Kia launches ‘Exchange Your Car’ online evaluation service

New Delhi, 12th July 2024: Kia India, one of the fastest-growing premium carmakers in the country, launched the ‘Exchange Your Car’ service under its CPO domain, making car exchanges easier for its customers. The online self-evaluation module enables customers to know the suggestive price of their existing car, empowering them to make an informed decision while exchanging their vehicle.

Image - Kia Cars (1)

To avail this service, customers can click on ‘Exchange your Car’ under the “Buy” section on the brand’s website (www.kia.com/in) and enter the basic details of their vehicle, including its make, model, variant, manufacturing year, and kilometres driven. The customer can get a suggestive (approximate) price for the vehicle from the convenience of their home. The service also aims to speed up the initial phase of the car exchange process, allowing customers to move forward confidently.

Commenting on the module, Mr. Myung-sik Sohn – Chief Sales Officer, Kia India, Said, “At Kia India, customer experience is at the heart of everything we do. Our new feature simplifies the car exchange process, enhancing convenience and strengthening our connection with customers. This innovation not only expands our market reach but also builds trusted relationships with potential buyers. We’re committed to continually improving our services, ensuring a seamless and satisfying experience for all and giving you confidence in our future.”

With this launch, Kia India aims to introduce transparency and ease of operation in the car-switching process. This move aligns perfectly with the company’s efforts to provide the best-in-class services to existing and potential customers. It will also enhance customer engagement and help maintain Kia’s position as a trusted car manufacturer in the country.

Leadership and Attitude: Key Traits for Indian Bureaucrats today, says Anil Swarup

New Delhi, July 12, 2024 – Widely credited for enabling transparent coal auctions after the infamous ‘Coalgate’ scandal, Anil Swarup, former Coal and Education Secretary, spoke candidly with host Shutapa Paul on the What India Needs podcast. During the conversation, Swarup shared anecdotes from his illustrious 38-year career, discussed the challenges of being a bureaucrat, and offered advice to the current generation of civil servants. From navigating the “Gangs of Wasseypur-esque coal sector” to disagreeing with many politicians including Prime Minister Narendra Modi in their first interaction, Swarup tells all, bares all in the podcast.

L-R- Shutapa Paul, Author, Media Entrepreneur, Speaker Founder, Dharma Media Consultants and Anil Swarup, Former Coal and Education Secretary, Govt. of India

The 1981-batch Uttar Pradesh Cadre IAS officer addressed the scepticism surrounding the Indian bureaucracy’s capacity for change and highlighted ongoing reforms and emphasised the necessity for further improvements. “Civil services are here to stay. There isn’t possibly a profession where one has the potential to impact millions of lives, and if I had my way, I would choose being a civil servant all over again in my next life…One needs to have the right attitude, adaptability, and a solution-focused approach,” said Swarup, reflecting on how he managed the fallout from the coal scam. Hailed as one of India’s biggest scams, Coalgate was instrumental in the downfall of the UPA-II government. By leveraging technology to digitise documents and maintain transparency in coal allocation, Swarup successfully regained public trust and addressed the coal shortage crisis.

Shutapa Paul, host of What India Needs podcast and a former journalist, commended Swarup’s initiative of engaging with states rather than being confined to Delhi’s power centre. “I think it’s very necessary to respect the concept of decentralisation of power, especially in the current context. It is great that you (Anil Swarup) travelled to the states and paid heed to their issues. It creates a culture of respecting the institutions and mechanisms that have been put in place,” she remarked.

From the coal-sector, which was described as ‘Gangs of Wasseypur’ by his predecessor, Swarup also discussed his tenure as Education Secretary, where he dealt with the 2018 CBSE Class 12 paper leak and convinced then-Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Mehbooba Mufti, to implement NCERT books in the state. He shared experiences from his time in Uttar Pradesh, including receiving death threats and working with three Chief Ministers, and expressed admiration for former UP CM Kalyan Singh for his candour and receptiveness to criticism.

