Archives August 2023

Mumbai,17th August 2023 VIP Industries Limited, Asia’s largest and the world’s second-largest luggage maker elevates its Chief Financial Officer, Neetu Kashiramka as the Managing Director Designate, effective August 15, 2023.

While Ms. Neetu will continue to perform the role of CFO with the company, she will additionally take the responsibility of a Managing Director Designate till 13th November 2023. Further, Ms. Neetu shall take over as the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Company with effect from 14th November 2023, subject to Shareholder’s approval.

Ms. Neetu Kashiramka joined VIP Industries on 7th April 2020 as Chief Financial Officer of the Company and has been appointed as Executive Director and Chief Financial Officer of the Company w.e.f 8th May, 2023. Ms. Neetu Kashiramka is a qualified Chartered Accountant having over 26 years of post-qualification experience. She brings more than two decades of experience in the Corporate Finance function across several organizations. Before joining the Company, she was working as CFO with Greaves Cotton Limited, a listed Company in the Engineering sector.

Ms. Neetu started her career with Kewal Kiran & Company and thereafter moved to Jyothy Laboratories Limited. She had a long stint spanning over 17 years with Jyothy where she played a pivotal role and saw the Company grow from Rs. 20 Crores to Rs. 1,800 Crores. During her career, she has handled ERP implementation, Private Equity, IPO, QIP, and Fundraising through multiple instruments, Mergers & Acquisitions along with core financial control, budgeting, and business partnering. She has also handled Investor relations for the last 16 years. Ms. Neetu was awarded CA Young Corporate Leader Award in 2008 by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India for her leadership to spearhead IPO at the age of 32. She is also a guest speaker/panelist in some of the professional forums to talk about new age finance function, the role of a CFO in the current environment, Women empowerment, and so on.

Pune, 17th August 2023: Kinetic Green Energy and Power Solutions Limited, a leading manufacturer of electric two and three-wheelers in India, has announced a strategic partnership with ReadyAssist, India’s leading vehicle assistance company, to introduce a Comprehensive Extended Warranty program for its electric vehicles.

Under this strategic partnership, Kinetic Green’s customers will now benefit from extensive warranty coverage that includes repairing and replacing major EV components, providing them with added peace of mind and exceptional after-sale support. This pioneering initiative sets the bar high in the EV market, demonstrating the commitment of both companies to enhance customer experience and promote sustainable transportation solutions. As a prominent electric 2-wheeler manufacturer, Kinetic Green remains dedicated to the nation’s environmental goals and strives to create a greener future through innovative, eco-friendly mobility solutions.

ReadyAssist, known for its comprehensive service portfolio and innovation in the Automobile industry, takes great pride in being the first company in India to offer an Extended Warranty tailored especially for the rapidly growing EV market. This strategic collaboration with Kinetic Green further solidifies ReadyAssist’s reputation as a trusted provider of after-sale services to EV owners, contributing to the continued growth and adoption of electric mobility in the country. To begin with the partnership, ReadyAssist will be providing extended warranty for Zing Low-Speed and Zing HSS models.

Commenting on the partnership, Ms. Sulajja Firodia Motwani, Founder and CEO, Kinetic Green, said, “As an EV manufacturer, we aim to provide green mobility to the masses, and we are taking every possible step to fulfil the same. Therefore, joining hands with ReadyAssist is a progressive move in the EV industry as we have culled out best-in-class services and warranties for our customers. This is just the beginning, as we at Kinetic Green are on a growth trajectory and have lined up exciting offers and products for our customers in the coming months. We are also collaborating with similar channel partners to bring the best deals for EV enthusiasts.”

Vimal Singh, Founder and CEO, ReadyAssist, states, “Kinetic is a brand that has epitomised style and comfort since the 90s, setting trends and pioneering innovation. As the first brand to introduce electric start technology in 1989; Kinetic kick-started its electric journey, and today, we are thrilled to be associated as Kinetic’s esteemed after-sale extended warranty partner. In this exciting partnership, we proudly provide Kinetic Green customers with a comprehensive 5-year service and components warranty, ensuring unparalleled peace of mind and support throughout their electric vehicle ownership journey”.

