Archives April 2024

Bengaluru, 22 April 2024: Bharat Fritz Werner Ltd (BFW) a leading Indian advanced manufacturing technology solutions company, today announced the inauguration of its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at Devaganapalli, in Hosur, Tamil Nadu. This new facility set up with an investment of Rs. 200 crore, brings numerous innovative practices and several unique and industry-first features, including:

– Two world-class assembly halls spanning 20,000 square meters each, with a combined capacity to produce over 10000 CNC machines annually, a 3X expansion. The overall footprint of 54 acres allows for setting up the Vendor Ecosystem in the future.

– Fully digitalized and interconnected manufacturing processes, incorporating conveyorised assembly of machines.
– Environmentally friendly infrastructure with various features designed to minimize carbon footprint.

– In alignment with the Government of India’s initiatives to promote skill development and empower women (“Nari Shakti”), the new facility promotes local talent with a planned gender diversity target of 30%, a pioneering move within the global Machine Tool Industry.

– A fully integrated “Spindle Technology Centre,” encompassing indigenous engineering, manufacturing, assembly, and service of high-quality machine tool spindles, including integral motor technology.

Mr Arun Kothari, Chairman, BFW said “We aimed to establish a facility of global standards for scale and efficiency. I am confident that this facility will aid us in furthering our aspiration of participating in the growth of manufacturing“ “Our teams have innovated many robust machine assembly processes for low Takt time taking inputs from the global best practices across the industry,” said Mr. Ravi Raghavan, MD, BFW

“The manufacturing sector finds itself at a pivotal juncture. Challenges, disruptions, and innovation have marked BFW’s journey over the past 63 years. To fulfil its purpose of “Enabling Progress ” of manufacturing BFW has embraced the initiative ” LEAP – Leadership thru Ethical practices, Agile Processes, and Partnerships.” Under this initiative, BFW aspires to act as a strategic partner of the Global Manufacturing Industry by Scaling up the capacity 3X, adopting best practices of the Automotive Industry to the Machine tool domain, and deploying Technology to evolve a digitally connected ecosystem. The machine tool industry in India is growing at a CAGR of 15 to 17% annually, and BFW is a leader in the industry is growing at 20%.” Mr. Raghavan added.

With an excellent design engineering capability & two state-of-the-art manufacturing plants, BFW provides solutions to meet the performance, productivity, and reliability expectations of diverse industries including Aerospace, Automotive, Defence, Die Mould, Forging, Valves, Railways, etc.

With 65000+ installations, operating in 15 countries, the BFW Europe office is the most recent addition to better serve global customers with advanced manufacturing solutions. Through channel partners, a wide sales & service network is available at 48 locations in India including 5 tech centres.

The inauguration event was graced by Dr Eng Yoshiharu Inaba, Chairman, FANUC CORPORATION; Mr Vipin Sondhi, Chairperson of the National Board for Quality Promotion, Quality Council of India and Former Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Ashok Leyland & JCB India; Mrs Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, Chairperson & Managing Director, Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd, Mr. Akihiro Teramachi, Representative Director, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer for THK Group and other thought leaders from the industry and over 50 overseas Global partners of BFW and 300+ senior manufacturing professionals representing various clients and supply chain partners.

The Design Village (TDV) organized a workshop on Game Design with the title “From Near 0 to Hero – Game Design,” with Ellis Bartholomeus, an Interaction Designer, User Experience Designer, Game Developer, and Design Thinker for UG2 students.

During her class, she challenged UG2 students with an inventive exercise aimed at fostering creativity and innovation. The participants were tasked with developing new games while maintaining the core concept of Ellis’s original game, ‘Zero to Hero.’ This exercise not only honed their design skills but also encouraged them to think critically about game mechanics and user engagement.

As participants got better in the game, they fixed their mistakes and aimed to become heroes. One of the teams came up with a rather new name “Near zero to Hero”, where ‘Near zero’ acted as an encouragement for the participants. Showing that there’s hope and room to improve, capturing the game’s changing nature.

