Category news

Mumbai, 28th September 2023: To outline strategies for the next step towards creating a lasting impact on safe driving habits, road discipline, and the overall safety of vehicles and roads, the Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative by SIAM, organized its “24th Edition of SAFE Annual Convention 2023” today in Guwahati, Assam. Centered on the theme – “SAFE Roads, SAFE India: Strategies for Ensuring Safer Transportation”, the event witnessed the presence of many dignitaries discussing road safety and how it can be boosted in India.

On the Occasion of the 24th SAFE Annual Convention 2023, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Assam, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, in his message, mentioned that “The Indian automobile industry plays a vital role in our nation’s growth and, as it continues to thrive, it presents us with an opportunity to address road safety challenges. In Assam, we have taken steps like identifying accident hotspots, awareness drives, and emergency care strategies to address this. We are intensifying awareness against drink and driving, over speeding, and promoting helmet use, along with increasing highway patrolling. There is a need for a culture of Safety, wherein Education will play a major role. Our efforts also extend to constructing bus and truck bays, removing encroachments on national highways, and prioritising preparedness strategies. I commend SIAM and wish them success for their ‘Surakshit Safar’ and ‘SAFE’ initiatives towards safer transport systems.”

The convention was honored by the presence of the chief guest, Shri Parimal Suklyabaidya, the Hon’ble Transport Minister of the Government of Assam, along with Shri Adil Khan, IAS, Secretary of Transport, Government of Assam, Prof Dr Nani Gopal Mahanta, Academic Advisor to Govt. of Assam, Shri Syedain Abbassi, IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Govt of Assam and several other distinguished dignitaries. Industry experts from various corporations and OEMs shared valuable insights, greatly enhancing the significance and credibility of the discussions and initiatives presented during the convention.

Addressing the inaugural session, themed “Road safety in India – The journey so far”, Chief Guest Shri Parimal Suklyabaidya, Hon’ble Transport Minister, Government of Assam, said, “The Government of India and the automotive industry has made remarkable strides in improving vehicular safety. The alarming rate of accidents, especially among individuals under the age of 45, poses a real risk to an entire generation. Considering that the majority of accidents in Assam involve ‘dumpers’ and 2-wheelers, riders must prioritise safety by wearing helmets. Similarly, 3- and 4-wheeler manufacturers should actively guide customers to follow traffic and safety regulations. In doing so, we can collectively contribute to a safer and more responsible road environment.”

Guest of Honour Shri Adil Khan, IAS, Secretary of Transport, Govt. of Assam, said, “India’s annual toll of 1.5 lakh lives lost in road accidents is one of the highest in the world, and we must raise awareness and change driver behaviour to mitigate this crisis. In Assam, we actively engage with civil society, enforce road safety and traffic laws, and have integrated awareness education into the school curriculum. Extensive IEC campaigns, regular road safety audits, and state-regulated speed limits are in place. Assam has introduced 50 contactless services for licensing and vehicle registration, simplified registration processes, digitalised DL and RC, and implemented a comprehensive vehicle scrappage policy, among other measures to make vehicle-related services more accessible and user-friendly for the public.”

Guest of Honour Prof and Dr Nani Gopal Mahanta, Academic Advisor to Govt of Assam, said, “With approximately 65,000 schools in Assam and over 49 lakh students, ensuring road safety is paramount to all of us. The Secondary Education Board of Assam (SEBA) has taken proactive steps by including road safety rules and regulations in Assamese textbooks to instil awareness among students. The Department of Education, Assam also collaborates with the NSS and NCC to conduct various road safety programs to enhance preparedness and awareness among students and the community.”

Welcoming the Dignitaries and Auto Industry members to the Inaugural Ceremony of the SAFE Annual Convention 2023, Mr Prashant K. Banerjee, Executive Director, SIAM, informed everyone, “The SAFE initiative Surakshit Safar is making an impact all over the country.”

The SIAM SAFE Context Paper “Analysing India’s Imperatives for Road Safety” was unveiled on this occasion. The Transport Minister felicitated the contributors to road safety during the inaugural session.

