Archives February 2024

Dhanuka Group Chairman Conferred Lifetime Achievement Award by Entomological Society of India

Dhanuka Group Chairman Conferred Lifetime Achievement Award by EntomoloDhanuka Group Chairman Conferred Lifetime Achievement Award by Entomological Society of Indiagical Society of IndiaBengaluru, February 22, 2024: Recognizing his extraordinary contribution towards Indian farming community, Dr. Ram Gopal Agarwal, Chairman, Dhanuka Group has been accorded the Lifetime achievement award by the Entomological Society of India (ESI). This decoration underscores Dr. Agarwal’s significant role in shaping a brighter future for Indian agriculture, characterized by increased productivity, profitability, and social standing for farmers.

The section committee of ESI had recommended bestowing upon the Lifetime achievement award to the Dhanuka Group chairman considering his deep commitment, strong conviction, philanthropic engagement, and high degree of professionalism in his continuous quest for making India’s agriculture vibrant as well as for making farming a dignified profession with increased livelihood and heightened social status. 

In a ceremony at Gandhi Krishi Vignan Kendra (GKVK), Bengaluru, Dr. R. G. Agarwal received the award in the presence of Dr. S. V. Suresha, Vice Chancellor of University of Agricultural Sciences (UAS), Bengaluru, Dr. S. N. Sushil, Director, ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (NBAIR), Dr. S. N. Puri, Chief Patron, ESI, Dr. V. V. Ramamurthy, President, ESI and many other esteemed scientists and students of entomology from the various agricultural universities. 

Dr. R. G. Agarwal has dedicated 55 years of his profession to the cause of National prosperity through a vibrant agriculture sector. A renowned philanthropist, his legacy of altruism touches countless lives across domains. His benevolence extends across various domains, exemplified by the establishment of three schools in Rajasthan, Ashrams for spiritual well-being in Vrindavan, a Charitable dispensary at Govardhan, and a waiting hall at AIIMS among others. 

Honoured by the recognition, Dr. R. G. Agarwal expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the ESI. In his award speech, he underlined the critical roles played by agricultural scientist in own journey. Dr. Agarwal also emphasized the need for the innovative solutions for the farmers for better crop yield, thus ensuring higher income for them. On the occasion, Dr. Agarwal has also announced a cash award of Rs. 1 lakh for the Scientists (Entomology) for exceptional achievements in the area of research & development, which will start from next year. The scientist will be selected by the committee formed by ESI. 

Dr. Agarwal has also been a recipient of several coveted awards and recognition including the National Safety Award (thrice); Lifetime Achievement Award by CHAI, FICCI, and many more.

Toprankers Sets the Stage in ‘The Indian EdTech Story’ Documentary on Disney + Hotstar, Championing a One Stop Platform for New Age Careers

Toprankers Sets the Stage in 'The Indian EdTech Story' Documentary on Disney + Hotstar, Championing a One Stop Platform for New Age CareersNew Delhi, 22 February 2024:  Toprankers, India’s leading digital learning platform has been prominently featured in the documentary series, ‘The Indian EdTech Story,’ produced by Edstead. This exciting series, now streaming on DisneyHotstar, shines a spotlight on Toprankers‘ remarkable journey and its profound impact on the educational landscape across India.

The documentary showcases Toprankers‘ unwavering commitment to making education more affordable and accessible to millions of students nationwide. Through innovative approaches and dedicated efforts, Toprankers has significantly enhanced the learning experiences of countless individuals in the field of unconventional careers empowering them to achieve their academic goals.

The episode titled, “Toprankers: Raising the Bar” captures the innovation, determination of the co-founders to solve the problem of every household which is around discovering the right career opportunity and follow one’s passion which can also be beyond engineering and medicine.

