All posts by Sujata Achary

Delhi:– The Development Commissioner for Handlooms, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, organized Breathing Threads, a spectacular fashion event at Bharat Tex 2025, held at Bharat Mandapam. The show celebrated India’s rich handloom heritage and demonstrated the potential of Indian textiles on the global luxury stage.

Held in collaboration with the Handloom Export Promotion Council and Vaishali S Couture, the event highlighted the skill, tradition, and innovation embedded in Indian hand-woven textiles. Featuring fabrics from five states—West Bengal, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, and Rajasthan—the showcase presented 30 looks modeled in seven traditional weaving techniques, including Chanderi, Maheshwari, Jamdani, Khun, Benarasi, Kota Doria, and Murshidabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Beena, IAS, Development Commissioner for Handlooms, emphasized the government’s commitment to preserving and promoting India’s handloom sector. “Indian hand-woven textiles are an untapped wealth, and through initiatives like Bharat Tex 2025, we are ensuring that our skilled artisans receive the recognition and global opportunities they deserve,” she stated.

The event was attended by key stakeholders from the Indian textile industry, along with international buyers from Australia, the UK, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Kuwait, and Chile. This global participation reaffirmed the growing international demand for India’s sustainable, handcrafted textiles.

The Ministry of Textiles continues to champion India’s handloom sector by fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic opportunities for artisans. Breathing Threads was a powerful demonstration of how India’s centuries-old craftsmanship can seamlessly blend with modern design to captivate audiences worldwide.

Mumbai, 18 Feb 2025: Fineotex Chemical Limited (FCL), one of India’s leading multinational specialty performance chemical manufacturers, has announced that its revolutionary biotechnology-based mosquito control solution, AquaStrike Premium (formulation based on Azadirachtin), through its wholly owned subsidiary FSPL Private Limited has received approval from the Central Insecticide Board, Government of India for technical import and formulation under Insecticides Act, 1968.

The approval strengthens FCL’s commitment to public health and environmental sustainability in India. This milestone underscores the product’s effectiveness as a non-toxic, eco-friendly, and highly efficient alternative to conventional mosquito control methods and also leads to water preservation. Developed in Malaysia with European design engineering, the product Aquastrike Premium has undergone rigorous testing in WHO-approved laboratories and holds multiple international certifications. Unlike traditional insecticides, this odorless and invisible liquid solution is simply sprinkled onto water surfaces, eliminating the need for gaseous spraying. Its innovative formulation not only eradicates mosquito larvae but also preserves water quality, making it a cost-effective and sustainable alternative to chemical-based insecticides.

Speaking of the launch, Sanjay Tibrewala, Executive Director, Fineotex Chemical Limited, said: “The approval of the product formulation from the Central Insecticide Board is a significant achievement in our mission to provide sustainable and effective mosquito control and water preservation solutions in India. AquaStrike Premium is a breakthrough innovation that not only combats mosquito-borne diseases but also ensures environmental safety. At Fineotex, we remain committed to bringing advanced, eco-friendly technologies to India, contributing to public health and water conservation.”

It has received multiple international approvals, including recognition from the Ministry of Health in Malaysia, a Non-Pesticide classification by the Malaysian Pesticide Board, and is also approved by Singapore’s Public Utility Board.

Fineotex Chemical Limited will work closely with government agencies, NGOs, and healthcare organizations to implement large-scale mosquito control programs, contributing to a healthier and safer future for India.

Bengaluru, India – A 34-year, gentleman named Mr. Adan (name changed), hailing from Ghana, South Africa adhering to Jehovah’s beliefs, presented with symptoms of left-sided weakness persisting for a year and headaches worsening over the pasts eight months ago. The weakness affected his left upper and lower limbs progressively, leading to difficulty grasping objects with his left hand and walking difficulty. He had a seizure episode two months ago which worsened his headache and neurological deficits.

Mr. Adan was subsequently admitted to Sakra World Hospital in Bengaluru, where Dr. Arjun Srivatsa, Director & HOD – Institute of Neurosciences, Dr. Shylesh M P, Associate Consultant – Neurosurgery and their team, conducted a thorough examination followed by a panel of imaging and blood tests. The MRI Brain Contrast revealed a large 10x 9 cm tumor abutting the right side of the brain.

