Archives September 2024

Glow bright this diwali Essential Skincare Tips

Diwali, the festival of lamps is one of the most important festivals in India. It is a festival peppered with bright lights! However, late nights, heavy makeup, and the harsh hug of environmental factors affect the skin barrier. Therefore, it is important to remind yourself of these most essential skincare products and routine focused primarily to the festive season so that you glow brighter this Diwali.
Here are some key products for the Diwali season:

1. Cleaning is the most important step:
Choosing the right cleanser for your type of skin in the pre-festival month is one important tasks. With the day of Diwali approaching, adopting this refreshing cleansing ritual will get you all set to welcome the festivities. Think of cleaning as a prerequisite to radiant skin as it washes away pollutants and unclogs pores so that your skin remains healthy.

Opt for formulas that are gentle, nourishing, and cleanse the skin. After all, who doesn’t want their skin to just feel as vibrant and festive! So here’s a toast to a cleaning ritual that brings out the inner glow and keeps your skin looking its best!

2. Hydrate from the Inside
Moisturizing is important to keep the skin looking fresh, nourished and glowing. Invest in ingredients like hyaluronic acid that retains moisture, ceramides that restore your skin’s barrier, and glycerin to draw in hydration. For Oily skin opt for oil-free moisturizers that will keep your skin hydrated without clogging the pores or feeling heavy on the skin. Remember that a hydrated skin is a happy skin! So power up with a moisture and let your natural beauty shine!

.3. Do not forget your Sunblock:
Sunscreen is one of the most essential part of skincare routine. Before you step out lather that sunscreen. Ensure that your festive celebrations are UV ray protected! Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day. This will protect you from harmful rays and prevent long-term damage so that it remains healthy.

4. Exfoliate with Care:
Exfoliation or scrubbing removes dead skin cells and also produces new skin cells. Just remember to be careful. Exfoliate only two times a week using soft scrubs or chemical exfoliants that do not irritate your skin. In the event that you have sensitive or acne-prone skin, it’s recommended for you to use gentle exfoliating products and patch test on a small portion of your skin before including it in your daily routine.

5. Vitamin C Glow:
If you want a brighter face or you just want to interrupt the free radicals brought about by pollution and stress, a Vitamin C serum must be included in your skin care routine. Vitamin C serum works best when applied in the morning after cleaning and before moisturizing. This allows the serum to penetrate through and be absorbed directly into your skin, which aids in its fight to protect against daytime aggressors. Ensure that you include the ingredient slowly I your process. Start with once of twice a week.

Include these sites in your skincare routine for the festive season ahead to ensure that take part in the hustle bustle of the festive season with a glow on your face.

Blood Cancer Awareness Month: The Need to Recognize Symptoms of the Disease

Different types of blood cancers affect the function of blood cells and can disrupt the body’s ability to fight infections, regulate bleeding and maintain a healthy bone marrow. Chronic leukemia is a type of blood cancer that grows slowly and does not have any recognizable symptoms. But others like acute leukemia, lymphoma or multiple myeloma can present a variety of symptoms, recognizing which becomes essential for timely diagnosis and treatment. This listicle will talk about 7 most common symptoms noticed in people suffering from blood cancer.

1. Excess Fatigue and Tiredness – When no amount of rest will seem enough with a constant feeling of weakness that doesn’t improve, it can be a key indicator of blood cancer. Anemia is responsible for this symptom and is characterized by insufficient red cells to oxygenate the body because of the higher energy requirements to fight the illness. Simple things like walking may become harder and harder for an average patient until even moving slightly is met with fatigue.

2. Increased Infections – Blood diseases can render the immune system ineffective and thus can increase the chances of people suffering from infections. Common infections like colds, flu, and other related sicknesses tend to affect the individual for longer than usual. This can be indicative enough, that the individual is suffering from more than what is visible.