Ellis reflected “I think I’m a villager and I consider authenticity to be very important in design but it’s also overrated. So it’s nice to see how one holds onto important things and how to let go. This is also what I learned in these four weeks that I’m in India, being a facilitator is to allow my students to do the work and here they do that greatly. The conversations with the faculty, and the teachers have also been great. Thank you. I think I’m out of words.”

The highlights of the workshop were Ellis’s innovative approach to ethnography research, user research, and context analysis. Participants had the unique opportunity to engage in a neighborhood treasure hunt, giving them real-world experiences and an understanding of user behavior and environmental dynamics, an important foundation for effective game development.

With growing concerns about climate change, social inequalities, and environmental degradation, CEOs are increasingly adopting sustainable practices and incorporating corporate social responsibility (CSR) into their business strategies. Effective CEOs understand that sustainability and CSR should be integrated into the core values of their company. They set a clear vision and mission that aligns with societal and environmental goals. By establishing a purpose beyond profit, they inspire their employees, customers, and stakeholders to embrace sustainable practices. Many CEOs are increasingly recognizing the importance of Corporate Social Responsibility and are actively engaging in CSR initiatives to demonstrate their commitment to social and environmental issues. These initiatives can include charitable donations, environmental sustainability efforts, community engagement projects, and more. By integrating CSR into their business strategies, CEOs aim to create positive impacts.

Sameer Kanodia, Managing Director & CEO Lumina Datamatics- Sameer Kanodia has been Lumina Datamatics’ Managing Director since 2018. He heads operations and oversees the management team. He drives strategic initiatives, expansion plans, sales, and go-to-market strategies. Sameer Kanodia’s involvement with Space Kidz India (SKI) represents a commendable corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative that leverages his expertise and resources to promote space science education among youth. Through his support, SKI can conduct a wide array of educational activities, including workshops, competitions, and outreach programs, aimed at inspiring and empowering students to pursue careers in space science and technology. Kanodia’s commitment to this cause demonstrates a dedication to nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers in India, contributing to the country’s advancement in the field of space exploration and technology development. Additionally, his involvement underscores the importance of private sector engagement in fostering STEM education and innovation, ultimately benefiting society as a whole. In a specific initiative, they partnered with Space Kidz India, successfully launching a satellite into outer space and empowering 750 teenage girls across 75 rural schools with opportunities to explore diverse skill sets and potential careers in Space. Anju’s leadership combines financial acumen with a commitment to sustainable practices.

Rohit Jawa CEO and managing director at Hindustan Unilever- With the leadership of Rohit Jawa Hindustan Unilever has successfully managed to engage with students at public schools as they delivered the lifebuoy #schoolof5 program, d with the help of engaging storytelling and demonstrations to show simple and effective habits of handwashing with soap on five key occasions a day. Rohit Jawa believes that promoting handwashing programmes is crucial for a healthy nation as it is not just about preventing disease, but also about nurturing healthier communities and society. The brand in India alone has reached over 560 million through focused interventions, NGO partnerships, and advocacy efforts with the government.

Rajiv Bajaj CEO of Bajaj-Auto – Rajiv Bajaj says that “launching the Bajaj engineering skills training (BEST) last year has been a valuable learning experience for us. It gave us a very clear picture of the critical gap between theoretical education and practical skills needed in the manufacturing industry. The insights gained through BEST acted as a cornerstone in laying down the groundwork. With Bajaj Beyond, we will expand our skilling efforts across the group. Together, we will design future-proof curriculums, provide real-world, hands-on experiences, and equip our youth with the adaptability and innovation required to thrive in the ever-evolving mobility landscape.” BEST has already partnered with some of India’s top institutes to train graduates with some good skills. The program has inaugurated a flagship center in Pune with 120 students, and Rajiv Bajaj said it is now scaling up with a plan to establish 15 centers across India.