Dr. Arjun, Director & HOD – Institute of Neurosciences , Sakra World Hospital, explained, “A meningioma is a tumor that grows from the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. A meningioma is not a brain cancer, but it may press on the adjacent brain, nerves and vessels and can cause trouble. Meningioma is one of the most common type of tumor that arises in the brain. Most meningiomas grow very slowly, however certain tumours can grow at a rapid rate and behave aggressively. They can grow over many years without causing symptoms. But sometimes, their effects on nearby brain tissue, nerves or vessels may cause serious disability. Meningiomas occur more often in women. They’re often found at older ages. But they can happen at any age and either sexes. Because most meningiomas grow slowly, often without symptoms, they do not always need treatment right away, instead, they may be watched over time. However large meningiomas causing compression of the brain require immediate attention”

Following the diagnosis of right parietal convexity meningioma, the patient underwent a successful craniotomy for tumor excision. Dr. Arjun stated “Since Mr. Adan being a follower of Jehovah’s sect and clearly against transfusion of blood or any forms of blood products like platelets, plasma etc., it is a challenging situation for the surgeons and the anesthetic team to handle the intraoperative blood loss. Meningiomas being highly vascular tumours tend to bleed profusely during the surgery hence a meticulous surgical technique and hemostasis has to be achieved during the surgery to minimize the amount of blood loss. This patient had a significant amount of bleeding during the surgery inspite of all the necessary precautions to minimize blood loss and had a significant dip in his hemoglobin levels. It was quite as task for us to remove the entire tumour amidst significant bleeding encountered during surgery. Yet, with best of our efforts the entire tumour was resected without much complications. Patient recovered well without any neurological deficits, however his hemoglobin level were well below the expected levels. Despite encountering significant post-operative anemia, we were able to manage without any blood transfusion. “

He further added, “Significant advancements in anesthesia and surgical techniques have enabled the minimization of blood loss and the avoidance of blood transfusions during procedures which is specifically benificient in such patient’s who are followers of the Jehovah sect”

The patient improved and was weaned off the ventilator, though he had generalized weakness, dizziness and was severely pale because of low hemoglobin levels. We started him on Human recombinant Erythropoietin which is a medicine used to boost up the hemoglobin levels. Patient began to show signs of improvement, started eating normally, and was initiated on neurorehabilitation and physiotherapy. At the time of discharge patient was back on his feet, with no neurological deficits, feeding well and returned back to his country with a smile on his face”

Dr. Arjun stressed, “Blood loss is a known thing in huge complex meningiomas. Operating on Jehovah’s witness patients demands sensitivity to their beliefs. Timely diagnosis and prompt intervention are keys for a good functional post-operative outcome.

“After surgery,” said Mr. Adan, “I felt relieved as my headaches decreased and I regained strength and mobility. I’m grateful for the successful outcome and the team’s understanding of my decision to avoid a blood transfusion.”

Mumbai, India, 18 Feb 2025: Yotta Data Services has been officially empaneled under the India AI Mission, a Government of India initiative aimed at establishing the country as a global leader in artificial intelligence (AI). As a leading AI and cloud services provider, Yotta brings unmatched GPU capacity, advanced AI platforms, and a robust sovereign cloud infrastructure to accelerate AI-driven innovation in India.

With over 9,216 advanced GPUs, committed to the India AI Mission (and to be made available in phases), including 8,192 NVIDIA H100 GPUs and 1,024 L40S GPUs, Yotta’s Shakti Cloud delivers ultra-low latency, high-performance AI compute power to government entities, startups, and enterprises. Its offerings include AI Labs for students, AI Workspaces, GPU-as-a-service (GPUaaS), and API endpoints for AI models, enabling rapid AI development and deployment. All these services are available from Yotta’s NM1 campus, India’s largest and most scalable data center, offering instant access to GPU computing power. The highly flexible and scalable architecture of the Uptime Institute Tier IV Certified NM1 data center enables organizations to consume AI resources on demand

