Category Events

Zista Events recently hosted a groundbreaking seminar at ‘The O Hotel’ in Pune, setting new benchmarks for students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad, particularly in the cutting-edge fields of AI and Robotics. The event brought together leading academics and industry experts to shed light on the transformative impact of these technologies and the global opportunities they present.

Robotics: Redefining Human Potential

The session on robotics was spearheaded by Dr. Ilya Fridman, a distinguished professor and Head of the Department for Art and Design at Monash University. Dr. Fridman, renowned for his work on the ‘Robotic Library’—an innovative online resource cataloging robots for everyday life applications—captivated the audience with his vision of a future where robots seamlessly integrate into our lives, freeing humans from mundane and high-risk tasks.

Beyond the Minutiae: Robots for Dignified Living

Dr. Fridman elaborated on the process of conceptualizing and building robots, emphasizing the identification of tasks that can be automated to elevate human dignity. He highlighted how robots could take over labor-intensive, hazardous, or repetitive jobs such as mining, cleaning, and waste management. This allows humans to focus on higher-order thinking, creativity, and innovation, thereby reducing costs and improving efficiency across various sectors. The discussion also touched upon advanced robotic forms, including holographic robots, and the potential for artistic applications, such as motorizing or robotizing statues to enhance city aesthetics, drawing inspiration from local attractions like Tikuji-Ni-Wadi’s dinosaur robots.

AI’s Impact on Design & Communication

A subsequent session delved into the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence on the future of design and communication. Moderated by Mrs. Mitali, the panel featured prominent speakers Mr. Chandan, Mrs. Kulkarni, and Mr. Paknikar. The discussion underscored how AI is reshaping design from its aesthetic roots into a more deeply meaningful and functionally artistic representation. From advertising promotions to intricate packaging designs, AI is poised to streamline processes and perform tasks with unprecedented efficiency.

AI and the Evolving Job Market

The event saw significant audience engagement, with many questions revolving around AI’s influence on the job market. The consensus was that AI will increasingly digitize every facet of our lives, minimizing human intervention in routine tasks and liberating individuals from “minuscule jobs.” This shift is expected to free up human labor for more complex and creative endeavors, potentially leading to reduced costs for products and technologies. Historical examples, such as the old railway station weighing scales—an early form of automation—were cited to illustrate the long-standing progression of robotic integration into daily life.

The transformation is evident in industries like automotive manufacturing, where robotic arms have revolutionised assembly lines, and in stone cutting, showcasing AI’s capability in precision tasks.

Furthermore, the potential for robots to undertake high-risk roles like traffic management and firefighting was explored, painting a vivid picture of a safer and more efficient future powered by advanced technology. One logistic or warehousing example is Future Groups Warehouse, which is completely robotic located at Chakan Road, Pune, which was inaugurated by Shree Nitin Gadkari.

The event concluded with a networking tea, allowing attendees the invaluable opportunity for one-on-one interactions with representatives from various universities, further facilitating their study abroad aspirations.

On July 30, 2025, a landmark event at the Taj Lands End, orchestrated by Ernst & Young, unveiled a transformative vision for Mumbai’s Film City and its economic development. This initiative, built upon years of meticulous data compilation regarding filming activities in Mumbai, aims to streamline processes, enhance infrastructure, and boost tourism, marking a new chapter for filmmakers and the city’s burgeoning entertainment sector.

A Collaborative Beginning: The Inaugural Event

The event commenced with a traditional lighting ceremony, symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings, followed by the presentation of exclusive coffee table books and handbook on Green Filming to chief guests and VIPs. These books chronicled Mumbai’s rich cinematic history and the ambitious future plans. Engaging audio-visual presentations underscored the critical role of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in this developmental journey, tracing the history of Film City’s growth and highlighting its immense potential to invigorate tourism. A central tenet of the proposed reforms is the creation of a seamless process for film producers, significantly simplifying the complex web of permissions and navigating local legal intricacies that often impede production timelines.

Strategic Engagements and Industry Insights

BMC has actively fostered an environment of open dialogue, engaging extensively with key stakeholders from the Mumbai Film City and Economic Development sectors. A distinguished panel, comprising prominent industry veterans and a dedicated think tank, has meticulously devised a comprehensive plan. This plan focuses on several critical areas: enhancing the existing infrastructure of Film City, redeveloping outdated facilities, and establishing robust, transparent policies designed to streamline filmmaking processes. Particular emphasis has been placed on simplifying BMC permissions required for utilizing public spaces and government infrastructure, which are vital for location-based shoots.

Seamless Permissions

Simplifying bureaucratic hurdles for filmmakers to secure necessary approvals for shoots.

Infrastructure Boost

Investing in state-of-the-art facilities and upgrading existing structures within Film City.

Tourism Enhancement

Leveraging Film City’s global appeal to attract more tourists and generate revenue.

Policy Reform

Developing clear, consistent guidelines for all aspects of film production and related activities.

Key Concerns and Future Directives

During the discussions, stakeholders representing a diverse spectrum of the media industry—including filmmakers, documentary producers, OTT platforms, large production houses, and advertising film producers—raised pertinent points for collective consideration. The dialogue extensively covered the pivotal roles of police and location managers, as well as local coordinators, who are instrumental in managing shoot requirements, vendor coordination, and crowd control through their local connections and expertise in securing permissions.

A significant point of discussion revolved around the urgent need for clear guidelines concerning temporary structures, such as studio setups or prefabricated auditoriums used for film displays. A notable and innovative suggestion proposed the establishment of a dedicated liaison between the government and film producers at actual shoot locations. This initiative could potentially create daily wage job opportunities for trained liaison officers in specific shooting areas, further bolstering local employment. Furthermore, architectural firms voiced critical concerns regarding structural modifications to buildings for film shoots, emphasizing that such alterations are often not temporary and entail significant, lasting changes, necessitating a more rigorous regulatory framework. This collaborative approach aims to position Mumbai as an even more attractive and efficient hub for global filmmaking.