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Bengaluru: 25th  March 2024: The National Conference on Gender and Inclusion was organized by Presidency University, Bengaluru, Centre for Development Policy and Practice, and GOONJ, in collaboration with Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) and Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) on 14th March 2024 at Presidency University campus. The conference was a prominent event in the ongoing discourse surrounding gender dynamics in the Indian workforce. The theme of the conference for this year was ‘Women in the Workforce.’ The conference was packed with insightful sessions and esteemed speakers that aimed to shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for fostering gender equality and inclusion in the labour market.

The inauguration of the conference witnessed a thought-provoking Presidential address by the Chief Guest Ms. Vinita Bali, a global business leader and former CEO of Britannia Industries. Her insights, garnered from her extensive experience in the corporate realm, set the tone for deliberations throughout the day. The conference featured a stellar line-up of esteemed guests, including Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan, Chief Impact Officer of Sambhav Foundation & Chairperson of LabourNet, who delivered a special address, where she shared 8 short stories that highlighted the gender-based perceptions and discrimination. Vasudevan’s expertise in social impact and labour dynamics added significant value to the discourse on gender and inclusion. The keynote address delivered by Ms. Rukmini S., author and independent data journalist delved deeper into “What the Data Says: On Gender and the Workforce”.

Speaking at the inauguration, Registrar of Presidency University, Dr. Sameena Noor Ahmed Panali reiterated her belief that acknowledging the profound significance of women’s participation in the workforce is not just a pursuit of social justice, but a vital catalyst for economic prosperity. She highlighted Presidency University’s active involvement in supporting Gender and Inclusivity for the past five decades that helped uplift and sustain 60% of women in various leadership roles across their schools, colleges, and University.

Dr. Anubha Singh in her address stated that gender equality requires more than just acknowledging women’s achievements. It demands a paradigm shift in our mindsets and workplaces. At Presidency University, we firmly believe that gender equality is not just a goal, but a fundamental principle. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women can excel in academics, research, and leadership roles.

Dr. Anubha Singh reiterated that this conference offers a valuable platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative action. We will hear from renowned thought leaders, industry experts, and women themselves who have shattered glass ceilings and carved their own paths to success. She motivated all the delegates present by stating that together, we can build a world where gender is not a barrier to success, but a source of strength and diversity.

The heart of the conference was its panel discussions, where experts from diverse backgrounds converged to dissect critical aspects of women’s participation in the workforce.

Panel Discussion 1 on “Women in the Workforce: What the Data Says”, chaired by Dr. Abusaleh Shariff, Executive Director and Chief Scholar at the US-India Policy Institute, delved into the data surrounding women in the workforce. Accompanying him was Dr. Subhashini Muthukrishnan, Registrar and Professor at St. Joseph College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and Dr. Priyanka Dwivedi, Assistant Professor at Chanakya University, Bengaluru, Dr. Sridevi Tandley, ML Solutions Evangelist, Renowned Speaker & Educator. The panelists looked at different data points analyzing the participation of women in the workforce. Explanations and theories were sought to explain the declining trend of female labor force participation. Concepts such as human capital, low household decision-making, poor economic status and reproduction and childcare were discussed. Numerous contradictions were identified in PLFS data, with specific focus on rural, urbans, wage-work and casual work and self-employment. Their insights helped provide a nuanced understanding of the statistical trends and underlying factors influencing female labour force participation rates.

Panel Discussion 2, ‘Woman in the Workforce: Tackling Challenges and Way Forward’, chaired by Ms. Puja Marwaha, CEO of CRY (Child Rights and You), focused on tackling challenges and charting a way forward for women in the workforce. With Dr. Vinod Vyasulu, a Senior Economist and Professor, and Ms. Soma Wadhwa, a Senior Research Fellow at CDPP and Associate Professor at the School of Modern Media, UPES, the panel delved into the multifaceted challenges encountered by women both prior to and after entering the workforce. Topics spanned the necessity of legislative frameworks alongside their practical implementation to foster workplace inclusivity. Regional disparities were explored, highlighting the discrepancy between educational attainment and employment opportunities. Furthermore, the discourse underscored how the digital divide exacerbates these challenges for women.