During the inaugural session, Mr Sushant Naik, Vice President at SAFE and Global Head of Government & Public Affairs at Tata Motors Ltd, Mr D. Balakrishnan, President of SAFE and General Manager at Ashok Leyland, Mr Ashim Sharma, Senior Partner & Group Head at Nomura Research Ltd, and Mr Vinay Dhingra, Director at Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India, also shared their insights and perspectives on road safety in India.

The first plenary session, “Proactive Engineering and Education in Road Safety”, was chaired and moderated by Mr Vikram Gulati, Country Head & SVP, CSR, External Affairs, Toyota Kirloskar Motor. Guest of Honour, Mr Pankaj Singh, Executive Director, NHIDCL (National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd), shared his perspectives on Education in Road Safety.

The session also included thematic presentations from Mr Ashish Chutani, Head -Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, on ‘Innovative engineering practices for improving road safety in India’, Mr Kalyan Dutta, Manager (T) / Road Safety

Auditor, NHAI, on ‘Road Safety in context to North-East and Hill roads for safe transportation’, Mr Bhagwan K Bindiganavile, Sr Vice President (Strategy, Brand & Communication, VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd, on ‘Automobile industry contribution in Road Safety Education’, and Mr Ramashankar Pandey, Chief Executive Officer, TATA Autocomp GY Batteries Pvt Ltd, on ‘Proactive Engineering and Education in Road Safety’. Ms Prabha Mankikar, English Teacher, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, also discussed the “Importance of Road Safety in School Education.”

The second plenary session, titled “Ensuring Enforcement and Emergency Care in Road Safety”, was chaired and moderated by Mr Vinay Dhingra, Director, Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Pvt Ltd.

The session also included thematic presentations from Mr Umesh K Suryavanshi, Dy Head (Training & Consultancy), CIRT, on “Innovative Driving Test Systems”, Mr Benoy Gopal EB, Associate Director, C-DAC, on ‘Role of technology in improving road safety enforcement mechanisms’, Mr Piyush Tewari, Founder & CEO, and Dr Roshan Jose, Head of Road Safety Project, SaveLIFE Foundation, on ‘Strategies for engaging communities in road safety initiatives’ and Ms Bhuvaneswari Jayaraman, Chief Manager – CSR, SKODA AUTO Volkswagen India Private Ltd, on ‘Moving People Safely – Skoda Auto Volkswagen India’s road safety projects’.

The third Plenary Session, titled “5th E of Road Safety – Evaluation”, was moderated by Mr Yash Pal Sachar, Vice President & Head of Corporate Affairs, Ashok Leyland Ltd. Guest of Honour, Mr Gaurav Upadhyaya, IPS, Additional Secretary, Transport (Head- Lead Agency on Road Safety), Govt of Assam shared his perspective on road safety.

The session also included thematic presentations from Mr Pradeep Jaswani, COO, JP Research India, Prof Akhilesh Maurya, IIT, Guwahati, Mr Anshuman Roy, Director- Business Development, Rosmerta Technologies Ltd, Mr Pradeep Jaswani, COO, JP Research India, Dr Prerna Arora Singh, CEO, People Trust’s India and Prof Akhilesh Maurya, IIT, Guwahati. They shared their views on 5th E of Road Safety.

SIAM, with its members, has been engaging with governments, corporations, and various stakeholders in an effort to address safer mobility across the nation, aligned with SIAM’s objective of Building the Nation Responsibly.

Infiniti Mall, Mumbai’s leading destination for food, entertainment and shopping enthusiastically welcomed patrons at its Malad location for a weekend filled with high-energy commemorating the Ganesh Chaturthi festivities. The celebrations at the mall featured dhol tasha performances and enthralling workshops.

Infiniti Mall witnessed a huge footprint at the mall for a memorable celebration for families, friends and people from all walks of life. The zestful and high-pitched dhol beats uplifted the environment’s spirit and everyone was witnessed having a gala time. The audience was left bewitched and appreciated the impeccable performance of the artists. In an initiative towards preserving the environment with focused efforts, the mall organized an idol-making workshop for Craft lovers. Experienced artisans taught the fulfilling process of Ganesha-idol making with eco-friendly clay and materials, resulting in wonderful Ganpati idols.