Anand Mahindra chairman of Mahindra group- In his long tenure as chairman of Mahindra & Mahindra, which stretched across almost five decades, Anand Mahindra began with the Nanhi Kali (Little bud) project in 1996 at the K.C. Mahindra education trust, to educate underprivileged girls in India. The project began against the backdrop of population growth rate, low female literacy level, and other social issues such as child labour, and child marriage which were common in many parts of India, especially rural areas. Over the years, Nanhi Kali has reached out to over 500,00 underprivileged people.

Mohit Malhotra CEO at Dabur India– Mohit Malhotra serves as the CEO of Dabur India Ltd., a leading FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) company. Under his leadership, Dabur has been involved in several CSR activities, including initiatives related to healthcare, education, rural development, and environmental sustainability. Some specific examples may include providing healthcare services to underserved communities, supporting education programs for children, empowering farmers through sustainable agriculture practices, and promoting environmental conservation efforts under Mohit Malhotra Dabur commenced its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) activity in Alwar earlier this year by adopting the government schools – Government Middle School Gugdaud, Government Primary School Haldina Umrai and Rajkia Adarsh Uchh Madyamil Vidyalaya Bagadh Rajput. The infrastructure in all three schools was completely revamped, which included the creation of new sanitation facilities for both boys and girls.

Students of Gaurs International School (Yamuna Expressway) have released an anthem to promote voter awareness on the commencement of the 2024 election to Lok Sabha. Called “MatdaataJagruktaGeet” it has been sung, written, and composed by the school students and seeks to disseminate information about the importance of voting and also to encourage the public to come out and vote in large numbers.

The first round of voting for Lok Sabha commenced on April 19, 2024.

“At Gaurs International School, we are dedicated to raising politically, socially and culturally aware students. With around 67% voter turnout in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, we still need to increase the country’s election participation. We hope that this anthem will encourage people in large numbers to exercise their rights,” said Mrs Manju Gaur, Director, of Gaurs Group of Schools.

The anthem is in Hindi and showcases the creativity and initiative of the students, who have taken an active role in engaging with important civic issues.

Gaurs International School is an excellent option for parents looking for a high-quality education for their children. With its international educational standards, state-of-the-art facilities, and a strong emphasis on overall development, the school is sure to provide students with the best possible education. Gaurs International School has three branches: Gaurs Yamuna City at Yamuna Expressway, Gaur City, Greater Noida (West), and SiddharthVihar. Besides, as part of the Gaurs’ social service initiative, the Gaur City branch also imparts free education under the “BetiBachao, BetiPadhao” scheme of the Government of India in its Gaur City branch.

Noida, 22nd April 2024: Road safety stands as the foremost priority of HMSI. To foster responsible behavior on the roads and contribute towards creating a more vigilant and safety-focused society, the company regularly organizes Road Safety Awareness Campaigns across diverse regions in the country. HMSI firmly believes that such campaigns encourage individuals to adopt safe driving practices, fostering a culture of caution and consideration on the roads.

Among various activities, one such campaign was recently organized in the city of Noida which left a notable imprint on the participants. Continuing its focus on educating young minds, HMSI witnessed the active participation of over 2100 school students and staff members at the premises of Army Public School, Noida, and Shanti Niketan Vidyapeeth, Meerut.

HMSI underscores the necessity of teaching road safety principles to children from an early age, and thus, promotes the inclusion of road safety educational curriculum at both school and college levels. Understanding that young minds are receptive to learning, the company aims to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating roads responsibly. The road safety awareness campaign consists of highly interactive and engaging activities such as Road Safety Games, Safe Road Theory Sessions, Slow Bicycle Riding, Road Signage, and Riding posture training.

