Archives November 2024

Motul India and Zypp Electric partner to launch EV repair & maintenance training for mechanics across India

Gurugram, 25th November 2024: In a strategic partnership to enhance automotive skills in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape, Motul India & Zypp Electric joined hands to conduct a unique training program on two-wheeler EV repair and maintenance for mechanics. This initiative, which recently kicked off with a two-day training program for a select group of mechanics in Gurugram, will serve as the blueprint for training and certifying over 10,000 mechanics across India as EV-certified specialists.

As a premium player in the automotive lubricant industry, Motul India brings its extensive expertise in automobile maintenance and care while Zypp Electric, a trailblazer in sustainable last-mile delivery solutions, brings its deep insights into the operational issues and needs of e-2Ws. Together, Motul India & Zypp Electric aim to empower mechanics by expanding their skills, thereby enabling them to confidently repair and maintain both ICE and electric two and three-wheelers.

This inaugural program offered a mix of in-depth classroom and practical training. Mechanics learned core principles of EV electrical systems, diagnostics and troubleshooting while gaining practical skillsets essential for servicing electric two-wheelers. The feedback from participating mechanics and dealer partners highlighted the program’s relevance. The program achieved significant improvement in participants’ technical capabilities, with mechanics showing up to 50% improvement in their EV repair knowledge post the training.

Mr. Nagendra Pai, CEO of Motul India & South Asia, commented, “This initiative is part of Motul`s broader ambitions in the mobility industry, including EV, retrofitting to EV and H2, thermal management and immersed battery technology. In partnership with Zypp Electric, we are equipping mechanics with the knowledge and skills required to meet the changing mobility landscape. In addition to upskilling mechanics, we are also empowering them to create new avenues of growth & earnings.”

Mr. Akash Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO of Zypp Electric, added, “India is a fast-growing market, and its booming e-commerce requires massive logistics expertise and prowess. Currently, the EV ecosystem needs many grassroots interventions and training the workforce is one of them. Partnering with Motul India in this training initiative for mechanics perfectly aligns with our mission to build a sustainable EV last-mile delivery ecosystem.”

Motul India and Zypp Electric’s collaboration represents a unique blend of expertise in two-wheeler ICE and EV maintenance, offering mechanics nationwide the opportunity to upskill and stay competitive. In India’s fast-changing vehicle landscape, this partnership underscores both companies’ commitment to an inclusive, skilled, and adaptable service network, benefiting mechanics and consumers alike.

Ambuja Cements brings together 400-plus students for ‘Khel Utsav’ at Darlaghat

Himachal Pradesh, 25 November 2024: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, is committed to facilitating equal access for all young athletes and sportspersons. The Company, through CSR efforts, recently organised ‘Khel Utsav’ at Darlaghat, a sports event aimed at fostering sportsmanship and promoting physical well-being among young students in the region.

This community-focused event saw enthusiastic participation from over 400 students across 24 primary and upper primary schools, bringing the total attendance, including teachers, local dignitaries, and volunteers.

The ‘Khel Utsav’ featured a range of sports, tailored for different age groups and skill levels. Students from the upper primary section competed in volleyball, while primary students took part in dodgeball and relay races. Additionally, the event included a series of athletic races — 50m, 100m, and 200m — where students displayed their skills, teamwork, and resilience on the field.

Ambuja Cements’ CSR team under its Quality Education program not only offers a platform for students to showcase their talents but also encourages them to develop valuable life skills, including discipline and teamwork. Initiatives such as ‘Khel Utsav’ positively impact the local communities by promoting holistic growth and nurturing future athletes.

This event underscores Ambuja Cements’ commitment to empowering young individuals, fostering a spirit of unity, and supporting the aspirations of the region’s youth in sports and beyond

UEL Concludes Successful India Tour 2024, Fostering Sustainability and Industry Partnerships

New Delhi, November 25, 2024: The University of East London (UEL) successfully concluded its India Tour 2024, a collaborative initiative with Siemens and T-Hub. The tour was a multi-city initiative spanning Chennai (November 18), Hyderabad (November 19), and Vadodara (November 22). It included a series of engaging events like conferences, roundtables, and award ceremonies, aimed to foster sustainable education, strengthen industry-academia partnerships, and empower women leaders.