Yotta is playing a pivotal role in advancing India’s AI ecosystem by supporting the India AI Innovation Center’s latest initiative to develop Indigenous foundational models. With its state-of-the-art hyperscale data centers and AI-ready cloud infrastructure, the company provides the high-performance computing (HPC) capabilities essential for training Large Multimodal Models (LMMs), Large Language Models (LLMs), and Small Language Models (SLMs). By offering access to world-class GPU and TPU clusters, the company eliminates the need for heavy upfront investments in hardware, enabling Indian researchers, startups, and entrepreneurs to accelerate AI development. Moreover, its secure and indigenous data hosting solutions ensure that AI models are trained on locally stored datasets, adhering to data sovereignty regulations. The company also provides structured and unstructured data lakes, facilitating robust model training.

Further strengthening its value proposition, the company has forged global collaborations with Microsoft Azure AI, Sarvam AI, and Hanooman AI. These partnerships enhance AI accessibility, foster talent development, and empower organizations to leverage cutting-edge AI tools within India’s sovereign cloud ecosystem. By supporting research institutions, startups, and enterprises, the company is driving India’s AI revolution forward.

Sunil Gupta, Co-founder, CEO, and MD of Yotta, emphasized the strategic and market-driven approach of the India AI Mission in accelerating AI infrastructure and innovation. He noted that instead of directly investing in building data centers, purchasing GPUs, and managing AI infrastructure, the government has chosen to empower service providers to take on the investment risks, deploy GPUs, and operate AI services on a cloud-based model. What sets this initiative apart is its demand-side funding strategy, which places financial resources directly in the hands of researchers, startups, and enterprises that require GPU access for training and deploying AI models. This enables them to pay for AI services provided by the private sector, fostering a competitive and sustainable AI ecosystem. By focusing on its core role of policy and governance, the India AI Mission is enabling AI ecosystem players to innovate and scale at various layers of the AI stack, encouraging a thriving, market-led AI economy rather than a government-controlled infrastructure model. This approach ensures a scalable and sustainable AI industry that can compete globally while addressing India’s unique AI needs. Gupta further exhorted Indian enterprises and startups to get inspired by the Indian Govt.’s vision of made-in-India models and take advantage of Yotta’s readily available capacity to build their own LLM models.

He also expressed his appreciation to the India AI Mission team for their dedication and vision in making India a global AI powerhouse.

He greatly appreciated the leadership and efforts of Mr. Abhishek Singh, Additional Secretary at MeitY and CEO of the India AI Mission, who conceived the idea of India AI Mission and is a figurehead in international AI governance and policy. He also expressed his gratitude for Ms. Kavita Bhatia, COO of the India AI Mission and Scientist G at MeitY, and Mr. Sushil Kumar Jangid, Scientist ‘B’ in the AI & Emerging Technologies Group at MeitY, for their pivotal role in advancing India’s AI ecosystem and democratizing access to AI resources and for being drivers of the India AI Mission since its inception. He also highlighted the contributions of the young and dynamic, Mr. Abhishek Das, GM-Compute at India AI Mission and formerly Joint Director at C-DAC Pune, whose expertise in high-performance computing and AI infrastructure has given a fillip to the compute mobilization efforts of the India AI Mission and strengthened its drive towards innovation and technological advancement.

New Delhi, India: BYD India, a subsidiary of BYD, the world’s leading NEV (New Energy Vehicle) manufacturer, has announced prices of its all-new BYD SEALION 7 to customers. BYD India unveiled the BYD SEALION 7 Pure Performance eSUV at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 on January 18, 2025. The fully electric SUV had also commenced bookings for customers on the eve of the unveiling. Priced at ₹48.9 lakh the Pure Performance eSUV has garnered over 1000 bookings within a month under the Promotional Booking Policy.

The BYD SEALION 7 is a purely performance fully electric SUV that seamlessly blends ocean-inspired aesthetics with cutting-edge innovation. It is a highly successful product with a strong global legacy. It incorporates BYD’s cutting-edge Intelligence Torque Adaption Control (iTAC) and the acclaimed CTB (Cell to Body) technology. This technology integrates BYD’s Blade Battery as a structural element of the chassis, enhancing both safety and performance while offering increased cabin space, superior handling, and an extended range. The BYD SEALION 7 is available with an 82.56 kWh battery pack and a choice of Premium and Performance variants.

