Archives April 2024

Texmaco Rail & Engineering Successfully Raises Rs 250 Crores

Kolkata,1st April 2024  Texmaco Rail & Engineering is pleased to announce the successful completion of its Qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) of equity shares of Rs 250 crores, thus making a total fund raise of Rs 1000 Crs through QIP in the last 6 months. The recent QIP was oversubscribed by more than three times. Earlier, in the month of November 2023, the company had successfully raised a sum of Rs 750 Crs.

The QIP process, led by Nuvama and ICICI Securities, attracted participation from renowned global players such as Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, Samena Capital, Mahindra MF, Bandhan MF, etc. among others. In addition, the Board of Directors of the company has approved the raising of funds by way of issuance of Convertible Warrants by way of preferential issue to promoter(s) / promoter group / other(s), for an amount not exceeding Rs 150 Crores by the applicable laws. This would help the company in reinforcing the company’s growth trajectory.

Mr. Indrajit Mookerjee, Vice Chairman of Texmaco Rail & Engineering, expressed his elation, stating, “I am extremely pleased to witness the overwhelming confidence displayed by our investors, both domestic and international with some of the largest Funds in the business partnering with us. Their partnership underscores our commitment to progress and innovation.”

The funds raised will fuel Texmaco’s ambitious expansion plans, supporting its vision for substantial business growth and reinforcing its position as a leader in the rail and engineering sector.

Manthan school students make a difference to the community through lake cleaning initiative!

Manthan school students

Hyderabad, 1st April 2024: The COAP (Community Outreach and Awareness Program) Club of Manthan School Hyderabad, as part of the ISP Changemakers project, took on the responsibility of cleaning Tellapur Lake in Hyderabad, a local water body facing environmental degradation due to garbage accumulation.

The project aimed to promote environmental stewardship, raise awareness about waste management, and actively engage with the community residing near the lake. The cleaning drive took place from March 11th to March 16th, with student and teacher volunteers working together to restore the cleanliness of the lake and its surroundings.

Students conducted an initial survey to understand the waste disposal habits and challenges faced by residents living near the lake. The data collected from the survey helped identify areas for improvement and targeted intervention.

Student volunteers, along with teacher volunteers, conducted a thorough cleaning drive around the peripheral areas of Tellapur Lake. Garbage and litter were removed, including plastic waste, debris, and other pollutants that had accumulated over time.

Residents were educated about the harmful effects of improper waste disposal on the environment and water bodies. Information sessions were conducted to promote responsible waste management practices, including segregation of dry and wet waste. Dustbins were distributed to approximately 28 families residing near Tellapur Lake. Each household received two dustbins – one with a blue sticker for dry waste and a green sticker for wet waste – along with guidance on their proper use and placement.

The project fostered community participation and raised awareness about the importance of preserving natural resources. Residents near the lake became actively involved in waste management initiatives and expressed commitment to maintaining cleanliness. GHMC also got involved and sent workers to assist the students with the cleaning.

“We are proud of our students and staff in taking up such initiatives. At Manthan, we encourage students to constantly be aware of various challenges being faced by our community and come up with solutions that can help solve them.” said Mr. Surjeet Singh, Principal, Manthan School, Hyderabad.

Gurgaon Grooves to the Rhythm of B Praak with Imperial Blue Superhit Nights

Gurgaon Grooves

Gurgaon, 1st April 2024 Imperial Blue Superhit Nights brought a spectacular night to Gurugram with an electrifying performance by the sensational B Praak on March 30, 2024. The event, held at the iconic Huda Gymkhana Club, saw music enthusiasts from across Delhi NCR come together for an unforgettable night of entertainment.

B Praak, known for his soulful voice and chart-topping hits, captivated the audience with his mesmerizing performance. The atmosphere was charged with excitement as fans sang along to his popular tracks, including his recent chartbusters that have dominated the music industry. Imperial Blue Superhit Nights, known for curating exceptional live music experiences which continue to set new benchmarks in the realm of entertainment. The collaboration with B Praak represents yet another milestone in this endeavor, as it brings together the powerhouse talent of one of India’s most brilliant artists with the platform’s unwavering commitment.

“We are thrilled to have collaborated with B Praak for this exceptional event in the vibrant city of Gurugram. His remarkable performance was met with fervent enthusiasm from the audience, creating an atmosphere charged with infectious energy. At Imperial Blue, our commitment lies in providing unparalleled music and entertainment experiences that deeply resonate with our consumers. As a brand, we take immense pride in curating such events, which embody Imperial Blue’s fundamental philosophy of embracing life with a smile”, said Ishwindar Singh, General Manager – Marketing at Pernod Ricard India.

