Archives August 2023

New Delhi 7th August 2023 – The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) will be organizing PubliCon 2023, a prestigious event dedicated to exploring the crucial role of publishers in the domains of Learning, Research, and Innovation. The event will be held on August 8th, 2023, at the Federation House, Tansen Marg, New Delhi.

PubliCon 2023 will feature the highly anticipated ‘FICCI Publishing Awards,’ which will recognize and honor the exceptional contributions of publishers across various categories, including Business, Translation, Designing, Fiction, Non-Fiction, and Children’s Literature, among others. The program will focus on discussions around Leisure Reading for Learning, Role of Scholarly and Scientific Publishing in India’s Global Research Output, Challenges in Research Funding – The effect on Research Output and its Publication, etc.

The event will be graced by distinguished personalities from the literary and academic spheres. Among the esteemed speakers are Dr. K. Sreenivasarao, Secretary, Sahitya Akademi, Dr. Akhilesh Gupta, Senior Advisor, DST, GoI, Dr. Debapriya Dutta, Scientist ‘ G ‘ & Head SEED, GoI and
Smt. Neera Jain, Chief Editor & Joint Director, National Book Trust (NBT) India, Ministry of Education, GoI.

“We believe that publishers play an integral role in shaping our intellectual landscape. PubliCon 2023 is a unique opportunity to celebrate their invaluable contributions and foster an environment of collaboration and growth within the publishing industry,” said Mr. Neeraj Jain, Chairman of the FICCI Publishing Committee.

Hyderabad, 7th August 2023: A statue in honour of the former Union Minister, Late Dr Mallikarjun, was unveiled by Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Hon’ble Governor, Haryana on the 82nd Jayanthi of Late Dr Mallikarjun, at Sandhya Convention, Gachibowli, today. Dr. K. Keshav Rao MP, Smt D.K. Aruna, Former Minister, National VP, BJP; Shri Vivek, Ex MP; Shri Gurunath Reddy, Ex- MLA; Shri Bhikshapati Yadav, Ex-MLA; Shri Ravi Kumar Yadav; Shri Obaidulla Kotwal, Ex-DCC President, Mahabubnagar; Shri Balki Reddy, Businessman; Shri Bhagawat Rao, Ex-DCC; and Keerthi Reddy, BJP Leader; graced the occasion. Spouse and son of the Late Dr Mallikarjun, Smt Bhagyalakshmi and Shri Manu Mallikarjun were the organisers and hosts of the event.

Chief Guest Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, after unveiling the statue said, Late Dr Mallikarjun played a pivotal role in the Telangana moment, right from his student days he fought for the cause of separate Telangana state, he led the students for the Telangana agitation from Osmania University. Later Late Dr Mallikarjun joined prominent leaders Shri Marri Chenna Reddy, Shri G. Venkat Swamy and others to intensify the demand and laid the foundation for achieving Telangana, The Telangana Government should honour them by rewriting Telangana history with the mention of their names and contribution to the cause prominently. He quit the Medak Lok Sabha seat as MP, for Smt. Indira Gandhi contested and win from there and was instrumental in her becoming the Prime Minister. He is an intellectual and served the country under Prime Minister Shri PV Narasimha Rao as Defence minister, Railway minister, Parliamentary affairs minister and made significant contributions towards the nation. He was a guide and good friend of mine, when I was Minister of State for Railways, he was the one who approached me to develop Lingampally station and I immediately ensured its development besides extending MMTS up to Lingampally, that way the other name for development is Late Dr Mallikarjun. In those days, he rose from the weaker sections to the stature he attained, which is an inspiration for all of us. He was an honest politician and a statesman, unveiling his statue is an honour for me. I request Telangana Government to establish Late Dr Mallikarjun’s statue. We need to remember and laud the efforts of the heroes of Telangana moment, we all know about their services, but the current and future generations will not be aware of their sacrifices in achieving Telangana. The real tribute to him is working towards the development of the weaker sections of society, the cause which was dear to his heart.

Shri Manu Mallikarjun said, my father Late Dr Mallikarjun, was a man who stood for his principles and a was great leader. As part of the youth of the country, on behalf of the people I would say we must always support leaders who hold principles.

