Archives October 2024

Bengaluru, October 1, 2024: HDFC Life, one of India’s leading insurers, has launched ‘The Missing Beat’, an initiative in public interest, aimed at spreading awareness on the importance of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) – a lifesaving technique.

Cardiac arrests are among the leading causes of death in India. While many people are willing to help in case of cardiac (heart-related) emergencies, the lack of awareness often leaves family members, friends, and bystanders unsure of how to respond effectively.

CPR can be a critical intervention when the heart stops beating or is unable to circulate blood to vital organs. It can also be crucial in other life-threatening situations, such as heart attacks or near-drowning incidents.

However, despite its potential to save lives, less than 2% of India’s population is aware of CPR, which can make the difference between life and death. This significant gap in awareness prompted HDFC Life to launch the campaign ‘The Missing Beat’, coinciding with the World Heart Day.

At the core of this campaign is a moving short film that traces the emotional journeys of four individuals, showcasing their dreams, relationships, and vulnerabilities. Each story emphasises the critical importance of being prepared in moments that matter, demonstrating the lifesaving potential of CPR in cardiac emergencies. Through this film, HDFC Life aims to connect with audiences on a personal level, underscoring the message that being CPR-ready can enable one to save lives.

Wakad & Viman Nagar, Pune, 1 October: Nestasia Unveils Dual Flagship Stores in Pune, Marking a Significant Foray into West India. Nestasia, the premier home décor and lifestyle brand, is thrilled to announce its grand entry into West India with the simultaneous launch of two flagship stores in Pune. Strategically located in the city’s most iconic retail destinations— Mall of Millenium in Wakad and Phoenix Market City in Viman Nagar—these stores will set new benchmarks in home and lifestyle retail.

The Mall of Millenium store, spanning an impressive 1260 sq. ft. on the lower ground floor, offers a seamless shopping experience in Pune’s largest and most premium mall. Meanwhile, the Phoenix Market City outlet, covering 1471 sq. ft. on the second floor, brings Nestasia’s signature blend of elegance and functionality to one of Pune’s most renowned shopping destinations.

With over 1500 meticulously curated SKUs at each location, Nestasia’s Pune stores will showcase an array of exclusive products across diverse categories such as décor, dining, kitchen, bath, gifts, and bags/accessories. Each item is thoughtfully designed to embody the brand’s philosophy of fusing aesthetics with practicality, aiming to elevate every corner of the home.

“Entering the West India market is a pivotal moment for Nestasia, and Pune, with its vibrant energy and design sensibility, is the perfect starting point. We are excited to introduce our curated collections to this dynamic city,” says Aditi Murarka Agrawal and Anurag Agrawal, Founders of Nestasia.“Both Mall of Millenium and Phoenix Market City are known for their premium appeal, making them ideal venues to offer an elevated shopping experience that aligns with our vision.”

The launch of these two stores also signals the beginning of Nestasia’s ambitious expansion plan, which includes the opening of 20 new stores across India in FY25, with a key focus on the North and South India regions. Pune is just the first step in solidifying Nestasia’s presence in West India, with more to follow.

This launch comes on the heels of Nestasia recently securing $8.35 million in funding from Susquehanna Asia VC, Stellaris Venture Partners, and notable angel investors. This investment will further fuel the company’s ambitious expansion plans, enabling them to enhance offline store growth, introduce new product categories, strengthen brand presence, and expand their talented team.

As Nestasia continues to grow, the brand remains committed to offering not only beautifully designed, high quality products but also an unrivaled in-store experience, raising the bar for home décor luxury in India.

We are excited to announce the return of the Chennai Photo Biennale for its fourth edition, running from October 1, 2024, to March 16, 2025. This year’s theme, “Why Photograph?” invites exploration of our evolving relationship with photography amidst visual saturation.

The Biennale will unfold in two phases, featuring a rich lineup of exhibitions and programs showcasing both primary and invited shows by renowned artists from around the globe.

For full details, please see the attached press release with links to all images and other details as well.

We request you to help us spread the word by publishing this in your esteemed publication.

We welcome any inquiries and would be happy to facilitate interviews with artists or curators too

Ramanagara, 1 October 2024: In a renewed commitment to fostering sanitation and hygiene education in schools, Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) today proudly announced the expansion of its flagship ABCD (A Behavioural Change Demonstration) program in Ramanagara district. Originally launched in 2015, the ABCD program made a substantial impact by reaching over 58,000 students and 400,000 community members by 2019. Post-pandemic, the program was revitalized in August 2023 to continue its mission of fostering better hygiene practices.