Get ready to immerse yourself in the lively and festive atmosphere of our exclusive Oktoberfest at Coriander Kitchen. The vibrant and inviting Coriander Kitchen at Conrad Pune is set to host an extraordinary event that pays homage to the world-renowned German celebration. Indulge in the authentic flavors of German brews and hearty treats meticulously prepared by our skilled chefs.

At Coriander Kitchen, we’ve meticulously crafted a menu that showcases the very best of German cuisine, complemented by an array of authentic German brews that will tantalize your taste buds. Our inviting ambiance and the delightful spread promise to take you on a gastronomic journey through the heart of Germany. This is your opportunity to savor the rich cultural flavors of this global festivity right here in the heart of Pune.

This is more than just an event – it’s an experience that captures the essence of community, togetherness, and indulgence. Mark your calendar for the dates of this exceptional event and make your way to Coriander Kitchen at Conrad Pune and be part of a festive extravaganza that brings the spirit of Oktoberfest to life. Your presence will elevate the joy and make this celebration truly unforgettable.

“Decoding the Mystery of 3,6 & 9”

Unlocking the Secrets of Human Existence, Spirituality, and Consciousness

New Delhi, 25th September, 2023: Renowned global spiritual healer and thinker, Hitesh Chakraworty, has announced the launch of his groundbreaking book, titled “Decoding the Mystery of 3, 6 & 9.” This highly anticipated work delves into the profound depths of human consciousness, shedding light on the enigmatic interplay between family conscience, group dynamics, and the path to true self-discovery.
Nikola Tesla, the visionary inventor, was once known for coining the mystery surrounding the numbers 3, 6, and 9. Inspired by Tesla’s insights, Hitesh Chakraworty embarked on extensive research and experimentation with these numbers. His relentless pursuit has led to the unraveling of a hidden mystery, and through his new book, he aims to share his findings with mankind.

Beyond the intricate web of family conscience and societal dynamics, Chakraworty’s revelations unveil a captivating narrative of encounters with beings from dimensions beyond our own. These revelations stem from Chakraworty’s firsthand experiences, providing an intriguing glimpse into the vast diversity of existence. Through personal accounts of venturing into their dimensions, he unravels the complexities of these interactions, shedding light on the challenges and insights they entail.

As Chakraworty navigates the uncharted waters of cosmic encounters, readers will get to contemplate the intricacies of these connections. His revelations prompt a reevaluation of humanity’s place in the universe and challenge conventional perspectives on life, existence, and the realms that lie beyond.

In “Decoding the Mystery of 3, 6 & 9,” Hitesh Chakraworty also reveals a startling revelation – the human mind, which is intrinsically connected to the source of human existence, operates in an unconscious state due to the influence of family and group conscience. By unraveling the mysteries hidden within the numbers 3, 6, and 9, Chakraworty demonstrates that transcending the constraints of the mind can lead to liberation from the cycles of life and death.

Hitesh Chakraworty’s profound insights are accompanied by a poignant understanding of societal dynamics. He explores how the experiences of women, including hatred, violence, abuse, inequality, and injustice, contribute to creating a depressive environment in both society and nature. Chakraworty’s book presents a thought-provoking perspective on the interconnectedness of human emotions and the environment we inhabit.

According to Hitesh Chakraworty, “The journey of self-discovery and spiritual awakening is a deeply personal one. We must look within ourselves to unlock the mysteries of our existence and find true freedom. My book aims to guide readers on this transformative journey, offering insights that challenge conventional wisdom and open the doors to a higher understanding of life.”

Hailing from India, Hitesh Chakraworty is a revered Global Spiritual Healer who has seamlessly integrated his vast experience into the realms of healing and wellness. Formerly a corporate professional, Chakraworty’s quest for deeper meaning led him to explore the mysteries of spirituality. His journey culminated in the creation of “Decoding the Mystery of 3,6 & 9,” a testament to his unwavering dedication to unlocking the secrets of human consciousness.