In addition to the warranty coverage, Kinetic Green will provide comprehensive training to ReadyAssist’s team through a ‘Train the Trainer’ program. This training initiative will equip ReadyAssist’s technicians with the specialized knowledge and expertise required to handle EV components effectively, ensuring that customers receive the highest quality of service throughout the warranty period.

The partnership between Kinetic Green and ReadyAssist signifies a landmark moment in the EV industry, opening doors to further collaborations and innovative initiatives that will drive the adoption of electric mobility and accelerate the transition to a greener future.

Design Qandy is a luxury home design company that understands the importance of blending the best of style, design, and technology. They have a team of internationally trained design professionals who craft every project with conscious attention to detail.

Design First is more than a philosophy at Design Qandy. Their creations harmoniously combine form, function, materials and textures to elevate living to new heights.

They offer end-to-end design solutions, starting with their innovative DQ style test to identify your style and design an exquisitely international yet a very personal home. The DQ style test has been developed by highly trained design experts and psychologists over two years. Crafted with AI and the latest technology, one can understand their unique personality and preferences. Based on the test result, they assign the most suitable designer to work on your stunning space, making the entire creation process memorable.

Design Qandy will soon launch its Experience Design Centre (DQ-EDC) in the heart of Marine Drive. A 7000 sq.ft. space that allows you to experience the finest international interior and furniture designs under one roof. Surrounded by stunning seascapes outside and amazing styles inside, they bring the world’s best designs, technology and materials right to your fingertips.

From creating unique living spaces to designing distinctive work environments, their internationally trained designers have brought great design visions to life. Each project is personalised with the results of the DQ style test, celebrating their clients’ personalities through different design styles like contemporary, minimal, classical and more.

Design Qandy also brings an astonishing range of furniture and accessories. Every luxurious sofa, table, chair, cabinet and more is inspired by global designs and carefully crafted using the finest materials. You can choose from their collection or personalise the furniture designs to match your unique style and space.

New Delhi,17th August 2023: ace turtle, new India’s leading technology-native retail company today announced the appointment of Shivcharan P as the Chief Business Officer, Fashion. In his new role, Shivcharan will lead the strategy and business operations for the prestigious Lee, Wrangler, and to-be-launched Dockers brands in India. His vision and leadership will drive the growth of ace turtle’s fashion portfolio, scaling the business further, driving innovation, and enhancing the shopping experience for consumers across the country.

Shivcharan brings with him a rich and diverse experience of 17 years across various leadership roles in FMCG, online food delivery and consumer internet industries. Throughout his illustrious career, he has demonstrated his expertise in leading and strategizing business operations in prominent companies.

Commenting on the appointment of Shivcharan, Nitin Chhabra, CEO, ace turtle, said, “We are thrilled to welcome Shivcharan to our leadership team. His business acumen and strong understanding of technology-driven businesses align perfectly with our goal to lead the retail industry’s evolution with technology. I am confident that under his guidance, our fashion portfolio will continue to thrive and exceed expectations.”

Prior to joining ace turtle, Shivcharan led strategy and business at Tata Digital. He was able to help Tata Digital set up their loyalty proposition and strategy along with prototyping a group-wide loyalty program. He worked at Swiggy before that where he spearheaded various roles across business operations and headed the food marketplace business. He started his career at P&G India after his MBA from IIM Calcutta. During his 12.5 years at P&G India, he worked across multiple categories and geographies, specializing in Babycare, Femcare, Haircare and Fabric Care.

Embarking on his new role, Shivcharan P, Chief Business Officer, ace turtle said, “I am very excited to join ace turtle. I am inspired by the company’s goal to transform omnichannel retail on the back of integrated technology that connects the consumer understanding and signals all the way back into the supply chain. I look forward to partner with the talented teams at ace turtle and help deliver this vision.”

ace turtle is actively redefining the retail landscape through its Retail Nxt approach. In 2021, ace turtle acquired long-term licenses for iconic denim brands Lee and Wrangler in India and select South Asian markets. Leveraging its proprietary tech platforms and vertical commerce business model, ace turtle has grown the sales of Lee and Wrangler by over 100% in FY2023 over FY2022. ace turtle has announced bringing Dockers to India and will launch the brand by the end of 2023.

