Archives December 2024

10th December 2024 – Ohmium International (“Ohmium”), a leading green hydrogen company that designs, manufactures, and deploys advanced Proton Exchange Membrane (PEM) electrolyzers, and Spirare Energy, a provider of on-site energy generation systems, are pleased to announce the successful production of green hydrogen at a green microgrid pilot project for NTPC, India’s largest power utility at their Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA) campus.

The green microgrid sustainably powers the NTPC NETRA campus in New Delhi and is designed to provide continuous power. A solar array provides green power to the microgrid and the Ohmium PEM electrolyzer system. The Ohmium system produces green hydrogen, which is stored on-site. When electricity is needed, the stored hydrogen is converted back into power using fuel cells. The dynamic Ohmium PEM electrolyzers help ensure efficient utilization of solar energy for green hydrogen production, while their advanced power electronics, equipped with grid ancillary services capabilities, further enhance the stability of the microgrid.

Suhas Bhasin, CEO of Spirare Energy, said: “Spirare Energy collaborated with Ohmium and NTPC on this project. Together, we are committed to advancing Indian energy independence and local community development by increasing the availability of reliable power using renewable energy. Green microgrids that harness local renewable resources are a powerful tool, especially for projects like this and for rural communities.”

Reliable electric power is essential for regional development but delivering that power across much of the world remains a significant challenge. Green microgrids, which tap into local renewable energy resources, offer a promising solution. These localized energy networks can operate independently or in tandem with the power grid, providing the reliability needed for sustainable development and growth.

“The Ohmium PEM electrolyzers are an excellent match for this project because of their efficiency and seamless integration with solar energy,” explained Suhas Bhasin, CEO of Spirare Energy. “Their technology can dynamically ramp up or down quickly to maximize renewable energy, and their rugged outdoor cabinets can withstand New Delhi’s heat. Additionally, green hydrogen is well-suited for longer duration storage.”

Arne Ballantine, CEO of Ohmium, said: “This project shows the visionary leadership of NTPC and the innovative on-site energy generation capabilities of Spirare. Microgrids can make a significant contribution to India’s energy independence and sustainability goals. By combining our cutting-edge PEM technology and renewable energy resources, we enable reliable power production, overcoming typical intermittency challenges with the grid and renewable energy resources alone. We’re excited to collaborate with Spirare Energy and NTPC on this project and look forward to many more in the future”.

The campus microgrid is one of eight NTPC projects dedicated by Indian Prime Minister Modi in March 2024 to demonstrate the nation’s commitment to decarbonization and sustainable development. It is part of NTPC’s broader plan to install 60 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032.

In July 2024, Ohmium launched its Gigafactory in Bangalore, and in August, it was selected for Tranche II of MNRE’s SIGHT Incentive Program, underscoring the company’s dedication to advancing green hydrogen technology in India.

10th December – Manipal University Jaipur organized the 3rd Convocation for its online students on 7th December 2024. The convocation was held for 4,015 students who successfully completed postgraduate programs including MBA (Master of Business Administration), MCA (Master of Computer Applications), MCom (Master of Commerce), and MA JMC (Master of Arts in Journalism & Mass Communication) and undergraduate programs including BBA (Bachelor of Business Administration), and BCA (Bachelor of Computer Applications), through a 100% online mode. The in-person convocation ceremony was held in Jaipur, at the Manipal University Jaipur (MUJ) campus.

As per UGC guidelines, “The online degree is recognized as equivalent to the conventional degrees offered on campuses and students can apply for all job opportunities and higher education as per their eligibility.” Manipal University Jaipur launched its first batch of online degree programs in April 2021, and MBA (Master of Business Administration) and MCA (Master of Computer Applications) students who commenced their study in the first batch graduated in December 2023.

The Convocation was inaugurated by Dr N N Sharma, President, Manipal University Jaipur. The event was presided over by other top dignitaries including Dr Mallikarjuna Gadapa – Director, Centre for Distance and Online Education (CDOE), Dr Nitu Bhatnagar – Registrar, Manipal University Jaipur, and Dr Karunakar A Kotegar – Pro-President, Manipal University Jaipur. The Chief Guest was Mr Anil Vohra – Managing Director, Accenture.

