Tag Pune

By-Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

Pune, one of India’s most vibrant real estate markets, has experienced rapid changes over the past few years. Latest data from leading real estate consultancies show a scenario of strong housing price increases and ongoing changes in market dynamics, pointing towards further price hikes in the future.

According to real estate consultants Anarock, Pune and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR) saw over 50% of the overall housing sales in Q2 2024 among the top seven cities. This is a resounding statement for Pune — a city once considered the laid-back cousin of the financial capital and is now competing in the same league.

Rising Property Prices: A Continuum

Recent data from various leading consultancies clearly show Pune’s trend of rising property prices. There has been a significant 20-23% year-on-year increase compared to Q1 2023. This resilience and rising demand are driving prices higher. Several factors explain Pune’s growing housing prices

– Economic Growth & Employment Opportunities: Pune’s real estate market has improved significantly due to its development into a major IT and manufacturing center. High demand from professionals seeking homes near their workplaces has led to a surge in property values in and around IT parks and manufacturing hubs.

– Infrastructure Development: Ongoing and planned infrastructure improvements such as road extensions, new flyovers, and the Pune Metro are boosting the city’s property values and connectivity. This dynamic is evident across Greater Pune, which includes the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the infrastructure-driven Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC).

– Shift in Housing Segments: Pune’s housing market is now driven by mid-range and premium-to-luxury housing, thanks to higher demand for such options. The higher purchasing and borrowing power of the target clientele supports ongoing price increases.

So – Buy Now or Later?

To answer this very important question, it is necessary to consider some fundamentals. Pune’s strong economic growth draws professionals and families from various industries. The city offers a high livability quotient, better housing affordability, and a superior climate compared to neighboring Mumbai. It also boasts top-grade healthcare and education options and proximity to Mumbai, Maharashtra’s main economic hub.

Pune has delivered an overall residential price appreciation of well over 20% in just one year. Naturally, both end-users and investors find the city very appealing, especially considering its rapid growth since 2020, which saw Pune’s lowest year for housing demand in the last decade due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Job losses, economic disruption, and the disappearance of construction labour brought building activity to a halt. The lockdowns caused a significant decline in real estate market demand and supply.

But in 2021, the market began to bounce back powerfully. With a 17% year-on-year increase, Pune saw the highest property sales since 2013. Buyer confidence increased steadily. In 2023, the Pune housing market rebounded remarkably. The current year is poised to set new benchmarks.

The writing is clearly on the wall — there is no stopping the Pune housing market, and a wait-and-watch stance can cost buyers dearly. For those who want to buy a home in Pune, either to live here or to reap investment returns, there is a strong argument for acting now. Historical data and current patterns clearly imply that the city’s property values will keep rising.

Given the continuous growth of the city and its expanding economic base, homes bought now will deliver significant value addition over time. Pune is currently second only to Mumbai in new residential launches and sales and is also attracting increasing interest from institutional investors eyeing its commercial real estate market.

This means more workplaces, more jobs, and even higher housing demand driving prices steadily northward. For potential buyers and investors, the message is clear – there is no equity in waiting for a more opportune time in Pune’s thriving housing market.

About the Author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region. With the recent inclusion of Puneville Commercial into one of its most iconic townships, Pharande Spaces taken a major step towards addressing Pune’s current and future requirements for fully integrated residential-commercial convenience

Governor of Arunachal Pradesh Launches Kargil War Book

In a glittering ceremony on 3rd July at the Army Officers Institute in Bengaluru, Lt Gen K T Parnaik (retd), the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh, launched a book titled “Kargil War – The Turning Point”. Authored by late Col M B Ravindranath, VrC, a war hero and son of the soil hailing from Davangere, the memoir vividly recalls the challenges that the author and his unit 2 RAJ RIF faced, as they attacked Tololing during the Kargil War 25 years ago. Several attacks to evict the Pakistani troops from the formidable Himalayan heights had failed, when Ravi and his warriors went into battle at Tololing. After a bitterly fought battle, 2 RAJ RIF soldiers stood victorious on Tololing at dawn on 13 June 99. This was the Turning Point in the war, and Indian troops thereafter destroyed several Pakistani posts in the next month, and evicted the treacherous Pakistani Army in the Drass – Kargil Sector.

Col MB Ravindranath, VrC, who hails from Davangere is an alumnus of Sainik School Bijapur and NDA, Pune. He was the Commanding Officer of 2 RAJ RIF when the unit moved into the Drass area to evict Pakistani soldiers from the heights overlooking the Leh Highway. He led his unit to victory, and after his unit command was over, he took premature retirement and returned to his roots to handle the family business. He penned his experiences passionately before he passed away in April 2018 after a massive heart attack.

