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Mumbai, October 14, 2024: The festival is honoured to celebrate Shabana Azmi’s outstanding journey and distinguished body of work with an Excellence in Cinema Award and a special screening of one of her most acclaimed films – Arth.

Shabana Azmi has carved a unique niche through an illustrious career in parallel cinema, garnering accolades on global platforms while emerging as a pioneer in mainstream Indian cinema. A true trailblazer, she is among the first leading ladies to effortlessly balance the worlds of art-house and commercial cinema, showcasing the sheer power of her craft.

Charting an exceptional course, Azmi has portrayed a diverse array of characters, collaborating with some of the finest filmmakers, including Shyam Benegal, Mahesh Bhatt, Satyajit Ray, Goutam Ghose, Mrinal Sen, Basu Chatterjee, Sai Paranjpye, Saeed Akhtar Mirza, Shekhar Kapur, Tapan Sinha, Deepa Mehta, Vishal Bhardwaj, Mira Nair, Vidhu Vinod Chopra, and Karan Johar.

As a founding board member of MAMI, Azmi has played a pivotal role in enriching Mumbai’s cinematic culture, ensuring that exceptional films from around the world are accessible to audiences in Mumbai. Her commitment to fostering a diverse film community underscores her belief in the power of storytelling to transcend boundaries.

Festival Director, Shivendra Singh Dungarpur said, “It is a privilege for MAMI to honour Shabana Azmi, an iconic actor, with the Excellence in Cinema Award this year. Her remarkable versatility and extraordinary body of work over 50 years, beginning with her award-winning debut in ‘Ankur’ in 1974, has enriched the fabric of Indian cinema with some of the most memorable women characters. MAMI had the distinct pleasure of honouring her in 1999 for her remarkable contributions over 25 years, and we are fortunate to continue witnessing her work and celebrate her golden jubilee.”

MAMI will present the Excellence in Cinema Award to Shabana Azmi on October 18. This will be followed by a masterclass on October 19 in conversation with National Award-winning actor Vidya Balan, and will offer insights into Azmi’s journey and experiences over five decades in the industry.

Mumbai, 14th October 2024: Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, a renowned healthcare institution, has been honoured by the India Postal Service with a Special Cover Stamp, commemorating its remarkable journey of over four decades of dedicated service to the community. This distinguished recognition highlights the hospital’s contributions to healthcare in Mumbai and the countless lives touched through its compassionate care.

The event, held on 9th October 2024, featured esteemed dignitaries including Dr. Deepshikha Birla Senior Superintendent of Post Offices (SSP) North, India Post, Adv. Ashish Shelar, MLA Bandra West Assembly, and Dr. (Sr.) Beena, Executive Director of Holy Family Hospital and renowned Cardiologists – Dr. Yash Lokhandwala and Dr. Jaipal J Jadwani. The Special Cover Stamp release symbolizes the hospital’s historic journey, which began as a small 10-bed nursing home, “Silverene,” and has since grown into a 268-bedded multi-specialty healthcare facility.

Speaking at the event, Dr. (Sr.) Beena emphasized the hospital’s mission to deliver affordable and compassionate healthcare to people from all walks of life. “This recognition from the Indian Postal Service honours not just the institution, but the countless families healed and the hope restored within our walls,” she said, emphasizing the hospital’s role in the community during critical times, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.

Dr. Deepshikha Birla lauded the hospital’s commitment to service and its collaboration with India Post, noting that the Special Cover Stamp is a tribute to the hospital’s legacy of healing and innovation.

Advocate Ashish Shelar, in his address, acknowledged the hospital’s crucial role in serving Bandra and the broader Mumbai region, praising its consistent contributions to healthcare and community well-being.

The event concluded with a presentation of mementos to the honoured guests, symbolizing gratitude for their involvement in the hospital’s journey and this commemorative moment.