Dr N N Sharma – President, Manipal University Jaipur, addressed the batch of online graduates and said, “At MUJ, we prioritize our students’ overall development by providing access to affordable, online education. As of today, 78,000 students have taken admission for our online programs, of which over 6,000 students are from different countries. In addition to our existing offerings in Management, Commerce, Computer Applications, and Mass Communication, we are excited to launch more forward-looking certification programs. I take this moment to congratulate all our online graduates and wish them all the success in their professional endeavors. I am honored to say that we will continue to be a part of your future journeys.”

Congratulating the online graduates, the Chief Guest, Mr Anil Vohra – Managing Director, Accenture, said, “My hearty congratulations to all passing online graduates of Manipal University Jaipur. Today is a day of reflection, as it marks the end of an era, and the beginning of something new. On this occasion, I would like to say that whether you are studying, working, researching, or running a business, excellence should be the word people should use to describe you. I would say, don’t just excel in your work, excel in your lives as well.”

The online graduates comprised of fresh graduates and working professionals from diverse industries and job roles. The graduates were delighted to visit the picturesque Manipal University Jaipur campus and were excited to receive their degree certificates and meet their peers & faculty in person.

Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram proudly announces the Center of Excellence for Orthopedics; enhances the department’s capabilities, and reaffirms its commitment to providing world-class bone and joint care. The hospital has emerged as the preferred healthcare provider for orthopedics with cutting-edge technology, a multidisciplinary team of experts, and patient-centric protocols, the department sets new benchmarks for comprehensive orthopedic care. Led by a team of distinguished orthopedic surgeons, physiotherapists, and nursing staff, the department specializes in a wide spectrum of services across all joint and spine spectra addressing the day-to-day challenges people face to the highest levels of robotic surgeries. The department is led by Dr Hemant Sharma, Chairman & HOD, Orthopedics, Joint Replacement, and Sports Injury & Trauma, with Dr Himanshu Champaneri, Clinical Director, Neurosurgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram.

The hospital specializes in Advanced Joint Replacement Surgeries using minimally invasive techniques for faster recovery; Sports Medicine in offering specialized care for athletes to ensure quick recovery and peak performance; Pediatric Orthopedics focused on addressing developmental disorders and injuries in children; Trauma and Fracture Management with a 24/7 emergency response team equipped for complex cases; Spine and Back Care with tailored treatments for spinal injuries and disorders, ensuring mobility and quality of life. The department integrates advanced imaging technology, robotic-assisted surgeries, and a dedicated physiotherapy and rehabilitation center to ensure seamless recovery for patients. Special emphasis is placed on preventive care through community outreach programs, health camps, and awareness drives.

Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram is the first hospital in Gurugram to offer advanced treatment through robotic intervention to patients requiring surgical interventions in Orthopedics. In a groundbreaking advancement in orthopedic medicine, robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery is offeringprecision, customizability, and improved outcomes, andemerging as a game-changer for hip replacement procedures.

The robotic-assisted hip replacement surgery utilizes cutting-edge technology that includes advanced imaging and 3D modeling to create personalized surgical plans for each patient. This level of precision ensures that the new hip implant is positioned with unprecedented accuracy to minimize any possible complications, while also extending the life of the implant.

Dr Hemant Sharma, Chairman & HOD, Orthopedics, Joint Replacement, and Sports Injury & Trauma, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram says, “Our approach is rooted in personalized care, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. From joint replacements to sports injuries, we are committed to delivering outcomes that transform lives. TheOrthopedics department addresses a wide range of medical concerns, with a key advantage being the integration of robotic technology in surgical procedures. Robotic-assisted surgery enhances precision and personalization, particularly in hip and knee replacements. By leveraging advanced imaging and robotics, we create a surgical plan customized to each patient’s unique anatomy for optimal alignment and precise implant placement, to accelerate recovery times. Patients are offered the option of robotic surgery for a faster restoration of their active lifestyle. We believe in ‘Patient First’ and continue to extend the best treatment solutions and latest techniques to our patients.”

