Latest news with #PreventionofSexualHarassment
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- New Indian Express
Dharma Productions responds to abuse allegations against 'Homebound' cinematographer
The production house emphasised that during this period, no complaints were filed with the internal committee established under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) guidelines. The production house emphasised that during this period, no complaints were filed with the internal committee established under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) guidelines. Photo |ANI MUMBAI: Dharma Productions, the production house behind the critically acclaimed film 'Homebound', has released an official statement in response to the recent abuse allegations levelled against the film's cinematographer, Pratik Shah. The allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women surfaced on social media platforms, prompting Shah to delete his Instagram account amid the backlash. In the aftermath of these claims, Dharma Productions has responded, clarifying that no formal complaints were made against Shah during the production of the film. A statement from the production company was released that claimed, "At Dharma Productions, we have a zero-tolerance policy against inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment toward any individual working with us in any capacity, and we treat sexual harassment cases very seriously."
India.com
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- India.com
Homebound Cinematographer Pratik Shah Faces Abuse Allegations; Dharma Productions Issues Statement
Mumbai: Dharma Productions, the production house behind the critically acclaimed film 'Homebound', has released an official statement in response to the recent abuse allegations levelled against the film's cinematographer, Pratik Shah. The allegations of inappropriate behaviour towards women surfaced on social media platforms, prompting Shah to delete his Instagram account amid the backlash. In the aftermath of these claims, Dharma Productions has responded, clarifying that no formal complaints were made against Shah during the production of the fil m. A statement from the production company was released that claimed, "At Dharma Productions, we have a zero-tolerance policy against inappropriate behaviour and sexual harassment toward any individual working with us in any capacity, and we treat sexual harassment cases very seriously." The statement further detailed that Shah, who worked as a freelance cinematographer on 'Homebound', was engaged for a limited duration. The production house emphasised that during this period, no complaints were filed with the internal committee established under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) guidelines. "Mr. Pratik Shah was a freelancer on the project Homebound and was working on it for a limited period. His engagement with us has been completed. During this limited period, our internal committee for POSH didn't receive any complaints against him from any cast or crew on our film Homebound," the statement added. 'Homebound' which made history as the only Indian film to be featured at this year's Cannes Film Festival in the Un Certain Regard section, has garnered significant international attention. The film, produced by Karan Johar, Adar Poonawalla, Apoorva Mehta, and Somen Mishra, received a stellar reception at Cannes, with a standing ovation. The film stars an ensemble cast, including Ishaan Khatter, Janhvi Kapoor, and Vishal Jethwa.
Hindustan Times
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Sensitising youth on gender through films
The Netflix series Adolescence sparked a debate on toxic masculinity, demonstrating the power of online platforms, TV and film in shaping society. A film festival is similarly triggering debate across India — six editions of the Travelling International Film Festival, called SamaBhav, which is organised by Men Against Abuse and Violence (MAVA), have been held in 52 cities and 22 rural districts, reaching 18,000+ youth through educational institutions and civil society organisations. The festival comprises selected national and international films that cover a wide gamut of gender and human rights issues, including various forms of gender-based discrimination/violence, patriarchy, misogyny, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, and redefining masculinity. The post-screening discussions enable young audiences to debate and reflect on their biases, societal prejudices and regressive attitudes around gender, advocating for a pluralistic, inclusive society. The festival has also gone to Bangladesh, Nepal, Indonesia and Bhutan. ''Seven years ago, as an experiment I planned and organised a two-day film festival at SNDT Women's University in Mumbai. Hundreds of students affiliated to SNDT actively participated and the venue was full. That motivated me to organise this as an annual travelling film festival and activists such as Kamla Bhasin encouraged us to take the festival to our neigbouring countries,' says Harish Sadani, cofounder of MAVA and the founder-director of SamaBhav. The carefully curated films have been stirring vital conversations among youth. Many viewers in 2-tier and 3-tier cities have been expressing how the film festival has been an eye-opening, immersive experience for them that provided fresh insights and perspectives on contemporary gender matters, which normally are not deliberated upon in institutional settings. A significant number of educational institutes have been inviting the MAVA team for stand-alone film festivals that are hosted in their respective districts with the pro-active involvement of student leaders. A few corporates have also arranged screenings of SamaBhav for their employees as part of their Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) initiatives. UNICEF supported MAVA's effort in engaging 260 plus school teachers of Osmanabad district in Maharashtra over SamaBhav film screenings and dialogue. Akshat Sharma, a first-year law student at KES JP Law College, Mumbai says, 'The Travelling Film Festival left me speechless. It challenged stereotypes and social norms, pushing us to confront the harsh realities of our society. The films were more than just stories — they were reflections of our collective conscience. Women of My Billion was one such film that hit me hard, featuring real women sharing their raw, unfiltered stories, their voices trembling with emotion. It was like I was witnessing their struggles firsthand. I wasn't the only one; the entire room was silent, everyone's eyes welling up with tears. Each film tackled a different social issue, speaking to someone in the audience on a deeply personal level. It was like the stories on screen were echoing our own experiences, making us confront our realities and bringing a sense of empathy and understanding.'' These films are a way youth can connect over common patterns of gender-related