All posts by Neel Achary

Dec 15:- Satyam School of Journalism & Mass Communication is set to host its flagship Annual Media Fest, IGNITE 2K25, on 19th December 2025, reaffirming its commitment to holistic media education and experiential learning. The institute has partnered with Media Maniacs Group as the official PR Partner to amplify student voices and extend the fest’s outreach to a wider academic and professional audience.

Themed “Virasat Uday: The Rise of Our Heritage,” IGNITE 2K25 is envisioned as a dynamic platform that blends India’s rich cultural legacy with contemporary media practices. The fest aims to provide students with hands-on exposure to real-world media environments while nurturing creativity, collaboration, and leadership key competencies for future media professionals.

The event is poised to bring together young media aspirants from across the region, offering a space where talent meets opportunity. IGNITE 2K25 will feature a diverse selection of engaging competitions, including RJ Hunt, Walk Off (Fashion Show), Click-O-Mania (Photography), Foot Loose (Group Dance), Step Up (Solo Dance), Halla Bol (Nukkad Natak), Saptak (Solo Singing), and Flickit (Mobile Filmmaking). With cash prizes for winners, participation certificates for all, and support from esteemed sponsors such as Uneek World, Revlon, Media Maniacs, and Supercharged, the fest promises a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and communication.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. M. Alam, Dean, SSJMC, stated;

“IGNITE 2K25 reflects SSJMC’s vision of integrating education with creativity and cultural awareness. Through this fest, our students gain invaluable experiential learning that prepares them for the evolving media industry. The theme ‘Virasat Uday’ allows young minds to explore heritage through modern communication tools. Such academic-cultural platforms build confidence, professional discipline, and creative expression, which are essential for students pursuing careers in journalism and mass communication.”

Reflecting on the collaboration, Surabhi Trivedi, Founder & CEO, Media Maniacs Group, stated, “We are honored to serve as the PR Partner for IGNITE 2K25. Supporting young media professionals aligns perfectly with our ethos of nurturing voices that will shape the future of communication.” She further shared, “This partnership is a celebration of creativity, cultural identity, and youth leadership, and we are thrilled to amplify the energy and vision of SSJMC’s students.”

IGNITE 2K25 stands ready to become a highlight in the academic media calendar, celebrating heritage with a contemporary lens. The partnership between Media Maniacs Group and SSJMC underscores a shared commitment to inspiring, elevating, and empowering the next generation of media innovators.

Bengaluru, Dec 15: Some restaurants open quietly. PHURR doesn’t. It glides in—light, confident, and beautifully loud, exactly the way Indiranagar likes it.

After becoming a constant “houseful” phenomenon in Jayanagar, PHURR Elevated Vegetarian Cuisine has officially opened its second outpost in Indiranagar, bringing with it the brand’s unmistakable blend of maximally designed spaces, decadent mocktails, standout vegetarian plates, and the kind of hospitality that makes you feel like you slipped into the VIP section without asking.

PHURR’s newest home carries forward everything the brand stands for: overwhelmed, comfortable, happy a dining experience that lifts you off the ground without ever losing its sense of comfort.

A Space Designed to Make You Feel Something

The Indiranagar location is PHURR turned up a notch visually expressive, playful, artistic, and unmistakably premium.

The kind of place where you pause mid-conversation just to take in a corner you somehow missed earlier.

Like Jayanagar, the space continues the brand’s warm, maximalist identity—bold yet elegant, lively yet thoughtful. It’s not a restaurant you sit in; it’s a restaurant you experience.

And yes, you still eat with your eyes first.

Vegetarian Food, Elevated Without Losing Its Soul

PHURR continues to champion what made it a citywide favorite: vegetarian cuisine that feels indulgent, exciting, and imaginative.

Expect returning icons like:

• Tender Coconut Fritters
• Andhra Chilli Broccoli with Pesto Hummus
• Vegetable Kofta with Banarasi Pukhtan Curry
• Bhindi 2 Way
• Phurrrrr (Lucknow Malaiyo)

And making its debut at the Indiranagar outpost:

• Finger Millet Nihari  a slow-comfort, richly layered showstopper that has already made pre-launch diners talk.

