All posts by Neel Achary

Kolkata 27th February 2023: Every state is blessed with businesspersons who rise beyond personal success and engage in welfare initiatives for the mass. Such personalities are found across industries and industrial-friendly Odisha gets Mahimananda Mishra who is today adored as a doyen of vibrant industrial activities in Odisha with a strong focus on innovation has led transformation in each of his businesses.

Veteran industrialist and Founder of Orissa Stevedores Limited (OSL) Shri Mahimananda Mishra was bestowed with the prestigious “Lifetime Achievement Award 2023” for his exceptional contribution to the growth of the Shipping & Maritime Industry of India and Odisha state for over 4 decades.

The acclaimed award was presented by Shri Gopal Krishna, Former Secretary, Ministry of Shipping, Govt of India during an event at the 8th Edition of East Coast Maritime Forum 2023 concurrent with Eastern Star Awards 2023 organised by Exim India Shipping Times on 24th February 2023 at The Lalit Great Eastern, Kolkata.

The OSL Group once again was conferred with “Stevedores Company of the Year” for 2023.

Shri Chandan Mishra, Director, OSL Group and Team received the award on the occasion.

Many senior officials of OSL Group were present.

The event felicitated industry stalwarts who had transformed society, made outstanding contributions to improving the community, set benchmarks in entrepreneurship, and demonstrated exemplary leadership qualities. It was under his leadership that he pioneered Odisha’s first-ever riverine jetty at the prime port city of Paradeep which was a new dimension to the transport sector with the use of a multi-modal transport system.

Speaking on the recognition, Shri Mahimananda Mishra, Founder, of Orissa Stevedores Limited (OSL) Said, I wholeheartedly dedicate this award to all my Colleagues, staff, workers, and their family members. This award has been possible only for their hard work, dedication, devotion, and above all personal sacrifices for the sake of the Organisation.

Mahima Mishra, as he is fondly addressed across the state, is a first-generation entrepreneur with a golden heart.

The OSL Group is one of the largest corporate houses across the east coast of India.

It is well-renowned not only for its welfare measures, hospitality, and ensuring security for its employees but also for the poor and underprivileged people in Odisha.

Mahima Mishra’s lucid vision of being a first-generation entrepreneur led to the creation of a colossal industrial empire where his employees are treated as their own family members.

OSL is a major stevedoring & cargo handling company at the East Coast ports of India and currently handles more than 50 million tonnes of cargo in different sectors.

The core functional areas include stevedoring, project cargo handling, C&F activities, custom house agency & steamer agency, etc.

Besides, these OSLs have interests in mining, transportation, hospitality, dredging, and warehousing among others.

In its long servicing history, OSL Group has been handling cargo and providing end-to-end logistic solutions to the major corporates of India and abroad such as IFFCO, Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), TATA Steel Limited, Reliance, JSW, IMFA, Vedanta, NALCO, Jindal Stainless, and ArcelorMittal Nippon Steel, etc.

OSL Group has been receiving several awards for the last several years in different categories and fields which is recognition of OSL’s efficiency, potential, capabilities, and achievements.

Last year, OSL as the industrial behemoth was awarded as the “Best Logistic Company of the Year” and “Best Stevedores Company of the Year” in the 7th Edition of ‘East Coast Maritime Forum 2022’ held in Kolkata.

Ahmedabad, February 27, 2023: The Phoenix Mills Limited (PML), India’s leading developer and operator of retail-led mixed-use developments, and BSafal Group announce the launch of Palladium, Ahmedabad to public on 26th February 2023. Spread over 5 acres, Palladium Ahmedabad has a gross leasable area of over 750,000 sq. ft. and brings over 35 international luxury brands including Kate Spade, Coach, Michael Kors, Hugo Boss, and Tumi for the first time to the vibrant city of Ahmedabad. Palladium Ahmedabad has been developed by the BSafal Group under its joint venture with PML.

At Palladium Ahmedabad, shoppers can expect to find a carefully curated mix of over 250 national and international brands, offering latest fashion trends as well as classic pieces that always remain in style. But what sets this mall apart is its commitment to creating a truly unique and unforgettable shopping experience for its visitors. Palladium Ahmedabad is designed to be a complete luxury destination that offers experiences that go beyond shopping. A wide range of hospitality and entertainment options, along with a luxury retail await to delight customers at Palladium Ahmedabad, making it the perfect destination for the entire family.