Mr. Rajeev Chauhan, Head ofthe  Electric Passenger Vehicles (EPV) Business at BYD India, said, “The unveiling of the SEALION 7 at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 is a milestone event for BYD India. Besides, SEALION 7 has witnessed an overwhelming response of over 1000 bookings within a month of announcing the car. Combined with our network expansion to over 40 dealers and counting, this response to SEALION 7 furthers our vision for innovative and sustainable mobility in India.”

The BYD SEALION 7 can accelerate from 0 – 100 km/h in 4.5 secs in the Performance trim, and the Premium does the same in 6.7 seconds. The BYD SEALION 7 Performance offers a range of 542 km and the Premium can go 567 km on a full charge (both range figures as per NEDC test). The Performance takes the power figure to 390 kW and torque to 690 Nm. The Premium variant makes 230 kW of power and 380 Nm of torque. The BYD SEALION 7 measures 4,830 mm in length and 2,930 mm of wheelbase ensuring solid design proportions and ample interior space.

Designed by BYD’s Global Design Director, Wolfgang Egger, the BYD SEALION 7 features sleek, flowing lines, an aerodynamic profile, and a distinctive ‘OCEAN X’ front styling. The interior is equally impressive, with a 15.6-inch (39.62 cms) rotating touchscreen, premium quilted Nappa leather seats, and 128-color ambient lighting options. Additional highlights include a panoramic glass roof with an electric sunshade, a heads-up display, and a quiet cabin designed to minimize noise, vibration, and harshness. With its impressive performance, advanced features, and luxurious design, the BYD SEALION 7 is poised to revolutionize the electric vehicle market in India.

The BYD SEALION 7 offers an unparalleled driving experience, combining comfort, entertainment, and innovative design. It allows for immersive audio with 12 Dynaudio speakers, personalized comfort with ventilated and heated seats, and a 50 W wireless phone charger. The vehicle also houses an intelligent and effortless tailgate, futuristic dynamic water drop tail lamps, 11 airbags as standard, and Driver Fatigue Monitoring among other features.

BYD SEALION 7 is also equipped with VTOL (Vehicle to Load). This converts the BYD SEALION 7 into a portable power station allowing it to power any electronic device making it a boon in the outdoors or during emergencies.

Kolkata, 18th February 2025: Emami Realty, the prestigious real estate arm of the renowned Emami Group, performs the Bhoomi Pujan and the inauguration of the Experience Center at Emami Aamod, located on James Long Sarani, New Alipore. The project is expected to generate around ₹850 crore in revenue.

The Bhoomi Pujan ceremony to commemorate the construction at the site was conducted with great reverence and attended by esteemed guests, including Smt. Kakoli Bag- Councillor 119 Ward, Mr. Mohan Goenka, Vice Chairman & Whole-time Director Emami Ltd. Dr. Nitesh Kuma, MD & CEO Emami Realty Limited, Dr. Aditya V Agarwal – Non-Executive Director Emami Ltd. The event marked a significant milestone in the development of Emami Aamod, a project that epitomizes luxury living with its opulent amenities and serene environment.

In conjunction with the Bhoomi Pujan, Emami Realty also unveiled the Experience Center at Emami Aamod. The Experience Center offers prospective residents a glimpse into the future of luxury living, showcasing the exquisite 3 BHK and 4 BHK apartments, state-of-the-art clubhouse, infinity swimming pool, and the unique musical fountain. The Experience Center is designed to provide visitors with an immersive experience, highlighting the project’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.

Dr. Nitesh Kumar, MD & CEO of Emami Realty Limited, expressed his excitement about the project, stating, “We are thrilled to bring to Kolkata a project that combines luxury with nature. The Bhoomi Pujan and the inauguration of the Experience Center mark the beginning of a new chapter in urban living. Emami Aamod is not just a residential address; it’s a lifestyle.”

