Archives September 2023

ORRA expands retail footprint, launches its 9th store in Bengaluru, Karnataka

ORRA expands retail footprint

Bengaluru, 18th September 2023RRA, India’s leading, trusted brand for diamond jewellery has expanded its retail presence with the launch of the 81st store in India and the 9th in Bengaluru making it a total 11 stores in Karnataka. The new retail showroom, spanning an area of 4145 sq.ft., will feature the latest diamond jewellery collections, including the patented 73-faceted ORRA Crown Star available exclusively at this showroom. The store has been creatively designed with comfortable seating, contemporary interiors, and bridal lounge to enhance the customer’s shopping experience.

Speaking about the store launch, Mr. Dipu Mehta, Managing Director, ORRA said, “We are thrilled to announce the launch of our store in HSR Layout, Bengaluru. Bengaluru is a city with a rich cultural heritage, and we are excited to bring ORRA’s exquisite diamond jewellery and impeccable craftsmanship to the people here. We believe that our wide range of designs and exceptional customer service will resonate well with the discerning customers of Bengaluru. This store will adhere to ORRA’s long standing vision of exemplary service and wide offerings just like all of our other stores.”

The store has been creatively designed with comfortable seating and contemporary interiors to enhance the customer’s shopping experience. The new showroom has the brand’s defining range of diamond jewellery that includes the ORRA Crown Star Collection, Astra, Desired Collection and Platinum Collection.

ORRA takes superiority in its diamond legacy by constantly providing product innovation and offering a wide range of bridal and contemporary jewellery pieces. With 5 global design centers in Tokyo, Hong Kong, Antwerp, Mumbai, and New York, ORRA carries a legacy of 700-year-old Belgian craftsmanship.

The renowned brand provides its loyal customer base with 100% certified jewellery, which comes with complimentary insurance and assured free-of-cost lifetime maintenance. ORRA provides its patrons with lifetime exchange and buyback in addition to a seven-day return policy on the brand’s conflict-free diamonds. Brand also offers 6 months upgrade facility and all jewellery is BIS Hallmark Certified.

As part of the launch celebration, ORRA will offer exclusive inaugural discounts and special offers for customers visiting the new store.

  • Up to 25% off on diamond jewellery (for a limited period) *
  • Flat 25% off on making charges of 22KT gold jewellery (for a limited period) *
  • 0% interest on EMI facilities*

Empowering Insurance Agents: Chetan Mali’s Tech-Driven Journey with InsuranceDekho

Empowering Insurance Agents

Mumbai, 18th September 2023: InsuranceDekho (ID), a leading InsurTech company in India, is democratizing the insurance segment by simplifying the insurance buying and claiming process. Besides revolutionizing the insurance sector, ID is also generating an array of opportunities for its agent partners through its full-stack digital platform. This is the story of Chetan Mali, a businessman from Ambernath in Maharashtra, who believed in the power of technology and innovation in an industry deeply rooted in tradition.

Chetan Mali’s story mirrors the ethos of InsuranceDekho – a fusion of tradition and technology. In an industry traditionally characterized by mundane procedures and elaborate paperwork, Chetan dared to embrace the change that the insurance industry is undergoing. With an impressive 18-year legacy in the insurance sector, Chetan followed in his father’s footsteps and embarked on a career in insurance. He initially specialized in life insurance and subsequently explored vehicle and medical insurance. His father’s robust client base provided a solid foundation, allowing Chetan to not only capitalize on existing relationships and scale his business.

As the insurance landscape evolved with the advent of private players and digitization, Chetan found himself at a crossroads. Insurance had transitioned from manual and time-consuming processes to lightning-fast transactions. Amidst this transformation, he discovered the InsuranceDekho which offered renewed impetus to his career, providing him with an abundance of opportunities.

Chetan has been associated with InsuranceDekho for 3 years, and his relationship manager guided him in his journey. The platform empowered Chetan to compare policies from 10 different companies and opt for the best policies with optimal benefits and lower premiums. What used to take days can now be achieved within an hour, from payment to policy issuance. Even the once-complex underwriting process has been streamlined and simplified. This innovative platform brought efficiency and seamlessness to the forefront of Chetan’s interactions with his customers.

In his words, “InsuranceDekho not just offered me financial stability, it also gave me the luxury of free time. The platform is extremely supportive of its agent partners. The quick service, efficient pay hours, and robust support system have not only elevated my professional journey but have also given me a sense of security and confidence. With continuous feedback and guidance, my income has increased and I have managed to invest in a home and car. In a world where everything is happening digitally, I can now focus on my family without compromising on my professional responsibilities.”