Sharing his thoughts on the event, B Praak expressed, “Associating with Imperial Blue Superhit Nights for this unforgettable occasion was truly incredible. The audience’s energy was electrifying, and I couldn’t resist being caught up in their enthusiasm. These instances reinforce my passion for music – it’s about forging meaningful connections with others. Performing for my fans always brings me immense joy, and I am deeply grateful for their unwavering support. This project has been an amazing experience for me because I personally resonate with the brand’s philosophy of embracing life with a smile.”

Imperial Blue Superhit Nights has become synonymous with top-tier musical experiences, featuring some of the biggest names in the industry. With each event, Imperial Blue continues to raise the bar, setting new standards for live entertainment in India.

5000 Students & parents participated in the mega orientation of ALLEN Kolkata

5000 Students & parents

Kolkata 1st April 2024 ALLEN Career Institute Private Limited, renowned across the country for its preparation of the engineering and medical entrance exams, held its mega orientation session in two shifts at the city’s Dhan Dhanya Auditorium on Sunday. ALLEN’s Chief Academic Officer CR Chaudhary addressed the program. About 5000 students and parents attended this session.

The session started with the lighting of lamps and ALLEN prayer. Along with this, a presentation was also given on the journey of 35 years of ALLEN Career Institute. In this, information was given about ALLEN’s results and its activities associated with social causes.

In the session, ALLEN’s CAO CR Chaudhary said that ALLEN is working with its 35 years of experience and the determination to build the careers of students. For ALLEN, the student is at the center of every work, whatever changes are made, they are done for the betterment of the student. ALLEN guarantees that every student will get good teachers as per his ability and expectations.

The classes of the students, who have taken admission, are going to start in a few days. Since it is important to know what precautions should be taken after the commencement of the classes so orientations are being organized for this purpose. ALLEN’s goal is to impart education with values. The word career is attached to ALLEN’s name. Our goal is to make the students better human beings along with building their careers so that they can be prepared to serve the family, society, and the country.

On this occasion, Zonal Head Rajneesh Srivastava said that ALLEN is moving ahead with determination. This beginning in Kolkata, West Bengal is proving to be a new dimension for the career building of students. Good achievements are being made in a very short time. Just like a plant needs manure, light, and water to grow, similarly, we will provide the positive environment and best education that a student needs.

On this occasion, Admin Head Debashish Sanyal said that along with education and facilities, ALLEN treats every student as a family member and also works to provide a safe environment to the student until he/she develops his/her career. If the student has any need after the class, it is also fulfilled. Every need of a student is ALLEN’s need and ALLEN gets satisfied only after fulfilling it.

Honorable Governor of Tamil Nadu Thiru. R N Ravi confers the medal of honour

Honorable Governor of Tamil Nadu Thiru. R N Ravi

Hyderabad, 1st April 2024: Honorary Consular Corps Diplomatique (HCCD) – India, comprising of Honorary Consular officers in India and Abroad and affiliated to F.I.C.A.C. (World Federation of Consuls); conferred the prestigious Medal of Honour 2024 on H.E Dr Nawab Mir Nasir Ali Khan, Honorary Consul of Republic of Kazakhstan for Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

The Medal was formally presented by the Hon’ble Governor of Tamil Nadu Thiru R.N Ravi; at a glittering ceremony at ITC Grand Chola, Chennai, today. K.L. Ganju, President, HCCD, and Purrshottam Bhaggeria, Secretary General, HCCD, graced the occasion among others. The Medal was presented in recognition of his outstanding services rendered to the Consular activities in India.

Established in 1995, the Honorary Consular Corps Diplomatique-India (HCCD-India) aims to promote and strengthen mutual understanding among Honorary Consular officers in India and abroad. Through the exchange of information, ideas, and suggestions, HCCD-India endeavors to enhance the role of Honorary Consuls General and Honorary Consuls in international relations.

The Consular Day celebration at the ITC Grand Chola brought together a distinguished gathering representing the country’s elite and international fraternity. It served as a platform to acknowledge and applaud the vital contributions of honorary consuls in advancing diplomatic relations, cultural exchanges, and economic cooperation between nations.