3. Unexplained Bruises or Bleeding – Some people might notice deep bruises appearing for no apparent reason. Few people may also tend to bleed longer than usual after small injuries. Frequent episodes of nose bleeds or bleeding from the gums are also noticed. These symptoms indicate that there is an issue with the clotting ability of the blood, thus increasing the risk of suffering from blood cancer.

4. Enlarged Lymph Nodes – Lymph Nodes are small bean-shaped structures that aid in removing poisons and other microorganisms from the blood. Growth of these lymph nodes especially in the neck, armpits and groin area of a person, can lead to him/her running the risk of developing lymphoma or any other such hematological illness. People may confuse the swelling for something else as it is painless and can linger for several weeks.

5. Unintentional Weight Loss – Losing more than 10% of one’s body weight over a short period of time – without changes in diet or physical activity can be a cause of concern. In many cases, it may be associated with reduced appetite or altered perception of food. But for people suffering from blood cancer, due to a condition called cachexia wherein the body breaks down muscle and fat tissue for energy, people also tend to abnormally lose weight. If anyone is suffering from these symptoms, it is advisable that they consult a doctor immediately.

6. Night Sweats – Many people experience excessive sweating caused by hot flashes. But waking up sweating excessively, especially at night is different and can be a matter of concern. Along with disturbing the sleep cycle, people who experience this phenomenon can also have anxiety attacks and is considered to be a symptom of blood cancer as well.

7. Pale Skin – People suffer from paleness apart from being tired or fatigued. In case an individual finds a swelling in his or her skin in addition to it being pale and the color of their gums getting lighter than usual, it could indicate towards anemia. Elbows and knees often thicken or swell up when a person is suffering from blood cancer due to the low levels of red blood cells present.

Being aware of these symptoms and timely recognition of the same can help people in early diagnosis and treatment. The signs listed can become important indicators about whatever is amiss in the body and will be crucial for people to significantly improve outcomes and the quality of life.

Understanding Chronic Pain’s Influence on the Brain and Proven Recovery Strategies

By –  Dr. Parth Lalcheta, Neurosurgeon, HCG Hospitals, Rajkot

Human lives are filled with moments of joy, connection, and the pursuit of dreams that give life meaning and purpose. However, the experience of pain, whether physical or emotional, can crowd this feeling of joy, altering our perception of life. Pain affects our bodies, our minds, emotions, and relationships, making it difficult to engage in life in a normal manner. Understanding and managing pain is essential to recovering the value of life.

While there are various kinds of pain associated with the human body, chronic pain is the one that is known to cause severe health implications in the long run.

What is Chronic Pain?

Defined as pain that persists for more than three months and is not just a physical ailment but a complex condition that profoundly impacts the brain and overall mental health is called chronic pain. Unlike acute pain, which serves as a warning signal for injury, chronic pain lingers, often without a clear cause, leading to significant alterations in brain function and structure. Understanding these changes is crucial for developing effective strategies for relief and recovery.

How does Chronic Pain affect the brain?

Multiple brain areas are associated with pain including the prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, amygdala, hippocamus, and nuclear accubens among others.

Structural Changes: Chronic pain can lead to structural changes in the brain, specifically in areas responsible for pain processing, emotion, and cognition. Research shows that individuals with chronic pain often exhibit a reduction in gray matter in regions like the prefrontal cortex, thalamus, and hippocampus. These changes can impair cognitive functions, such as memory, decision-making, and emotional regulation.
Altered Neurochemistry: The prolonged experience of chronic pain affects the brain’s neurochemistry, particularly involving neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine, which play crucial roles in mood regulation and pain perception. Chronic pain can lead to imbalances in these chemicals, contributing to the development of mood disorders and making the brain more sensitive to pain.
Impact on the Brain’s Reward System: Chronic pain can disrupt the brain’s reward system, which is responsible for feelings of pleasure and motivation. This disruption often leads to a reduced ability to experience joy or satisfaction, contributing to a condition known as anhedonia.
Hyperactivity of Pain Networks: The brain of someone suffering from chronic pain often becomes hyperactive in processing pain signals, even in the absence of a clear physical cause.