Dr Himanshu Champaneri, Clinical Director -Neurosurgery, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram says, “In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the number of people coming with spinal diseases and disorders. Our Center of Excellence for Spine Diseases and Disorders is a beacon of advanced care, where cutting-edge technology meets compassionate, patient-centered treatment. We are committed to addressing a wide spectrum of spine-related conditions — from complex spinal deformities to degenerative diseases — by leveraging the latest surgical innovations, minimally invasive techniques, and advanced imaging. Our strength lies in our multidisciplinary collaboration, bringing together neurosurgeons, orthopedic surgeons, pain specialists, and rehabilitation experts to craft personalized care plans that ensure optimal outcomes. We do not just focus on treating the disorder; we prioritize restoring mobility, reducing pain, and enhancing each patient’s overall quality of life. By continuously pushing the boundaries of spinal care and research, we empower our patients with solutions that inspire hope and deliver results.”

Dr Saurabh Lall, Vice President & Facility Director, Marengo Asia Hospitals Gurugram says, “As a leader in orthopedic care, Marengo Asia Hospitals continues to collaborate with global medical experts to adopt the latest techniques and practices. This initiative aligns with the hospital’s mission to make advanced healthcare accessible and affordable. Our Orthopedics Department has rapidly setbenchmarks in advanced bone and joint care. With state-of-the-art technology, a highly skilled team, and a patient-first approach, we are committed to delivering exceptional outcomes. Our focus on innovation and personalized treatment ensures that every patient receives care that enhances their mobility, reduces pain, and improves their quality of life.”

With rising life expectancy, increasingly sedentary lifestyles, and a surge in obesity, India is experiencing a corresponding increase in orthopedic problems. Despite the highly debilitating nature of joint pain, many people continue to live with it and do not seek timely medical assistance. India records a significant number of orthopedic surgeries every year successfully performed for patients across all age groups, from young teenagers suffering from juvenile arthritis to elderly patients with degenerative disease. With appropriate modifications and management of quality of life, the surgeries have recorded 90 – 95 percent success. The only factors that can hamper long-lasting success are excess physical activity and obesity

10 December 2024: Bharat Forge Limited is pleased to inform about the successful fund raise of Rs 1,650 Crores with the closure of its qualified Institutional Placement (QIP) on 9th December,2024. The issue witnessed significant interest across Domestic & Foreign Qualified Institutional investors resulting in more than 10X demand of the issue size.

More than 90% allocation was made to marquee Domestic & Foreign Long Only funds and Insurance Companies. The issue of the QIP was done at Rs 1,320 per share while the floor price as per SEBI ICDR was Rs 1,323.54 per share. The QIP proceeds will be utilized for debt repayment and funding of earlier announced inorganic growth initiatives.

Mr. Amit Kalyani, Vice Chairman & Jt. Managing Director, commented “ We are thankful to the existing and new investors for the overwhelming response to the capital raise and for reaffirming their trust in the management in the transformational journey we are undertaking. We are committed to deliver enhanced growth creating value for all the stakeholders “.

Kotak Mahindra Capital Company Limited and Morgan Stanley India Company Private Limited acted as the Book Running Lead Managers (BRLM) for the issue. Khaitan & Co acted as the legal counsel to Bharat Forge while Shardul Amarchand Mangaldas & Co. and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer acted as legal counsel to the BRLM’s.

10th December 2024 — Mahindra University (MU), a pioneering multidisciplinary institution in India, has signed a landmark framework agreement with Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech India to establish the Interdisciplinary Institute for Transformative Technologies (I2T2). This initiative will bring a world-class research center to Mahindra University Hyderabad campus, fostering innovation, interdisciplinary collaboration, and cutting-edge research.