Throughout the conversation, Swarup underscored the importance of leadership and a positive attitude for civil servants, suggesting that while expertise can be outsourced, the right attitude and leadership qualities are indispensable. He welcomed lateral entry into the bureaucracy to address expertise gaps but stressed that attitude is more crucial than technical knowledge, especially at senior levels.

Swarup critiqued the current “maggi culture” of seeking instant results and superficial solutions, urging today’s civil servants to understand the depth of issues to find sustainable solutions. “The current generation desires instant results, often without delving deep into issues. While more informed due to the Internet, civil servants today must understand the depth of problems to find sustainable solutions,” he observed.

Concluding the interview, Swarup advised aspiring civil servants and the younger generation to focus on personal growth and resilience in the face of adversity. He encouraged them to draw inspiration from those who have excelled despite challenging circumstances, emphasising the power of determination and leadership.

SLCM Group Strengthens its leadership team with Kissandhan’s CEO appointment

New Delhi: July 11, 2024: Kissandhan Agri Financial Services (Kissandhan), a multi-asset NBFC for farm community and a wholly owned subsidiary of Sohan Lal Commodity Management Pvt. Ltd. (SLCM) is pleased to announce the appointment of Gurinder Singh Sehmbey as its Chief Executive Officer. This strategic decision marks a pivotal moment in Kissandhan’s trajectory, propelling it toward growth and success.

Sandeep Sabharwal_CEO_SLCM

With a career spanning nearly three decades and recognized as one of the 50 Most Influential Rural Marketing Leaders, Gurinder Singh Sehmbey emerges as a beacon of visionary leadership, bringing his wealth of expertise and strategic insight in business development with hands-on experience in cultural and economic affairs across the NBFCs and sectors. Previously, he held top management positions in large companies such as SV Creditline, Poonawalla Fincorp, Agriwise FinServ, Religare Finvest Ltd, and Magma Fincorp.

A well-known veteran and growth facilitator in the industry, his expertise is in agricultural financial solutions including SME loans, Agri loans, Micro-LAP, and auto-lease to name a few. He has been passionate about innovating state-of-the-art products to empower MSMEs and progressive farmers to enhance their income and living conditions. Gurinder has represented various forums on agriculture financing and has been part of FICCI and FIDC committees for NBFCs.

Gurinder Singh Sehmbey as CEO will spearhead Kissandhan towards new heights of excellence by providing ‘Global standards in the Agri financing space’ guided by a commitment to innovation, strategic growth, and customized solutions.

On the appointment, SLCM Group CEO, Sandeep Sabharwal expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “The entire team at SLCM Group is excited to work towards the next phase of growth with Gurinder Singh Sehmbey as their CEO of Kissandhan. His profound understanding of the SME value chain, farmer producer organizations (FPOs), and allied Agri-income sectors will complement Kissandhan’s strategies and help the company maintain its strong growth momentum. We look forward to achieving new milestones under his leadership.”

In response to his appointment, Gurinder Singh Sehmbey commented, “I am deeply honored to join Kissandhan at this transformative juncture in its growth trajectory. The company’s commitment to fostering inclusive and sustainable financial solutions resonates deeply with me. Leveraging my experience in SMEs, FPOs, and allied agri-income sectors, I aim to bridge critical gaps in agri-financing and enhance access to credit for those at the grassroots level. Our primary goal is to strengthen the Agri-financing ecosystem, promote gender equality, and encourage farmers across the country to grow their produce with a sustainable approach”.

Dreame Technology Launches Next-Gen L10s Pro Ultra Heat with MopExtend Technology and Auto Maintenance

New Delhi, 11th July 2024: Dreame Technology, a leading global brand in smart home cleaning appliances, announces the launch of its latest innovation – the Dreame L10s Pro Ultra Heat. Designed to provide a worry-free life, this flagship robot vacuum and mop features powerful cleaning capabilities, one for all auto maintenance, intelligent recognition and convenient control. The Dreame L10s Pro Ultra Heat stands out as India’s first robot vacuum cleaner equipped with MopExtend technology, setting a new standard in home cleaning. With this launch, Dreame aims to redefine home cleaning and elevate the standard of home maintenance to new heights. Dreame is offering up to 62% off on its advanced cleaning robots during the Dreame Prime Day sale. For added convenience, Dreame is also offering equal monthly installments with No Cost EMI options.

