Archives November 2024

Chennai, India – November 07, 2024: Orion Innovation (“Orion”), a leading digital transformation and product development services firm, is dedicated to uplifting local communities in India through its OI Empower program. This impactful CSR initiative harnesses the power of technology education to empower underprivileged youth. Orion is excited to announce the launch of a smart computer lab in Kochi, directly benefiting students at the Government Higher Secondary School and Vocational Higher Secondary School (GHSS & VHSS) in Kalamassery.

OI Empower, Orion’s flagship CSR initiative, is committed to broadening access to quality education and advanced technology for underserved communities, fostering meaningful growth and development. Through a range of impactful projects, OI Empower strives to improve learning environments and equip students with the crucial skills needed to thrive in the digital age. In addition to launching a new computer lab, Orion employees and their families will volunteer at the school, providing expert coaching in key tech areas where our engineers excel, ensuring that students receive tailored guidance and support for success in the digital world.

During the Inauguration, Pradeep Menon, EVP, Digital Transformation Services Delivery, at Orion Innovation expressed his deep satisfaction and strong commitment to leading this initiative. He stated, “We are excited to mark this important milestone with the launch of a state-of-the-art computer lab for local students. The unwavering dedication and enthusiasm of our employees, along with their families who volunteered to teach STEM subjects on weekends, fills us with tremendous pride.

Through access to cutting-edge technology and resources, our goal is to enrich their education and equip students with essential skills for the future. This initiative is designed to prepare them for success in an increasingly digital world.”

The new smart computer lab, funded by Orion Innovation, includes 15 desktop computers and a smartboard to facilitate virtual interactions and immersive learning experiences. This modern setup represents a significant upgrade from the school’s previous arrangement of outdated and non-functional computers, ensuring students have access to a seamless learning environment.

At the launch, Narendra Kumar, Director – India, and Head of Higher Education, APAC at Orion Innovation stated, “The new Computer Lab, is a testament to our commitment to advancing education in the community. This cutting-edge facility will provide students with access to technology and specialized training programs, enhancing digital literacy and making a lasting impact on the education of children in underserved areas.” This cutting-edge facility will empower students with essential technology and specialized training programs, significantly boosting digital literacy and leaving a profound impact on the lives of children in underserved areas. We are dedicated to breaking down barriers to education, and by providing these vital resources, we aim to inspire and equip the next generation to reach their fullest potential and thrive in an increasingly digital world.”

A similar impactful project will be launched at the Government Higher Secondary School in Pulamanthole, Malappuram, on the following day, November 8th. This will be Orion’s fourth project under the OI Empower initiative.

New Delhi, November 8, 2024: The 29th European Union Film Festival (EUFF) kicked off in New Delhi, with the screening of the opening film Palme d’Or-nominated film “La Chimera” to a packed audience. The Italian film “La Chimera”, took the audience through an adventurous journey between the living and the dead, forests and cities, celebrations and solitudes as the intertwined destinies of characters unfolded, all in search of their Chimera. This year’s festival features 26 award-winning films in 31 languages, screening across three venues in New Delhi: India Habitat Centre, Instituto Cervantes, and Goethe Institute.

The Film Festival was opened by the Ambassador of the European Union to India Hervé Delphin along with the Italian actress Yile Yara Vianello, the Director of the Italian Cultural Institute Andrea Anastasio, the Lithuanian director Tomas Vengris, and the cinephiles who wait for the entire year to watch the best of European cinema at the festival.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Hervé Delphin, Ambassador of the European Union to India stated, “Europe and India are bound by a shared passion for cinema and storytelling, and the European Union Film Festival is a vibrant celebration of this unity. Over the years, the festival has become a key event in the Indian cultural calendar. Entering its 29th edition, the festival is a unique melting pot for cinephiles and culture enthusiasts, providing a platform to create shared experiences. This year’s curation shines a light on themes that resonate deeply with our contemporary lives, where intricate human relationships take centerstage, shedding a light on the power of sisterhood, journeys of self-discovery, and the exploration of modern-day challenges. Spanning a variety of genres, this rich cinematic experience will travel beyond Delhi to Kolkata and Hyderabad this year, offering a vibrant tapestry of European cinema to the Indian audiences. Feel free to walk into any screening and embark on a luminous cultural journey of entertainment and reflection with a European touch.”