The partnership underscores the strong relationship between Virginia Tech, a globally renowned university, and Virginia Tech India, its regional hub for advancing academic, research, and outreach initiatives in India. This synergy aims to harness global expertise, adapt transformative technologies, and empower students and researchers to tackle critical global challenges.

The  TecMU-Virginiah Research Center will serve as a dynamic platform for interdisciplinary exploration, converging emerging technologies such as nanotechnology, biotechnology, AI, quantum computing, and frontier materials. The Center will focus on creating tangible solutions to pressing global issues such as climate change, social inequity, and sustainable development, while also advancing fundamental science.

Dr. Yajulu Medury, Vice Chancellor, Mahindra University, expressed his enthusiasm for the collaboration, “This partnership with Virginia Tech reflects our commitment to fostering interdisciplinary research and preparing the next generation of ethical and innovative leaders. The Center will empower students and faculty to create transformative solutions, positioning Mahindra University as a global hub for cutting-edge research and societal impact.”

Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech India bring their expertise, infrastructure, and global networks to this collaboration. Dr. Guru Ghosh, Vice President, Outreach and International Affairs, Virginia Tech, highlighted the significance of the partnership, “This collaboration epitomizes the spirit of global academic partnerships. By leveraging the strengths of Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech India, and Mahindra University, we are creating an environment that fosters innovation, cultural exchange, and impactful research that transcends borders.”

The partnership will also explore joint and dual-degree master’s programs and cultural exchanges, further solidifying ties between the institutions. An MU Chair Professorship will be established to support the Center’s growth and ensure its long-term success.

Professor Roop Mahajan, Lewis Hester Chair, Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Tech, emphasized the importance of interdisciplinary research, “Transformative research is about addressing society’s most urgent challenges with innovative, meaningful solutions. This partnership equips future leaders with the skills and vision needed to create a positive impact on humanity.”

The MU-Virginia Tech Research Center marks a significant step toward creating a global model for interdisciplinary research and education. By uniting the resources and expertise of Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech India, and Mahindra University, the partnership aims to inspire groundbreaking innovations and empower the next generation of change-makers.

German materials manufacturer Covestro and Polish Selena Group, a global distributor of construction materials, continue their collaboration as sustainability pioneers in the construction industry. With Tytan Professional® Adhesive for Bricklaying, the partners introduce an innovative new product that significantly decreases the environmental impact compared to traditional cement mortars and reduces the carbon footprint by up to 90%.

For the highly competitive construction sector, the product sold by Selena offers clear advantages: It can be used with various types of blocks (ceramic, silicate, ACC) with high accuracy and allows for a higher yield compared to traditional cement mortars. The product also improves construction efficiency by curing twice as fast as traditional cement mortars. Additionally, it can be used in a wide range of operating temperatures from -5 degrees Celsius to +30 degrees Celsius, which helps reduce temperature-induced work stoppages.

“Materials play a decisive role for an ever more climate neutral and circular economy”, said Bernd Hennig, Head of Trading Cluster MDI EMEA at Covestro. “If materials providers early in the value chain join forces for climate neutrality, the impact on end products will be significant. In this spirit, we are therefore very happy to deepen our collaboration with our like-minded partner Selena to help the construction sector bring down emissions and meet its climate neutrality targets in Europe and worldwide.”

Buildings are responsible for over one third of greenhouse gas emissions in the EU alone. As about 75% of the buildings in Europe do not meet energy efficiency requirements, the building sector faces a wave of renovations over the coming years. In fact, the EU has just recently updated the Energy Performance of Buildings Directive (EPBD). It states that by 2050, all buildings in the EU should be net-zero emission buildings.

More sustainable adhesive instead of cement
“With existing and upcoming climate neutrality regulations for the construction sector, we expect a steeply rising demand for sustainable building materials”, said Miroslaw Truchan, Senior Category Development Manager, Selena Group. “With a great partner like Covestro, we jointly drive innovation in the construction materials industry. We both believe that innovative products can play a vital role in achieving climate neutrality targets and put us ahead of the curve.”