What are the strategies for Relief and Recovery?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): It is a psychological treatment that helps individuals change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with chronic pain. By reframing the way pain is perceived and addressing the emotional response to pain, CBT can reduce pain intensity and improve coping mechanisms.
• Physical Activity and Exercise: Physical activity regularly is crucial for managing chronic pain. Exercise promotes the release of endorphins, the body’s natural painkillers, and helps improve mood by boosting serotonin levels.
Pharmacological Treatments: While medication is not the sole answer to chronic pain, it can play a role in a comprehensive treatment plan. Medications like antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help manage pain by altering the brain’s pain pathways.
• Neurostimulation Therapies: Techniques such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and spinal cord stimulation (SCS) offer promising results in managing chronic pain. They stimulate specific areas of the brain or spinal cord to modulate pain signals and reduce pain perception.

Conclusion

Chronic pain is a complex condition that significantly impacts the brain, leading to structural changes, altered neurochemistry, and disruptions in emotional and cognitive function. Addressing this condition requires a holistic approach that combines mind-body interventions, psychological therapies, physical activity, and, when necessary, pharmacological and neurostimulation treatments. By understanding the complex relationship between chronic pain and the brain, we can take practical steps toward relief and recovery, ultimately improving our quality of life.

AdvantageClub.ai Launches StepStreak for World Heart Day 2024

30th September 2024AdvantageClub.ai is thrilled to announce the launch of StepStreak: The Ultimate Stepathon Challenge, a global initiative in honor of World Heart Day 2024, designed to inspire corporate individuals worldwide to take steps toward a healthier, happier lifestyle.

step tracker

The participants are encouraged to join the movement by walking at least 50,000 steps during the challenge. Studies show increased physical activity improves employee well-being and a happier, more productive workforce. This challenge isn’t just about steps; it’s about encouraging corporate teams to focus on a more active and engaged workplace. This challenge ends on 4th October.

How to Join?
Participants can sign up through the AdvantageClub.ai app under the ‘Advantage Care’ section. Once registered, users can track their progress, compete with participants, and stay motivated with daily challenges and step-tracking features.

Leverage the power of Advantage Care’s comprehensive suite of wellness tools, which includes:

Step Tracking: Seamless integration with popular fitness trackers like Google Fit and Apple Health allows for effortless step counting throughout the challenge.

Fitness AI: This feature integrates with OpenAI and ChatGPT, enabling users to generate custom fitness sessions directly within the application, such as yoga or meditation sessions. Users can either choose from preconfigured sessions or utilize chat functions to create new ones.

Leaderboards: This feature displays top-performing individuals within specific fitness challenges or across various wellness activities.

“Wellness is more important than ever today. The StepStreak Challenge is not just about walking; it’s about taking small steps towards a healthier lifestyle that can make a big difference in both personal and professional lives. We invite everyone to join us in this global celebration of health and fitness—because your well-being is your greatest asset,” Sourabh Deorah, Co-Founder & CEO of AdvantageClub.ai.

Everyone who completes the challenge by reaching 50,000 steps will qualify for a Lucky Draw and earn a Stepathon Star Certificate, recognizing their dedication to better health. Prizes include 1st Prize: Apple Watch Series 10, 2nd Prize: JBL Live Earbuds, and 3rd Prize: Nike Air Jordans.

GreenLine partners with Sterlite Copper to enhance sustainable logistics

Chandigarh, September 30, 2024: GreenLine Mobility Solutions Ltd, a key player in Essar’s Green Mobility initiative, has announced its partnership with Sterlite Copper, a unit of Vedanta Ltd, to advance the deployment of its liquefied natural gas (LNG) powered vehicles and further decarbonise Sterlite Copper’s transportation operations.