Commenting on the release, Shekhar Bhattacharjee, Founder of Edstead, expressed, “The entire objective behind producing this series was to illuminate the transformation of education into an affordable and accessible realm for millions. The series not only captures the highs and lows of the edtech sector but also underscores its ongoing commitment to creating a positive impact. Toprankers journey, featured prominently in the documentary, serves as a testament to the organization’s dedication to providing quality education and leaving a lasting impact on the educational landscape in India. “

“At Toprankers, our goal has always been to help students discover new age careers, assist them with well analyzed resources, skills and develop them comprehensively. Career choices like Law, Management, Design, Judiciary and more, have a low market acceptance, to overcome this mindset and help the students here, we started off with Toprankers. We have made an impact on the lives of 1 L+ students and will continue to do so. This recognition underscores the dedication of our team and the triumph of our students nationwide.” said Mr. Gaurav Goel, CEO & Co-founder, Toprankers.

‘The Indian EdTech Story‘ delves into the highs and lows of the edtech journey, highlighting the pivotal role played by organizations like Toprankers in driving meaningful transformations within the sector. By showcasing success stories and illustrating the broader impact of edtech initiatives, the series underscores the importance of leveraging technology to enhance learning outcomes and foster accessible education for all.

The series is now live on DisneyHotstar and across Edstead’s digital channels: https://www.hotstar.com/in/shows/the-indianedtechstory/1271268709

For more informationbabout Toprankers and its innovative educational solutions, visit https://www.toprankers.com/

 

AI-powered innovation on India’s fashion retail

Bengaluru, February 22, 2024: In the rapidly evolving fashion industry, transformative technology has become key to engaging consumers and driving purchases. With the help of AI-powered data, businesses can now precisely target shoppers in India’s Tier 2 and 3 cities and thus maximize their market reach and impact, said Meghna Apparao, Director of Meta India at the India Fashion Forum 2024 in Bengaluru.

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Highlighting on Meta platforms’ role as a powerful touchpoint for fashion businesses to connect with consumers and drive spontaneous purchases, she said, “There are 3.8 billion monthly active users of Meta across the globe, including India as a significant market, and an astonishing 2 billion people re-share reels daily worldwide. With AI-powered insights, businesses can effectively tap into the sheer affluence of Tier 2 city shoppers and leverage vernacular content to resonate with diverse consumer demographics.”

Delving into the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and fashion, emphasizing its transformative potential. Shubha Pai, Head of Sales and Solutions at YouTube India, highlighted, “YouTube’s rise as the quintessential fashion destination is underscored by a staggering achievement of 5 billion views for fashion and clothing content in December 2023 alone.”

She further added, “The platform’s diverse content formats, especially trending ones like ‘Get Ready with Me’ (GRWM) and ‘Outfit of the Day’ (OOTD) videos, have witnessed a remarkable 500% growth in watch time, thereby gaining great influence in shaping fashion trends and consumer behaviour.”

Talking about the roadblocks in the fashion business, Shailesh Chaturvedi, MD & CEO, Arvind Fashions, said, “We need to re-look at the fundamentals of how we run our businesses and effectively utilize our capital.”

Saloni Nangia, President & MD of Technopak Advisors, emphasized the evolving nature of consumer behavior and the importance of leveraging technology to meet changing demands. “Technology will be the largest value creator. AI will be an enabler and a disruptor, and sustainability will continue to hold importance.”

The integration of generative AI, from chatbots to personalized content creation and data visualization is revolutionizing marketing strategies and reshaping the fashion retail landscape.

As the India Fashion Forum 2024 progresses, it becomes increasingly evident that AI-powered innovation is not just a trend but a fundamental driver of change, poised to usher in a new era of dynamic and consumer-centric fashion retail in India.

With the integration of generative AI, ranging from chatbots to personalized content creation and data visualization, the horizons of possibility expand exponentially. As an increasing number of companies embrace this technology, its seamless integration into every facet of marketing becomes a foreseeable reality.

IT Solutions provider Orient Technologies files DRHP for IPO

Mumbai-based Orient Technologies Limited, a fast-growing information technology (IT) solutions provider, has filed its Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) with capital market regulator Sebi to raise funds for its initial public offering (IPO).

