Archives March 2024

New Delhi, 14th March, 2024: Matanand Foundation, in collaboration with ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, has announced the launch of the Glaucoma Awareness Campaign ‘#GlaucomaMuktBharat,’ which is running from March 10th to March 16th, 2024 across different parts of India. This initiative aligns with ‘World Glaucoma Week’ and aims to raise awareness about glaucoma, a degenerative eye disease that affects millions across the country and worldwide.

Glaucoma, often referred to as the “silent thief of sight,” poses a significant threat to vision health, with its gradual progression leading to irreversible blindness if left untreated. With an estimated 12 million individuals affected in India alone, and up to 50% of cases going undetected, the need for awareness and early detection is paramount.

The Glaucoma Awareness Week Campaign is encompassing a series of field activities designed to educate communities specifically targeting the youth about the importance of regular eye check-ups and early intervention. Key highlights of the campaign includes:

Green T-Shirt Initiative: Field teams are sporting green T-shirts bearing the ‘Glaucoma Mukt Bharat’ logo to symbolize unity in the fight against glaucoma.

Cap Distribution: Doctors and their staff has received green caps to signify their support for glaucoma awareness.

Localized Awareness Materials: Posters and danglers featuring glaucoma awareness messages in regional languages are being distributed across target areas.

Patient Education: Field teams are utilizing patient education leaflets to educate individuals in OPD areas about glaucoma symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures.

Vision Simulation: To demonstrate the impact of glaucoma on vision, special goggles simulating glaucomatous vision are being showcased, allowing individuals to experience firsthand the challenges faced by those with the condition.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Nikkhil K Masurkar, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, stated: “Our aim with the ‘#GlaucomaMuktBharat’ campaign is to empower individuals with knowledge about glaucoma and encourage proactive eye care practices. By fostering awareness and facilitating early detection, we can work towards reducing the burden of glaucoma-related blindness in India. This campaign is not just about raising awareness; it’s about taking tangible steps to save sight and improve lives.”

Dr. Pankaj Bendale, Glaucoma consultant, NIO, Pune, a renowned ophthalmologist and supporter of the campaign, emphasized the significance of community-driven initiatives in combating glaucoma: “Undetected and untreated glaucoma can lead to irreversible visual impairment and blindness, making early detection crucial for preventing vision loss. It’s imperative to increase awareness about glaucoma, especially in underserved communities, and implement effective screening programs to ensure equitable access to eye care services. Through this campaign, we aim to educate the public about the importance of regular eye check-ups and empower individuals to take proactive steps towards preserving their vision.”

In addition to field activities, the campaign emphasizes the importance of regular eye check-ups, especially for individuals over 40 years of age and those with a family history of glaucoma. Early detection, coupled with timely intervention, can significantly improve outcomes and prevent vision loss.

Early detection and treatment are paramount in managing glaucoma, a condition that can often be asymptomatic in its early stages. Regular eye check-ups are crucial for identifying glaucoma early, as timely intervention and appropriate treatment can help preserve vision and enhance the quality of life for those affected by the condition.

The Glaucoma Awareness Week Campaign underscores the collective efforts of Matanand Foundation and ENTOD Pharmaceuticals to create a ‘Glaucoma Mukt Bharat’—a nation free from the burden of glaucoma-related blindness. By raising awareness, promoting early detection, and advocating for accessible eye care services, the campaign aims to pave the way for a brighter future for all individuals at risk of glaucoma.

National, 14 March 2024 – Hero Vired, a leading learntech start-up from the Hero Group has announced the appointment of Arjun Assi as the Head of Product. Arjun will be responsible for driving innovation and excellence within the product and technology team at Hero Vired. His role will involve spearheading initiatives to enhance accessibility and scalability of Hero Vired’s courses, aligning perfectly with the organization’s vision of upskilling learners with the skills of the future and preparing them for Industry 4.0.