He further added, “I would like to continue working with InsuranceDekho in the near future. The features of ID, which include fast generation of policy and a quick claiming process, have helped me cater to my customers in a more efficient manner. This efficiency enhances my credibility and fosters a sense of reliability and trust among my clients.”

Met 360-Degree Teachers’ Day Celebrations The Pinnacle of this Virtual Teachers’ Day Extravaganza

The commemoration of Teachers’ Day on the Metamorphosis platform was a remarkable affair that defied physical boundaries, and flawlessly conducted in the virtual realm. Dr. Madhavi Borse Singh Inga, the gracious host, set the tone for the day’s festivities in her warm opening address.

During her welcoming speech, Dr. Madhavi expressed her heartfelt gratitude to all the educators in attendance and introduced the esteemed Founder and Creative Director, Sonal Jhajj, whose visionary leadership has been instrumental in shaping the educational landscape at Metamorphosis.

The focal point of the day unfolded with the Teacher’s Talent Show, providing educators with a platform to showcase their diverse talents and passions beyond the confines of the classroom.

Distinguished guests graced the occasion, including Prof. Dr. Pratik Rajan Mungekar, a member of Metamorphosis’ advisory board, Dr. Sarvajeet Kirad, Shweta Pankaj, N.M. Bhatia Sir, and Dr. Pramila Kudwa. Each of them shared insightful perspectives and offered words of wisdom in succinct five-minute speeches.

Despite the virtual setting, the ceremonial Lamp Lighting ceremony evoked a sense of unity and spirituality as participants joined in prayer, symbolizing the enlightenment and guidance provided by teachers in shaping young minds.

Sonal Jhajj, the visionary founder, took the stage with a concise yet impactful two-minute speech. She extended her heartfelt appreciation to all the team members, participants, and students, emphasizing their collective efforts in making Metamorphosis a beacon of transformative education. A compelling Metamorphosis video was presented, encapsulating the institution’s journey of growth and evolution.

The celebration also witnessed the endearing participation of Metamorphosis’ youngest member, Kiansh Goyal, whose infectious enthusiasm and budding talent left an indelible mark on the audience. His presence served as a poignant reminder of the profound impact teachers have on shaping the future generations.

Powerful performances by children from various schools aligned with Nep20 were a testament to the event’s success.

Metamorphosis Teachers’ Day celebration saw students receiving accolades in the following categories:

    1. Ananya Khade – 1st place in the Fine Arts category
    2. Ojas Chive – 2nd place in the Fine Arts category
    3. Archita Dhole – 1st place in the Performing Arts category

The driving force behind this seamless event was none other than the founder, Sonal Jhajj. Her dedication and tireless efforts were evident in every detail, from planning to execution, shining a light on her passion for education and fostering a sense of community.

Not to be overlooked was the invaluable technical support provided by Yasmeen Kousar and Lalit Kaushik. Their expertise ensured the event ran smoothly, enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.

The celebration left a lasting impression, a testament to the hard work and collaboration that made it possible. The heartfelt gratitude extended to Sonal Jhajj resonated throughout, acknowledging her pivotal role in orchestrating such a memorable event.

Torque Pharmaceuticals Launches a Stirring campaign to celebrate World Pharmacist Day

18th September 2023: Torque Pharmaceuticals, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical sector, has revealed a heartwarming cinematic creation in honor of World Pharmacist’s Day on September 25, 2023. This film artfully portrays the compassion and dedication demonstrated by pharmacists, showcasing their willingness to go the extra mile in caring for their customers. Aligned with the company’s fundamental values of backing pharmacists, this initiative seeks to pay tribute to and celebrate these healthcare heroes—our pharmacists.

Pharmacists form a strong pivot in the medical ecosystem, as they help customers manage their healthcare regimen in more ways than one. From delivering medicines in the hour of need to helping customers understand when and how to have them, pharmacists are always there to help create a healthier and tension-free world.

Commenting on the digital film launch, Mr. Abhay Iqbal Singh Bedi, Director Torque Pharmacueticals said, “On World Pharmacist Day, we pay tribute to the compassionate unsung champions of healing. This film beautifully encapsulates the profound connection of empathy and gratitude shared between a pharmacist and a customer. Through this cinematic endeavor, we aspire to raise awareness and champion the pivotal role of pharmacists in enhancing global healthcare, aligning with this year’s theme: ‘Pharmacists fortifying the foundations of health systems.’