While introducing the opening film, Italian actress Yile Yara Vianello from the film La Chimera said, “So happy to be here in India with La Chimera as the opening movie at the EUFF! This film has had an incredible journey so far, consistently receiving a phenomenal response from audiences worldwide. It’s exciting to be representing the film in India, a country that celebrates cinema. I’m energised by the enthusiasm here and want to thank everyone on behalf of the cast and crew for their warm welcome. We’re excited to share our film with you!”

The opening ceremony was also attended by the Lithuanian Director, Tomas Vengris, who is travelling to the festival with his film “Five And A Half Love Stories In An Apartment In Vilnius, Lithuania, said, “This is my first time in India, and it couldn’t be more special. I’m here to represent my film, and I’m eagerly anticipating the screening and seeing how Indian audiences react to it. It’s truly a privilege to premiere our film in a country so passionate about cinema and its stars. I’m looking forward to the next few days of engaging with fellow creators at the festival and connecting with the audience.”

EUFF, which runs till 16th November, brings an eclectic mix of films that explore diverse themes from complex human relationships to gender identity to sisterhood, self-discovery, and more, offering audiences a Window to Europe through stories that have universal appeal. Organised by the European Union, in collaboration with EU Members States and regional partners, this festival is a testament to the strong diplomatic ties between the European Union and India, promoting cross-cultural understanding, artistic expression, and community building through the universal language of storytelling.

The biggest European film festival in India features films from Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Ukraine. This thoughtfully curated selection of films includes some of the most talked-about European movies that have earned recognition at prestigious international film festivals. Highlights include La Chimera, Baan, Jim’s Story, Afire, What a Feeling, Animal, An Irish Goodbye, Restore Point, The Man Without Guilt, The Teacher Who Promised The Sea, and many more.

Showcasing the crème de la crème of contemporary European cinema, the festival also marks the India premiere of several European films, including, What A Feeling, Because I Love Bad Weather, Stairway To Heaven, Death is a Problem for the Living, Jim’s Story, Without Air, Black Velvet, The Last Ashes, Blood on the Crown, Baan, Horia and The Man Without Guilt.

Bangalore, October 30, 2024 – A 72-year-old Parkinson’s patient has become the first in India to receive a revolutionary brain-sensing device, the Percept RC. This procedure marks a leap forward in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease, offering hope to countless individuals battling this debilitating condition.

The patient, who had been enduring persistent symptoms despite multiple medications, underwent Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) surgery.  Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) is a surgical treatment that can improve the quality of life for people with movement disorders like Parkinson’s disease, essential tremor, dystonia, Tourette syndrome, epilepsy, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Deep Brain stimulation surgery is similar to pacemaker of the heart. This procedure involves implanting thin wires or electrodes in specific brain regions. These electrodes deliver electrical pulses that help regulate abnormal brain activity, reducing symptoms such as tremors, stiffness, slowness and involuntary movements. A tiny device called a neurostimulator is also implanted under the skin, usually in the chest area.

When medications and other treatments give suboptimal improvement of symptoms, DBS offers a glimmer of hope. A recent advancement in this field is Brain sense technology. This advanced technology continuously monitors the patient’s brain activity, specifically focusing on beta oscillations which are associated with Parkinson’s symptoms. By analysing these patterns, we can fine tune the stimulation settings, optimize treatment and minimize side effects.

Dr Ravi Gopal Varma, Director -Global Centre for excellence, Lead  consultant Neurosurgeon Aster hospitals, commented that  we are the first in India to implant the entire circuit- PERCEPT-RC with Directional leads. The entire procedure took four hours and the patient has responded well to the surgery”.