The IPO has a face value of Rs 10 and consists of a fresh issue of Rs 120 crore and an offer for sale of up to 4.6 million equity shares by the Promoter Selling Shareholders.

The offer for sale consists of the sale of equity shares of up to 1,150,000 by Ajay Baliram Sawant, up to 1,150,000 equity shares by Umesh Navnitlal Shah, up to 1,150,000 equity shares by Ujwal Arvind Mhatre, and up to 1,150,000 equity shares by Jayesh Manharlal Shah.

The Offer is being made through the book-building process, wherein not more than 50% of the offer shall be available for allocation on a proportionate basis to qualified institutional buyers, not less than 15% of the offer shall be available for allocation to non-institutional investors, and not less than 35% of the offer shall be available for allocation to retail individual investors.

The proceeds from the fresh issue, to the extent of Rs 79.65 crore for funding its capital expenditure requirements; Rs 10.35 crore for the acquisition of office premises at Navi Mumbai; and General Corporate Purposes.

Orient Technologies commenced its business in the year 1997 and was co-founded by Ajay Baliram Sawant, Jayesh Manharlal Shah, Ujwal Arvind Mhatre, and Umesh Navnitlal Shah. Over the years, the company has developed deep expertise in creating products and solutions for specialized disciplines across IT Infrastructure, IT Enabled Services (IteS) and

Cloud and Data Management Services. It collaborates with top technology companies like Dell, Fortinet, and Nutanix to offer advanced solutions tailored to meet the specific needs of their customers.

As of December 31, 2023, Orient Technologies boasted a diverse clientele spanning both public and private sectors, including industries like Banking, Financial Services, Insurance (BFSI), Information Technology (IT), IteS, Healthcare / Pharmaceuticals, among others.

The company has cultivated strong relationships with notable clients such as Coal India, Mazagon Dock, D’Décor, Jyothy Labs, ACG, Integreon, Bluechip, Tradebulls, Vasia Janta Bank, Vasai Vikas Bank and Joint Commissioner of Sales Tax (GST Mahavikas), Mumbai.

The Product and Services offered by Orient Technologies, within IT Infrastructure, comprises of Data Centre Solutions and End-User Computing, The IT Infrastructure has a track record of being the longest operational business segment and also the largest revenue generating segment. The segment has added new products making it a broad-based offering, and growing at a CAGR of 58.60% between fiscal 2021 and fiscal 2023. In the last three fiscals it has added new products under its cyber-security solutions.

It recently ventured into ‘Device as a service (DaaS)’. Under DaaS we provide desktops, laptops, tablets, printers, scanners, smartphones, and servers, bundled with software, along with managed services on a ‘pay-per-use’ model i.e. on a subscription basis.

In the ITeS segment it includes an array of services like Managed Services, IT Facility Management, Security Services, etc., supported by a skilled workforce. This segment has shown steady growth over the years.

The companies Cloud and Data Management Services encompass offerings such as data analytics, business analytics, RPA, IoT, DevOps, and containerization on a subscription basis. Additionally, the company provides various cloud services such as Infrastructure as a Service (IaaS), Platform as a Service (PaaS), etc., leveraging its expertise and partnerships for competitive advantage.

As of December 31, 2023, Orient Technologies‘ order book stood at ₹ 92.75 crore.

The Company primarily operates in India and has sales and services offices in several cities across India, including Navi Mumbai, Pune, Ahmedabad, New Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai. Additionally, it has a branch office in Singapore.

For fiscal 2022–23, the company’s revenue from operations increased to Rs 535.10 crore from Rs 467.44 crore in fiscal 2021–22, primarily due to increase in revenue from IT & IT infrastructure products and services, Cloud and DMS, and ITES services. Profit after tax increased 14.35% from Rs 33.49 crore in fiscal 2022 to Rs 38.30 crore in fiscal 2023.