The partnership was initiated with the flag-off of LNG trucks at Vedanta’s Sterlite Copper Plant in Silvassa. These LNG vehicles will be transporting finished goods to the northern region, utilising a reverse logistics model. GreenLine’s LNG trucks, capable of carrying a 40-tonne payload and traveling up to 1,200 kilometers on a single tank, will enhance logistics efficiency while significantly reducing carbon emissions.

Commenting on the partnership, Anand Mimani, CEO, GreenLine Mobility Solutions Ltd said, “Our partnership with Sterlite Copper marks an important milestone in our commitment to sustainable logistics. By integrating our LNG technology into their operations, we not only enhance our service offerings but also set a standard for decarbonisation in the transportation sector. Together, we are taking significant steps towards a cleaner, greener future.”

This collaboration highlights GreenLine’s dedication to leading the charge in decarbonising India’s transportation and logistics sector, driving innovation and sustainability across its operations.

GreenLine serves a diverse range of industries including Cement, Steel, Metals & Mining, FMCG, Express Cargo, Oil & Gas, Chemicals, and Consumer Goods.

GreenLine’s LNG-powered trucks reduce CO2 emissions by up to 30% and significantly lower other emissions compared to traditional diesel trucks. To date, the company’s fleet has traveled over 22 million kilometers, resulting in a reduction of ~6,000 tonnes of emissions.

Wi-SUN Challenge Concludes with Groundbreaking Innovations for Smart Cities

Hyderabad, 30th September 2024: The Smart City Living Lab, in collaboration with Silicon Labs, proudly announced the successful conclusion of the Wi-SUN Challenge today. This exciting competition brought together innovators, startups, and academic institutions to create cutting-edge, IoT-enabled solutions for smart cities, utilities, and healthcare using Wi-SUN RF mesh technology.

From a pool of 266 submissions, ten finalist teams were selected from across India, featuring a diverse mix of six SMEs and startups alongside four student teams. Each team presented practical and scalable prototypes that have the potential to transform urban living and beyond. Their projects included smart dustbins, air quality monitoring devices, solar tracking systems and AI modeling, real-time water quality monitoring solutions, warehouse management bots, and innovative soil monitoring technologies for smart agriculture.”

During the final phase of the challenge, participants attended a hands-on workshop to fine-tune their prototypes using low-power leaf node (LFN) hardware, Wi-SUN backbone network, and software platforms like Simplicity Studio from Silicon Labs and City IoT operating Platform(ctOP) from IIIT-H. The finalists built their Proof of Concept (POC) and tested them at the IIIT-H Smart City Living Lab supported by a dedicated project team. Their systems were integrated into the live campus-wide Wi-SUN backbone network, demonstrating the scalability of innovative Smart City deployments.

 

“At the deployment stage, Dr. Aftab Hussain highlighted, ‘The support from the Smart City Living Lab and Silicon Labs teams has empowered the finalists to unlock a fully integrated campus-wide Wi-SUN backbone network at IIIT-H, successfully rolling out their proof of concepts and raising the bar for scalable Smart City initiatives!'”

One of the members of the team, ‘DBR Innovative Tech’, from Vijayawada, AP was so excited and mentioned, “This initiative has been instrumental in transforming our idea into a viable prototype and this is a major milestone in making our idea a reality”.

Three teams emerged victorious in the Wi-Sun challenge, with the top teams receiving cash prizes worth INR 8 lakh. DBR Innovative Tech with their product ‘Farmer Voice’, an agricultural IoT solution with voice-based interaction for farmers, secured the top spot. Team Horus from Nitte Meenakshi College of Engineering was placed second and impressed the judges with their innovative approach to solar panel maintenance. Yantram Electronics secured the third position by making a significant impact with their wireless metering solution.

These teams were selected by a panel of esteemed experts, including Lopa Mishra Jana (CEO of TiHAN at IIT Hyderabad), Mallikarjun Reddy (VP – IoT of Blaze Automation), and MGPL Narayana (former Chief Scientist at TCS).