In Chennai, UEL kicked off the tour with a Sustainability Solutions Conference, showcasing groundbreaking innovations such as Sugarcrete®, a low-carbon building material. The conference brought together industry experts, academicians, and policymakers to discuss pressing environmental challenges and explore sustainable solutions. UEL’s commitment to India was further emphasized by its exploration of establishing a physical presence in the country, fostering stronger ties with Indian institutions.

Moving to Hyderabad, UEL launched its Industry Advisory Board (IAB), a significant step towards strengthening industry-academia collaborations. The IAB, comprising industry leaders and academic experts, will play a crucial role in developing innovative and industry-relevant curricula, enhancing student employability, and driving research and innovation. A strategic HR roundtable was also held, focusing on the latest trends and challenges in human resources, including digital transformation, employee experience, and diversity and inclusion.

The tour culminated in Vadodara, where UEL hosted the prestigious Women in Leadership Awards, recognizing and celebrating outstanding women leaders across various sectors. This event aligned with UEL’s commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment. The university’s initiatives, such as the Noon Centre for Equality and Diversity in Business, have been instrumental in advancing women’s rights and creating opportunities for women from diverse backgrounds.

Professor Amanda J. Broderick, Vice-Chancellor and President of UEL, expressed her satisfaction with the tour’s success, stating, “Our India Tour 2024 has been a remarkable journey, allowing us to connect with leading institutions, industry experts, and talented individuals. By fostering strong partnerships and promoting sustainable education, we aim to create a positive impact on India’s future. We are committed to continuing our engagement with India and exploring new avenues for collaboration.

Through its India Tour 2024, UEL has not only strengthened its global footprint but also demonstrated its commitment to addressing pressing global challenges, such as climate change and gender inequality. By empowering the next generation of leaders, UEL is shaping a brighter future for both India and the world.

Hisense India Appoints Nipun Kaicker as Director – Go To Market (GTM) to Strengthen Brand Presence and Drive Growth

India, 25th November 2024: Hisense India, a leading consumer electronics and home appliances company, has appointed Nipun Kaicker as its Director – Go To Market (GTM). Nipun brings over 14 years of expertise in sales, marketing, and growth-focused GTM strategies, making him a pivotal addition to Hisense’s leadership team.

With a proven track record at industry leaders like LG and Panasonic, Nipun has been instrumental in crafting and executing strategic initiatives that drive market success and brand visibility. His appointment aligns with Hisense India’s commitment to enhancing its presence in the competitive consumer electronics sector.

In his new role, Nipun will spearhead strategic GTM initiatives aimed at expanding Hisense India’s visibility among consumers, strengthening brand equity, and driving business growth. His leadership will be crucial in elevating Hisense’s position as a trusted name in the Indian market.

Expressing his enthusiasm for the new role, Nipun Kaicker stated, “I am elated to become a part of Hisense, a company committed to delivering the highest standards of value to its customers. My primary focus will be to drive innovation and deliver growth for Hisense in the Indian market. I look forward to collaborating with a dynamic team to enhance the company’s footprint and redefine the consumer experience.”

Pankaj Rana, Chief Executive Officer of Hisense India, shared his confidence in Nipun’s appointment, saying, “Nipun’s industry knowledge and strategic GTM expertise will be of key value in our journey to achieve new heights in the Indian market. We are confident his leadership will add immense value to our growth trajectory.”

Under Nipun’s guidance, Hisense India is poised to further strengthen its brand presence, accelerate growth, and continue delivering high-quality products that meet evolving consumer expectations. His deep understanding of consumer behavior and innovative approach to strategy will drive Hisense’s efforts in creating a stronger bond with customers and partners alike.

The company remains committed to introducing innovative solutions tailored to the Indian market, ensuring customers receive unparalleled quality, reliability, and value. Nipun’s appointment is a step forward in Hisense India’s journey to establish itself as a market leader in consumer electronics and home appliances.

