Archives September 2023

Bengaluru,8th September 2023 [24]7.ai, a global leader in intent-driven customer solutions and contact center services, proudly announces its collaboration with UN Women to support the ‘UNite HER’ Job Fair. This groundbreaking event is designed to increase the representation of women in the workforce by offering professional career opportunities to graduates, including those with career gaps, ultimately promoting gender diversity in workplaces.

Organized with the support of UN Women and UN Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) signatories, the ‘UNite HER’ Job Fair will be held at Jnana Jyothi Auditorium, Palace Road, Bangalore, on September 9th, 2023, from 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Additionally, a virtual fair will take place on September 14, 2023. Walk-in interviews are welcomed.

This initiative is a response to the fact that working women in India comprise less than 19% of the workforce, with key factors for career gaps including marriage, maternity, and mobility. The ‘UNite HER’ Job Fair aims to provide employment opportunities to women graduates while addressing the critical need to reintegrate women into the workforce, particularly those with career gaps. The fair has already generated tremendous interest, with over 3,500 registrations received to date.

Nina Nair, Senior Vice President & HRD Head, India & Americas at [24]7.ai, stated, “At [24]7.ai, we firmly believe in the power of diversity and inclusion, and our partnership with UN Women India exemplifies our commitment to these values. The ‘UNite HER’ Job Fair is not just an event; it’s a step towards reshaping the future of work for women.

We are excited to provide opportunities to fresh graduates and returning women professionals in Operations and Support functions. We look forward to this event’s positive impact on gender diversity in the workplace.”

Suhela Khan, Country Programme Manager, Women Economic Empowerment (WEE), UN Women India, emphasised the significance of the private sector’s involvement: “The private sector is one of our key allies in strengthening economic opportunities for women. UNite HER Job Fair and mentoring platform demonstrates how UN WEPs signatories can translate their commitment into action. “

[24]7.ai, a dedicated WEPs signatory, has a history of actively contributing to women’s empowerment initiatives. During the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, [24]7.ai’s gender-equality-focused actions garnered recognition and awards from UN Women in both India and the APAC regions. The partnership with UN Women India has resulted in collaborative initiatives such as the UN WEPs Action Dialogue Series, with the first event hosted by [24]7.ai at its delivery center on ORR, Bangalore.

The ‘UNite HER’ Job Fair is a significant outcome of the Women’s Empowerment Principles (WEPs) Action Dialogue Series, facilitated by UN Women and led by WEPs signatories. The series, held in December 2022 at the [24]7.ai office, committed to bringing women back to work in 2023 by providing access to mentorship opportunities and enhancing employability.

UN Women will continue to collaborate with WEPs signatories to expand ‘back-to-work’ interventions, mobilise senior leaders as mentors, and develop programs to facilitate women’s return to the workforce while measuring and reporting these interventions’ impact.

This Job Fair marks another milestone in [24]7.ai’s ongoing partnership with UN Women India, reaffirming its dedication to empowering women and fostering inclusive workplaces.

8th September 2023: Hungama, India’s leading digital entertainment company, announces the country’s biggest ghazal concert, ‘Khazana – A Festival of Ghazals,’ scheduled for 8th and 9th September 2023. This iconic concert will pay a heartfelt tribute to the maestro Bhupinder Singh in aid of the Cancer Patients Aid Association and Parents’ Association Thalassemic Unit Trust. Users can tune in to the Hungama App and its platforms’ respective social media pages to stream the show live. The mega event will take place at Nehru Centre Auditorium, Worli, Mumbai from 6 PM onwards under the esteemed presence of legendary maestros from the industry.

Talking about the continued association with Khazana, Neeraj Roy, Founder and MD, Hungama Digital Entertainment said, “We are delighted to continue our long-standing association with Khazana that celebrates ghazal artistry on a global scale. This partnership also allows us to champion the two noble causes, infusing an even greater depth of purpose into our extraordinary undertaking. We look forward to presenting an evening of grandeur, offering our audience a rare chance to partake in live performances by revered ghazal maestros.”

Sharing his thoughts about the iconic concert, Pankaj Udhas said, “With unwavering dedication and support from audiences, we’ve embarked on a remarkable two-decade journey. The enduring partnership of Khazana and Hungama promises a celebration of the timeless beauty of Ghazals, along with championing two noble causes of cancer patients and Thalassemia children. We invite our invaluable supporters to join us on this journey, as together, we aim to make this show a resounding success—a celebration of the Ghazals’ enchantment and a profound impact on those in need.”