issues that we find in India and the neighbouring regions. What they need is a safe and non-threatening platform to discuss their fears and concerns and listen to different and fresh perspectives. Through the travelling film festival post-screening, a sizeable number of youth across India were able to express and exchange their innermost thoughts, perspectives and differences. What has been heartening is that young men seem more amenable to listening to their women counterparts whether in colleges or workplaces. It has also provided a space for non-binary youth to find a safe open space to discuss their vulnerabilities and concerns. Dr Arjun PC from Palakkad Medical College who took the initiative to organise the festival on his campus says, 'More than just a film screening event, SamaBhav created space for meaningful conversations on gender-based violence, discrimination, equality, equity, and queer rights through powerful films. A notable film was Kaathal, starring Mammootty which left a strong emotional impact on the audience. It addressed issues such as internalised homophobia, masculinity, and the family dynamics of a closeted and later openly queer person. These films have certainly left a lasting impression on the hearts of budding medicos. Medical colleges, like many other institutions, still carry traces of homophobic and transphobic attitudes. Within that cultural fabric, these films provided a powerful counter-narrative, sparking vital conversations among students and faculty alike.'' This sort of effort needs to be scaled up and SamaBhav plans to deepen its impact through its forthcoming 7th edition by travelling to 18 new cities and rural districts. At a time when social media is throwing up new challenges as we saw in Adolescence, a festival which promotes a critical dialogue among the wider youth population is invaluable and enables them to look at contemporary gender issues through an intersectional lens. The views expressed are personal Get 360° coverage—from daily headlines to 100 year archives.
Business Standard
14-05-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
ICIM Leads the Way in Industrial Workforce Transformation with Certified Compliance, Safety, and ESG Training Programs
VMPL Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], May 14: The Institute for Compliance & Industrial Management (ICIM), a Government of Uttar Pradesh-certified institution, is rapidly establishing itself as a national cornerstone in the transformation of India's industrial and corporate workforce. With a mission rooted in real-world education, legal alignment, and sustainable practices, ICIM is setting new benchmarks in industrial capacity building. Functioning at the vital intersection of education, industry compliance, workplace safety, and social development, ICIM offers structured, government-recognized certification programs that are tailored to meet the evolving needs of India's growing industrial sectors. The institution's approach integrates both Indian statutory frameworks and international best practices to produce professionals who are not only technically sound but also ethically grounded and sustainability-conscious. Empowering India's Workforce Across Multiple Levels ICIM's diverse training verticals are designed to serve stakeholders across the industrial spectrum. These include: * Industrial Workers - With a strong emphasis on occupational safety, statutory compliance, and health awareness, these programs ensure safer workplaces and lower risks across factories and industrial units. * Corporate Professionals - Modules focused on ESG integration, strategic management, HR compliance, and labour law updates empower professionals to make legally and ethically sound decisions in dynamic business environments. * Students and Graduates - To bridge the industry-academia gap, ICIM provides skill development and certification programs that equip young individuals with practical knowledge and make them industry-ready from day one. * Factory Management and HR Teams - Focused training on PoSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment), industrial relations, and recent labour code reforms help in building progressive and compliant workplaces. * NGOs and CSR Stakeholders - These programs enable social sector participants to align their projects with industrial accountability and measurable impact frameworks. The goal is clear: to foster a professional environment where industrial growth is underpinned by legal integrity, operational excellence, and inclusive development. Leadership Committed to Purpose-Driven Growth To lead this ambitious agenda, Mr. Satendra Singh has been appointed as the Chairman of ICIM. With years of experience across industrial ecosystems and compliance frameworks, Mr. Singh brings a visionary approach to institutional leadership. Sharing his roadmap in his first public address, he said: "At ICIM, our mission is to drive excellence in industrial management by fostering fully integrated systems and streamlined processes that deliver operational efficiency and uphold top-tier quality standards. Our vision is to build a compliance-oriented, strategically innovative, and ethically grounded industrial culture across sectors." He further emphasized the institution's broader mission: "Our core commitment is to empower industries and corporates to consistently meet and exceed the highest benchmarks of industrial and corporate governance. By bridging training, law, and sustainability, we aim to drive India's industrial workforce towards global competitiveness and long-term resilience." Legacy, Credibility, and Nationwide Expansion Backed by a robust team of veteran trainers with over 20 years of real-world experience, ICIM enjoys high credibility in both public and private sector circles. From small manufacturing setups to large corporate entities, the institution is trusted for delivering impactful training programs that create real change. As ICIM scales its presence across India, its vision encompasses: * The institutionalization of strong legal compliance frameworks * Mainstreaming of green and sustainable industrial practices * Fostering ethical leadership and inclusive growth in business environments * Enabling seamless collaboration between industry, government bodies, and civil society organizations ICIM's role is becoming increasingly crucial at a time when India is aiming to become a global manufacturing and industrial hub. The institution's commitment to practical, law-integrated training is expected to play a significant part in making Indian industries future-ready and resilient. Partnering for Progress ICIM is actively collaborating with regulatory authorities, corporate houses, academic institutions, and development organizations to broaden its reach and maximize impact. From compliance seminars and industrial workshops to virtual certifications and advisory services, the institution offers a comprehensive suite of learning and development solutions.