The Tytan Professional Adhesive for Bricklaying uses Desmodur CQ MB of Covestro, a bio-based MDI (methylene diphenyl diisocyanate), of which the plant-based feedstock is mathematically attributed to the final product via the mass balance approach certified by the ISCC Plus standard.

Tytan Professional Adhesive for Bricklaying is the third product launched from the collaboration between Selena and Covestro. The partnership was deepened in 2023, aimed at collaborating to craft a more sustainable range of polyurethane (PU) foams for enhancing thermal insulation of buildings. Bio-attributed methylene diphenyl diisocyanate (MDI) of the Desmodur® CQ MB-series of Covestro is already being used in an enhanced version of Selena’s Ultra Fast 70 one-component foam, primarily applied in the installation of windows and doors. Also, this product is ISSC Plus certified to include plant-based feedstocks through mass balancing and allows for an up to 45% reduced carbon footprint compared to fossil-based products.

10th Dec, 2024 – Kerala-based Semiconductor startup Netrasemi has raised Rs 10 crore in a Pre Series A round from Unicorn India Ventures to build Edge AI for IoT products. Funds raised will be used for fabrication of two ML SoC chips (Netra A2000 and Netra R1000)

Founded in 2020 by Jyothis Indirabhai, Sreejith Varma and Deepa Geetha, Netrasemi is an Indian Edge AI semiconductor technology company building system-on-chips (SOC) to enable the new-age need for optimal computing for smart IoT products. With a strong 61 member team, the company is bringing a family of AI/ML capable SOCs and reference designs for solving 100+ AI/ML use cases making Edge AI product development efficient, simple and economical. These chips go into motherboards that make these products capable of doing advanced AI-based analytics without the need for sending the data to servers and the cloud hence, making them smart, cheap, responsive and independent. The company is bringing a family of AI/ML capable SOCs and reference designs for solving 100+ AI/ML use cases making Edge AI product development efficient, simple and economical.

In the last 12 months, the company has been receiving encouraging responses from large OEMS across various countries operating in medical, telecom and industrial segments and has started generating strong revenue growth & profits of ~UDS.0.75 M from chip design and porting service for strategy partners, which will grow further in FY25 to 150% with IP revenue, and will grow exponentially starting FY27 once volume production of chips starts.

Commenting on the investment, Anil Joshi, Managing Partner, Unicorn India Ventures, says “There are attractive opportunities in the Edge AI software market and there is absolutely no denying that the AI industry has the potential to transform various sectors. The funding accelerates Netrasemi’s mission to deploy the solutions on a better scale. We believe Netrasemi will continue to sustain its momentum with its most powerful AI chip for edge devices and strengthen its position in this space. The company has witnessed remarkable progress in the last 12 months and has designed new solutions. Hence, we believe the market opportunity is huge and the company has built the right momentum to capitalise on this segment.”

Netrasemi has designed 3 SoC (System on Chip) family- Netra-R1000, Netra-A2000 and Netra-A4000. All three chips are high-performance ML-capable chips built on an efficient Netrasemi DSA (Domain Specific Architecture) and feature companies’ patented graph-stream hardware acceleration architecture. The chips are designed based on various end-customer application requirements and are very power-efficient as well as optimally priced, to be useful for the edge market. Netrasemi chips can enable solution players to develop advanced ML and vision application use cases faster and with ease.

Jyothis Indirabhai, Co-founder Netrasemi, says, “Netrasemi family of chips will be the first AI/ML SoCs from India for intelligent edge devices, with a full array of digital IPs inhouse developed. We not only own the chip but also own what goes inside. We are excited to be backed by Unicorn India Ventures and believe this funding will play a crucial step for us to fuel our continued expansion and success.”

The key target segments of Netra SOCs are surveillance, smart sensors, smart infrastructure, machine vision & industry 4.0, robotics, drones, and autonomous vehicles. As the demand for security cameras are surging due to privacy concerns and smart city initiatives, Netrasemi aims to target the market that includes different types of video surveillance among end-user verticals such as government, industrial, BFSI, transportation, and others

December 10: The Ashok, New Delhi, ushered in the festive spirit with a delightful luncheon at its renowned restaurant, The Oudh. Guests were treated to a carefully crafted menu and enchanting décor, creating an atmosphere filled with warmth and charm.

