Archives June 2024

Innovation Overdrive: Cutting-Edge Tech Forging India as a Software Product Nation

Mr. Tejas Goenka

“To propel India’s transition into a product nation, we must adopt a multi-pronged strategy. This could involve fostering a fertile environment that encourages entrepreneurs to succeed by recognizing and classifying the software product industry differently from the software services industry. Therefore, assigning a dedicated product code for software products could lay the foundation for their correct treatment in India. To build great products in India, one needs to have a keen and strong engineering mindset. It is critical to build that skill set in India through the improvement of the depth of computer engineering in the education system. Encouraging mentorship through role models that inspire aspiring entrepreneurs and help create innovative and unique products while solving modern-day challenges is essential. The development of programs that nudge and support individuals in this direction, including startup incubation centers, financial and business support, and provision of tax subsidies to promote and ease the R&D work, is crucial to creating disruptive products. This will not only help ease the commercial aspect but, more importantly, support the innovative push that is critical for companies to come out with winning product offerings. At an overall level, it is important to give focused attention and support to the software products industry within the broader software industry.”- Mr. Tejas Goenka, Managing Director, Tally Solutions

World Environment Day press note | Mantri Square Mall

Mantri Square Mall

6th June 2024 Mantri Mall – World Environment Day Initiative:
Mantri Square Mall, a premier shopping destination in Bangalore, is celebrating World Environment Day, today, by distributing 500 saplings to the public as part of its efforts to promote environmental sustainability. These saplings symbolize a brighter future with cleaner air, mitigate climate change, and a haven for local species.

In line with the activity, Kamakshi Mantri, Chief Strategy Officer of Mantri Square Mall, said “We are committed towards making a positive impact on the environment and are excited to be a part of this global initiative. By giving away these saplings, we hope to inspire others to join us in our efforts to protect the planet”.

Additionally, this initiative underscores the importance of collective responsibility in maintaining the climate and fostering a healthier environment for future generations. Mantri Square Mall invites everyone to participate and contribute to creating a greener, more sustainable future.

Coca-Cola India Celebrates World Environment Day with BenchPeBaat, Reviving The Spirit Of Genuine Connections

Coca-Cola India

Bengaluru, 6th June 2024: In celebration of World Environment Day, Coca-Cola India today launched #BenchPeBaat, a campaign aimed at reviving the spirit of true connections and conversations among people. This is a celebration of Coca-Cola India’s commitment to creating a World Without Waste through a circular economy and fostering meaningful interactions in communities across India. Coca-Cola India through its foundation, Anandana, in partnership with United Way Mumbai has installed 380 sustainable benches in 10 cities in India. These repurposed benches, crafted from recycled plastic waste collected during the ICC World Cup 2023, aim to make a refreshing difference, one conversation at a time.

Each bench is created from approx. 50 Kg of recycled plastic waste. These eco-friendly benches have been installed in schools, colleges, public parks, and municipal corporation offices across 10 cities in India, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Pune, Dharamshala, and Lucknow.

Speaking on the campaign, Rajesh Ayapilla, Senior Director-CSR and Sustainability for Coca-Cola India and Southwest Asia (INSWA), said, “At Coca-Cola India, we are steadfast in our commitment towards our global strategy called World Without Waste which drives systemic change through a circular economy of packaging. Our #BenchPeBaat campaign is a testament to our dedication towards sustainability, as we transform waste into meaningful community assets. These sustainable benches symbolize our efforts to reduce environmental impact.”

The campaign film conceptualized by Havas People India – Talent communication and Employer branding agency of Havas India, features a blend of innovative AI-generated visuals that beautifully capture the essence of its message. The film has been meticulously crafted to immerse viewers in the story of the sustainable benches as conversation starters, through heartwarming and colorful imagery that resonates deeply with the audience.

On the campaign, Arindam Sengupta, MD of Havas People India – Talent communication and employer branding agency of Havas India, said, “We are proud to partner with Coca-Cola India on the groundbreaking #BenchPeBaat campaign, which ignites awareness and dedication to sustainability. Together, we are transforming waste into eco-friendly collaterals, underscoring our shared commitment to creating meaningful environmental stewardship. This collaboration inspires change and fosters a brighter, more sustainable future for generations to come, showcasing how we brought this vision to life and made a real difference.”

George Aikara, CEO, United Way Mumbai, said, “We are thrilled to collaborate with Coca-Cola India on the #BenchPeBaat campaign. By transforming plastic waste gathered during the ICC Cricket World Cup into eco-friendly benches, we are not only addressing the waste problem but also enriching our communities with innovative street furniture, creating vibrant social spaces. This initiative exemplifies sustainable practices, promoting environmental awareness, while the benches serve as focal points for community engagement.”