“Decoding the Mystery of 3, 6 & 9” is poised to become a cornerstone in the realm of spiritual literature, guiding readers towards a deeper understanding of themselves and the world around them. For those seeking enlightenment and a fresh perspective on human existence, this book is a must-read. The book is available on Amazon, Flipkart, and NotionPress.com. It’s also accessible in 130 countries, including the US and UK, priced at INR 1500 and $45, respectively.

The International Teachers’ Olympiad, the world’s largest multinational olympiad for teachers, recently launched its second edition in September. The Olympiad has already garnered an impressive registration count exceeding 70,000 registered teachers globally. Not to forget, the registrations are still coming in. These teachers hail from 90+ countries including India, UAE, Nigeria, USA, and Indonesia, among many others, and represent 10,000 schools worldwide.

Launched in 2022 by Suraasa, ITO offers teachers a secure and non-judgmental space to assess their skills, access actionable recommendations, and chart their path to becoming exceptional.

Three weeks after the Olympiad, every participant teacher receives a performance analysis report and an international certificate. This report provides valuable insights into their global standing, highlighting their strengths, and suggesting areas for improvement. Top achievers are honored with certificates of merit and badges of honor, while the top 100 teachers also receive well-deserved cash rewards worth INR 30 Lakhs.

Moreover, in a recent development, the U.S. based International Teachers’ University has announced a generous scholarship programme designed to recognise and reward Top 500 teachers of the ITO 2023. Scholarships worth a staggering INR 5 Crores have been earmarked for these 500 teachers who distinguish themselves.

Rishabh Khanna, Founder & CEO of Suraasa, shared his excitement: “ITO 2023 is building on the incredible success of 2022. The response from educators worldwide has been phenomenal. With ITO, we are committed to equipping teachers with the tools, knowledge, and recognition they need to excel annually. The significant reward announced by International Teachers University, USA, has further solidified our efforts. This truly makes ITO 2023 the best ITO yet.”

The benefits of participating in ITO 2023 extend beyond cash rewards and certificates. Each month, participant teachers also receive an improvement plan, crafted by international teacher trainers. These plans guide teachers on the areas to focus on, helping them further enhance their teaching abilities.

The registration window for the International Teachers’ Olympiad 2023 will remain open until September 30, 2023. Interested teachers can complete their registration online via https://suraasa.co/international-teachers-olympiad at a nominal registration fee of INR 549. The Olympiad will be held on 7th October 2023 at 05:00 PM IST in the English language.

Pallavi Govind, Former Vice Principal who participated in 2022 and has registered herself again for 2023, says “Participating in ITO 2022 was a transformative journey for me as an educator. The resources, insights, and connections I’ve gained have enriched my teaching and inspired me to aim for excellence. I have registered once again to assess my growth over the course of one year.”

International Teachers’ Olympiad stands as a beacon of empowerment for teachers. It goes beyond being a mere competition; it is a celebration of the dedication and passion that teachers bring to their classrooms every day. By recognising their tireless efforts and validating their commitment to excellence, ITO helps teachers discover their true teaching potential. With the support, resources, and recognition ITO provides, teachers worldwide are better equipped to inspire, influence, and create a brighter future.

Good Afternoon!

Cricket Australia (CA) has today unveiled its playing kit for the 2023 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup in India. The uniform was produced by apparel partner ASICS and features the First Nations design that will appear on all of Australia’s international playing kits. The playing kit also features the logo of a global technology company and existing CA partner, HCLTech on the sleeve. For the first time, HCLTech has become Australia’s official Team Sponsor at an ICC event and will also feature on the training kit. HCLTech has been a digital partner since 2019 helping transform CA’s digital assets including cricket.com.au, the CA Live app, and PlayCricket, while digitising and streamlining community cricket processes.