Shri Vivek Venkatswamy, former MP; said, Late Dr Mallikarjun garu, Marri Chenna Reddy garu, my father G. Venkat Swamy Garu, Madan Mohan Garu were among the leaders who were in the forefront of the Telangana agitation. Late Dr Mallikarjun garu used to visit our house and used to have an intense discussion with my father on separate Telangana state. My father and he had a strong bonding and they regularly met to develop ways to intensify the movement and achieve Telangana state. When he was studying in OU medical college he used to mobilise and inspire youth at Osmania university to fight for separate Telangana. He gained enormous respect for his dedicated service to the country by taking on various roles and responsibilities as a member of parliament and central minister. His services was not recognised by the current Telangana government after the formation of Telangana. The next government should recognise his services and accord him due recognition for all that he did for Telangana and the country.

Smt Bhagyalakshmi, Spouse of Late Dr Mallikarjun; said, Late Dr Mallikarjun dedicated his life for separate Telangana and the development of the state and the country, the unveiling of his statue is a small tribute in his memory from our family.

Dr Mallikarjun, a six-time Member of Parliament, represented Mahabubnagar parliamentary constituency for four times and Medak parliamentary constituency twice. Dr Mallikarjun had served the nation in various capacities by holding several crucial portfolios including Defence, Railways, Parliamentary Affairs, I&B and Sports, in the cabinets of Prime Ministers Smt Indira Gandhi and Shri P.V. Narasimha Rao. He served as APCC President between 1996 and 1998. He is remembered for vacating his seat of Medak for the election of Smt Indira Gandhi, in 1980.

Having entered politics in 1969 as the leader of the students-led agitation for Telangana statehood, he tirelessly served the country before going on to found and lead the Congress Forum for Telangana, a pressure group within Indian National Congress demanding statehood for Telangana and worked for the cause until his untimely demise on 24th December 2002.

Kolkata, 7th August 2023: S B Park Sarbojanin one of the eye-catcher puja of the city for its innovative concept and celebration style Launches its Theme ‘Elem Notun Deshe’ (We have arrived in a new land) today at Press Club, Kolkata. The State Bank Park (S B Park) Sarbojanin Durgotsav, Thakurpukur, has so far left a mark by its high standard of scale and deep thoughts inextricably linked to pujo and more prominently, Durga Pujo. The organization has converted the domain of pujo into a site of research and creative imagination. S B Park Sarbojanin Durgotsav, Thakurpukur, marks its 53rd year this October.

The occasion was glittered by the presence of various eminent personalities like: Sampurna Lahiri, Actress & Brand Ambassador for S B Park Sarbojanin Durgotsav 2023; Joy Sarkar, Music Director who has also created the theme Music; Ramananda Bandyopadhyay, Artist who has designed this year’s Idol; Arighna Saha, Assistant Artist; Shibshankar Das, Chief Designer and artist of the central theme; Barun Kar, Light Designer, Visiting Faculty, NSD, New Delhi and Theatre Director; Mrinal Kanti Mandal, National Sales Manager at Sika India Pvt Ltd and many other eminent personalities.

Speaking to the media, Mr. Sanjay Majumder, Club President said, “S B Park Sarbojanin takes immense pride to celebrate the 53rd year with its theme – Elem Notun Deshe (We have arrived in a new land). During such a convulsive time as ours, when the world around is getting narrower every second by politics, religion, capitalism and the climate crisis looming large, S B Park attempts to reach out to a solution via artistic imagination. This Puja welcomes every state in the country and it’s banners will be featured in each state of the country in its regional language. We are confident that people would appreciate our effort this year too.” he added inviting everyone to come to the puja with family and friends.

Nagpur, 7th August 2023: Axis Bank, one of the largest private sector banks in India, today inaugurated its new branch in Telecom Nagar, Nagpur. The new branch was inaugurated by Chief Guest – Shri. Nitin Gadkari, Honorable. Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways, Government of India, in the presence of senior officials from Axis Bank – Mr. Sarang Dani, Regional Branch Banking Head – West; Mr. Rajeev Kumar, Circle Head – Nagpur and Ms. Shivani Vora, Branch Head – Telecom Nagar, Nagpur.