Since its inception, HMSI has imparted Road Safety Education to nearly 5 Lacs individuals including children and adults in the state of Uttar Pradesh, striving to promote Safe Riding as an everyday habit for all.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s CSR Commitment towards Road Safety:

In 2021, Honda globally made a vision statement for the year 2050 where it will strive for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles. In India, HMSI is working in line with this vision and the Government of India’s direction of reducing fatalities to half by 2030.

One critical aspect of achieving this goal is inculcating a positive mindset towards road safety in our children by the year 2030 and continuing to educate them thereafter. Road safety education at schools and Colleges is not only to create awareness but to inculcate a safety culture in young minds and turn them into safety ambassador. It empowers future generations to become responsible and significantly contribute to a safer society.

HMSI wants to be a company that Society wants to exist and is strongly focusing on Road safety awareness to all sections of society with unique ideas catering to each segment from school kids to Corporations and society at large.

HMSI’s set of skilled safety instructors conducts daily programs at our 10 adopted traffic training parks (TTP) across India and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC) to make road safety education accessible to every part of society, and the initiative has already reached over 5.7 million Indians. HMSI’s National Road Safety Awareness program made learning fun yet scientific through:

SCIENTIFICALLY DEVISED LEARNING MODULE: Honda’s skilled instructors set the foundation with theory sessions on road signs & markings, driver’s duties on the road, riding gear & posture explanation and safe riding etiquette.

1. PRACTICAL LEARNING: A special training activity on Honda’s virtual riding simulator was executed for all to experience over 100 possible dangers on road before actual riding.

2. INTERACTIVE SESSION: Participants were given danger prediction training known as Kiken Yosoku Training (KYT) which helps in enhancing rider/driver’s sensitivity to danger and ensures safe driving behaviour on roads.

3. EXISTING DRIVERS HONING RIDING SKILLS: Students & school staff members who are already existing riders tested & honed their riding skills through slow riding activities and riding on narrow planks.

Hyderabad, 22nd April 2024: Talented young para-cyclists Jyoti Gaderiya and Arshad Shaik from the Aditya Mehta Foundation have etched their names by notching top world rankings with their recent incredible performances in the latest Track Para Rankings, both Women Elite C2 and Men Elite C2, respectively. In an exhilarating triumph for the Indian Para-cycling team, these two exceptional athletes have secured top positions in the prestigious world rankings.

An above-knee amputee para-cyclist, Jyoti Gaderiya, stood tall at the World’s 2nd position in the Women Elite C2 – Track Para Rankings. Jyoti captivated audiences with her stellar performances. Her journey from adversity to triumph is a testament to her sheer resilience and passion for the sport.

Arshad Shaik, an above-knee amputee para-cyclist, holding the 5th spot in the Men Elite C2 – Track Para Rankings, is a force to be reckon with. Defying limits and overcoming challenges, he is set to represent India at the upcoming Paralympics 2024, carrying the hopes of a nation. Arshad, previously ranked 15th, ascended to 5th position following his exceptional performance at the 2024 Asian Track Para-cycling Championships, surpassing fellow athletes in his category.

India’s #1 Handcyclist, Prashant Sudarshan Arkal, has been making waves on the global stage. Overcoming the challenges of Polio in childhood, he is on a quest to secure Paralympic qualification, showcasing unparalleled skill and determination. He has been competing in various para-cycling events, including the World Championships, World Cups, Asian Para Games, and Asian Cycling Championships. Recently, he clinched the bronze medal at the World Ability Games (IWAS) held in Thailand. This achievement marks a historic milestone for the Indian Para-cycling Team. India has secured its first-ever cycling qualifications for Paralympics, a testament to the unwavering dedication and talent of these exceptional athletes. Prashant will now be competing in Para cycling World Cup Belgium and Paracycling world cup Italy being in May 2024, to qualify for the Paralympics 2024.

Aditya Mehta Foundation expresses its sincere appreciation to GMCCO, NMDC, United Way of Hyderabad, and S&P Global for their unwavering support.