Consumption hub in the Heart of the City

Situated on the Sarkhej-Gandhinagar Highway, Palladium Ahmedabad is centrally located in the city and has excellent connectivity and reach. It has easy access to commercial areas, residential areas, and top hotels in the city and it is about 30 minutes away from Gujarat International Finance Tech City (GIFT City). With its superior connectivity and wide range of offerings, Palladium Ahmedabad is well-positioned to attract shoppers from Gandhinagar, Rajkot, Vadodara, Mehsana, Anand, and other cities.

Speaking on this grand opening, Mr. Atul Ruia, Chairman, The Phoenix Mills Limited said, “Gujarat has always been an attractive landscape for us because of its cosmopolitan population and growing exposure to the luxury ecosystem. Palladium Ahmedabad is an artistic and architectural marvel, which is set to bring coveted luxury brands and a unique, immersive shopping experience to Ahmedabad. With Palladium Ahmedabad, which marks our entry into the state of Gujarat, we present a luxurious destination for the people of this remarkable city, and we continue to bring out our vision of creating unparalleled experiential retail destinations for customers across the country.”

A Magnificent Sight to Behold

One of the unique facets of Palladium Ahmedabad is the façade that transforms its appearance by changing its colour depending on the reflection of the sun, the viewing angle, and the time of the day. Made with a beautiful balance of an earthy color palette, the façade gives the illusion of movement and can be spotted from the highway itself. At night, the elevation is backlit and, along with the giant LED screen, adds to the overall appeal of the structure.

Spread over 5 floors, the mall itself is an architectural phenomenon and has been built specifically keeping the convenience of shoppers in mind. The stunning interiors of Palladium Ahmedabad are a realm of sophistication and luxury. From gleaming marble floors to opulent lighting, every detail has been carefully crafted to create an unforgettable shopping experience for patrons.

The mall is decorated with various art pieces by globally renowned artists of India. “The Apocalyptron” by Thukral and Tagra and “The woman” by Radha Patel which is dedicated to the strength and power of women are some of the art pieces that adorn the mall. There are many more such spectacular art pieces that can catch the eye of shoppers and engage them in the world of art.

Mr. Rajesh Brahmbhatt, Chairman, B Safal Group, said, “We believe that Ahmedabad is the perfect destination for a mall of such grandeur, and we are thrilled to partner with The Phoenix Mills Limited to bring Palladium to the vibrant city of Ahmedabad. Built to be a landmark for decades to come, Palladium Ahmedabad will usher in a new era of luxury shopping in the city.”

A shoppers’ paradise and an entertainment hub

Palladium Ahmedabad brings over 250 brands, including 35+ luxury labels like Coach, Diesel, Michael Kors, Dyson, Steve Madden, TUMI, and many more for the first time to the city. This mall has a fine mix of luxury, bridge to luxury, and boutique brands across fashion and accessories, fine jewelry, beauty, home décor, and other luxury goods.

Palladium Ahmedabad is also home to Fun City, Time Zone, and Hamleys Play where visitors can engage in a range of state-of-the-art arcade games and entertainment experiences in a bright, family-friendly space. Moviegoers have a superior cinema-watching experience in store for them, with 9 screens multiplex and immersive luxe screens at PVR Cinemas that provide an elevated edge to the other cinemas.

Spread over two floors, the Food and Beverage Zone at Palladium Ahmedabad has an exquisite and delectable spread to offer from remarkable restaurants like Foo, Cha, Jamie’s Pizzeria, and a lot more. The mall has over 50 dining options comprising fine dining restaurants, casual dining, QSR, cafes, and kiosks. The food and beverage options at Palladium Ahmedabad, which range from Indian and Chinese to Asian, Italian, Greek, and many more cuisines, cater to the diverse palates of customers, serving up something for everyone.

Rashmi Sen, COO, The Phoenix Mills Limited, said, “At Palladium Ahmedabad, we are introducing an elevated level of luxury for the people of Gujarat and setting new standards in the industry. With over 50 food and beverage outlets serving cuisines from all around the globe, and over 220 inline stores ready to provide world-class service to our patrons, Palladium Ahmedabad will lead the way in writing a new story on luxury shopping experiences in the city.”