New Delhi — To honor the exceptional skills of talented chefs, the Indian Culinary Forum (ICF) organized a vibrant culinary competition as part of the 21st Annual Chef Awards in celebration of International Chef’s Day. Over 150 chefs participated in this exhilarating four-day event, showcasing their culinary artistry across 11 distinct categories. The atmosphere was electric as culinary talents from various backgrounds came together to demonstrate their creativity and expertise.

The competitions commenced at the Banarsidas Chandiwala Institute, where the first day featured the categories of Master Chef International Cuisine, Master Chef Butcher, and Master Chef Kebab. Chefs displayed their skills and creativity, impressing judges and peers alike with innovative dishes. On the second day, the focus shifted to Master Chef North Indian Cuisine, Master Chef Indian Sweets, and Master Chef East West South Indian, highlighting the rich diversity of Indian culinary traditions.

The excitement continued on the third day with competitions in Master Chef Oriental Cuisine, Fruit & Vegetable Carving, and the Student Chef of the Year category. These events not only showcased the abilities of established chefs but also provided a platform for aspiring culinary talent. The final day of the competition were held at the Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts (IBCA) in Vikaspuri, New Delhi, featuring Master Chef Baker and Master Chef International Confectionery categories. Participants astounded the judges by crafting and presenting delectable dishes in captivating forms, each creation reflecting their unique culinary perspective.

The competitions were assessed by a distinguished panel of WACS-certified jury members, chaired by the esteemed Chef Nimish Bhatia, with Chef Rajeev Chopra serving as the organizing secretary. Their expertise and guidance ensured a fair evaluation process, celebrating not only the skills of the winners but also the hard work and creativity of all participants.

Chef Davinder Kumar, the President of the Indian Culinary Forum, expressed his pride in the overwhelming participation and exceptional talent displayed during the competitions. “As we celebrate International Chef’s Day, it’s vital to recognize the incredible dedication and passion that chefs bring to the culinary arts. The 21st Annual Chef Awards not only highlight the achievements of our talented chefs but also serve as a reminder of the importance of nurturing and promoting culinary excellence. By showcasing their skills in this competition, we inspire others to pursue their culinary dreams and elevate Indian cuisine on the world stage,” he stated.

The winners of this prestigious culinary contest will be awarded during the Grand Chef Awards 2024 ceremony, which is scheduled for October 17, 2024, at Hotel Ashok, New Delhi. This ceremony promises to be a grand celebration of culinary excellence, bringing together chefs, food enthusiasts, and industry leaders to honor the outstanding achievements within the culinary community.

Chef Vivek Saggar, the General Secretary of the Indian Culinary Forum, added, “The 21st Annual Chef Awards and the accompanying competitions are pivotal in promoting the culinary arts in India. These events highlight the hard work and dedication of chefs who are committed to showing their mettle on the global stage. We are proud to support their journey and encourage young talent to explore a career in the culinary field. Our goal is to foster a strong community of chefs who can collectively enhance the reputation of Indian culinary traditions worldwide.”

New Delhi, October 14: Godrej Interio, one of India’s leading home and office furniture brands and a part of Godrej & Boyce, a company of Godrej Enterprises Group recently launched their festive campaign – Dream Home Fiesta. The campaign film captures the journey of a modern couple as they explore the Godrej Interio store, discovering multifunctional furniture that seamlessly blends style, functionality, and savings to suit the needs of modern Indian families.

Conceptualised and executed by SoCheers, the campaign draws inspiration from the popular social media concepts of “boy math” and “girl math,” presenting a unique twist on financial logic employed by couples. Their journey begins with a sleek, multifunctional sofa featuring a built-in storage space in the armrest. Impressed by the combination of form and function, the couple shares a satisfied look and on-screen the amount saved begins to climb. As they move through the store, they encounter a dining table with concealed storage, further increasing their savings while adding practicality to their potential dream home. The final stop in their journey is a hydraulic bed with self-opening storage, pushing the savings to its peak, signifying the culmination of their smart shopping experience.