NHC Foods Sees Surge in Earnings and Market Share in Record-Breaking Q2 Results

Mumbai, November 25, 2024: NHC Foods Limited, a prominent exporter of agricultural commodities and spices, has announced the terms for its Rights Issue following in-principle approval from the Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE). The Rights Issue aims to raise ₹4742.00 lakhs which will be used to enhance working capital and repay secured working capital loans, thus leading to increased profitability.

The promoters of NHC Foods also aim to enhance shareholder participation and benefits. The Rights Issue also offers public shareholders an option to boost their involvement and equity ownership in the company.

Below are the key details:
Closing Price as on 22nd November 2024: ₹.6.89
Rights Issue Size: ₹.47,42,00,000
Right issue price: ₹.1 Each share
Record Date: November 26, 2024
Issue Opening Date: December 5, 2024
Issue Closing Date: December 18, 2024

The Rights Equity Shares are being offered to Eligible Equity Shareholders on a rights basis in the ratio of 4 (Four) Rights Equity Shares for every 1 (One) fully paid-up Equity Share held. It offers an exciting opportunity for investors to subscribe to the offer within the specified period and enhance their stake in the company at a potentially attractive price.

“The proceeds from the Rights Issue will be used to bolster the growth of the company. Our aim is to reaffirm our commitment to increasing shareholder value while ensuring a fair and equitable distribution of shares among public investors. This strategy to offer the shares at a potentially attractive price also aligns with our objective to strengthen public shareholding and optimize the company’s capital structure.”, said Mr. Apoorva Shah, Chairman & Managing Director of NHC Foods Ltd.

NHC Foods Ltd is proud to announce that it has achieved a significant milestone in its financial performance for the quarters ending June 2024 and September 2024. Demonstrating robust growth and operational excellence, the company reported record-breaking sales and turnover figures, underscoring its strong market position and resilience in a dynamic business environment. This marks yet another consecutive strong performance for the company.

“NHC Foods Limited is currently on a high-growth trajectory, reporting robust top-line and bottom-line performance. We are very confident on the company’s future growth prospects and are actively investing in technology and process improvements to sustain this momentum. NHC Foods is also looking at geographical diversification into new international markets as well as strengthening its foothold in the Indian market through targeted strategies and product innovations.” added Mr. Apoorva Shah

Bihar Industries and Tourism Minister Nitish Mishra Inaugurated the Bihar Pavilion on Bihar State Day at India International Trade fair 2024

New Delhi, November 25, 2024 : Bihar Industries and Tourism Minister Nitish Mishra Inaugurated the Bihar Pavilion on Bihar State Day celebration at India International Trade fair 2024. Hon’ble Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh also present on this occasion . after the Inauguration of Pavilion and visited all the stalls of Pavilion ,Hon’ble Minister of Industries and Tourism, Government of Bihar, Shri Nitish Mishra addresed the Press conference on Bihar day Celebration. Under the theme of ‘Vikshit Bharat 2047’, the Bihar Pavilion highlights this year’s trade fair, accentuating Bihar’s cultural heritage and industrial development. Mr. Alok Ranjan Ghosh, Director of Industries; Mr. Nikhil Dhanraj Nipanikar, Director of Handloom and Silk, Govt. Of Bihar, Mr. Ashok Kumar Sinha, Additional Director, Bihar Museum; and Mr. Dinesh Kumar, Deputy Director, Bihar Information Centre, New Delhi were also present in the press conference .

Bihar Pavilion: A Glimpse of ‘Vikshit Bihar’ under ‘Vikshit Bharat 2047′

The entrance of the pavilion has been designed as Sabhyata Dwar, representing five significant areas of the state: culture, industry, tourism, spirituality, and women’s empowerment. 3D printed images depicting ancient and modern Nalanda and Rajgir’s glass bridge adorn the inner walls; while these confer the rich history of Bihar, they also echo the present accomplishments. Forms of traditional art, including Madhubani, Manjusa, Tikuli, and Kohbar, have been set as a priority to connect visitors to Bihar’s cultural tradition.

Vocal for Local: Showcasing Bihar’s Industries

75 stalls inside the pavilion exhibit products of Mendoza’s variety of industries. The government of Bihar’s schemes like Mukhyamantri Udyami Yojana and Start-Up Bihar underline entrepreneurship development. The focus is towards handicrafts, khadhi products, and other local industries that reflect the economic growth of the state and its drive toward self-reliance.