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Wurfel, a premium modular kitchen brand is launching a brand new studio for the first time in Jaipur. This state-of-the-art studio is a one-of-a-kind establishment located at the illustrious Civil Tower on Pandit TN Mishra Marg, near Metro Pillar No. 34 in Swami Vihar, Nirman Nagar, Jaipur, 302019. People can walk into the studio to touch, feel & experience European modular kitchens and wardrobes. The studio exhibits the state of modern modular kitchen designs. All kitchens are eco- friendly and promote healthy living in a home. The brand has 46 studios, each offering a unique customer experience.

Würfel is India’s biggest Premium Modular Kitchen Brand and has revolutionized the modular kitchen industry in our country. The brand handpicks the best of Europe and is always visioned to provide aspirational European modular kitchens and wardrobes to every Indian home at a great price. The secret behind its success is its superior quality standards in designing, manufacturing, installation, servicing and other comprehensive solutions. It was awarded the ‘Best Modular Kitchen Brand’ by Times Business Awards consecutively for the years 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 & 2023.

‘The Most Innovative Kitchen Award’ in 2019 & 2020 by India Kitchen Congress, Most Valuable Interior Brand of the Year 2022 – World Signature Awards IBARC Asia and Best Modular Kitchen Brand 2023 – Radio City Business Icon Awards.

Being a responsible brand, Würfel manufactures Cancer free kitchens that promote healthy living within the home. A healthy kitchen should have the necessary interiors that are completely eco- friendly and aseptic. Würfel uses only E0 Grade boards that are obtained primarily from self- cultivated, sustainable forests. This ensures the environment is also sustained while maintaining premium quality standards of the products. Hence every product of Würfel is eco-friendly and FSC certified.

It is worth noting the distinctive approach that Wurfel has taken to the art of designing modular kitchens. One should visit the showroom to delve into the intricate details of their innovative approach that has never been seen before. A conversation with their team of experts will help the netizens learn more about the craftsmanship and skill that goes into owning an aspirational modular kitchen.

A spokesperson from Würfel commented at the launch of the new studio, saying, “Our studio provides a diverse range of modular kitchens, spanning traditional and classic styles to modern and contemporary designs, each tailored to the unique requirements and tastes of our customers. With our functional and visually appealing kitchen designs, we are eagerly anticipating the public to experience them.”

The wide range of Würfel products comes with a 10-year warranty period with Flexi-EMI options.The Würfel Product Portfolio:

Modular Kitchens: The modular kitchens at Würfel mainly constitutes of three components, the base cabinets, the wall cabinets and the tower units. The primary types of boards used for the products are High Density, Water Resistant Particle Board, MDF (Medium Density Fibre) Board and Synchronised Plywood. Würfel also provides a lot of finish options, such as laminate, lacquer, poly-

lacquer, glass, stone and more. Their modular kitchens are timeless and crafted to make every meal a pleasurable experience. Luxury Modular Kitchens at Würfel start at Rs 3 Lakhs.

Personalized Wardrobes: Würfel wardrobes provide a practical solution to organizing clothes and belongings. They are made from the highest quality materials curated from across Europe. The personalized wardrobes come in a variety of designs built to provide maximum space efficiency and comfort of use. The PUR glue technology is used throughout the wardrobe, which makes it long- lasting. Würfel designs wardrobes that suit every lifestyle and are solely personalized to address unique requirements. Personalised wardrobes at Würfel start at Rs 75,000.

TV Units: The TV units at Würfel not only flaunt personal sense of style but also help to organise all belongings. One can opt between a floating TV unit design or freestanding, depending on what compliments the theme of the living room style. Eliminate clutter and create a designated space to studio all collectables with Würfel TV units.

Vanities: Würfel vanity units are sleek in design and bring the essence of European finesse to the interiors. They are bound to create an element of sophistication in every home. The right bathroom vanity helps to enhance the aesthetics, while adding both style and functionality.