Everything is backed by the same rigorous training and consistency that allow PHURR to run at 100% occupancy, seven days a week, without compromising on experience one of the brand’s biggest flexes.

A Bar That Doesn’t Need Alcohol to Impress

PHURR’s mocktail-only bar is back—and the Indiranagar edition takes it even further.

Sip from their signature lineup:

• Humming Berry
• Penguin Potion
• Citrus Hermit
• Jack Sparrow 2.0

Alongside new playful additions from their beverage menu featuring cold-pressed juices, cheesecake-inspired blends, tropical spritzers, crafted botanicals, and “how-is-this-alcohol-free?” showpieces.

This is where the brand truly stands apart—a bar experience without alcohol, yet somehow more fun than most bars that serve it.

A Brand That’s Become a Community

PHURR’s journey from Jayanagar to Indiranagar was propelled by strong word-of-mouth, high-end content production, brand collaborations, and a unique identity built around their iconic bird a symbol of taking off, lightness, and joy.

The new branch deepens that ethos: A place for everyone seeking good food, good design, good energy, and a moment of effortless uplift.

PHURR Indiranagar marks the next step in the brand’s PAN-India expansion plan.

The message is clear: Elevated Vegetarian Cuisine is not a niche it’s the future.

Vice-Chairman & Managing Director, Mr Arun Mammen received the trophy at the prestigious annual event held this year in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.

Tashkent (UZB), Dec 15 — The night of Friday, December 12th, marked a high-point for MRF Tyres as its Vice-Chairman and Managing Director, Mr. Arun Mammen, stepped on stage at the FIA Awards Gala in Tashkent to collect the official Team Trophy after securing the 2025 FIA European Rally Championship (ERC) Team Title.

The FIA Awards Gala, the annual season-closing ceremony organised by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA), brings together champions, teams and leading figures from every major branch of international motorsport to celebrate and formally recognise their achievements over the past season. It is the highest institutional moment of the sport’s global calendar, where world titles are officially awarded.

L To R – Mr. Manuel Avino, Vice President, FIA Europe handing over the 2025 ERC Teams Championship Trophy to Mr. Arun Mammen, Vice Chairman & Managing Director, MRF Ltd

The 2025 ERC campaign saw Team MRF Tyres deliver consistently outstanding performances across diverse terrain, rally by rally. Thanks to strong results, strategic tyre choices and seamless coordination with crews and engineers, MRF Tyres secured the ERC Team Championship for the third time, following the titles achieved in 2022 and 2023. The result stands as a testament to tyre performance, reliability and to the overall strength of the programme.

At the gala, Mr. Arun Mammen, commented: “We are deeply honoured to receive the Team Title at such a prestigious occasion. This award recognises not only the work of our engineers and staff, but also the spirit, dedication and resilience of the entire MRF Tyres organisation, both on and off the stages of the 2025 European Rally Championship. When preparation, performance and passion come together, tyres can make the difference. This trophy underlines our commitment and encourages us to continue delivering our very best in the seasons to come”.

MRF Tyres extends warm congratulations to all drivers, co-drivers and team personnel who contributed to this achievement. The recognition at the FIA Awards Gala reinforces MRF Tyres’ commitment to excellence and confirms its position as a leading force in international motorsports.

Telangana attracts INR 15,000 crore investments across 31 tourism projects within months of launching new Tourism Policy: Valluru Kranthi, MD, TGTDC

Hyderabad, Dec 15: The Tourism Committee of the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI), in association with the Tourism Department of the Government of Telangana, the National Institute of Tourism and Hospitality Management (NITHM), Incredible India, Ramoji Film City, Pragathi Resorts, and Summer Green Resorts, organised India’s first-ever conference on “Building the Weekend Tourism Economy” on Saturday at NITHM, Gachibowli, Hyderabad.

The pioneering conference attended by resort owners, getaway destination promoters, tourism and hospitality professionals, academicians, and students—was inaugurated by Ms. Valluru Kranthi, Managing Director, Telangana Tourism Development Corporation (TGTDC), in the presence of Mr. R. Ravi Kumar, President, FTCCI; Mr. K.K. Maheshwari, Senior Vice President; Mr. Srinivas Garimella, Vice President; Dr. G.B.K. Rao, CMD, Pragati Group; Mr. A.V. Rao, Vice President, Ramoji Film City; Mr. Sanjay Agarwal, Director, Summer Green Resorts; Mr. Prakash Ammanabolu, Chairman; Mr. D. Ramchandram, Co-Chairman, FTCCI Tourism Committee; and Ms. Sangeetha, Director, FTCCI.