The Council of Global Accreditation for Private Universities and College Association (CGAPUCA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Dr. Pratik as the Provost of All Asia. This momentous occasion marks a significant milestone in the world of academia as Dr. Pratik is the first young Indian who assumes a new role in spearheading educational excellence and progress across the region.

With a proven track record of exceptional teaching, groundbreaking research, and an unwavering commitment to transformative education, Dr. Pratik is a trailblazer in the field. His dedication to the advancement of knowledge and the empowerment of students and educators has garnered him widespread acclaim and respect from the educational community worldwide.

As Provost of All Asia, Dr. Pratik will play a pivotal role in assisting institutions and universities to elevate their standards and achieve new levels of academic distinction. CGAPUCA’s decision to appoint him to this esteemed position reflects their confidence in his ability to lead, innovate, and bring about positive change in the educational landscape.

In his new capacity, Dr. Pratik will focus on bridging the gap between students, teachers, and institutions, aiming to foster a dynamic learning environment where excellence thrives. He is determined to facilitate collaboration and knowledge exchange between educational entities, enabling them to collectively address the challenges of the modern educational paradigm.

“I am deeply honored and excited to take on the role of Provost of All Asia,” said Dr. Pratik. “I believe that education is the cornerstone of progress and societal development. As Provost, my mission is to nurture a culture of innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability within the academic community. Together, we will empower students and teachers alike, preparing them to be leaders and changemakers in a rapidly evolving world.”

The appointment of Dr. Pratik comes at a crucial juncture when the global educational landscape demands adaptability and resilience. With his vision and expertise, he is poised to guide institutions and universities through these transformative times, steering them towards a future of academic excellence and relevance.

On behalf of CGAPUCA, we extend our warmest wishes to Dr. Pratik as he embarks on this remarkable journey as Provost of All Asia. His passion, determination, and commitment to education will undoubtedly inspire and uplift the educational community and set new standards of excellence.

We invite all stakeholders in the educational realm to join us in congratulating Dr. Pratik on this momentous occasion and supporting him in his pursuit of creating a brighter future for students, teachers, and institutions.

17th Aug 2023, New Delhi: Lectrix EV, the e-mobility arm of SAR Group presents an electrifying and unprecedented social media campaign: ‘77 Posts of Pride’. To experience India’s journey through the last 77 years, just watch Lextrix EV on Instagram.

“Lectrix EV scooters embody the spirit of progress and the will to push boundaries. So, when the idea of celebrating India’s incredible journey came up, we thought, ‘Why not take a joyful ride down memory lane?’ We traveled back in time, reliving those game-changing moments that have fuelled our nation’s growth. We crafted 77 individual posts, each shining a spotlight on a major milestone of progress.” said Rashmi Ambastha, Executive Creative Director, EFGH Brand Innovations.

“With this campaign Lectrix EV celebrated India’s achievements. We wanted to not only acknowledge the past but also embrace the present, and inspire a future filled with promise and possibilities. It was a journey that filled everyone’s heart with pride and a promise for tomorrow!”, shared MD & CEO, Mr. K. Vijaya Kumar

With an engaging campaign that not only celebrated the 77 years of independence but also this 77th year of hope, Lectrix EV invited the nation to embark on a captivating journey through time, growth and innovation of India’s independence years. Commencing on 14th August, the campaign featured a series of 77 evocative stories capturing India’s pivotal milestones since gaining independence in 1947.

As each post unfolded, the audience went through a roller coaster emotional ride that encapsulated India’s triumphs, challenges, and progress across various domains including politics, technology, culture, and more. Each story was accompanied by insightful descriptions, offering a window into the significance of each milestone.

However, the journey didn’t end there. On the 77th post, the campaign took an exciting turn. The 77th post bore the potent tagline, “How far would you go to celebrate the 77th Independence Day, we are going back 77 years?” This resonant question encapsulated the essence of Lectrix EV’s mission – pushing boundaries, embracing innovation, and propelling individuals toward a sustainable and enlightened future.

Gurugram, 17th August 2023: BMW Bird Automotive unveiled the all-new BMW X5 in an opulent soiree amidst enthusiasts and connoisseurs at the resplendent BMW Bird Automotive Showroom in Delhi NCR on August 12th, 2023. As the momentous curtains were drawn back, the new BMW X5 emerged in all its glory.

