Tag Pune

Hyderabad, May 10th, 2024….108 Jains who fasted by eating alternative day for the past one year broke their fasting by consuming sugar cane juice today at Dadawadi Jain Temple at Karwan.

Some of the people who fasted were as old as 86 years done young were just 19

It had more women than men. Some of them have fasted for 35 years.

The ceremony is called Akshay Tritiya Parna Mahotsav. It kicked off yesterday and concluded today.

Earlier all these 208 Jain’s drawn from across India, including 32 from the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad were ceremoniously taken in 25 well-decorated chariots in a km-long procession from Saibaba Temple in Gudi Malkapur to Dadawadi Jain Temple Karawan.

Vimlabhai Kochar from Nashik has been fasting by eating alternative day for the past 35 years. Kantha Bhai has been fasting for 16 years. Ugam Bhai Gandhi is an 81-year-old woman who has been fasting for the past 24 years. Kishore Golechs from Secunderabad who is into the cycling business has been fasting for 24 years. Sangeetha Kothari, a 52 years old woman has been fasting for the past 7 years.

Sunitha Vinod, 52 from Nashik has done first time. Krishi Bandari, a 19-year-old girl from Hyderabad has done fasting a second time. Says, that fasting has taught her to exercise control on anything we do excessively. It has also taught me a very good discipline in life.

Mahendra Lunwath from Hyderabad who has been fasting for 20 years said it is mind control over food. I decided in mind and I never had any problem in fasting. He urged youngsters and first-timers to start fasting at least once a week. In an era where food is available at the click of a mouse from food delivery platforms such as Swiggy and Zomato, fasting is the only way forward to exercise control over food. We are what we eat. Obesity is on the rise. The best way is to fast at least once a week he said

The fast-breaking ceremony was organized under the guidance of Jain Guru Dr Samkit Muni Ji and two other Jain Monks.

On this day about 2000 Jains from across India such as Nashik, Pune, Jodhpur, Karnataka, and Chennai, and Hyderabad participated

108 Jain’s ended their year-long alternate fasting with sugar cane juice disclosed Swarupchand Kothari, Gautam Chand Dank, Sajjan Gandhi, Annaraj Bafna, and Vinod Kimtee, the office bearers of the organising body.

In Jainism, Akshaya Tritiya is important as it commemorates the first Tirthankara, Rishab dev Bhagwan, ending his one-year asceticism(severe self-discipline and avoiding all forms of indulgence) by consuming sugarcane juice poured into his cupped hands. Some Jains refer to the festival as Akashya Tritiya Parna Mahotsav. The ascetic practices include simple living, begging, fasting, and ethical practices such as humility, compassion, meditation, patience, and prayer. Akshay Tritiya Parna Mahotsav brings to an end to such a year-long strict self-discipline.

Akshay Tritiya Parna Mahotsav was organized by Shri Vardhaman Sthanakvasi Jain Shravak Sangh, Greater Hyderabad

Bengaluru, 16th April 2024: Pune-headquartered Arya Omnitalk, a joint venture between two of India’s most reputed business houses, Arvind Ltd. and the JM Baxi Group, has secured an exclusive partnership with Motorola Solutions to distribute Professional and Commercial Radios in India.

Arya Omnitalk operates three business divisions, namely Shared Mobile Radio Services (SMR), GPS-based Fleet Tracking and Management Solutions, and Toll and Highway Traffic Management Systems (HTMS). Under this collaboration, Arya Omnitalk will exclusively distribute Motorola Solutions’ MOTOTRBO Portfolio of products, along with continuing to distribute Wave PTX and associated services.

A leading provider of PMRTS (Public Mobile Radio Trunking Services), CMRTS (Captive Mobile Radio Trunking Services), and Broadband Push-to-talk devices, Arya Omnitalk holds licenses to operate in 18 cities including Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Indore, Kolkata, Bharuch, Navi Mumbai, Gurgaon, Noida, Mumbai, Pune, Surat, Vadodara, Visakhapatnam, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Jaipur.