The new branch is located on the Ground floor, Plot No. 39, Ramakrishna Nagar, Opposite Tarekar Jewelers, Near Khamla Police Chowki, Nagpur 440025.

Commenting on the branch inauguration, Mr. Ravi Narayanan, Group Executive & Head – Branch Banking, Retail Liabilities and Products, Axis Bank said, “It is an extremely proud moment for all of us at Axis Bank that our Union Minister – Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji has honored us with his presence for this important occasion. The expansion of our branch network is a testament of our commitment to serve our customers with unparalleled dedication and excellence. Our relentless pursuit of digital innovation and customer centricity drives us to provide superior banking services to our ever-increasing customer base. We believe in bringing banking services closer to the communities that we serve, and this expansion reaffirms our vision to be a trusted financial partner.”

This branch will offer a comprehensive range of banking products and services that are tailored to address the diverse banking requirements of both retail and institutional customers in and around the Nagpur region. These offerings will also include savings and current accounts, deposits, and diversified lending options such as personal, gold, home, vehicle, working capital, and term loans.

The new Axis Bank branch symbolizes the Bank’s commitment to expand its footprint in key growth regions and cater to the evolving needs of a developing area. With cutting-edge technology and digital solutions at the forefront, the newly inaugurated branch promises a seamless banking experience for its valuable customers.

Mukta Arts has launched the highly-anticipated teaser of ‘Jaanaki,’ a transformative television show by the renowned filmmaker Subhash Ghai’s company, Mukta Arts. This ground-breaking daily series is a resolute celebration of the unyielding spirit of today’s women, igniting a movement to challenge conventions and empower women to decide for themselves and fight against misogyny.

The show mirrors the experiences of those of countless women across India, highlighting their struggles, triumphs and battles.

Subhash Ghai known as a showman of Indian cinema talked about his first television show on Doordarshan National Subhash Ghai added, “Door darshan has opened the doors for filmmakers to showcase their stories on television series with the full creative command by themselves. That’s why I designed my show for Doordarshan JAANAKI – with a story of tye journey of a daughter from her birth to being an adult facing everyday challenges in the world of dominating men n families wishing to have a son than having a daughter and treating their Daughters as Paraaya hun ‘. It’s a powerful story of a daughter who stood her struggles on her own and shine as the bigger asset in society “ said Subhash Ghai who has written the story n lyrics and music of the show titled JAANAKI for Doordarshan National to be telecasted on 8.30 pm on 15 august 2023 to celebrate 75 th year of Indian independence. Let’s wait for n watch.

Mumbai, 7th August 2023: The British Columbia (B.C.) provincial government’s crown corporation, Forestry Innovation Consulting India Pvt Ltd (FII India), popularly known as Canadian Wood, had a grand opening of Centre of Excellence (CoE) in collaboration with Caple Industrial Solutions as their official knowledge and training partner. The inauguration ceremony of the 13000-sq.ft. CoE at Pelhar in Vasai was held on August 5; it marked a significant milestone in the industry, showcasing Canadian Wood’s commitment to promote sustainable practices and advance the skill development of the workforce. Caple, which is known for its expertise in providing top-notch training and development facility, also expressed enthusiasm about the partnership.

A pioneering initiative, the CoE at Vasai is a first-of-its-kind in the industry that seeks to spotlight the latest technologies and comprehensive training programs conducted throughout the year. With the collaboration, Canadian Wood gains access to Caple’s cutting-edge facility to host a diverse array of events and training workshops. It will be empowered, along with the support of Furniture Fittings Skill Council (FFSC), to conduct top-notch training sessions, equipping participants with essential industry skills and knowledge. Furthermore, the facility also provides a strategic platform to showcase and promote Canadian Wood’s products, elevating their brand presence and expanding their market reach.

Talking about the launch of the CoE, Mr. Pranesh Chhibber, Country Director of Canadian Wood said, “We are thrilled to open the Centre of Excellence, as it symbolises our dedication to create a positive impact in the wood industry. Through this collaborative effort with Caple, we aim to nurture and enhance the skills of our workforce, cultivating a community of responsible wood practitioners who share our commitment to sustainability.”