The book Kargil War – The Turning Point traces the events of those months, as Ravi prepared his infantrymen for the battles, the fears that he had to overcome, the plans that he made and finally his leadership on the icy mountain ridges during the attacks. The book also highlights the sacrifice of bravehearts like Major Acharya, MVC, Major Vivek Gupta, MVC, Lt Kenguruse, MVC, Capt Vijayant Thapar, VrC and such others. At the book launch event organized by Ravindranath’s family, several of his colleagues and friends joined and paid tribute to him. Lt Gen Mohinder Puri (retd), Ravi’s Division Commander during the war described Ravindranath’s commitment, resilience, courage and bold leadership. Lt Gen KT Parnaik, the Governor of Arunachal Pradesh described how the troops fight for the honour of their units, their clans and for the nation. He highlighted his personal association with late Col M B Ravindranath. Col David Devasahayam, CMD of the Radiant Group, a corporate leader and colleague of Col Ravindranath, also recalled the commitment and enterprise of Ravindranath. Former Services Chiefs Admiral Karambir Singh, General Manoj Naravane and Air Chief Marshal R K S Bhadauria also graced the book launch ceremony.

“Kargil War – The Turning Point” is an intimate narrative that captures the essence of the courage and resilience of Indian soldiers. Written in a gripping style, the book brings out the formidable positions held by the Pakistanis which our troops overcame valiantly. The Kargil War of 1999 remains a pivotal moment in India’s military history, showcasing the indomitable spirit of the Armed Forces in defending the nation’s sovereignty. “Kargil War – The Turning Point” pays homage to these extraordinary individuals and their families, offering readers a poignant insight into the sacrifices made and the triumphs achieved during this critical period. “Kargil War – The Turning Point” is now available at leading bookstores nationwide and online platforms.

As we celebrate the Rajat Jayanti of the Kargil Victory this month, it is apt to salute our valiant soldiers who guard our frontiers with dedication and fortitude. Jai Hind!

By Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

The Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) oversees an extensive and strategically significant territory now collectively referred to as Greater Pune. It covers both urban and rural regions.

The two key territories under Greater Pune are the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) and the Pimpri-Chinchwad Municipal Corporation (PCMC). PMRDA also governs the pivotal Talegaon Dabhade and Lonavala Municipal Councils – the former a strong and growing industrial hub, and the latter arguably Maharashtra’s favourite tourist destination.

Beyond these municipalities, PMRDA also administers numerous suburban and rural areas which are vital for Greater Pune’s expansion and development. These include the rapidly developing industrial hotspots Chakan and Pirangut, as well as Pune’s pre-eminent and pioneering IT hub Hinjawadi.

Among the rural areas are Mulshi, Maval, Khed, Haveli, and Junnar, which are important for their agricultural contributions and potential for future development. Known for their scenic landscapes, Mulshi and Maval are already attracting considerable real estate development.

As can be seen, Greater Pune is vast and diverse and showcases PMRDA’s governance across many major urban centres, IT hubs, industrial zones, and rural areas.

Over the past decade, Greater Pune’s exponential growth stands as a strong testament to PMRDA‘s strategic planning and robust implementation of development initiatives. But is this pace of growth really necessary? Let’s look at the facts.

Population Growth and Urbanization

As of 2024, Pune’s population is estimated to be around 7.35 million in the metropolitan area and approximately 4.44 million within the city limits. Its vast talent pool across all employment categories is Greater Pune’s greatest asset, and this population needs to be accommodated.

It stands to reason that the region’s real estate sector has been booming. According to data from MahaRERA (Maharashtra Real Estate Regulatory Authority), there has been a consistent rise in the launch of new housing projects. In 2023 alone, Pune saw over 50,000 new homes launched, while Pimpri-Chinchwad added 20,000.

Prominent real estate developers have been having a field day – or rather, a field epoch – launching massive projects to aid this expansion. Given that home seekers in Greater Pune are looking for options across categories, a large number of these projects offer modern amenities that cater to the middle and upper-middle-class homebuyer segments.

While the supply of affordable housing projects has been more muted due to decreased demand, the market is replete with options even in this category.

Infrastructure Development

Across the length and breadth of Greater Pune, PMRDA has consistently focused on infrastructure development as a cornerstone of the region’s urban growth. One prime example is the Pune Metro which, in just the first phase, will connect key areas like Hinjewadi, Shivajinagar, and Pimpri. The reduced commute time creates more housing demand across all areas.

Additionally, the 128 km Ring Road will decongest city traffic by giving Greater Pune an alternative road travel route and connecting various parts of the region across major highways and economic zones. For Pune’s economic triple engine of IT, manufacturing, and the services sector, this spells gold and will massively boost trade and commerce. According to recent reports, absorption in Pune’s commercial office space reached 6.5 million square feet in 2023.

Sustainable Urbanization

PMRDA‘s commitment to Greater Pune includes a strong focus on sustainable urbanization. It has now made it mandatory that green spaces and energy-efficient designs be included in all new projects. Also, digital infrastructure, smart transportation, and efficient waste management have been prioritized.

Social Infrastructure

The growth of Greater Pune extends beyond just economic and infrastructural development. PMRDA is keenly aware that for overall quality of life and livability, adequate social infrastructure to support its growing population is of paramount importance. Not surprisingly, the region under its aegis boasts top-grade schools and colleges, hospitals, and recreational amenities.

