Archives September 2023

Crowdfunding is a vital fundraising method for startups, offering access to capital from a diverse pool of backers via online platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. It enables entrepreneurs to validate their ideas, build a community of early supporters, and secure initial funding without relying solely on traditional investors. By tapping into the collective power of the crowd, startups can gather valuable feedback, generate buzz, and raise the capital needed to kickstart their ventures. This democratized funding approach has revolutionized the startup landscape, fostering innovation and leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs who might otherwise struggle to secure financing. Some of the leading platforms helping brands to raise funds are mentioned in the story.

Impact Guru

Impact Guru is a donation based crowdfunding platform for NGOs, social enterprises, startups and individuals. Impact Guru has mobilized ₹150 crore (US$19 million)for various NGOs and social enterprises in more than 15 countries.

POD WORLD

Founded by Vittal Ramakrishna and Neelendra Nath in 2022, POD is a full-stack fundraising platform in the making and is working towards building an ecosystem that makes startup fundraising seamless and transparent, in addition to providing retail investors the opportunity to invest in promising startup deals.

Tyke Investment

Tyke invest strives to make the investment space more inclusive by granting retail investors access to opportunities that were previously available only to a very small portion of the population. Lower minimums provide a broader section of the population an opportunity to participate. At the same time,they want to make it easier for founders to raise and create their own community of engaged users.

Lets Venture

Let’s Venture was conceptualized in 2013, on a simple premise – to make fundraising & investing easier for start-ups and investors respectively.

Today they are poised to scale private markets on a global level and aim to build the world’s largest ecosystem for founders and investors.

In today’s increasingly competitive landscape of higher education, where institutions strive to attract the brightest minds, innovative recruitment strategies have become paramount. We at Noida International University are committed to navigating these challenges and sharing insights into how institutions can stay ahead. In this article, we will explore some forward-thinking approaches to recruitment that can make a significant difference in the quest for exceptional talent.

Data-Driven Decision Making: The Power of Analytics

In the digital age, data is king. Leverage the wealth of data available to gain insights into your prospective student pool. Implement predictive analytics to identify potential applicants, understand their behavior, and tailor your outreach efforts accordingly. Data-driven decisions will streamline your recruitment process and improve your institution’s efficiency.

Virtual Engagement: Beyond the Campus Visit

In the wake of global events, virtual engagement has become a norm. Beyond the traditional campus tour, explore innovative ways to engage with prospective students virtually. Host webinars, virtual information sessions, and interactive online events. These initiatives will broaden reach and showcase your institution’s adaptability.

Harnessing the Power of Social Media

Social media platforms are potent recruitment tools. Develop a robust social media strategy that showcases your institution’s unique attributes, shares success stories, and engages with potential applicants. Additionally, consider partnering with current students or alumni as brand ambassadors to amplify your institution’s voice.

Inclusive and Holistic Approaches

Diversity and inclusivity are not merely buzzwords; they are core values. Develop admissions policies and practices that emphasize inclusivity and a holistic evaluation of applicants. Highlight your institution’s commitment to equity and diversity in your recruitment materials.

Community Partnerships and Outreach

Forge partnerships with local schools, community organizations, and businesses. Engaging with your local community not only fosters goodwill but also helps identify potential applicants who may not be on your radar through traditional channels.

Alumni Involvement

Engage your alumni network actively in the recruitment process. Alumni can provide valuable insights, mentorship opportunities, and testimonials that resonate with prospective students. Leverage their passion for your institution to attract new talent.

Continuous Learning and Adaptation

The recruitment landscape evolves rapidly. Stay informed about industry trends, technology advancements, and shifts in student preferences. Be agile and willing to adapt your strategies as needed to remain competitive.

According to Mr. Neeraj Sahani, Director of Training & Placement, Noida International University-

Innovative recruitment strategies are the linchpin to staying competitive in today’s admissions landscape. Embrace data-driven decisions, prioritize personalization, and leverage the digital tools at your disposal. Engage with prospective students in meaningful ways and ensure your institution’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity shines through. By adopting these strategies, you can usher in a new era of recruitment excellence and continue to attract the brightest minds to your institution.

Mumbai, India/September 26th, 2023– The IWFCI INDIA NATIONAL CHAPTER ‘Women Entrepreneurship Awards 2023’ has been instituted to encourage, recognize, reward and celebrate women entrepreneurs who have established successful micro, small and medium enterprises. The International Women’s Federation of Commerce and Industry (IWFCI) is a non-profit, non-government organization that was formed in 1992 in Melbourne, Australia by Ms. Diana Abruzzi.