As the world’s most populous country, India is making remarkable strides in improving sanitation facilities, with government initiatives like the “Swachh Bharat Abhiyan” playing a pivotal role. In support of this national mission, TKM’s ABCD Program has been a driving force in promoting hygiene education, positively impacting over 1,004 government schools in the Ramanagara District since its inception.

In the fiscal year 2023-24, TKM successfully reintroduced the ABCD refresher program in 250 government schools, positively impacting an additional 12,000 students. As a result, students’ knowledge of sanitation improved significantly, from 26.8% to 96.5%. The program also developed classroom champions to sustain proper sanitation practices and train new students. Furthermore, washroom repairs—such as tap replacements and deep cleaning—were completed, ensuring the facilities remained fully functional. Building on this success,the program aims to expand further in FY 2024-25, with plans to reach 550 more schools and benefit over 28,000 students.

Recognizing the program’s transformative effect on society, it has been featured in the Harvard Business Review and is included in the prestigious collection of case studies at Harvard Business School. Beyond being a noteworthy accomplishment in empowering students and fostering behavioural shifts toward better hygiene and sanitation, the ABCD Program has nurtured young ambassadors who advocate for these practices within their schools and communities.

This significant expansion is designed to deepen the impact of the ABCD program by implementing several key activities. Headmasters and headmistresses from participating schools will undergo specialized orientation programs, focusing on the importance of sanitation and hygiene, ensuring that school leaders are well-equipped to foster a culture of cleanliness. Additionally, students will receive comprehensive training, which includes both practical and theoretical aspects of sanitation and hygiene, Water management, Waste segregation and safe disposal etc., helping them acquire essential life skills that contribute to their overall well-being.

The initiative also aims to empower School Cabinets and School Development and Monitoring Committees (SDMCs), encouraging them to take an active role in sustaining and monitoring hygiene practices within their schools. To facilitate the smooth implementation of these activities, TKM will provide the necessary consumables to the participating schools. Furthermore, regular school-level knowledge assessments will be conducted to evaluate the program’s effectiveness and measure improvements in students’ understanding and practices related to hygiene and sanitation.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vikram Gulati, Country Head and Executive Vice President, Corporate Affairs & Governance, Toyota Kirloskar Motor, said,“The impact that the ABCD Sanitation Program has had on the community and its effectiveness in empowering students and fostering a mindset change has been truly inspiring. The expansion of the ABCD Program in Ramanagara District is a reflection of our ongoing dedication to nurturing young minds and instilling vital life skills in sanitation and hygiene. By empowering school leaders, students, and communities, we aim to create a lasting impact that will resonate far beyond the classroom. We are proud to see the positive changes this program has already brought and are excited to extend its reach to even more students in the coming years.”

TKM remains steadfast in its commitment to corporate social responsibility and community development. The company will work closely with the Education Department, local authorities, and stakeholders to create a sustainable impact and drive positive change in the district.

The rapidly changing educational environment has made data-driven platforms essential tools for guiding students through their academic and career journeys. Utilizing artificial intelligence and data analytics, these platforms offer personalized insights and tailored recommendations, allowing students to make informed choices about their educational options. Whether it’s selecting the right courses and colleges, identifying scholarship opportunities, or planning study abroad experiences, these platforms empower students to pursue their educational and career aspirations with confidence.

Edumilestone

Edumilestones is a career counseling platform in India, with a presence in over 54 locations through a network of 1,500+ highly trained career counselors. Established in 2008, Edumilestones has set the industry benchmark with its comprehensive 5-dimensional career assessment. The platform extends beyond career assessment, featuring India’s first career lab with information on 50,000 colleges in India and abroad, 300+ exams, application processes for studying abroad, 20+ online courses, and a comprehensive career library. This integrated resource is available in multiple languages, including English, Hindi, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, and Telugu. Edumilestones is committed to make the process of selecting the right academic path more simple and approachable, enabling students to confidently pursue their academic goals.

Edupull

Edupull is a cutting-edge data-driven educational platform designed to help students make informed decisions about their education. Founded in 2023, Edupull leverages AI and data analytics to provide personalized insights and recommendations based on each student’s profile, strengths, and interests. The platform aims to bridge information gaps in education through its AI-powered insights and extensive analytical capabilities. Edupull offers resources in over 10 vernacular Indian languages and boasts a comprehensive database covering more than 62,000 colleges, 5500+ courses, and 700+ scholarships across India. Additionally, Edupull provides free study-abroad counseling services, empowering students to make well-informed educational choices.