The brand is on a mission to bridge the gap between quality and pricing by providing high-quality kitchens & wardrobes at a great price point. They are able to achieve this strategically by importing all the finished raw materials and hardware, only from the best vendors in Europe. The raw materials are then processed in the state-of-the-art European manufacturing unit in India. All processes adhere to European standards under the able supervision of the production VP from Europe.For more information, contact 1800 3000 2926 or write to contact@wurfel.in

Mumbai, 27 February 2023 – Specialty chemicals company LANXESS, is presenting its extensive portfolio of flavor & fragrance applications for the first time at XXV FAFAI International Convention & Expo in Kolkata, from February 24-25. The Flavors & Fragrances (F&F) business unit is showcasing its finest aroma chemicals range in Hall A, booth no: F-12.

LANXESS is a leading provider of high-quality flavor & fragrance applications and offers an extensive range of fragrances which includes more than 30 aroma chemicals. These offerings are high purity, consistent, nature identical and provide earthy, floral, fruity, cinnamic or woody notes. They are found in perfumes and personal care items, food and beverages, and home cleaning products.

At the exhibition, we are exhibiting our broad range of products including – Benzyl Benzoate, Benzyl Acetate, Hexyl Cinnamic Aldehyde (also known as HCA or alpha-hexyl cinnamaldehyde) and Ocimene PQ. Benzyl benzoate has a high molecular weight and nearly odorless nature, making it an extensively used fixative in the fine fragrance and perfume industry whereas Benzyl Acetate is a clear, colorless liquid at ambient temperatures and has a slight, jasmine-like odor.

Similarly, HCA is the preferred choice of many perfumers looking for characteristics that are more floral and less fatty. HCA brings green, floral notes with aromas of jasmine and muguet (lily-of-the-valley) to many household care and personal care products, such as fabric softeners, deodorants, shampoos, and soaps.

Ocimene PQ imparts a novel top note of citrus, lavender, and spicy herbs to fragrances, colognes, and stimulated essential oils, such as bergamot oil and lavender oil. It is especially valued in mango fragrances as well as fragrances in personal care and a variety of household products on a limited scale.

In addition to flavors and fragrances, the F&F business unit also develops and produces preservatives and animal nutrition products. These substances are found in various everyday consumables such as cosmetics and personal care products, detergents and cleaning agents, beverages, baked goods, candles, oils, and animal feed.

Speaking at the event, Anand Karaka, Senior Sales Director, Head of Sales APAC – Business Unit Flavors & Fragrances, LANXESS India, said, “We are excited to participate in the FAFAI exhibition this year. Our focus has always been on creating formulations that are sustainable and consumer-friendly, combined with advanced technical and regulatory expertise. As an organization, we constantly strive to provide our customers with the best products and applications, and this exhibition provides us an opportunity to demonstrate our commitment to excellence and highlight our latest offerings to the industry.”

Jammu: North India’s leading healthcare provider Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket today announced the launch of its exclusive Multi-Speciality OPD services in the city in association with DB Clinic Dawa Bazaar Pharmacy, MC Complex, Opposite Bakshi Nagar Bridge, Akhnoor road, Jammu.

The OPD services will be functional from today onwards with senior clinicians of Max Saket, Hospital from specialities like Urology, Orthopaedics, Neuro, and Spine visiting Jammu once every month to provide expert consultations. This OPD launch is yet another patient-centric step towards making quality healthcare services accessible to the people of Jammu and nearby regions.

Present on the occasion were Dr. Ramneek Mahajan- Senior Director (Orthopaedics) & Head Joint Reconstruction (Hip & Knee) Unit, Dr. Gaurav Garg- Consultant, Urology, and Dr. Yawar Shoaib Ali- Consultant, Neurosurgery from Max Smart Super Speciality Hospital, Saket.

During the launch of the OPD services, Dr Ramneek Mahajan said, “With advancements in the field of science and technology, advanced procedures like Robotic joint replacement surgeries are taking over the old and conventional method of surgeries. “Our Initial experience with robotic surgery for total knee replacement and hip replacement has been transformative, In other words, the robotic systems have been able to allow higher accuracy placements of implant, reduce bone cuts, better soft tissue protection, less blood loss, less post-operative pain, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery and long-term durability of implant”.The MAKO system at Max Smart Hospital uses the Triathlon Knee System (Stryker) with a survivorship of 99.7% and encourages rapid abandonment of crutches, lesser Anterior Knee pain, and reduction in physiotherapy sessions. Robotic surgery preserves all the natural structures of the joint (less tissue damage), ensures minimal pain and early recovery, it is not expensive.

