Archives February 2024

Actress Kiara Advani and Director Atlee share secrets of appealing to masses through movies

Mumbai,26th February 2024: Two Bollywood celebrities spilled the beans of their secrets of success in the Indian film industry. Famous Actress Kiara Advani and celebrated Director Atlee joined the podium at the ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 sharing the two very different journeys but same destination that of success.

Known for her exceptional performances and a journey marked by determination, Kiara Advani, spoke in the session the Outsider’s Uphill Battle: The Struggle and the Success. Speaking on how she handles fame and admiration, Kiara Advani expressed, “I have a sense of gratitude from the starting of my journey. My base years have kept me grounded, and the art of balancing is what has made me sail through these 10 years.”

Motivating the young women, Kiara added, “It is really mind over matter, definitely there are more expectations from women when they step out of the traditional role. For me, it is really about prioritizing between my social life, fitness and family.” She applauded the audience’s mind set which has evolved over time with married actresses being popularly accepted.

Commenting on the Instagram trends of setting impossible beauty standards and self-doubt, Kiara Advani said, “There is a lot of hard work that goes behind curating the feed. We don’t want to set impossible beauty standards, but at the end it is a visual medium and our work requires us to give the best shot.”

On her association with Don 3, she said, “It was a conscious decision to step in the action genre, and I am very excited to be a part of this movie.”

Kiara shared her learnings over the years from the industry for keeping it real, “Have the courage to be disliked, don’t seek external validation, rather seek constructive criticism.”

Known for delivering nothing short of blockbuster movies, Film Director and Screenwriter Atlee shared the secret to his filmmaking at the session How to Make a Blockbuster: It Takes Guts and Glory.

Atlee remarked, “Movies are not bounded by language but by love. Even if I am not familiar with Hindi, I can make a Hindi movie because I understand the emotions of audience coming to watch my cinema.”

Asked about his work experience with Shah Rukh Khan, he said, “I love all his films Chennai Express, DDLJ, Om Shanti Om. He has an unmatchable screen presence. God has been kind for giving me a chance to work with him. I will definitely work with him again once I crack a new subject”.

Elaborating on his art of filmmaking and appealing to audience across India, he said, “The most genuine time is layman’s time and layman’s money. If a viewer is investing 300 rupees in a movie, I feel responsible for keeping them entertained. Violence in my movies is not to provoke anyone but to voice out the bitter truth. I need to give a social message to my audience, it is important to me. Politics is a part of life; it should be brought to the fore when we are living in a democracy.”

The ABP Network’s ‘Ideas of India’ Summit 3.0 spotlighting the ‘The People’s Agenda’ brought a confluence of ideas and ideators to a common platform celebrating the country’s people and its plurality. The two-day summit hosted policymakers, cultural ambassadors, industry experts, celebrities, business leaders, economists, and leading luminaries to delve into the fundamental ideas of liberty, justice, equality, and diversity that define India, its society, culture, and politics. The meaningful deliberations on diverse topics had the brightest minds across sectors providing insights about the nation’s trajectory and its journey to become Viksit Bharat.

“Madhya Pradesh Boosts Study Abroad with Scholarships and Awareness”

Boosts Study Abroad with  Scholarships

Indore, 26th February 2024:In recent years, Madhya Pradesh(MP) has witnessed a significant surge in the number of students expressing a keen interest in pursuing higher education abroad. The data from 2019 reveals that over 1200 Indian students from MP embarked on journeys for higher education overseas, and this number has experienced substantial growth in subsequent years.

ShrutiJadhav, Regional Advisor (South Asia), Rowan University, USA, said“The trend is not limited to any specific academic level, as both undergraduates and postgraduates are equally enthusiastic about studying abroad. Traditionally popular fields such as computer science and business continue to attract a considerable number of students. However, there is a noticeable shift towards unconventional career options, with increasing demand for courses in animation, psychology, and fashion designing.

Despite this surge in interest, there remains a lack of awareness among students in their early years of education regarding the opportunities and requirements for studying abroad. This knowledge gap sometimes leads to compromises in profile building due to insufficient time and a lack of expert guidance.