For the six months ended September 30, 2023, revenue from operations stood at Rs 266.31 crore, and profit after tax stood at Rs 16.39 crore.

IT-enabled services (ITeS) encompass a broad spectrum of services that leverage information technology for providing services with the help of the internet. Between CY2019 to CY2022, the IT industry saw a growth of 4.8% CAGR. The industry’s domestic revenue is expected to touch ₹ 43,000 – 46,000 crore by Fiscal 2027, clocking a CAGR of 6-8% between Fiscal 2023 and Fiscal 2027, primarily driven by the BFSI and government sector.

Elara Capital (India) Private Limited is the sole book-running lead manager for the IPO, and Link Intime India Private Limited is the registrar of the offer. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and NSE.

Air India signs component program with SIA engineering for A320 family aircraft

Air India signs component program with SIA engineering for A320 family aircraftBengaluru, 22 FEBRUARY 2024: Air India, India’s leading global airline, today announced signing of an Inventory Technical Management Programme with SIA Engineering Company Limited.

Under this 12-year agreement, Air India Group’s current fleet of Airbus A320 family aircraft will receive extensive component support coverage from SIAEC. Besides access to its inventory pool, SIAEC (together with its subsidiaries and joint venture companies with Original Equipment Manufacturers) will also provide repair and overhaul services for airframe and on-wing engine component.

Campbell Wilson, Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Air India said: “We are delighted to have SIAEC as our partner. The collaboration will further bolster our repairs and maintenance competencies for the Airbus 320 family of aircraft and enhance our reliability and availability of components for aircraft operations.”

Chin Yau Seng, Chief Executive Officer of SIAEC, said: “We honoured to be selected as Air India Group’s preferred MRO partner for the component requirements and appreciative of their confidence in our Inventory Technical Management program. Our proven model will provide the maintenance pillar support for Air India Group’s growth and expansion plans. Together with our network of joint venture companies and component shops located across the Asia Pacific region, we are confident to deliver a high quality and reliable service to Air India Group”.

Air India already has an existing fleet of A320 family aircraft and has placed orders for another 210 A320 family aircraft, which is part of the historic order of 470 aircraft placed in 2023.

Mumbai Will Leapfrog by Five Years Ahead of All Megapolises Soon: Devendra Fadnavis

Mumbai Will Leapfrog by Five Years Ahead of All Megapolises Soon: Devendra FadnavisMumbai, 22nd February 2024: With the kind of infrastructure projects that we are building, Mumbai will leapfrog by at least five years ahead of all megapolises, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said on Monday. Fadnavis was speaking at the Tech Entrepreneurs Association of India event in Mumbai where he launched the Mumbai Megapolis Metaverse. In conversation with Lokmat Media Editorial Director and Joint Managing Director Rishi Darda, Fadnavis revealed his vision for Mumbai and how it was conceptualized. “When I became the Chief Minister in 2014, I realized, talking to entrepreneurs and business heads that Mumbai had become congested, unaffordable, and lacked world-class infrastructure. I got two opinions- one set wanted us to invest gradually and the other asked for a quantum leap. We decided to go with the second option. Between 2015 and 2019, as much as 30 billion dollars worth of projects were started,” Fadnavis said. Fadnavis is confident that the recently built Atal Setu, the 22 km Mumbai Trans Harbour Link, will transform Mumbai.

“We are building a corridor around Mumbai. Look at it like this- we have a Bandra Worli Sea Link, Coastal Road that connects Worli to Nariman Point, and we are now in the process of building connectivity from Bandra to Versova, to Uttan to Virar on the western side We are also building connectivity to Alibaug with Atal Setu. Soon, we can go from anywhere to anywhere in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region within 59 minutes,” Fadnavis said.

Expounding on the Mumbai Metro project, Fadnavis said that a total of 375 km network was envisaged, of which 50 km was already operational while 50 km will be added very soon and the next 50 km will be operational 11 km of the Metro line that was built in 11 years. At present, Mumbai‘s Suburban railway network carries approximately 9 million passengers every day. When completed, the Mumbai metro network will be carrying 9 million people additionally,” Fadnavis said.