Created and conceptualized by Torque Pharma, this campaign kickstarted today with a digital film. Post the digital film, the campaign will further aim to share examples of empathy and going the extra mile for customers. Through this film, Torque Pharmaceuticals celebrates every pharmacist who play an active role in bettering people’s lives in times of sickness and placing customers’ interest above theirs.

Volvo showcases its Born-Electric Car C40 Recharge in Bengaluru

Volvo showcases its Born-Electric Car

Bengaluru,18th September 2023 Volvo Car India today showcased its born Electric Car–C40 Recharge in Bengaluru at their Martial Volvo Cars. Volvo Car’s core offerings of safety and luxury form an integral part of C40 Recharge. The much-awaited C40 Recharge is available at an introductory ex-showroom price of INR 61,25,000. Bookings for the C40 Recharge are exclusively online and can be done on the Volvo Car India Website. This is the second EV from Volvo in India and will be assembled at the Company’s plant at Hosakote in Bengaluru, Karnataka and it comes with an 11 kW charger.

““Our discerning customers have been keenly waiting for the C40 Recharge and it is indeed a pleasure to introduce this car to them today. We are looking forward to making the deliveries. The C40 Recharge has a host of features that give a memorable driving experience. These will find favour with our customers as will the safety norms that Volvo is known for globally” said Ritesh Reddy “Managing Director, Martial Motors Pvt Ltd”

About C40 Recharge Born Electric:

  • – Power: 408 hp
  • – Torque: 660 Nm
  • – Battery: 78 kWh
  • – Battery Type: Li-Ion
  • – Battery weight: 500kgs
  • – Acceleration: 0-100 kms – 4.7 s
  • – Battery warranty: 8 years/160,000 km
  • – Top speed: 180 km/h
  • – Power distribution ratio : 40/60
  • – Power (Front/Rear) – 163 hp/ 245 hp
  • – WLTP Range: 530 kms
  • – ICAT Range : 683 kms
  • – Front storage (Frunk): 31 ltrs
  • – Rear storage (boot space): 413 ltrs
  • – Ground Clearance (kerb weight + 1 person): 171mm
  • – One Pedal Drive option
  • – Leather-free interiors
  • – Unique battery safety cage
  • – A new silhouette aero-dynamically designed slimmed roof line
  • – Neatly packaged sensors for the Advanced Driver Assist Systems sensor platform
  • – 84-pixel LED (each side) that automatically adjusts to light conditions
  • – Large Panoramic Sunroof that minimizes glare and provides effective UV protection.
  • – Digital Services with 5 years subscription
  • – Google Built-in (Google Assistant, Google Play, Google Maps)
  • – Volvo Cars App
  • – Harmon Kardon Premium Sound System (600W, 13 speakers)
  • – Volvo On Call
  • – Advanced Air Purifier System with PM 2.5 sensor
  • – 360-degree camera
  • – Blind Spot Information System with Cross traffic alert
  • – Adaptive Cruise Control
  • – Pilot Assist
  • – Lane Keeping Aid
  • – Collision Mitigation Support (front & rear)
  • – Parking Assistance Sensors (front, side & rear)
  • – 7 airbags
  • – Wireless Charging for smartphone

Volvo Cars in India

Swedish luxury car Company Volvo established its presence in India in 2007 and has since then, worked intensively to market the Swedish brand in the country. Volvo Cars currently market products through 25 dealerships in Bengaluru, Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, Chennai, Coimbatore, Delhi NCR – South Delhi, West Delhi, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Indore, Raipur, Jaipur, Kochi, Kozhikode, Kolkata, Lucknow, Ludhiana, West Mumbai, South Mumbai, Pune, Raipur, Surat, Vishakhapatnam and Vijayawada.

CAHO and PFPSF Launch Patient Advisory Councils (PACs) to Promote Patient Involvement on World Patient Safety Day 2023

Mumbai, 18th September 2023: On World Patient Safety Day 2023, a global initiative observed on September 17th, the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO) and the Patient for Patient Safety Foundation (PFPSF) are joining forces to emphasize the critical importance of patient engagement in healthcare through the establishment of Patient Advisory Councils (PACs) and the promotion of Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs). This year’s World Patient Safety Day theme, “Engaging patients for patient safety,” perfectly aligns with their mission.

Dr. Alexander Thomas, Founder President, and Patron of CAHO, emphasized the vital role of trust and communication in the patient-provider relationship. He noted that instances of medical errors can erode this trust, not only impacting the patient’s confidence in their care but also undermining the broader healthcare system.