Set against the backdrop of sprawling lawns, the outdoor seating provided a perfect setting for a crisp winter afternoon. The open-air ambiance beautifully complemented the festive theme, making it an unforgettable experience for all attendees.

The curated menu featured a delightful array of festive offerings, starting with a classic Cheese and Meat Board boasting gourmet cheeses like Gouda and Parmesan, charcuterie selections such as galantine and pâté, and accompaniments like fig jam and truffle honey. The Roast Turkey with Cranberry Sauce and exotic vegetables was a savoury highlight, while the Vegan Festive Board offered gluten-free breads, hummus, pickled veggies, and roasted nuts. Desserts included Plum Pudding with warm sabayon, Yule Log, Gingerbread Cheesecake, and Christmas Stollen, alongside sweet boards with gingerbread cookies, macarons, and truffles. The indulgent Chocolate Lovers’ Board featured pralines, chocolate-dipped fruits, and cocoa-dusted almonds, complemented by specialty treats like hot chocolate bombs and hazelnut pastry trees, making it a truly festive feast.

The venue radiated festive charm, on a sunny patio and lush green lawns with elegant holiday accents, and table settings that inspired guests to elevate their own Christmas celebrations. From creative menu pairings to exquisite décor ideas, the luncheon offered attendees valuable inspiration for hosting memorable gatherings at the hotel or their homes.

Chef’s artistry and attention to detail shone through every dish, creating a feast that catered to a diverse range of tastes. The event highlighted the culinary excellence of The Ashok as it showcased its commitment to creating unforgettable moments for its guests.

The Ashok continues its tradition of exceptional festive hospitality, making it the go-to destination for creating cherished holiday memories. Whether planning a cozy family meal or an elaborate celebration, The Ashok offers bespoke solutions tailored to every need, ensuring that this Christmas is truly unforgettable.

December 10, 2024 – Two Indian films, Mikka Bannada Hakki(Bird of a Different Feather-Kannada) directed by Manohara K and Kottukkaali (The Adamant Girl-Tamil) directed by Vinothraj PS won Spotlight Award and Nativa Award, respectively at the Alternativa Film Project. The list of winners were announced at a ceremony held at the Gelanggang Inovasi dan Kreativitas UGM in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, and hosted by actor and United Nations SDG Mover for Gender Equality Hannah Al Rashid. While Spotlight Award is conferred on films which highlight often overlooked social issues, Native Awards recognises works that delve into national or cultural identity, showcasing stories that put regions and communities on the global map.

The Alternativa Film Project is a global and nomadic non-profit film initiative founded by inDrive and dedicated to supporting emerging filmmakers from less developed screen industries, Additionally, the Alternativa Film Project has unveiled Latin America will be its new focus region starting from 2025, with the third Alternativa Film Ceremony and Awards then being held in 2026.

The Alternativa Film Awards recognise films with artistic excellence that also address important social and cultural topics, and which have an ambition to positively affect the lives of people and local communities and to challenge injustice in line with the mission of inDrive. This year is the second edition of the awards, which last year took place in Kazakhstan, but the first year they are happening as the final moment in a festival screening event hosted by the organisation. The Alternativa Film Festival featured public screenings and discussions for the shortlisted films. In parallel, a three-day Industry Days programme ran aimed at fostering connections between filmmakers, producers, and social impact leaders from South East Asia, Central Asia and the global stage.

Rather than the traditional prizes, the Alternativa Film Awards bestow awards for talents and titles exemplifying cultural, societal and industry impact. Together, these awards amplify voices and stories that matter, driving meaningful conversations through cinema.