Sustainability and Eco-Friendliness Commitment

According to the guidelines of the ITPO, the design is totally plastic-free and incorporates a sustainable process. The decor of the pavilion has been beautified with only local or indigenous materials to uplift the aesthetic of the pavilion and provide job opportunities to local artisans and entrepreneurs.

Emphasis on Women Empowerment and Rural Development

At a press conference, Shri Nitish Mishra pointed out that everything that culminated in the Mukhyamantri Mahila Udyami Yojana showcases the initiation towards women’s empowerment. The pavilion also Showcased the state’s contribution to rural development through modern agricultural techniques and rural entrepreneurship.

Industrial and Economic Growth: A Growth Plan

The minister said the blueprint for industrial growth of Bihar was developed concerning textiles, leather, food processing, and IT/ITES. This year, the state has achieved an overall growth of 10.6% in Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), the highest in the country next to Gujarat.

E-Governance and Investment-Friendly Environment

He stated that the government has adopted e-governance and the single-window system for easing business operations and enhancing transparency. MSMEs are benefiting in terms of financial aid, market access, and technological collaboration as the government makes provision for the growth of the state in areas like Khadi malls and industrial parks. Furthermore, development initiatives will also be undertaken in collaboration with international partnerships.

Bihar Day Celebrations: A Blend of Culture and Traditions

The Bihar Day Celebrations started at 6pm at the Amphitheater 2 of Bharat Mandapam Complex, New Delhi. Songs with folk tones ranged from Kajri and Magahi to Thumri and Sohar, and they delighted the audience with performances by eminent folk artists. Folk art and music from Bihar have been an especially attractive factor amidst international visitors at the fair.

The Bihar Pavilion, with its grandeur and comprehensive portrayal of the state’s journey towards becoming a’Vikshit Bihar’, stands as a testament to the state’s vision for economic, cultural, and social progress.

Distinguished Alumnus Awards 2023 – IIT Roorkee Honors Global Achievements on its Foundation Day

Distinguished Alumnus Awards

November 25, 2024: Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee) celebrated its Foundation Day with the theme “Empowering India: Nurturing Education, Innovation, and Cultural Legacy.” The event was marked by the launch of the IITR Vision Document, outlining the institute’s roadmap for fostering interdisciplinary research, technological innovation, and sustainable development. The celebration also highlighted IIT Roorkee’s enduring commitment to driving impactful initiatives in education, research, and societal transformation, reflecting its vision of empowering the nation through excellence in science and technology. The celebration also recognized outstanding Alumni through the presentation of the Distinguished Alumnus Awards of 2023. The DAA are given to alumni of the University of Roorkee (UOR) or IIT Roorkee (IITR) to recognize their exceptional contributions in six categories. Nominations for DAA are invited from all over the world. The contributions should be self-evident to the peers in the category, namely Academic or Research Excellence, Excellence in Engineering or Technology Innovation, Excellence in Leadership in the Government or Public Sector, Excellence in Leadership in the Private Sector, Entrepreneurial Excellence, Excellence in Service to the Society. The Distinguished Young Alumnus Award (DYAA) is conferred to IIT Roorkee Alumni below 40.

The Outstanding Service Awards (OSA) recognizes Excellence in Academics and Research by strengthening the IIT Roorkee community’s academic, research and development efforts. By enabling faculty and students to showcase and promote their work nationally and internationally. And by promoting Sponsored Research and Industrial Consultancy from State or Central Government or private industry. Nominations for DA Awards are invited from all over the world.

This recognition took place against the backdrop of the tranquil surroundings in front of the iconic Main building, creating a serene ambience for the occasion.

Distinguished Alumnus Awardees:

Prof. Bhim Singh (1977 – B.E. – Electrical Engineering): Prof. Singh has been ABB Chair Professor from September 2007 to August 2012. Prof. Singh has been CEA Chair Professor from September 2012 to August 2017. He has been Head of Department of Electrical Engineering at IIT Delhi from July 2014 to August 2016. Prof. Singh has been Dean, Academics at IIT Delhi from August 2016 to August 2019. He has been JC Bose Fellow of DST, Government of India from December 2015 to June 2021. He is currently serving as a SERB National Science Chair and an Emeritus Professor at IIT Delhi since July 2021.

