Archives September 2023

Bengaluru, 29th September 2023: Soktas, a luxurious cotton fabrics brand by Grasim Industries, part of Aditya Birla Group, today announced the opening of its first ever exclusive brand outlet in India at Jayanagar, Bengaluru. The store was inaugurated by actor and director of Kannada Cinema – Darling Krishna and Mr. Jasvinder Kataria, COO – Domestic Textiles, Grasim industries, Aditya Birla Group.

Speaking on the launch, Mr. Jasvinder Kataria, shared his excitement saying, “The launch of SOKTAS’ first ever exclusive retail outlet in Bengaluru is a significant milestone for us. Our fabrics are not just textiles; they are expressions of elegance and sophistication. We are thrilled to bring a world of premium luxury cotton fabrics to the city’s fashion-forward men. With our Turkish heritage and unwavering commitment to quality, SOKTAS is set to redefine the way Bengalureans experience fine fabrics.”

Soktas is poised to redefine the world of fashion with its exceptional range of premium cotton shirting fabrics, made with 100% premium cotton and natural blends. Each piece of fabric is meticulously created using super-fine, high-quality yarns, resulting in an impeccable finish and a luxurious feel. Encompassing over 1000 square feet space which is spread across two levels, the outlet in Jayanagar is designed to provide customers with an immersive shopping experience, showcasing an exquisite range of fabrics that cater to diverse fashion preferences and providing a bespoke solution for every custom tailoring need.

While inviting Bengaluru to shop at Soktas, actor Darling Krishna shared, “As an actor, I have always been captivated by the spirit of Bengaluru. The city consistently stays ahead in all fields ranging from sports to technology to entertainment. Now, there will a brand in Namma Bengaluru that shares my vibe of being ahead in life. I am thrilled to personally experience Soktas and its exceptional range of luxurious cotton fabrics and elevate my style game.”

Mr Kataria further added, “With this inaugural store, we lay the foundation for an ambitious plan to establish Soktas as the go-to brand for bespoke solutions, preferred by today’s discerning and fashion-forward men. What makes this moment even more electrifying is the launch of our new brand campaign, ‘Always Ahead.’ This campaign embodies our commitment to constant reinvention, pushing boundaries with limitless possibilities in patterns, textures, and designs, echoing the spirit of our ambitious and discerning consumers who appreciate life’s finer things. The Soktas Man challenges conventions, values quality and sophistication, and embraces individuality in style choices.”

SOKTAS believes in responsible sourcing and ethical practices, ensuring that every fabric tells a story of quality and consciousness. The brand’s commitment to sustainability is reflected in its certifications, including GOTS, OEKOTEX, and ISO – 9001.

SOKTAS sells through 3000+ multi-brand premium fabric retail outlets across India. The grand opening of SOKTAS’ exclusive outlet in Jayanagar promises to be a landmark event in the world of luxury fabrics offering its customers multi-weave patterns such as premium jacquards, fil-coupe jacquards, and clip dobby fabrics, among others. Visit at SOKTAS, Shop No. 22/136, 9th Main Road, 3rd Block, Jayanagar, Bengaluru, Karnataka 560011 to experience the touch of luxury that is SOKTAS.

Sandeep Pal takes over as Operation Manager of The Fern Habitat, Candolim, Goa. Mr. Pal has over two decades in the industry, having worked with renowned hotel chains like Radisson, ITC, Novotel, Kenilworth Resorts and Spa, and Taj Hotel Mumbai. His expertise lies in food and beverage operations, with a strong track record in launching and managing successful restaurants and bars. As a dedicated and motivating leader, Sandeep prioritizes enhancing the guest experience and fostering a positive workplace environment. Known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm, he approaches all tasks with vigor.

He is excited to assume the role of Operation Manager at The Fern Habitat Candolim Goa, the brand’s inaugural luxury apartment hotel in Goa. With a commitment to delivering a memorable and opulent experience, he is confident that The Fern Habitat Candolim Goa will emerge as a premier destination in the region.