IWFCI INDIA was established to meet the emerging needs of women in business and in recognition of their increasing contribution to the world of commerce, the community and to government.

IWFCI India, registered as Forum of Women in Commerce and Industry, a Section 8 Company registered under the Companies Act, 2013, is committed to supporting entrepreneurial skills in women and helps them to scale up their businesses through the network of IWFCI global chapters. IWFCI India has been conducting many events and activities in the recent past to promote their vision and have been able to leave a meaningful impact among budding women entrepreneurs.

A special award was instituted for an outstanding women entrepreneur for displaying exemplary entrepreneurship. This award ‘Women Entrepreneur Award 2023’ was conferred on Bengaluru-based Suhasini Sampath, Founder of Sprout Life Foods and formulator of the Yoga Bar for health and fitness.

The ‘Women Social Entrepreneur Award 2023’ was bagged by Alina Alam, Founder and CEO of ‘Mitti Social Initiatives Foundation’. Their vision is to empower the lives of persons with disabilities and foster disability inclusion through sustainable livelihood opportunities. The Mitti Cafés operate in major airports in India.

The ‘Women Business Entrepreneur Award 2023’ was bagged by Bangalorean Aruna Sampige of ‘Roots Reforms Initiatives Pvt. Ltd’. The organisation works on bridging the gap in ‘access’ and ‘choices’ of financial services to women in the unreached segments.

Women entrepreneurs (one each from the business sector and from the social sector) from micro, small and medium size businesses were conferred with the IWFCI Women Entrepreneurship Awards. Each award carries a cash prize of Rs. 50,000 each, a trophy and a citation.

The event ‘IWFCI Entrepreneurship Summit and Women Entrepreneurship Awards 2023’ saw a wide reach among IWFCI members across 14 chapters around the globe, members of various business networks, budding management student entrepreneurs and the general public.

Chief guest, Rajesh Dembla, Founder Zoozle.in said “Women will contribute over 60% of the growth that the industry will see in this decade. The world of entrepreneurship is about to change on its head. Any organisation that does not have about 45% women in their leadership, will cease to produce relevant products in the next few years.”

Ms. Diana Abruzzi, Founder and International Chair of IWFCI spoke on ‘The Building of the Entrepreneurial Mindset impacting Global Economies”

Ms. Archana Shiroor, Chief Human Resources Officer of Yes Bank said that according to the Boston Consultancy Group (BCG) there will be a 90% growth in women led businesses in the next 5 years. And IWFCI INDIA is all poised to help women face the challenges of the changing world.

Dr. Rema Ramchandran, Director IWFCI-India in her opening remarks said that we are here to celebrate the achievements and contributions of outstanding women entrepreneurs who have defied norms and shattered glass ceilings. Your resilience, creativity, and dedication have not only impacted the business world but have also inspired countless individuals around the globe.

Dr. Daphne Pillai India President IWFCI

IWFCI INDIA is led by Dr. Daphne Pillai, a leading educationist for over 30 years, who is the Chairperson of the Management Board, Mahatma Education Society and co-founder of the Pillai Group of Institutions which runs 48 educational institutions where 30000 students’ study annually. She was felicitated for her contribution to education and especially for her efforts to empower the underprivileged women in society through Adult Literacy Drives and Skill Development Programmes by various international women’s organisations. She firmly believes that “women are naturally empowered but only need the encouragement and the right environment to blossom, and it is for us to step in, step out and climb up”.

She was the winner of the ‘Assocham Women Achiever of the Year Award – 2019’ which was held jointly with the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, Govt of India. The award was conferred on her by the Hon. Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani.

Dr. Daphne Pillai is also the founder of the Soroptimist International Bombay Chembur, a women’s international organization which works for the welfare of women and works towards “Educating, Empowering and Enabling” women to build better lives for themselves.

Dr. Daphne PIllai says “It’s very important for society to recognise women entrepreneurs and their contribution to the economic growth of the country. It is also important for women to have role models to emulate. The IWFCI-INDIA Women Entrepreneur Awards celebrate women’s initiative, drive and determination to make their businesses successful and thus they become role models to other women who wish to enter the entrepreneurial space.”

“The Women’s Reservation Bill recently passed in Parliament will provide for women’s political participation and decision making in government policy and planning. This will in turn have a major impact on women entrepreneurs across all spectrums who will be beneficiaries of government programs, schemes and funding for their entrepreneurial initiatives and financial empowerment.”

Urban Square Mall announced a groundbreaking addition to its vibrant shopping and entertainment hub- a brand new 6-screen PVR cinema, featuring a luxurious Gold Class experience. This marks a significant milestone in the city’s entertainment landscape, bringing an unparalleled cinematic experience to the people of Udaipur.