Bodhami

Bodhami is an online education platform providing personalized counseling and learning through a state-of-the-art digital learning platform. Developed with neuroscience and AI experts, Bodhami’s powerful Artificial Intelligence algorithms detail the 360-degree persona of an individual, utilizing over 2 million association rules to suggest the right career fit and address skill gaps. The algorithm also recommends learning paths, delivering a personalized learning journey for each individual. Bodhami helps students and professionals realize their potential through holistic and personalized education at an affordable price. By assessing skills and persona, Bodhami identifies interventions needed across different skill sets and enables upskilling using cutting-edge courses available on their marketplace. With over 40,000 students and 2,500 counselors from 250 cities in India, Bodhami is a leader in personalized education.

The Big League

TheBigLeague is a leading EdTech platform based in Noida, India, founded in 2018 by co-founders Piyush Bhartiya and Rachit Agrawal, with Priyanka Bhargava serving as the Head of Counselling. With a steadfast mission to empower students, TheBigLeague strives to nurture well-rounded personalities and impart essential life skills while guiding students toward admission into premier educational institutions. The brand’s visionary goal revolves around becoming a leading resource for comprehensive insights into the world’s top universities, equipping students with the knowledge and skills necessary for success in higher education.

Edumpus

Edumpus is a new-age platform that provides a multilateral user-generated communication channel between educational institutions, students, and other stakeholders of this coveted industry. The platform was founded by entrepreneurs Ajesh Raj and Basil Ali in 2019. The startup aims to bridge the gap between institutions and students across the globe and wants to create a global outreach that will help students make informed decisions about their careers and provide an efficient way for institutions to leverage their resources to pursue good students without making it an exhaustive process. The platform offers over 50,000 courses, and around 500 universities are listed on the website. Edumpus uses artificial intelligence (AI) to suggest best-fit courses to students based on their criteria and university offerings.

Mumbai, october 1 , 2024: LS Digital, India’s leading integrated Digital Business Transformation (DBT) company, and HDFC Life, one of India’s foremost insurers, have jointly launched ‘The Missing Beat,’ an initiative aimed at raising awareness about the life-saving power of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). As the creative partner, LS Digital conceptualized and developed the entire narrative of the campaign, emphasizing the urgency of learning CPR to make India a CPR-ready nation. The launch of this campaign aligns with World Heart Day on September 29th, underscoring the importance of heart health and emergency preparedness.

Cardiac arrests are a leading cause of death in India, claiming over 5 lakh lives each year. Despite the staggering statistics, less than 2% of the population is aware of CPR, a crucial skill that can make the difference between life and death in emergency situations. Recognizing this gap, HDFC Life launched ‘The Missing Beat’ in conjunction with World Heart Day to create a broader conversation around CPR readiness.

At the heart of this campaign is a moving short film that traces the emotional journeys of four individuals, portraying how CPR can be a critical intervention in moments of crisis. The film underscores the need for immediate action during cardiac emergencies. Through this initiative, HDFC Life and LS Digital aim to inspire every Indian to take the first step toward becoming CPR-ready.

Vishal Subharwal, Chief Marketing Officer & Group Head Strategy at HDFC Life, commented, “At HDFC Life, we believe that dignity and pride come not only from financial independence but also from the ability to help others in critical moments. This campaign is not just about raising awareness—it is about inspiring action. We want to encourage every Indian citizen to take the first step toward becoming CPR-ready. With the right knowledge and preparation, we can save lives and truly live the spirit of ‘Sar Utha Ke Jiyo’.”

Driving the Campaign’s Narrative

LS Digital played a crucial role in shaping ‘The Missing Beat.’ The campaign’s narrative, message, and visual storytelling were conceptualized by LS Digital’s creative team, who delved deep into the subject of cardiac arrests and CPR to ensure an authentic portrayal. LS Digital’s involvement highlights their commitment to creating purposeful campaigns that go beyond conventional advertising.

Manesh Swamy, Managing Director & Chief Creative Officer, LS Creative at LS Digital, shared, “This was a rare opportunity for advertisers and creatives to come together and make a real impact on people’s lives. With ‘The Missing Beat,’ we wanted to create a movement, a larger call to action, reminding everyone that knowing CPR can be the difference between life and death. We have been hearing horror stories about sudden cardiac arrests in the news, on the internet, and even among friends and family. The team has been researching this campaign for over a year, gathering data and stories that drove home the urgency of spreading awareness. Our goal was to inspire action, not just viewership.”