Prof. Ayodhya Nath Tiwari (1980- M.Sc. – Physics): He is a multifaceted personality as an outstanding scientist, successful entrepreneur, educationist/teacher and provider of frequent advisories to various institutions/agencies. He is the Chairman and Cofounder, SOLTIWA AG company in Switzerland. Prof. Tiwari was head of the Laboratory for Thin Films and Photovoltaics, Empa-Swiss Federal Laboratories for Material Science and Technology.

Shri Yuvraj Mehra (1971 – B.E. – Chemical Engineering): He is a licensed professional engineer and is currently serving as Managing Principal Consultant for Mehra Consulting Services, LLC since 2012. Through MCS provided contracted process engineering consulting services to PetroSkills, Hellervik Midstream LLC, and Saudi Aramco. Mr. Mehra retired from Saudi Aramco (2000-2011) as Gas and Light-ends Process Engineering Consultant in the Process & Control Systems Department.

Dr. G. Madhusudan Reddy (1987 – M.E. – Mechanical): Dr. G. Madhusudhan Reddy obtained his bachelor’s degree from Kakatiya University in 1985, his master’s from IIT Roorkee in 1987, and his doctoral degree from IIT Madras in 1999. He formerly served as the Director of Defence Metallurgical Research Laboratory (DMRL), DRDO Hyderabad, where he led a strong team in the domain of critical advanced materials & technologies in defence systems. His inspiring leadership enabled DMRL to be recognized as best Science Laboratory in the form of ‘Titanium Trophy’ by Defence Minister on 18 Dec 2020. Currently, he is an Adjunct Professor at Department of Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, NIT Warangal.

Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal (1987 – B.E. – ECE): Shri Sanjay Kumar Agarwal joined the Indian Revenue Service (Indirect Taxes and Customs) in 1988. He is currently Chairman of Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs, Ministry of Finance, Government of India. The Department he is heading is engaged in collection of Indirect Tax revenue for the Union Government from GST, Central Excise and Customs duties and the task of border control for goods and passengers. He has worked in various capacities in Customs, Central Excise, Service Tax and GST field formations in the States of Gujarat, Rajasthan, Madya Pradesh, Delhi and Tamil Nadu.

Shri Vikas Kumar (1987-B.E.-Electrical): Dr. Vikas Kumar, is a graduate in Electrical Engineering (1987) from University of Roorkee (now IIT). He did his Masters from IIT/Delhi in Opto-Electronics & Optical Communications. He belongs to 1988 batch of Indian Railway Traffic Service. He has more than 34 years of experience in all phases of Rail based Urban Transportation Projects including 20 years of experience with DMRC, the largest MRTS system in India having 286 stations (390 KMS network). In Delhi Metro, he has worked in various capacities viz. Dy/Addl. General Manager, General Manager, Executive Director and Director/Operations before being elevated to the apex level. Presently, he is heading the organization as its Managing Director.

Shri Anand Ramamoorthy (1996 – B.E. – Metallurgy): Mr. Anand Ramamoorthy (1996 – B.E. – Metallurgy) is a seasoned, well-rounded technology executive with over two decades of global experience building high performance teams, introducing flagship products, scripting executable strategies, driving nonlinear business growth, and leading organizational transformation. Mr. Anand is currently Managing Director at Micron India and is responsible for R&D, engineering, operations and sales. Micron is a $30B global leader in semiconductor memory and storage chips.

Shri Sandeep Garg (1981 – B.E. – Electrical): Shri Sandeep Garg is a Bachelor of Technology from IIT Roorkee and an alumnus of Harvard Business School. He has over 37 years of experience in core infrastructure sectors and is currently the Managing Director of Welspun Enterprises Limited. He also serves as Managing Director of Adani Welspun Exploration Limited. He has been associated with the Welspun Group since July 2012. In his current role at Welspun, he, along with his team, has been instrumental in driving the company’s remarkable turnaround. Notable achievements along this journey include receiving the prestigious Gold award from the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways for Excellence in Project Management for the Delhi-Meerut Expressway.