The new PVR cinema will offer state-of-the-art technology, comfortable seating, and an immersive audio-visual experience that will elevate moviegoing to a whole new level. The Gold Class section will provide viewers with an exclusive, premium experience, with unparalleled facilities, fine-dining options, and personalized services.

Mr. Uddhav Poddar, Managing Director, Bhumika Group, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “We are thrilled to introduce Udaipur’s first-ever Gold Class cinema experience. Urban Square Mall has always aimed to provide the best in entertainment, and this partnership with PVR is a testament to our commitment. We believe this addition will redefine the way people enjoy movies in Udaipur and further solidify our position as the city’s premier shopping and entertainment destination.”

This exciting development aligns with Urban Square Mall’s vision to continually enhance entertainment offerings for its visitors and provide world-class experiences. The new PVR cinema is expected to be a magnet for movie enthusiasts and promises to be a significant attraction for both locals and tourists alike.

26th September 2023, Kolkata: Lampshade Writers, a spirited platform for sharing poems and interactions among poetry enthusiasts, organized its first poetry reading session themed `Earth and Sky’ in Kolkata recently. It was a soulful evening of poetry, musings and fun.

Lampshade Writers is the brainchild of Nivedita Narsapuram of Hyderabad who started the initiative as an online forum three years ago during the Covid pandemic. Since then, many young and old poetry lovers from across India and overseas have joined the group.

Around twenty young poets and poetry lovers from Kolkata and Hyderabad came together to recite their poems based on the pre-determined theme of Earth and Sky. The Kolkata debut session witnessed the presence of avid poetry lovers, mostly young ladies. Lampshade Writers envisions bringing even more people together and giving wings to words in the form of poetry.

“I had this idea back in 2020 amid the raging pandemic to create Lampshade Writers – a forum where people from all over the world could share poems and interact with one another at the same time. The model is based on the thriving reading and writing groups in Milwaukee, which I had come across during my stay in the United States,” said Nivedita.

“Lampshade Writers has already established a strong base and each day new poetry lovers, wordsmiths and creative thinkers are joining us. They bring with them a whiff of freshness and uniqueness which adds a lot of value to our initiative,” said Shrey Verma Rodricks of Hyderabad.

In 2021, Surela Chakraborty and Ananya Sarkar from Kolkata joined the core team at Lampshade and helped Nivedita take things forward.

“What began as a virtual initiative soon turned into real poetry sessions in Hyderabad with poetry lovers from Mumbai, Pune, Bangalore, Chennai, Kolkata and other cities attending the sessions. The first successful session in Kolkata sets the pace for more such events to come,” said Ananya Sarkar, a core member of Lampshade Writers.

“This first poetry session in Kolkata was a morale booster and some of the poems recited evoked intense emotions which electrified the atmosphere and invigorated the young poets. The poems were greatly appreciated and the session opened up to themes beyond the Earth and Sky,” said Surela Chakraborty, a core member of Lampshade Writers.

Lampshade Writers has diversified its content to include learning sessions on various aspects of poetry and also featured blogs (lampshadewriters.blogspot.com) on literary movements and folk arts as a medium of storytelling. It made fruitful collaborations with other creative and like-minded individuals to nurture a holistic one-stop platform for wordsmiths interested in exploring more.

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Mumbai, 26th September 2023: NxtWave, a leading upskilling platform for software careers, announced a series of impactful Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in celebration of its third anniversary. These initiatives align with the company’s unwavering commitment to giving back to the community and making a positive impact on society.

As part of the anniversary celebrations, NxtWave organized a blood donation camp within its office premises. The blood drive received enthusiastic participation from NxtWave employees, students, and alumni, collecting blood that could potentially save the lives of more than 250 people. This remarkable contribution highlights the company’s dedication to supporting community health and saving lives.

NxtWave has also extended its support to the SOS Children Village of India, a renowned organization dedicated to providing a nurturing home for underprivileged children. As an act of benevolence, NxtWave has sponsored daily essentials for 100 children, enriching the lives of these children and providing them with much-needed support. The donation will specifically be allocated to procure ration items for the children’s homes.

Recognizing the importance of raising awareness about technology and tech opportunities at an early age, NxtWave conducted a series of enlightening workshop sessions for these underprivileged children. These sessions delved into pivotal topics such as “How Industry 4.0 is changing the landscape of Tech” and “Discussing stories around Industry 4.0 Technologies to ignite curiosity among children.” The workshops were led by accomplished alumni, current students, and seasoned NxtWave trainers, promising to provide invaluable insights into the ever-evolving technology landscape.