Emami Aamod is set to redefine luxury living in Kolkata with its blend of sophistication, grandeur, and tranquillity. The project features a picturesque 1-acre lake with a captivating musical fountain, landscaped gardens, and a range of amenities designed to enhance the quality of life for its residents.

Spread across 4 acres, Emami Aamod features four elegantly designed towers offering spacious air-conditioned 3 BHK and 4 BHK apartments with servant rooms. With flexibility in mind, these apartments allow easy customization by adding internal walls, enabling residents to tailor their homes to their unique needs.

Every room at Emami Aamod features a panoramic balcony with stunning 180-degree views of the serene Aqua Serenity Lake, home to Kolkata’s first rhythmic musical fountain. This tranquil, iconic 1-acre lake with private cabanas offers a rejuvenating ambiance. The infinity edge pool adds grandeur to everyday relaxation, offering breathtaking lake views.

Exclusive rooftop amenities like the Yoga Deck, Stargazing Deck, and Skating Rink allow residents to soak in New Alipore’s skyline. Thematic gardens, including the Fragrance, Sculpture, and Topiary Gardens, provide aesthetic pleasure and serene spaces to unwind. Sports and fitness facilities such as cricket nets, pickleball and basketball courts, and a state-of-the-art gym cater to enthusiasts of all ages.

Entertainment and wellness are always within reach with the amphitheaters, premium club with a bar lounge, and a spa and wellness center. Emami Aamod seamlessly blends sustainability with luxury through eco-friendly features like EV charging points and VRV air conditioning systems. A 10-tier security system ensures a safe, tranquil living environment, while Vastu-compliant apartments promote harmonious energy flow.

For those seeking a refined lifestyle defined by elegance, comfort, and sophistication, Emami Aamod in New Alipore offers a rare opportunity to live in one of the city’s most promising upcoming luxury projects.

Kolkata, 18th Feb 2025: Paytm (One97 Communications Limited), India’s leading payments and financial services distribution company and pioneer of QR codes, Soundbox, and mobile payments, has announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Paytm Services Private Limited (PSPL), an AMFI registered mutual fund distributor, ARN-114595, is now making it easier for millions of Indians to invest in their future. In partnership with SBI Mutual Fund, India’s largest asset management company, Paytm has launched the JanNivesh ₹250 SIP, in line with the Government of India’s vision for a Viksit Bharat by enabling financial inclusion and empowering citizens to invest in their future. This initiative, launched today by SEBI Chairperson Smt. Madhabi Puri Buch and SBI Chairman Shri C S Shetty, enables users to begin their investment journey with just ₹250, making financial growth accessible to all.

The JanNivesh SIP initiative is aimed at empowering citizens to contribute towards India’s financial and economic growth. It offers individuals a simple, affordable entry into wealth-building through small, regular investments, facilitating participation in key financial instruments with just ₹250. Additionally, it provides flexible SIP options – daily, monthly, or weekly contributions – to suit varied financial needs and preferences. This step is pivotal in encouraging financial literacy, economic inclusion, and supporting the Viksit Bharat journey.

The company aims to empower Paytm’s merchant partners by offering them the opportunity to make their first investment, helping them build long-term wealth for their business. This initiative is designed to improve their financial stability and contribute to the broader vision of financial inclusion and economic empowerment. Paytm is committed to supporting the growth of its merchant partners and strengthening the financial foundation of their businesses.

D.P Singh, DMD & Joint CEO, SBI Mutual Fund said, “We have launched the JanNivesh ₹250 SIP, a key initiative that brings us closer to our goal of promoting financial inclusion. Through our partnership with Paytm and other Fintech players, we are offering millions of Indians an easy and flexible entry point to begin investing in their future. This is an important step in our shared vision for a Viksit Bharat, where every citizen has access to wealth-building opportunities.”

Vijay Shekhar Sharma, Founder & CEO – of Paytm said, “We are excited to participate in the Government of India’s Viksit Bharat vision with the launch of JanNivesh ₹250 SIP on Paytm, in partnership with SBI Mutual Fund. The mutual funds market currently has over 100 million investors, and we are thrilled to be part of the journey towards expanding this to 300-400 million mutual fund investors. This initiative, with its simple and low-investment amount SIP options, allows millions of Indians to start investing and contribute to the nation’s economic growth. We extend our gratitude to SBI and SEBI for making this vision a reality.”