Last year, Coca-Cola India teamed up with the International Cricket Council (ICC) and United Way Mumbai during the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2023, strategically placing Reverse Vending Machines and collection bins at stadium touchpoints and ICC hospitality zones in 10 host cities. The recycled plastic waste collected was then repurposed into the approximately 380 sustainable benches that have been installed across 10 cities in India.

On World Environment Day, AU Small Finance Bank organizes nationwide tree plantation drive

On World Environment Day

Bengaluru,6th June 2024 AU Small Finance Bank (AU SFB), India’s largest small finance bank, in a demonstration of its commitment to environmental sustainability, organized an extensive “Tree Plantation” drive on World Environment Day, today. The plantation drive spanned eleven locations across India, including Jaipur, Chandigarh, Delhi, Raipur, Ahmedabad, Rohtak, Bengaluru, Indore, Mumbai, Pune, and Kolkata.

5th June is celebrated as World Environment Day globally. This year’s theme is land restoration, desertification, and drought resilience and the slogan is ‘Our Land Our Future’. As tree plantation helps in land restoration, avoids desertification, and makes the ecosystem drought resilient, AU SFB has planned this drive.

While highlighting its significance, Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Founder, MD & CEO, AU Small Finance Bank, said, “This tree plantation drive aligns with our unwavering commitment to the environment and sustainable practices. AU SFB recognizes the environment’ as a key stakeholder and therefore we have intensified our sustainability efforts under the guidance of the Sustainability Committee of the Board. As an organization, we are committed to a sustainable future.”

AU Small Finance Bank is at the forefront of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) initiatives, reflected by its enhanced ratings on prominent sustainability platforms. This recognition underscores the bank’s commitment to sustainability and its pioneering efforts in the banking industry.

Furthering its commitment to ESG initiatives and customer-centric solutions, AU Small Finance Bank also offers AU Green Fixed Deposit. Funds raised through this innovative product are exclusively allocated to essential green projects, including solar power and electric mobility solutions, thereby supporting climate action.

Indian School of Hospitality Launches Innovative ‘Career LEAP’ Programme

Indian School of Hospitality

Gurugram,6th June 2024 – The Indian School of Hospitality (ISH), recognized for its innovative approach to hospitality education announced the launch of its creative “Career LEAP’ Programme. Supporting this contemporary initiative, Marriott International, a global leader in hospitality will help provide On-the-Job- Training (OJT) support, transforming the journey from education to professional achievement in the hospitality industry. The Career LEAP Programme (CLP) for Young Professionals, marks a significant step in merging academic excellence with practical professional development. The CLP is founded on Leadership, Excellence, Aspiration, and Professionalism (LEAP) principles, embodying our commitment to developing the next generation of hospitality professionals. It represents a strategic move towards equipping future hospitality professionals with the skills and experience needed for a successful career in this dynamic sector.

Marriott International has committed to providing 36 pre-placement offers (PPOs) accompanied by a clearly defined career trajectory to ISH postgraduates at the selection level, signifying a robust start to their career journey. Following this, the CLP offers a comprehensive pathway for career advancement, combining a six-month academic curriculum at the ISH Gurugram campus with a six-month On-the-Job Training (OJT) experience with Marriott International. This dual approach is designed to prepare students for the dynamic challenges of the hospitality industry and ensure the practical application of their skills.

Upon completing the CLP and passing their Marriott assessments post-OJT, students will earn the ISH Postgraduate Programme Certification in alliance with Les Roches. This achievement opens doors to full-time employment in sales, revenue, and culinary management roles within Marriott International hotels in India. Additionally, the certification provides students the opportunity to further their education by using their PGP credits to pursue a Master’s or MBA at Les Roches in Switzerland or Spain, thereby enhancing their professional and academic journey with advanced studies and gaining Les Roches Alumni status.

“In forging this partnership with Marriott International, we’re opening a broader horizon for our students, expanding traditional education boundaries. The Career LEAP Programme doesn’t just educate; it propels the next generation of hospitality professionals into a world of global opportunities, professional growth, and career readiness,” stated Mr. Kunal Vasudeva – Co-Founder & Managing Director – Indian School of Hospitality. “This initiative is pivotal in broadening the scope of hospitality education, inviting a wider audience of students to explore and excel in this vibrant industry. It announces a new era for graduate employment programs, addressing the immediate need for quality talent within the hospitality sector and shaping the blueprint for future education-to-employment pathways.”