Bangalore,29th September 2023– Black Box, a trusted global technology solutions provider, celebrates yet another landmark achievement of its Cybersecurity business, which are offered under the brand name – Cybalt. In September of 2023, this specialized Cybersecurity business unit onboarded 17 prominent clients in the United States from diverse industries, including a notable name from the Fortune 500 list. Black Box is one of Essar’s key investments in the technology and retail sector.

Black Box has cemented its reputation by offering next-generation security solutions to its global clientele over the past years. Placing client security at the forefront of its operations and leveraging state-of-the-art Security Operation Centers in the US and India, Black Box provides 24/7 monitoring and management services. Addition of the new customers expands Black Box’s share of wallet and solutions portfolio within its existing and new customer base with a significant expansion of clientele for the Cybersecurity business.

“The Cybersecurity Business Unit’s rapid success stems from our seasoned and experienced global team, with deep domain expertise in cybersecurity,” said Khiro Mishra, SVP of Black Box & Global Head of cybersecurity business. “Our strength lies in crafting tailor-made solutions to address client-specific needs, ensuring they remain secure around the clock”, he added.

As digital transformation shapes industries, Black Box remains committed to providing unrivaled services and experiences for its global clientele. Black Box Cybersecurity services play a pivotal role to comply with this vision, harmonizing Black Box’s diverse technology service offerings.

Mr. Sanjeev Verma, President and CEO of Black Box, emphasized the strategic significance of cybersecurity endeavors in the current global landscape. “In an age where cybersecurity is of paramount importance, Black Box recognizes the importance of fortifying and scaling its capabilities. Our dedication to invest in the technology landscape and enhance competency in the cybersecurity space showcases our commitment to keep our clients not only digitally enabled but also digitally secured,” Verma commented.

With its unwavering dedication to client security and constant endeavors for innovation, the cybersecurity division of Black Box firmly establishes its overarching vision for a secure digital future.

Black Box offers cutting-edge services in Digital Infrastructure, Enterprise Networking, and Digital Collaboration, aligning seamlessly with the ever-evolving business environment. The company is gearing up to fortify its presence in crucial domains, such as Data Center services, Networking solutions, and Cybersecurity offerings. With a strong focus on innovation, customer-centricity, and comprehensive solutions, Black Box is well-poised to redefine industry standards and emerge as a technology and communications leader.

Pride Hotels Group, a leading hospitality chain in India, is proud to promote its remarkable initiative, “India Dekho with Pride,” in celebration of World Tourism Day. This campaign is geared towards unearthing the hidden treasures of India and promoting the nation as a secure and captivating tourism and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) destination.

India is a land of unparalleled diversity, boasting majestic mountains, serene villages, vibrant cities, breathtaking landscapes, pristine beaches, exotic wildlife, rich history, and a vibrant culture. The “India Dekho with Pride” initiative invites travellers to go beyond the well-trodden paths and uncover the extraordinary experiences that await them.

S.P. Jain, Chairman and Managing Director of Pride Hotels Group, expressed his excitement about this initiative, stating, “As we commemorate World Tourism Day 2023, ‘India Dekho with Pride’ underscores our commitment to rejuvenate domestic tourism and share the multifaceted tapestry of India’s beauty with our fellow citizens.”

This visionary campaign encourages travellers to explore uncharted territories and discover the exceptional facets of India’s diverse landscapes, culture, and heritage. To make the journey even more enticing, Pride Hotels Group has introduced a special offer, “Explore India with Pride.” This promotion is tailored to engage young travellers and families with budget constraints, making it easier for them to immerse themselves in the incredible beauty of these hidden destinations.