The audience fortunate enough to attend this magnificent celebration will have the privilege of witnessing extraordinary performances by a lineup of musical maestros. Among these illustrious artists are Pankaj Udhas, known for his soul-stirring ghazals, the legendary Anup Jalota whose voice resonates with timeless devotion, the enchanting Richa Sharma, the soulful Jazim Sharma, the talented Himani Kapoor, the versatile Papon, the melodious Sudeep Banerji, the rising star Hargun Kaur, and the promising Prithvi Gandharva, to name just a few. Together, they promise to create a musical experience like no other, enchanting the audience with their incredible talent and artistry.

Khazana – A Festival of Ghazals was founded by legendary ghazal singer and President, of the Parents Association Thalassemic Unit Trust, Pankaj Udhas and Mr. Y.K. Sapru, Chairman & CEO, Founder Director, Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) with the support of ghazal maestros Talat Aziz and Anup Jalota. Currently, in its 22nd year, Khazana has excelled in presenting a melodic mix of exquisite poetry and soulful compositions rendered by both, new and established ghazal singers of the country in an ambiance that transports ghazal lovers to a land of pure bliss. All proceeds from the festival go to the Parents Association Thalassemic Unit Trust (PATUT) and Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA).

New Delhi, 8th September 2023 – Bachpan Play School, a leading name in early childhood education, celebrated the joyous occasion of Janmashtami across all its branches nationwide. The celebrations marked a harmonious blend of culture and learning, as students learned about the significance of Janmashtami while participating in various engaging activities.

Janmashtami, the birth anniversary of Lord Krishna, holds immense cultural and spiritual importance in India. Bachpan Play Schools took this opportunity to impart valuable lessons about Indian traditions and values to the young learners in a fun and interactive manner.

The highlights of the Janmashtami celebrations were as follows:

Dahi Handi Competition: The spirit of Janmashtami was brought to life through the traditional Dahi Handi competition. Students enthusiastically formed teams to create human pyramids and attempted to break the pot filled with yogurt, in homage to Lord Krishna’s mischievous childhood.

Fancy Dress Contest: Children donned colorful costumes depicting Lord Krishna, Radha, and other mythological characters. This allowed them to immerse themselves in the culture and history associated with Janmashtami.

Art and Craft Workshops: Creative workshops allowed children to explore their artistic skills by making Janmashtami-themed crafts, including flutes, peacock feathers, and miniature clay pots.

Storytelling Sessions: Teachers engaged young minds with captivating stories of Lord Krishna’s life and adventures, emphasizing the values of courage, kindness, and righteousness. The children were given Traditional Sweets as well. Students relished traditional sweets such as ‘Makhan-Mishri,’ ‘Chhena,’ and ‘Peda’ during the celebrations, immersing themselves in the flavors of Janmashtami.

Lastly, all school premises were adorned with vibrant decorations, including rangoli patterns and traditional motifs, creating a festive and inviting atmosphere.

While celebrating the event, Mr. Ajay Gupta, Founder of Bachpan Play Schools and Academic Heights Public Schools said, “These celebrations also provide a platform for students to showcase their talents and creativity while learning about their heritage. Such events encourage participation and active engagement, promoting holistic development.”

Janmashtami celebrations at Bachpan Play Schools are not only about fostering a sense of cultural awareness but also about instilling values of unity, teamwork, and creativity in young learners. Through hands-on experiences and interactive sessions, children are exposed to the rich tapestry of Indian traditions.

New Delhi, 8th September 2023: Samagra, a mission-driven governance consulting firm, announced their flagship event ‘DPG Dialogues’, to be held on 11th September, supported by Omidyar Network India and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and in partnership with the global DPG Alliance (knowledge partner) and GitHub (community partner). With the theme of ‘Powering India’s growth with new digital rails: DPG & DPI’, The conference will bring distinguished industry leaders and stakeholders like Rajeev Chandrasekhar and T Koshi( CEO, INDC) under one roof. This comprehensive event is being organized as part of the Code for GovTech (C4GT) initiative with a mission to catalyze a vibrant open-source community of contributors, builders, and adopters around DPG & DPI.

In line with the PM’s vision of an ‘Aatma Nirbhar’ Bharat, building a strong digital infrastructure is vital. At the heart of this vision is delivering public services through DPI. Nurturing this goal, ‘DPG Dialogues sparks discussions that catalyse innovation and shape future conversations. The conference is specially curated to foster the vision of unifying India’s diverse digital ecosystem.

Adding to this Gaurav Goel, Founder & CEO of Samagra said “India has leapfrogged in the journey towards building DPG and DPI. As we create benchmarks, it is also important to ensure adoption and sustainability. DPG Dialogues is our small contribution to this movement.”