These radios are specially designed for organizations operating in today’s fast-moving business environment. They allow real-time, instant communication among teams, improving coordination in fast-paced environments. It allows cross-platform compatibility and works across various devices and platforms, ensuring seamless communication between different teams and devices within the company. These radios connect teams spread across different locations and facilities. It can integrate with existing communication systems and tools, streamlining processes and enhancing overall connectivity within the company.

These radios provide secure communication channels, crucial for the industries where confidentiality and data protection are paramount. It enables swift response during emergencies or critical situations, ensuring immediate communication for rapid decision-making and crisis management.

These services cater to important sectors such as Municipal Corporations, Manufacturing, Security, Oil & Gas, Transport and Logistics, Warehousing, Educational Institutes, IT/ITeS, Hospitality, Hospitals, Embassies, Mines, and Construction.

Speaking of the occasion, Mr. Paresh Shetty, CEO, Arya Omnitalk said, “We are thrilled to announce our continued partnership with Motorola Solutions, further solidifying the trust we’ve built with the brand and customers over the years. This exclusive partnership grants us the opportunity to sell best in class products in India. Our commitment remains unwavering in delivering unmatched customer experiences, ensuring every interaction mirrors our dedication to excellence and satisfaction.”

Pune March 15th , 2024: MultiFit is India’s largest and happiest strength and functional training brand. It stands apart from regular gyms by breaking the monotony of repetitive workouts. Their workouts are made both enjoyable and effective for every individual, where they endeavour to create the perfect balance between Mind-Body-Soul and make fitness a lifestyle choice.

Taking their vision forward of making India ‘Multi-Fit’ the brand hosted their inaugural “FittyParty”, an ode to the spirit of womanhood and to celebrate women and wellness. The brand also collaborated with Young entrepreneurs from across various spheres and sectors to promote and encourage them by gifting these invitees with recovery products by a sports recovery startup called upurfit and elements of the gift hampers by CITTA, another woman led organisation.

The MultiFit Fittyparty – is the brain child of director of The Lexicon Group, Mrs Deepti Sharma as her contribution to celebrating women- The architects of Resilience, Strength and Grace!

The event was a unique blend of relaxation and entertainment with FittyParty highlights like Dance movement therapy led by renowned well-being practitioner Bharti Jaisingh followed by sound healing by Poonam Dhandhania at Fat Pigeon- nestled in the buzzing and vibrant hub of Kalyani nagar, the go-to getaway for the younglings and those young at heart. Fat pigeon recently spread its wings and took flight from Hyderabad to set the foot prints of fun and energy in Pune with its weekly line-up of parties, events and their special Fat Sunday brunches.

This Exclusive, only by invite, event included atendees like Ena Katyal (owner Azul cafe, associated with Qora and Mekong folks), Karishma Mansata(owner 6 story and Lane six salon), Vaishnavi Rao(Actor and content creator) Chahat Dalal(Mrs India and Mrs Galaxy) , Shreya Sharma – Founder,Rest The Case; Director Lexicon Group) Akanksha Sharma(Founder, CITTA; Director Lexicon Group) to name a few.

FittyParty endeavors to establish a formidable network of women, harmonizing facets of well-being and entertainment. Our mission is to convene women from varied walks of life, showcasing their achievements and facilitating meaningful connections within our esteemed community.

Pune:Recently FLAME University, the pioneer of interdisciplinary education in India,proudly hosted the annual conference of the Indian Drugs Manufacturers’ Association (IDMA) – vriddhi 2024, in association with Bain & Company. Held on its campus in Pune, the two-day conference welcomed over 40 prominent business leaders, 50 prestigious organizations, investors, and policymakers, convening for a national summit. The agenda of this prestigious event was to examine and assess the opportunities, challenges, and strategic directions of the Indian pharmaceutical industry. Vriddhi 2024 established dialogue to expand into new markets through innovation while maintaining a commitment to transforming the sector. The conference emphasized the importance of maintaining a competitive edge and focusing on long-term goals to create value for all stakeholders involved. Noteworthy discussions centered on creating a platform for industry think tanks and academia to formulate a forward-looking plan, leading to socio-economic growth and development.The conference boasted a lineup of distinguished speakers and panelists, including Dr. VK Paul, Member of Niti Ayog; Dilip Shanghvi, Founder & MD of Sun Pharmaceuticals; MV Ramana, CEO of Branded Markets (India and Emerging Markets) at Dr. Reddy’s; Dr. Sarah McMullen, Country Director for FDA India; Parijat Ghosh, Managing Partner of Bain & Company; Vallabh Bhanshali, Co-founder and Chairman of ENAM Group, and Member of the Governing Body at FLAME University, among others.