The 3rd and final Panel Discussion on ‘Women in the Workforce: Learnings from the Grassroots, moderated by Mr. Anshu Gupta, Founder of Goonj, grassroots perspectives took centre stage. Featuring voices such as Ms. Kamini Kumari, Secretary of Aapka Aanchal, Bihar, Ms. Uthara Narayanan, Founder of Buzz Women, Bengaluru, and Ms. Hemlata Rajput from Shrijan Kalyan Samiti, Raipur, they shared personal experiences of navigating the workplace as women at the grassroot levels and delved into the obstacles hindering women’s entry into the workforce. Concluding, they emphasized the importance of reshaping narratives and highlighted themselves as beacons of hope for societal, cultural, economic, and political progress.

Following the panel discussion, the academic discourse was enriched by paper presentations, offering a platform for scholars and researchers to present their findings. The papers focused on various aspects of women in the workforce in India. The topics of the papers ranged from qualitative analysis of workspace in an urban setting to the problems faced by marginalized women in rural parts of the nation.

The valedictory address was provided by Ms. Meenakshi Gupta, Co-Founder, Goonj, who encapsulated the day-long conference’s key takeaways and encouraged the members present to find innovative ways and means to support gender equality and inclusivity.

In essence, the National Conference on Gender and Inclusion at Presidency University. Bengaluru was a prominent platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. By harnessing the collective wisdom and expertise of diverse stakeholders, this conference endeavored to foster an environment where women not only participate but thrive in the workforce, thus paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.

Delhi, 21st March 2024 – Greenpanel Industries Limited, India’s largest manufacturer of wood panel, partners with the Akshaya Patra Foundation, an implementing partner of the PM POSHAN program and related state government school meal programs, to provide hot-nutritious mid-day meals to government & government-aided school children in the districts of Nellore and Kuppam. As part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, Greenpanel has partnered with The Akshay Patra Foundation and supports their School Meals Program.

The collaboration has been underway since April 2023, which has enabled the provision of nutrition-rich mid-day meals to children in government schools, laying the foundation for a healthy childhood and a better quality of life. From April to December 2023 alone, this partnership has ensured in serving over 3.19 lakh nutritious meals to more than 2,016 children in government schools in Nellore and Kuppam. The continuous, long-term feeding has deepened the organization’s impact on these communities, enhancing their overall well-being.

Mr. Arvind Joshi, VP and Head Marketing, Greenpanel Industries Ltd., said, “Our collaboration with Akshaya Patra Foundation has been a resounding success in upholding every child’s basic right to proper nutrition. The program is a life-changing experience for the children who come to attend a government school, with the hope of getting educated, and having a full meal in their recess. Every meal has a direct impact on the health and well-being of a child, which lays the foundation for a healthy childhood. We are proud to witness the direct and lasting impact this program has had, and our ongoing contribution will ensure its continued success.”

Mr. Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “We are immensely grateful to Greenpanel Industries Limited for their generous support as this collaboration is a significant stride towards eradicating classroom hunger and ensuring that children in Nellore and Kuppam receive the nutrition they need to thrive academically. By providing over 3.19 lakh nutritious meals to more than 2,016 children, we are not just addressing providing nutritious meal but also are investing in the future of our nation. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a healthier, more educated, and empowered generation. We look forward to nurturing this partnership and continuing to make a profound impact on the lives of the children we serve.”

The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit implementing partner for the Government of India’s flagship PM POSHAN Abhiyan. Its programme is based on the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model in collaboration with various governments, corporates, philanthropic donors, and well-wishers. Akshaya Patra strives to ensure children’s access to nutrition by providing them hot, hygienic, and safe mid-day meals in government and aided schools every day. The programme positively impacts children’s education by improving their enrolment, attendance, retention, and concentration.

Hyderabad, March 2024: This March, The Leela Palaces, Hotels, and Resorts encourages guests to #EXPLOREINDIA with The Leela to discover India’s picturesque destinations, art, craftsmanship, diverse festivals, and rare culinary offerings like a local. Guests can immerse themselves in eclectic festivities with The Leela, where age-old customs are still setting benchmarks for future generations to follow.