The film brilliantly combines the thrill of discovering innovative furniture with the joy of significant savings. As the couple leaves the store, satisfied with their purchases and the money they’ve saved, a playful conversation ensues about whether to use their savings on a staycation – bringing the “Couple Math” concept full circle.

Speaking about the film, Reshu Saraf, Head of Marketing Communications, Godrej Interio said, “Godrej Interio continues to be an integral part of modern Indian families, understanding that homes are reflections of personal style and culture. With our Dream Home Fiesta Campaign for the festive season, Godrej Interio brings you multifunctional, stylish, and durable furniture at even more affordable prices. With exclusive festive offers, you can now invest in furniture for your dream home while saving for other lifestyle enhancements. Our wide range of products, featuring multiple personalization options, material finishes, and fabrics, ensures that every home is unique, functional, and ready for celebration.”

Speaking about the concept and execution, Jitendra Hirawat, Director, SoCheers Films said, “At SoCheers, we are delighted to have partnered with Godrej Interio on this grand campaign. Our ‘Couple Math’ campaign for Godrej Interio was a delightful blend of storytelling and product showcase. By cleverly incorporating ‘boy math’ and ‘girl math’ concepts, we created a relatable and engaging narrative that resonated with the audiences. The film’s journey through the store, highlighting innovative furniture with hidden storage, effectively demonstrated the value proposition of smart shopping. The couple’s satisfaction and playful conversation about a staycation perfectly encapsulated the campaign’s message: ‘Couple Math’ can turn your dream home into a reality!”

The Dream Home Fiesta scheme offers up to 35% off on an extensive range of furniture, along with an exciting opportunity to win free furniture through a scratch card offer. The campaign film will be available in 6 regional languages – Hindi, Bengali, Telugu, Kannada, Tamil, Malayalam. The film will be promoted on YouTube, TV, Cinema and the brand’s social media platforms.

Bengaluru, October 14, 2024: Hero MotoSports Team Rally, the motorsport team of the world’s largest manufacturer of motorcycles and scooters – Hero MotoCorp, today crossed the last finish line of Rallye Du Maroc 2024, and with it, Ross Branch was crowed the new FIM World Rally-Raid Champion. This race was the 5th and final round of the FIM World Rally-Raid Championship (W2RC) 2024.

Finishing strong with the highest Championship points, Hero rider Ross – fondly known as the ‘Kalahari Ferrari’ – has showcased some of his career-best performances, since the beginning of the 2024 season.

In January, he delivered Hero MotoSports their first-ever Dakar podium, by finishing 2nd overall at Dakar 2024 – which was also the first round of the W2RC. A month later, the Botswanan finished 2nd in the Championship at Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge and moved up to the spot in the Championship rankings. He went on to finish 5th overall at both Rally Raid Portugal (April), and Desafio Ruta 40, Argentina (June). This remarkable streak helped Ross maintain the lead position until the end of Round 5 in Morocco this week – eventually rewarding him with the coveted crown.

The rally World Championship for motorbikes dates back to 2003, and since then 10 riders have etched their names into the FIM history books. Ross Branch joins this prestigious list, as the eleventh rider – also becoming the first African rider to win the World Championship.

Making their indelible mark in history, team Hero MotoSports has reached the peak of racing glory in their 8th year of racing. This is the first FIM World title for the team, which also reached very close to winning the Dakar this year. Today’s victory cements the Indian manufacturer’s place in the history of the sport, making it the sixth manufacturer to earn a FIM World title – joining the big league of larger and older teams. Hero also becomes the first team to break the World Championship streak of the KTM group (comprising of KTM, GasGas, & Husqvarna), which they held since 2014.

At the 25th edition of the Rallye Du Maroc, team Hero was represented by three riders: Ross Branch, Nacho Cornejo, and Sebastian Buhler. After a straightforward prologue at Marakkech, the rally took an adventurous turn with unexpected challenges from rains and floods. The washed out terrain became all the more treacherous, resulting in several competitors retiring midway owing to accidents and injury. Hero rider Sebastian Buhler exited in Stage 2 after a crash, leaving Branch and Cornejo to continue the fight. Covering almost 2500 kms across the grand Sahara, the 6-day Rally has culminated at Mengoub-Bouârfa, near the Algerian border.