Shri Ravi Kant Gupta (1981 – B.E. – Civil): He started his initial career in Larsen & Toubro Limited and Engineers India Limited. In 1983, he joined UP State Bridge Corporation as Assistant Engineer and had an illustrious career, while leading a team of Engineers for many prestigious Bridges and Building projects. Some of the projects handled by him include construction of Twin Bridge on NH-17 over River Periyar and Chandrasekhar Nayak Stadium with a sitting capacity of 30,000 at Thiruvananthapuram which was completed in a challenging time schedule of 120 days, from start to finish. In recognition of this exceptional achievement, CM of Kerala awarded a Gold Medal to Er. R.K. Gupta.

Shri Sunil Goyal (1989 – B.E. – E&C): He heads the India operations of Sopra Steria, in the capacity of Dy. Chief Executive Officer. Under this capacity he is responsible for all business, delivery and enabling functions. The organization is a part of Sopra Steria Group, a €5.8 billion conglomerate, headquartered in Paris and one of the top 5 French IT Services company in France having a strength of 60,000 professionals worldwide operating from 30 countries. Mr. Sunil started his career as a telecom support professional at Unitel post which he got into managing sales at Wipro. He then decided to become an entrepreneur and co-founded Momentum India in the year 1993 with almost no seed capital, along with his senior from college.

Dinesh kumar Likhi (1981 – B.E. – Metallurgical Engineering): has an illustrious career of nearly four decades culminating in the highest position of Chairman and Managing Director of a Defence Public Sector Undertaking, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited: MIDHANI, from 2015 till 2020 and CEO & Director of Utkarsha Aluminium Dhatu Nigam Limited from 2019 till 2020. He has also contributed to the growth and turnaround strategy of Steel Authority of India Limited (2000-2010). He is a nominated Director on the Boards of Bhilai JP Cement Limited and Jaiprakash Power Limited. In addition, he is a strategic advisor to special steel companies viz. Jindal Stainless Steel and Sarloha Advance Materials (Kalyani Group company). Dr. Likhi has also incorporated two startups in the field of consultancy and services with India as a focus country.

Distinguished Young Alumnus Awardees:

Mr. Puneet Jaggi (2010 – B.Tech. – Chemical Engineering): Mr. Puneet Jaggi (2010-BTech-Chemical Engineering) is the founder, Gensol Group, and Co-Founder of BluSmart, India’s first born-electric, full-stack, vertically integrated EV ride-hailing service and EV charging infrastructure network. Mr. Puneet’s journey in clean energy and sustainable mobility is rooted in his background as a Chemical Engineer from IIT Roorkee. Transitioning from the traditional Oil and Gas sector, he pursued his passion for clean energy, co-founding Gensol along with Anmol Jaggi.

Mr. Sourabh Gupta (2016 – B.Tech. – Metallurgy): Mr. Sourabh Gupta touchstone of a true leader is the disruptive potential of the enterprise he/she leads. Sourabh Gupta, the CEO and Co-founder of Skit.ai had a big hairy audacious goal (BHAG) when he embarked on the journey of creating an AI-based technology solution that will revolutionize contact center support across industries, the globe, and forever. He co-founded the company during the final year of engineering, along with Akshay Deshraj, his batchmate, the CTO at Skit.ai.

Mr. Abhishek Agarwal (2016 – B.Tech. – Mechanical Engineering): He is a passionate entrepreneur with a strong focus on social impact. He is the founder of Farmley – a new age healthy snacking brand specializing in dry fruits & nuts. Over the past 6 years, Abhishek and his team have worked consistently to establish deep backend linkages with over 5000+ farmers across India and even internationally. This has enabled the farmers to have much better market access, resulting in higher incomes.

Ms. Pooja Devi (2010 – M.Tech. – Nanotechnology): She is a Principal Scientist, Materials Science and Sensor Applications (MSSA) in CSIR-CSIO, Chandigarh. Her major research interest includes materials and devices design for Hydrogen production, water/air pollutants degradation, and water pollutants monitoring. She has established methods for synthesizing various materials such as metallic nanostructures, transition metal oxides, semiconductors, carbonaceous nanostructured materials, 2D materials, MXenes, etc. She has published around 72 research papers in high-impact journals, edited 05 books as lead editor, published 18 book chapters.