Arjun is a persevering and passionate Product Manager with holistic experience spanning varied domains of product management, technology, and business. With more than a decade of experience, Arjun brings to the table a demonstrated expertise in leading product teams and successfully delivering customer delight while achieving high business objectives. Arjun joins Hero Vired from the Scaler Academy where he formerly served as the Assistant Vice President, Product. Apart from Scaler Academy, he has also worked with organizations like Byju’s Exam Prep (formerly Gradeup), Mu Sigma Inc., Times Internet, and the Indian Express.

Commenting on Arjun’s appointment, Akshay Munjal, Founder and CEO of Hero Vired stated, “There is no Edtech without technology. Technology and product expertise are crucial to ensure innovative, user-centric, and personalized learning experiences. Arjun’s extensive experience and proven track record in driving impactful product strategies and deep understanding of technology align perfectly with our vision of enhancing accessibility and scalability of our products in an ever- evolving ed-tech space. With Arjun’s leadership, I am confident that we will continue to deliver cutting-edge solutions that will allow us to build a workforce of the future.”

Arjun is also a firm believer in first principles thinking and smart working strategies, which have enabled him to deliver numerous business-critical product offerings that have significantly boosted company revenues previously. Being an alumnus of the Vellore Institute of Technology, he comes with a profound technology-heavy background. He comprehensively understands the intricacies of development with the latest product architectures, which will enable him to drive innovation and excellence within Hero Vired’s product and technology team.

“Joining Hero Vired presents a remarkable opportunity to contribute to the visionary mission of upskilling working professionals with future-ready skills and preparing them for Industry 4.0. I look forward to leveraging my product expertise towards strengthening Hero Vired’s product offerings, thereby enhancing the overall learner experience. Together, we aim to empower learners across the nation to thrive in the digital age.”, added Arjun Assi, Head of Product at Hero Vired, on joining the leading learntech start-up.

Arjun’s appointment highlights Hero Vired’s commitment to delivering cutting-edge solutions and enhancing the learning experience for graduates and working professionals. His appointment marks a strategic move towards further strengthening Hero Vired’s position as a leader in the edtech industry.

Bangalore, March 14, 2024: Rapido, a leading bike taxi platform, extends its warm appreciation to the Government of Karnataka for its recent decision to withdraw the electric bike taxi policy, notified in 2021. This significant move reflects the government’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for innovation and growth within the ride-hailing sector.

However, there is confusion surrounding the government’s withdrawal of the electric bike taxi scheme as well as inaccurate information circulating on social media platforms. The Company pointed out that the recent order issued by the State Government of Karanataka nowhere mentions banning Rapido or any other aggregator operating under the protection of the High Court order.

We clarify that the Electric Bike Taxi Scheme notified in 2021 and now withdrawn in 2024 only pertains to grant of license for operating Electric Bike Taxis, this fact is self-evident under Clause 1(4) which specifically mention that this scheme shall only apply for Battery operated electric motorcycle or electric bike.

Rapido would like to shed light on the legal status of its operations and other similarly placed aggregators operating two-wheelers as bike taxis in the State of Karnataka. The issue of operation on bike taxis has been pending with the Hon’ble High Court since 2021.

The High Court had passed an interim protective order in favour of Rapido back in 2021 observed as follows-

“Petitioner (Rapido) submitted application for grant of bike Aggregator’s Licence to the Commissioner of Transport and it was rejected while issuing an endorsement that petitioners are required to file application for grant of Aggregator’s Licence before authority as specified in the Karnataka Electricity Bike Taxi Scheme 2021. Grievance of the petitioner in the application is for issuance of grant of bike Aggregator’s Licence not under the Electricity Bike Taxi Scheme. Therefore, there is non- application of mind in issuing the endorsement, since, reference is to the Karnataka Electricity Bike Taxi Scheme, 2020-21. On the other hand, petitioner’s grievance is for issuance of licence to general bike taxi’” and the High Court basis these specific observations directed the State Government of Karnataka not to take any coercive steps against the aggregator or its riders operating in the State of Karnataka. This protective interim order remains subsisting till date.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) on 22nd January also recently issued an advisory clarifying that motorcycles fall within the definition of contract carriages as per section 2(7) of the Motor vehicles (MV) Act, 1988.