Mr. Rahul Attuluri, Co-Founder and CEO of NxtWave, expressed his enthusiasm for these CSR initiatives, stating, “Our three-year journey has been marked by innovation and a deep-seated commitment to education. Today, we celebrate not only our accomplishments but also our responsibility to make a positive impact on society. NxtWave’s employees are at the forefront of our CSR efforts, embodying our values of empathy and community engagement.”

Bangalore, 26th September 2023 UTI Mutual Fund (UTI) launches UTI Innovation Fund, an open-ended equity scheme following the innovation theme to bring the next generation edge to investor’s portfolio. The Fund would follow a bottom-up approach for investing in innovation-oriented businesses and disruptors with the potential of non-linear growth outcomes. The NFO starts on September 25, 2023 and closes on October 9, 2023.

The investment strategy of the fund focuses on 3 pillars vis., Innovation: Companies using innovation to enhance productivity or improve environmental/social impact; Growth: Companies with significant growth potential, demonstrated track record of developing the market and/or gaining market share; Quality: Financially strong companies with market leadership, robust business models, quality management & corporate governance.

The Fund aims to invest in potential investment opportunities such as, but not limited to, ecommerce, software, fintech, specialty chemicals, clean tech, healthcare, food tech, digital ad companies etc. The Fund would have a higher active share due to the focus on innovation, however, follows robust risk-assessment framework that aims to manage portfolio risks – concentration and disruption.

Mr. Ankit Agarwal, Fund Manager, UTI AMC, commented on the launch, “UTI Innovation Fund marks a significant step forward for investors in navigating the ever-growing landscape of investment opportunities. It is a unique portfolio that is true-to-label, investing predominantly in innovative businesses and disruptors. In an era of rapid technological advancements and evolving market dynamics, it’s an opportunity to embrace innovation, adapt to market dynamics, and participate in potential wealth generators that could grow in a non-linear fashion.”

Investors may consider investing in this fund with a minimum horizon of 3-5 years. Having said so, to benefit from the potential non-linear growth of the portfolio companies through the entire cycle, investors may consider remaining invested for much longer periods.

Salient features of UTI Innovation Fund

• · Suitable for

o Investors looking for a true to label innovation fund which is benchmark agnostic and backed by research expertise

o Investors seeking relatively high growth potential and willing to ride the underlying waves of innovation

o Investors may invest through lump sum or staggered (SIP/ STP) allocation and with a long-term horizon

• · Fund Manager

Mr. Ankit Agarwal

• · Minimum Application Amount

o Initial Purchase: ₹ 5,000 and in multiples of ₹ 1

o Additional Purchase: ₹ 1,000 and in multiples of ₹ 1/-

• · Load Structure

o Entry Load: Nil

o Exit Load: 1% if redeemed/switched out within 12 months from the date of allotment, Nil

thereafter.

The above Exit Load is applicable for all redemptions/switch-out transactions including Systematic Withdrawal Plan (SWP) and Systematic Transfer Investment Plan (STRIP)

• · Benchmark Index

o Nifty 500 TRI

Product Label & Riskometer

UTI Innovation Fund

An open-ended equity scheme following innovation theme

Mumbai,26th September 2023 NarseeMonjee Institute of Management Studies (NMIMS) School of Business Management (SBM) announces admissions opening for its prestigious two-year, full-time MBA in Pharmaceutical Management. MBA in Pharmaceutical Management is a General Management program tailored to empower students for successful careers in pharmaceutical and related sectors.

Since its inception in 2002, NMIMS’ MBA Pharmaceutical Management program has an exceptional 22-year track record of excellence, consistently lauded as the top choice for Pharmaceutical Management Education.

Our core mission is nurturing future industry leaders. Over two years, students engage in rigorous academics and hands-on fieldwork, including an eight-week summer internship with leading Pharmaceutical, Medical Communication, or Medical Devices Companies.

Every week, students immerse themselves in field experiences, interacting with Doctors, Patients, Retailers, Wholesalers, Medical Sales Representatives, and Area Sales Managers. The first year alone includes over 18 field projects, totalling 180+ hours of hands-on experience, complemented by 100+ hours of data analysis. NMIMS MBA Pharma distinguishes itself as a rare Indian program offering such immersive experiential learning, drawing parallels to the Wharton School of Business.