Manesh further added, “The journey of bringing this communication piece to life was deeply personal for our team. The data and statistics we have collected are nerve-wracking, and we felt something needed to be done urgently. We wanted the audience to not just watch but to feel the urgency and importance of CPR. Every shot and story was crafted from real-life incidents to evoke an emotional connection, immersing the audience in the gravity of the situation. We hope to inspire people to recognise the importance of this simple, life-saving skill and take a step towards making the country CPR-ready. We’re not just sharing stories—we’re encouraging action over helplessness.”

Dipshika Ravi, VP Creative & ECD, LS Creative at LS Digital, echoed this sentiment, stating, “The Missing Beat’ is not just a campaign designed to touch hearts; it’s about teaching people how to save a life when the heart stops beating. It took months of conversations with CPR survivors, medical experts, and professionals to fully understand the process and convey it effectively. For us, this campaign’s success will not be measured by views or reach, but by the lives it can potentially save. If we manage to save even two lives by equipping people with this crucial skill, that’s the real win. Performing CPR doesn’t require certification, so through this initiative, we urge everyone to learn CPR, this life-saving technique and help push the current awareness rate beyond 2%.”

Nishant Patil, AVP2 & ECD Design, LS Creative at LS Digital, added, “The four protagonists in this story reflect real-life situations we see around us, highlighting a hard-hitting truth: survival after cardiac arrest is rare, but CPR given at the right time can make all the difference and you will see that in coming alive in the visualisation of the film. Many of us have lost loved ones to sudden cardiac arrest and felt helpless to help. ‘The Missing Beat’ aims to change that by teaching people how to perform CPR in those critical moments, through compelling storytelling. As the brand says, we can’t fill the void left by loss, but we can certainly empower those around us. This is the first phase of the campaign, and we plan to amplify the message on multi-platforms.”

A Lifesaving Movement

With LS Digital’s innovative storytelling and HDFC Life’s commitment to public welfare, ‘The Missing Beat’ goes beyond traditional awareness campaigns. The film serves as a wake-up call to every individual, urging them to learn CPR and be ready to save lives when it matters most. Launched ahead of World Heart Day, this initiative highlights how crucial it is to be prepared for heart-related emergencies.

HDFC Life, with its strong track record of covering 6.6 crore lives and a 99.5% claim settlement ratio in FY24, continues to reinforce its commitment to not just financial security, but also to public health and safety through initiatives like this. LS Digital, as a creative partner, has further solidified its role in driving impactful social campaigns that resonate with people on a deeply emotional level.

Mumbai, September 30, 2024 — On the occasion of World Heart Day, Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central is proud to share a detailed analysis of Primary Angioplasty in Myocardial Infarction (PAMI) performed over the past three years. Our data underscores the critical role of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) in saving lives during acute myocardial infarctions, reflecting significant trends and disparities across different demographics.

Key Data Insights:

Demographic Breakdown:

• Age Group 25-35:
  • Male: 100%
  • Female: 0%
• Age Group 35-45:
  • Male: 88.89%
  • Female: 11.11%
• Age Group 44-55:
  • Male: 82.35%
  • Female: 17.65%
• Overall:
  • Male: 86.02%
  • Female: 13.98%

Average Ratios:

• Age Group 25-35: Undefined due to the absence of female data.
• Age Group 35-45: 8
• Age Group 44-55:67
• Overall:13

These statistics highlight a pronounced gender disparity in the administration of primary angioplasty, with a predominance of males across all age groups. The data indicates a trend towards an increased ratio of males undergoing this emergency procedure, with a notable difference in the average ratios between age groups.

Dr. Parin Sangoi, Cardiologist at Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central, stated, “Heart disease remains a leading cause of death worldwide, yet research reveals intriguing gender-based differences. Women, particularly before menopause, are often protected against heart attacks compared to men. This is primarily due to the cardioprotective effects of estrogen, which helps regulate cholesterol and maintains flexibility in blood vessels. However, this hormonal advantage diminishes after menopause, equalizing the risk for both genders. Moreover, heart attack symptoms in women often differ from the classic presentation, with many experiencing less intense chest pain and more subtle signs like fatigue, nausea, or discomfort in the neck or jaw. This can delay diagnosis and treatment, leading to worse outcomes.”

He further adds, “At Wockhardt Hospitals, we emphasize the importance of early awareness and regular heart screenings, particularly for women over 50, as lifestyle factors such as smoking, diabetes, and stress can further elevate the risk. Heart health is essential for both genders, but women should remain vigilant about recognizing atypical symptoms and seeking timely medical care to prevent serious cardiac events.”