The Leela Getaway is the perfect way to make the most of your time at leisure. Celebrate with much gusto, the festival of colours – Holi, a unique experience of India’s captivating and vibrant culture. Introducing #LeelaKiHoli, guests can revel in a kaleidoscope of organic colours, Phoolon ki Holi played with flowers, cultural performances, and scrumptious food and music, observing the diversity of celebrations across hotels. The Leela has uniquely partnered with Phool.co to produce organic gulaal made from flowers used at their hotels, upcycled and infused with the brand’s signature fragrance – Tishya by The Leela.

Iconic Palaces in New Delhi, Jaipur, Udaipur, Bengaluru, and Chennai, city hotels in Mumbai, Gandhinagar, Gurugram, East Delhi, and Bengaluru, and serene resorts in Kerala each hotel celebrate their location, art and architecture, culture, and cuisine with thoughtful services, celebratory rituals, and immersive experiences that capture the essence of India and the richness within.

The Leela Palace Jaipur welcomes guests for a unique celebration, aptly titled the “Phoolon ki Holi” – an authentic and sustainable celebration of the festival. Guests can experience the joy of Holi with organic gulaal made from natural flowers from the hotel. Embrace eco-friendly practices while enjoying cultural activities, Thandai, and sweet and savoury treats. The celebration culminates with a thematic Holi brunch. All guests will enjoy curated stay amenities of Indian Mithai and an invitation to the hotel’s festive celebrations.

At The Leela Palace Udaipur, experience the vibrant spirit of Holi with thoughtfully designed colourful celebrations taking centre stage. Featuring traditional rituals such as the Holika Dahan, playful colour play with organic gulaal made from natural flowers from the hotel, live music, and a special Holi-inspired menu. Guests will also receive elegant traditional Indian attire as part of our gracious hospitality, perfect to immerse oneself in the joyous atmosphere of the festival.

The onset of April is marked by the long Easter weekend. This summer, indulge in a range of festive experiences at The Leela, from traditional Easter celebrations and a gourmet Easter Brunch to specially curated activities for children. Let your little ones delight in a classic Easter egg hunt, explore the art of painting special Easter eggs, and discover the craft of making edible Easter eggs and bunnies.

The Leela Getaway Package Inclusions are:

1. Holi Long Weekend

•  Buffet breakfast
•  Indian mithai as a special welcome and turndown amenity
•  Phoolon wali Holi – an invitation to the hotel’s festive celebrations
•  Stay souvenir – fragrant incense from upcycled flowers
•  INR 2,000 credit on hotel services per stay

Holi Long Weekend Stay Dates: 23rd March – 25th March 2024 (Saturday – Monday)

2. Easter Long Weekend

 Easter special breakfast

•  Themed welcome and turndown amenity
•  Invitation to the hotel’s Easter-inspired fun activity
•  Stay souvenir
•  INR 2,000 credit on hotel services per stay

Easter Long Weekend Stay Dates: 29th March – 31st March 2024 (Friday – Sunday)

Room Types: All rooms, suites, and villas

*Offer valid and available across 11 properties –

•  The Leela Palace Chennai
•  The Leela Palace Bengaluru
•  The Leela Palace New Delhi
•  The Leela Gandhinagar
•  The Bhartiya City Bengaluru
•  The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel
•  The Leela Palace Jaipur
•  The Leela Palace Udaipur
•  The Leela Ambience Gurugram
•  The Leela Mumbai
•  The Leela Ashtamudi, A Raviz Hotel

Chennai: Castrol, a subsidiary of the bp Group and a global pioneer in lubricants, announces its strategic association with Shah Rukh Khan, the iconic Bollywood superstar, as its brand ambassador. This association marks a significant step in Castrol’s commitment to delivering high-performance lubricants.

Over the next two years, Shah Rukh Khan will feature in digital, print, and TV campaigns for bp and Castrol, showcasing their wide range of products.