Pavan Guntupalli, co-founder of Rapido, stated, “We want to assure our customers and captains that Rapido will continue to operate seamlessly within Karnataka. Rapido is upholding the interim order from the Hon’ble High Court, which recognizes the legality of Rapido’s operations, reinforces our resolve to continue serving the people of Karnataka. With over 1,000,000 bike taxi rides happening in Bengaluru alone, it’s evident that bike taxis play a crucial role in Karnataka’s transportation ecosystem. This data highlights the significant demand and reliance placed on bike taxis for convenient and efficient mobility solutions across the state. Rapido expresses confidence that the Transport Department of the Government of Karnataka will adopt a more comprehensive approach, in line with the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act and the recent advisory issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) related to grant of contract carriage permit to two wheelers. We firmly believe that the revised approach will facilitate the grant of contract carriage permits to two-wheelers and bike taxis, aligning Karnataka with states that have successfully implemented similar models. This move is not only crucial for the growth of the sector but also ensures compliance with the existing provisions of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and Motor Vehicle Rules. “

It is worth mentioning that the recent notification issued by the government nowhere mentions banning Rapido or any other aggregator operating under the protection of the High Court order.

Rapido expresses confidence that the Transport Department of the Government of Karnataka will adopt a more comprehensive approach, in line with the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Act and the recent advisory issued by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) related to grant of contract carriage permit to two wheelers. We firmly believe that the revised approach will facilitate the grant of contract carriage permits to two-wheelers and bike taxis, aligning Karnataka with states that have successfully implemented similar models. This move is not only crucial for the growth of the sector but also ensures compliance with the existing provisions of Motor Vehicle Act, 1988 and Motor Vehicle Rules.

Chennai, 14th March 2024: Chennai Singams fought right till the end but went down off the penultimate ball to Srinagar Ke Veer by three wickets in a thrilling Indian Street Premier League (ISPL) T10 match at the Dadoji Kondadev Stadium here on Tuesday.

Defending a total of 109 for 7, Chennai kept taking wickets at regular intervals in the chase but could not prevent Srinagar from qualifying for the semi-finals.

Bablu Patil swings big

After Srinagar chose to bowl, Bablu Patil injected momentum into the Chennai innings with a blistering 37 off just 10 deliveries at No 5. Coming in when Chennai needed some big hits at 44 for 3 into the seventh over, Patil swung five sixes off his blade. Standing outside the off stump, Patil pounced on the full deliveries and swung them high and square on the leg side.

Opener Sagar Ali contributed 21 off 15 with three sixes, while Dilip Binjwa, V Vignesh and Aniket Sanap cracked a six each towards the end of the innings to help Chennai cross the 100-run mark.

50-50 challenge

One of the unique aspects of the ISPL is the 50-50 challenge. A batting team sets themselves a target of a minimum of 16 runs and chooses who should bowl from the opposition team. If the batting team achieves or exceeds the target, 50 per cent more runs are added. For example, if a team scores 20 runs, they will get 30 runs for that over and if they score 10 runs, they will get only five runs.

Chennai just missed besting their 50-50 challenge, scoring 15 off the over, and getting seven deducted from their total. They throttled Srinagar in the 50-50 challenge during the chase, with Vishwanath Jadhav conceding just four runs while striking off consecutive deliveries, as Srinagar could add only two to their total.

Vignesh strikes early

ignesh had got Chennai off to a rousing start in their defence, taking two wickets in the opening Tape Ball over with massive inswing. But Lokesh revived the Srinagar chase with 49 off 26, including five sixes. With 16 runs needed off the last over, Binjwa conceded a couple of sixes but also removed Lokesh and Deepak Dogra. However, with three needed off two, No 9 Rajesh Sorte hit the first ball he faced for a straight four.