Commenting on the procedure, Dr Nirmala S, Consultant – Neurosurgery, Aster CMI Hospital said, “This device provides a personalized approach to deep brain stimulation therapy, adapting to the patient’s changing needs. By continuously monitoring brain activity, we can fine-tune the stimulation, leading to improved outcomes and a better quality of life for the patient”.

Dr Hema Krishna P, Consultant- Neurology and Movement disorders, Aster CMI Hospital said, “The limitation we were experiencing with PERCEPT-PC (Brain sense technology with Non rechargeable pulse generator), is the battery life. Now, with the rechargeable version, PERCEPT-RC, with a life of 15 years, we no longer have to worry about life of the pulse generator. At the same time, under the guidance of Brain sense technology, we can tailor our programming strategies for the patient’s needs with both clinical and physiological correlation”.

DBS is a highly specialized procedure that requires a team of skilled Neurosurgeons and Movement disorder specialists. “With the help of skilled doctors and high-end technologies available at the hospital, we successfully performed the surgery.  We are glad to offer this advanced procedure for our patients said Mr. SGS Lakshmanan, COO, of Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore.

Aster CMI Hospital continues to be a pioneer in offering advanced medical treatments and remains dedicated to providing exceptional care to its patients.

Mumbai, 8 November 2024: World-renowned poet Arvind Krishna Mehrotra, one of India’s most inspirational literary figures, will be the Godrej Poet Laureate of the landmark 15th edition of Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest.

Poet, translator, anthologist, essayist professor, Arvind Krishna Mehrotra is an internationally acclaimed litterateur. He studied at the university of Allahabad where he subsequently taught. He is the author of four influential poetic tomes: Nine Enclosures, Distance in Statute Miles, Middle Earth and The Transfiguring Places. His most recent publication which encompasses three sections: The Book of Rahim and Other Poems, Ghalib, A Diary, and Book of Lahore is deeply evocative.

Mehrotra’s poetic mastery is reflected in his spare, understated verse and with the immaculate placement of each word, which allows readers to find their own layers of interpretation and depth. He has also edited some definitive compilations including A History of Indian Literature in English, The Oxford India Anthology of Twelve Modern Indian Poets and The Last Bungalow: Writings on Allahabad.

Impressively fluent in several languages, one of Mehrotra’s many immense contributions to the literary firmament are his translations of more than 200 literary works from Prakrit, Hindi, Gujarati and Bengali into English, the best-known being Songs of Kabir, and The Absent Traveller: Prākrit Love Poetry, which have established his primacy and scholarly eminence in the world of languages and letters. He is also a fine essayist and has written books on literature, literary history and translation.

Accepting the Poet Laureateship for Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest 2024, Arvind Krishna Mehrotra said: “I am delighted, and more surprised than delighted, at being Poet Laureate at Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest. I look forward to being at the Festival”.

Co-Director of the Festival, Quasar Thakore Padamsee said, “Arvind Krishna Mehrotra is one of India’s best recognised poets, both nationally and internationally. We are beyond honoured that a poet of Mr. Mehrotra’s stature and eminence has accepted the Poet Laureateship of Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest, and more so for our landmark 15th edition at which his presence, contribution and words will greatly enhance our rich continuum of literary engagement”.

Nadir Godrej, Chairperson, Godrej Industries Group, said: “It will be a privilege to have Arvind Krishna Mehrotra as Poet Laureate at Literature Live! The Mumbai Litfest 2024. An internationally renowned poet and one of India’s literary treasures, his quietly influential work offers insight and depth, enriching not only our generation but those to come.”