To address this issue, independent counsellors organise fairs that serve as a crucial platform for raising awareness among students. These fairs not only provide valuable information but also act as catalysts, fueling the enthusiasm of students who aspire to pursue education abroad.

The education landscape in MP has evolved, particularly in tier 2 cities, where schools now employ dedicated counsellors. These professionals play a pivotal role as game-changers by offering quality guidance to students, assisting them in identifying their best-fit universities. Additionally, some top-ranked schools have successfully implemented exchange programs for many years, contributing to the overall growth of study abroad initiatives.

While progress has been made, there is still ample scope for the expansion of summer study abroad programs. These programs could further enhance the global exposure and educational experiences for students in MP.

Madhya Pradesh government has also been contributing to the growth of study abroad since years and has announced scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students.

Air India Launches New Inflight Safety Video

Air India

Bengaluru, 26th February 2024: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today unveiled ‘Safety Mudras’, the airline’s new inflight safety video that seamlessly blends safety instructions with the kaleidoscope of India’s vibrant culture. Developed in collaboration with the visionary trio of Prasoon Joshi of McCann Worldgroup, Shankar Mahadevan and Bharatbala, the video is meticulously crafted to engage passengers and showcase the diversity and depth of the Indian culture, while delivering essential safety information.

For centuries, Indian classical dance and folk-art forms have served as mediums of storytelling and instruction. Air India’s new inflight safety video integrates safety instructions with mudras or dance expressions in eight diverse dance forms – Bharatnatyam, Bihu, Kathak, Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Odissi, Ghoomar, and Giddha – from around the country. Each featured dance form presents a specific safety instruction, providing vital information in an engaging and culturally immersive manner.

Campbell Wilson, CEO & MD, Air India, said: “As a flagbearer of the country and a longstanding patron of Indian art and culture, Air India is delighted to present a work of art that is designed to deliver essential safety instructions while showcasing India’s rich cultural diversity to travellers around the world. Our guests will find this inflight safety video to be more immersive and informative, and a warm welcome to India from the moment they step onboard.”

Featuring music composed by Grammy Award-winning music composer and singer Shankar Mahadevan, the video invites passengers to experience a harmonious fusion of safety and culture. This project, spanning approximately six months, involved creators travelling and capturing the essence of India visually through mesmerizing locations across the length and breadth of the country.

The safety video will be initially accessible on Air India’s recently introduced A350 aircraft, which is equipped with state-of-the-art inflight entertainment screens. It will be progressively deployed on other aircraft in Air India’s fleet.

Air India’s new inflight safety video can be download here: https://bit.ly/AirIndiaSafetyVideo

Khoya Presents Its All-new Holi Collection Celebrating the Festival of Colours and Tradition

Khoya Presents

Khoya is a bastion of premium mithai, dedicated to the art of crafting exquisite delicacies using age-old recipes and the finest ingredients. With a penchant for innovation and a reverence for tradition, we craft experiences that transcend the ordinary, making every moment a celebration of luxury and nostalgia.

This Holi, brace yourselves for a lineup of crispy, flavourful Chandrakala Gujiyas. Each delicate fold tells tales of tradition, while every golden crimp holds within it a pursuit of culinary perfection. ‘Chandrakala,’ meaning “Ray of Moon,” pays tribute to the moon that appears on the night before Holi. This moon marks the end of winter and the start of spring.

Our gujiyas capture the essence of this festive moon’s richness, charm and beauty; where buttery pastry meets a luscious filling of Khoya and top tier nuts with a satisfying crunch. The Classic Gujiya is a medley of Kaju, badam and pista, garnished with aromatic saffron and pistachio flakes, the Walnut Gujiya is crowned with delicate saffron and almond flakes and The PaanGujiya offers a delightful mixture of khoya, and gulkand, topped with rose petals.