The week also saw a heart-warming display of true team spirit and brotherhood at the Hero camp. After Ross’ closest competitor in the championship exited the race due to injury, it was understood that he only needed to finish the Rally to win the World Championship. With the entire team aligned towards ensuring a safe finish for the leading star, Nacho Cornejo opted to perform wingman duties for Ross. Ignoring his own race performance, the Chilean stayed by Ross’ side throughout the week – ready to jump in at a moment’s notice, in case Ross were to run into any trouble.

With this iconic victory, Hero MotoSports moves one step forward in its vision of conquering the global stage. Starting as a rookie team in 2016, the galore of accomplishments reached in 2024 underlines the Indian manufacturer’s engineering prowess, persistent hard work, and dedication to the sport. The World Championship victory serves as a powerful motivation for the team, even as they prepare for the 2025 season – which will kick off with the mighty Dakar Rally, next January.

Wolfgang Fischer, Team Manager, Hero MotoSports Team Rally:

“This is our moment of glory – forever etched in the annals of sporting history. Ross, our shining star has brought home our priciest possession – the World Championship. Our journey to this moment started exactly 8 years back – as a small setup with limited resources and big dreams. I’m extremely happy for Ross, and really proud of what our entire team has achieved through consistent hard work and dedication over the years.

Building on our best-ever Dakar performance, we were able to continue a high-performance streak throughout the year – winning the Abu Dhabi Desert Challenge, and finishing 2nd at the Rally Raid Portugal. Rallye Du Maroc was of utmost importance – and the entire team stepped up to face the last challenge. I’m proud of Nacho, who did an exceptional job at helping Ross to cross the finish safe. I also wish Basti a safe recovery.

On behalf of the team I would like to thank our dear Chairman Dr. Pawan Munjal for his strong belief and continued support for us. A big congratulations and thank you to all our partners, supporters, and fans across the globe. Now it’s time to celebrate! We’ll be back soon, see you at the Dakar!”

Mohali Industrial Economic Zone (MIEZ) at Banur Tepla Road Mohali is fast emerging as a Revolutionary Industrial Hub in the Tri-city. The project being developed by Royale Estate Group is witnessing unparalleled growth & appreciation.

The project is going to be equipped with state of the art ultra-modern infrastructure. The Amenities & Facilities include a Convention Centre with centralized Reception Lobby, Conference Hall, Food Court, Fully Equipped Laboratory, Skill Development Centre, Housing for Migrant Labours, Staff Canteens, Transport Hub, Crèche, Shopping complex and so on.

Landmark on-board presence of Gopal Sweets Pvt. Ltd enriches MIEZ with new flavors of industrial affiliations. Gopal Sweets Pvt. Ltd has executed Bhoomi Pujan of their new venture at MIEZ on 11th Oct 24 with all traditional values & rituals, besides a lot of festivity & fervor, most professionally supported by Royale Estate Group.

Bhoomi Pujan event witnessed huge presence & participation of more than 400 Industrialists, Associates, Investors, Channel Partners, Customers and Well-wishers apart from management and staff members of Gopal’s & Royale Estate Group.

Speaking on this auspicious occasion, Mr Neeraj Kansal, Managing Director of Royale Estate Group said that this day of 11th Oct adds a new glorious chapter in the industrial history of this region. He complemented Gopal’s Sweets for their continued journey of success & glory over the past 4 decades through adherence to Quality Benchmarks and consistent hard work & dedication. He further assured everyone present on this occasion of Royale Estate Group’s continued support for every industrialist & investor through a professionally managed Single Window Support system in MIEZ.

Sh Ashish Mittal, Director MIEZ congratulated the management & team of Gopal’s Sweets for achieving yet another milestone with inauguration of biggest manufacturing unit of Sweets, Bakery & Namkeens in the region. He assured all industrialists and investors of full support for setting up industry at MIEZ.