From the 25 films selected, including 13 feature-length films and 12 shorts, from 14 Asian countries and across 20 different languages, winners were chosen by an independent, international jury of socially responsible filmmakers and experts in social impact. The jurors were: Anand Gandhi (India), Steffi Niederzoll (Germany), Carol Misorelli (Brazil), Asmara Abigail (Indonesia), Katerina Suvorova (Kazakhstan), Kamila Andini (Indonesia), and Amir Masoud Soheili (Iran). The total prize fund was $100,000, with $20,000 each awarded in the four full-length categories, and USD.10,000 each for the two winners in the Shorts Award category.

The winners for the Alternativa Film Awards’ second edition are as follows:

Spotlight Award – Highlights films that bring overlooked social issues to public attention, illuminating stories that might otherwise remain untold.

WINNER: BIRD OF A DIFFERENT FEATHER / MIKKA BANNADA HAKKI
Director: Manohara K
India, 2024
Genre: Drama, Comedy
Languages: Kannada
Key Cast: Jayashree, Rekha Kudligi, Manisha

Jury Citation – “This film portrays its young protagonist—not as a victim, but as a witty, perceptive, quietly defiant individual navigating her world’s contradictions. It captivates us by exploring how people confront struggle with humor and self-awareness. Without judging those around her—even those unwittingly causing her frustrations—it reveals great talent hidden in unexpected places. Talent that can enrich us all if nurtured. For its layered humanity and poetic irony, we present the Spotlight Award to BIRD OF A DIFFERENT FEATHER, directed by Manohara K.”
Statement given by the Jury

Future Voice Award – Honors emerging filmmakers whose first or second feature demonstrates a profound potential to drive change within both the film industry and society at large.

WINNER: CU LI NEVER CRIES / CU LI KHÔNG BAO GIỜ KHÓC
Director: Pham Ngoc Lan
Vietnam, 2024
Genre: Drama
Languages: Vietnamese
Key Cast: Minh Chau, Ha Phuong, Xuan An, Hoang Ha

Alter Award – Celebrates films that inspire social transformation by addressing critical issues such as human rights, migration, and environmental challenges.

WINNER: GRAND ME
Director: Atiye Zare Arandi
Iran, 2024
Genre: Documentary
Languages: Persian

Nativa Award – Recognizes works that delve into national or cultural identity, showcasing stories that put regions and communities on the global map

WINNER: THE ADAMANT GIRL / KOTTUKKAALI
Director: Vinothraj PS
India, 2024
Genre: Drama
Languages: Tamil
Key Cast: Soori Muthuchamy, Anna Ben

Jury Citation – “Here is a film that compels us to confront the contradictions of culture and community, where power often hides beneath the guise of tradition. It asks: In sustaining cultural identities, what ideas are worth inheriting, what rituals must be discarded, and who decides? Through a young woman’s silent defiance, a single line of dialogue, and the untied hair of her imagined freedom, this story challenges systemic inequities masked as native culture. For its unflinching exploration of the tension between equity and tradition, we proudly present the Nativa Award to THE ADAMANT GIRL directed by P. S. Vinothraj.”

Statement given by: Anand Gandhi

Shorts Award – Supports bold filmmakers from the focus region, rewarding two impactful short films with a clear vision for change

WINNER: WASHHH
Director: Mickey Lai
Malaysia, 2024
Genre: Drama
Languages: Malay, English, Chinese
Key Cast: Farah Ahmad, Esha Anum, Kaana Selvam, Li Xuan Siow

WINNER: A CLEANING SERVICE / LAU LẠI ĐẦU TỪ
Director: Nguyen Duy Anh
Vietnam, 2024
Genre: Documentary
Languages: Vietnamese

Jury Citation – “For its poetic storytelling and innovative approach to exploring labor, gender, and societal norms, this film captivates with its striking visuals and layered soundscapes. It challenges perceptions while celebrating resilience and profoundly reflects contemporary realities. For its masterful use of hybrid documentary techniques to shed light on complex issues, the Shorts Award goes to A CLEANING SERVICE by Duy Anh

Beyond these six prizes, the Resonance Award was given to Thai feature How to Make Millions Before Grandma Dies (2024, dir. Pat Boonnitipat), a heartwarming film delving into the complexity of family relationships, sacrifices and the pursuit of happiness. This award celebrates outstanding success with the audience, and while it is not part of the open call and does not carry a monetary award, the winner in this category will receive a training or mentorship programmed tailored to their individual needs.