Chennai face Falcon Risers Hyderabad in their crucial last league match on Wednesday.

Brief scores: Chennai Singams 109-7 in 10 overs (Bablu Patil 37, Sagar Ali 21; Bhushan Gole 3-30) lost to Srinagar Ke Veer 111-7 in 9.5 overs (L. Lokesh 49, Mohammed Nadeem 24; Dilip Binjwa 3-35, V Vignesh 2-6, Vishwanath Jadhav 2-15) by three wickets.

The BIRKENSTOCK Spring Summer’24 collection presents a new rendition to its timeless classic styles – boasting updated features and innovative materials, a spectrum of new colors, and trend setting silhouettes. These new highlights embody the perfect fusion of modern and classic styles whilst also maintaining BIRKENSTOCK’s premium footwear experience.

Feel the fresh and rejuvenating spirit of spring with  BIRKENSTOCK’S latest features and textures:

The new season’s collection takes inspiration from the biggest trends, and welcomes select styles for women with an iridescent buckle, injecting a vibrant rainbow-like shimmer for a playful vibe! The collection also an upgraded braided detail for women, that adds a feminine touch to classic suede styles.

This season also highlights newer leather textures- like Shiny Lizard for women, a lizard-embossed synthetic material perfect to bring a vibrant flair with the right amount of sheen for the summer and Saffiano for men, a new texture with a refined crosshatch pattern, is reminiscent of the luxurious leather feel.

The latest collection at BIRKENSTOCK also boasts fresh and new hues in several styles!

Our timeless favorites for women have been given a sophisticated summer makeover in pastel tones like New Beige, Soft Pink, Surf Green and Ecru. Additionally, certain key silhouettes in classic oiled leather now boast unique and vibrant hues like Biscay Bay and Burnt Orange, adding an elevated and refined appeal to your look.

Unveiling a palette of super eye-catching options in unisex styles, the EVA material now showcases four new colors— Fondant Pink, Elemental Blue, Surf Green, and Roast in select styles. Additionally, one may also check out Elemental Blue, a highly stylish and versatile tone that effortlessly adds to any look.

Welcoming new silhouettes and styles!

The SS24 collection brings a new range of silhouettes tailored for women, addressing every need with chic and fashionable flair. Meet the St. Barths—a super-premium silhouette designed for women on the go, who refuse to compromise on a sophisticated and timeless look. Showcasing a flex groove sole for optimal flexibility, it’s accentuated by adjustable straps embellished with a shiny Zamak buckle, adding a modern touch of elegance and functionality.

Introducing Catalina, the perfect everyday footwear—a lightweight, high-quality design featuring a stylish adjustable strap for a casual- elevated appeal.

Later in the season, we are unveiling a platform wedge silhouette for women: Papillio Almina, crafted from refined nubuck leather, and Papillio Theda, featuring padded leather with a backstrap, establishing itself as the epitome of style and comfort.

This season, BIRKENSTOCK invites its consumers to embark on adventures with its highly functional products and fresh designs, featuring upgraded styles crafted for maximum comfort. Welcome the Shinjuku silhouette, blending style with functionality. Adorned with a full-metal G Hook buckle and a rugged unlined Nubuck upper, it draws inspiration from utilitarian trends, delivering the ultimate street-style vibe. Enhanced with a flex groove in the forefoot area, it ensures improved flexibility and efficiency. Mogami Terra, designed for exceptional comfort, features a deep heel cut, transverse arch support, and water-ready construction. It showcases Birko- flor material with an industrial and sturdy structure, ideal for those constantly on the move.

Mumbai, 14 March, 2024 : Nazara Technologies Limited (NSE: NAZARA), a leading gaming and sports media company, today unveiled its ambitious strategy to earmark US$100 million (~INR 830 cr) towards mergers and acquisitions (M&A) within the next 24 months. This strategic initiative underscores Nazara’s commitment to strengthening its global foothold and catalysing its evolution into an eminent gaming platform on the world stage.