Mr. Sashi Mukundan, President of bp India and Senior Vice President of the bp group, commented, “The association with Shah Rukh Khan reflects our dedication to innovation and excellence in the automotive industry. This move embodies our shared values of performance, reliability, and sustainability. We are proud to be a part of this endeavor, as we shape the future of mobility together.”

Mr. Sandeep Sangwan, Managing Director of Castrol India Limited, added, “This association signifies Castrol’s dedication to innovation and excellence, mirroring the actor’s illustrious career. With Shahrukh Khan onboard, our commitment to enhancing vehicle performance is embellished for generations to come.”

Shah Rukh Khan, known for his versatile career spanning three decades, embodies Castrol’s spirit of continuous evolution. His passion for automobiles further strengthens the synergy with Castrol.

Expressing his excitement, the timeless superstar Shah Rukh Khan remarked, “I am thrilled to associate with Castrol, a brand I’ve long admired for its commitment to performance. As a fellow automobile enthusiast, I believe Castrol’s dedication perfectly aligns with my pursuit of excellence. Together, we aspire to inspire and empower drivers to revel in the joy and liberation of the open road, safely. I am eager to embark on this journey together.”

This association reflects Castrol’s vision for the future, anchored in innovation and technology. With Shah Rukh Khan as its brand ambassador, Castrol aims to reach a wider audience and maintain its status as a premier choice for advanced lubricants and services.

Chennai: Nutella, the hazelnut cocoa spread, has been bringing smiles to the faces of millions of consumers globally for 60 years now and has evolved into a household name. To take the celebrations of its 60th year a notch higher, Nutella® wants to celebrate the power of smiles, simply because the more you practice, the more they spread. A celebrative line of 11 delightful limited-edition jars has been unveiled on this occasion, to nurture the emotional bonding with all generations and diverse personalities.

Each jar in the limited-edition collection represents a character recognizable amongst our friends, family or even ourselves. The 11 iconic Persona jars aim to share smiles among our loved ones and are uniquely labelled, representing different facets of consumers’ personalities like The Captain, The Best Friend, The Photo Maker, The Pet Lover, The Boss, The Fashion Icon, The Chef, The Explorer, The Superhero, The Rockstar and The No. 1 Fan. These limited-edition jars will be available across India.

To mark the launch of these limited-edition jars, Nutella has unveiled a series of digital films with brand endorser, Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh. Through the films, Ranveer asks viewers to spread smiles while showcasing all the 11 iconic jars, resonating the jar labels to himself and his loved ones. For instance, he relates himself as ‘The Fashion Icon ‘and ‘The Rockstar’, his mom as ‘The Chef’ and dedicates ‘The No.1 Fan’ jar to all his followers. He also encourages the audience to scan the QR code on the jars, where they can stand a chance to win an exclusive Nutella jumper and can dedicate a virtual jar with a message to their loved ones.

As part of the new campaign, Nutella® has launched an exciting on-pack promo. Consumers can scan the QR code on the lid of the jar, which will lead them to the website Nutella.com, where they can enter the contest and choose an Iconic Jar that most accurately represents their persona. 200 lucky winners will receive an exclusive Nutella 60 Years Jumper, and nearly 2000 lucky winners will receive exciting vouchers. Via the QR code, consumers can customize a virtual jar to write a message to a loved one also.

Zoher Kapuswala, Marketing Head, Nutella, Ferrero India, states: For 60 years, Nutella® has been a part of millions of households, spreading smiles and creating cherished memories. Through the campaign, we continue to celebrate ‘60 years of Nutella”, by inspiring our consumers to gift the most relevant jar to their loved ones or even themselves. These limited-edition iconic persona jars will instantly remind us of someone in our life who represents a persona and will create for a spontaneous gifting moment…thereby spreading smiles.

New Delhi, 21 March 2024: Kiko Live, a SaaS solution for neighbourhood stores and a Seller Network Participant on ONDC Network, has successfully unlocked a major milestone for local kirana stores and retailers on the back of ONDC Network. Kiko Live recently achieved a major milestone of processing over 100,000 total orders on the ONDC Network.