Satyan Thukral, CEO, Caple.in added, “We are honoured to be the training partner for the prestigious Canadian Wood’s Centre of Excellence. This initiative aligns perfectly with our mission to empower professionals with the technology, process knowledge and skills necessary to drive sustainable practices forward as it is the need of the hour.”

Industry leaders, professionals, and media representatives witnessed the unveiling of Canadian Wood’s Centre of Excellence at Vasai on August 5th. Through this platform, Canadian Wood aims to educate, upskill and empower carpenters, machine operators production managers to decision makers by providing best practices in handling, manufacturing, and machining wood and ensuring the promotion of sustainable wood and production practices. It has, in fact, also made a generous contribution of various Canadian Wood species to demonstrate their capabilities in setting up of the interiors of this facility. The wood has been skillfully utilized for crafting training center spaces, elegant counters, exquisite paneling, and captivating wood interiors. Additionally, it has been instrumental in creating durable and aesthetically pleasing furniture, enhancing the entire space with a touch of natural beauty.

Kolkata, 7th August 2023: Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) in collaboration with Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate hosts Baaghini 2, a four-day long women empowerment programme, on Saturday, 5th August 2023 at Sister Nivedita University campus. It felicitated the brave hearts and minds of our beloved city. The main goal of the event was to empower women with self-defense skills that boost their inner and outer confidence. The inaugural event was graced by emmet dignitaries including Mr. Gaurav Sharma, IPS, Hon’ble Commissioner of Police, Ms. Charu Sharma, IPS, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police Detective Department, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, Ms. Debarati Mukhopadhyay, Author, Mr. Sanjay K Jain, Chairman, ICC National Committee on Textiles and MD, TT Limited and Prof. Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Vice Chancellor, Sister Nivedita University.

While explaining the initiative, Mr. Gaurav Sharma, IPS, Hon’ble Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, said, “Empowering women goes beyond words; it is a commitment to action. I am extremely grateful to everyone here who is or wants to be a part of Baaghini. We empower women to become strong and confident through a series of workshops, self-defence techniques, martial arts, and interactive sessions. Our main focus is on enabling women who may not be familiar with self-defence techniques to gain valuable skills through physical training and self-defence sessions. These sessions are expertly led by Miss Mona Lisa, a renowned national boxing champion with extensive experience. One crucial aspect we emphasize is the importance of self-perception and how we perceive others, particularly when it comes to interactions with the police force. We encourage open communication and aim to foster a positive interface with law enforcement. Our ultimate goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where women can stand strong and empowered. You should feel empowered to ask questions, learn from interactions, and be confident in standing up for your rights. Passion and dreams play a significant role in shaping your future. You should pursue what you love and be independent thinkers. Do not be afraid to challenge stereotypes and break barriers. We want to create fearless and empowered individuals who can contribute to building a better India. Throughout this programme, we will have experts sharing their experiences, lectures on laws and development, and opportunities for you to engage and ask questions. As we move forward, I hope we can continue to learn and grow together because in the long run, your knowledge and experience are what will empower you. Experts are here to help you and provide valuable insights into law enforcement and related processes. Their experience and knowledge can be a great resource for all of us. Let us continue to strive for excellence and work towards a safer and more secure community. Together, we can make a difference and build a fearless and independent nation.”

Commenting on the initiative, Ms. Charu Sharma, IPS, Additional Deputy Commissioner said, “During Baaghini 1, we had the opportunity to interact with some highly motivated women. I hope that we can live up to our expectations. The programme of Baaghini is about giving confidence to go into the world and face all the challenges. Being a member of the force, I’ve realised that women tend to hold back due to a lack of confidence; as a result, our goal is to help you feel at ease in your surrounding legal environment and to educate you on what to do and the applicable laws in the event of an issue.”