Pic 1 - Dreame L10s Pro Ultra Heat Robot Vacuum and Mop

Equipped with advanced technology, the Dreame L10s Pro Ultra Heat combines utility, efficiency and convenience with elegance. Its sophisticated look is owed to the gold finish on the upper part of the LiDAR dome on top of the robot and the robot’s camera outline. The innovative cleaning and maintenance options significantly reduce human intervention, ensuring a seamless, hands-free and powerful cleaning experience.

A Dreame spokesperson stated, “We understand and cater to the evolving needs of busy customers who rely on technology to simplify their lives. People seek technology for convenience and comfort, and we offer solutions that meet these demands. We delve into the heart of tech to revolutionize the home life for our customers. The Dreame L10s Pro Ultra Heat exemplifies Dreame’s commitment to delivering home products that are smart, efficient, and user-friendly. This stylish robot vacuum and mop, with extensive automation, empowers customers to manage their homes effortlessly while enjoying more leisure time.”

Features and Specifications:

MopExtend Technology: The Dreame L10s Pro Ultra, the only robot vacuum cleaner in India with MopExtend technology, revolutionizes home cleaning. This exclusive feature allows for automatic mop extension and retraction, enabling seamless adjustments to various cleaning scenarios. Users no longer need to worry about their vacuum bumping into kitchen chairs or getting stuck under the sofa. The L10s Pro Ultra Heat utilizes this unique technology to reach not only table and chair legs, door cracks, and steps but also to deep clean right angles of walls, irregular corners, and skirting boards.

Enhanced Suction Power: Equipped with a suction power that touches 7,000 Pa and an upgraded Vormax system, the L10s Pro Ultra Heat rapidly picks up food crumbs, litter, or pet hair from hardwood floors and thick carpets, without making heavy vacuuming noises.

Auto-Care with One for All: The upkeep of the L10s Pro Ultra Heat needs no human intervention because of auto maintenance features like auto-empty, auto mop self-cleaning, auto mop drying, auto water refilling, and auto solution refilling. There are also hot water mop washing, smart mop rewashing, and hot air mop drying features in it, which are certified by TÜV Rheinland as effective self-cleaning in smart home appliances. Cleaning the mops with 58°C hot water loosens even stubborn stains, effectively removes odours and enhances the effect of the cleaning solution.

CleanGenius Functionality: The CleanGenius feature in the L10s Pro Ultra Heat learns the user’s home layout, including floor type and furniture placement, and recommends strategies to make cleanup easy. It adapts its cleaning strategy to the level of dirt on the floors, automatically deciding whether deeper cleaning is required.

Pathfinder Technology: The smart Pathfinder technology enables L10s Pro Ultra Heat to scan the home environment and create accurate maps to traverse through the house by flexibly avoiding up to 55+ types of objects like shoes, cables, and more.

DuoScrub Mopping System: The DuoScrub Mopping System utilizes rotary and pressurized scrubbing to remove dirt from sticky floors. A built-in 80 ml water tank ensures easy automatic water refills for easier cleaning without any added effort.

Smart Carpet Cleaning Technology: The smart carpet cleaning technology, controlled through the Dreame app, avoids carpets while cleaning floors, lifts the mops up to 10.5mm to suit low pile carpets and vacuums carpets twice at a reduced speed for thorough carpet clean-up. The intelligent cleaning carpet mode can be switched on to increase vacuum suction for better cleaning.

Quiet Mode: Users do not even need to worry about noisy home cleaning because the Quiet Mode offers a blissfully quiet cleaning experience, offering up to 220 minutes of vacuuming. A robust 5200mAh battery charges fast and vacuums effortlessly to clean up to 205m² (2206ft²) on a single charge without noise.