Since its onboarding on the Open Network in December 2023, sellers on Kiko have witnessed significant business growth. From 30-40 orders per day just 3 months ago, Kiko Live is now consistently seeing 2500+ orders per day.

Kiko works directly with Kirana stores to digitize their business. 13 million Kirana stores in India generate over $800 billion in annual business, yet most of them do not have a digital footprint. These sellers continue to depend on orders received over call and Whatsapp for their home delivery business which constitutes over 10% of their business — that’s an $80 billion plus Kirana led home delivery business that already exists today, in spite of availability of Quick Commerce.

Quick commerce at under $4 billion is a small fraction of the Kirana home delivery business even today. Kiko Live helps sellers build their digital storefront on ONDC Network and helps them give their store customers an online experience.

Selling online had been challenging for small retailers in the past. The few who tried, struggled to maintain high inventory fill rates i.e a customer may order 5 items but only receive 3 due to stock-outs. This led to poor buyer experiences. Kiko Live has been able to address this for the retailers, helping them build a thriving business on the ONDC Network. Some retailers are already receiving over 300 orders a day within a couple of weeks of going online.

By leveraging the ONDC Network, Kiko Live has made it easier for small stores to onboard and sell online. A key accomplishment achieved by Kiko Live is enabling high fulfillment rates by the retailers, with sellers achieving 99% order fill rates to date. The app has also focused on a low-cost model of hyperlocal fulfillment.

These efforts have led to order cancellation rates of less than 1% and repeat buying rates that are now crossing 30% of all orders.

Kiko Live success is attributed to their easy to use tech, and their operational efficiency that invests efforts in training retailers, and doing neighborhood activities to promote their sellers and build their business in the early days. Sellers receive handholding till they start receiving 10-15 daily orders. Even after that, remote operations support takes over, assisting sellers till they are able to operate without support.

T Koshy, MD & CEO, ONDC, said, “ONDC Network is helping take digital commerce to every corner of the country in an open, inclusive way that empowers all stakeholders. By creating a level playing field, the Open Network allows small, hyperlocal retailers like Kirana stores to leverage technology, drive new sales channels, and grow their business in ways that was not possible before. We are happy to see Kiko Live’s growth in a short span of 2 months. Facilitating high fulfillment rates and quick deliveries, it has unlocked the potential for thousands of neighborhood Kirana stores to thrive in the digital economy.”

Alok Chawla, Co-Founder, Kiko Live, said, “We celebrate Kiko’s meteoric growth journey, starting with 30-40 orders a day in mid-December 2023, and now helping retailers drive 2500+ orders a day through ONDC Network in just over 3 months. We continue to grow aggressively month on month, from 10,000 orders in January to 40,000 orders in February 2024 and we plan to close March 2024 with over 70,000 orders. We have already helped retailers successfully process over 100,000 orders on ONDC Network and plan to help retailers process over 1.5 million monthly orders before the end of FY25.”

Gurugram, 21st March 2024: Healthians’ flagship initiative, Health on Wheels has achieved 26,000 kilometers’ milestone, bringing vital healthcare services to thousands across India’s diverse landscapes. With a steadfast commitment to equitable healthcare access, Healthians is revolutionizing the delivery of essential services directly to communities’ doorsteps.

Since its inception, Health on Wheels has conducted more than 300+ camps nationwide. Through this innovative approach, Healthians bridges the gap between healthcare services and underserved populations, ensuring that every individual, regardless of location or circumstance, has access to quality healthcare. The initiative has helped many senior citizens, expecting women, among others to have access to healthcare diagnostics at their doorstep.

Deepak Sahni, the founder of Healthians, emphasizes the transformative impact of Health on Wheels, stating, “Our mission extends beyond diagnostics; it’s about empowering individuals to claim their right to healthcare access. Through Health on Wheels, we’re not only dismantling barriers; we’re reshaping the very fabric of healthcare accessibility in India.”

As Healthians continues to pioneer healthcare innovation and impact, it remains steadfast in its dedication to building a healthier, more inclusive society for all.