Pride Hotels Group has strategically positioned itself in approximately 56 exceptional locations across India, offering a total of 5,390 rooms, 109 restaurants, 152 banquet facilities, lawns, and conference halls. The group operates and manages a range of hotels under various brands, including “Pride Plaza Hotel,” an Indian Luxury Collection; “Pride Hotel,” conveniently located central business hotels; “Pride Resort,” situated in mesmerizing destinations; mid-market segment hotels known as “Pride Biznotel”; and a fresh concept of premium luxury serviced apartment stays, “Pride Suites.” These brands have earned acclaim from celebrities, corporate clients, as well as domestic and international tourists.

Pride Hotels Group’s current locations span New Delhi, Kolkata, Ahmedabad, Pune, Nagpur, Bengaluru, Chennai, Goa, Jaipur, Indore, Udaipur, Bharatpur, Mussoorie, Puri, Gangtok, Anand, Alkapuri, Manjusar (Vadodara), Sasan Gir, Somnath, Bhopal, Haldwani, Ranakpur, Rishikesh, Digha, and Rudraprayag, among others. Upcoming destinations include Daman, Bhavnagar, Surendranagar, Agra, Dwarka, Jabalpur, Bharuch, Nainital, Jim Corbett, Dehradun, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Lucknow, Varanasi, Rajkot, Kanpur, Neemrana, Mysore, Gurugram, Aurangabad, Halol, Yavatmal, Greater Noida, Motera (Ahmedabad), Lonavala, Ambaji, Veraval, Amritsar, and many more.

Guwahati, 29th September 2023: With the commitment to promote safe transportation across the nation, the Society for Automotive Fitness & Environment (SAFE), an initiative by SIAM, hosted the SAFE Technical Workshop 2023 in Guwahati, Assam, today. The workshop revolved around the theme of ‘Sustainable Mobility Imperatives concerning Road Safety and the Environment’.

The workshop facilitated dynamic knowledge sharing among stakeholders dedicated to enhancing road safety and addressing environmental concerns. The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri Gyanendra Pratap Singh, IPS, Director General of Police, Government of Assam and the Guest of Honour, Shri Adil Khan, IAS, Secretary of Transport, Government of Assam. The gathering also included several distinguished dignitaries and industry experts representing major corporations and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Together, they engaged in discussions on the pressing requirements of emerging technologies, regulations, and policies aimed at fostering inclusive and sustainable mobility.

Delivering his opening remarks for the SAFE Technical Workshop 2023, Mr Prashant K. Banerjee, Executive Director of SIAM, said, “While we addressed the 5E’s of road safety extensively in our discussions, today we introduce the 6th E, which is ‘environment,’ into our deliberations. Progress and development often come with pollution, and SIAM’s comprehensive sustainability mobility initiative, SAFE, reflects this concern. SIAM is at the forefront of the decarbonisation initiative, and we are proud to announce that, in alignment with the Government of India’s ethanol program, all new vehicles are now 20% ethanol-compliant as of March 1, 2023. Assam, known for its innovation, is even exploring the production of ethanol from bamboo and pioneering experiments with methanol, potentially shaping a greener future.”

Addressing the inaugural session of the workshop on ‘Sustainable Mobility and Vehicle Management’, Chief Guest, Shri Gyanendra Pratap Singh, IPS, Director General of Police, Government of Assam said, “At the outset, I would like to thank my colleagues at the police, transport, and traffic departments for their tireless efforts in keeping our roads safe and saving lives. While the driving testing ecosystem has improved, Assam requires high-quality driving schools to provide comprehensive training. SIAM’s crucial role is to ensure that the conversation around road safety and on-road accident fatalities becomes an integral part of all stakeholders, including drivers, vehicles, road conditions, and pedestrians. Pedestrians, in particular, need education to prevent accidents when they find themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time. I hope SIAM continues its association with the state enforcement officials and I invite them to actively participate in Assam’s state road safety council meetings. We all need to come together as guardians and agencies of the government to save the lives of the people of this country.”