The conference will begin with a fireside chat with Hon’ble Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Minister of State – Ministry of Electronics, Information & Technology, Government of India which will be anchored by Gaurav Goel, Founder & CEO of Samagra. This will be followed by a discussion to delve deeper into the importance and requirement of a community within this ecosystem, with Dr. R.S. Sharma, (Ex-CEO, NHA & UIDAI). Amongst the panelists at the event are Shri Basant Garg (Additional CEO, NHA), T. Koshy (CEO, ONDC), Amitabh Nag (CEO, Bhashini), Urvashi Aneja (Director, Digital Futures Lab), Vimal Kumar (Founder, Juspay & Namma Yatri), Donald Lobo (Project Tech4Dev), Suhel Bidani (Lead – Digital, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation), Ravi Prakash (Head of Architecture & Technology, FIDE ).

Ahead of the panel, Samagra will release a working version of the “DPG Contribution Readiness Framework” being built in consultation with the DPG ecosystem which aims to enable both DPG organizations and open-source contributors.

DPG Dialogues is envisioned to be the annual focal point for all stakeholders such as open-source contributors, mentors, industry leaders, DPG and DPI builders, and adopter organizations to come together under one roof. The aim is to learn, discuss and chart out the future role of DPG and DPI not just in India’s development, but it’s role at a global level.

 8th September 2023 – AVAADA Group (www.avaada.com), a frontrunner in India’s integrated energy sector, is pleased to announce its initiative to establish a cutting-edge Green Hydrogen and Ammonia manufacturing unit at Gopalpur Industrial Park, Odisha. This significant move comes in the wake of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) inked with Tata Steel Special Economic Zone Limited (TSSEZL).

Fast-Tracking the Green Energy Revolution

The collaboration is geared towards fast-tracking the shift to green energy and bolstering India’s ambition to emerge as a global Green Hydrogen Manufacturing Hub. “The MoU is a crucial milestone in our journey towards the fruition of our Green Ammonia venture,” remarked Mr. Vineet Mittal, Chairman of AVAADA Group.

Unwavering Support from the Odisha Government

“In light of the unparalleled support and robust initiatives from the Government of Odisha, I am actively encouraging all division heads within our group to amplify investments across various sectors in the state. The government officials in Odisha are not just regulators but facilitators, offering hands-on guidance through every step of the business process. This proactive approach has enabled us to experience the ‘Ease of Doing Business’ in its truest form, perfectly aligning with the vision set forth by Hon’ble Prime Minister Modi Ji. The single-window clearance system in Odisha is not merely a policy on paper but a lived reality, making it an ideal destination for sustainable business growth,” added Mr. Mittal.

Socio-Economic and Environmental Impact

The project is slated to generate around 1,600 direct and 4,000 indirect employment opportunities. Moreover, it aims to curtail annual carbon dioxide emissions by nearly 2 million tonnes, thereby contributing significantly to a greener and more prosperous future.

New Delhi, 8th September 2023: After the successful inaugural season, Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. is thrilled to announce the second season of the ‘Unlock Your Passion’, an annual digital video contest that celebrates the spirit of passion, creativity and the drive to capture extraordinary moments.

‘Unlock Your Passion’ is a unique platform offered by Nikon India that provides budding and professional videographers a stellar opportunity to showcase their talent across various genres – from Fashion, Travel, Art, Sports, Food, and Wildlife to anything they are passionate about. The contest encourages participants to go beyond the ordinary and bring forth videos that echo with their unique perspective and creativity.

Commenting on the new campaign, Mr Sajjan Kumar Managing Director, Nikon India Pvt. Ltd. said, “At Nikon India, we believe in the power of visuals to tell compelling stories; and we understand the immense power of passion and how it fuels creativity. Through ‘Unlock Your Passion – Season 2’, we are excited to provide individuals a platform to channel their inner desires into artistry and celebrate the creativity, talent, and indomitable spirit of storytelling. We look forward to receiving the outstanding work from the enthusiasts where they bring their imagination to life and turn ordinary moments to extraordinary stories. Our humble attempt is to inspire individuals to transcend boundaries with their creativity and passion.”

The theme for this year’s contest is ‘Passion-O-Graphy’ which will cover all unique and individualistic topics. With this campaign, Nikon India encourages participants to share what they love capturing. It serves as a platform for them to exhibit their talent through their unique perspective and creativity as videographers and is poised to enable self-discovery and self-expression.

The entries shall be judged by a panel of prestigious industry experts – Mr. Gagan Narang, the Olympic medalist, former world #1 shooter and wildlife photographer, Ms. Surbhi Kaushik (Travel and Landscape Photographer), and Mr. Somnath Roy (Fashion Photographer and Videographer).