Vallabh Bhanshali, Co-founder and Chairman of ENAM Group, and Member of the Governing Body at FLAME University underscored this vision, stating, “We are delighted to host the IDMA event at FLAME University, which reflects our vision of being a meeting point for various streams to help India achieve its ‘tryst with destiny’. Our infrastructure is designed to foster a congeniality in which new thoughts, the comfort of discussion, and openness can be actualized. We are glad that our campus is gaining recognition and popularity for various conventions and seminars. We believe that if our country has to become a greater country, we need to come together, open up, exchange ideas, and create new ideas. And that’s what our university is all about. It’s very integrated into the whole concept of FLAME University, and the infrastructure is not just infrastructure but a tool in our strategy.”

Dilip Shanghavi, Founder & Managing Director, Sun Pharmaceuticals, lauded FLAME University for hosting the conference, and said, “I am delighted to have participated in the IDMA’s Vriddhi Summit 2024, which was held at the FLAME University campus. This event was a great platform for entrepreneurs, industry experts, and academics to exchange ideas and insights on the opportunities and challenges of the pharmaceutical industry in India. I was impressed by the quality of the speakers, the diversity of the topics, and the relevance of the discussions to the real-life problems faced. I commend FLAME University for hosting this event and providing a conducive environment for learning and networking. FLAME University is a pioneer of interdisciplinary education in India, and I could see the reflection of its vision and values in the infrastructure and facilities of the campus. I believe such events are essential for fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the country, and I look forward to more such events at FLAME University in the future.”

By hosting the IDMA’s vriddhi 2024 conference, FLAME University has established itself as a leader in facilitating crucial conversations and collaborations between policy makers, industry and academia. The event showcased the university’s commitment to transforming the industry’s future through innovation, collaboration, and an emphasis on continued value creation.

Pune: British Council, the UK’s international organisation for educational opportunities and cultural relations, in partnership with UK universities, has announced the launch of British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM programme. This prestigious scholarship is designed for female STEM graduates wanting to pursue their Masters’ in the UK.

The presence of women in STEM fields is essential for promoting diversity, ensuring a range of perspectives, and driving innovation. Their presence not only addresses gender disparities but also enriches the workforce with unique skills, ultimately advancing scientific and technological progress for the benefit of society. According to the Global Gender Gap Report 2023 by the World Economic Forum, women account for 27% of India’s STEM workforce. This represents a small fraction considering that women make up nearly 43% of STEM graduates in India.

25 scholarships are reserved for women STEM scholars from India and other South Asian countries. These are across five UK higher education institutions – Queen Mary University of London, Anglia Ruskin University, Greenwich University, The University of Southampton and Coventry University. The scholarships will empower the beneficiaries to advance their careers in STEM and facilitate their ability to drive research and innovation in their home country by immersing them in the expertise of the UK’s esteemed STEM fields. The UK is currently ranked third in the world for citable research, with 55.2% of all UK publications the product of international research collaborations.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees, stipend, travel costs, visa, health coverage fees, and English language support. The scholars can pursue courses like Data Science, Computer Science, Pharmaceutical Science, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering Management, Civil Engineering Management, Intelligent Healthcare, Actuarial Science, among others.

Rittika Chanda Parruck MBE, Director Education India, British Council, said, “Almost half of the world’s population is female and represents half the potential brain power of researchers and innovators. The global challenges facing the world can only be addressed through science and research and we cannot solve these problems with one hand tied behind our backs, with only one half of the population working towards the solutions. Gender equity is not just a nice idea, it is essential for the progress of mankind. Through programmes like the Women in STEM Scholarships, we aim to provide the financial assistance needed for women to pursue their education and unleash their full potential in STEM fields, thereby driving transformative change and contributing to the sustainable development goals in a more meaningful way.”