Delivering the keynote address, Mr. Jayesh Ranjan, IAS, Special Chief Secretary, Department of Tourism, said

“Weekend Tourism is one of the most promising segments for Telangana. “Nearly 2.5 million people employed across IT and Life Sciences sectors eagerly look for frequent short breaks to rejuvenate. Unlike the past, tourism is no longer a hobby—today it is a lifestyle,” he said. Referring to the state’s new tourism policy, he urged the industry to make full use of Telangana’s forward-looking incentives and to help build themed tourism experiences. Citing Pochampally as an example, he emphasized how destinations can be enriched through layered experiences involving crafts, cuisine, culture, and history. He also encouraged citizens to participate in FTCCI’s ongoing Traffic Junction Jewels Photo Contest and the Weekend Getaways Reel Contest.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Valluru Kranthi, MD, TGTDC, said the conference was timely and significant given the rising need for stress relief and mental wellness in post-pandemic life. “Nearly one million IT professionals in Hyderabad seek refreshing weekend breaks. Telangana must identify at least 150 potential weekend getaways and promote them effectively,” she said. Highlighting the success of the new Tourism Policy (2025–2030), she shared that the state attracted ₹15,000 crore investments across 31 projects within months of its launch on World Tourism Day. Telangana is developing nine tourism clusters initially, with a larger plan for 27 clusters, focusing on curated attractions and customized tourist packages.

Representing Ramoji Film City, Mr. A.V. Rao remarked, “Tourists trust tourists,” and highlighted how the Film City continues to drive tourism through innovative concepts such as newly introduced glamping experiences that appeal to weekend travelers.

The event witnessed the signing and exchange of an MoU between NITHM and Mr. Ravi Bura, aimed at training rural women in wedding planning and related services—an emerging sector within tourism.

The dignitaries also inaugurated the rejuvenated lake within the NITHM campus.

FTCCI President Mr. Ravi Kumar underscored the importance of positioning Hyderabad as the Weekend Tourism Capital of India. Echoing this, Mr. Prakash Ammanabolu and Mr. D. Ramchandram stated that while the Incredible India Tourism Investors Summit has encouraged weekend circuit identification near major metros, this conference marks India’s first structured national-level dialogue on the Weekend Tourism Economy. “Weekend Tourism is not just leisure—it is a new economic model. Our goal is to champion a 360° approach involving government, industry, academia, media, and influencers,” they said.

Mr. D. Ramchandram added that Hyderabad is surrounded by nearly 460 weekend getaways within a radius of 150–200 km, ranging from eco-retreats and adventure zones to heritage sites and farm stays. Telangana’s strategic location, excellent road network, and diversity of landscapes make it an ideal pilot state to build weekend tourism circuits that can be replicated nationwide.

The conference featured a high-impact lineup of speakers. Dr. Mani Pavitra, Founder of Creatorwerse and a leading digital mentor, spoke on “Reels to Real: How Screen Tourism Can Take Weekend Destinations to Places.” She was followed by Mr. Mir Khan, Founder, Deccan Terrain Heritage, who presented “Heritage This Weekend,” illustrating how Hyderabad’s rich heritage can be explored through short, meaningful weekend itineraries. Hospitality expert Ms. Anuhya Nallani Chakravartula delivered her talk titled “From Getaways to Growth Engines: Redefining Telangana’s Travel Future Through the Weekend Tourism Movement.”

A session by the Telangana Forest Development Corporation, led by Ms. K. Shireesha, Senior Divisional Manager and Assistant Director, along with naturalist Mr. Akhil and consultant Mr. Suman, highlighted eco-tourism opportunities across Telangana’s forest and wildlife destinations.

Startup ecosystem leader and TEDx licensee Mr. Viiveck Verma shared insights in his talk, “Weekends: The New Tourism Currency,” exploring how micro-travel is shaping modern tourism behaviour.