Speaking at the event, Srinivasa Dukkipati, spokesperson for Silicon Labs, said, “This competition has showcased the transformative potential of Wi-SUN technology to enable smarter, more connected cities. We are thrilled with the innovative approaches the participants have taken to tackle real-world challenges. These solutions have the potential to make a lasting impact on urban life.”

Anuradha Vattem, Chief Technology Architect, representing IIIT Hyderabad Smart City Living Lab, echoed these sentiments, saying, “This challenge has not only inspired participants to think creatively but also provided them with the tools and resources to bring their ideas to life. The prototypes we’ve seen today are a testament to how collaboration between academia and industry can drive meaningful change.”

The winners of the Wi-SUN Challenge expressed their excitement and optimism for the future of smart city solutions. Team Horus with their solar panel maintenance solutions remarked, “This platform has given us a unique opportunity to develop a solution that could vastly improve resource management in the solar manufacturing industry. The mentorship and support provided throughout the challenge were invaluable.”

Another winner from Team Yantram Electronics added, “We are grateful for the chance to work on such a meaningful project. The Wi-SUN Challenge has been instrumental in helping us refine our product and prepare it for large-scale deployment.”

The Wi-SUN Challenge exemplifies how technology, innovation, and collaboration can come together to address the growing demands of urbanisation and smart infrastructure. The Smart City Living Lab and Silicon Labs look forward to continuing their partnership to inspire future generations of innovators.

Nat Habit Unveils Brand Campaign: ‘Breathe Life into Your Beauty’

Aims to Redefine Beauty with Fresh Ayurveda

30th September, Friday, 2024: Nat Habit, digital-first 100% natural skin and hair care brand, announces the launch of its first brand campaign, “Breathe Life into Your Beauty.” The campaign shines a spotlight on the brand philosophy of holistic skin and hair care built on the principles of “Fresh Ayurveda” elevated for modern living. The campaign will raise awareness and is expected to accelerate Nat Habit’s journey to its next milestone of INR 300 Cr. topline.

NAT HABIT CAMP

The Indian beauty industry has seen a proliferation of natural/ayurvedic brands both in the offline and online arena in the last decade. While the Indian consumer intrinsically believes in the potency of natural offerings, there is obvious disillusionment with the authenticity and efficacy of the current set of brands. Since its inception in 2019, Nat Habit has stood apart with its promise and delivery of “Fresh Ayurveda” for its 2.5 million unique customers. It’s well researched, 100% natural products are formulated on Ayurvedic principles and made fresh daily in the company’s Ayurvedic Kitchen boasting an impressive 52% repeat rate.

The campaign “Breathe Life into Your Beauty” builds further on the idea of “Fresh Ayurveda” showcases how Ayurveda works at the cellular level, bringing each cell alive and breathing life into one’s beauty. Careful choice of ingredients, use of innovative meticulous processes amp up the nutritive potency of the products leading to great skin and gorgeous hair.

The campaign takes a fresh approach of “how Ayurveda works” rather than the usual narrative of “what Ayurveda legacy is”. It stays away from any exaggerated promise of overnight transformation, focusing on enhancement of one’s inherent beauty. The brand encourages following good hair and skin care habits rather than expecting miracles.

“Ayurveda triggers deep cell activation, only when harnessed fresh, pure and run through meticulous nutrition enhancing processes. We wanted Nat Habit’s first brand campaign to reflect a new language of Ayurveda. “Breathe Life into Your Beauty” builds on our existing promise of “Fresh Ayurveda”. It is a critical milestone in our journey to the Rs.300 Cr mark and is expected to recruit a new pool of naturally inclined consumers seeking authentic and effective hair and skin care solutions.” said Swagatika Das, co-founder, Nat Habit.