Mr. Ghanshyam Pilania (2007 – B.Tech. – Metallurgy): He works as a Senior Engineer in the Probabilistic Design and Materials Informatics team at GE Global Research (GE Aerospace) at Niskayuna. His current research portfolio highlights technical efforts on informatics-driven design and optimization of functional and structural materials, materials for sustainability and probabilistic analytics for strategy.

Outstanding Service Awardees:

Shri Aditya Gupta (1974 – B.E. – Mechanical Engineering), (1976 – M.E.- Machine Design): He has been providing social services to our society – especially to IITR alumni, and the institute since 1996. Over the past 27 years, Aditya has worked tirelessly to generate belongingness and cohesiveness among IIT Roorkee Alumni in North America and California, home to the largest alumni concentration in USA. His efforts gave birth to IIT Roorkee Heritage Foundation (IITRHF) in 2007. He is part of founding team and board member of IITRHF since its launch in 2007, and serving as current President of this non-profit tax-deductible charitable organization.

Shri Vivek K. Varma (1983 – B.E. – Industrial Engineering), (1985 – M.E. – Mechanical Engineering): He is a globally recognized business technology executive, active alumnus and servant-leader with over 30 years of proven track record in India, Australia, and the USA. He has excelled as an academician, public servant, researcher, consultant, entrepreneur, and innovator. After teaching in the Mechanical & Industrial Engineering Department and engaging in public service, Vivek earned a Ph.D. in the field of Decision Support Systems from The University of Melbourne, Australia. He then moved to the USA to pursue a career in technology innovation and consulting.

Shri B.V.R. Mohan Reddy, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIT Roorkee, expressed his deepest gratitude, “Our alumni embody the legacy of IIT Roorkee, driving progress through their innovation, leadership, and technology acceleration. Their remarkable achievements across diverse fields reflect the core values of our institution. Today, we honor their successes and their enduring bond with their alma mater. Congratulations to all the awardees—may they continue to inspire future generations.”

While congratulating the awardees Prof. K.K. Pant, Director, IIT Roorkee, said: “It is a moment of immense pride for IIT Roorkee to honour these extraordinary individuals who have distinguished themselves through exemplary accomplishments and transformative contributions. These awards not only recognize their remarkable achievements but also reaffirm the impact of IIT Roorkee’s education and values. I congratulate all the awardees and look forward to their continued association with the institute in building a brighter future for society.”

Prof. R.D. Garg, Dean of Resources & Alumni Affairs, IIT Roorkee, said, “Our alumni represent the lifeline of IIT Roorkee, enriching our legacy through their outstanding achievements and global impact. The Distinguished Alumnus Awards and Outstanding Service Awards are a testament to their excellence and dedication. I thank the awardees for their invaluable contributions and support to the IIT Roorkee community and congratulate them on this well-deserved recognition.”

HCL and KSBA Wrap Up the 58th Karnataka State Bridge Championship with Over 150 Competitors

Bengaluru, November 25, 2024: The 58th Karnataka State Bridge Championship, held in partnership with HCL Group, successfully concluded at the M. Chinnaswamy Cricket Stadium in Bengaluru. The championship, which took place from November 22 to 24, 2024, saw over 150 players from across India compete for a prize pool of over ₹3 lakhs, reaffirming its status as one of South India’s premier bridge tournaments.

The tournament featured four exciting events: Team of Four – Duplicate, Board-A-Match, Match Point Pairs, and IMP Pairs. The event showcased the highest level of competitive bridge, with players displaying exceptional skill and strategy throughout the championship.

The Karnataka State Bridge Association (KSBA), in collaboration with HCL, ensured the smooth execution of the tournament, fostering an environment of camaraderie and sportsmanship among the participants. The event also highlighted the growing popularity of bridge in South India and its significance as a competitive sport.