On this occasion, Shri Adil Khan, IAS, Secretary of Transport, Government of Assam said, “The Assam Government and State machinery have taken-up road safety religiously. As the number of vehicles continues to rise, it is imperative for both the automotive industry and government to collaboratively brainstorm and devise effective

plans for road safety. The Government of Assam has implemented citizen-friendly measures with a dual goal of promoting a cleaner environment, ensuring fitter vehicles, and enhancing road safety. We remain committed to a sustainable and decarbonized transport sector and welcome suggestions from OEMs and other stakeholders to further strengthen our road safety policies.”

During the inaugural session SAFE workshop, Mr Alok Jaitley, Vice President, SAFE and Executive Vice President, Maruti Suzuki India and Mr Ashish Chutani, Head -Corporate Affairs, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, also shared their insights and perspectives on Sustainable Mobility and Vehicle Management.

The first session focused on ‘Electric Vehicles (EVs) and Sustainable Transportation. It was expertly chaired and moderated by Mr Sushant Naik, Vice President of SAFE and Global Head of Government & Public Affairs at Tata Motors Ltd.

The session featured thematic presentations from industry leaders: Mr Devendra Gendar, Vice President of PD & Design at VE Commercial Vehicles Ltd, discussed ‘Facilitating EV Development and Adoption.’ Shri Ohed Uz Zaman, ACS, Joint Secretary at the Government of Assam, Investment Cell, Industries, Commerce & PE Department, presented on ‘Policy Incentives and Subsidies for EV Adoption.’ Mr G. Sathiyaseelan, Chair of the SIAM Styling & Design Committee and Vice President (Design) at Ashok Leyland highlighted the role of ‘Design as an Enabler in Promoting Safer E-Public Transportation.’

The second session focused on ‘Biofuels and their Role in Green Transportation’ was moderated by Mr Alok Jaitley, Vice President, SAFE. Guest of Honour, Dr. S Lakshmanan, IAS, Managing Director, Guwahati Smart City Limited also addressed the gathering and shared his perspective on green transportation.

During this session, Shri Oinam Sarankumar Singh, IAS, Managing Director of Assam Hydrocarbon & Energy Company Ltd. (Ministry of Mines and Minerals), delivered a presentation on ‘Biofuels and their Role in Green Transportation,’ while Ms Sumathy Mohan, Technical Head at IOCL, discussed the ‘Role of Indian refineries in transitioning to cleaner fuels.’ They provided a comprehensive exploration of this critical aspect of sustainable transportation.

In the third session titled ‘Ease of Doing Business: Vehicle Registration Process, Regulations, HSRP & VLTD,’ Mr Harjeet Singh, Executive Advisor (Technical), Hero MotoCorp, chaired and moderated the discussion. Guest of Honour, Shri Rahul Chandra Das, ACS, Managing Director, ASTC, Guest of Honour, Dr Shantanu Datta, Member Secretary, Pollution Control Board, Assam and Guest of Honour, Shri Adil Khan, IAS, Secretary of Transport, Government of Assam, also provided their invaluable insights during the session.

The session also featured industry experts who covered essential topics. These included ‘Inspection and Maintenance ‘ discussed by Mr Gururaj Ravi, Deputy General Manager, Maruti Suzuki India, the ‘Process of HSRP and ‘Importance of VLTD’ explained by Mr Dilip Chenoy, Independent Director at Rosmerta, and insights into the “Bharat New Car Assessment Program (BNCAP)” presented by Ms Pamela Tikku, Vice President & Head of Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. These presentations offered a concise overview of vehicle registration processes, regulations, and associated aspects of the automotive industry.

The workshop concluded on a high note, marked by a rich and insightful exchange of ideas, best practices, and strategies, fostering a collaborative spirit between government officials and esteemed industry experts. On this occasion, SAFE felicitated the following individuals for their outstanding contributions to road safety in Assam.