Since 2020, the programme has awarded over 300 scholarships. In the 2023-24 global cohorts, 92 scholars were enrolled in their selected courses. So far, 52 Indian women have been awarded the scholarships and pursued their one-year postgraduate studies in the UK. Through these scholarships, British Council maintains its commitment to creating opportunities for women to succeed in a globalised world and gain global credentials in STEM fields.

The scholarship aims to inspire young women to remain in STEM fields by supporting their progression towards leadership roles and fostering networking opportunities with peers both in their region and in the UK. The scholarship also welcomes applications from women with dependents, offering additional support. The application deadlines vary depending on the university, typically between March and April 2024.

Pune, 01st March 2024: Kirloskar Institute of Management (KIM), Pune, in association with All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) and MoE (Ministry of Education), Govt of India hosted a stimulating development dialogue on “Inclusive and Sustainable Amrit Kaal 2047: Technology, Society, and People at the Forefront” on February 29, 2024. Students, faculty members and staff of KIM participated in the event and made the event grand success.

Esteemed speaker Mr. Pushpendra Singh, Executive Coach, and Management Consultant nominated by AICTE delivered a captivating talk, emphasizing technology as a driver, discussing growth challenges, and highlighting favourable conditions for progress in India. He highlighted the importance of knowledge cultivation through curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking, along with continuous learning.

Mr. Pushpendra emphasized sustainable themes such as renewable energy, India’s geographical advantages, the importance of hydrogen in transportation, Electric Vehicles, waste management, digital economy, opportunities for young generation, greenhouse and sustainable environment, and the current technology enablers (AI, Machine Learning, IoT, Block chain etc.). After each theme, a true dialogue took place as faculty members and students exchanged their views with the speaker. This resulted in a solid understanding of the Amrit Kaal Vimarsh Viksit Bharat@2047.

Prof. (Dr.) T.G. Vijaya, Director of Kirloskar Institute of Management, felicitated Mr. Pushpendra Singh. During an inaugural speech, she emphasized the development journey of India, inclusive of growth and necessity of societal development. Dr. Ashok Patil, Associate Professor extended vote of thanks, Dr. Bidyananad Jha, Dean Academics organized the whole event and Ms. Chandrika Rath, students of class of 25, acted as Master of the Ceremony (MOC) for the event.

Pune, February 23, 2024: Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance Company, one of India’s leading private life insurers, continues to enhance its business parameters through its transformative journey. The 9MFY2024 results showcase its outstanding performance vis-à-vis the other private players in the Indian life insurance industry.

Individual Rated New Business (IRNB) of the Company for 9MFY2024 grew by 24% as compared to the corresponding period last year. This was nearly three times the growth showcased by industry average. Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance three year (FY 2020 to FY 2023) of Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) 39% in Individual Rated New Business (IRNB) further reaffirms the strong growth path of the private life insurer. The Company’s GWP stood at INR 14,860 Crores for 9M FY24, on the back of strong growth in individual business and renewal premium received, as compared to INR 13,028 Crores over the same period last year.

Strong focus on enhancing renewal payment processes through initiatives such as driving auto-payment registration, digital payments, etc. have led to consistent persistency across most cohorts. As of 31st December, 2023 persistency stood at 83% for 13th month, 65% for 37th month and 51% for 61st month. The Company also registered a strong growth in renewal premium of 31% in 9M FY24; supported by various initiatives to improve persistency. Additionally New Business Value (NBV) grew by 9% from INR 535 Crores for 9M FY23 to INR 581 Crores for 9M FY24 due to strong IRNB Growth and focus on a diverse product mix.