$2 Million Grant to Boost Smallholder Farmers’ Incomes and Resilience: Walmart Foundation supports Grameen Foundation’s Launch of MANDI-II in Eastern UP and West Bengal

[Varanasi, 20th September, 2023] – Grameen Foundation today announced it will deepen its commitment to smallholder farmers by launching the second phase of the Market Access eNabled by Digital Innovation in India (MANDI) project, made possible by a $2 million grant from the Walmart Foundation. MANDI-II will aim to address challenges faced by smallholder farmers, especially women, in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal by building the capacities of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).

During the first phase of the MANDI project, also supported by the Walmart Foundation, Grameen Foundation helped build the capacity of 40 FPOs in Eastern Uttar Pradesh by facilitating  market linkages, providing access to finance, data and technology and notably increasing women shareholder participation. The achievements of MANDI Phase I as reported by Grameen include:

·        Gender Mainstreaming: Over 8,300 women were added as new members to FPOs;18 out of 40 FPOs now have at least 40% women membership compared to the 12.5% at baseline. A total of 142 self-help groups (SHGs) have been linked with 25 FPOs, resulting in the establishment of various gender-inclusive value chains, such as moringa, chili, medicinal plants such as aloe vera, and dairy as well as production chains such as sweets from the vegetable bottle gourd, and vermicompost as an alternative, organic fertilizer.

·        Uptake of Agriculture Technologies: Approximately 9,600 farmers benefited from 14 agricultural technologies adopted by FPOs. These technologies include digital, climate-smart, and women-friendly solutions such as RWCM, Rice Doctor, Rice Expert, Wonder Pipes, Dibblers, Cono Weeder, Fasal Amrit for soil moisture retention, Bio Soilz for micro-nutrient activation, and Nano urea for nitrogen balance. Additionally, 1,200 farmers from 27 FPOs adopted biofortified zinc wheat and beta (β) carotene-rich carrot through diversification and climate-smart agriculture practices.

·        Market Linkages: Total sales turnover of all 40 FPOs increased from ~INR 46 million (~USD 580,000) in the pre-intervention period to ~INR 153 million (~USD 1.9 million) indicating that the FPOs established critical market linkages (both agri produce and agri-input) with institutional and local buyers. FPOs transitioned from staple crops to cash crops, added value to selected value chains, and made data-based business decisions. To support FPOs in meeting regulatory requirements, Grameen facilitated 22 FPOs with APMC licences and 26 FPOs with export licences.

·        FPO Financial Resilience: FPOs experienced a 112% increase in paid-up capital, indicating their ability to generate working capital internally. Additionally, 29 FPOs were linked with either the public or private financing schemes, enabling them to access financial resources and establish additional business activities.

Building on these achievements, the second phase of the MANDI project will focus on further enhancing the sustainability and resilience of FPOs in Eastern Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. The 24-month intervention will engage 50 FPOs through a hub and spoke model, targeting at least 40% women farmers and aiming to reach 35,000 farmers. Key objectives include increasing farmer incomes, strengthening FPOs’ governance and operations, and promoting market-led production for business viability.

The second phase of MANDI will also adopt a comprehensive “one-farm” approach to diversify production, integrate livelihoods, and improve farmer incomes. It will also promote sustainable agricultural practices by facilitating access to organized market setups, strengthening supply and value chains, and promoting climate-resilient practices.

“We are excited to collaborate with Grameen Foundation for the next phase of MANDI. We believe in the transformative potential of smallholder farmers in advancing India’s agricultural sector,” said Julie Gehrki, Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, Walmart Foundation. “Through this project, we aim to provide farmers with the necessary tools, resources, and market access to improve their livelihoods and build sustainable futures for their communities.”

Commenting on the project, Ms. Bharati Joshi, Chief Program Officer of Grameen Foundation India, stated, “The second phase of MANDI builds upon the successes of the first phase and represents a significant step towards increasing the incomes and building the resilience of smallholder farmers, especially women. By leveraging technology, market linkages, and gender mainstreaming, the project aims to generate impact across the agricultural landscape in Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.”