Mumbai, India –29th September 2023 United Way Mumbai (UWM) announced the successful conclusion of their dedicated campaign in observance of Rashtriya Poshan Maah (National Nutrition Month). This event, held as part of the Government of India’s National Nutrition Mission (Hon’ble Prime Minister’s Overarching Scheme for Holistic Nutrition), saw its highlight with the Poshan Mela (Nutrition Fair) on September 27, 2023, at Bhisegaon Village in Karjat.

The event achieved its mission of raising awareness among tribal and rural communities about the critical importance of proper nutrition for children. Distinguished guests, including Dr. Bharat Bastewad, CEO of Raigad Zilla Parishad; Nirmala Kuchik, Deputy CEO of ICDS; Dr. Manisha Vikhe, District Health Officer; and Chandrakant Sable, Block Development Officer of Karjat, graced the occasion with their presence.

George Aikara, CEO of United Way Mumbai, says “Poshan Mela strives to build a movement among community members to ensure nutritious foods are locally available, accessible, and affordable. The effort is to deliberate on nutritious recipes that can be made locally with local raw materials.”

“It feels great to be at the culmination of Poshan Maah in Karjat. I want to appreciate the efforts of United Way Mumbai, all Anganwadi workers and healthcare workers for making it a success. While malnutrition has been a major public health challenge, we can fight it by ensuring convergence of credible information and timely response. I trust all of you, will give your best in coming year and take Karjat towards malnutrition free community.” said Dr. Bharat Bastewad, CEO, Raigad Zilla Parishad.

The Poshan Mela featured informative stalls, arranged by Anganwadi workers and Self-Help Group (SHG) members. These stalls showcased healthy and locally available recipes prepared by Anganwadi workers and SHGs, complemented by educational posters focusing on health and nutrition. The event also recognized and celebrated excellence within the community by honouring the Best Anganwadi Center, Outstanding ASHA Worker, and the winners of recipe competitions, posters, and slogans created by school children.

United Way Mumbai’s initiative, implemented as part of Project Poshan, was dedicated to addressing the critical issue of child malnutrition in rural and tribal areas of Karjat.

Bangalore, 29th September 2023 Visionet Systems Inc., a leading technology services provider, is excited to announce this year’s TechStart, a platform uniquely designed to foster innovation and collaboration between startups and seasoned industry professionals.

In partnership with Zamstars Management Services as the Knowledge Partner and the BCIC (Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce), DERBI Foundation and TiE Bangalore as Ecosystem Partners, TechStart aims to bring together various startups to collaboratively develop innovative solutions towards addressing industry challenges. TechStart is inviting startups working in the domains of HealthTech, FinTech, InsurTech, and RetailTech to present their solutions and products.

These participating startups will be evaluated by an esteemed jury consisting of industry leaders Ravindra Krishnappa, General Partner at July Ventures, Vijetha Shastry, a renowned Startup Evangelist, Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan, CEO at DERBI Foundation, and Subhash Gaitonde, Head of India and LaaS.

Winners of TechStart will have the opportunity to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Visionet and receive mentorship, guidance and governance from Visionet, along with access to the company’s global customer base, which will open doors to new markets and opportunities and help them scale their businesses.

“TechStart is one of the most pivotal streams within VisionTechFest, an annual event that brings together industry, startups and the student community, and we’re thrilled to witness the enthusiasm and creativity that today’s young minds are pouring into their projects. This is designed to be a forum for innovation, and we eagerly anticipate the remarkable solutions that will emerge,” said Sandeep Agarwal, Executive Vice President, Digital Business Services, Visionet Systems Inc. “We are committed to providing the winning teams with the guidance and support they need to transform their ideas into real, impactful products and solutions. At Visionet, we firmly believe in nurturing these innovations, and TechStart embodies our dedication to fostering the next generation of tech leaders,” he added.

“Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) is delighted to partner with Visionet Systems Inc. for TechStart 2023. This initiative exemplifies the power of collaboration between startups and industry veterans. Through TechStart, part of VisionTechFest 2023, we aspire to nurture the next generation of technology-driven solutions that will drive innovation and change the face of industries like Health Tech, FinTech, InsurTech, and Retail Tech,” said Manas Dasgupta, Chairperson, IT Expert Committee, BCIC and CEO, Tecksands.ai.