Also, introducing their gluten free Premium Gujiya Range, Khoya ensures to add more exclusiveness to your celebrations. The star of this range is the PistaGujiya, featuring a delicious outer layer made entirely of pishori pistachios and a tasty filling of pistachios, cashews, gulkand, and almonds. The Kesar KajuGujiya is the perfect choice for those with a taste for finer things. Its outer layer is made from kesari cashews, filled with a heavenly mixture of coconut powder, pistachios, almonds, and Saunf. Experience the mouth wateringflavours of California almonds with the BadamGujiya. It is adorned with premium-candied walnut kernels tossed in pure honey.

But Holi isn’t just about sweets; is it: Thandai is fundamental to every Holi celebration. Khoya’s Thandai Powder, a balanced blend of nuts, seeds, and spices, is a true embodiment of Holi’s spirit. Whether enjoyed with warm or cold milk, this versatile drink offers a burst of flavor while nourishing the body, making it the ideal drink for your celebrations.

Furthermore, Khoya presents the Holi mithai collection that perfectly blends the exquisite taste of Khoya’s mithai infused with the nostalgic Holi flavours.. The Thandai Burfi combines the nature of Thandai with the sweet texture of burfi, embellished with chopped nuts. For a cooling after-meal treat, the MeethaPaan Barfi carries the bold flavors of betel leaf, cashews, pista, almonds, and gulkand. The Khoya MalaiLadoo, with its creamy richness, expertly combines khoya, roasted almonds, cashews, pistachio, and aromatic ingredients with a four-day shelf life for a truly scrumptious experience. Feast on the traditional charm of MewaVatti, with an outer layer of khoya and a filling of chopped “AngooriPeetha,” with a shelf life of over four days.

Transport your taste buds to the regal origins of Ras Malai with a Thandai twist. The rendition features soft and spongy Chhena soaked in a thandaiflavoured milk reduction, Each bite offers a balance of creamy richness, subtle sweetness, and aromatic spices; laced with the refreshing notes of Thandai.

Take a lovely trip through history with the Rajasthani Heeng Kachori, a delicate treat that originates in the brilliant minds of the Marwaris. This wholesome Kachodi has a shelf life of two days, making it the perfect travel companion.

This Holi Khoya brings forth a range of SKUs – mithai and more that represent the flavourful and colourful taste of tradition of Holi. Now choose from a variety of luxurious and exquisitely packaged gifting options – Gujjias, Khoya Holi range of mithais, Holi special hampers and the works.

How Do I Support Someone Living With Epilepsy?

Author: Ms.R.Tejashree – Tutor in the Department of Neuro Electro Physiology
SIMATS- Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences
Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai.

In this write up we will explore seizure disorder and its causes, symptoms, and how to provide first-aid treatment for seizure. A seizure is a sudden, uncontrolled burst of electrical activity in the brain that can cause changes in behavior, movements, feelings, and levels of consciousness. Having two or more seizures at least 24 hours apart that do not have a known cause is considered to be epilepsy. Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological disorders of childhood. Epilepsy affects both sexes and all ages with worldwide distribution. The prevalence and the incidence of epilepsy are slightly higher in men compared to women and tend to peak in the elderly, reflecting the higher frequency of stroke, neurodegenerative diseases, and tumors in this age-group. Focal seizures are more common than generalized seizures both in children and in adults. Epilepsy is a treatable condition, with up to 80% entering prolonged periods of seizure remission and up to 50% continuing to be seizure-free after treatment discontinuation.

 Epilepsy has often been considered a disorder surrounded by myths and misconception. The seizures are short – lived, lasting only for a few seconds to minutes, and recovery is immediate. The person may experience sudden loss of consciousness, jerking movements of arms and legs, staring, stiffening of the body, breathing problems, and loss of bowel control. They may also ave hallucinations of sight, smell, sound, taste, touch and memory. Genetic factors, brain tumors, stroke, degenerative diseases, trauma, chronic alcohol, stress, high illness may cause epilepsy. It is not always possible to identify a cause for epilepsy with any confidence. The main form of treatment for epilepsy is drugs. Sometimes people can learn to control their seizures by avoiding clear precipitants, for example alcohol or lack of sleep. But the large majority require anti – convulsant medication, often over a period of many years. Seizures impact their lives in many ways including creating barriers to employment and education and facing a sense of discrimination and isolation from their peers who donʼt understand what happens when they see a seizure occur.