Speaking of the campaign, Ankita Srivastava, CMO, Nat Habit said, “The modern Indian woman is well-informed, self -assured, discerning and weary of greenwashing. We aim to establish Nat Habit as a portfolio-offering worthy of consumers’ trust by showcasing how fresh Ayurveda works in a language that is modern, real and convincing. Hence, no overclaims, just pure joy of a sensorially delightful set of products that cleanse, nourish and indulge her– breathing life into her beauty”.

Contract Advertising India conceptualised the campaign under the guidance of National Creative Director, Rahul Ghosh.

Ayan Chakraborty, Managing Partner, Contract said, “Once we figured that fresh Ayurveda works at a cellular level, the idea of cells coming alive and breathing life into beauty was seamless. The stylised visualisation brings together modern sensibility on one side and the foundational message of potent Ayurveda on the other, a depiction that we believe is completely new in the “natural/ ayurvedic” story telling space.”

The Importance of Compliance Management in Businesses to Mitigate Risk & Ensure Security

Written by TeamLease Regtech CEO and Co-Founder Rishi Agrawal

TeamLease Regtech CEO and Co-Founder Rishi Agrawal has simplified compliance management, ensuring businesses stay on top of regulations, avoid penalties, and increase operational efficiency.

Here are the ways to stay compliant and how it can help businesses streamline their processes:-

1. Streamlining Compliance Processes with Automation

Manual compliance processes are often complex, time-consuming, and prone to errors. Compliance management software, such as TeamLease Regtech, automates tasks like tracking regulatory updates, generating reports, and monitoring compliance status. This reduces the administrative burden on teams and ensures more consistent compliance practices.

2. Real-Time Monitoring and Alerts

Keeping up with the constant changes in regulations is one of the biggest challenges businesses face. Compliance software provides real-time monitoring of legal updates and automatically alerts businesses of relevant changes. TeamLease Regtech ensures organisations are immediately notified of any regulatory shifts, helping them stay compliant at all times.

3. Reducing Legal and Financial Risks

Failure to comply with regulations can result in hefty fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage. Compliance management software helps mitigate these risks by ensuring businesses follow all necessary legal guidelines. TeamLease Regtech offers tools that assess and track risk exposure, allowing companies to take proactive measures and reduce the likelihood of non-compliance.

4. Customizable for industry-specific needs

Different industries are subject to different regulatory frameworks. TeamLease Regtech allows organisations to customise their compliance management system to fit their specific needs, ensuring they meet industry-specific regulations such as GDPR, PCI-DSS, or HIPAA. This adaptability makes it easier for businesses to manage multiple layers of compliance.

5. Simplified Reporting and Audits

Regulatory audits require thorough documentation and preparation. Compliance management software automates the reporting process, making it easier for businesses to prepare for audits. TeamLease Regtech generates detailed reports and keeps a comprehensive audit trail, reducing the time and effort required to stay audit-ready.

6. Ensuring Data Protection and Privacy

In the age of data breaches and privacy concerns, staying compliant with data protection laws is critical. Compliance management software helps businesses safeguard customer and employee data by ensuring adherence to privacy regulations. TeamLease Regtech offers features that monitor data handling practices and ensure compliance with privacy laws, reducing the risk of data breach

Compliance

Santanu Chakraborty appointed as the new CEO of Bal Raksha Bharat

New Delhi, September 30, 2024: Bal Raksha Bharat (also known as Save the Children, India), a leading organisation in India committed to child welfare and well-being, is pleased to announce the appointment of Santanu Chakraborty as the new Chief Executive Officer, succeeding Sudarshan Suchi, effective 18th October 2024.

Santanu Chakraborty

Santanu is a distinguished and visionary leader with over two and a half decades of expertise in child rights & development, and humanitarian response. His extensive service with Bal Raksha Bharat spans thirteen years at both field and national office levels, and underscores his dedication to advancing children’s rights and empowerment, addressing the needs of the most deprived. Santanu is renowned for his strategic decision-making, program development, and partnership cultivation.