Users can also avail the brush roller tricut and water connection kit along with the bot vacuum and mop. The roller cuts hair to prevent them from getting entangled and hindering proper functioning of the robot. The water kit allows automatic refilling and emptying of the water tanks.

Yodda Elder Care Renews Partnership with Medulance for Emergency Services

New Delhi, 11th July 2024: Medulance, a leading emergency medical response service provider, continues its partnership with Yodda Elder Care, a tech-enabled elder care service provider. This renewed collaboration ensures continued access to fast, reliable emergency medical care for Yodda’s elderly clients for another year.

Through this renewed collaboration, Yodda Elder Care’s clients will benefit from 24/7 access to emergency medical care by raising an SOS alert on their phones or smartwatches. Medulance’s rapid response network ensures that the elderly population receives medical attention as quickly as possible in any emergency situation with the click of a button.

Speaking on the renewal of the partnership, Mr. Pranav Bajaj, Co-Founder and CEO, Medulance, said, “We are thrilled to extend our support to Yodda Elder Care for another year. At Medulance, we share Yodda’s commitment to empowering seniors to live independently with peace of mind. Using our Integrated end-to-end ERS Emergency Management Technology, we dispatch the closest available ambulance whenever an emergency strikes. By providing prompt and efficient medical care to Yodda’s elderly patients, we ensure that they get the highest quality healthcare services they deserve.”

“Our partnership with Medulance has been instrumental in providing patients with the critical care they need in an emergency. Medulance’s expertise and dedication to rapid response times allow us to offer a comprehensive care package that prioritizes the safety and security of our senior population,” said Tarun Sharma, Founder and CEO, Yodda

Medulance’s ambulances are staffed with highly trained paramedics equipped to handle a wide range of medical emergencies. The company utilizes state-of-the-art medical equipment and 5G technology to provide the best possible care during an emergency. Its smart ambulances enable real-time relay of patient data and vitals, significantly reducing triaging time, and improving treatment outcomes.

This renewed partnership between Medulance and Yodda Elder Care demonstrates their unwavering commitment to providing seniors with the resources they need to live healthy, independent l

Triton EV Unveils Revolutionary Hydrogen Internal Combustion Engine

New Delhi, July 11th, 2024: Triton EV, a leader in Clean-Tech automotive innovation, proudly announces the launch of its cutting-edge hydrogen internal combustion engine. This state-of-the-art technology is developed in India and is poised to transform the automotive industry by providing an eco-friendly zero -carbon emission alternative to traditional gasoline engines, emphasizing performance, efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Himanshu Patel Triton EV Hydrogen Engine

Eco-Friendly Innovation
Triton EV’s hydrogen engine marks a significant advancement in automotive technology. Utilizing hydrogen as a clean and abundant fuel source, this innovative engine produces zero carbon emissions. Unlike traditional gasoline engines, which emit carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming,

Triton EV’s hydrogen engine only produces water vapor as a byproduct of combustion. This eliminates the release of harmful pollutants such as carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, and nitrogen oxides, making it a truly green solution for the future of transportation.

Unmatched Performance and Efficiency
“Designed to deliver high performance, Triton EV’s hydrogen internal combustion engine offers superior efficiency without compromising on power. The engine boasts an advanced combustion process optimized for hydrogen, which ensures complete fuel utilization and minimizes energy losses. This results in a higher thermal efficiency compared to traditional gasoline engines, translating to better fuel economy and reduced operational costs,” commented Mr Himanshu Patel, CMD of Triton EV.

With the advent of this new innovative Triton EV Hydrogen Engine the cost of trucks will get reduced.

The engine’s power output is impressive, delivering torque and horsepower that match or exceed those of conventional internal combustion engines. This ensures that vehicles equipped with Triton EV’s hydrogen engine can perform robustly under various driving conditions, whether it be urban commuting, long-distance travel, or heavy-duty commercial use.

Additionally, the hydrogen engine is engineered with cutting-edge materials and design techniques that enhance durability and reliability, reducing maintenance needs and extending the engine’s lifespan. These attributes make TritonEV’s hydrogen engine a practical and powerful solution for modern automotive demands.