“The DERBI Foundation is proud to join hands with Visionet Systems Inc. for TechStart 2023. Our mission has always been to empower startups and entrepreneurs, and this partnership is a significant step towards achieving that goal. Together, we look forward to supporting and catalyzing innovation in critical domains, ultimately contributing to the advancement of technology and society,” said Dr. Lakshmi Jagannathan, CEO, DERBI Foundation.

“VisionTechFest 2023 represents a significant step forward in our efforts to foster an environment of innovation and collaboration in the technology ecosystem,” said Sivaram Kuppachi, CEO, Zamstars Management Services, who are the Knowledge Partner at VisionTechFest through their initiative ZPOD, which is a growth hub that helps in accelerating GTM for startups. “We, at Zamstars, believe in the power of synergy and feel that this event will be a great amalgamation of new perspectives, experience, and expertise. We look forward to witnessing the innovative ideas and solutions that will unfold at the event and empower the next generation of tech leaders,” he added.

An integral part of VisionTechFest 2023, TechStart promises to be a dynamic and collaborative platform where startups merge innovation with industry expertise, driving entrepreneurial growth and reshaping industries.

Mumbai, 29th September 2023: On the 11th of September 2023 – a remarkable medical achievement ensued at the Medica Superspecialty Hospital, the largest private hospital chain in Eastern India. In a single operating theater, a dual surgery involving a Lower Segment Cesarian Section and the removal of a Brain Tumor was successfully performed on a 24-year-old woman named Ms. Babita Devi, hailing from Samastipur, Bihar. This complex procedure was executed by a dedicated team of specialists, including Dr. L.N. Tripathy, Director of Medica Institute of Neurological Diseases (MIND); alongside Dr. Sunandan Basu, Senior Consultant, Neurosurgeon, Medica Superspecialty Hospital; Dr. Souptik Gangopadhyay, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital; Anesthetist Dr. Amiya Mishra and Dr. Upasana Naskar with Dr. Nicola Judith Flynn, MD, Head of the Department of Pediatrics and Neonatology at Medica Superspecialty Hospital.

Ms. Babita Devi, 24 years, was initially admitted to AIIMS, Patna in August 2023, where she underwent a shunt operation. The doctors discharged her with the intention of addressing her brain tumor later, if necessary. However, when Dr. Sunandan Basu evaluated her condition at ESI-Kolkata, it became evident that she was not doing well. Since Patna lacked an ESI setup, Dr. Basu took upon the case. When Ms. Babita Devi arrived at Medica Superspecialty Hospital to seek treatment, she was in her 32nd week of pregnancy with her third child. To ensure the safety of both mother and baby, doctors initiated a course of steroids to facilitate the baby’s growth in the womb, a necessary step before any surgery could be performed. Within 2-3 days, it became apparent in the ICU that the patient’s condition was rapidly declining, with the brain tumor exerting pressure on the brain stem, which controls vital functions such as heart rate, breathing, consciousness, swallowing, and limb movement. On this critical day, the proficient team at Medica Superspecialty Hospital held a medical board to plan the line of treatment. Following discussions with Obstetrician Dr. Souptik Gangopadhyay, they opted to proceed with a Lower Segment Cesarean Section before the brain tumor surgery. Dr. Nicola Judith Flynn took care of the newborn immediately after delivery, while the other medical professionals embarked on the brain tumor operation within the same operating theater. Given the tumor’s location at the back of the brain, the surgery required approximately 4 hours and was successfully completed on September 11, 2023.