The NMIMS MBA in Pharmaceutical Management equips students with essential skills and knowledge to excel in domains spanning Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices, Market Research, Consultancy, IT Healthcare Verticals, Diagnostics, Medical Communication, Nutraceuticals, and allied healthcare sectors. Roles encompass Sales, Marketing, Business Analysis, Project Management, Client Servicing, Business Development, International Marketing, and Operations. Our alumni hold diverse positions at various levels globally and in the domestic

Our unwavering commitment to excellence, reinforced by industry experts and dedicated faculty, ensures graduates are primed for success in the pharmaceutical industry. Institute-industry connections provide valuable insights from CEOs and HR Heads.Students acquire practical experience through club and cell management, and organizing campus events.

Twelve partnering companies offer awards, including gold and silver medals, presented during the Annual Award Ceremony, recognizing exceptional academic performance.Our Board of Studies, led by industry CEOs and Managing Directors, aligns course content with industry trends. Our pedagogy features lectures and case studies from Ivy League Schools. CEO and HR Forums facilitate direct interaction with industry leaders, offering valuable insights and inspiration.

Our 22-year legacy has a 100% track record for summer internships and final placements, with an average salary of Rs. 11.50 lakhs per annum and top offers exceeding Rs. 25 lakhs. Prominent recruiters include MNC and Indian companies from the top 100 companies in India.

Dr. Hari KumarIyer, Program Chairperson, NMIMS SBM, MBA (Pharmaceutical Management), expressed, “The NMIMS School of Business Management is committed to training future leaders for the pharmaceutical and allied industries. Our MBA in Pharmaceutical Management is a general management program offering a unique blend of academics and real-world exposure to ensure our graduates are well-prepared for meaningful careers in the sector. Our program includes core principles of management supported by pharma-specific requirements. Our students are also taught Prescription Data Analysis, which is probably a first for any management school. Thanks to our hands-on approach, practical training, and connections with industry leaders, we are arguably the country’s number one Pharmaceutical Management program well accepted and recognized by the industry.”

Crackers are connected to pollution in multiple ways:

a. Air Pollution: When fireworks are ignited, they release various chemicals and particulate matter into the air. These pollutants can include sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and fine particles, which can lead to respiratory problems and contribute to smog formation.
b. Noise Pollution: Firecrackers produce loud, sudden noises that can exceed safe noise levels. Prolonged exposure to such noise can lead to hearing damage, stress, and anxiety.
c. Light Pollution: The bright and colorful lights from fireworks can contribute to light pollution, disrupting the natural night environment and affecting wildlife behavior.

The health implications of crackers include:

a. Respiratory Issues: The pollutants released by fireworks can irritate the respiratory system, exacerbating conditions like asthma and bronchitis.
b. Cardiovascular Effects: Firework-related air pollutants can trigger cardiovascular issues, particularly in individuals with preexisting heart conditions.
c. Hearing Damage: Loud noise from crackers can cause hearing impairment, tinnitus, and increased stress levels.
d. Psychological Effects: The sudden and frequent explosions can induce anxiety, especially in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

According to  Raj Vardhan OSD Chairman, NIIMS Hospital, Noida International University ban on crackers can help by:

a. Reducing Air and Noise Pollution: A ban can significantly decrease the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere and mitigate noise pollution, protecting public health.
b. Preventing Health Issues: By reducing exposure to fireworks-related pollutants and loud noises, the ban can prevent exacerbation of respiratory, cardiovascular, and psychological conditions.
c. Enhancing Overall Well-being: A ban on crackers can contribute to a healthier and more peaceful environment, promoting general well-being and reducing stress levels.
d. Protecting Vulnerable Populations: Children, the elderly, and individuals with existing health conditions are particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of crackers. A ban can safeguard their health.
It’s important to note that health impacts may vary from person to person. If you have concerns about your health or the health of someone you know regarding firecracker use, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the lively and festive atmosphere of our exclusive Oktoberfest at Coriander Kitchen. The vibrant and inviting Coriander Kitchen at Conrad Pune is set to host an extraordinary event that pays homage to the world-renowned German celebration. Indulge in the authentic flavors of German brews and hearty treats meticulously prepared by our skilled chefs.

At Coriander Kitchen, we’ve meticulously crafted a menu that showcases the very best of German cuisine, complemented by an array of authentic German brews that will tantalize your taste buds. Our inviting ambiance and the delightful spread promise to take you on a gastronomic journey through the heart of Germany. This is your opportunity to savor the rich cultural flavors of this global festivity right here in the heart of Pune.

This is more than just an event – it’s an experience that captures the essence of community, togetherness, and indulgence. Mark your calendar for the dates of this exceptional event and make your way to Coriander Kitchen at Conrad Pune and be part of a festive extravaganza that brings the spirit of Oktoberfest to life. Your presence will elevate the joy and make this celebration truly unforgettable.