The talented para cyclists were spotted and trained at Aditya Mehta Foundation with the support of the Cycling Federation of India.

Gurugram, 22nd April 2024: Whiteland Corporation, a leading real estate company, entered the CSR arena with the establishment of the Whiteland Foundation. The foundation joined hands with the Say Earth NGO in a significant move towards sustainable development. Today, the company’s employees demonstrated their commitment to environmental conservation by planting 3,000 saplings under the project ‘Urban Forest’ at the Clover Leaf Roundabout, strategically located at the interchange of NH48 and Dwarka Expressway in Gurugram.

Each employee actively participated in the initiative, planting up to 20 saplings, thereby making a substantial contribution to the city’s green cover. This concerted effort underscores Whiteland Corporation’s dedication to fostering a healthier ecosystem and ensuring a sustainable future for Gurugram.

The tree planting ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of the Whiteland Foundation team, Whiteland Corporation’s employees, Mr. Ramveer Tanwar’s team, and GMDA personnel, who delivered insightful remarks on the importance of environmental conservation and community engagement in achieving sustainable development goals.

Mr. Pankaj Pal, Managing Director of Whiteland Corporation, said, “On the occasion of Earth Day, we are pleased that Whiteland Corporation has entered the CSR arena with the establishment of the Whiteland Foundation. At Whiteland Foundation, we recognize the profound impact of environmental stewardship on our collective well-being. Our partnership with the Say Earth NGO in the tree planting project epitomizes our commitment to sustainability. By actively engaging in initiatives like this, we empower our employees to be agents of positive change, contributing to the enhancement of Gurugram’s green cover and the preservation of our planet for future generations. We firmly believe that every individual has the power to make a difference, and through collaborative efforts such as this, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for all. Together, we can cultivate a greener, healthier world for ourselves and for generations to come.” Whiteland Foundation’s mission is to uplift environment, Education, Women Empowerment, Health, Labor Welfare & Animal Welfare.

This initiative signifies Whiteland Corporation’s unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability. By planting trees, the company aims to mitigate climate change, enhance air quality, and promote biodiversity in the region. The project, slated to continue for the next three years with the support of the Say Earth Foundation, reflects a long-term approach towards nurturing the planted saplings and fostering Gurugram’s ecological well-being.

The tree planting event held on April 20th, 2024, holds particular significance as it coincides with International Earth Day. This global observance serves as a poignant reminder of our collective responsibility toward protecting our planet. Whiteland Corporation’s initiative epitomizes the spirit of Earth Day by taking proactive measures to promote environmental well-being and sustainability.

Mr. Ramveer Tanwar (PondMan), an Environmentalist and TEDx Speaker based in Greater Noida, has been passionate about water conservation since his student life. He started his campaign called Jal Chaupal in Gautam Budhha Nagar, Uttar Pradesh, urging people to conserve water and save natural resources like ponds, lakes, and wetlands. He received training from The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), MOEF, and the Government of India. Mr. Tanwar is also the founder of Say Earth NGO. Ramveer Tanwar was praised by Honorable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji in Mann Ki Baat and by Honorable Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath. He is declared as Brand Ambassador of Swachh Bharat Mission, Ghaziabad, and appointed district coordinator of the ‘BhuJal-Sena, Noida (Groundwater Force)’ by the Government of Uttar Pradesh.

Bengaluru, India – 22nd April 2024: EY Global Delivery Services (GDS) is collaborating with Bhumi, supported by Vibhinna India Foundation, to jointly build 21 ‘Insect Cafes’ at prominent botanical gardens across Bengaluru. The initiative, which aims to promote insect conservation and the overall ecosystem, will culminate with the completion of a total of 21 insect cafes across the city.

The Insect Café project involves a total of three events, beginning with the launch of seven cafes on March 22 at Doddasaagare Botanical Garden. This is being followed by similar endeavors – in Lalbagh Botanical Gardens on April 19, and in Cubbon Park in June, with eight and seven cafes to be assembled at each location respectively.