The MANDI II project will play a crucial role in addressing challenges faced by small and marginal farmers in eastern Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal. By rescaling and empowering FPOs, this initiative will enhance farmer incomes, improve livelihoods, and foster sustainable agricultural practices.

Established in 1976 by world-renowned dancing couple Padma Bhushan’s Drs. Raja Radha Reddy and Kaushalya Reddy, Natya Tarangini is a performing arts center par excellence in the capital city of New Delhi. Under the guidance of the Reddy’s, it has been working tirelessly to preserve, propagate and promote the Indian Dance and Music in our country.

Natya Tarangini started the ‘Parampara Series’ National and International Festival of Dance and Music as a movement to preserve and enrich the cultural mosaic of our everyday life and today takes pride in the fact that it has largely succeeded in its endeavors. Natya Tarangini is conducting its 27th Edition this year with full dedication towards preserving our art & culture. As part of the Parampara Series “Natya Tarangini” will be celebrating the festival by presenting nationally and internationally reputed artists for 3 days.

Today Natya Tarangini’s name has become synonymous with this overwhelmingly successful festival series, which showcases artistes drawn from across the world. The Moscow Classical Ballet, the Paul Taylor Dance Company, flamenco dancer Jose Porcel and whirling dervishes are among the groups that have performed at the festival along with stalwarts such as Pt. Hari Prasad Chaurasia, Kishori Amonkar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan, Dr. M. Balamurali Krishna, Begum Parveen Sultana, Vyjayanthimala Bali, Kelucharan Mohapatra, Hariharan, Alarmel Valli, Pt. Birju Maharaj, Astad Deboo amongst others, celebrating the embodiment of the best of Indian heritage with the cosmopolitan world view.

Natya Tarangini’s festivals have always been inaugurated by high dignitaries such as Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India and Shri L K Advani, former deputy Prime Minister of India to name a few.

Name of the event: 27th Edition Parampara Series- The National Festival of Dance & Music

Dates: 06th to 08th October 2023

Time: 7pm – 9pm

Venue: Raja Radha Rangmanch, Natya Tarangini Performing Art Centre, Plot No. 49 & 52, Sec-6, Pushp Vihar, Saket, New Delhi 17

Performances Details

6th October 2023

Shubha Mudgal – Hindustani Vocal, the queen of Khayal and Thumri will be giving her second performance at the Parampara series
Raja Radha Reddy Repertory will be presenting an amalgamation of 4 Indian Classical Dance styles in their production titled ‘ Hampi Vaibhavam’.

7th October 2023

Fareed Hasan Khan & Mehboob Hussain Khan – Hindustani Vocalists of the Bandish Bandits fame who are carrying on the legacy of the Delhi Gharana
Santosh Nair one of the foremost contemporary dance artists of the country will be presenting his group Sadhya in a production ‘Game of Dance’.

8th October 2023

Bickram Ghosh is back with his renowned percussion ensemble (Rhythm Scape)
Vaibhav Arekar – Bharatanatyam artist known for his immersive theatrical presentation style will be coming with a rare production

Over the last 26 years Natya Tarangini has been conducting the Parampara series without break, bringing authentic innovative concerts year after year. 2020 brought upon the performing artists in India tough times, this festival is our attempt to bring back the arts sector on its feet. By bringing visibility to the artists and the festival, let us spread hope as we move ahead.

18th September 2023: Torque Pharmaceuticals, a prominent player in the pharmaceutical sector, has revealed a heartwarming cinematic creation in honor of World Pharmacist’s Day on September 25, 2023. This film artfully portrays the compassion and dedication demonstrated by pharmacists, showcasing their willingness to go the extra mile in caring for their customers. Aligned with the company’s fundamental values of backing pharmacists, this initiative seeks to pay tribute to and celebrate these healthcare heroes—our pharmacists.

Pharmacists form a strong pivot in the medical ecosystem, as they help customers manage their healthcare regimen in more ways than one. From delivering medicines in the hour of need to helping customers understand when and how to have them, pharmacists are always there to help create a healthier and tension-free world.