Key Business Highlights of Bajaj Allianz Life Insurance for 9MFY2024

· PAT (Profits after tax) for 9M FY24 is at INR 457 Crores as compared to INR 364 Crores in 9M FY23, recording a 26% growth

· Registered a strong growth of 31% in renewal premium

· Registered the highest growth in the Number of Policies (NOP) among top 10 private life insurance companies with 4.92 lakh policies being written in this period

· Assets under Management crossed the Rupees One Lakh Crore milestone in this period and stood at INR 1,04,737 crores as of December 31, 2023

· Achieved 24% growth in Individual Rated New Business with INR 3,996 crores in 9M FY24 vis-à-vis INR 3,222 crores in 9M FY23

· The Company’s Solvency Ratio stands at an impressive 446% the end of December, 2023 underlining its strong financial stability and ability to meet its obligations

· As on 31st December 2023, the Company covered over 4.30 crore lives

· The Company has an extensive distribution network comprising of 511 branches, over 1,42,000 agents, and 82 institutional partners

Bajaj Allianz Life prioritizes customer-centricity, emphasizing fast issuances, diverse product offerings backed by cutting-edge technology. Customers have responded positively to the existing product bouquet and new introductions, including Bajaj Allianz Life Ace (Par), Bajaj Allianz Life Magnum Fortune Plus (ULIP), Bajaj Allianz Life Assured Wealth Goal (Non-Par), Bajaj Allianz Life Guaranteed Pension Goal (Annuity), Bajaj Allianz Life – Flexi Income Goal (PAR), and Bajaj Allianz Life Future Wealth Gain. The company’s dedication to innovation is evident in the substantial growth of its product suite and distribution network during FY24.

Pune, February 23, 2024 – Anifest India, the International Animation Festival, unfolded in vibrant Pune from February 10-11, 2024, at MIT-WPU, Kothrud Campus. Boasting 2 full days, 55 dynamic speakers, participants from 40+ esteemed design & animation schools, and an impressive 1600 attendees, the festival marked a pivotal moment in the animation community.

Themed “Animating Unity, Inspiring Creativity,” the grand inaugural ceremony, graced by Shri. Rahul V Karad, Managing Trustee & Executive President of MAEER’s MIT Group of Institutions, underscored the significance of community efforts. Ranjit Singh ‘Tony,’ Founder Trustee and Director of TASI Animation Association, highlighted the unique voluntary contributions ensuring that 100% of funds raised reverberate back into the community.

Anifest India, recognized by the Maharashtra Government, stands out as one of the 5 premier international animation festivals. Celebrating its 16th edition as a testament to 20 years of dedication, the festival witnessed unprecedented growth, with generous support from competing entities.

“Breaking New Grounds: Anifest India 24’s Trailblazing Edition”

This edition marked several firsts, including the festival’s relocation to Pune, a revamped format with multiple tracks, a dedicated portfolio review track, and an exhibition stall section. The inauguration featured a mesmerizing drum circle involving 100 drums played in unison, setting an unprecedented rhythm for the festival.

Anifest India 24 featured Oscar-nominated directors, National award-winning filmmakers, and industry experts providing live demonstrations and hands-on workshops. With tracks ranging from Filmmaking and Visual Effects to Gaming and Portfolio Reviews, TASI’s focus on content curation ensured real value for attendees.

The festival delved into case studies of blockbuster movies, explored the emergence of Virtual Production, and hosted panel discussions on Indie Animation, challenges for indigenous content creators, the impact of AI on the art world, and sustaining independent studios. Interactive sessions and dedicated Q&A time allowed the audience to engage with industry leaders.

“Awarding Excellence: Ram Mohan Viewers’ Choice Awards and Cutting-Edge Exhibitions”

A highlight of Anifest India, the Ram Mohan Viewers’ Choice Awards, saw the introduction of an electronic voting system for instantaneous results. The exhibitions showcased cutting-edge technology products by leading global companies, providing a glimpse into the future of animation.

“Empowering Creativity: TASI Animation Association’s 20-Year Legacy”

Established as a non-profit organization in 2001, TASI Animation Association has played a pivotal role in curating content for over 500 sessions and organizing 15 annual multi-day festivals. With no paid members, TASI remains dedicated to fostering creativity and innovation in the animation community.