The Insect Café launch event at Lalbagh Botanical Garden was attended by D. S. Ramesh, Director, Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Karnataka; Dr. M. Jagadeesh, Joint Director, Parks and Gardens; and G. Kusuma, Deputy Director, Lalbagh Botanical Garden. Over 300 dedicated EY GDS volunteers contributed their time and effort to date toward the initiative, with another 150 volunteers expected to join the event in Cubbon Park in June.

Insect cafes are eco-friendly structures made of upcycled wood, mud, and bamboo; these strategically placed frameworks offer safe nesting grounds for a variety of insect species. Urban expansion and intensive agricultural practices pose significant threats to insect populations, particularly vital pollinators like bees, it has disrupted the delicate balance of the food chain and jeopardized insect food security. Insect cafes will help in insect pollination and in maintaining a balanced food chain, thereby promoting biodiversity and contributing to a sustainable planet.

The Insect Café project not only serves as a conservation effort but also empowers local communities. By sourcing upcycled wood from rural households, the project drives waste reduction and sustainable practices, while generating income for the community. Crafted with durable trees such as acacia, jaali and eucalyptus, these eco-friendly habitats require minimal maintenance. Additionally, 50% of the cost of the cafés directly supports women farmers involved in wood collection, fostering sustainable livelihoods.

D. S. Ramesh said, “The launch of the Insect Café is a great initiative by EY GDS and its partners. This marks a crucial step toward protecting and nurturing our indispensable species of insects. Left without their safe habitats to support, reproduce and thrive, many insects are nearing extinction, and this could significantly endanger the food chain. Apart from familiarizing the public with the importance of preserving insect life, I hope these insect cafes will encourage the general public to have such habitats in their backyards.”

Manesh Patel, Chief Operating Officer, EY GDS, said, “In the realm of sustainability, EY GDS remains steadfast in our commitment to reducing our ecological footprint. Our initiative to support Insect Cafe is a testament to our innovative approach, embodying our dedication to promote biodiversity and ecological balance in urban spaces. I would like to thank Bhumi and Vibhinna India Foundation for collaborating with EY GDS on this initiative.”

Rumi Mallick Mitra, Director of Corporate Responsibility at EY GDS, said, “At EY GDS, we always look to empower marginalized communities as well as protect the environment through education, skill development, and conservation projects. By setting up these eco-friendly habitats, we are preserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable ecosystems. We are proud of our partnership with Bhumi and Vibhinna India Foundation and are committed to fostering environmental responsibility for a sustainable future.”

“The Insect Café initiative showcases our commitment to biodiversity conservation and sustainable ecosystem management,” said David Kumar, Founder of Vibhinna India Foundation. “By providing these safe habitats, we not only support pollination and food security for insects but also contribute to the overall health of our planet.”

Following the construction of the insect cafes, a research study by entomologists and students in collaboration with the College of Horticulture, Mysore, will monitor the cafes’ impact on insect populations, with the findings expected to be published in a year.

Gurugram: Gurugram-based organization M3M Foundation has been honored with the prestigious “Social Impact Award” at the Indian Brand and Leadership Conclave 2024 held at Hyatt Centric Goa, while Dr. Payal Kanodia, Trustee and Chairperson of M3M Foundation, has been honored with the prestigious “Leader of Hope Award”. This honor has been given for her exemplary contribution towards social reform and leadership in India. Dr. Aishwarya Mahajan, President of M3M Foundation, received the award on behalf of Dr. Payal Kanodia from Shibani Kashyap, Bollywood pop singer and composer.

On this occasion, Suresh Prabhu, former Union Minister, Senior BJP leader, Madhur Bhandarkar, Padmashree Awardee, Indian filmmaker and scriptwriter, Digambar Kamat, Former Chief Minister, Goa and Shibani Kashyap, Bollywood pop singer and composer were present as chief guests.