Dr. Nagendra Swamy S C, Patron of CAHO, stressed the importance of recognizing patients as active collaborators in their healthcare journey. Research has shown that when patients are engaged, there is a significant improvement in safety, patient satisfaction, and overall health outcomes.

Engaging patients in their healthcare is a crucial step toward addressing the issue of medical errors. Patient Advisory Councils are central to this effort, serving as platforms for patients to voice their concerns and influence decision-making processes. CAHO passionately advocates for the establishment of PACs to ensure that patients’ voices are heard, integrated, and valued within the healthcare system.

Dr. Vijay Agarwal, President of CAHO, expressed enthusiasm for the overwhelming response received from healthcare providers across India. He described the initiative as a significant moment in the country’s healthcare delivery history and added “To support the establishment of these councils, CAHO is releasing a comprehensive “Step-by-Step Guide to Establishing a PAC.”

Dr. Lallu Joseph, Secretary General of CAHO, highlighted another critical initiative aimed at sensitizing healthcare organizations to “Patient Reported Experience Measures” (PREMs). PREMs are self-reporting instruments that gauge patients’ perceptions of their care experiences and help assess whether healthcare providers are meeting patients’ needs.

Mr. Kris Gopalakrishna, Co-Founder and Former Vice Chairman of Infosys, will unveil the Patient Advisory Councils (PACs) on World Patient Safety Day, September 17th, 2023, at Ramaiah Medical College. Esteemed healthcare industry opinion leaders and stalwarts will come together at this momentous event to not only inaugurate PACs but also to establish comprehensive guidelines and chart the path forward for its seamless integration within hospitals. Additionally, the event will underscore the significance of encouraging hospitals to actively participate in the Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREM) initiative.

CAHO takes pride in its role in creating PFPSF, an organization dedicated to educating and raising awareness about patient safety. PFPSF aims to prevent avoidable harm by empowering patients, healthcare providers, patient support groups, corporations, and caregivers to proactively engage in their healthcare journeys.

Mr. Som Mittal, Chairman of PFPSF, emphasized the significance of providing a neutral forum for the patient community to “Elevate their Voice” and share valuable insights with their caregivers. He urged patients to leverage this opportunity to engage in their own care and work towards reducing avoidable harm.

On World Patient Safety Day 2023, CAHO and PFPSF reiterate their commitment to enhancing patient safety through patient engagement and advocate for the widespread adoption of Patient Advisory Councils and Patient Reported Experience Measures as integral components of safe healthcare practices.

VST Industries in collaboration with Round Table India develops the infrastructure of 4 rural government schools

ANISH GUPTA

Hyderabad, September 17, 2023… Hyderabad-based VST Industries in collaboration with Round Table India’s local arm, Hyderabad Titans Round Table Charitable Trust, developed the infrastructure of 4 rural government schools at a cost of INR 2 crore in the city outskirts at Toopran and Brahmanpally in Medak District.

On the whole 10 classrooms and 3 toilet blocks were constructed across 4 schools. 60 dual school benches too were organised.

The details of the newly created facilities include 3 classroom blocks constructed at Tupran ZPHS Boys High School; Toilet Block at Tupran ZPHS Girls High School; ZPHS Brahmanpally School Block and MPPS Brahmanpally School Block. The Toilet blocks were also inaugurated at three schools.

Round Table India is a Young Men’s Organisation consisting of successful businessmen and professionals who believe in bringing about change and excellence in themselves and their community. It has built 7890 Classrooms in 3347 Projects impacting 8.67 million children across India.

All these facilities were just inaugurated by Aditya Deb Gooptu, MD of VST Industries Ltd, accompanied by Anish Gupta, Chief Financial Officer and Amit Arora Chief Human Resources Officer., Tablers Krishna Sudhir Dogiparthi, Vikrant Hanumantu and Ankit Sethi, disclosed in a press statement issued by Titans Round Table Charitable Trust in Hyderabad on Sunday.

Aditya Deb Gooptu says” Investing in education is an investment in the future of our community. Together, we can create a brighter future for our students and our community. We are happy to be partners and friends in the growth story of the poor children. Aditya Deb advised teachers to inculcate values in the students. He told students to be good human beings and proud citizens. Be proud Indians and Telanganites. These initiatives are set to positively impact the lives of 7,500 students over the course of the next quarter-century, he said

It is evident that VST’s commitment represents a substantial investment both in terms of financial support and sincere effort towards giving back to society, the VST official added.