Managing Director of Gopal’s Sweets Sh. Sharanjit Singh said that they are extremely happy to have come on board at MIEZ as this is the ideal location for them to facilitate their Company’s future goals of expansion which envisages opening up around 50 units in the region. He thanked Team Royale Estate Group for their whole-hearted and unconditional support.

Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, October 14, 2024: Shimla’s scenic valleys are set to host the prestigious Sahityotsav Jashn-e-Adab Cultural Kaarva’n Virasat 2024, a celebrated literary and cultural festival. This vibrant two-day event will take place on October 13 and 14, 2024, at the historic Gaiety Theater on Mall Road. Attendees can look forward to an array of cultural activities, including classical music, ghazal performances, panel discussions, Kavi Sammelan, drama, Dastangoi, Mushaira, Qawwali, classical dance, Sufi music, and folk performances.

Founder of Sahityotsav Jashn-e-Adab, Kunwar Ranjit Chauhan, shared his enthusiasm for this year’s festival, stating, “Sahityotsav Jashn-e-Adab Cultural Kaarva’n Virasat 2024 is a celebration of India’s rich artistic and literary heritage. It is a platform that honors the diversity and vibrancy of Indian culture. Our aim is to bring the country’s precious traditions in art, literature, music, and dance closer to people, especially the younger generation. Through this unique festival, we hope to inspire deep respect for our heritage and create a lasting cultural experience in the hearts of Shimla’s residents and visitors alike.”

The festival’s first day, Sunday, October 13, will open with a grand inauguration ceremony, graced by Shri Prabodh Saxena, IAS, Chief Secretary – Government of Himachal Pradesh, and Padma Bhushan Pandit Sajan Mishra. Following the inauguration, attendees will be treated to a soulful performance in the ‘Sur Sadhna’ program, led by Padma Bhushan Pt. Sajan Mishra, Swaransh Mishra, and renowned harmonium virtuoso Pandit Dharmanath Mishra.

This will be followed by a thought-provoking panel discussion will delve into the theme “Marginalized Third Gender Society: Challenges and Changing Landscape”, featuring a conversation between eminent novelist Mahendra Bhishma and Ms. Bharti. This session promises to shed light on the evolving realities faced by the third-gender community. Adding to the day’s cultural richness, Padmashree Dr. Yash Gulati will captivate the audience with a saxophone presentation, bringing a unique blend of classical and contemporary music to the festival. The program ‘Raqs Karte Hui Tasweer Nazar Aayi Hai’ will offer a mesmerizing Kathak performance by Neelakshi Rai, accompanied by narration from Professor Danish Iqbal, beautifully combining dance and storytelling. Later in the day, poetry enthusiasts can look forward to ‘Shabd-Bhav Kavi Sammelan’, hosted by Dr. Om Nishchal. This poetic gathering will feature a distinguished lineup of poets, including Mahendra Ajnabi, Ved Prakash Ved, Aman Akshar, Abhishek Tiwari, and Ramayan Dhar Dwivedi. The first day will conclude with a soulful ‘Shaam-e-Qawwali’, where Nawaz Sabri and his group will enchant the audience with an array of heartfelt Qawwalis, adding a melodic and spiritual essence to the evening’s celebrations.