How to Set Up Your JanNivesh SIP on Paytm:

• Open the Paytm App and tap on the JanNivesh SIP icon in the ‘Do More with Paytm’ section.
• Choose your preferred investment frequency—Daily, Weekly, or Monthly.
• Select the investment amount, starting from ₹250, that you wish to contribute towards your SIP.
• Click on “Proceed” and enter your PAN details when prompted.
• Complete your SEBI-mandated KYC steps by providing the required details.
• Review your SIP details and proceed to set up UPI Autopay mandate for seamless payments.
• Once the UPI Autopay mandate is successfully set up, your SIP will be registered.

Your investments will then be processed automatically based on your selected frequency. This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free way to invest and grow your wealth with JanNivesh SIP on Paytm!

Paytm’s collaboration with JanNivesh ₹250 SIP is set to transform India’s investment landscape, driving financial inclusion and contributing to the nation’s economic growth. Just as Paytm pioneered QR code mobile payments and revolutionized the payment sector, it now aims to bring the same level of innovation to the investment space. This initiative aligns with the government’s Viksit Bharat vision, offering millions of Indians an accessible, affordable way to start investing and contribute to India’s future prosperity.

India, February 18, 2025 – SMFG India Credit has made history by achieving a Guinness World Record for the ‘Largest Cattle Welfare Lesson (Multiple Venues)’ with 517 participants across 6 venues in India. This milestone was accomplished as part of the company’s 7th edition of Pashu Vikas Day (PVD), the largest one-day cattle care camp across the country. These camps were simultaneously held in 500 locations across 16 states, benefiting around 1,90,000 beneficiaries (1,50,000 cattle and 40,000 cattle owners).

In India, approximately 65-70% of the rural population relies on agriculture or agriculture-related activities for their livelihood. Hence, cattle and livestock play a crucial role in their livelihood generation activities and financial well-being. Recognizing this unbreakable bond, SMFG India Credit celebrated the 7th edition of Pashu Vikas Day under the theme ‘Mera Pashu Mera Parivar,’ reinforcing the importance of livestock in the lives of these rural families.

The annual PVD event also saw the active participation of more than 6,000 employees, reinforcing the company’s commitment to rural welfare.

Mr. Shantanu Mitra, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of SMFG India Credit, said, “At SMFG India Credit, we remain steadfast in our commitment to championing social initiatives that create a meaningful impact. With a strong Pan-India presence of 1000+ branches, our primary focus is on Tier-2+ locations, with nearly 90% of our branches strategically positioned in these regions. In fact, over the last two years, we have added around 300 branches, all located in Tier-2+ geographies. Our goal is to drive financial inclusion by providing the right products and financial solutions, enabling us to serve communities at every stage of their life cycle.

I would also like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to each of our dedicated employees for their outstanding commitment and hard work in achieving the Guinness World Record for the Largest Cattle Welfare Lesson across multiple venues. It is truly heartening to see that this year’s Pashu Vikas Day not only surpassed expectations in cattle care but also introduced specialized knowledge sessions across multiple venues in India, which earned us the Guinness World Record.”

Mr. Swaminathan Subramanian, Chief Operating Officer of SMFG India Credit, said, “The recognition received from Guinness World Records for holding the largest cattle welfare lesson across multiple venues is a proud and defining moment for each and everyone at SMFG India Credit. As a company, we have etched our name in the history books on an international level, and it gives us the belief to continue working towards uplifting the communities we serve at large through innovative and sustainable socio-economic initiatives. Setting a world record on Guinness World Records also reaffirms our dedication to rural welfare and motivates us to continue empowering communities by providing financial access through our financial solutions across their life-cycle.”

Building on its rich legacy of achieving world records, Pashu Vikas Day has previously been recognized by the World Records Union, Limca Book of Records, Best of India Records, and World Book of Records for hosting the largest cattle care camps organized in a single day.