6 November, 2024, Bengaluru: Drishti 2024, the two-day flagship event organized by the Post Graduate Programme in Enterprise Management (PGPEM) cohort of IIM Bangalore, will be held on 9 and 10 November at IIMB. Commemorating 25 years of the programme, the annual business and cultural summit will bring together students, executives, key stakeholders, leaders and visionaries from a variety of industries for deliberations on emerging areas of business growth, execution and endurance. The theme for this year’s edition is, ‘Insights to Impact: Shaping Business Strategies for Tomorrow’.

The theme of this year’s annual summit encourages B-school students to bridge theory and practice by applying academic concepts to real-world business scenarios. With the mission to enhance the relevance and impact of their MBA experience, the premier summit will also offer valuable insights and practical knowledge, making it a compelling opportunity for students and executives looking to drive strategic outcomes.

The event will feature a diverse lineup of workshops, case competitions, speaker sessions, and panel discussions. Key highlights include skill development workshops such as “Take a Seat – Marketing and Strategy”, “Gen AI Workshop”, “Mastering Data Storytelling with BI”, “Crack your MBA job”, and more.

The ‘Winds of Change’ talk show will feature distinguished speakers– IAS Officer and Paralympic medalist Suhas Lalinakere Yathiraj, and Indian Navy veteran Aishwarya Boddapati, current Vice President and Control Management Manager at Wells Fargo. Their narratives will explore their personal career journeys; navigating diverse professional landscapes and building impactful careers that transcend conventional boundaries.

The key note address will be delivered by Pankaj Rai, Group Chief Data and Analytics Officer, Aditya Birla Group.

The summit will also feature an insightful HR panel discussion with industry leaders including Mandira Roy Choudhury, CHRO, Wipro Infrastructure Engineering, and Rohith Hariharan, Employer Branding Expert, Ather Energy. The ‘Insights to Impact’ panel will showcase thought leaders such as Sudip Paul, MD, Accenture India, and Vineet Shukla, CTO, Mahindra Teqo, who will share their perspectives on shaping tomorrow’s business strategies.

The event will conclude with a grand Pro Night performance by renowned singer Papon and his band, known for their soulful renditions across Bollywood and folk music genre.

Bangalore, 8th November 2024: The Asia Pacific office market is predicted to grow in 2025, with new Colliers’ data showing demand across top markets surging 10.7% year-on-year (y-o-y) in the third quarter of 2024.

Colliers’ Asia Pacific Office Market Insights Q3 2024 report found Asia Pacific Grade A office demand surged 10.7% in Q3 2024 (y-o-y) to 2.2 million sqm (23.7 million sq ft) as major markets across the region strengthened, signaling a potentially strong 2025.

The demand momentum was particularly strong in countries such as India, New Zealand, and Singapore, with annual growth in office leasing in these markets exceeding 30%.

At 1.61 million sqm (17.3 million sq ft), India particularly continued to lead APAC office leasing activity. Over 70% of the office demand in Q3 2024 came from India, distantly followed by China at 17%. Within India, more than half of the Grade A space uptake came from Bengaluru and Hyderabad. With over 1.34 million sqm (14.4 million sq ft) of new completions in Q3 2024, overall new supply in India too followed the demand trajectory, thus keeping vacancy levels rangebound at around 17%.

“Driven by robust demand and strong occupier interest in premium spaces, average rentals in major office markets across India are in the growth phase, having risen by up to 10% annually in Q3 2024. After seeing significant recovery gains, the Indian office market is set to enter an expansionary phase, wherein rents are expected to firm up further. Although the rental growth will vary across Indian cities, the overall rental property cycle aligns with select markets such as Australia, Japan, and New Zealand. Additionally, competitive rentals and robust demand from diverse occupier segments will continue to strengthen the positioning of India office market in the APAC region.” said Arpit Mehrotra, Managing Director, Office services, Colliers India.