Also presenting during the launch, Dr Gaurav Garg, said, “As the cases of urological disorders have significantly increased in the country especially in the Northern region in the recent past, we have equipped our hospital with advanced facilities like Holmium laser, advanced endourology/laparoscopy devices like flexible ureteroscopes (RIRS), operating microscopes, C arm, Robotic da Vinci system, etc for providing the best treatment possible to patients suffering from these conditions. The launch of these OPD services will help bring world-class Urological expertise to the people of Jammu and adjoining areas while serving those suffering from such related issues.”

Dr Yawar Shoaib Ali, who was also present at the occasion, said, “Advancements in the field of neurosurgery have made treatment options for several brain and spine disorders in adults as well as children much safer, easier, less pain induced, and lead to a faster recovery as well as a minimum to no postoperative complications. Brain and spine disorders can now be treated with advanced microscopes, O arm, Neuro-navigation, nerve monitoring, endoscopes, mobile CT scan, stereotaxy, and transcranial Doppler, among several others. We have a dedicated neurointensive care team and neurosurgical ICU that provides round-the-clock care for our patients. With the help of these OPD services, we will be able to bring the best treatment options for the people of the city.”

India, February 27, 2023 –– Infibeam Avenues Limited’s (IAL) flagship brand CCAvenue through its app TapPay has disrupted the Indian payment market by replacing card-swiping POS machines with a smartphone-based payment app. Merchants have doubly benefitted from this app. Not only have they saved on the cost of the card swiping machine, but also on its operational cost. Since October 2022, more than 1.20 lakh merchants have downloaded the TapPay app.

CCAvenue was adjudged ‘Best Payments Solution Provider of the Year’ at the ETBFSI Excellence Awards 2022 at a glittering ceremony attended by top Corporates in Banking, Insurance, Finance, Fintech, Asset Management and Financial Services. The company’s innovative mobile app CCAvenue TapPay is the reason behind CCAvenue receiving this award.

The ETBFSI Excellence Awards are an initiative to recognize the latest innovations and unique initiatives and acknowledge top achievers for outstanding contributions in providing services or solutions in the BFSI sector.

Commenting on the achievement, Mr. Pankaj Dedhia, Chief Business Officer, Infibeam Avenues Ltd, said, “On behalf of the company, I would like to thank ETBFSI for honouring us with this prestigious award and recognizing our various innovative initiatives. CCAvenue’s TapPay Solution had been designed to digitise cash transactions and enable millions of businesses to accept payments securely with zero hardware cost and, in the process, become a catalyst in India’s journey towards the ubiquity of digital payments. We aim to empower ‘EVERY BUSINESS & BUSINESSMAN’ with a simple-to-use technology, right in their palm and at the click of a button, anytime, anywhere.”

India’s first listed software platforms and payments infrastructure company, Infibeam Avenues Ltd, is also among India’s most profit-making fintech companies. In nine months ended December 2022, the company earned INR 98 crore Profit After Tax (PAT) with a y-o-y growth of 77%. More than 8.4 million merchants and corporates are registered across their payment and e-commerce platforms. The company caters to major leading banks of India like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank, Kotak Bank, etc., offering them payment infrastructure services.

As per a market estimate, the payment industry consisting of banks, fintech and payment gateway companies, processes approximately INR 7 lakh crore of person-to-merchant (P2M) payment transactions in India on a monthly basis and the monthly income (revenue) stands at approx. between INR 3000 crore to INR 3500 crore for the payment industry.

In recent times, Infibeam’s CCAvenue has won several awards and recognition including:

•  CCAvenue has been recognized as Superbrand 2023 for the third time in a row by Superbrands India
•  ‘Best Use of Technology and ‘Best Innovator’ awards at the Unlocked Awards 2022
•  ‘Best Tech for E-Commerce’ award at the 12th India Digital Awards
•  ‘Best Online Payments Solution – Merchant’ title at the Business Innovation Awards
•  ‘Best Online Payments Solution’ title at the Drivers of Digital (DOD) Awards
•  Excellence in Technology (Incumbents) at the ASSOCHAM 2nd Fintech & Digital Payments Awards 2022
•  Fintech award for Digital Payments at Governance Now’s BFSI Awards 2022.