Participation is open to enthusiasts aged 18 and above including amateurs and professionals. The contest shall run till 30 September 2023 and the entries can be submitted through the “Capture With Nikon” website following the link (http://capturewithnikon.in/uyps2) or by visiting the official Instagram account @NikonIndiaOfficial. While submitting their video entry, participants need to mention the Nikon camera and lens used to shoot the video and register their product. The maximum duration of the video should be up to 1 minute and is to be paired with a 100-word caption describing the story or thought behind the video.

The winners stand a chance to win prizes worth over INR 3,50,000. The first prize includes a Nikon Z 6 II with Z 24-70mm f/4 S kit, the Second Prize offered is Nikon Z 50 with NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR kit, and the third prize offered is a Nikon Z 30 with NIKKOR Z DX 16-50mm f/3.5-6.3 VR kit.

This initiative by Nikon India reflects its commitment to fostering a culture of creativity and innovation.

Rohan Khurana, last seen in the critically acclaimed ‘Thappad,’ is all set to enthrall the audiences in his next with the legendary Rajshri Productions. As seen in the trailer, Rohan plays an extremely fun, full of life, crazy “Dulha” that makes for an interesting character.

Rohan shall be seen playing a pivotal role in AvnishBarjatya’s debut feature film titled ‘Dono.’ On his upcoming venture, Rohan shared his excitement, “I am so thrilled to be a part of ‘Dono.’ Even though I can’t reveal much about the character, it has been a creatively stimulating journey and I am delighted over all the love and positive response that the trailer has been garnering! I can’t wait for the audiences to experience the magic of ‘Dono.”‘

Rohan’s remarkable performances in acclaimed web series like “Thoda Adjust Please,” “Barcode,” and “Adulting” (Season 2), have left audiences highly anticipating his next performance in Rajshri Productions’ upcoming venture. On the work front, Rohan is currently hosting WWE Super Dhamaal on the Sony Sports Network and is busy shooting for a couple of untitled projects.

Embarking on a remarkable odyssey that unfolds from the bustling streets of New Delhi to the captivating landscapes of Latin America, SaurabhMonga has evolved into a revered cinematographer with a global resonance.

SaurabhMonga’s passage, shaped by his earlier ventures such as “Agra,” and culminating in the recent Netflix release “Kohrra,” is a testament to his unwavering dedication and artistic maturation. Returning to India from the United States at the tender age of 20, Saurabh’s passion for cinema ignited his journey. Over time, his quest took him to Latin America at the age of 26, where he meticulously honed his craft. During this transformative period, absorbing and traveling between the cultural landscapes of India and the West, he contributed to an array of projects including notable feature films like “The Gold-Laden Sheep & the Sacred Mountain,” “Candela,” and also lent his expertise to short films like “La Carga,” “El Destetado,” “Tiznao,” all while actively participating in the creation of ‘Kohrra,’ back in India.

Reflecting on his trajectory from these earlier projects to “Kohrra,” Saurabh shared, “It’s been a surreal experience. The four-year wait for ‘Agra’ to release was rewarded with its premiere at Cannes. Interestingly, ‘Kohhra’ came to me unexpectedly. I was on the brink of finalizing another project when Sudip approached me. I had just 48 hours to decide. ‘Kohrra’ resonated with me, and within three days, I found myself on a flight to Ludhiana. With only three weeks at hand, I immersed myself in scouting, absorbed Randeep’s vision, and grasped the essence of the project. I was fortunate that Sudip, Randeep, and I clicked so well.”

Drawing a parallel between the professional landscapes of India and the West, Saurabh pointed out, “While the emphasis on preparation might not be as pronounced in India, for me, cinematography is a vessel for storytelling, and a robust collaboration with the director serves as the cornerstone. Interestingly, this practice holds true not only in the Western context but also here in India, where directors often gravitate towards sustained collaborations with the same cinematographers, fostering a seamless creative symbiosis.”

The appreciation that followed “Kohrra” deeply touched Saurabh. As industry stalwarts like Karan Johar, Deepa Mehta, and Mira Nair applauded the series, he experienced a mixture of excitement and humility.

Reflecting on the changing landscape of storytelling, Saurabh added, “The evolution of Indian filmmaking is exciting. People now recognize cinematography and understand its importance. It’s heartening to see the media discussing various aspects of filmmaking, including scriptwriting, background scores, and cinematography.”

Following the success of “Kohrra,” Saurabh’s upcoming projects promise to showcase his skill in creating a unique interplay of light and shadow, crafting narratives that resonate universally.