Commenting on the event, Debarati Mukhopadhyay, Author, said, “When I first learned about Baaghini, I questioned the rationale behind discriminating between men and women. Our historical records reveal the presence of formidable women such as Gargi, Apala, and Lopamudra, who stood on equal footing with men in terms of education, culture, and intellect. However, societal shifts led to the subjugation and marginalisation of women over time. We have made significant progress in empowering women, and if we eschew toxic masculinity, women are in no way inferior to men. The essence of empowerment lies in access to education, financial stability, and good health. This initiative holds the potential to impart valuable knowledge to young girls and propel them towards a promising future.”

Mr. Dhrubajyoti Chattopadhyay, Vice Chancellor, Sister Nivedita University, stated, “I appreciate the Indian Chamber of Commerce and the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate for this initiative. Speaking of the first event, Baaghini 1, it was also a big success. This event is for Baaghini 2. This programme teaches several crucial lessons, such as self-defence and how to defend others as well, making it a very significant endeavour. I want to thank everyone for coming, and I hope this will be a success as well.”

Being a part of this initiative, Mr. Satyam Roychowdhury, Founder & Managing Director, Techno India Group and Chancellor Sister Nivedita University, expressed his gratitude and said, “I extend my heartiest support to such initiatives taken under the leadership of Bidhannagar Commissioner, Mr. Gaurav Sharma and his team. He hopes that such initiatives will act as a guiding force to make young women understand the laws and responsibilities towards their safety in a practical and responsible way.”

Mr. Sanjay Jain, Chairman, ICC National Committee on Textiles and MD, TT Limited, said, “I would like to start by thanking the Bidhannagar police for giving us this opportunity for organising this event. For me, this is not an event, it is a movement, and it should run across the country. Women are often referred to as “lionesses,” ruling not just our homes but even our nations. This effort is for a common woman who speaks out and carries herself proudly, commanding the respect she merits. A secondary goal of this project is to empower women from inside so they may stand shoulder to shoulder with us and advance alongside us. I want to thank all of the sponsors that joined us for the event, the chance to provide all of these t-shirts and to all the participants for joining us today.”

Bengaluru, 7th August 2023: On this Friendship Day, Himalaya Wellness Company has unveiled its latest digital campaign, showcasing the genuine strength found in supporting and empowering one another. The campaign centers around the simple yet meaningful act of sharing a rubber band, symbolizing the unexpected bonds that form through selfless acts of kindness.

Sometimes small moments of support can make a significant difference, helping individuals discover their inner strength and confidence. Himalaya’s campaign, aptly titled “Naturally Strong Friendship,” captures the essence of these moments through two compelling characters, Anu, and Priya.

The narrative unfolds in an office lobby, where Anu, a nervous fresher, arrives for her first interview. On the other hand, Priya, a self-assured young woman, exudes confidence and grace. The film beautifully portrays how Priya, spotting Anu’s anxiety, helps her regain her confidence by a simple act of support and lends her a rubber band. This seemingly small gesture leads to a powerful connection between the two, sparking a new and authentic friendship.

The “Naturally Strong Friendship” campaign highlights the natural strength present in every individual, who uplifts and empowers one another. For Anu, Priya’s support taps into her inner strength, enabling her to face her interview with newfound confidence. Priya, on the other hand, exemplifies the power of self-assurance, being secure enough to lift her competitor.

Commenting on the campaign, Sushil Goswami, General Manager of Himalaya Wellness Company, said, Through ‘#NaturallyStrong campaign, we want to showcase the natural strength that lies within each woman Our latest Friendship Day campaign showcases how a simple selfless act, can help in empowering an individual, leading to the start of a naturally strong and true friendship.”.

Shri Sarbananda Sonowal, Union Minister of AYUSH, and Ports, Shipping and Waterways, was the Chief Guest at the Closing Ceremony of AYUSH Wellness Camps organized by Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL) yesterday at Sagar Manthan, Transport Bhawan, New Delhi, in the presence of Shri Vivek Bharadwaj, Secretary, Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India, Shri Ghanshyam Sharma, Chairman and Managing Director of HCL, and other senior officers from the Ministry of Mines, Ministry of AYUSH and HCL. The camps at the Corporate Office, Kolkata, and at the five Units of HCL joined the ceremony through video conferencing.