Feb 2023: Online K-12 tutoring platform Focus Edumatics to create opportunities for Chennai graduates to serve as tutors. The company is targeting to hire 2000 graduates from Chennai by the end of this year. To enhance teachers’ skills, Focus Edumatics aims to provide free training to teachers and create 14000 online tutors jobs in India in 2023.

As part of the free training curriculum, Focus Edumatics provides candidates with world-class instruction and certification to excel as one-on-one instructors. The training includes advanced English competency, student engagement techniques, computer skills, and soft skills (e.g., communication) to teach international students effectively. After successful completion of the program, candidates will be hired by Focus Edumatics as online tutors on payroll with a highly competitive starting salary apart from other perks.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. U.K. Rana, President/CEO of Focus Edumatics, said, “We believe in the power of education and its ability to bring desired changes in society. And we can provide quality only if we have qualified teachers. Our initiative aims to enhance the teaching ability of talented graduates passionate about educating young minds. Focus Edumatics seeks to sharpen the candidates’ communication and core subject skills, eventually making them job-ready.

The program is designed for those who want to become online tutors to mentor USA K12 students. It will offer job seekers, recent graduates, and experienced individuals a great chance to become online tutors. It will also provide a good opportunity for teachers, parents, and other professionals looking for a flexible work arrangement.

New Delhi, February 27, 2023: Exam time could be a stressful time for students of all levels. But, mental health expert Dr. Jyoti Kapoor, Founder-Director and Senior Psychiatrist, of Manasthali Wellness, said rewarding yourself between study time is the best way to beat stress. She further added that this will motivate the students to continue studying and reduce stress. A small amount of stress can challenge you and stimulate you to work harder. Exam stress becomes problematic when it interferes with your ability to perform and achieve your
academic and learning goals.

“Exam stress is the feeling of tension and worry that comes from test-taking situations. It is normal to feel some stress about upcoming tests, exams, papers or presentations. Therefore, when you’re studying, ensure that you’re taking breaks in between Indeed For example, after studying hard for an hour, take a break and play on the internet for 20 minutes or watch an episode of a TV show that you enjoy. This will help you get your mind
off the exam while acting as a motivational carrot that may help you pick up studying again after your break,” Dr. Jyoti Kapoor said.

Below are the tips that will help you avoid stress so that you can ace your exams:

•  Make yourself a study schedule, breaking down the topic you want to study day by day
•  Be realistic about how much you can study each day when allocating your time
•  It’s very difficult to sustain your concentration for hours at a time so when you find your mind wandering it’s probably a sign you need a short break
•  Eating healthy and limiting your caffeine intake is essential
•  Taking time out from studying to exercise may be the last thing you feel like doing, but there’s a reason exercise is a classic stress reliever
•  Physical activity is a great way to clear your mind and boost your mood
• After just 20 minutes of exercise, you can hit the books with renewed focus
•  Talking to a friend, significant other, family member, or advisor when you’re feeling
  really worried can be a huge help
•  Don’t be afraid to speak to a professional or the mental health services at your school if you are concerned about your mental health during exam season or at any point in the year

VitrA, a leading global brand for complete bathroom solutions from Turkey has appointed Tirthankar Sarkar as the new Senior Country Manager of VitrA Bathrooms India. He succeeds Serhan Ates Yagiz, who will now take over as Senior Country Manager for China & South East Asia after a remarkable 7 years in the position.

Sarkar continues in the bathroom industry as Sr. Country Manager with a wealth of experience. In his new role, he will be managing business operations for VitrA across India. He has over 22 years of professional experience in sales and has a track record of consistently winning high levels of business within a competitive marketplace. Sarkar, holding a core position at VitrA, is familiar with the system at VitrA and fully understands the brand and company which makes him deserving of his current position.

During the past year, Sarkar has displayed significant drive and energy as he has undertaken the demanding task of delivering business value to sales and operations while expanding the consumer base and strengthening it for the future. He will lead VitrA into its next century of business, with his industry experience, strategic vision, and customer-centric approach. With his leadership experience in consumer goods, Sarkar is an excellent fit to lead VitrA with a commitment to innovation and market activation strategies. He will now oversee the implementation of the operations across India with a focus on driving revenue and market share expansion.