Commenting on the digital film launch, Mr. Abhay Iqbal Singh Bedi, Director Torque Pharmacueticals said, “On World Pharmacist Day, we pay tribute to the compassionate unsung champions of healing. This film beautifully encapsulates the profound connection of empathy and gratitude shared between a pharmacist and a customer. Through this cinematic endeavor, we aspire to raise awareness and champion the pivotal role of pharmacists in enhancing global healthcare, aligning with this year’s theme: ‘Pharmacists fortifying the foundations of health systems.’

Created and conceptualized by Torque Pharma, this campaign kickstarted today with a digital film. Post the digital film, the campaign will further aim to share examples of empathy and going the extra mile for customers. Through this film, Torque Pharmaceuticals celebrates every pharmacist who play an active role in bettering people’s lives in times of sickness and placing customers’ interest above theirs.

Mumbai, 18th September 2023: On World Patient Safety Day 2023, a global initiative observed on September 17th, the Consortium of Accredited Healthcare Organizations (CAHO) and the Patient for Patient Safety Foundation (PFPSF) are joining forces to emphasize the critical importance of patient engagement in healthcare through the establishment of Patient Advisory Councils (PACs) and the promotion of Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMs). This year’s World Patient Safety Day theme, “Engaging patients for patient safety,” perfectly aligns with their mission.

Dr. Alexander Thomas, Founder President, and Patron of CAHO, emphasized the vital role of trust and communication in the patient-provider relationship. He noted that instances of medical errors can erode this trust, not only impacting the patient’s confidence in their care but also undermining the broader healthcare system.

Dr. Nagendra Swamy S C, Patron of CAHO, stressed the importance of recognizing patients as active collaborators in their healthcare journey. Research has shown that when patients are engaged, there is a significant improvement in safety, patient satisfaction, and overall health outcomes.

Engaging patients in their healthcare is a crucial step toward addressing the issue of medical errors. Patient Advisory Councils are central to this effort, serving as platforms for patients to voice their concerns and influence decision-making processes. CAHO passionately advocates for the establishment of PACs to ensure that patients’ voices are heard, integrated, and valued within the healthcare system.

Dr. Vijay Agarwal, President of CAHO, expressed enthusiasm for the overwhelming response received from healthcare providers across India. He described the initiative as a significant moment in the country’s healthcare delivery history and added “To support the establishment of these councils, CAHO is releasing a comprehensive “Step-by-Step Guide to Establishing a PAC.”

Dr. Lallu Joseph, Secretary General of CAHO, highlighted another critical initiative aimed at sensitizing healthcare organizations to “Patient Reported Experience Measures” (PREMs). PREMs are self-reporting instruments that gauge patients’ perceptions of their care experiences and help assess whether healthcare providers are meeting patients’ needs.

Mr. Kris Gopalakrishna, Co-Founder and Former Vice Chairman of Infosys, will unveil the Patient Advisory Councils (PACs) on World Patient Safety Day, September 17th, 2023, at Ramaiah Medical College. Esteemed healthcare industry opinion leaders and stalwarts will come together at this momentous event to not only inaugurate PACs but also to establish comprehensive guidelines and chart the path forward for its seamless integration within hospitals. Additionally, the event will underscore the significance of encouraging hospitals to actively participate in the Patient-Reported Experience Measures (PREM) initiative.

CAHO takes pride in its role in creating PFPSF, an organization dedicated to educating and raising awareness about patient safety. PFPSF aims to prevent avoidable harm by empowering patients, healthcare providers, patient support groups, corporations, and caregivers to proactively engage in their healthcare journeys.

Mr. Som Mittal, Chairman of PFPSF, emphasized the significance of providing a neutral forum for the patient community to “Elevate their Voice” and share valuable insights with their caregivers. He urged patients to leverage this opportunity to engage in their own care and work towards reducing avoidable harm.

On World Patient Safety Day 2023, CAHO and PFPSF reiterate their commitment to enhancing patient safety through patient engagement and advocate for the widespread adoption of Patient Advisory Councils and Patient Reported Experience Measures as integral components of safe healthcare practices.