The conference concluded with an engaging panel discussion titled “Unscripted Conversations on India’s Weekend Tourism Future,” moderated by Prof. Satya Kiran, Vice President, eThames College. The panel included Mr. Valmiki Harikishan, Advisor, FTCCI Tourism Committee, offering global perspectives; Ms. Dilnaz Baig, 74-year-old custodian of Hyderabadi Nizami cuisine, advocating for the preservation of traditional recipes; and Ms. Niveditha, COO, Experium, who explained how Experium is partnering with Hyderabad to help shape the city as India’s Weekend Capital.

The conference witnessed participation from over 150 delegates, including hoteliers, resort owners, tour operators, corporate HR leaders, event planners, digital influencers, travel bloggers, government officials, and students.

Highlighting the broader impact, the FTCCI Tourism Committee said that building a Weekend Tourism Economy will create new growth engines by converting tourism into a year-round activity, strengthening rural economies, enabling wellness and mental health, preventing overcrowding at major tourist hubs, and promoting civic pride and content creation.

The conference also drew inspiration from global best practices, particularly micro-tourism and workation models seen in Japan, Spain, and Italy, which have led global recovery in the post-pandemic era. FTCCI’s initiative marks the first step in bringing such structured approaches to India.

“For urban citizens seeking wellness, family time, and rejuvenation, weekend travel is becoming a necessity. If Hyderabadis start exploring nearby destinations regularly, Telangana can build a thriving Weekend Tourism Economy that creates jobs, boosts rural incomes, strengthens infrastructure, and celebrates the state’s cultural and natural richness,” the FTCCI Tourism Committee stated.

Chișinău, Republic of Moldova, Dec 15:-  The Republic of Moldova’s energy market continues to attract international investors. The newest player is Westing Management Solutions  a company with mixed capital from Hungary, the Republic of Moldova, and Ukraine, part of the international Westing Management group. The investor is entering the local market with an initial investment of EUR 130,000.00 allocated for organizing and operationalizing the administrative processes in the country.

With over 15 years of experience in solar projects, BESS storage systems, and microgrids across over 10 countries, Westing Management Solutions aims to become a strategic partner in modernizing Moldova’s energy infrastructure.

Digitalization a core pillar of Westing Management Solutions’ strategy in Moldova

A distinctive element of the company is the introduction of the intelligent i-EMS platform to the Moldovan market, an integrated digital solution that offers several essential components for modernizing businesses. This includes the digitalization of technological and operational processes for industrial, commercial, and logistics companies, as well as real-time dispatching of energy consumption, production, and storage (PV + BESS + load). In addition, the platform integrates smart metering solutions for electricity, gas, water, heat, and steam, as well as modern SCADA systems compatible with existing IT infrastructure. The i-EMS solution also includes AI-powered predictive analytics, enabling the estimation of consumption and production, demand optimization, and energy trading management. The system provides complete energy management services  monitoring, incident prevention, automatic optimization, and loss reduction  as well as digital energy auditing, identifying savings potential, and recommending automated solutions.

Through these technologies, Moldovan companies can achieve 15–30% energy efficiency improvements, reducing losses and aligning their operations with European standards.

The company’s operations in the Republic of Moldova are led by Marianna Bejenar, Country Director, who coordinates relations with authorities, investors, the business environment, and technology partners, with the mission of aligning local activity with the group’s international standards.

Marianna Bejenar, Country Director of Westing Management Solutions in the Republic of Moldova:

“The Republic of Moldova is becoming increasingly attractive for energy investments due to its accelerated integration into the European market and strong commitment to the green transition. Energy market liberalization, infrastructure upgrades, and the adoption of European standards create a predictable and competitive environment for investors. At the same time, rising demand for renewable solutions and energy efficiency creates vast opportunities for innovative projects. All these factors position Moldova as an emerging market with strong potential in the energy sector.”

Future plans in the energy sector

According to Westing Management Solutions, the Republic of Moldova has the potential to become a key hub for digital solutions and renewable energy in the region.

Marianna Bejenar, Country Director of Westing Management Solutions in the Republic of Moldova:

“Our plans focus on expanding projects in the renewable energy sector and accelerating the integration of modern energy-efficiency solutions. We are committed to developing smart infrastructure capable of supporting a flexible and competitive market. At the same time, we aim to strengthen strategic partnerships and attract advanced technologies that can transform the energy sector into one that is sustainable and future-oriented.”