Time of India
05-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Punishment for missing targets: Employee shares video of being made to hold ears and run stairs
What can be the punishment for committing an error at the workplace? Some would get reprimanded by the manager. Those who are more unfortunate may get sacked if the error is unsalvageable. However, one employee was subjected to unthinkable levels of humiliation when he was made to run up and down the stairs, holding his ears like a truant schoolboy. #Pahalgam Terrorist Attack Inside Operation Tupac: Pakistan's secret project to burn Kashmir Who is Asim Munir, the Zia-style general shaping Pakistan's faith-driven military revival 'Looking for partners, not preachers': India's strong message for EU amid LoC tensions Piyush Kumar, a former employee of Hike Education , publicly shared his disturbing experience on LinkedIn. He revealed that he had resigned with immediate effect, citing repeated mental harassment , public defamation, and professional humiliation at the hands of his senior manager, Ruchi Parashar. In his detailed post, he described how the workplace environment had become toxic and psychologically abusive during his tenure of roughly one year, despite his genuine efforts to support students and promote higher education. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Villas For Sale in Dubai Might Surprise You Villas In Dubai | Search Ads Get Rates Undo According to Piyush, he was constantly pressured to meet specific admission targets. The pressure escalated to an absurd and degrading level when he was forced to sign a written note that stated he would take 50 rounds of the stairs if he failed to meet his target. When he couldn't meet the goal one day, he was made to run up and down the stairs while holding his ears in the manner of a misbehaving schoolchild—an act carried out in full view of his colleagues. The humiliation did not stop there. Another employee was instructed to record the incident on video, which was then posted in the company's official WhatsApp group with a warning to others that similar treatment awaited anyone who failed to perform. Following this, Piyush approached the human resources department and requested a formal investigation into the abusive conduct. Rather than take action, the company abruptly deactivated his official email, effectively cutting off communication and refusing to acknowledge his complaint. Persistent in his pursuit of justice, he eventually secured a virtual meeting with the CEO, Rahul Sharma. However, to his shock, the CEO trivialized the issue, stating it was 'not serious' despite having evidence of psychological abuse and public embarrassment. Notably, the CEO is also the spouse of the accused manager, Ruchi Parashar, raising serious concerns about conflict of interest and accountability. The retaliation escalated further. Piyush was summoned to a private meeting where his phone was confiscated by the Vv Kshitij Jindal. During this meeting, he was threatened with a fabricated POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) complaint if he did not withdraw his allegations. Still refusing to stay silent, he was forcibly taken to a police station, where a false informal complaint was lodged against him for stalking. There, he was physically assaulted by police, coerced into apologizing to Ruchi, and forced to sign a fabricated confession claiming the stair-punishment incident was merely a 'fun activity.' He was also warned to remain silent or risk imprisonment. Upon retrieving his phone, Piyush discovered that crucial evidence—video footage, call logs, and personal WhatsApp data—had been deleted. The experience, he claimed, was an egregious violation of his rights and a chilling example of workplace abuse gone unchecked. Along with the post, Piyush also shared a video of him going up and down the stairs, holding his ears. Netizens React His post went viral on the job-sharing portal, gaining over 6,000 likes. Many netizens chastised Hike Education for its inhumane working culture. 'These ed-techs are becoming the worst workplace for all. Most toxic work cultures are present here… wrote one. Another commented, 'Shame on these people.' Company Denies Allegations Made by Former Employee Hike Education has issued a formal response to the allegations, categorically denying all claims and condemning them as defamatory and malicious. In the statement, the company asserted that Kumar's accusations are entirely false and appear to be a deliberate attempt to harm the personal and professional standing of Ms. Ruchi Parashar, a manager at the firm, as well as the reputation of the organization itself. Addressing a video that has been circulated online, the company clarified that it depicts a light-hearted, voluntary team activity in which Kumar can be clearly seen participating enthusiastically and without hesitation. The statement emphasized that there was no sign of discomfort or coercion during the event. According to the company, Mr. Kumar only began misrepresenting the incident after the company rejected his unethical demand for a payment of ₹3.6 lakhs. Furthermore, Hike Education revealed that it had received multiple complaints in April 2025 from female staff members regarding Kumar's inappropriate conduct. In response, the company followed due process in accordance with its internal POSH (Prevention of Sexual Harassment) policy and also involved local law enforcement in an effort to resolve the matter responsibly and lawfully. The company added that Kumar had previously acknowledged his misconduct and gave a written assurance committing to refrain from further inappropriate actions, including any form of blackmail or dissemination of false claims against the organization or its employees.