Following a recent successful fundraise that garnered Rs. 760 crore (~$90 million) via a preferential allotment that attracted marquee investors such as Nikhil Kamath, ICICI Prudential MF and Plutus Wealth Management among others, Nazara is poised for significant expansion in the coming years.

The company is on a quest to identify burgeoning opportunities within the gaming, esports and adtech arenas with a particular focus on established gaming IP’s / studios and also those advancing in cutting-edge technologies like web3, Virtual Reality, and AI.

Commenting on global expansion Nitish Mittersain, Jt. MD & CEO of Nazara Technologies, said, “Nazara has seen significant success in its ‘acquire and scale’ strategy over the last few years as can be seen by the post-acquisition growth in Kiddopia, Nodwin Gaming and Sportskeeda among others. Our unique decentralised model allows these businesses to operate autonomously by strong management and provides us with significant bandwidth to scale the platform we have created. The $100 million pledge will further boost this opportunity for us in that direction. We are particularly focused on investing in and acquiring gaming studios globally with a specific focus on India’s 500 million gamers as well as the large North American market”.

Nazara is an active operator in the gaming ecosystem with gaming and esports brands with presence in India, US and other global markets. Some of the prominent names include, Nodwin Gaming in the esports space, Sportskeeda and Pro Football Network in the sports media space. Nazara’s offerings across the interactive gaming segment include gamified early learning products like Kiddopia and Animal Jam which are global leaders in their respective segments.

Bengaluru, 14 March 2024: Turkish Airlines, one of the leading airlines in the world, announced the launch of its Stopover in Istanbul program in India, providing passengers with the opportunity to explore the fascinating city during layovers. Passengers flying with Turkish Airlines can now enjoy free accommodation and immerse themselves in the rich history, culture, and shopping experiences that Istanbul has to offer. Travelers will benefit from free accommodation in select partner hotels, allowing them to make the most of their time in the city.

Turkish Airlines Director of Sales, Mahmut Yayla, said “We are dedicated to enhancing the travel experiences of our Indian passengers. Our ‘Stopover in Istanbul’ program underscores our commitment to providing exceptional services. Through complimentary stays in our partner hotels, we invite Indian travelers to discover the vibrant charm of Istanbul during their layovers, enriching their journey with cultural immersion and memorable moments.”

The surge in travel interest among Indians after the pandemic has resulted in a significant uptick in visits to European destinations, attributed to evolving travel preferences, improved connectivity, and enticing bundled travel packages. Recognized as one of the best airlines in the world, Turkish Airlines stands out as the most preferred choice for seamless journeys worldwide. Moreover, the “Stopover in Istanbul” program in India provides an additional perk, offering passengers traveling to Europe a complimentary stopover in Istanbul.

Passengers with a layover period of at least 20 hours are eligible to participate in the Stopover in Istanbul program. Vouchers for the free stay are issued upon completion of the application process. Travelers can now make a reservation by providing the necessary details, including name, reservation code (PNR), ticket number, preferred accommodation dates, room type, telephone number, and email address.

As an additional complimentary service, Turkish Airlines offers Touristanbul, a free layover service for all international transfer passengers with a layover time of 6-24 hours. Travelers can choose from a selection of tours tailored to their flight schedule, exploring the iconic historical sites of Istanbul, and savoring authentic Turkish cuisine.

Turkish Airlines’ Stopover Accommodation service is available at 108 destinations across 42 countries including India. Business Class passengers enjoy a two-night stay in a 5-star hotel, while Economy Class passengers are offered one night in a 4-star hotel.

Mumbai, March 14, 2024: ace turtle, India’s leading technology-native retail company and Funky Monkeys, India’s premier indoor play center today announced their partnership to launch Indoor Play Areas at Toys“R”Us stores across the country. The first collaborative venture between Funky Monkeys and ace turtle will unfold within the expansive 12,500 sq ft. Toys“R”Us flagship store located at Linking Road, Bandra in Mumbai.

