, content, design and experience.”
Wizcraft seamlessly managed the Inaugural Ceremony, the India Pavilion, the 5th India-Russia Military Industrial Conference, the 1st ever India Africa Defence Ministers Conclave, Bandhan (an official meet for Signing of MoUs, Product Launches & Major Announcements), and the Valedictory function. Wizcraft also handled Media & Advertising pan India, overall venue branding, and some key publications for the Ministry of Defence.
The event kicked off on a grand note, with an Inaugural Ceremony graced by the Hon’ble Prime Minister, Hon’ble Defence Minister, Hon’ble Chief Minister of UP & the Chief of Defence Staff, among other notable dignitaries. The Prime Minister digitally launched the curtain raiser – an interactive film delivered through a powerful performance. Sam Panchmukhi, National Creative Mentor, said “The thematic opening was an invocation to indigenous innovation and reflected the spirit of DefExpo 2020. We designed it as a glorious tribute to the spirit of innovation in India and how it has evolved over thousands of years till today. It also highlighted the new command structure of Defence today with a joint salute by three young officers from the Indian Army, Navy and Air Force. Augmented Reality was integrated, and a nose salute by two virtual Tejas aircrafts was the highlight of the Opening Act.”
The dignitaries then visited the India Pavilion – called ‘India Defence Technosphere’. The journey began at the dome or ‘Cyberverse’, which resembled a futuristic Command & Control centre. Here, the Prime Minister launched a ‘digital wave’ spanning 14 panoramic LED screens. This led to an immersive film showcasing indigenous systems, net-centric warfare, and how the Indian Armed Forces are gearing up for jointness & future battles. The exhibition area was divided into 7 thematic zones, and featured 160+ cutting-edge products by major Industry players & Startups. Transformation journeys of landmark systems & Make in India success stories were also captured through innovative & interactive media.
Misha Rao, Copy Head, Brand Activation, reflects on the India Pavilion – “The task was to convert 3000 sqm of space into a memorable showcase and a meeting ground for the Industry, Ministry, Business Delegates and Public. Conceptualizing & designing this ‘Technosphere’ was both fun and challenging. From the intensively curated product showcase, to the net-centric warfare simulation – everything demanded deep-diving into the subject matter. We wanted both business and common visitors to witness India’s Defence prowess, and understand how the Defence industry is evolving through technology. To achieve this, we created installations which conveyed the stories in an interactive & comprehensible manner.”
Sanjay Jaju, Joint Secretary (Defence Industrial Production), remarked, “It was a meticulous process and a labour of love of 6 months that led to the creation of India Pavilion. The creative think tank at Wizcraft did due justice to the theme, and enabled us in creating the right impact with the ‘India Defence Technosphere’. It was a central attraction at DefExpo 2020. The facade, command centre, tech installations all created an experience of being inside a tech hub. The quality of work was great, resulting in an immersive, informative & entertaining experience for all. The outcome was a world class showcase of our indigenous products driving Digital transformation of Defence.”
Chandraker Bharti, Joint Secretary (Aerospace) shared, “DefExpo 2020 was one of the most challenging projects for the Ministry of Defence. Our primary focus was to create a world class Defence exhibition in this part of the world. Wizcraft conceptualized and curated an engaging and immersive experience for all our visitors. Everything from the Inaugural Ceremony & Seminars, to the Valedictory function were managed smoothly. We received extremely positive feedback from all stakeholders and are delighted that we could showcase India as a major global player in Defence production.”
DefExpo 2020 was attended by senior Govt. Officials, Indian & International Military Officers, 2500+ delegates from 70 countries, and over 3 lakh visitors. Indeed a grand salute to Indian Defence!
Brands
Mana Projects names Ranbir Kapoor brand ambassador amid rebranding
Bengaluru developer unveils new identity focused on design and nature.
MUMBAI: When real estate meets reel star power, the foundation for a new brand story is often laid brick by brick. Mana Projects, the Bengaluru based real estate developer, has appointed actor Ranbir Kapoor as its brand ambassador while unveiling a refreshed brand identity aimed at aligning the company with the evolving expectations of modern urban homebuyers.
The announcement marks a new phase for the developer, which has spent over two decades building residential communities in Bengaluru, particularly along emerging growth corridors such as Sarjapur Road.
The updated brand identity reflects the company’s emphasis on design led living and environmentally conscious development. According to the developer, the new positioning focuses on creating residential spaces where architecture, nature, engineering and lifestyle planning work together to shape meaningful living experiences.
Mana Projects chairman and managing director D. Kishore Reddy said the rebranding represents a natural progression as the company adapts to the expectations of a new generation of homeowners.
“This rebranding represents the natural evolution of Mana Projects as we align ourselves with the aspirations of a new generation of homeowners, particularly millennials who form the backbone of Bengaluru’s dynamic homebuyer community,” Reddy said.
He added that today’s buyers increasingly look beyond basic housing to spaces that combine design, sustainability and a strong sense of community.
“At Mana, our philosophy centres on creating homes where space is purposeful, design is intelligent, nature is respected and engineering ensures long term sustainability. Our association with Ranbir Kapoor reflects this new chapter as we continue to build communities that enable people to truly live brilliantly,” he said.
Kapoor, who has been associated with several lifestyle and consumer brands, said the partnership resonated with his own understanding of what makes a home meaningful.
“A home is one of the most meaningful investments people make in their lives, and it should reflect comfort, warmth and a sense of belonging,” Kapoor said.
“What impressed me about Mana Projects is the brilliance of their thought, the way design, nature and functionality come together to enhance everyday living. I’m delighted to be associated with Mana Projects as they continue to create homes that inspire modern urban families to truly live brilliantly.”
The collaboration will be introduced through a large scale integrated campaign spanning digital platforms, outdoor media and experiential activations, making it one of the developer’s most prominent branding initiatives in recent years.
Founded in Bengaluru, Mana Projects has built a portfolio of residential developments that emphasise thoughtful architecture, amenity rich neighbourhoods and environmentally sensitive planning. The company’s projects often integrate open spaces, green landscapes and energy efficient engineering to support sustainable urban living.
With Bengaluru continuing to attract young professionals and technology workers, the developer believes the city’s housing market is increasingly being shaped by buyers seeking well planned communities that balance functionality with quality of life.
Looking ahead, Mana Projects plans to expand its presence across the city by developing future ready residential projects designed to accommodate emerging lifestyle trends such as hybrid work culture, community driven living and multigenerational households.
By combining a refreshed brand identity with a high profile ambassador, the company hopes to strengthen its position in Bengaluru’s competitive real estate market while appealing to a new generation of homeowners seeking homes that blend design, nature and modern living.