Mr. Tirthankar Sarkar, Sr. Country Manager, VitrA Bathrooms India says, “India is a complex, multifaceted nation that offers tremendous opportunities, which is where our years of experience come into play. It is with great pleasure that I take up this new position. I joined VitrA because I could see the company’s potential. I appreciated the value of the skills and expertise needed to deliver challenging, important projects and operations, and develop innovative products. In my brief time with the company, I have been impressed by the tenacity of our culture, and the quality of our client relationships, all of which serve as solid foundations for future growth.”

Kolkata, 26th February 2023: The Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC) organized an exclusive session with Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, Former Director of LBSNAA, Ex-IAS Officer on Saturday, 25^th February 2023. The session witnessed valuable insights into the post-independence era and the consolidation of princely states. There were other esteemed members in the panel including Mr. Soumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Dept. of transport, Govt. of West Bengal, Dr. Sandeep Chatterjee, F.R.C.S Ed, DNB (Surg.), M.N.A.M.S, (Neurosurgery), F.R.C.S (Neurosurgery), M.S.M.B.B.S Academic Coordinator of Neurosurgery, Mr. Sanjay Budhia, Past President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, Past President, ICC and Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC.

While delivering the welcome address, Mr. Sanjay Budhia, Past President, Indian Chamber of Commerce, said, “Our author has great passion for literature, which is very much reflected in his book, focusing down on the cherished career of the country. The book takes us back in time to discuss the history of Bharat. The book clearly mentions the national ability to distinct through socio-economic boundaries. The discussion will enlighten with readers with enriching ideas given in the book.”

Commenting about the book, Mr. Soumitra Mohan, IAS, Secretary, Dept. of transport, Govt. of West Bengal, said, “The book speaks broadly about the Indian Independence Act. It covers the state of three provinces following the Britisher’s exit from our country. It further sheds light on chief commissioner areas, governor provinces and thirdly the princely states. Almost 552 princely states, were later organized by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. The way that he along with VP Menon worked tirelessly to annex the princely states has been mentioned in the book. A lot of autonomy was given to the princely states. Henceforth, two agreements were signed to serve as the instrument of accession, while autonomy was restricted to the government to ensure this practice was implemented. Interestingly there were 20 names again suggested for Uttar Pradesh such as Aryabhatta, Aryabhatta Pradesh, Brahma Pradesh etc. So, these are very interesting issues highlighted in the book projecting the division of states and its development which has been discussed further in the book.”

Commenting on the event, Dr. Sandeep Chatterjee, F.R.C.S Ed, DNB (Surg.), M.N.A.M.S, (Neurosurgery), F.R.C.S (Neurosurgery), M.S.M.B.B.S Academic Coordinator of Neurosurgery, said, “The book is intriguing when you read it showcasing the ultimate paradox. Having said that, the book reveals the history of geography at the beginning and the geography of history during its end.”

Commenting at the event, Mr. Rudra Chatterjee, Past President, ICC, said, “The book interestingly narrates not only the history or geography but an overall summary of our country. The Bangladesh partition in 1971 was one of those periods whose impact was felt at our borders. The partitions of 1905 and 1947 have also been explored in the book.”

Commenting on the theme of the book, Dr. Sanjeev Chopra, Former Director of LBSNAA, Ex-IAS Officer, said, “Today, we see West Bengal seeking changes. There is a very interesting story about when Karnataka was previously called Mysore. There were sections from the local community that did not want to change the name, keeping in mind people’s emotions. India after partition had several names, Hindustan, Bharat, India but Britishers mentioned that they never wanted to call themselves dominant of Pakistan. Further V.P. Menon and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel worked tirelessly to make our country the centralized factor. Demographic changes have been affecting politics, and most of them did not face the same wrath after the partition which Bengal and Punjab had gone through. Having said that Bengal was not treated well after the partition whereas the Punjabi refugees were accepted with open arms by the other princely states. Precisely the book mentions Identity is fluid and not cast in stone.”

While delivering the vote of thanks, Dr. Rajeev Singh, Director General, ICC, said, “Everyone in this room has got the flavor of history and seen a multifaceted personality. This book is what people of India need to know, especially the young generation.”