In addition to gender disparities, our PAMI data also reveals noteworthy variations in the timing and effectiveness of interventions based on demographic factors. Prompt and effective treatment is crucial in improving survival rates, yet the data shows that delays in treatment are more common in certain age groups. This highlights the need for increased public education on recognizing the signs of a heart attack and seeking immediate medical attention. By addressing these disparities and improving access to timely care, we can enhance patient outcomes and reduce the burden of cardiovascular disease in our community.

As we commemorate World Heart Day, Wockhardt Hospitals Mumbai Central reaffirms its commitment to enhancing cardiovascular care and improving patient outcomes through advanced medical interventions and comprehensive health education. We are dedicated to fostering awareness about heart health and ensuring equitable access to life-saving treatments.

For further information and to learn more about our cardiovascular care services, please visit our website or contact us directly.

Kochi: V-Guard’s prestigious annual Big Idea contest, now in its 14th edition, successfully concluded on Saturday, October 1, 2024. This year’s event attracted nearly 1,500 entries from leading management and engineering institutions across India. The Business Plan contest finals were held on September 27 and 28, while the Tech Design contest finals took place on September 26. In total, 28 teams were shortlisted for the Business Plan contest, and 20 teams advanced to the Tech Design segment.

The theme for the 2024 Business Plan contest, “Winning the Future: Innovative Strategies to Shape Tomorrow’s Homes with V-Guard Home Appliances,” challenged students to present groundbreaking plans focused on revolutionizing home appliances. Participants addressed key areas like health, convenience, sustainability, and efficiency to cater to the evolving needs of modern consumers. Meanwhile, the Tech Design contest theme, “Designing Tomorrow’s Innovative Kitchen with V-Guard’s Appliances,” encouraged young minds to envision and create cutting-edge kitchen appliances that not only enhance the culinary experience but also promote sustainability and improve efficiency.

In the Business Plan contest, Sameer Pimpare, Anshuman Biswas, Poojan Agrawal from Symbiosis Institute of Business Management, Pune secured the first prize, while Meera Nair M, Kinjal Panwar, Jithin R from Indian Institute of Management Visakhapatnam and Anshuman Thapliyal, Devansh Gupta, Bhavyaraj Singh from Mukesh Patel School of Technology Management and Engineering, NMIMS Mumbai claimed second and third place respectively. Bansi Madlani, Aeshna Anand, Piyush Sharma (Indian Institute of Management Shillong, Meghalaya), Mehul Vijay, Rishika Soni, Aayushi Prajapati (Indian Institute of Management Bodh Gaya, Bihar) were awarded the special jury prize for an outstanding submission.

In the Tech Design contest, Shivnesh More, Varad Patil from MIT Institute of Design, Pune emerged victorious. The first and second runner-up positions were secured by Komal Jain from World University of Design, Haryana and Basil Yeldho, Boyal Gijo, Albin Biju Varghese from Muthoot Institute of Technology & Science, Kerala respectively, while Divyansh Bansal, Abhi Sanghi, Archit Khurana (The LNM Institute of Information Technology, Jaipur), Pasupathi, Aravind S (KPR Institute of Engineering and Technology, Tamilnadu) earned the special jury award for their exceptional innovation.

The top three winners of the Business Plan contest were awarded cash prizes of Rs. 3,00,000, Rs. 2,00,000, and Rs. 1,00,000, along with trophies and certificates of recognition. In the Tech Design contest, the winners received cash prizes of Rs. 1,50,000, Rs. 75,000, and Rs. 50,000, respectively, for the first, second, and third positions.

The grand event, held in Kochi, saw the shortlisted teams present their innovative concepts and strategies. These ideas were evaluated based on criteria such as originality, practical applicability, feasibility, simplicity, and their potential positive impact on V-Guard’s business and consumers.

The Jury Committee for the Business Plan contest comprised Sudarshan Kasturi (CFO), Rajesh Nair (Partner – EY LLP), Arif Mohd (VP – NPD), and Narender Singh Negi (VP – R&D Electronics). The Tech Design contest presentations were evaluated by Arif Mohd (VP – NPD), Narender Singh Negi (VP – R&D Electronics), James Varghese (Sr GM & Head – Industrial Design), and Anoop Singh (Sr GM & Head – R&D – Water Heater). Mr. Mithun Chittilappilly, Managing Director, V-Guard Industries Ltd. graced the valedictory function and awarded the winners

The Big Idea contest has grown into a vibrant platform for young, dynamic minds to engage with V-Guard’s leadership, fostering an environment of innovation and creative problem-solving. It offers students a unique opportunity to address real-world business challenges, sharpen their thinking, and make an impact.