In reference to the successful operation, Dr. L.N. Tripathy, Director of Medica Institute of Neurological Diseases (MIND), emphasized, “Undertaking this operation was undeniably challenging, and as the patient’s condition continued to worsen, it became increasingly imperative to proceed promptly. Both surgeries were performed in the specialized Neurosurgery Operation Theater, equipped with a comprehensive array of monitoring and state-of-the-art equipment, including Neuro-navigation, a microscope, and the CUSA (Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator), all of which are readily available to our patients at MIND. I am delighted that the family has been reunited and is now cherishing precious moments with their newborn baby girl.”

Dr. Sunandan Basu, Senior Consultant Neurosurgeon at Medica Superspecialty Hospital, expressed, “Upon my initial assessment of the patient at ESI, I comprehended the gravity of the situation and promptly accepted the case, as it is our solemn responsibility to preserve lives. I am fortunate to be supported by a highly proficient team at Medica, who came together to ensure the success of this operation. Given that the patient was in her 32nd week of pregnancy, we administered steroids to facilitate the baby’s growth, which yielded positive results. The complexity of the procedure was amplified by the tumor’s location at the posterior part of the brain. Nevertheless, our unwavering dedication led to the complete removal of the tumor. Both the patient and her baby were discharged seven days post-surgery.”

Dr. Souptik Gangopadhyay, Consultant, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, stated, “Performing the operation was challenging due to the patient’s 32-week pregnancy, but it was a necessary step given the seriousness of the patient’s condition, which posed potential risks to both the mother’s and the fetus’s well-being. It is indeed heartening to witness that we could save both the mother and the newborn baby while having the tumor removed.”

Mr. R. Udayan Lahiry, Managing Director, Medica Group of Hospitals, shared, “I extend my best wishes for the mother and newborn and pray for their good health and well-being. At Medica, our steadfast commitment lies in providing our patients with the utmost quality of care, supported by our comprehensive range of cutting-edge medical technology. I congratulate the team of doctors who have taken utmost care and ensured wellbeing of the mother and the child at the same time.”

Mr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Joint Managing Director of the Medica Group of Hospitals, conveyed, “In the realm of healthcare, our primary responsibility is the preservation of life. In this instance, it was a matter of safeguarding two precious lives. I take immense pride in our hospital’s achievement, as we successfully performed both surgeries in the same operating theatre, ultimately saving the lives of both the mother and her baby. This accomplishment stands as a testament to the unwavering dedication of our medical professionals, demonstrating that with commitment, the seemingly impossible becomes achievable. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the entire team that executed these operations, and we extend our best wishes to Ms. Babita Devi and her family for a healthy and prosperous future.”

Ms. Babita Devi, who is improving, expressed her gratitude, saying, “I want to thank all the doctors at Medica, who helped in saving our lives. They gave me hope from the beginning of my treatment. I’m happy for this new start in my life, and my baby daughter is healthy too.”

The new parents along with their two other children, are savoring precious moments with their newborn daughter, who has brought a renewed sense of joy and blessings into her mother’s life.

About Medica Group of Hospitals:  Medica Group of Hospitals, one of the major chains of hospitals in Eastern India today, has built and managed numerous healthcare facilities across the Eastern region over the past few years. The group has footprints in West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Bihar, and Assam.

Pune: HDFC Bank today announced the completion and handover of their Climate Change Adaptation Project to the panchayat of 20 villages in Jafrabad, Maharashtra. The Climate Change Adaptation Project was launched in October 2020, to aid the local people in coping with adverse climate change vulnerabilities such as drought, heat waves, and erratic and intense rainfall patterns. These climatic variations and frequent drought-like conditions lead to land degradation, water scarcity, and low crop yield in the region, directly affecting the livelihood of residents, especially the farmers.

Key achievements of the project:

1. Average increase in water level by 4.88 ft.

2. Increase in agriculture productivity of 7,380 acres of agricultural land

3. Increase in the area under irrigation by 2,232 acres through an increase in water availability and water use efficiency

4. 1,500 acres of area brought under diversified farming systems (horticulture, agroforestry, mixed cropping, etc.)