The new space will showcase the best of what each brand offers and will ensure that kids who visit have the time of their lives from the moment they set foot in! Funky Monkeys will be opening its play center on the top floor of the Toys“R”Us flagship store, offering its signature play and birthday party experiences for kids. Spanning multiple floors with a wide assortment of international and Indian toy brands, the Toys“R”Us flagship store, launched in December 2023, has redefined the toy shopping experience. With the new addition of the Funky Monkeys Play Area, families and kids can now look forward to a greater experiential shopping experience in the store.

“Partnering with Toys“R”Us India is a unique opportunity for Funky Monkeys to offer our unparalleled play experiences for kids in a fun, safe and clean indoor environment. Toys“R”Us globally has been the most trusted destination for children and parents looking for toys for more than 70 years and we are excited to partner with them and share our expertise in Indoor Play Management,” said Binita Bodani Putcha, Founder & Managing Director, Funky Monkeys Play Centers.

“We look forward to opening many more Centers along with Toys“R”Us as they expand to other cities across India. Kids and parents can now experience a world class integrated experience of shopping for toys and playing within the same space!” said Sanjay Ghadiali, Co-Founder & Director, Funky Monkeys Play Centers.

Commenting on the partnership, Nitin Chhabra, CEO, ace turtle, the exclusive licensee of Toys“R”Us in India said, “We are excited to have partnered with Funky Monkeys Play Centers, India’s premier indoor play center & birthday party venue for kids and to launch a play area at our Bandra store. At India’s largest high-street toy store, our aim is to offer more than just a visit – we want families to enjoy a memorable and delightful time together, creating moments of joy and recreation. We look forward to providing the globally renowned and signature toy shopping and playing experience to kids and their parents in Mumbai.”

Funky Monkeys Play Centers are exclusively designed for children aged 6 months to 14 years and offer hands-on discovery and learning through spontaneous and unstructured ‘Free Play’, while incorporating elements of fun and entertainment. Each center has two play zones – a Toddler Zone & a Junior Zone, offering a unique environment for kids to ‘Play & Learn’ in along with a full-service café and birthday party area.

In 2023, ace turtle unveiled the first Toys“R”Us store in India in Hyderabad and the flagship Toys”R”Us store in Mumbai both of which have received phenomenal response from customers. ace turtle plans to expand the retail footprint of Toys“R”Us to other cities in India this year. Additionally, customers across India have been shopping for their favourite toys

New Delhi, March 2024 – College Vidya, a one-stop solution for making informed online education choices, has been Great Place To Work® Certified™ in India (from March 2024 to March 2025). Since its inception, College Vidya has built a team of professionals dedicated to introducing and building a transparent system that provides students with accurate and factual information about various colleges and courses, guiding them toward diverse and promising career paths. The company is thoroughly dedicated to transforming the traditional education system and democratizing access to high-quality learning experiences.

Great Place To Work is the global authority on workplace culture. Since 1992, they have surveyed more than 100 million employees worldwide and used those deep insights to define what makes a great workplace: trust. Their employee survey platform empowers leaders with the feedback, real-time reporting, and insights they need to make strategic people decisions.

Rohit Gupta, Co-Founder & COO, of College Vidya said, “We are thrilled and honoured to be recognized as a Great Place To Work® Certified™ organization. This achievement is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a workplace culture built on trust, respect, and empowerment. At College Vidya, we believe that a great workplace is the foundation for success, and we are dedicated to creating an environment where every member of our team can thrive. This certification validates our efforts and serves as a source of pride for the entire College Vidya family. We are excited to continue our journey of creating a workplace that attracts, retains, and nurtures top talent, and we remain steadfast in our mission to provide a platform for informed online education choices. This recognition further motivates us to uphold our standards of excellence and innovation in the education industry. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Great Place To Work® for this esteemed honour and look forward to the continued pursuit of excellence in all that we do.”