New Delhi, February 18th, 2025: The University of Leeds (UoL), UK, and Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth (SBV), India, successfully co-hosted the 3rd International Health and Research Conference, bringing together global experts, academics, and professionals to drive innovation and collaboration in healthcare and medical research.

The conference was attended by the Honorable Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry, Shri K. Kailashnathan, who delivered a keynote addressing the audience during the inauguration. Additionally, Prof. Shearer West CBE, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Leeds joined virtually to give her inaugural speech, emphasizing the importance of international partnerships in advancing health sciences.

Speaking about the conference, Prof West said, “This convention brings together distinguished experts and thought leaders not only from India and the UK but also from across South and Southeast Asia. Through workshops, discussion forums, and seminars, we are presented with an exceptional opportunity to engage in insightful debates and exchange ideas that will foster meaningful collaborations between our institutions and nations.”

This initiative between SBV and the University of Leeds aimed to foster innovation and strengthen global bonds in health sciences. The agenda of the conference was to foster insightful discussions, expert panels, and presentations on key medical research and educational advancements. The convention featured a wide array of topics on key areas such as biomedical research, cardiac care, holistic medical education, and women’s leadership.

Speaking about the Convention, Prof. Nirmal Coumare, Director of Health, Hospitals and Outreach Services, Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth and Conference Chair said, “The Convention unfurled a significant platform that had showcased the vital elements in contemporary academic and research leadership, especially with a focus on the rapidly evolving health sciences. The Convention took care not only to integrate these values from the national perspectives, namely the United Kingdom and India but to incorporate holistic health and our quest for realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs).”

Distinguished panelists came to engage in interactive sessions to enhance practical knowledge and skills while giving insights on grant writing, research methodologies, and the use of advanced technologies in health research. Such a diverse group of participants and panels helped to spur collaborative efforts, initiate partnerships, and unite to achieve common goals.

The 3rd International Health and Research Conference not only reinforced the importance of global cooperation but also provided early-career researchers with a unique opportunity to present their findings and engage with leading experts in the field.

The University of Leeds and Sri Balaji Vidyapeeth remain committed to fostering research-driven healthcare advancements and look forward to continued collaborations in future editions of the conference.

Chennai, February 18th, 2025: In a significant step towards community welfare, OPG Foundation, part of OPG Group, India’s leading power generator, has launched a free meal distribution program at The Cancer Institute WIA, Adyar, Chennai. This initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) under its flagship program ‘Table of Care’, led by the OPG Foundation, the social impact arm of OPG Group.

The launch event was graced by Hon’ble Justice AD Jagadish Chandra, Judge, Madras High Court, as the Chief Guest, who lauded the initiative and its positive impact on the community.

The Cancer Institute (WIA), established in 1954, is one of India’s premier oncology centers dedicated to providing high-quality, affordable cancer care. With a strong focus on research, early detection, and treatment, the institute has been at the forefront of cancer care in India. It offers comprehensive services, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology, while also emphasizing patient welfare through various support programs.

The program underscores the OPG Foundation’s commitment to addressing societal needs and supporting those facing challenging circumstances. The meals, carefully prepared to meet nutritional standards, will be distributed free of charge at a dedicated counter within the hospital premises.

Speaking about the initiative, Mrs. Sudha Gupta of OPG Foundation said: “At OPG Foundation, we believe that no one should go hungry, especially those going through challenging times. The ‘Table of Care’ led by the OPG Foundation is our way of standing by families who are facing emotional and financial distress. Providing nutritious meals is a small yet meaningful way to offer comfort and support when it’s needed most. We remain committed to expanding our social impact efforts and finding more ways to give back to the community.”

This marks the fifth free meal program by the OPG Foundation. Currently, the company operates four meal distribution centers in and around its facility in Gummidipoondi, serving nearly 700 meals daily. Over the past three years, the ‘Table of Care’ initiative has benefited nearly three lakh people.

The director of the Cancer Institute, expressed gratitude for the program, stating: “The families of our patients often endure emotional and financial stress during their hospital visits. This thoughtful initiative by the OPG Foundation will go a long way in providing comfort and support to these individuals. We are grateful for this collaboration and applaud their dedication to social responsibility.”