 It is important for the public to know how to respond to all seizures. So people must know how to help seizure patients through first aid treatments. Some general steps to help someone who is having any type of seizures are to stay calm and remain with the person until the seizure ends, keep the person safe and protect them from injury by removing any nearby objects, and turn the person onto their side. Call 108 if the seizure is prolonged for more than 5 minutes. Do not restrain the person and do not put anything in the mouth during an attack.

 To lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures and save lives. This lecture highlights the information on epilepsy and its causes, symptoms, and medications and most importantly how to help the seizure person by providing first aid treatment.

 SIMATS – Saveetha College of Allied Health Sciences conducted an awareness program on
Sustainable Development Goals in Saveetha School of Physical Education on the topic entitled “Awareness on seizure disorder”.

KW Delhi 6 Organizes Walkathon to Promote Cleanliness and Fitness in Ghaziabad

Ghaziabad, February 26, 2024: Leading real estate developer KW Delhi 6 organized a walkathon in Ghaziabad with the theme “Walk for Clean City, Healthy and Fit Ghaziabad”. About 6000 plus citizens of Ghaziabad eagerly participated in this program. Its objective was to make everyone aware to promote cleanliness, health, and fitness in the city.

kw delhi

The walkathon started with great enthusiasm from Delhi 6 Mall, Ghaziabad, where participants came out in theme-based attire for a clean and healthy Ghaziabad. This program was flagged off by the chief guest, Honorable Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Anil Aggarwal, who expressed happiness to see the participation of people on such a large scale for this noble cause.

Towards the fitness resolution, the participants proceeded traversing various routes in the city, and the walkathon culminated at Delhi Public School, HRIT Campus, Meerut Road, where the participants were welcomed with enthusiasm and applause.

Speaking about the program, Mr. Pankaj Kumar Jain, Director, KW Group said, “We are grateful to the community for their enthusiastic participation, and we look forward to similar collective efforts in creating a sustainable and healthy environment for future generations. We will continue.”

The walkathon sequence included participants on bicycles, skates, walkers, and people with disabilities, showcasing the inclusivity of the event.

The walkathon served as a testament to the spirit of unity and determination prevalent among the residents of Ghaziabad in the effort to create a clean, green, and healthy environment for all.

Yamaha Track Day Event in Bangalore Thrills Over 300 Ardent Yamaha Fans

Bangalore, 26th February 2024: India Yamaha Motor (IYM) Pvt Ltd., organised an exclusive Track Day event for its customers, at Aruani Grid in Bangalore on 25th February 2024. The event, organised as part of the exciting “The Call of The Blue” brand campaign, witnessed an enthusiastic participation of over 100 Yamaha owners and more than 300 ardent Yamaha fans from Bangalore and nearby areas, making it an extraordinary success.

yamaha

The Track Day Event at Aruani Grid, Bangalore provided Yamaha owners with a wonderful opportunity to experience the thrill of riding their own Yamaha motorcycles on a track. Participants got the chance to explore the dynamics of lean angles, high-speed cornering, precise braking, and body movement, while also discovering the benefits of advanced features such as quick shifters and traction control systems available on their machines.

Along with the display of Yamaha’s favourite bikes, the spectators were treated to a mesmerising YZF-R3 and MT-03, two new additions to Yamaha India’s lineup that promise to redefine the standards of performance and style in their respective categories. Several other engagement activities were also integrated, that include Yamaha Apparels & Accessories display, Photo-op zone, and Gaming zone, adding an extra layer of excitement and engagement to the event.

This event serves as one of many platforms organized by Yamaha to reinforce its global identity as an exhilarating brand with a rich racing legacy, fostering a sense of pride and community among its customers.