5. 4,028 acres area protected from direct soil erosion

6. 520 acres of area brought under horticulture

7. Created 1,302 million litres of water harvesting potential

8. Increase in average annual household income of 1,628 HHs by 25%

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Ms. Nusrat Pathan, Head CSR at HDFC Bank said, “Climate change is likely to stay for a longer haul. It becomes imperative to change our approach, making it response based instead of relief based. Our interventions have successfully built the farmer’s response capacity to become climate and market-compatible, while also improving their farm incomes and maintaining the integrity of the ecology.” She further added, that the projects also addressed many important issues like Runoff Harvesting, Groundwater recharge, Soil protection and moisture retention, Micro irrigation, and other climate-resilient agriculture practices.”

HDFC Bank’s interventions have successfully increased agricultural productivity and the area under irrigation through an increase in water availability, along with an increase in the agricultural land cover through diversified farming systems. The project took a multi-dimension approach with work in the areas of Area Treatment, Horticulture, Water Resource Development, Nala Deepening, Micro Irrigation System Automatic Weather Station, and Pest and nutrient Management Demonstrations. Cumulatively, the project has helped enhance the lives of nearly all 25,000 village dwellers.

By Ms. Sonia Agarwal Bajaj 

Three-year-olds are brimming with creativity and imagination, but many of us may miss out on celebrating or even facilitating this creative artistic energy. Scribbling is not just a random act but is considered to be an official milestone in the child’s cognitive and motor development. It is also the start of them creatively expressing themselves on a medium.

While as adults we may not always be able to seek value or decipher the meaning and intent behind haphazard lines on a piece of paper, these scribbles are valuable. The stage of scribbles is a critical stage to foster imagination, visual space planning, and confidence to express creatively.

How is scribbling a motor milestone for children?

For any individual to be able to hold an object with their thumb and their index finger, their pincer grip needs to be formed. This grip is not entirely formed until the child is 5-6 years of age. The pincer grip is crucial for us to be able to hold our writing instruments correctly. Children can still make marks, patterns, and designs before this grip is entirely formed by adjusting the way and type of writing instrument they use.

Below are a few things we as parents and early educators do to give our budding artists a larger canvas to express themselves creatively:

(1) Show genuine enthusiasm: While it’s sometimes difficult to show excitement for work that does not look like a “masterpiece” it is often because we are comparing it to an artist or a skill set that has been developed over decades. We need to compare apples and apples. When we do so, we will realise that our little one has truly outdone themselves.

(2) Explore different mediums & surfaces: Encourage the child to explore a spectrum of surfaces and mediums to do art with. Using chalk, fat crayons, finger paints, ice paints, and food colours on a spectrum of surfaces such as paper, chalkboard, glass windows, floors, cardboard, etc.

(3) Label the colours: There is no better time to help children learn the name of colours than while using them.

(4) Join the Fun while giving them artistic freedom: Children are inclusive by nature and enjoy the activity twice as much if they are a part of it. A parent needs to resist the need to control their creativity. It’s a good idea to take separate pieces of paper or demarcate sections on a common surface. While doing so, we must keep checking in on the child and ensure that we are not making them feel uncomfortable.

(5) Discuss the artwork: After positively reinforcing the child’s effort, it is important to take a minute to discuss both of your artworks. Ask the child what they have made. If the child says Dinosaur and you cannot spot the dinosaur in their swiggles, ask them where is the head of the dinosaur. Is it this one or this one? Once they tell you where it is, again reinforce their effort with active enthusiasm. You can also choose to describe your artwork to them to ensure they feel like equals.

(6) Frame Artwork Proudly: Sometimes actions speak louder than words. For the child to feel the pride frame some of their memorable artwork in their room or yours. This allows us the opportunity for us to not just celebrate their artwork on any other day but also witness their artistic growth.

I hope with this article, you never look at your child’s scribbles the same way and those swishy doodles have found new and deeper meaning for you and your little one