Echoing his sentiments, Ms. Ranju Alex- Area Vice President- South Asia, Marriott International commented-“We are delighted to support this initiative introduced by the Indian School of Hospitality. This program holds immense potential as a launching pad for students seeking to embark on and progress in their careers within the ever-evolving hospitality sector. The Career Leap Programme boasts a curriculum meticulously crafted to meet the demands of the contemporary hospitality landscape. Marriott International prides itself on its depth and diversity of talent, believes in the importance of training and value of upskilling, and is honored to help the next generation of hospitality leaders hone their skills and achieve their full potential”.

This landmark partnership between the Indian School of Hospitality and Marriott International signifies a groundbreaking step forward in bridging the gap between academic excellence and industry demands. The Career LEAP Programme aims to cultivate the next generation of hospitality professionals equipped to navigate and excel in a rapidly evolving global industry by fostering a unique learning and professional development ecosystem. Together, ISH and Marriott International are setting new benchmarks for hospitality education, ensuring that graduates are ready to meet the challenges of today and are future-proofed for tomorrow’s opportunities.

Kota Empowers Soldier’s Son; secured All India Rank-1 in NEET UG 2024

Kota Empowers

When determination is strong, no obstacle can stop a person from achieving the goal. This has been proved by Allen Classroom student Divyansh. Despite suffering from a severe lung condition, pneumothorax, he not only cleared the NEET UG 2024 exam but also secured All India Rank 1. His achievement serves as an inspiration to those who give up in the face of challenges.

Divyansh shared that both my father and uncle are in the Indian Army. Our family has a history of serving the nation in the armed forces. Inspired by them, I also wanted to join the army and was planning to take the NDA exam. When I shared this with my father, he encouraged me to become a doctor and serve society differently.

He spoke with his friends and decided that Allen Kota was the best place for NEET preparation. Consequently, he moved to Kota and joined Allen. Initially, Divyansh felt out of place in Kota, but soon he realized there was no better place to study. “After enrolling at Allen, I became deeply engrossed in studying and enjoyed it. The national-level competition here motivates us to strive for excellence through healthy competition. Trust in the teachers is crucial,” he emphasized.

Despite the competition, Divyansh focused solely on his teachers’ guidance rather than worrying about other students. In his first minor test, he scored a perfect 720 out of 720, boosting his confidence significantly. He used a basic keypad phone and still has no social media accounts.

Diagnosis of Pneumothorax in July 2023 Divyansh recounted that after arriving in Kota, he began experiencing breathing problems in July 2023. “Tests revealed that I had pneumothorax, a condition where the lungs collapse. One of my lungs had burst, so I was breathing with just one lung. I was hospitalized for a week. During this time, Allen’s faculty regularly visited and motivated me. After returning home, I focused on preparing for the minor test and scored 686 out of 720, despite the week lost in the hospital.”

Treatment in Chandigarh and Delhi After his second minor test, Divyansh’s condition worsened. His father took him to the Army Hospital in Chandigarh, where he was admitted for two weeks but showed no improvement. They then moved to Delhi for further treatment, where he spent another two weeks.

“I fell ill on July 1 and returned to Kota in September after treatment in Chandigarh and Delhi.” Dengue After Pneumothorax

Just as Divyansh began studying again in Kota after three months of treatment, he contracted dengue. “I was bedridden for a week due to dengue, and once I recovered, my mother fell ill with dengue. I took care of her and visited the hospital daily. I returned to coaching on September 15. Despite losing a lot of time, my teachers welcomed me back, and with their support, I started from scratch again. It took about 10-15 days to get back on track. Other students were far ahead in the syllabus, but I focused on myself and followed my teachers’ guidance.”

Completing the Syllabus Two Days Before the Exam The NEET exam was on May 5, 2024, and Divyansh completed his syllabus on May 2. “With two days remaining, I listened to my teacher’s advice and did not study on May 3 and 4. Although I was tempted to revise, I reminded myself that if I forgot everything in three days, I wasn’t meant to be a doctor. I played football to relax. On May 5, I attempted the exam with the mindset that whatever marks I get will be by God’s grace.”

Divyansh’s journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and belief in oneself. It shows that with determination and the right support, one can overcome even the most daunting challenges.

Indian Bank observes World Environment Day

Indian Bank observes

Chennai, 6th June 2024: Indian Bank, today, observed ‘World Environment Day, 2024’, reaffirming its commitment towards a greener world. This year’s theme, ‘Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience’, emphasizes the need to act as a global community to preserve the planet for generations to come.