By extending its services to marginalized communities and remote regions, such as Delhi NCR and Jaipur, Healthians remains steadfast in its mission to democratize healthcare and prioritize the health and well-being of every individual, regardless of location or circumstance.

Established in 2015 by serial entrepreneur, Deepak Sahni, Healthians is committed to providing reliable health test services to individuals across India. With operations in over 250 cities and a network of 20+ certified laboratories, Healthians ensures that everyone can access quality healthcare from the comfort of their homes. Through the expertise of certified and trained phlebotomists, Healthians prioritizes precision and care in every sample collected, reaffirming its commitment to excellence in healthcare delivery.

The Health on Wheels initiative was conceptualized and launched by the company in May 2022.

Celebrating a milestone moment, the Indian Association of Amusement Parks and Industries (IAAPI) is thrilled to announce its 25th-year mark with a captivating rebranding endeavour, marking the Silver Jubilee. The revelation introduces a new logo that breathes fresh life into the association’s visual identity, boasting a contemporary design, lively colour schemes, and a surge of revitalised energy and excitement.

This dynamic logo launch isn’t just a visual makeover; it’s a testament to IAAPI’s commitment to innovation and staying ahead in the ever-evolving amusement industry. Led by Mr. Shrikant Goenka, Chairman of IAAPI, the association remains resolute in its mission to nurture growth, collaboration, and innovation within the sector.

Mr. Goenka shares his enthusiasm, remarking, “In commemorating 25 years of IAAPI’s journey, the new logo symbolises our dedication to modernity and staying ahead in industry trends. While embracing this contemporary look, our core values of fostering growth, collaboration, and innovation stand unwavering. The Silver Jubilee signifies the collective efforts and achievements of our members and stakeholders. With this rebranding, we anticipate a future filled with renewed energy and continued contributions to the vibrant amusement community.”

The new logo isn’t just a visual shift; it encapsulates the association’s 25-year journey, visually narrating its evolution. IAAPI’s commitment to leadership and excellence in the Indian amusement and entertainment sector shines through this rebranding.

For those eager to witness this transformation and take a closer look at the unfolding story of IAAPI for high-resolution images and additional insights.

As we dive into reshaping our IAAPI logo, it’s crucial to uphold the values instilled by our respected founders and board members. This thrilling phase in IAAPI’s journey seamlessly weaves tradition into the fabric of innovation. Our revamped identity isn’t just a change; it makes a striking statement, demonstrating our commitment to excellence and staying pertinent in the ever-evolving amusement industry landscape.

Bengaluru, March 21st, 2024: LG Electronics, India’s one of the leading consumer durables company, unveiled its new consumer campaign on 2024 range of Air Conditioners, “You Decide Your Bill,” focused on addressing the top purchase barrier i.e. running costs. Consumers often hesitate to purchase air conditioners due to concerns about high electricity bills. Based on this insight LG has Introduced India’s First AC with Energy Manager.

Energy Manager Feature in Air Conditioner: The feature is integrated into the LG ThinQ app, enabling user:

•  To set electricity consumption for the AC for a specified period
• To optimize cooling capacity of the AC based on the target set for one time, during the AC’s running period
•  to manage the electricity consumption

This campaign aims to create awareness on how LG’s 2024 air conditioner range tackles this issue head-on with the innovative Energy Manager feature. This feature empowers user to control the electricity bill thus, defining the campaign thought – You Decide Your Bill.

The concept of this campaign is simple yet powerful. It leverages relatable scenarios, showcasing how rising electricity bills can disrupt families’ daily lives and cherished moments. By empowering consumers to manage their energy consumption, LG aims to restore those moments and ensure that families can enjoy the comfort of their homes without financial stress.

With an investment of approximately $3 million in consumer awareness campaign, LG is committed to bringing this transformative technology to consumers worldwide, reaffirming its position as an industry leader in innovation and consumer-centric solutions.

Sanjay Chitkara – Senior Vice President -Residential Air Conditioners, LG Electronics India said, “With LG’s Energy Manager, we’re putting the power to control energy consumption directly in the hands of consumers. This consumer campaign reflects our commitment to offering sustainable and user-centric technology solutions. With a relentless pursuit of innovation and a commitment to delivering products that enhance consumers’ lives, LG continues to push the boundaries of technology to create a more sustainable and connected world.”