“With positive economic growth outlook in most APAC countries, office markets across the region are expected to remain resilient, with increased emphasis on ‘flight to quality’ and ESG-aligned workspaces. This trend is particularly evident in India, where space uptake in premium office spaces is supported by occupiers’ appetite for best-in-class facilities and green certifications. In response, developers are actively upgrading and incorporating sustainable elements into newer developments. Moreover, with continued traction in leasing activity, India can potentially witness 5-6 million sqm (54-64 million sq ft) of Grade A space uptake in 2024, reinforcing its position as a key player in APAC’s commercial real estate landscape.” said Vimal Nadar, Senior Director & Head of Research, Colliers India.

Mike Davis, Colliers’ Managing Director of Occupier Services in APAC, said “The APAC office market is poised for continued growth as we look to 2025 and beyond, driven by an evolving understanding of what makes a workspace truly valuable. Office occupiers’ focus on prioritizing both productivity and sustainability, alongside their commitment to adaptability and innovation, will drive the market forward.”

On the Asia Pacific supply side, significant project completions in major markets can result in significant supply growth in the next few quarters. Going forward, overall rentals are likely to remain rangebound, as demand-supply dynamics balance out each other, despite uncertainties in certain markets.

New Delhi | 8 November 2024:

As urbanization accelerates globally, the need for innovative urban development and construction strategies has never been more urgent, with 80% of the world’s population projected to live in cities by 2080, particularly in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. From 26 to 29 November, Big 5 Global, along with co-located events LiveableCitiesX, GeoWorld and Future FM, will host five strategic summits, uniting 1,500 leaders from government and the private sector to shape the future of urban communities.

“As cities in the Global South face challenges like overcrowding and resource optimization, the Global North faces the complexities of aging populations and infrastructure, all which require immediate action. This calls for governments, national vision initiatives and the construction sector to work together and build liveable cities of tomorrow,” said Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President, dmg events. “Big 5 Global, together with LiveableCitiesX, has established itself as the epicentre of thought leadership, uniting visionaries, innovators and policymakers to shape the future of urban development and set the agenda for sustainable growth and resilient infrastructure.”

Regional leaders align with national visions

The urban construction and infrastructure sector across MEASA is booming, with $6.75 trillion in projects underway. National visions like UAE Vision 2031 and Saudi Vision 2030 are key drivers, pushing forward urban development and economic diversification. Aligning with these goals, Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit and LiveableCitiesX Summit will bring together global leaders from both government and private sectors to lead strategic discussions on innovation, sustainability and the future of urban development.

“The United Arab Emirates stands at the forefront of sustainable global leadership across all sectors, one of them being construction,” said His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei, UAE Minister of Energy & Infrastructure. “Our commitment extends beyond dialogue to tangible actions, exemplified by our commitment to adopting global innovative solutions to improve the quality of life of the society. At this year’s Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, I look forward to addressing the significance of public and private sector collaboration in building a future-ready and greener industry as well as promoting collective partnerships, technology and advanced sciences.”

UAE-based speakers headlining the summits include H.E. Maysarah Eid, Acting Director General, Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre; H.E Dr. Saif Al Nasri, Undersecretary, Department of Municipalities and Transport, Abu Dhabi; Gurjit Singh, Chief Development Officer, Aldar Properties and Saeed Mohammed Al Qatami, CEO, Deyaar Developments.

Bringing expertise from Saudi Arabia, high-profile speakers from Red Sea Global, ROSHN, Osool Real Estate, Quality of Life Program Centre, General Authority for Survey and Geospatial Information will also join the summits.

International speakers shape global conversations

For the first time in the MEASA region, some of the globally renowned speakers will participate in the summits, bringing perspectives and real-life city use cases that align with global urban development and construction trends.

His Excellency Robert Beugré Mambé, Prime Minister of Côte d’Ivoire, the largest economy in the West African Economic and Monetary Union, will be one such speaker delivering a keynote address at LiveableCitiesX Summit. Commenting on his participation, His Excellency said: “The future of our nations lies in building cities that are resilient and liveable, which demands a visionary approach that combines sustainable urban planning with robust infrastructure and deep-rooted community engagement. I am honoured to participate in the LiveableCitiesX Summit, where we will share insights and shape the blueprint for a sustainable and thriving urban future for generations to come.”