As part of the celebration, various offices and branches of the Indian Bank organized Plantation drives Pan-India. At Chennai, the celebration was led by Shri. S L Jain, MD & CEO in the presence of Executive Directors Shri. Mahesh Kumar Bajaj, Shri. Shiv Bajrang Singh and Shri. Brajesh Kumar Singh. Shri. Vishesh Kumar Srivastava, Chief Vigilance Officer along with other senior officials and staff members also participated in the event.

The Insight Tribe: Advancing Healthcare Through Strategic Consulting

The Indian healthcare sector is at a crossroads. Soaring costs, the ever-present need for better patient care, and a constant influx of new technologies are demanding a new approach. India’s healthcare industry is experiencing a boom, with a staggering CAGR of around 22%. The hospital market alone is expected to nearly double in size by 2032, reaching a value of USD 194 billion. However, this growth presents a significant challenge: keeping pace with the whirlwind of change.

Digital health advancements, groundbreaking therapies, and personalized care – are just a few of the forces reshaping healthcare. To navigate this evolving landscape – especially in a post-pandemic world – leaders need to completely rethink their strategies, value propositions, and operational structures. This is where The Insight Tribe, a boutique consultancy with a bold vision, steps in.

Led by the visionary Amit Gandhi, a seasoned leader with over 22 years of experience at Apollo, GE, and Philips, The Insight Tribe bridges the gap between cutting-edge healthcare ideas and real-world implementation. Their secret sauce? A powerful combination of real-world experience, proven results, and deep knowledge in critical areas like Radiology, Oncology, Critical Care and maternal and child care. Their extensive network of doctors, executives, entrepreneurs, and academics provides unparalleled insights to ensure clients make strategic decisions based on the best information possible.

For Investors, The Insight Tribe identifies promising health tech startups and performs commercial due diligence, minimizing risk. For Hospitals and Diagnostics Centers, they streamline processes, reduce costs, and identify areas where AI can improve efficiency. It also helps them raise investment and support advisory for M&A. Startups benefit from go-to-market strategy development, product validation, faster launch times, support commercialization, and bring investment. MedTech companies can achieve a competitive advantage through new product innovation, Make in India initiatives, new medical technology and IP creation, and competitive intelligence.

The Insight Tribe prioritizes agility and impact, ensuring clients receive actionable strategies and tangible results. Their data-driven approach, coupled with human expertise and empathy, positions them perfectly to reimagine healthcare consulting and foster a thriving community of exceptional minds.

Amit Gandhi

Amit Gandhi, Founder and CEO, is a recognized thought leader in Medtech and AI for healthcare. He played a central role in the Make in India CT and understands the importance of a market-based approach in designing new products. An engineer with an MBA and alumnus of prestigious institutions like INSEAD and London Business School, Amit has a proven track record of success. He previously secured substantial funding for a revolutionary medical device and led Philips to unprecedented growth in Diagnostic Imaging. At The Insight Tribe, they believe in the power of data and human brilliance working together to create a healthier future.

The Insight Tribe is a team of highly experienced professionals with a combined background in healthcare, engineering, management, and business leadership. The team consists of individuals who have held leadership positions at major medical device companies, consultancies, and hospitals. Their expertise spans product development, sales, marketing, strategy, and operations. Importantly, the team brings a global perspective to the table, with experience working across multiple continents.

Fischer Medical Ventures Ltd and The Therapy Platform PTE. Ltd. Forge Global Mental Health Alliance

Fischer Medical Ventures Ltd (formerly known as Fischer Chemic Limited) through its Wholly Owned Subsidiary – M/s. Time Medical International Ventures (India) Private Limited has united in an exclusive & global partnership with The Therapy Platform to revolutionize mental healthcare with advanced technology and inventive solutions.

With their corporate office in Chennai, Fischer Medical Ventures Ltd (Fischer MVL) has emerged as a leading entity in the Indian market, specializing in the production of cost-efficient, high-quality Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) systems, making them the first company (through its wholly owned subsidiary Time Medical International Ventures (India) Private Limited) to indigenously manufacture such advanced medical imaging equipment in India. Aside from medical imaging, Fischer MVL envisages offering a diverse portfolio of diagnostic solutions, of which mental health space is considered an important business focus. Several platforms in this space are being evaluated currently and Fischer MVL is pleased to announce the exclusive partnership with The Therapy Platform PTE. Ltd. to market them globally.