MX Player and Singapore Tourism Board (STB) recently took viewers on a rollercoaster ride with their one-of-a-kind interactive film, ‘Lost And Found In Singapore.’ Starring Rithvik Dhanjani and Apoorva Arora, the film invites viewers to become a part of the narrative, steering its course through their choices as Dhruv and Sitara lead us on a journey of discovery through the enchanting streets of Singapore.

As viewers continue to cherish Dhurv and Sitara’s journey, Apoorva gives us a sneak peek into her real-life personality, unveiling an unexpected connection with Rithvik’s character, Dhruv. Apoorva said, “In real life, I am more like Dhruv and Rithvik is like Sitara, as he is an adrenaline junkie who wants to start with adventure activities directly; and that is the most apt definition of Sitara. Whereas I am a person who wants to plan things, at least the direction where I’ll be headed, which is exactly like Dhruv.”

“I am not an adventure junkie, but playing one was a huge task as I got cold feet while doing the bungee jump and other activities. On the other side of the camera, I could see Rithvik sulking because he could not do these stunts. I was jealous of Rithvik exploring the city on foot, visiting museums, going into bookstores, and enjoying nature as Dhruv. While doing adventurous activities, I even told Rithvik, ‘Aap hi Karlo, please karlo!’ However, I must admit that as the shoot ended, I liked Sitara’s way of holidaying,” she added.

MX Studios, the in-house content studio of MX Player associated with the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) to bring ‘Lost and Found in Singapore’ that follows the journeys of an introverted solo traveler (Rithvik Dhanjani) and an adventure-seeking girl (Apoorva Arora) who champions friendship. Amidst Singapore’s iconic landmarks and hidden gems, their destinies rest in the hands of the audience. Viewers guide their choices, creating diverse paths and unique viewing experiences. This immersive collaboration caters to younger Indian audiences, blending entertainment with novel travel inspiration.

‘Lost and Found in Singapore’ is streaming for free, only on MX Player!

New Delhi, September 7, 2023 – Today, history was made as concerned citizens, distinguished experts, and passionate advocates gathered at the Pass Club of India in New Delhi for the “Veto4India: Haq Banta Hai! India Deserves” event. This landmark occasion marked a significant step in the ongoing movement to secure a Permanent Seat for India at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

The event, held from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM on Tuesday, September 5, 2023, witnessed distinguished guests Shri Arvind Singh, Founder of Veto4India, Ambassador Shri Anil Trigunayat IFS (Retd.), Shri Melwyn Williams Chirayath (Cine Actor, Writer, Director, Producer, Festival Consultant & Curator, Entrepreneur & Culture Journalist), and Shri Desh Rattan Nigam, Supreme Court Advocate.

An enlightening skit was also performed by Shri Ram Centre Professionals amid a lively Question & Answers Session, where participants voiced their thoughts and concerns.

Shri Arvind Singh, Founder of Veto4India, said, “Today, we gather not just as citizens, but as stewards of India’s destiny, demanding the recognition our nation deserves on the world stage.”

Melwyn Williams Chirayath, said, : “India’s cultural richness, innovation, and diversity make it a potent force for positive change. Let us unite to ensure that this vibrant tapestry finds its rightful place in shaping international affairs.”

Desh Rattan Nigam, Supreme Court Advocate, said,: “In the halls of justice and diplomacy, we advocate not only for India’s aspirations but for justice itself. India’s seat at the UNSC isn’t just a seat; it’s a seat for justice, equity, and progress.”

The “Veto4India” movement was initiated by Arvind Singh, an alumnus of IIM Ahmedabad, who firmly believes that India, with its remarkable achievements and contributions on the global stage, deserves a permanent seat at the UNSC. The movement has gained immense momentum, with over 30,000 individuals signing the petition on change.org.

India’s rise as the world’s most populous country, coupled with its status as the fastest-growing economy and the largest democracy, underscores the importance of recognizing its worth and providing it with the representation it deserves at the United Nations. India’s significant contributions to UN Peacekeeping missions further emphasize its role as a responsible global citizen.

Arvind Singh’s call for India to be granted a permanent seat at the UNSC is resonating with people both in India and around the world. The online petition has garnered substantial support and continues to grow. As the movement gains traction, the international community is closely watching to see if India will finally receive the recognition it merits.

Arvind Singh, an ex-international banker, who has returned to India after three decades overseas, is dedicating his time and efforts to the cause of nation-building. His mission to secure a permanent seat for India at the UNSC has garnered the support of experts, retired Indian Foreign Service Officers, and concerned citizens who believe that India’s inclusion at the highest decision-making table will strengthen the United Nations and foster a more balanced and inclusive global agenda.