The collaboration between VST and Round Table India serves as an exemplary model of how businesses can bring about meaningful change within their communities. This initiative holds the promise of a brighter future for countless students, equipping them with the tools to excel in their education and beyond.

Manoj Vaibhav Gems ‘N’ Jewellers Limited’s Initial Public Offering to open on Friday, September 22, 2023

Manoj Vaibhav Gems

New Delhi,16th September 2023: Vaibhav Jewellers is a leading regional jewellery brand in South India, with a presence in the micro markets of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana with 13 showrooms across 8 towns and 2 cities and a market share of ~4% of the overall Andhra Pradesh and Telangana jewellery market and ~10% of the organized market in these two states in FY2023, has fixed the price band at ₹204 to ₹215 per Equity Share for its initial public offer. The initial public offering (“IPO” or “Offer”) of the Company will open on Friday, September 22, 2023, for subscription and closes on Tuesday, September 26, 2023. Investors can bid for a minimum of 69 Equity Shares and in multiples of 69 Equity Shares thereafter.

The Public Issue of face value of ₹10 per Equity Share comprises of fresh issuance of equity shares worth up to Rs 210 crore and an Offer for Sale (OFS) of up to 2.8 million equity shares.

The jewellery brand is one of the earlier entrants in the organised jewellery retail market of Andhra Pradesh and continues to focus on regional expansion into the high-growth untapped regions within the micro-markets of Andhra Pradesh & Telangana thereby creating a market for branded jewellery in the area of operations. In 2007, it launched its flagship showroom in Visakhapatnam is spread across 29,946 sq ft and four different floors of shopping experience

77% of its retail showrooms are in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and the rest are in Hyderabad and Vishakhapatnam catering to urban consumers. Each of its showroom houses has a varied exquisite and large inventory of designs across a wide range of products in Gold, Diamond, Gems, Platinum & Silver Jewellery or Articles. Its sub-brand Visesha caters to a premium segment of gold and diamond jewellery.

For the three months ended June 30, 2023, revenue from operations stood at Rs 508.90 crore and net profit was Rs 19.24 crore. In FY 23 its revenue from operations was Rs 2027.34 cr, majorly from the sale of gold jewellery. In 2005 it stood at Rs 50.9 cr. The Jewellery brands per retail showroom average revenue and EBITDA metrics for fiscal 2023 stood at Rs 155.95 cr and Rs 11.00 cr respectively. Between FY21-23 the Revenue and PAT grew a CAGR of 18.92% and 85.81%. Its e-commerce sales grew from Rs 4.16 cr in FY 19 to Rs 36.40 cr in FY 23.

Bajaj Capital Limited and Elara Capital (India) Private Limited are the book-running lead managers and Bigshare Services Private Limited is the Registrar to the Offer. The Equity Shares are proposed to be listed on BSE and NSE.

Capri Global Capital Ltd. unveils the Farz Nibhaatey Hain campaign

Hyderabad, 16th September 2023: Capri Global Capital Ltd (CGCL), a diversified non-banking financial company, has launched the Farz Nibhaatey Hain brand campaign to reaffirm its commitment to credit inclusion. The relatable, emotional, and relevant omnichannel brand campaign reiterates its responsibility towards the unbanked borrowers of India.

Conceptualized by Rediffusion, the campaign showcases CGCL’s human value proposition while bringing alive its mission of inclusive growth. Brand ambassador and acclaimed actor Pankaj Tripathi will be the protagonist of the 2-films of the Farz Nibhaatey Hain campaign that features company’s MSME loan and gold loan products. The integrated campaign will focus on reach, visibility, impact and will be rolled out across TV, OTT, and YouTube. The campaign will also include a digital media campaign and on-ground activations. The brand plans to amplify its reach through influencer-level activity on social media.

Sharing the rationale of the brand campaign, Mr. Basant Dhawan, Group Chief Marketing Officer, Capri Global, said, “Farz Nibhaatey Hain campaign not only reflects our strong business fundamentals, but, more importantly, it underscores our ability to build foundations of resilience that enable growth and inspire confidence among our customers. We strongly believe that it is our farz to uplift the society by creating enough opportunities and offering access to seamless credit to augment these opportunities. We have launched the campaign with multiple touchpoints and are confident that it will play a pivotal role driving our brand metrics.”