Fadnavis had talked about Maharashtra having the most number of startups and unicorns in the country at the recently held Lokmat Maharashtrian of The Year Awards event. Darda asked him why do we not hear of any big tech parks coming to Mumbai or Maharashtra as often as as Bengaluru or Hyderabad. Why is it that we have the highest numbers of startups and unicorns, but VC money always goes to Bengaluru and Hyderabad, Darda asked. Fadnavis said that this would change soon in the coming years. “Amazon has made investments into one of their biggest data centers in Navi Mumbai. Google has started its office in Pune and we entered into an MOU for an Al project. We are in talks with three more global giants but I won’t reveal their names as we have huge competition. But in the future, you are going to hear more soon. Companies only want good governance and we are providing that,” Fadnavis said.

Darda asked Fadnavis to elaborate on the good governance and technology usage in it. Fadnavis offered an example of the scholarship scam that he had faced in the early years after he took over as chief minister. “We found that money was going to ghost accounts. We ensured Aadhar linkage and then the money started going only to the students. However, the principals complained they were not paying fees and spending the money elsewhere. So we created student’s wallets and then the money received by the students could only be sent to colleges. This ended 100 percent corruption in scholarship scams. This is the transparency that the technology brings. All our schemes are governed with the trinity mantra given by our PM-mobile, aadhar, and Director Benefits Transfer.” Fadnavis said.

Uttar Dakshin’s Concert Series to be held in the city to feature Rakesh Chaurasia

Hyderabad, February 22, 2024: The classical Jugalbandi series, UTTAR DAKSHIN, is all set to be held at Ravindra Bharathi Auditorium on Saturday, March 2.

Uttar Dakshin's Concert Series is back

Presented by Vivid Arts in collaboration with Surmandal, Hyderabad and support from LIC of India and ONGC. Uttar Dakshin to present a captivating duet featuring this year’s Grammy Award Winner, Rakesh Chaurasia, on the flute, and illustrious Carnatic virtuoso, Dr. Jayanti Kumaresh, on the Saraswati Veena with solos followed by Jugalbandi. These luminaries of the classical music world are poised to enchant audiences on Saturday, the 2nd of March, 2024, at Ravindra Bharati, Hyderabad.

Joining these maestros on stage are a lineup of accomplished accompanying artists, including Ojhas Adhiya on the tabla, Vidwan Jayachandra Rao on the mridangam, and Vidwan Giridhar Udupa on the ghatam, adding depth and richness to the musical tapestry.

This 13th edition of Uttar Dakshin promises to be a celebration of musical diversity, showcasing the distinct styles of two masterful artists. The evening kicks off at 6.15 PM, with the musicians guiding listeners on an unforgettable musical odyssey. Tickets for this extraordinary event are available on Book My Show.

Uttar Dakshin, concert series fosters regional harmony between North and South India through the melodic interplay of two distinct musical traditions. As part of its six-city tour spanning Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Ranchi, and now Hyderabad, this edition aims to continue its tradition of spreading musical joy and cultural unity.

Taste matters: How flavours are driving the supplement and fitness market

The quest for a fit and healthy lifestyle has become increasingly important in modern society, with a noticeable rise in the fitness industry attesting to this cultural shift. Gone are the days when fitness solely revolved around rigorous workouts and strict dietary regimens. Today, the definition of wellness extends beyond physical exercise, encompassing mental health, mindfulness, nutrition, and overall lifestyle choices.

As society becomes increasingly health-conscious, the market for fitness and wellness  a seismic shift, marked by innovation, inclusivity, and technology-driven advancements. Individuals are looking for ways to maintain their overall well-being through dietary choices, exercise routines, and the integration of supplements. This growing emphasis on fitness has led to a significant impact on various aspects of the market. The paradigm shift has propelled the industry into a realm that prioritises individualised experiences tailored to diverse needs and preferences.