The company estimates sales of approximately EUR 5 million in its first year  a strong signal of the potential of the country’s energy market. In the future, the company aims to develop commercial and industrial solar projects, implement BESS storage systems and smart microgrids, digitalize the energy infrastructure of medium and large companies, and create a regional hub for i-EMS solutions and dispatching. Another strategic direction involves attracting investments in green projects and digital energy infrastructure, as well as launching partnerships with authorities, companies, and institutions to accelerate the energy transition.

Dec 15: Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd., a leading manufacturer of building and construction materials in India, marked 2025 as a year of strong expansion, innovation and nationwide brand building, driven by a robust portfolio of product launches, accelerated manufacturing capacity, significant market growth across key categories, and high-impact partnerships.

During the year, Walplast expanded its decorative paints and surface preparation portfolio with the launch of HomeSure MasterTouch Lush (Interior & Exterior Emulsion) and HomeSure MasterTouch Prime (Interior & Exterior Primer). Positioned as high-performance yet affordable solutions, HomeSure MasterTouch Lush Interior Emulsion offers best-in-class coverage, durable finish and colour retention using premium pigments and acrylic binders, with resistance to fungus for enhanced longevity. The HomeSure MasterTouch Lush Exterior Emulsion is engineered to withstand varied climatic conditions with strong adhesion and UV-resistant properties that protect walls against algae growth and black spots while retaining its matte appearance. Complementing the emulsions, HomeSure MasterTouch Prime Interior and Exterior Primers offer excellent adhesion, superior whiteness and smooth topcoat application, formulated to be low-VOC, heavy-metal-free, eco-friendly and resistant to algae and fungus.

Walplast also strengthened its waterproofing portfolio with the launch of HomeSure Mastertouch Waterlock Expert, an advanced elastomeric waterproof coating powered by Ultra Elastic Technology with 800 percent elongation. Designed for exterior applications, the product provides 10 years of assured protection against seepage, dampness and micro-cracks while reducing surface temperatures by up to 8°C, improving indoor comfort and energy efficiency. The acrylic polymer-based formulation creates a seamless, UV-resilient membrane reinforced with synthetic fibers that delivers flexible crack-bridging performance even under extreme weather conditions, reinforcing Walplast’s focus on solving real challenges faced by homeowners.

Entering the premium gypsum plaster category, Walplast launched HomeSure Nova 125  Premium Gypsum Plaster, engineered for exceptional coverage and performance. Nova 125 delivers an industry-leading coverage of 125 sq m per tonne, translating to 35 sq ft per 25 kg bag at 13 mm thickness, which is approximately 25 percent higher than the industry average. Manufactured using high-purity natural gypsum, the product provides a smooth, high-whiteness surface finish with low shrinkage, excellent bonding, moisture resistance and crack resistance. It also supports thermal and acoustic insulation while enabling 2X faster application, helping enhance productivity on site.

Expanding its tile care solutions, Walplast continued to build the presence of HomeSure TileEx Cementitious Grout, a polymer-modified cement-based grout formulated for tile joints up to 3 mm. Designed for strength, durability and aesthetics, the product offers excellent bonding, low shrinkage and easy application, making it suitable for ceramic, vitrified and natural stone tiles across bathrooms, kitchens and commercial spaces. Water-resistant and low-dust, the grout is available in 11 colour shades such as Cotton Wool, Gold Standard, Caffeine and Platinum Grey, allowing designers and homeowners flexibility in matching or contrasting with tile surfaces.

Reflecting strong market traction across product categories, Walplast reported robust growth in the first half of FY25. Volumes grew by 50 percent+ in HomeSure TileEx Tile Adhesive, 70 percent+ in HomeSure GypEX Gypsum Boards, and 40 percent+ in HomeSure GypEX Gypsum Plasters, underscoring rising demand for quality construction solutions and reinforcing the company’s diversified growth model built on performance-led products and extensive dealer networks.

In parallel with its product expansion, Walplast strengthened its manufacturing footprint with the commissioning of a 1,20,000 MT state-of-the-art gypsum plaster plant at Mambattu, Andhra Pradesh. The new facility enhances production capacity across southern markets while enabling faster distribution and improved supply reliability across India, further supporting the company’s nationwide growth strategy.