With “The Call of the Blue Track Day Activity”, Yamaha aims to engage with a wider audience across India and promote the updated 2024 line-up of Exciting, Stylish & Sporty two-wheeler range comprising of the YZF-R3 (321cc), MT-03 (321cc), YZF-R15 V4 (155cc), YZF-R15M (155cc), YZF-R15S (155cc), MT-15 V2 (155cc), FZS-Fi Version 4.0 (149cc), FZS-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-Fi Version 3.0 (149cc), FZ-X (149cc) and scooters like AEROX (155cc), Fascino 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR 125 FI Hybrid (125cc), Ray ZR Street Rally 125 FI Hybrid (125cc).

Project Champion School Games held

Hyderabad, February 26, 2024…..School Games Competitions were organised at 5 Govt Schools under a novel initiative ‘Project Champion’ an initiative of Hyderabad Runners Society to provide Govt School kids with 30-40 minutes of exercises and games where there is no Physical Training Teachers available, to promote movement and active lifestyles. And medals and Certificates were awarded at MGN Primary, NBT Primary, NBT High School, Shaikpet Primary School, Shaikpet High School.

Project Champion Govt School Games held at 5 Govt Schools where there was no Physical Training Teacher was available but kids were trained in sports and games condctd-5

These competitions were just conducted in the respective schools or nearby playgrounds, involving 1363 children. Out of the total 1363 participants, 732 children emerged victorious in various events and were honoured with medals and certificates, while also enjoying refreshments.

Physical Education teachers, appointed by Hyderabad Runners, diligently trained the children for over 100 days. Abhijeet, Ram from Hyderabad Runners Society, and the respective HMs inaugurated the Project Champion School Games. Abhijeet, Arun Kumar, and Raghu from Hyderabad Runners Society, alongside the respective HM of the schools, presented medals and certificates to the 732 honoured children.

Hyderabad Runners Society, the only organisation to institutionalise running in India, launched the Project Champion initiative in five Government Schools in Shaikpet Mandal in October 2023, in collaboration with Kriti Social Initiatives.

These schools are primary and high school in Shaikpet, Primary and high school in NBT nagar and MG Nagar Primary School. These five government schools include NBT Government Primary School, NBT Government High School, Shaikpet Government Primary School, Shaikpet Government High School, MGN Primary School.

This initiative provides students with 30-40 minutes of exercises and games to promote movement and active lifestyles. Project Champion benefitted 2800 children.

Planning for school sports involves selecting suitable sports according to the curriculum, organizing game schedules, team selection processes, rules, logistics, equipment, referees/volunteers, first aid supplies, hydration, and other essential resources. Hyderabad Runners Society has made a beginning in all these aspects as part of the Outreach Program.

According to the Head Master of various schools and physical trainers associated with the project, it is a great success. The project focused on engaging children in sports, games, and physical activities, enhancing their relationship with exercise. Notably, there has been an increase in student attendance and punctuality since the implementation of Project Champion. The involvement in sporting activities like Physical Education classes has motivated children to attend school regularly, blending education with sports and instilling values of citizenship in the classroom. Project Champion School Games have brought students closer, fostering a sense of community and support among the children, transcending mere athletic competition. The collaborative spirit exhibited by school staff, teachers, and students during the school games highlights teamwork, camaraderie, and mutual encouragement for each other’s accomplishments.

Governor of Haryana Shri Bandaru Dattatreya Ji inaugurates Shri Ram Global School

Gurugram, February 25, 2024 – Shri Ram Global School, Sector 70, witnessed a momentous occasion today with the grand inauguration ceremony graced by the presence of the Honorable Governor of Haryana, Shri Bandaru Dattatreya Ji. The event marked official opening of the school and was celebrated with great enthusiasm by the school community. High Commissioner, Uganda to India, H.E. Prof. Joice Kikafunda’s graced the inaugural event as Guest.

Governor of Haryana Shri Bandaru Dattatreya Ji inaugurates Shri Ram Global School 1

The ceremony featured a vibrant cultural program showcasing the talents of the school’s students. The program included traditional dances, music performances, and skits, all of which received warm applause from the audience.