Collaboration Opportunities
Triton EV is actively seeking partnerships with automotive manufacturers, fleet operators, and other stakeholders to integrate this groundbreaking technology into their vehicles. By fostering collaborations, Triton EV aims to accelerate the adoption of hydrogen engines, paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future in the automotive industry. “The application of this hydrogen engine is extremely versatile as it, not only control the carbon footprint, but also makes the trucks more affordable. We are open to collaborate with other commercial and non commercial vehicle brands for supplying our hydrogen engine,” commented Himanshu Patel.

Versatility Across Vehicle Categories
One of the standout features of TritonEV’s hydrogen engine is its adaptability. Engineered for versatility, this engine can be seamlessly integrated into almost all vehicle categories, from compact cars to large commercial trucks. This broad applicability ensures that the benefits of hydrogen propulsion can be realized across the entire automotive spectrum, making sustainable transportation accessible to a wider audience.

Capri Loans Onboards Tarun Aggarwal as Group Chief Technology Officer

New Delhi, 11th July 2024: Capri Global Capital Ltd (Capri Loans), a leading non-banking financial company, has appointed Mr. Tarun Aggarwal as its new Group Chief Technology Officer, marking a key step in its digital transformation journey.

Tarun

With a wealth of experience in technology leadership, Mr. Aggarwal will drive innovation and operational efficiency at Capri Loans. His focus will be on enhancing customer-centric solutions and advancing the company’s digital infrastructure. His expertise in creating scalable and reliable systems will ensure that the platform remains robust and capable of handling increasing user demands. This strategic move aims to provide a seamless and secure experience for customers while maintaining Capri Loans leadership in the financial sector.

Mr. Rajesh Sharma, Managing Director of Capri Global, remarked, “We are thrilled to welcome Tarun Aggarwal as our new Group Chief Technology Officer. Capri Loans is on an ambitious path to digitalization by leveraging diverse technologies and data science. Tarun’s appointment marks a significant milestone in our journey to position ourselves among the top NBFCs dedicated to creating unparalleled value for our customers. Digitisation is pivotal in enhancing our services, providing superior customer experience, fostering cross-product synergies, and driving relentless innovation”.

Mr. Aggarwal is a seasoned professional with nearly 20 years of experience in Generative AI, Big Data Analytics, Cloud Computing, DevOps, Infrastructure, Platform Engineering, and Quality Assurance. Before joining Capri Loans, he was Senior Vice President of Engineering at Paytm. He has also made significant contributions at Adobe Systems, Quad Analytix (Wiser), Expedia India, and Guavus Networks. His notable achievements include integrating India’s Aadhaar Web Services with Adobe Sign and developing a resilient multi-cloud disaster recovery solution across AWS and Azure.

He holds a Post Graduate Diploma in Business Management from IMT Ghaziabad and a B.Tech in Computer Science from Kurukshetra University.

TrioTree Technologies appoints new COO and VP amidst a period of their rapid growth

New Delhi, 10th July 2024TrioTree Technologies, a leading provider of healthcare IT solutions announces the appointment of Mr. Divyesh J Sampat as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Mr. Mihir Jha as Vice President of Technology and Innovations. These hires come at a crucial time for TrioTree, as the company experiences significant growth and transformation, underscoring its commitment to operational excellence and technological advancement.

Divyesh J Sampat COO TrioTree

TrioTree has been navigating substantial growth, necessitating enhanced leadership to sustain this momentum and further accelerate its initiatives. Mr. Divyesh J Sampat, the newly appointed COO, brings over 23 years of experience in operational leadership. His tenure at Wipro saw him driving operational efficiency and achieving sustainable growth, making him an invaluable addition to TrioTree’s executive team. Mr. Mihir Jha, the new VP of Technology and Innovations comes with 20 years of experience in technology management. His impressive background includes leading technological advancements and successfully launching several products and solutions.