The unveiling marked just the beginning of an enchanting evening. Amidst the backdrop of resounding applause, guests engaged in spirited conversations while savoring a fine selection of delectable drinks and delicate nibbles. The eclectic ambiance was further adorned by the soulful strains of live music, which contributed to an immersive experience that delighted the senses. Every facet of the event was meticulously orchestrated to epitomize the concept of crafted supremacy, mirroring the core attributes of the new BMW X5 itself.

Mr. Ritesh Paliwal, Managing Director, BMW Bird Automotive, said “This is re-defining ‘sheer driving pleasure’ indeed! A testament to the masterful fusion of cutting – edge innovation, exquisite aesthetics, unparalleled driving dynamics and impeccable design. An ode to world renowned German engineering!”

Every facet of the event was meticulously orchestrated to epitomize the concept of Crafted Supremacy, mirroring the core attributes of the new BMW X5 itself.

In essence, the evening not only celebrated the launch of a remarkable automobile but also BMW Bird Automotive’s unwavering commitment to delivering a distinct world-class experience. As the sun set on this memorable gathering, the new BMW X5 stood as an icon of Crafted Supremacy, poised to redefine the benchmarks of automotive grandeur.

New Delhi, 17th August 2023 – Makoons Play School, a renowned name in early childhood education, marked a memorable and spirited celebration of India’s 77th Independence Day across all its branches. The festivities were filled with patriotic fervor, unity, and a commitment to nurturing young minds with the essence of freedom.

Makoons Play School believes that imparting a deep sense of patriotism from a young age contributes to building responsible citizens of tomorrow. The Independence Day celebration was a platform to instill values of love for the country, respect for its diverse culture, and an understanding of the sacrifices made by our freedom fighters.

The celebration witnessed a series of engaging activities that captivated the young learners’ imagination and curiosity. From flag-hoisting ceremonies and storytelling sessions highlighting India’s journey to independence to creative art projects showcasing the national symbols, the children were immersed in a holistic learning experience that combined education with enjoyment.

Makoons also believes in the importance of involving parents in their child’s educational journey. The Independence Day celebration provided a unique opportunity for parents to participate alongside their children, fostering a sense of unity and shared values within families.

While celebrating the event, Mr. Vijay Kumar Agarwal, the CEO and Founder of Makoons Group of Schools, said “ “Independence Day is a reminder of the priceless gift our forefathers bestowed upon us. At Makoons Play School, we celebrate this day with a commitment to nurture young minds, instill values, and inspire a generation that will carry forward the spirit of unity and progress. Happy Independence Day!”

With branches spread across different regions, Makoons Play School showcased the beauty of India’s unity in diversity. The celebration was a reflection of the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that make up our nation, providing children with a deeper appreciation for the various facets of India.

Mumbai, 17th August 2023 – Bake Live Studio, a dynamic and innovative addition to Mumbai’s culinary scene, is delighted to announce the launch of its third café and artisanal bakery in the vibrant neighborhood of South Mumbai. This momentous occasion follows the successful launch of their second outlet in Colaba on June 19th. Bake Live Studio, along with the popular brand Baker Street, is an exciting venture under Sarjena Foods Pvt Ltd (SFPL).

This café and live artisanal bakery at Girgaon Chowpatty offers a vibrant space that captures the essence of the brand. With a seating capacity of over 40, guests can enjoy a comfortable and inviting environment while indulging in the live baking experience. The open kitchen concept allows visitors to witness the creation of pizzas, sandwiches, burgers, cheese platters, and freshly baked bread, adding an engaging and interactive element to their dining experience. The versatile space is also perfect for hosting a range of events, including kitty parties, DIY birthdays, and social and corporate gatherings, where participants can unleash their creativity by decorating cakes and cookies. The brand also offers outdoor catering services and food boxes for corporates and various other occasions.