Amongst this, one striking trend that has emerged as a crucial factor is the increasing emphasis on flavours in the development of fitness supplements. The influence of flavours in the variety of wellness and fitness supplements reflects the evolving preferences and inclinations of health enthusiasts. Today, individuals have access to a multitude of choices that extend beyond conventional brand formulations. Consuming health supplements used to be a bit unpleasant, but now, with different and pleasant flavours, it has become an enjoyable part of staying fit. Also, a major aspect of this flavour revolution is the wide array of options available to consumers.

Whether it's protein powders, nutritional shakes, or dietary supplements, the market is flooded with a variety of flavours to cater to different tastes. This shift in focus from merely meeting nutritional needs to enhancing the overall sensory experience has played a significant role in attracting a broader audience to the fitness market. Recognising the significance of flavours in their products, Vestige Marketing, a prominent player in the industry, has placed a high priority on this element. One of their standout offerings, the Veslim Shake, not only supports weight management effectively, but also offers a variety of flavours to cater to diverse preferences.

Mr Gautam Bali, MD, Vestige Marketing Pvt Ltd, has highlighted the importance of taste in their products. He stated, “At Vestige, we remain committed to addressing the evolving health and fitness needs of consumers. Our focus on aligning with these needs drives us to introduce new products. With the introduction of Vanilla and an improved Mango variant of our specially formulated weight management Veslim Shakes, we aim to assist individuals in maintaining a healthy weight while enjoying the enhanced flavours. We believe in making wellness accessible without compromising on essential nutrients or taste, enabling individuals to stay dedicated effortlessly to their health goals.”

The importance of flavours in the fitness market goes beyond mere indulgence. It addresses a critical aspect of adherence to fitness routines. Individuals are more likely to incorporate supplements into their daily regimen if they enjoy the taste of these products. This shift from viewing supplements as bitter medicine to embracing them as a flavourful part of one's routine has contributed to the sustained growth of the fitness industry.

The evolving landscape of the fitness and wellness market reflects a fundamental societal shift towards prioritising health and well-being. With technology as an enabler, inclusivity as a guiding principle, and a holistic approach as the cornerstone, the industry is poised for continuous growth and innovation, empowering individuals on their journey towards a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Juju Productions Sets Release Date for “MITWA”

Mumbai, Maharashtra (Feb. 22, 2024)Juju Productions, a Boston-based music production company, announced that it will release “MITWA,” a groundbreaking musical composition and video, on February 23, 2024. MITWA is a musical tribute, featuring the legendary late Ustad Rashid Khan and Anuradha Juju.

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This eagerly awaited project showcases the unparalleled vocal talent of the late Ustad Rashid Khan, a figure of immense stature in the world of classical music, alongside the accomplished Indian-American singer Anuradha Juju. The release will be available across all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, Saavn,

“MITWA” tells the captivating story of a dancer’s love for a singer, blending classical and semi-classical music styles with the majestic strings of the Budapest Symphony Orchestra. The video features the esteemed Rohit Roy, a veteran star of Indian television and films, and the exceptionally talented choreographer and dancer, Aditi Bhagwat, embodying the lead roles with sheer perfection.

Composer Rahul Ranade expressed his feelings about the collaboration: “When I approached Ustad-ji with my idea for a unique composition that combines different styles, he was immediately intrigued. It is with a heavy heart that we release this work without his physical presence, but we dedicate ‘MITWA’ as a mark of respect for his unparalleled versatility and creative genius. Vaibhav Joshi’s words are poignant and resonate with great emotion. It is a delight to work with him.”

Anuradha Juju, reflecting on the experience, said, “Working on ‘MITWA’ was a profound educational journey for me, and a tribute to Ustad Rashid Khan, a monumental figure in classical music whose legacy will forever be etched in history. I will forever cherish the memory of his reaction when he first heard the song in Boston in June 2023. His encouragement and magnanimity towards a novice like me were truly inspiring. Rohit Roy’s exceptional portrayal of the singer has brought the story to life, and Aditi Bhagwat’s sublime choreography has added a magical dimension to the song. The composition by Rahul, enhanced by Ishaan’s prodigious production, is nothing short of golden.”