Commenting on these significant appointments, Surjeet Thakur, Founder & CEO of TrioTree Technologies, stated, “TrioTree is experiencing a period of significant growth and transformation. To sustain our momentum and further accelerate our initiatives, we recognized the need for enhanced leadership in key areas. The decision to bring on a new Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Vice President of Technology was driven by our commitment to operational excellence and technological advancement. These appointments are aimed at strengthening our executive team to navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving market and to drive our company towards new horizons.”

Divyesh J Sampat, the newly appointed COO, commented: “I am excited to join TrioTree at such a vital time. My focus will be on enhancing our strategies to support our expanding customer base and global presence. I am committed to refining our processes, driving efficiency, and ensuring that our operations are scalable to meet the growing demands. Together with the talented team at TrioTree, I look forward to contributing to the company’s continued success and making a significant impact on its journey forward.”

Mihir Jha, the new VP of Technology and Innovations, shared: “I look forward to leading our technology initiatives, driving digital transformation, and ensuring that we remain at the forefront of technological advancements. My goal is to create a robust technological framework that not only supports our current objectives but also paves the way for the future. By creating a culture of creativity, I am confident that we will deliver exceptional value to our stakeholders.”

The new appointments are set to play pivotal roles in TrioTree’s growth strategy. Mr. Sampat will focus on enhancing operational frameworks, ensuring scalability, and driving efficiency across all functions. His expertise will be crucial in refining operational strategies to support TrioTree’s expanding customer base and global presence. Meanwhile, Mr. Jha will lead the company’s technology roadmap and ensure that TrioTree’s technological capabilities are aligned with its goals. Together, they will streamline operations and harness innovative technology to propel TrioTree to new levels of success.

In addition to these senior appointments, TrioTree Technologies is pleased to announce the onboarding of 15 new team members, bringing the company size to more than 250. These new members will contribute to various domains within the organization, supporting TrioTree’s ongoing growth and expansion.

Sustainable solutions take center stage at India’s 4-day global plastic recycling event

New Delhi, 10th July 2024: Plastic waste management is a global issue that demands collaboration among all value chain participants and the government. Emphasizing the rising use of plastic and its environmental impact, various businesses and eminent experts highlighted the necessary steps towards sustainable solutions. This discussion took place during the four-day Global Conclave on Plastic Recycling and Sustainability, held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan.

Photo in Left - Mr. Ram Inder Singh Kochar, Promoter & Managing Director of Al Mehtab Industries

The four-day event, held from July 4 to July 7, was organized by the All-India Plastics Manufacturers’ Association (AIPMA) and the Chemicals & Petrochemicals Manufacturers’ Association (CPMA). Al Mehtab Industries (AMI), dedicated to reducing carbon footprints and promoting ecological balance, participated in this mega event.

The event served as a vital platform for discussing innovations and advancements in plastic recycling. It brought together global leaders to share their insights on creating a greener tomorrow through sustainable practices in the plastics industry.

Mr. Ram Inder Singh Kochar, Promoter & Managing Director of Al Mehtab Industries, said: “We are delighted that the four-day event resonated profoundly with audiences both locally and globally. The event was rich in insights, with experts of global repute sharing their invaluable perspectives. India generates approximately 26,000 tonnes of plastic waste daily, with over 10,000 tonnes remaining uncollected. This uncollected waste has far-reaching impacts, from economic losses to severe threats to human health and the environment. Addressing plastic waste management requires concerted efforts from all stakeholders. At Al Mehtab Industries, we are committed to leading the charge in promoting sustainable practices and innovative solutions to combat this pressing issue. Collaboration across the value chain and with government entities is essential to drive meaningful change and create a greener, healthier future for all.”

During the event, speakers emphasized the critical need for recyclers to capitalize on business opportunities within the circular economy, especially as governments increasingly enforce plastic sustainability throughout the supply chain. Recycled Polyethylene Terephthalate (rPET), made from repurposed PET waste collected from businesses and consumers, stands out as a significant example of this effort.