To summarize…

Under the able administration of PMRDA, Greater Pune’s urban expansion has emerged as one of the most impressive success stories of planned growth, economic prosperity, and sustainable development. It sets a new benchmark for urban and urbanizing India, demonstrating how strategic governance and innovative planning can create a thriving, modern metropolis.

With continued focus on infrastructure, sustainable development, and quality of life, Greater Pune is poised to be a model city for the future, embodying the aspirations of a rapidly urbanizing nation.

About the Author:

Akash Pharande is Managing Director – Pharande Spaces, a leading real estate construction and development firm famous for its township projects in Greater Pune and beyond. Pharande Promoters & Builders, the flagship company of Pharande Spaces and an ISO 9001-2000 certified company, is a pioneer of townships in the region. With the recent inclusion of Puneville Commercial into one of its most iconic townships, Pharande Spaces taken a major step towards addressing Pune’s current and future requirements for fully integrated residential-commercial convenience

Bengaluru, May, 2024: Avtar Group, India’s leading Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) Solutions firm, hosted the myAvtar Career Conference (MACC) at Karnataka Trade Promotion Organization (KTPO), Bengaluru today.

myAvtar Career Conference (MACC), the career extravaganza brought together inclusive companies and a vast pool of women talent from the field of Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics (STEM) under one roof. Participating Companies included, Aditya Birla Group, Publicis Sapient, Broadridge Financial Solutions India Limited, Moody’s, Renault Nisan Tech, IBM India, Google Cloud, HDFC ERGO, ACT, AstraZeneca, Johnson & Johnson, Gallagher, Happiest Minds Technologies Limited, Stryker, Verisk, AKJ Somaiya Institute Of Management, among many others.

Tailored for Women in Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (STEM), MACC offered a unique platform to connect, collaborate, and converse with like-minded professionals, industry-leading companies, and renowned experts in the industry. The conclave was an ecosystem designed to foster learning, sharing, and networking for women in the STEM field; an opportunity to explore new horizons in the STEM field, to grow personally and professionally, and to unlock a world of possibilities. The conference witnessed a large gathering of students, educators, professionals, and industry leaders who shared their knowledge, experiences, and insights.

Avtar Group also announced the winners of their inaugural “Women in STEM” Awards. This Awards recognize and celebrate the outstanding achievements of women who are making significant strides in the STEM fields. In STEM Icons 15 plus years of work experience category, Vaijayanthi Srinivasa Raghavan Senior Director, UPS India Technology Centre, Priya Kanduri, CTO, SVP – Cyber Security Services, HappiestMinds Technologies Limited, Deepti Singh, Deputy General Manager- Head of Department System Installation, Renault Nissan Tech have received top 3 awards. In STEM Divas 8-15 years of work experience category, Subbulakshmi Ramkumar, Deputy Manager, RNTBCI, Yogita Bhanwaria, Senior Manager, Biocon Biologics Limited, MuthuSusithra Devarajan, Team Manager, Broadridge Financial Solutions have received top 3 awards. In STEM Stars 2-8 years of work experience category, Nishtha Mahendru, Consultant, Applied Innovation Exchange, Capgemini, Nidhi Raut, Sr. Engineer, Renault Nissan Technology Business Centre India (RNTBCI), Indujaa Thangavel, Broadridge Financial Solutions have received top 3 awards.

“One of the key sectors that has the potential to boost women’s workforce participation, is the STEM industry. While 43%of STEM graduates are women, they make up only 28% of the STEM workforce. Moreover, women drop out of the workplace due to childbirth, childcare and elder care. Consequently, only 3 percent of women hold CEO posts in the STEM Industry. While research has established that improving women’s workforce participation can boost India’s GDP by 27%, more women in STEM would set the stage for inclusive innovation and solution designs that are equitable for all. Women have historically been underrepresented in STEM, yet they bring invaluable perspectives and ideas to these fields. MACC awards recognizes the exceptional talent, the brilliance, and diverse perspectives of women in STEM,” said Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder – President, Avtar Group announcing the awards at the myAvtar Career Conference today in Bengaluru.

“Through MACC, we are acknowledging the remarkable work being done by women in STEM and also addressing the systemic barriers they face. Our goal is to create an environment where every individual, regardless of gender, has the opportunity to thrive and drive progress,” added Dr Saundarya.

At the conference, three organizations with the “Best Programs for enabling women in STEM” – Biocon Biologics Pvt Ltd, Kyndryl and Molecular Connections Pvt Ltd were also recognized.

In addition to the awards, the myAvtar Career Conferences hosted a series of panel discussions, skilling tracks conducted by IBM, Google Cloud, Johnson & Johnson and Publicis Sapient exclusively for women. The event also provided a platform for knowledge exchange, mentorship, collaboration, further strengthening the presence and influence of women in the STEM field.

The conference hosted in the hybrid mode –saw an attendance of over 3000 women at the on-ground event, while there were over 2000 attendees virtually. Companies opened up jobs from entry-level to senior-level positions across India – Bengaluru, Chennai, Gurgaon, Hyderabad, Pune, Bhubaneshwar, Madurai and Coimbatore.

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.