Sabhyata Foundation Takes Charge of India’s Four Historic Monuments

Sabhyata Foundation Takes Charge

Mumbai, 1st April 2024 Sabhyata Foundation, a not-for-profit company dedicated to preserving and promoting India’s cultural heritage, has been entrusted with the upkeep and promotion of India’s four iconic monuments under the Government’s “Adopt a Heritage 2.0″project. The adopted monuments include Purana Qila, Humayun’s Tomb, Safdarjung Tomb, and Mehrauli Archaeological Park located in the heart of the capital. The initiative introduced by Ministry of Culture and Archeological Survey of India (ASI), aims for partnerships with private/public sector entities to provide, develop, and maintain amenities at centrally protected monuments and sites. The special announcement programme held at the majestic Purana Quila was graced by Shri S. Jaishankar, Hon’ble Minister of External Affairs, Govt of India, as the Chief Guest, and other distinguished guests.

As ‘Smaarak Saarthi’, Sabhyata Foundation will undertake the responsibility of enhancing visitor experiences at these four heritage sites, positioning them as must-visit destinations. Its primary goals will include increasing footfalls, enhancing amenities, and creating memorable experiences while focusing on hygiene, accessibility, safety, and knowledge.

Shri Govind Mohan, Secretary, Ministry of Culture shared: “In line with our Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Virasat Bhi, Vikas Bhi’, this initiative exemplifies our commitment to preserving India’s diverse heritage through collaborative efforts uniting government, corporates and citizens in safeguarding our rich cultural legacy. Sabhyata Foundation’s adoption of these four monuments represents the spirit of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Prayaas’, ushering a new era of vibrant heritage appreciation.”

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Puneet Dalmia, MD & CEO, Dalmia Bharat and Monument Mitra – Red Fort which has partnered with Sabhyata Foundation on several occasions said, “Monuments and cultural sites are the heart of a nation’s identity, shaping its history and heritage, not just as relics of the past, but as symbols of our rich legacy. As our implementation partner at Red Fort, Sabhyata Foundation has done a commendable job in creating unforgettable experiences. I wish them the very best in their future endeavors.”

Shri Yadubir Singh Rawat, Director General, Archeological Survey of India commented, “Adopt a Heritage 2.0 has been launched on the back of the demonstrated success of the first round initiated in 2017. Red Fort is a shining example how we have added technology and modernity to create enhanced experiences of our heritage landmarks. However, we have 4000 such monuments that require our efforts and we look forward to the participation from private organisations so that the national cultural treasures continue to remain inspirational for the future generations too. We are thankful to the Ministry of Culture for their continued support and encouragement.”

Mr. Ravi Jhunjhunwala, CEO, HEG Ltd. and Board Member, Sabhyata Foundation said, “Sabhyata Foundation is committed to preserving and promoting the cultural and heritage ecosystem of India and is dedicated to deliver world-class experiences of Indian heritage, art, architecture and culture. We are further strengthening our team by building a strong advisory board of passionate and accomplished individuals: Mr. Nakul Anand, former Executive Director, ITC has agreed to join as Chairman of the Advisory Board; Mrs. Avantika Dalmia, Chairperson, Avanee Foundation has joined us as the Co-Chair, Mrs. Vasvi Bharat Ram, Joint Vice Chairperson, The Shri Ram Schools and Mrs. Avarna Jain, Vice Chairperson of the Board, Saregama India Ltd. have joined as esteemed members of the Advisory Board.”

Sabhyata Foundation’s plan for Purana Qila involves enhancing visitor experiences by interpreting the historical significance of the site through research-backed evidence. Plans include a sound and light show, a museum showcasing excavated artifacts from various historical periods, and a souvenir shop. The foundation will organize year-round site activities and work closely with the Ministry of Culture and ASI to access authentic research, experts, and historic artifacts. Fine dining experiences themed around ‘Ancient Grains of India’ will be conducted in strategic locations. Heritage walks and interactive displays will enrich the narrative further. Plans for the other three monuments will be revealed subsequently.

Vikas Raj, Chief Election Officer flagged off the 2nd Edition of IIFL JITO Ahimsa Run

Vikas Raj, Chief Election Officer

Hyderabad, 1st April 2024  The second edition of IIFL JITO ‘Ahimsa Run for Peace and Non-violence’ was held on Sunday, at JalaVihar, PV Narasimha Rao Marg, Hyderabad. Vikas Raj, Chief Election Officer flagged off the 2nd Edition of IIFL JITO Ahimsa Run for peace & non-violence. 2000 runners from the Jain community and outside their community participated in the run.

The Run was organized in three different categories such as 3 3K, 5K and 10K. The total prize money is Rs 90,000(ninety thousand) given away. The Route for the run was from Jala Vihar towards Sanjeevaiah Park.