The mega event highlighted business opportunities, the latest trends, and cutting-edge innovations, illuminating numerous prospects for trade across various sectors. The exhibition showcased sustainable products, boosted brand visibility, and introduced new offerings to industry professionals, effectively engaging stakeholders across the entire supply chain.

India’s leading players in the plastic recycling market gathered to share their insights and trade secrets, significantly enhancing the event’s impact. The occasion was graced by a diverse group of exhibitors, including plastic recyclers, plastic machinery manufacturers, waste management agencies, biodegradable plastics producers, FMCG brand owners, and e-waste recyclers, among others.

The global market for plastic recycling is expected to grow from $42.4 billion in 2024 to grow at a CAGR of 9.3 percent, reaching USD 129.5 billion by 2035.

The conference was inaugurated by Chief Guest Smt. Nivedita Shukla Verma, Secretary of the Union Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers. Mercy Epao, Joint Secretary of the Union Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises, attended the session as the Guest of Honor. Other notable attendees included AIPMA President Manish Dedhia and CPMA President Kamal Nanavati.

India Rises as Manufacturing Hub for Assistive Devices: Rajesh Aggarwal

New Delhi, 10th July 2024: Addressing issues and challenges to strengthen the ecosystem for Person with Disabilities at the ASSOCHAM’s 6th Conference on Empowering Persons with Disabilities through Accessible & Assistive Technology, Chief Guest Mr. Rajesh Aggarwal IAS, Secretary, Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities, Ministry of Social Justice, and Empowerment, GoI stressed on calling it diversity rather than disability with the nature of humanity. He talked about 3 prevalent issues that are accessible infrastructure, employment opportunities and education to people with disabilities.

He motivated the audience to not help PWD with charity purposes but include them with designated job profiles and not quota. For enhancing education, he gave examples of use of devices such as braille displays, speech-to-text software, and adapted learning tools to facilitate learning. Providing necessary workplace accommodations such as ergonomic chairs, specialized keyboards, and software solutions to support productivity, he added.

Focused on the theme ‘Innovation and Sustainable Solutions for Equal Opportunities,’ he shared this event aims to empower Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and foster a more inclusive ecosystem. This conference aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat, aspiring to position India as a Global AT Hub. Driven by competitive manufacturing costs, supporting government policies like Make in India , India can position itself as a key player in the global market.

Mr Anil Rajput, Chairperson of the ASSOCHAM National CSR Council said “According to the WHO, 16% of the world’s population, which is over a billion people have some form of disability, and 80% of these live in the developing countries, with mobility being a critical factor in the lives of PwDs- in this context, l appeal to the automobile manufacturers in India to bring in the latest technologies in vehicles for disabled people that are being used in different parts of the world- this could have a transformational impact in the lives of persons with disabilities in India. I also urge the media to not only focus on the challenges faced by the PwDs, but also showcase their success stories, this will inspire many more to excel, as well as bring forth their unique abilities before the larger audience”.

Mr. Amit Singh, Partner, EY stressed on collaboration among government and private sector to create sustainable solutions for civil society and reducing barriers to participation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing the field of emerging technologies by augmenting assistive devices’ capabilities, personalizing experiences, and boosting accessibility. The country has a significant portion of its population that have disabilities that require immediate attention and solutions.

Dr. Sara Varughese, Managing Trustee, CBM India shared that disability in India is a pressing issue that calls for concerted effort to build socially inclusive and universally accessible infrastructure. Social stigma and discrimination are the issues that are still faced in India leading to economic vulnerability.

Mr. Dipendra Manocha, President, DAISY Forum of India highlighted the government policies that can encourage the mass production of assistive devices through subsidies, tax incentives and grants for research and development. Such interventions can reduce production costs, increase supply and foster innovation ensuring the availability to a larger population at lower prices.

The event was concluded with a vote of thanks by Mr. Ravi Bhatnagar, Co-Chairperson of the ASSOCHAM National CSR & Empowerment Councils and Director of External Affairs & Partnerships, South Asia, Reckitt. He stated that resources should be made more accessible to people in rural India as well, and he discussed how corporations can support an inclusive structure for the disabled workforce.