The second day of the festival will kick off with an insightful panel discussion. Literary scholars Dr. Om Nischal, Dr. Pankaj Lalit, and Dr. Rahman Musawwir will engage in a conversation on the subject, “Himachali Sahitya Aur Hindi Sahitya ke Samagam Ka Himachal Pradesh Par Prabhav”, exploring the impact of the confluence of Himachali and Hindi literature on the region. Next, renowned actor and writer Manu Rishi Chadha will captivate the audience with his powerful storytelling in the session ‘Apni Kahani Ke Apne Kirdaar’, where he will recite a story in his distinctive voice. Following this, an exciting conversation titled ‘Filmi Bastiyaan Shahri Super Star’ will feature actors Jameel Khan, Faisal Malik, and Manu Rishi Chadha in conversation with Kunwar Ranjit Chauhan, discussing the world of cinema and urban stardom. The day will also showcase a performance of the Hindi comedy-drama ‘Gudgudi’, based on the humorous stories of Munshi Premchand. Directed and dramatized by Sanjeev Johri, this play promises to leave the audience in stitches with its witty narrative. To add a unique musical flavor, Pallavi Seth will present an enchanting opera fusion performance, blending the grandeur of opera with Indian music, creating a magical atmosphere. As the festival draws to a close, a grand ‘Sukhan Bahar-Mushaira’ will be organized, bringing together prominent poets like Farhat Ehsas, Madan Mohan Danish, Azm Shaikri, Javed Mushiri, Kunwar Ranjit Chauhan, Dr. Rahman Musawwir, Ameer Imam, Vikas Sharma Raaz, Anas Faizi, Himanshi Babra, Shakir Dehlvi, and Ranjan Nigam. This heartfelt Mushaira will celebrate the beauty of poetry and mark the perfect end to the cultural extravaganza.

The primary objective of Sahityotsav Jashn-e-Adab Cultural Kaarva’n Virasat 2024 is to promote Indian culture and literature while spreading awareness among the younger generation about their profound significance. Through a rich array of cultural and literary activities, this two-day festival will offer a unique and immersive experience to both residents and visitors of Shimla. It serves as an open invitation to all literature and culture enthusiasts across the country to join the festival and become an integral part of this extraordinary celebration of India’s artistic and literary heritage.

The 6th International Conference on Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Leadership (ICEIL 2024) on the theme, ‘Leveraging Emerging Technologies for a Self-Reliant Nation’ held from 9th to 14th October 2024 at Amity University Noida, concluded with the Valedictory Session.

The Conference included 65 Research Papers Presentations, 55 Concurrent Panel Discussions on various themes, 2 Symposiums, 54 Case Study Teams, 121 Eureka Teams: Student Project & Idea Competition, 63 Teams for Lakhya: Business Competition, 50Start up Expo of start ups, 2 Pre-Conference Workshops, 8 Keynote sessions from eminent personalities, 52 Jury members for various in Competitions and 300+ Speakers & Panelists. The Conference had more than 10,000 participants including Academicians, Entrepreneurs, Researchers, Govt. Officials, Venture Capitalists, SMEs, Industry Professionals, Corporate Leaders, Start-Ups, practitioners and students.

Dr. Anshumaan Singh, Chairman, International Business Startup and Entrepreneurs Association (IBSEA), averred, “The students who are planning to venture into launching their own startups must focus on three Cs- clarity, capability and courage. And three Ps- Pasion, Purpose and Profit. Consistency is very important, however, they should not worry about perfection since perfection can never be achieved. Today, India has 1.5 lakh registered startups out of which more than 100 startups are Unicorns. During the Covid pandemic, India has shown to the world how challenges can be turned into opportunities.” He invited 10 students from Amity who want to have their own start-ups and said that his organization will extend its complete support them, right form ideation to funding.” He also urged the students to stay away from 5 Cs – criticize, complain, cry, curse or compare and working hard to achieve their goals.

Addressing the gathering, Prof. (Dr.) Balvinder Shukla, & Vice Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh, stated, “The three-day Conference was highly enriching and insightful with some great inspiring sessions by industry experts. Amity Alumni are also present with us today which is a matter of immense pride since they are highly successful in their respective career and an inspiration for all the Amitians. Amity students must become a role model for others and lead the country on the path of economic and scientific development.

Sharing his success story, Amity Alumni Mr. Gaurav Dua, Global CEO & President, Twimbit, who was conferred with Amity Alumni Innovative Leadership Excellence Award, said, “I am glad to be back at Amity and I am extremely grateful to Amity for nurturing me and helping me to fulfil my dream of becoming an entrepreneur. Empathy, adaptability, innovative mindset are the attributes for becoming a successful entrepreneur. Also, a leader should not only lead but also help their team to become leaders.”