In the 10K run, Naveen stood first in the male, 15 to 35 years category. He clocked 32.09. Ramesh Chandra stood second with 33.07 and Manvendra Singh third place with 33.21

In the female category (15 to 35 years) Neha stood first with 49. 32 timing, Payal Jain stood second with 58. 57 timing and Dr Sakshi stood third with her timing 1 hour 6 minutes 35 seconds.

Winners both male and female, 36 to 56 years, and 56 years above were given away prizes.

All the winners were given away cash prizes.

The Election Commission also utilized the opportunity to create voter awareness about forthcoming Parliament elections. They have put off a lot of standees and posters.

Vikas Raj urged all to go out and vote in the Indian Festival of Democracy

Speaking on the occasion Sushil Sancheti, Chairman, Paresh Shah, Chief Secretary, B L Bhandari Treasurer of JITO Hyderabad said it was a unique run. It was a Run with a difference. One purpose, one run—it is a Run together for Ahimsa and Non-Violence. 2000 runners participated in the Hyderabad edition of the run. The run was organized simultaneously in 80-plus locations in India and 20-plus in outside India and over one lakh runners participated in the election.

It was organized by JITO (Jain International Trade Organization), the ladies’ wing. JITO is an internationally recognized entity committed to socio-economic empowerment, value-centric education, and community welfare, this event embodies the spirit of non-violence (Ahimsa) and harmony

In the realm of marathons and social initiatives, JITO Ahimsa Run 2.0 stands out as a beacon of inspiration and change. It was run for a unique purpose and was organized across the globe on the same day and time.

Last year with participation exceeding 100,000 individuals across 69 locations in India and 28 locations internationally, the event set a Guinness World Record, showcasing the global impact of JITO’s initiatives.

Smt. Veena Jain, Chairperson, Smt. Tina Shah Chief Secretary, JITO Hyderabad Ladies Wing along with Smt. Renu Chordia and Sri Rahul Shah from JITO Youth Wing made all possible arrangements to make it a big success.

A Glorious Evening at the Online ‘Kavi Manch’ Program

In the realm of virtual gatherings, where screens often mediate our interactions, there shines a beacon of cultural celebration: the Online ‘Kavi Manch’ program, orchestrated with finesse by the Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation. On the evening of March 29th, at 7 pm, poetry enthusiasts and connoisseurs of Indian literature converged in a digital space pulsating with artistic fervor, all in the spirit of promoting Bhartiya Sahitya and Sanskriti.

 'Kavi Manch' Program

At the helm of this cultural extravaganza stood Garima Kavathekar, the visionary Founder Director and CEO of the NGO, alongside Deepali Kavathekar, Director, and the dedicated IT support provided by Gaurav Kavathekar and Prathamesh Kavathekar, all stalwart members of the Foundation. Guiding the audience through this literary odyssey was the illustrious Vanita Patankar, a polymathic figure known for her prowess as a poet, singer, and writer.

The evening commenced with the soul-stirring Saraswati Vandana, rendered melodiously by Unnati Choudhary, setting the stage for a cascade of artistic brilliance. Dr. Madhusudan Ghanekar, a luminary in his own right, regaled viewers with his multifaceted talents, while Shweta Mishra’s recitation of Krishna’s Holi painted vivid canvases of emotion.

Jai Krishna Chandak’s poetic prowess brought forth the vibrant hues of Holi, while Sonal Jhajj’s poignant verses evoked profound reflections on the festival’s symbolism. Bhawana Gupta ‘Mahendra’ captured hearts with her lyrical expressions, weaving tales of love and devotion.

The evening reached its crescendo with the infectious humor of Dr. (HC) Prachetan Potadar, whose verses elicited laughter and mirth, binding the audience in a shared moment of joy. Virtually joining the festivities were luminaries such as Satish Sambhav and BK Sharda Didi, adding their accolades to the chorus of appreciation.

Throughout the event, Vanita Patankar’s captivating shayaris and poetry captivated the senses, transcending the virtual realm to touch the depths of the soul. As the curtains descended on this literary spectacle, Garima Kavathekar extended heartfelt thanks to all participants, underscoring the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to cultural preservation and promotion.

In a world often fraught with discord, the ‘Kavi Manch’ Online Gala served as a beacon of unity and harmony, a testament to the enduring power of literature to bridge divides and ignite collective imagination. As the echoes of the evening lingered in the digital ether, they served as a poignant reminder of the boundless beauty of Indian culture, nurtured and cherished by organizations like the Nisarg Srishti Welfare Foundation.