“It is an honour to feature in a video of Ustad Ji’s last song and I will forever cherish this moment. I have been his starstruck life-long and it is an emotional moment for those involved with the making of this amazing song. When Bappa Lahiri of Juju Productions called me I said “yes” right away because I knew that the quality of the product would be exceptional. What can I even say about Anuradha ji… her voice is so mellifluous that you can sense her in the video. And lastly, Aditi Bhagwat made the entire video come alive with her dance and expressions. I am certain that this will be a video for the ages – and will serve as our collective ode to the genius of Ustad Rashid Khan Saheb.”, Said Rohit Roy, the lead actor.

Ravi Botaljee directed the video with Abhishek Basu in charge of the camera work.

Juju Productions invites music enthusiasts and fans across the globe to experience “MITWA,” a harmonious blend of tradition and innovation, celebrating the genius of Ustad Rashid Khan and the collaborative spirit of the artists involved. Mark your calendars for February 23, 2024, and be part of this musical journey that transcends boundaries and generations.

upGrad Harnesses AI to translate Certs & Bootcamps into vernacular languages

Bengaluru, 22nd Feb 2024: upGrad, one of Asia’s largest integrated learning skilling and workforce development majors intends to enhance its product diaspora by translating popular Bootcamps & Certs into vernacular languages using AI for freshers and working professionals. “Presently over 40% of upGrad’s learner base in India is from Tier 2 cities and beyond where regional languages are more prevalent compared to English,” highlights Asheesh Sharma – President, Certifications and Bootcamps, upGrad. Recognising this opportunity to improve the communication and the learning experience, the skilling major has identified Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and Bengali languages in phase 1 to ensure the brand penetrates deeper across every eligible household in the region.

The company aims to combine pedagogy with strong human interventions in the form of counsellors and buddies who could speak local languages further making it accessible and convenient for learners coming out of the vast national diaspora. Focusing on regional insights and demand, the catalogue will include courses in Engineering, Data Science, AI, Cloud Computing, DevOps, UI/UX, and Agile Project Management where upGrad has a strong foothold already, while Phase 2 will target Cybersecurity, Blockchain, Product Management, Business Analyst, and ITIL, with foreign languages like Spanish and Chinese. Over 5 lakh learners have been enrolled in the past with the most demand coming out of Bengaluru, New Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, Odisha, Pune, Chennai, and Kolkata among others.

Utilising an in-house tech tool, counsellors will address inquiries related to one’s education, background, interests, and career aspirations to ensure effective guidance and decision-making. Aligned with GOI’s ambition of fostering cultural connection and cognitive development amongst India’s youth, this approach aims to bridge the gap between accurately selecting the right program/domain and achieving one’s desired career goals. “Most scepticism today is fed inorganically and needs stronger course correction. Online is an incredible tool that has come a long way from being a VC tool vs. an interactive and immersive format that’s hands-on and accessible at any given point. Considering that only 7 to 8% of graduates in India are deemed employable, our objective is to substantially elevate this figure by providing millions with some initial support or springboard to get closer to their career aspirations,” said Sharma while talking about the business objective.

The company invests significantly in AI-related developments internally and the onset of FY25 marks an important growth and transformative year for the brand. “We’ve already deployed AI across our operations much before it became the buzzword for building on to learner engagements, we are now taking it a notch higher by harnessing its impact into our curriculum and teaching. There’s wider acceptance and a sense of openness amongst professionals of all age groups,” he added.

The company may also extend these services to its Enterprise arm soon to further personalise corporate training sessions making them accessible to all strata. India being the HQ, the brand has witnessed 100% YoY growth in overall enrolments and further claims to double down its annual active learners in the next 1 year.