Hyderabad, 20th March 2024: Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission has been conferred with the honour of ‘Global Ambassador of Peacebuilding and Faith in the Commonwealth’ by the Commonwealth Secretariat. Hon’ble Commonwealth Secretary General Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland conferred the prestigious honour upon Rev. Daaji. The honour was presented jointly by Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland and Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankar at Kanha Shanti Vanam today.

Bestowing the title of Global Ambassador of Peacebuilding and Faith in the Commonwealth upon Rev. Daaji, Hon’ble Commonwealth Secretary-General Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland appreciated the transformation that Rev. Daaji brought to Kanha Shanti Vanam with the greening projects and how he has billions of lives around the world. She said, “Daaji’s vision, ingenuity and labour have transformed what was once a harsh depleted land with lush green rainforest thriving with endangered species, organic parks and medicinal plants. It is harmony with nature. Every step in the Yatra garden is full of tranquillity and renewal.” She added, “As we stand here today before the 125th birth year of Babuji it is a fitting monument to his legacy. The Commonwealth is a family of 56 nations and 2.5 billion people. Our collective heartbeat with shared values of peace, understanding and mutual respect. Daaji as the guiding force behind Heartfulness embodies these values. His wisdom, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the spiritual well-being of humanity shine through him and this movement. Daaji has touched lives across 160 countries and more than 5 million practitioners with 16000 dedicated volunteers and 5000 centres around the world. Heartfulness has become a global force for inner transformation transcending continents and cultures and sowing seeds of spiritual well-being. Daaji’s teachings offer a pathway to peace. His way of meditation and spirituality are both profound and accessible leading to a harmonious existence. Daaji’s unwavering commitment to service coupled with a profound understanding of the human heart, creates a legacy of grace, humility, inspiration and boundless compassion. The ripples he has created are vast and lasting. They can build a current which can sweep down even the mightiest walls of resistance and provide us all with constant inspiration.”

Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar ji said, “It is a well-earned, well-deserved recognition in the right quarter. Congratulations to Daaji. India is 60% of the Commonwealth in terms of population, knowledge and wisdom, I leave it to your discretion – Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland – Secretary General of the Commonwealth is passionate about her mission. She is highly objective. Every word she spoke about Daaji is writing on the wall. There was a time when iconic status was granted on parameters that are baffling beyond any rational. Times have changed. Our civilian awards that are conferred are based on objective parameters. There is recognition of those who need to be recognized. These are driven no longer by event management or patronage. It was a gratifying moment when

Daaji received the Padma Bhushan. But it is the greatest award conferred by the people calling him ‘Daaji’. Millions of people are inspired in the most pristine and authentic manner even by the thought process which emanates from this epicentre. I congratulate the Madam Secretary-General for being very thoughtful. It is a step taken at a time when we are looking for solutions, solutions that will emanate from here. This was a pleasant surprise to me, more than a surprise when I was nominated the Vice President candidate.

Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said in his acceptance speech, “My heart and head bow before you in gratitude. This award is not personal. This organisation would not have been recognized without you all. This award belongs to Heartfulness. And to the guiding force behind all this – the hierarchy of Masters. So far, we have been treading alone. With this Global Spiritual Mahotsav, many of the spiritual leaders including Maharishis, Transcendental Meditation headed by Maharajas, and Brahmakumaris to name a few among the list of 300 spiritual organisations- if each organisation with its ocean of abhyasis come together, what we all can achieve together. It will be a wonderful moment to witness each one in harmony interacting with love, respect, trust and honour. Gods and Angels will descend on the planet to witness humanity creating heaven on earth. It is very easy provided we want to have it. Very simple little interest is required. Close your eyes morning and evening for five minutes, centre yourself, invoke God’s grace and see what all he can do through us. We pray with all hearts that, may Mother Earth become really a heaven on earth. Thank you. I cannot end this without thanking Rt. Hon. Patricia Scotland – Secretary General of the Commonwealth Secretariat.”