In the lead-up to Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, Fred Mills, Founder and Managing Director of The B1M, emphasized the transformative role of construction in shaping the future of cities. He said: “From pioneering energy projects to transformative urban regeneration and vital infrastructure developments, construction is at the heart of progress. In my keynote address at Big 5 Global Leaders’ Summit, I will share some of the most inspiring examples of how construction is changing the world today and explore what we can do as an industry to enhance our impact, innovate and build our future projects.”

Guided by Saudi Vision 2030, Riyadh continues its journey to becoming one of the most liveable and vibrant cities in the world. The LiveableCitiesX Summit aligns with the municipality’s mission of creating sustainable, resilient cities that enhance quality of life.

“At Riyadh Municipality it is our aim to create vibrant, sustainable and resilient urban spaces, enhancing the quality of life for all residents and enabling the Saudi Vision 2030 agenda. LiveableCitiesX Summit aligns with our mission, as we place well-being, sustainability and livability at the heart of our city’s development,” said Eng. Hussain Saud AlSudairy, Deputy Mayor at Riyadh Municipality.

Eng. Mohammed Alwabely, Vice Deputy Mayor for Iconic Projects at Riyadh Region Municipality, said: “By leveraging innovative urban design, sustainable practices and community-cantered spaces, we at Riyadh Municipality aim to create an environment that aligns with Saudi Vision 2030, driving both economic growth and enhancing quality of life for all residents.”

Lord Udny-Lister, UK Co-Chair, UAE-UK Business Council, who also served as the Chief Strategic Advisor to the former Prime Minister of the UK, Boris Johnson will speak the summit. G Hari Babu, President, National Real Estate Development Council (NAREDCO) will join a panel of industry leaders discussing the best practices in making cities more inclusive, accessible and equitable.

Among renowned international speakers joining the summits are Sandro Alex Cruz de Oliveira, Secretary of Infrastructure Paraná – Brazil, Infrastructure Secretariat of the State of Paraná; Lufuno Ratsiku, President, South African Council for the Project and Construction Management Professions (SACPCMP); and Prof. Carlos Moreno, Founder of the 15-minute City Concept and Scientific Director of the research lab “Entrepreneurship Territory Innovation”, IAE Paris-Sorbonne, Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne.

Commenting on his participation, Prof. Moreno said: “In the pursuit of sustainable and vibrant urban living, the proximity city concept has never been more relevant. This model is about creating cities that prioritize well-being, reduce carbon emissions and build a strong sense of community. I am passionate about sharing this vision and collaborating with leaders at the LiveableCitiesX Summit to transform our cities into a place for everyone regardless of socio-economic background.”

November, 2024: Co-created by Katrina Kaif and Nykaa, Kay Beauty has always been at the forefront of bringing you the latest in beauty trends and best-in-class formulations. With the wedding season in full swing, the brand presents ‘Kay Beauty for Day Weddings’ —your go-to guide for bridal and bridesmaid glam. Whether you’re the glowing bride or part of her dazzling squad, this campaign is all about soft, radiant beauty that feels as good as it looks. 

Brides and their squads rely on makeup artists for those special moments, and Kay Beauty makes it easy for professionals to create looks that feel glamorous yet effortless and comfortable on the skin. From the bride’s glow to the bridesmaid’s playful touches, Kay Beauty has every moment covered while offering its signature collection of makeup infused with skin loving ingredients.

This campaign, led by the renowned makeup artist Samaira Sandhu, is your ticket to bridal perfection! Unveiling three stunning looks, it’s all about capturing the essence of radiant beauty and effortless glam. Imagine stepping into your wedding day with luminous skin, soft nude lips, and a touch of enchanting elegance—everything you need to be the star of the celebration!