Dr. Gurinder Singh, Group Vice Chancellor, Amity Universities said that the establishment of Amity as one of the largest and best institutions not only in India but globally is a true story of exemplary entrepreneurship and vision of Dr. Ashok K. Chauhan, Founder President, Amity Education Group. “An entrepreneur should not worry about the loss and should pursue his dream relentlessly.”, he added further.

In his Special Address, Dr. Atul Chauhan, Chancellor, Amity University Uttar Pradesh congratulated all the participants on the huge success of the conference and stated that Amity is proud of its Alumni who have achieved been highly successful, in their respective field and are an inspiration to hundreds of Amity students. In his special address, Dr. Aseem Chauhan, Chancellor Amity University Haryana, appreciated the conference and emphasized on organizing more such conferences with a focus on entrepreneurship, so that the youth is motivated to make India a self-reliant country.

During the Valedictory Session, Amity Entrepreneurial/Leadership Excellence Awards- 2024 were conferred upon Mr. Vikrant Rana, Managing Partner, SS Rana & Co. , Mr. Vineet Vij, Group General Counsel, Tech Mahindra , Mr. Gaurav Dua, Global CEO & President, Twimbit, Mr. Nishant Mishra, Co-Founder, The Higher Pitch Pvt. Ltd. – Mr Nishant Garg, Managing Director, Maiden Forgings Ltd. and Mr. Bhupendra Varshney, CEO, Varshney Infotech Pvt. Ltd. (VIPL).

A Start-up Expo Souvenir, Scopus Indexed Books 2024 by AUUP Faculty & Researchers and Eureka Souvenir were released during the Valedictory Session. Also present on the occasion were Dr. Sanjeev Bansal, Additional Pro Vice Chancellor Amity University, Dr. Nitasha Hasteer, Dy. Director-Academics, ASET, Prof. (Dr.) B.K. Murthy, Dean (Translational Research and Entrepreneurship Development), Science, Engineering and Technology, AUUP. The Valedictory Session concluded with a Prize Distribution Ceremony wherein winners of various competitions- Eureka, Lakshya, Case Study Competition and Start-up Expo, were awarded.

Twenty-nine trainees from the Home Stay Training Program at Indira Gandhi Government College (IGGC) in Tezu, Arunachal Pradesh supported by IIFL Foundation, the National Cadet Corp (NCC) under the Ministry of Defence and REACHA have successfully secured placements with Sterling Holiday Resorts Limited in Mussoorie, Manali, Kufri, and Ooty.

Recently a reunion and counseling interaction was organized for trainees from Year 1, covering 1st to 4th batches of the program. The event witnessed active participation from the students, along with some of their parents who joined virtually. This gathering allowed trainees to share their experiences and discuss how the program has shaped their journey.

Secured placements mark a significant achievement for the program and its participants, helping them start careers in India’s booming hospitality sector. IIFL Foundation extends its gratitude to Mr. Vikram Lalvani and the entire Sterling Holiday Resorts team for their invaluable support in facilitating these opportunities.

In addition, the Tourism & Hospitality Skill Council (THSC) conducted the final assessments for the program’s last batches in September 2024, ensuring that the trainees are ready to take on professional roles in the hospitality industry.

Reflecting on this success, Mrs. Madhu Jain, Director, IIFL Foundation, said, “Seeing 29 of our trainees already placed in reputed hospitality roles across the country is truly heartening. This isn’t just a number—each one of these young individuals represents a story of perseverance and growth. To see them stepping confidently into roles at Sterling Resorts is a proud moment for all of us. We are thankful for the support from the Indian Army, NCC, government authorities, REACHA, and Sterling Resorts, who have made this possible.”