Announcing the appointment, Deepak Kapoor, Chairperson, Bal Raksha Bharat said, “Santanu Chakraborty has been an integral part of Bal Raksha Bharat for 13 years, serving in various leadership roles, most recently steering Program Strategy & Impact. With a deep understanding of our values and strategic vision, Santanu is poised to lead the organization into its next phase of growth and innovation.

“I am truly honoured to step into the role of CEO at Bal Raksha Bharat, an organization that has dedicated itself to the welfare of children across India. Together with our dedicated team, I look forward to building on the strong foundation Sudarshan has laid, and I am committed to driving our mission forward” stated Santanu.

Bal Raksha Bharat welcomes Santanu Chakraborty as its new CEO and extends its deepest gratitude to Sudarshan Suchi for leading the organisation in the last four years, wishing him continued success in his future endeavours.

Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Student Car Project reimagines a Pickup Truck Concept

Pune, 30 September 2024: Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited (SAVWIPL) is committed to government’s ‘Skill India’ initiative through its Student Car Project. This year, the Mechatronics students have created an innovative Pickup Truck by merging a Volkswagen Taigun SUV and Volkswagen Virtus sedan. The project was developed in various phases, from car concept finalisation to ideas collection, market analysis, research and development, procurement, packing, and final car testing for launch over a period of nine months. The students designed and 3D-printed various parts, demonstrating their ability to utilise cutting-edge manufacturing techniques to solve design challenges. They also equipped the vehicle with specialised accessories like underbody protection, studded tyres, ambient lighting, and special roof-mounted lights, completing the rugged pickup truck design.

Throughout the project, the students were mentored by skilled professionals at SAVWIPL. The mentors helped and guided the students to collaborate with suppliers and industry experts, helping them bring their innovative ideas to life. This project is one among other initiatives that the company is driving in line with the Government’s focus on skilling of youth as envisaged in the recent announcements in the Union Budget 2024.

SAVWIPL Academy’s Dual Vocational Training in mechatronics is a flagship program launched in 2011 and has been instrumental in upskilling  high school students. This full-time 3.5-year course, modelled after Germany’s vocational system, is designed to develop and prepare young talents for the automobile industry. The program instils technological creativity, confidence and promotes a problem-solving mindset for developing innovative technologies. The project gives students the freedom to explore and offers valuable insights into the automotive industry, future trends, and VW Group standards.

Globally, the Škoda has an Azubi Student Car Project under the Škoda Academy. The Group aims to highlight the high level of training at its Vocational School while supporting the nation’s ‘Skill India’ initiative. The project offers students practical experience in idea evaluation and implementation, helping them grasp theoretical concepts more clearly while enhancing their skills in the manufacturing process.

Andreas Dick, Member of the Board of Management for Production and Logistics, Škoda Auto a.s., said, “The successful completion of Student Car Project 2.0 in India is a showcase of how young talent can learn to use cutting-edge technology, precision, and efficiency to create industry-leading vehicles. By bringing global manufacturing practices to India, our goal is to create environments where young innovators can grow into the changemakers of tomorrow, strengthening India’s role as a global manufacturing hub. Our such projects not only focus on strengthening manufacturing capabilities but also ensure that the next generation is ready to drive innovation on a global scale.”

Piyush Arora, Managing Director and CEO of Škoda Auto Volkswagen India Private Limited, said, “It is impressive to see the unique concept of developing a Pickup truck by our Mechatronics students as a part of the Student Car Project. Our unique Student Car project, is a great platform that gives wings to the imagination of the students to share the future of mobility. Through this project we are aligned with country’s ‘Skill India’ mission wherein we are instilling a culture of hands-on learning where local talent can thrive in a global ecosystem. We firmly believe that these initiatives of the Government will be fundamental for a ‘Viksit Bharat’. At Škoda Auto Volkswagen India, we are committed to the overall development of the society, supporting local communities and empowering the youth.”