The Therapy Platform PTE. Ltd. is a mental health technology company committed to enhance the quality of psychological counselling services, aiming to alleviate users’ psychological distress, reduce mental healthcare costs, and mitigate socio-economic burdens. With therapists primarily stationed in Southeast Asia, they provide online and offline counselling and psychotherapy services. Leveraging the rapid development and widespread adoption of artificial intelligence, The Therapy Platform has integrated this technology into their services to enhance effectiveness and efficiency and developed various artificial intelligence products to bolster therapy outcomes and minimize overall costs.

According to a report published by the World Health Organization in March 2023, an estimated 3.8% of the global population experience depression, showing a dire need for effective psychological treatments which include behavioural activation, cognitive behavioural therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, and problem-solving therapy etc. (source: www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/mental-health-market). The mental health market size is valued at USD 399.7 Billion in 2023 and is projected to grow to USD 530.5 Billion by 2032 (source:www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/mental−health market)

Ms. Sarah Poh, Founder of The Therapy Platform PTE. Ltd. shared her perspective on the partnership, stating, “A significant global population grappled with mental disorders, yet only estimated 10-12% sought assistance largely due to stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to professional help. Our AI chatbots enables users to access mental health support discreetly and affordably on our platform, with those requiring additional assistance being connected with a professional. We aim to enhance treatment efficacy monitoring, lessening the burden on professionals and caregivers while empowering users. Our collaboration with Fischer MVL certainly signifies a significant step forward in our expansion globally to make mental healthcare more accessible and effective for individuals.”

Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Ravindran Govindan, Chairman & Managing Director of Fischer MVL stated, “Our alliance with The Therapy Platform underscores our commitment to invest in mental healthcare solutions. We consider this sector as essential healthcare yet heavily under-served and intend to take global leadership in this space. By harnessing the power of AI and cutting-edge technology, we aim to offer comprehensive diagnostic and monitoring solutions that can empower healthcare providers and patients to take control of their mental health journey while reducing the burden on the caregivers and society.”

This strategic partnership between Fischer MVL and The Therapy Platform exemplifies a joint commitment to innovation, accessibility, and excellence in mental healthcare delivery, setting a new benchmark for the industry globally. The team is excited about the abundance of opportunities ahead and looks forward to making a lasting positive impact on the healthcare industry by staying at the forefront of advanced medical technology and healthcare accessibility, with a commitment to innovation, affordability, and quality.

Resonance Educational Institutions reap outstanding results at the All-India level in NEET 2024

Resonance Educational Institutions

Hyderabad, 6th June 2024: Students of Resonance created history and reaped an unprecedented performance at the NEET 2024, announced today. Resonance is a nationally renowned premier institute known for producing the top rankers in NEET, JEE, and Other Engineering and Medical Entrance exams.

Mr Purnachandra Rao, Managing Director, of Resonance Educational Institutions; said, immensely delighted with these national ranks accomplished by students of Resonance. We have a significant contribution of the All India ranks from Telugu states. Hearty congratulations to all the students and their parents on this occasion. For the last 23 years, Resonance is providing special coaching and we have a history of fetching the best ranks across the country. Last six years, Resonance is working with students in the Telugu states and has a track record of fetching top ranks consistently. We have 13 Students from Resonance who scored 700 and above marks in the NEET 2024 results. Resonance Student Sidharth Scored 715/720 Marks in NEET 2024. One out of every three students who attempted NEET from Resonance, Hyderabad campus are likely to get medical seats. Shanmukh from the Hyderabad campus got 54th All India rank and Vanshita got 184th All India Rank.

Resonance NEET 2024 Results:

13 Resonance Students Secured more than 700 Marks

Highest Marks obtained: 715/720 – Siddharth – AIR 143 in Open Category

Special Achievement from a Telugu Student

  • · Shanmukh – AIR 54 in his respective category
  • · Vanshika – AIR 184 in her respective category
  • · One Out of every three students who studied at Resonance Hyderabad campuses is going to get a medical seat this year
  • · 75% of Resonance Hyderabad Students qualified in NEET 2024

All India Result top Performers:

Sl.No Student Name  Total Marks Obtained

(out of 720)

  Sl.No Student Name  Total Marks Obtained (out of 720)
1 Sidharth V Gowda 715   8 Chaitanya L K 700
2 Vibha J Shenoy 711   9 Samrudh R 700
3 Chinmayi Datta 705   10 Anush B 700
4 Aneesha N Bharadwaj 705   11 Aditya Lugade 700
5 Anish Shastri 705   12 Mohammed Shafeeq 700
6 Ramay Mishra 705   13 Naithik Jain 700
7 S Reshu 701