Each look is meticulously crafted using a selection of Kay Beauty products, ensuring you achieve that dreamy, flawless finish. Whether you’re the glowing bride or part of her dazzling squad, you’ll be picture-perfect for every moment, turning heads and stealing hearts along the way!

Truly-Madly-Dewy: The Bridesmaid Glow

This look is all about that fresh, dewy radiance that makes you feel like the best version of yourself. A subtle flush on the cheeks, created with our Multi-Use Blush in Soften, gives you that healthy glow, while Hydra Creme in Panache keeps your lips soft and elegantly nude, tying everything together. Kay Beauty Hydrating Foundation brings a touch of luminosity, enhancing your skin’s natural radiance for that effortless, glow-from-within look. Finish with a touch of Brown Kajal to softly define the eyes—perfect for a bridesmaid who wants to shine without stealing the spotlight.

For the bride who dreams of a soft yet sophisticated look, the Sunkissed Bride is your go-to. Delicate shimmers highlight your eyes, making them sparkle without overpowering the rest of your face. Start with the Kay Beauty Hydrating Foundation for luminous skin, then add a hint of Multi-Use Blush in Awaken for a soft flush. The look glows with Liquid Highlighter in Champagne, giving that ethereal bridal radiance. Finally, a swipe of Liquid Lipstick in Embrace completes this enchanting look. Created by Samaira Sandhu, this look embraces soft glam with glowing skin and muted tones, perfect for the bride wanting elegance and polish.

Forever Pastel: The Bridesmaid Statement

For the bridesmaid who loves to play with color, Forever Pastel is the way to go. Dreamy pastels from the 12-in-1 Eyeshadow Palette in Sunkissed add a whimsical, romantic touch, while Kay Beauty Hydrating Foundation keeps the skin radiant. A hint of Liquid Lipstick in Embrace offers a modern twist with a muted finish, and Black Liquid Eyeliner adds a subtle edge for a fresh, polished vibe.

Kolkata, 8th November 2024: Dr. Sudhir Chandra Sur Institute of Technology and Sports Complex (SurTech), a JIS Group Educational Initiative and Idea-O-Meter successfully hosted the Academia & Industrial Summit 2024 at the SurTech Campus at Dumdum, Kolkata. Organised by the Departments of Mechanical Engineering and Automobile Engineering of SurTech, the summit brought together prominent leaders from academia and industry. Esteemed dignitaries including Dr. Monojit Dutta, Chief of Research Group, Product Development, TATA Steel; Prof. P.P. Chattopadhyay, Director of NIAMT, Former Dean, IIEST, Shibpur; Prof. Manojit Ghosh, IIEST-Shibpur, Visiting Prof. at the University of Michigan; Associate Prof. Dr. Snehanshu Pal, IIEST-Shibpur, Postdoctoral Fellow at Pennsylvania State University, USA; Mr. Samir Nandi, Director, Next Innovations Overseas Education Consultancy; Mr. Snobin George, Canterbury Christ Church University, Business Development Manager; Mr. Nitya Nagaich, GEDU, Global Education Head, South Asia; Ms. Shilpi Mishra, Head, Mercy University, North America; and Prof. (Dr.) Saradindu Panda, Principal, SurTech, JIS Group were present on the occasion. This event provided attendees with valuable perspectives on technological advancements, research trends, and industry-academia collaborations.

The summit was marked by engaging discussions and insightful presentations. Representatives from global institutions such as Kaplan International, Canterbury Christ Church University, Ravensbourne University London, University of Notre Dame, and Mercy University shared insights into education and research opportunities worldwide. With partnerships from the Indian Institute of Metals (IIM) and Next Innovations (Overseas Education Consultancy), the event offered students and professionals an inspiring platform for direct interactions with industry leaders and experts, facilitating a deeper understanding of innovation and research across borders.

Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, said, “The Academia & Industrial Summit 2024 stands as a significant step in strengthening the bonds between academia and industry. By connecting students directly with experts and leaders, we are empowering them with the insights and skills needed to navigate and thrive in their careers ahead.”