Brand visibility reached new levels in 2025 following HomeSure TileEx securing an exclusive partnership with the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) franchise for IPL 2025. The association featured prominently across television advertising, outdoor campaigns and digital platforms, strengthening national awareness of the HomeSure TileEx brand while reinforcing Walplast’s connection with millions of Indian consumers.

Walplast’s market leadership and brand strength were reaffirmed through several industry recognitions during the year. HomeSure was awarded “Brand of the Year 2025” at the Goal Fest Conclave following an independent evaluation process led by BARC Asia. The company also received the prestigious Rashtriya Udyog Ratan Award, acknowledging excellence in industrial performance and growth. Internally, Walplast continued to strengthen its people-first culture by earning the Great Place to Work® Certification, highlighting its commitment to employee engagement, learning and collaborative work environments.

The organization observed Founder’s Day 2025 across all locations, commemorating Walplast’s evolution from a single manufacturing unit to a pan-India network of 25 manufacturing plants with exports to over 23 countries. The occasion served as a reaffirmation of the company’s founding principles of integrity, innovation and customer trust, while highlighting its focus on future-ready construction solutions and consistent performance across flagship brands including HomeSure GypEX Boards, HomeSure GypEX Plaster, HomeSure TileEx Adhesives and HomeSure Mastertouch Decorative Paints.

Commenting on the year’s milestones, Kaushal Mehta, Managing Director, Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd., said, “2025 has reflected the enduring trust our customers place in the HomeSure brands. From high-performance product launches such as HomeSure Mastertouch Waterlock Expert and HomeSure Nova 125  Premium Gypsum Plaster to capacity expansion with the Mambattu plant and strengthening our national presence through the IPL association, each step reinforces our commitment to solve real construction challenges. Our focus remains on consistent quality, technological progress and building reliable value across markets.”

Aniruddha Sinha, Senior Vice President of Marketing, CSR and Business Head of P2P Division, Walplast Products Pvt. Ltd., said, “The strong growth across product lines validates our consumer-centric innovation strategy and deep engagement with channel partners. Our brands are increasingly being recognized not only for performance but also for trust and reliability. Alongside national visibility campaigns and industry awards, our efforts continue to strengthen the HomeSure brand ecosystem among builders, contractors and homeowners.”

Looking ahead, Walplast has outlined further growth plans with upcoming product expansions under the TileEx portfolio and the Mastertouch product line-up scheduled for 2026, reinforcing its long-term roadmap of innovation, capacity building and category leadership across construction, finishing and waterproofing solutions.

Hyderabad, Dec 15: DEEP Trust, a collective of Doctors and Responsible citizens, is a non-profit organisation working to uplift vulnerable children and communities celebrated 11th anniversary with DEEP Annual Day DEEP Elevate 2025 on Saturday at Hotel Daspalla, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad.

The milestone event brought together children, youth, educators, volunteers, partners, and supporters to reflect on DEEP’s journey over the past decade and to unveil its roadmap for the future.

A major highlight of DEEP Elevate 2025 was the launch of the DEEP Mobile Health & Screening Bus, a fully equipped mobile facility designed to deliver preventive healthcare directly to underserved communities. The mobile unit provides free breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, basic diagnostics, and essential health education, enabling early detection of diseases and reducing the financial burden associated with late-stage treatment. By reaching remote and low-resource areas, the initiative is expected to benefit thousands of women and families, significantly strengthening community health outcomes.

The Mobile Health and Screening Bus was formally unveiled by Dr Madhu Vasepalli, Founder and Trustee, Ms Swati Mohanti, Trustee, Ms Priya Ieyngar, Legal Advisor, Dr Arya Yashashree, Volunteer and Phanindra, Manager Communications.

On this occasion, DEEP Trust also launched the DEEP Mobile App, a user-friendly digital platform that enables beneficiaries to access information and services seamlessly.

Founder Trustees Dr Rakesh Kalapala and Dr Madhu Vasepalli unveiled DEEP Vision 2030, an ambitious roadmap aimed at transforming 5 million lives through equitable healthcare, quality education, and innovative skill development initiatives.