Great Place’s mission is to help every place become a great place to work for all. Their recognition is the most coveted and respected in the world for elevating employer brands to attract the right people. Their proprietary methodology and platform enable organizations to truly capture, analyze, and understand the experience of all employees. Their groundbreaking research empowers organizations to build cultures that retain talent and unlock the potential of every employee. Since 1992, their Certification, Best Workplaces™ Lists, and global benchmarks have become the industry standard, built on data from more than 100 million employees in 150 countries around the world.

Mumbai, 13th March, 2024:

As it does every year, Istituto Marangoni Mumbai proudly hosted its annual 2024 Alumni Networking Meet on the evening of 23rd February, 2024 at their stunning campus in Worli, Mumbai. The annual Alumni Networking Meet is a very special highlight on the calendar at Istituto Marangoni. It provides a valuable platform to establish new contacts and explore collaborations. The school also uses this opportunity to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our alumni. At Istituto Marangoni, the annual Alumni Networking Meet serves as a bridge between the rich legacy of the institution and the promising future that lies ahead. And, this year’s Alumni Networking meet was no different, except for its scale. This year, the event was distinctly larger in scale, which reflects the ever-increasing alumni community that the annual Alumni Networking Meets seek to foster.

The evening commenced with an informative and interesting ‘In Conversation With…’ discussion between Karishma Swali, MD & Creative Director — Chankya School of Craft and Co-Founder — Jade, the luxury couture fashion label and Charu Gaur, Founder & Editor — Runway Square, the fashion- and lifestyle-focused digital magazine. The talk between the ladies centred around various aspects of Indian crafts in the fashion industry — from its global representation to some domestic challenges, amongst others.

Up next was a presentation from two of Istituto Marangoni Mumbai’s alumni, who took the stage to share their remarkable journeys and experiences in the world of fashion. These presentations offered a glimpse into their professional evolution since their time at the institution. Their narratives not only showcased the impact of Istituto Marangoni’s educational legacy but also served as a testament to the diverse and noteworthy achievements of the school’s alumni community.

Welcoming the alumni and speaking on the occasion, Tarun Pandey, COO — Istituto Marangoni Mumbai, said, “To underscore our commitment to our alumni, I am pleased to inform you all that one of the hallmarks of our institution’s legacy is the enduring sense of community, and today, I stand before you to invite you to strengthen that bond even further. As we reflect on the past and celebrate our successes, let us also look towards the future with a sense of anticipation and excitement. The world is evolving at an unprecedented pace, presenting us with new challenges and opportunities that demand innovative solutions and collaborative efforts.”

The event also saw the launch of the I’M Alumni Members Club. The club is not going to be just a gathering, it is an ecosystem for nurturing and empowering Istituto Marangoni’s global alumni network. With the launch of the club, the school pledges to provide support for its alumni’s continued professional journey through a range of activities including networking events, upskilling workshops, industry masterclasses, and exclusive career progression opportunities.

The evening’s showcase also featured exceptional creations by Istituto Marangoni’s distinguished alumni, including Rahul Mishra, Dhruv Kapoor, Anvita Sharma of Two Point Two, Ashay, Vandals by Vandana Jagwani, Roma Narsinghani, and Aroka. These were elegantly presented on models, providing a captivating fusion of art and fashion. The event ended with a mesmerising curtain-raiser-moment that celebrated innovation, craftsmanship, and the indomitable spirit of the talented alumni. The distinctive synergy of artistic vision and sartorial finesse left an indelible mark, reaffirming a commitment to fostering and showcasing exceptional talent within the alumni community.

Speaking about the event, Mr. Mevin Murden, Director of Education — Istituto Marangoni Mumbai said, “It is always such a pleasure to meet our global alumni community, exchange ideas, see what they have been up to, network and reiterate our continuous support. Like family, we are linked by one DNA — Istituto Marangoni”.

In attendance were some industry leaders from fashion, retail and luxury that allowed the students to interact and gain insights from them. The evening culminated with wine and hors d’oeuvres, where the existing students, alumni and faculty members interacted and networked thus making the Alumni Networking meet a great success.