Pune, February 23, 2024 – The halls of Trinity International School in Pune glittered with brilliance on the radiant evening of February 18th, 2024, as the Nanhaagyan Foundation hosted the prestigious Healing Light Awards 2024. Under the visionary leadership of Romal Surana, the foundation orchestrated an evening of profound significance and heartfelt acknowledgment, bringing together esteemed personalities and luminaries.

The ceremony, graced by RJ Bandya from 93.5 Red FM and Dr. Aneeta Sanas, founder of Healing Touch, as chief guests, unfolded as a tapestry of awe-inspiring performances and heartfelt gratitude with about 150 individuals in attendance.

Meticulously curated by the Nanhaagyan Foundation, the event recognized exemplary individuals across 13 categories, awarding a total of 39 deserving recipients. Spirited performances by children and adults with special needs, coupled with seamless hospitality from Trinity International School, reflected a dedication to inclusivity and warmth.

Acknowledging partners and sponsors, the Foundation expressed profound gratitude to Yes2 Healthy Life and Elfactory, whose support added an extra layer of joy to the proceedings, captivating the hearts of attendees, especially the children.

Hosted by Neha Sama, the evening celebrated luminaries from various fields, each one a beacon of inspiration and change. The esteemed awardees included individuals dedicated to diverse spheres of service and innovation, from spirituality and happiness coaches to eco-warriors, young transformers, innovators in education, educators, healers, mental health coaches, sports mentors, and art and creativity coaches.

The Growth Icon Award, bestowed upon Rupali Dhamdhere, Gayatri Chadwa, and Dr Prachetan Potdar, symbolizes not only individual excellence but also a commitment to transformative growth and societal betterment.

The presence of principals, parents, and professionals infused the atmosphere with a sense of camaraderie and shared purpose, underscoring the importance of community and collaboration in fostering a culture of empathy and growth.

The success of the Healing Light Awards 2024 wouldn’t have been possible without the unwavering support of individuals whose dedication ensured a flawless execution of the event. Special thanks to media partners SamruddhaVyapar and Mahaz Times, as well as Aryan Sharma from Publishing Pitaraa and Prachetan Potdar from Stay Featured for their invaluable contributions.

In honoring excellence and compassion, the Nanhaagyan Foundation has ignited a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come. As we reflect on the evening’s festivities, let us carry forward the spirit of kindness and innovation, embodying the transformative power of collective action and empathy.

As the echoes of applause fade into the night, let us remember that true healing begins with a gesture of kindness, a moment of acknowledgment, and a commitment to stand together, united in our pursuit of a brighter, more compassionate world.

Pune,19th February 2024: Orchids The International School, known for its commitment to nurturing creativity, recently hosted a spectacular two-day Children’s Art Fest in Pune on the 16th and 17th of February. The event, a culmination of various art forms learned throughout the academic year, brought together students, parents, and grandparents for a memorable extravaganza held at Shubham Gardens. The mega event saw massive participation from across Orchids’ Pune campuses.

The event comprised five live stages showcasing the creative talents nurtured by Orchidians’ art education program over the academic year. This grand celebration of artistic expression showcased the performance across diverse art forms such as folk and classical dance, vocal and instrumental music, skits, mime, street theater, and more. Fun activity stalls like DIY workshops, mask making, doodles, pottery making, mandala art, print painting, and more were arranged for parents and grandparents to enjoy together with their children further enhancing the festive atmosphere.

Every student performed in two art forms and seamlessly moved from one stage to another, showing the immaculate planning by the academic planners and faculty.

Dr Madhuri Sagale, Vice President – Academics of Arts, Orchids the International School, said “At Orchids, we strongly advocate for the significant role of art in fostering and displaying the creativity of our students. We organize a variety of art-centric programs and curriculum activities consistently, empowering students to delve into their artistic passions. The art festival serves as an inclusive platform for presenting students’ dance performances, street plays, skits, musical routines, visual arts, DIY exhibitions, and live workshops. We aim to create lasting memories for parents, providing them with the opportunity to witness their child’s imaginative talents. We are confident that such experiences bring joy to both parents and children”

The two-day Children’s Art Fest was a grand success in highlighting the importance of art and creativity for child development.