Arsen Tomsky the CEO and Founder of inDrive, which founded the Alternativa Film Project, addressed the audience via video during the ceremony and said: “It’s a great honour to have Awards and festival this year in Yogykarta – and we are thrilled to have welcomed over 3,000 audience members to watch these powerful films, and broaden the impact they have in this real celebration of art. We have a team of almost 200 people, largely local, who have gone above and beyond to make this wonderful initiative possible. We’d also like to thank Mas Garin, our distinguished host for this evening – and also a partner of ours through GIK.”

Liza Surganova, Head of Alternativa Film Project, said: “We are proud to celebrate each of the winners of the 2024 Alternativa Film Awards, whose remarkable works embody the transformative power of cinema. These films not only push the boundaries of artistic expression but also shine a light on pressing social issues, sparking conversations that can inspire meaningful change. We believe in the potential of storytelling to unite communities and address systemic challenges, and the Alternativa Film Project is our way of championing the incredible talent that drives these narratives forward. We aimed to give greater international visibility to filmmakers whose work has potential to bring social change, and I am thrilled to see that vision taking shape. Through this initiative, we hope to empower filmmakers to continue creating art that resonates, uplifts, and impacts society for the better – and looking ahead to the future, we are excited to spread this focus to Latin America for our third edition.”

The Alternativa Film Project represents the latest in a series of company efforts to confront systemic injustices and create opportunities for underserved communities. By bringing attention to often-overlooked film industries, Alternativa seeks to elevate a new generation of artistic voices and share their stories on a global stage. The Alternativa Film Project was first launched in 2023 by inDrive, a global technology company known for its peer-to-peer rideshare pricing model.

10 December 2024: From 28th November to 1st December 2024, spiritual teacher and transformation coach, Shreans Daga hosted a transformative retreat, ‘A Quantum Leap: Raise Your Consciousness Quotient,’ at the serene Pyramid Valley International in Bengaluru. The retreat brought together around 200 participants, offering them an opportunity to pause, reflect, and reconnect with their true selves amidst the tranquil energy vortex of this iconic destination.

Guided by Shreans Daga, Chairman of Pyramid Valley International, participants delved deep into the realms of consciousness and self-discovery. Drawing from his vast knowledge in spirituality, quantum physics, and neuroscience, and inspired by teachings from renowned spiritual masters across the globe, Shreans curated a retreat that seamlessly blended scientific insights with ancient wisdom.

A Journey of Transformation
Each day unfolded with thoughtfully crafted activities designed to inspire reflection and foster growth. Mornings began with profound talks and a powerful transcendental breathwork ceremony, followed by interactive Q&A sessions and empowering meditation practices. Evenings were filled with soulful experiences, such as a mesmerizing Kabir Night, where participants immersed themselves in timeless verses, and an enchanting Sufi Whirling Workshop that left many in a meditative trance. Activities like Sunset Meditation and the Fire Ceremony deepened participants’ connection with themselves and the collective energy of the group.

“This retreat was a collective journey of transformation,” said Shreans Daga. “It brought together people from all walks of life to explore their inner potential and connect with the deeper dimensions of their minds. By the end of these four days, participants left with expanded perspectives, profound insights, and a sense of renewal that will guide their spiritual journeys ahead.”

In addition to providing enriching experiences for adults, the retreat also extended its nurturing ambiance to families, offering children mindfulness activities such as creative art workshops, nature trails, and storytelling sessions, ensuring an enriching experience for all age groups.

The 4-day retreat left attendees deeply inspired, with practical tools, profound insights, and cherished memories to carry forward on their spiritual journey. As Pyramid Valley International and Shreans Daga continue to host such soul-stirring events, they remain a beacon of hope for seekers yearning for inner peace, growth, and connection.