The event showcased DEEP’s flagship programmes, including DEEP on Wheels (Mobile Health), the Physiotherapy Centre (KGNMT), and education support programmes across schools and Child Care Institutions (CCIs), such as Asritha, Srividhya, VSS, THARA Home, Balyam Home, and Government Special Homes, among others.

 It also highlighted skill-building centres for youth and women, scholarships for economically weaker students, and environmental awareness drives. Volunteers and partners were honoured for their invaluable contributions to grassroots development.

Products made by special children from Kasturba Gandhi National Memorial Trust and Sri Vidya Centre for the special children.

The Bhaktivedanta Research Center (BRC), in collaboration with the Management & Entrepreneurship and Professional Skills Council (MEPSC), today announced a national initiative to strengthen India’s Early Childhood Care & Education (ECCE) ecosystem at a ceremony held at the Calcutta Press Club Maidan Tent.

As the centerpiece of the event, Ms. Shaleni Biswas, Managing Director, EasyNotes Stationery Pvt. Ltd., was formally appointed as the Torch Bearer of the MEPSC–BRC Pre-School Facilitators & Caregivers Program. Supported by EasyNotes and powered by Nalanda Learning Systems as the Implementation Partner, the pan-India program aims to train thousands of pre-school facilitators and caregivers through structured, competency-based modules aligned with inclusive early learning needs.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Sumanta Rudra, Director, Bhaktivedanta Research Center, said,

“Today marks an important milestone in reimagining early childhood education in India. Ms. Shaleni Biswas brings exceptional clarity and commitment, and her leadership will inspire educators nationwide.”

Accepting the honour, Ms. Shaleni Biswas stated,

“I am deeply honoured to champion this mission. Strengthening a child’s foundation years is one of the most meaningful contributions to society. This initiative will empower caregivers, uplift educators, and bring quality early education to every corner of India.”

Prabhu Aradhya (Bhagvan Das), Spiritual Mentor & Leadership Coach, added,

“Service to children is service to humanity. By nurturing caregivers, we nurture society. I congratulate BRC, MEPSC, and all partners for this noble endeavour.”

Tamal Mukherjee, Founder Director, Nalanda Learning Systems, said,

“This collaboration brings together skill development, technology, and strong on-ground execution. We are committed to ensuring scale, quality, and measurable impact across all states.”

The MEPSC–BRC initiative represents a significant step toward building an inclusive ECCE framework and professionalizing early childhood education across India.

Hyderabad, Dec 13: Kriti Social Initiatives, in partnership with AMD, hosted the Digital Literacy Run on Saturday morning at T-Works, Raidurgam, Hyderabad. The 3 km Walk/Run promoted digital inclusion and youth empowerment through technology.

More than 1,000 participants, including students, families, volunteers, AMD employees, and partner organisations, joined in the event.

Kriti Social Initiatives has been working in the areas of women’s skill development and children’s education since 2009. As part of its mission to empower youth, the organisation has introduced computer education and digital learning programs across several Government Schools. Over the past two years, AMD and Kriti Social Initiatives have reached more than 10,000 beneficiaries through jointly implemented projects. The Digital Literacy Run further strengthened this mission by bringing together students, families, and partners to celebrate the transformative impact of digital skills.

Sreelata Chebrol, Trustee, Kriti Social Initiatives, also highlighted the significance of the initiative, noting, “In this digital age, it is essential that everyone has access to critical digital literacy skills. This Run aimed to raise awareness about that need and brought together several NGOs working in this space. We were pleased to collaborate with AMD to provide these skills to the youth and were happy to see beneficiaries run together to celebrate digital literacy.”

On the launch of the initiative, Jaya Jagadish, SVP and Country Head, AMD India, emphasised the importance of digital literacy, stating, “At AMD India, we believe that inclusion and equal opportunity begin with access to quality education. STEM learning is not just a subject; it is a gateway to opportunity, empowerment, and long-term inclusion. Through our ongoing efforts to introduce computer education and digital learning programs across Government Schools, we remain committed to helping young minds build a strong foundation for the future. By partnering with Kriti Social Initiatives for the Digital Literacy Run 2025, we further strengthen our mission to equip students with the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world. We are proud to support this initiative and remain dedicated to using innovation and collaboration to build stronger, digitally empowered communities.”