Pramod Sharma, National Creative Director, Rediffusion, said, “From the moment we got the brief, we knew we had the opportunity to truly speak to the heart of the country. Understanding them, and the responsibilities that they take on in life, was the key to cracking this campaign. And once we had the stories that we wanted to tell; in Pankaj Tripathi, we had an actor who was able to breathe magic into each and every role. So that we could tell them ki jaise aap apna farz nibhaatey hain, Capri Loans aasani se loan deke apna farz nibhaatey hain.”

Asheesh Malhotra, Executive Director, Rediffusion added, “The majority of India isn’t deemed credit-worthy simply because they may not have relevant papers to show. But every day, they prove themselves more than worthy through every role they play in their lives. That is the truth we wanted to portray – human stories of character and hope. And how Capri Loans can help them get ahead in life by simply ensuring that they too get access to credit like the rest of India.”

Decoding Farz Nibhaatey hain

Today credit is not just a medium to fulfilling the aspirations of an individual but a booster dose for their fiscal growth and make them self-reliant. A vast population in India is still unbanked, and commitment to offer credit to these borrowers for a fiscally sound future forms a strong foundation for financial inclusion. Capri Global Capital Ltd has endeavored to be a vital cornerstone of the Indian financial ecosystem and is attempting to channelize credit facility to unbanked population across hinterlands of the country.

Dr. Gopichand Katragadda to take over as first Indian president of international body, the Institution of Engineering and Technology

Dr Gopichand Katragadda,

Bangalore, 16th September 2023: Dr Gopichand Katragadda, Founder and CEO of Myelin Foundry, has been appointed as the 142nd President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), an international professional engineering institution. He will be the first Indian in the history of the IET to assume this role, including the first Indian to assume the presidency of a global engineering body.

Dr. Gopichand will assume office from 1 October 2023, taking over the role from Prof. Bob Cryan CBE, Vice Chancellor and CEO of the University of Huddersfield. Prior to him, the IET was led by prominent leaders in the industry, such as Sir Robin Saxby, Founder and Ex-CEO, ARM Holdings and Naomi Climer CBE, former Vice-President of Sony Professional Solutions Europe and co-Founder and co-Chair of the Institute of Work.

“The influence and impact of the IET has grown significantly over the past few years, with our past presidents leaving a fantastic legacy of determination and expert leadership. It is indeed a momentous occasion to have Dr Gopichand Katragadda taking over the reins as a highly respected thought-leader in the field of Artificial Intelligence, and our first Indian president. With an illustrious career to his credit, I am certain that he will play a key role in steering the IET towards our vision of engineering a better world,” said Ed Almond, Chief Executive and Secretary, The IET.

A seasoned technologist and executive leader, Dr. Gopichand Katragadda is the Founder of Myelin Foundry, an AI company with a vision to transform human experiences and industry outcomes. He is also an Independent Director of Bosch India Limited and ICICI Securities.

Until January 2019, Dr Gopichand was the Group Chief Technology Officer and Innovation Head of Tata Sons. At Tata Sons, he facilitated the development of pioneering products and services, strategic technology collaboration, and innovation across the $100 Billion Tata Group. He also set up and managed the ongoing Tata research collaborations with Harvard and Yale.

India has been taking several strides towards establishing its prowess and competence at a global scale, with the G20 presidency being the most significant marker of the same. The country pioneered an inclusive and solution-oriented model of diplomacy that set a great example for global collaboration. With aspects like sustainability and women-led development being key parts of India’s agency, the country has modeled an impact-first approach for the rest of the world. In this context, Dr Katragadda’s presidency is sure to follow the same example and ensure global progress towards driving engineering excellence for social impact.

With several other achievements to India’s credit such as Rishi Sunak being elected as UK’s first Indian Prime Minister, Vivek Ramaswamy becoming a US presidential candidate and Sundar Pichai being appointed as Google CEO, Dr. Katragadda’s appointment to this role further solidifies India’s strong leadership acumen and global prowess.

“We are delighted to witness Dr Gopichand Katragadda make history by being the first Indian to be leading The IET as its president. He is a true visionary in AI and technology innovation, and we are confident that his expert guidance will propel IET to new heights. Under his guidance, we anticipate a year filled with innovation, progress, and transformative change within the engineering community”, said Shekhar Sanyal, Country Head and Director, IET India.

In his presidential year, Dr Gopichand will work closely with the IET to shape the organization’s directives and strategize the advancement of engineering and technology in society. He will represent the IET at various events and conferences, advocating for its interests in society. Dr Gopichand will also play a pivotal role in supporting the continuous professional development of IET members and participate in initiatives aimed at advancing innovation and research in the engineering community, especially in the AI space.