The selection process for these prestigious awards was carefully conducted by the Brand Media Team through three stages. This comprehensive approach included rigorous parameters encompassing secondary and primary research methods, ensured by a thorough assessment of the influence and leadership qualities of the nominees.

M3M Foundation, known for its unwavering commitment towards CSR initiatives, has consistently demonstrated remarkable work in uplifting communities and driving lasting change. The “Social Impact Award” is a fitting recognition of her tireless efforts in areas such as education, healthcare, and environment conservation, which have brought about a profound change in the lives of countless individuals across the country.

On the other hand, Dr. Payal Kanodia’s selection for the “Leader of Hope Award” underlines her remarkable leadership and visionary approach to tackling critical societal challenges. As a beacon of hope, Dr. Kanodia has played a vital role in inspiring positive change and fostering a culture of empowerment and inclusivity.

On this occasion, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Trustee and Chairperson of M3M Foundation, expressed her happiness and said, “We are very happy that I and M3M Foundation have been honored with the award. It is proof that whatever we do with our positive efforts have been made for society through these initiatives, we will be inspired to contribute better in the building of the nation and will continue to contribute as a social organization.

Recently, the women’s wing of FICCI, Young FICCI Ladies Organization (YFLO), Delhi has appointed Dr. Payal Kanodia as the new Chairperson for the year 2024-25. Dr. Payal Kanodia is also the Chairperson and Trustee of M3M Foundation and Promoter of M3M Group. Dr. Payal aims to reach 1 million people by focusing on improving livelihood opportunities, skilling youth, literacy, socio-economic empowerment, environment and wildlife conservation, and enterprise development.

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Hyderabad,22nd April 2024 Against the backdrop of the harmful impact of the indiscriminate use of fertilizers and pesticides in growing vegetables, the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) organized a Workshop on Rooftop Kitchen Gardening on Saturday morning at its premises in Red Hill in the city.

The primary objective of the workshop was to raise awareness about the significance of cultivating one’s food organically and to provide a platform to help enthusiasts grasp the fundamentals of Rooftop Kitchen Gardening.

Welcoming the gathering Ravi Kumar, Vice President of FTCCI said, rooftop kitchen gardening reduces urban heat, and pollution and contributes to the clean air

Chandra Mohan Siram, Chairman of the Agro & Food Processing Committee, said that thirty or forty years ago, before the green revolution, pesticides and insecticide usage never existed. Now, a single farmer uses 50 to 60 bags of pesticides depending on the cultivable land. Further to increase productivity, every vegetable crop is subjected to many types of sprays. Pesticides or insecticides are sprayed before harvesting, to improve the color and freshness. This is leading to cancer diseases. Thirty years ago we had not heard of a specialization called Oncology. Now, in every nook and corner of the city, we have an Oncologist. Today the situation is we are putting zinc into the soil and we are eating it as well. In the past, we used to consume zinc from horticultural products. But now things have changed.

A small country Israel which does not have much land and water resources is doing wonders in terms of horticultural production and also exporting. So also Kenya. We can emulate these countries, said Chandra Moha Siram. We must encourage Rooftop Kitchen Gardening in our city.

Speaking to the gathering of about 100 Rooftop Kitchen Gardeners as well as enthusiasts of this concept, Smt. K. Sridevi, Assistant Director of Horticulture(Urban Farming), Government of Telangana, said the information is just a click away and is abundantly available online. Don’t get into Rooftop Kitchen Gardening because of peer pressure. Get into it for sheer pleasure, to produce pure vegetables, for happiness and the good health of the family.

Her colleague Smt. B. Manga and Smt. K. Synitha Rose, both the officers in Urban farming spoke about the importance of urban farming, the steps involved in it, cultural practices to be adopted, and organic ways of controlling pests and diseases. Hyderabad which was once a garden city is now turned into a concrete jungle. And the only spaces left are balconies and rooftops. You must make effective use of the same, they said.