The Home Stay Training Program was inaugurated in September 2023 in presence of General Officer Commanding 2 Mountain Division Lt. General M.S Bains, Mrs. Madhu Jain, Director of IIFL Foundation, Brigadier Dr. P.M Bali, Dr. Kangki Megu, Principal, IGGC Tezu, Local District Administration, and Mr. Nikhil Pant, CEO, REACHA. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Chowna Mein, MP Shri Tapir Gao and others conveyed their wishes through video messages. This program was a transformative opportunity for the youth of Arunachal Pradesh. These individuals are advancing in their professional paths as well as emerging into role models for their peers, inspiring others to pursue similar opportunities and broaden their horizons.

This initiative aligns with the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (MDoNER)’s objectives of empowering and uplifting the youth of Northeast India. The success of the Home Stay Training Program demonstrates the importance of equipping young people with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in today’s dynamic job market. This program has emerged as a vital initiative to equip young people from the Northeast with essential skills and employment opportunities in the hospitality sector.

The concepts of sustainability and green buildings have become integral components in the real estate sector. Today, as individuals become more conscious about their contribution to the environment, real estate developers stand at the forefront of this shift, crafting projects using eco-friendly practices. Developers follow a range of practices designed to reduce environmental impact, conserve resources, and enhance the quality of life for occupants. Through these initiatives, developers not only align with the efforts to combat the global climate challenge but also generate tangible benefits for investors and communities.

A joint report by Resurgent India and NAREDCO reveals the green buildings market in India is anticipated to rise significantly, contributing USD 39 billion (Rs. 3.2 lakh crore) by 2025. This trend highlights the growing emphasis on sustainable construction, with green buildings becoming a larger share of new developments.

As environmental consciousness becomes vital in the sector, SKA Group, with its unwavering commitment towards sustainable development, integrates eco-friendly practices in every aspect of its projects. SKA Group is dedicated to crafting quality projects, each underscoring their environmental stewardship and social responsibility. Since its inception in 2012, the group has curated distinguished residential communities in Noida-Greater Noida, intending to redefine excellence in NCR’s real estate sector. With sustainability as the core philosophy, the group’s projects boast numerous features, driving the green building revolution.

SKA Green Arch, one of its residential projects in Sector 16B, Greater Noida West, aims to promote green homes and offer a quality lifestyle to its residents. As an IGBC Gold Pre-certified project, resource reduction, recycling, and reuse principles display the Greenarch building concept. With 8,241 sqm of green area developed, the project promotes well-being and biodiversity. Other delivered projects like SKA Metroville and SKA Divya Towers acquire vast green spaces of 7,676 sqm and 5,803 sqm, respectively, recognizing their importance for the environment and residents’ well-being. Furthermore, upcoming projects like SKA Orion and SKA Destiny One will add 13,675 sqm of green space, creating a greener environment.

Water conservation is another priority for SKA Group. Over the last two years, the group has implemented advanced sewage treatment plants (STPs) and recycled and treated 454.22 million litres of water. This initiative has had a major impact on reducing freshwater consumption across its projects, ensuring water resources are used more efficiently and responsibly.

In terms of energy conservation, the group has made significant strides in reducing the energy footprint at SKA Greenarch, SKA Metroville, and SKA Divya Towers. By utilizing energy-efficient lighting, renewable energy sources, and high-efficiency equipment like motors and pumps, the group has achieved annual energy savings of 132.15 megawatt hours. These initiatives have been instrumental in achieving these energy savings, reflecting the group’s focus on incorporating sustainable energy solutions.

Besides water, energy, and green area developments, the group’s commitment to environmental sustainability extends to oxygen generation through tree plantation. Over the past two years, the group has generated 4,515 cubic meters of oxygen through tree-planting initiatives across its projects. These efforts not only improve air quality but also contribute to a greener, healthier living environment for residents.

Thus, SKA Group’s dedication towards sustainability is evident in its projects’ design and execution. By focusing on recycling, green spaces, water and energy conservation, and environmental regeneration, SKA Group is paving the way for a more sustainable future in real estate development. Their approach ensures that development is not only about creating luxury living spaces but also about building communities that thrive in harmony with the environment.