In 2019, after extensive research and development, the team at SFPL realized the potential for further market expansion beyond the traditional distribution channels. Driven by a desire to offer a unique and immersive experience to customers, they embarked on a mission to create their own space where they could both bake and sell, providing a live and authentic QSR Café experience where every item is crafted in-house. This vision led to the concept of a “live artisan bakery,” where customers can witness the entire baking process and indulge in a variety of delectable items made with freshly baked bread. Unlike fast-food chains that source buns/bread externally, Bake Live Studio’s bread is baked in-house, filling the air with the irresistible aroma of freshly baked goods. This approach garnered immense success, culminating in the triumphant launch of their first outlet in Mulund in 2021.

VishaalViraandNirmalGogri, Founders& Directors of Sarjena Food Pvt Limited, expressed their commitment to transforming the bakery experience, saying, “Our goal is to redefine the bakery landscape and set ourselves apart as pioneers in the market. Surpassing 25 outlets within the city is our next milestone, and we are eager to expand this unique concept to other cities post our 10th launch as well. Our ultimate vision is to establish a pan India presence, sharing the delight of our café and live artisanal bakery concept with people far and wide.”

Food lovers should not miss the opportunity to indulge in delectable signature specials from the menu such as Veg Frittata, House Special Pizza, Cheese Burst Burger, Pure Veg Cheesecakes, and DIY Sandwiches. That’s not all! The café and live artisanal bakery takes immense pride in their assortment of freshly baked bread and bun delicacies, prepared with love and attention to detail. They serve as the perfect accompaniment to their mouth-watering array of dishes.

Offering a vibrant vibe of “Life is what we bake it,” Bake Live Studio invites its guests to experience the magic of live baking and indulge in sumptuous offerings at their charming Girgaon Chowpatty outlet.

New Delhi, 17th August 2023: Asian Venture Philanthropy Network (AVPN), the largest network of social investors in Asia, has unveiled two new videos as a part of its Climate Action Platform. These videos spotlight Climate Impact Leaders through a series of dialogues, showcasing their efforts to scale domestic climate philanthropy in India. The Climate Action Platform aims to address the philanthropic gap and climate change opportunities in Asia. The vision of the platform is to cultivate Asian leadership in the global climate agenda, channel more resources into climate action, and expedite the global shift toward a resilient, sustainable future for all.

The latest additions to the series sheds light on climate best practices shared by Gayatri Divecha, from Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability at Godrej Industries Limited & Associate Companies, and Dinni Lingaraj, Group Manager of Sustainability at Wipro. Their insights delve into generating positive climate impact.

In the fifth video, Gayatri Divecha, of Corporate Social Responsibility and Sustainability, Godrej Industries & Associate Companies shares crucial insights about the biggest challenges we face today: climate change, inequality, and the loss of nature. She emphasizes that solving these challenges requires everyone to work together, including governments, businesses of all sizes, communities, and individuals. Gayatri Divecha also talks about how the Godrej group approaches these issues. They believe in considering the entire life of a product, from its creation to its disposal, and they invest in research to make products more environmentally friendly.

In the final video, Dinni Lingaraj, Group Manager of Sustainability at Wipro Foundation, shares a key message. He emphasizes that at Wipro Foundation, sustainability doesn’t mean making a choice between doing good and doing well. Rather, it’s about making choices that benefit the planet, people, and businesses. Lingaraj highlights their continuous commitment to sustainable development and how it’s an integral part of their business approach. He also elaborates on their “sustainability framework” based on three pillars: environmental care, social responsibility, and ethical governance.

Naina Subberwal Batra, CEO of AVPN, commented on the video release, “We strongly believe that clear understanding lights the way in the complex world of climate efforts in Asia. In India, most of the funding focuses on three main areas: low carbon and climate-smart agriculture, clean energy and most recently on sustainable financing and carbon markets. Given the broader and cross-cutting nature of climate change, there are multiple other issues that also need attention and action. Through partnership between the Climate Action Platform and the Climate Impact Leaders, our goal is to highlight these often-overlooked issues, attract funding to solve them, and show how impactful climate funding can truly be.”

Previously, AVPN launched two videos on Earth Day by– Raintree Foundation and Rainmatter Foundation and the other two on International Climate Day by – Axis Bank Foundation and ATE Chandra Foundation. The last set of videos was launched today as part of the series, in the hope of influencing greater participation of philanthropy in India’s climate landscape.