As a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, HCL, a Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Mines, Govt. of India., has been organizing a series of AYUSH Wellness Camps (75 in number) since March this year, to enhance the consciousness about the efficacy of AYUSH therapy in and around its units and offices. This was in line with AKAM’s theme-based campaign, “Health and Wellness”. While 21 AYUSH wellness camps were organized in Khetri Copper Complex in Rajasthan, 23 were held in Indian Copper Complex in Jharkhand, 21 in Malanjkhand Copper Project in Madhya Pradesh, 5 in Taloja Copper Project in Maharashtra, 3 in Gujarat Copper Project and 2 in Kolkata, where the Company is headquartered.

At the closing ceremony, a brochure with glimpses of the AYUSH Wellness Camps organized by HCL in the remote areas of the country was released by the Hon’ble Union Minister of AYUSH. A short film on the AYUSH Wellness camps conducted by the Company, along with video testimonials of some of the beneficiaries, was also screened before the August gathering.

Extensive campaigns were carried out by HCL, focusing on the National AYUSH Mission, to enhance the outreach of these camps. Highly skilled AYUSH practitioners were engaged to provide free consultations to the beneficiaries, addressing their health concerns. Free medicines were distributed at these Camps where the locals came down in masses.

Bangalore, 7th August 2023: Neferrtiti Weddings in proudly announces the launch of India’s first unprecedented and exhilarating event – “The Great Indian Wedding Race.” This unique and revolutionary concept & contest, open to all brides and grooms who are about to tie the knot. The contest promises to redefine the world of destination weddings, providing couples with several rounds of challenges that test the couples’ compatibility, creativity, and problem-solving skills. This is an extraordinary opportunity to win a fully organized, all-expenses-paid international destination wedding, including for all selected guests.

The competition will unfold in three captivating levels, with the first two rounds online. In Level 1, a trending concept where registered eligible couples will have their love stories showcased on our official Instagram page (https://instagram.com/thegreatindianweddingrace), where the audience will vote for their favorites through likes. Level 2 makes this contest more interesting where we will witness the top 50 couples from Level 1 presenting reels that reflect their wedding vision and love journey with a trending musical touch to capture more views of their reel. The audience will, once again, play a vital role in determining the 15 couples who will advance to the grand finale.

The final round will witness the shortlisted 15 couples racing head-to-head, displaying their passion, teamwork, and creativity to emerge as the ultimate winner of “The Great Indian Wedding Race” Season 1. This captivating finale will feature exciting challenges, heartwarming moments, and unforgettable memories as they vie for the coveted prize – a free, fully organized international destination wedding of their dreams.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Mahendra Gangadharan, Founder & Managing Director of Neferrtiti Weddings said, “Love, creativity, and celebrations come together in ‘The Great Indian Wedding Race’! From heartwarming love stories to unique wedding ideas, couples from every nook of India will mesmerize you. Unconventional fashion and design will dance together in perfect harmony! With Sandalwood’s enchanting Advithi Shetty as our brand ambassador and South Indian’s inspiring actress Kavya Shetty as our esteemed chief guest here today. Glamour, fame & dreams is the name of the game! Brace yourself for an exceptional and unforgettable event that will leave you spellbound!”

Couples with dreams of a destination wedding are invited to participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Registration for “The Great Indian Wedding Race” is now open. Embrace this extraordinary journey, celebrate your love, and showcase your creativity on a national stage.

Brand Ambassador & Kannada Actress Adhvithi Shetty said, “I am honored to support the incredible couples contest “The Great Indian Wedding Race,” celebrating their unique love stories and creative wedding visions. Let’s unite hearts and break barriers, cherishing every magical moment of this journey. Thanks to Neferrtiti Weddings for this opportunity. Together, let’s etch “The Great Indian Wedding Race” Season 1, into our hearts forever.

Chief Guest at the event, renowned South Indian Actress Kavya Shetty said, “Thrilled to be the chief guest at “The Great Indian Wedding Race,” celebrating love and creativity. Destination weddings in picturesque landscapes hold a special place in my heart. Being part of this magical event is an honor”.