Bangalore, November 08, 2024: Ms. Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare, was bestowed with the prestigious “Pravasi Bhushan” Award by the Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Dr. C.V Ananda Bose. The award was presented on November 08, 2024 at Aster Medcity in Kochi. The esteemed award highlights her impactful leadership and enduring commitment to advancing healthcare, both in India and internationally, enhancing accessibility and quality of care for millions. Alongside the notable recognition, Aster Medcity also launched the groundbreaking CAR-T Cell Therapy Programme, for blood cancer treatment. The inauguration, led by Honourable Governor Dr. C.V Ananda Bose, was attended by MP Hibi Eden, Ms. Alisha Moopen, Mr. Anoop Moopen (Non-Executive Director, Aster DM Healthcare), Mr. S. Ramesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Aster DM Healthcare India, senior leadership and doctors from Aster.

The distinguished award recognizes Ms. Moopen’s exceptional contributions to the healthcare sector. Since joining the company in 2013, Alisha has played a key role in shaping its strategic direction and growth, while leading the group’s expansion into new markets. Today, Aster DM Healthcare is one of the largest healthcare service providers operating in India and provides the complete circle of care through its primary, secondary, tertiary and quaternary care services. Today, Aster DM Healthcare through its world-class healthcare services serves millions across geographies and provides direct employment to over 17,000+ people which includes approximately 1,828 doctors and 6,330 nurses.

Ms. Moopen completed her chartered accountancy from the ICAS (Institute of Chartered Accountants of Scotland) and was working as a Chartered Accountant at Ernst & Young before joining Aster. She is also a distinguished alumna of University of Michigan, Ann Arbor with a distinction in Finance & Accounting. She also holds a degree in Global Leadership & Public Policy Change from Harvard University. Over the years, Ms. Moopen has won several prestigious awards and accolades on the global stage. She has been responsible for managing the strategic direction and development of the company, alongside spearheading the expansion of the group into new markets.

Ms. Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare, said, “I am deeply honored to receive the Pravasi Bhushan Award from His Excellency, Dr. Ananda Bose, Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal. This recognition not only reflects our team’s unwavering commitment to patient care and fostering innovation but also honors the vision and relentless hard work of our Chairman, Dr. Azad Moopen, who built Aster from a single clinic into a global healthcare conglomerate in a span of just three decades. His journey inspires us every day to strive for excellence and make quality healthcare accessible to all. I am grateful for this acknowledgment and remain committed to carrying forward this legacy.”

Further talking on the launch of the cutting-edge treatment, Ms. Moopen added, “CAR T-cell therapy is a major breakthrough in the treatment of leukemia and B cell lymphoma, particularly for patients who have relapsed or are unresponsive to conventional treatments. Due to the complexity, high costs, and specialized infrastructure required, CAR T-cell therapy is often limited to a few centers. With the launch of this programme, Aster Medcity aims to provide world-class, accessible, and cutting-edge cancer treatment options, thus significantly easing the financial and logistical burdens on patients.”

Aster DM Healthcare is transforming the cancer treatment landscape with the Aster International Institute of Oncology, supported by the recently launched IOeRT treatment at Aster Whitefield, Bangalore and the CAR-T cell therapy at Aster Medcity, Kochi. These initiatives reinforce Aster DM Healthcare’s commitment to providing quality & accessible healthcare to the people of India, through the use of technology enabling better health outcomes for population management through precision medicine, connected care and AI.

Photo caption: Hon’ble Governor of West Bengal, Dr. C.V Ananda Bose presenting “Pravasi Bhushan” Award to Ms. Alisha Moopen, Deputy Managing Director, Aster DM Healthcare. Anoop Moopen -Non-Executive Director, Aster DM Healthcare, Hibi Eden, MP-Ernakulam, S. Ramesh Kumar, Chief Operating Officer, Aster DM Healthcare India nearby (from left to right)