Following the program, there was an annual get-together organized for the school community, providing an opportunity for students, parents, and teachers to interact and celebrate the special occasion.

The ceremony commenced with a traditional welcome, followed by an address by the school director, Smt. Abha Kumar, In her speech, Smt. Kumar expressed her gratitude to the Governor for his presence and highlighted the school’s commitment to providing quality education to students in Gurugram and nearby regions. “We are honored to have Shri Bandaru Dattatreya Ji inaugurate our school. His presence is a testament to the importance of education and inspires us to strive for excellence in everything we do.”

She further stated, “Today, we are pleased to join hands with the Sri Ram Global School which will be ICSE K-12 School. The Sri Ram Group has a legacy of Sri Ram College of Commerce and Lady Sri Ram, two of the finest institutes of India. We thrive to promote excellence through determination and hard work. The school will have state-of-the-art facilities with a temperature-controlled swimming pool, squash court, indoor badminton court, and cricket pitch. The ambitious target will help students to grow holistically.”

Governor of Haryana Shri Bandaru Dattatreya Ji inaugurates Shri Ram Global School 2

Shri Bandaru Dattatreya, Hon’ble Governor, Haryana, in his address, lauded the initiative of Shri Ram Global School and emphasized the crucial role of education in shaping the future of the nation. He said, “I truly appreciate the cultural program by the students. Education is the foundation of a strong and prosperous society. And Hindi language plays a pivotal role in our development as it is our mother tongue. Though we understand the importance of English but we shall also strive to learn Hindi as Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has made Hindi a crucial aspect of our New Education Policy.”

He further stated, “The education we impart today in our children will be etched for long in managing our relationship and family. It impacts our lives. I am confident that Shri Ram Global School will provide its students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in life.”

Shri Jitender Seghal, Chairman, Shri Ram Global School, Sector 70, Gurgaon, said, “We are committed to providing our students with a holistic education that nurtures their intellectual, social, and emotional development. We believe that every child has the potential to excel, and we are here to support them on their journey.”

Shri Jitender Seghal, Chairman, Shri Ram Global School proposed the Vote of Thanks. The inauguration of Shri Ram Global School marks a significant milestone in the educational landscape of Gurgaon. The students enacted Ramayan on this occasion. With the blessings of the Governor and the dedication of its team, the school is poised to make a valuable contribution to the future of its students and the community.

World’s First Multiomics Lab to be established in Bangalore: Vizzhy CEO Dr. Vishnuvardhan Unveils Groundbreaking Initiative

Bangalore, Feb 24: Vizzhy CEO, Dr. Vishnuvardhan, has announced the establishment of the world’s first Multiomics Lab in Bangalore, marking a significant leap in healthcare innovation. The announcement came during the soft launch event of the Vizzhy Multiomics platform, showcasing a pioneering approach to understanding and treating metabolic disorders.

World's First Multiomics Lab 1

In his address, Dr. Vishnuvardhan highlighted the transformative potential of multiomics technology in deciphering the complexities of metabolic diseases. By integrating cutting-edge advancements and collaborations with esteemed institutions like the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), Vizzhy aims to revolutionize healthcare delivery.

The Vizzhy Multiomics platform promises a paradigm shift in healthcare management, offering precise insights into individual metabolic profiles. Utilizing state-of-the-art equipment and Health AI technology, the lab will empower physicians to identify root causes and provide tailored recommendations for patients.

World's First Multiomics Lab 2

Moreover, the integration of AI-driven solutions, including digital signatures, will enhance medical decision-making and streamline health record management. Through the “Vizzhy GPT” platform, users can access comprehensive health summaries in multiple languages, facilitating informed healthcare interventions.

The initiative has garnered praise from UIUC, with President Timothy Laurence Killeen commending Vizzhy’s commitment to advancing healthcare through multiomics. Prof. Narendra Ahuja also lauded the potential of this groundbreaking technology in shaping the future of medicine.

World's First Multiomics Lab 3

The presence of a distinguished delegation from UIUC underscores the global significance of Vizzhy’s initiative, heralding a new era of healthcare innovation.