Embracing its motto of controlling noise pollution and spreading awareness through relevant events and activities, the Foundation continues to tread the path of cultural enlightenment, beckoning all who seek to immerse themselves in the rich tapestry of Bhartiya Sahitya.

Day 2 of Ramayana Kalpavrksam

Ramayana Kalpavrksam

Hyderabad,1st April 2024: The 3-day music and dance extravaganza, ‘Ramayana Kalpavrksam’, at the CCRT Campus, Hyderabad; on the 2nd day, opened with an extremely informative and interesting talk and presentation by speaker Shefali Vaidya who spoke about Ramayana in the warp and weft of India – in kalamkari paintings embroidery bringing to life the presence of Ramayana in all aspects of Indian life. The second session was Swayambodha and Shatrubodha where Nupur Sharma and Pankaj Saxena discussed who the Hindus are, what are our ideological enemies and how to survive and thrive as a civilization. Well-known young scholar Vinay Varanasi along with Vivek Sadashivam brought to life the idea of Sri Rama Raksha through his involved talk and performance. The grand finale was a brilliant dance production Dhruva on Hanuman by the popular Aayana Dance Company. Ramayana Kalpavrksam has been curated by renowned dancer Ananda Shankar Jayant. The 3 day festival will conclude on Sunday 31st March with a talk by Dushyant Sridhar, a discussion between Aabhas Maldahiyar and Shivakumar and finally a grand musical evening by Indosoul by Karthick Iyer.

India’s largest two-day conference of AI & ML – AI Days 2024 begins

AI Days 2024  begins

Hyderabad, 1st April 2024: India’s largest conference on AI & ML, AI Days 2024, with the theme of ‘AI4Society’, began today at JNTU, Hyderabad. The two-day convention being hosted by Swecha, along with multiple partners, is being attended by over 2,000 IT professionals, researchers, start-ups, and students. The faculty is comprised of globally renowned AI & ML experts from the world’s leading Tech companies. The who’s who of AI & ML congregating at Hyderabad for this Conference paves the way for Hyderabad to be positioned as the AI Capital of the World.

AI Days have brought together experts from various fields including IT, Healthcare, agriTech, FinTech, Semiconductors, EduTech, and various startups, to discuss the way forward in building AI for the betterment of society. Speakers from companies including Facebook (Meta), Microsoft, Qualcomm, Micron, Ozonetel, Tech Vedika, DigiQuanta, and Arka MediaWorks among others are part of the extensive deliberations on governance and policy aspects of AI.

Y Kiran Chandra, Founder, Swecha, speaking on the occasion said, that today there are lots of apprehensions, and fears about AI, but AI can help us find various solutions. We have over 2000 IT professionals, academicians, research scholars, and students who are here to discuss the solutions for unresolved issues and challenges. They are showcasing the solutions they found to such issues. We launched Telugu AI Voice Assistant, even if an illiterate farmer asks for a weather update, it will provide it, it can help to start and switch off the pump set with a voice command.

A highlight of the Conference is the launch of Telugu AI Voice Assistant. This AI assistant will enable farmers, frontline healthcare workers, sanitation workers, and others to access the wonders of artificial intelligence. This project enables them to interact with AI using their voice in their mother tongue. A live demo of using Telugu AI Voice Assistant was done to remotely operate the water pumps in farms, at the Conference. This simple solution prevents the electrocution deaths of farmers while physically switching on & off the water pumps.

Spanning across two days, multiple keynotes and over 60 sessions will throw light on the latest in AI/ML. Some of the keynote addresses are by Prof Gaurav Raina, IIT Madras; Smt Shikha Goel, IPS, Addl DGP, Telangana; Dr Jaideep Ganguly, VP, Engineering, Salesforce, the closing Keynote will be by the luminary of computer science Dr Krishna Palem.

The eminent speakers on Day 1 at the Conference include Padma Bhushan Dr. VS Ramachandran, listed in the TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in the World; Prof Gaurav Raina, Former Chairman, Mobile Payments Forum of India; AI/ML Leader at Google; Chaitanya, Founder CTO, Ozonetel; Shikha Goel IPS, Director Telangana Cyber Bureau, Nag Malladi, VP, Tech Mahindra; Y Kiran Chandra, Founder, Swecha; Nagi V, Sr Advisor, Salamander; Sunil Abraham, Director, Facebook India; Amit, Director, Salesforce; Sai S, Founder CEO, Tech Vedika and Praveen Chandrahas, Secretary of Swecha among others.