FDCI Showcases Sustainable Crafts on the second day at World Crafts Forum 2024

New Delhi: The Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI) presented ‘My Craft My Pride’, a special showcase celebrating India’s handloom and craft traditions, on the second day at the World Crafts Forum 2024. Organised by the World Crafts Council (WCC) and supported by the Ministry of Textiles, the event highlighted the synergy between traditional craftsmanship and modern design sensibilities, focusing on sustainability and innovation in India’s craft sector.

Acclaimed designers including Anjana Bhargav for DHI, Payal Jain, Suket Dhir, Akaaro by Gaurav Jai Gupta, Anavila Misra, and Aidar Khan from Kazakhstan showcased collections that seamlessly blended heritage craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics. Each presentation reflected the versatility and richness of India’s crafts, promoting cross-cultural collaboration while underscoring the importance of sustainable design.

Speaking at the event, Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI, expressed gratitude to the World Crafts Forum 2024 and the Ministry of Textiles for the platform. He stated, “We are grateful to World Craft Forum 2024 and DC Handicraft, Ministry of Textiles for giving us this platform,” shares Sunil Sethi, Chairman of FDCI. “With My Craft My Pride, FDCI showcases the beauty and versatility of India’s sustainable crafts, interpreted by six of the most talented designers. This event is a testament to our dedication to preserving tradition while paving the way for a sustainable future.”

The second day of the forum also featured Craft Dialogues and case studies exploring the intersection of crafts and circularity in fashion. Experts from around the world shared innovative strategies for integrating artisanal craftsmanship into modern markets, ensuring its sustainability and continuation. The day culminated in the presentation of the prestigious WCC Award of Excellence for Handicrafts, recognising exceptional contributions to the craft industry.

Adding to the enriching experience was a masterclass on the heritage of handicrafts, offering participants a unique insight into the intricate techniques and cultural narratives behind traditional crafts. The session emphasised the importance of preserving and innovating these art forms to ensure their relevance in contemporary times.

Set against the backdrop of the iconic National Craft Museum & Hastkala Academy, the forum celebrates India’s artistic legacy while promoting global efforts to protect and enrich crafts..As the event draws to a close, it reaffirms the transformative power of craftsmanship, serving as a bridge between tradition and modernity, sustainability and innovation, and local pride and global recognition.

From Workspaces to Outer Space, ADP India grandly celebrates Cosmos-themed “Bring Your Kids to Work” Day

Hyderabad, 25 November 2024 – ADP India, a leading provider of Human Resources Management Software & Services, hosted a special “Bring Your Kids to Work” Day across its Hyderabad and Pune offices in line with its 25th anniversary celebrations. Themed “Outer Space,” the event brought joy and excitement to the families of ADP associates, with over 1,800 children joining the celebration in Hyderabad and Pune. Families explored the world of ADP, celebrated the company’s achievements over the last 25 years, and created cherished memories in a unique and vibrant atmosphere.

The event showcased a variety of engaging activities for the kids, including a delightful magic show, and fun goodies to take home. These activities were designed to inspire curiosity and creativity, making the day unforgettable for children and parents alike.

The event exemplified the essence of the One ADP Family by fostering a sense of togetherness and community. It brought associates and their loved ones under one roof, showcasing ADP’s commitment to creating a workplace that values not just its associates but also the people who matter most to them. Through this celebration, ADP India highlighted its inclusive culture and the belief that success is shared and strengthened when celebrated as one unified family.

On this special occasion, Mr. Sujnan Venkatesh, Divisional Vice President and Head of HR, ADP Pvt. Ltd. said, “Our 25th year in India continues to be filled with a lot of surprises, milestones, and unceasing magic. ‘Bring Your Kids to Work’ Day exemplifies the strength of our ADP Family, and we are thrilled to dedicate an entire day to celebrating this culture with those who make magic happen for us – our associates and their ever-supportive families. Kids are the message that we send to our future, and this year’s outer-space theme symbolizes the boundless potential we see in our future as we continue to innovate and inspire together. We’re not just building a company; we’re building a legacy that thrives on unity, inclusion, and shared success.”

ADP India was established in India back in 1999, and 25 years later, it has only grown into a colossal family of over 12,000 associates and extended family members. The Bring Your Kids to Work day at ADP is a much-awaited event and creates an opportunity for children to understand the workplace of their parents, and to meet their work family and other children through this activity.