Archives 2024

Gurugram: Padmashree Guru Ranjana Gauhar Odissi dancer, captivated the audience with her enchanting performance at KIIT World School, Gurugram. The event was organized in collaboration with SPIC MACAY. Guru Ranjana Gauhar was accompanied by Prafulla Mangaraj on the Pakhawaj, Ashish Nayak on vocals, Dheeraj Pandey on the flute, and her disciple Archisha Arya as a fellow dancer.

Ranjana Gauhar depicted this dance through her unique expression. They created a seamless sync of the dance with the sounds of thunder and rain, giving the audience a special experience. Her portrayal of the Radha-Krishna love story, through expressive gestures and movements, brought the narrative to life, offering students profound inspiration and insights into Indian cultural heritage.

Odissi dancer and Padmashree awardee Ranjana Gauhar shared her views on the cultural and historical significance of Odissi dance. He said that Odissi dance is not only an art form, but it is also an important part of Indian culture and tradition. Odissi dance is one of the ancient dance forms of India and has a history dating back thousands of years. This dance form is not only a medium of physical beauty and expression, but it also keeps our civilization, culture, and religious beliefs alive.

Neelima Kamrah, Registrar of KIIT College of Education, praised Spic Macay’s efforts, stating, “At KIIT, we prioritize fostering a deep connection between our youth and Indian classical arts. The success of a nation is undoubtedly linked to the quality of education its youth receive. Events like these ensure that the younger generation remains engaged with India’s classical music, dance, folk traditions, and cultural heritage.

Bangalore 18th May 2024: To celebrate International Museum Day (IMD) on the 18th of May 2024 this year, The ‘Indian Music Experience Museum’ is organizing a series of week-long events to raise awareness and highlight the role of museums as an important means of cultural exchange, enrichment of cultures and development of mutual understanding, cooperation and peace among people. Indian Music Museum Experience will host an array of vibrant activities celebrating the diverse musical heritage of India with a special focus on youngsters. Events that have been planned include community drumming sessions, where participants can join a drum circle to explore the art of communication through percussion, facilitated by the Drum Jam Foundation. Additionally, children can attend a workshop on “Konnakol and Instrument Making,” which introduces them to various instruments and the basics of Konnakol. This hands-on session also includes crafting a harmonica from paper, ice cream sticks, and toothpicks.

“International Museum Day is celebrated each year as a reminder to preserve, and celebrate India’s rich cultural heritage. In keeping with this year’s theme, ‘Museums for Education and Research,’ which underlines the important role that museums play in fostering learning and education, we are encouraging youngsters to visit museums, as it fosters a deep connection to our rich tradition. By participating in our specially curated events and programs, youngsters can connect with their roots, gain a broader perspective of our cultural diversity, and be inspired to carry forward the legacy of our rich and diverse heritage. We have planned several activities beginning tomorrow, which will provide an immersive and educational experience to foster a deeper appreciation of India’s rich musical traditions” Preema John, Director, Indian Music Experience Museum said.

Part of the week-long celebrations at IME also includes an “Open Stage @ IME” featuring performances in music, spoken word, and comedy. In addition, Vikram Sridhar will also lead “Strung Together – Storytelling,” a session that weaves stories of India’s single string instruments like the Iktara, Kinnaram, and Sruti, highlighting their role in community singing and cultural cohesion

18th May 2024: One of the most popular, versatile, and widely loved content creators, who effortlessly experiments between comedy and beauty, Ankush Bahuguna, attended the 77th Cannes Film Festival, marking his debut. Representing India on the global stage, Ankush donned a Rajdeep Ranawat ensemble at the Brut x Nespresso Party and India Pavilion Party that seamlessly blended traditional craftsmanship with contemporary style, showcasing the rich and intricate Indian cultural artistry.

Ankush hit up the Brut x Nespresso Party, exuding regal splendor in a masterpiece by the ace designer Rajdeep Ranawat. Draped in a striking printed silk jacket and pants, paired with a sheer shirt adorned with crystals, Bahuguna epitomized Ranawat’s signature blend of sophistication and glamour. His riveting look was impeccably complemented by a pair of Patina lace-up shoes, meticulously custom-made for Bahuguna by Tōramally, a homegrown footwear brand by Rahul Shastri. With the addition of exquisite jewelry from Amrapali, his appearance was nothing short of mesmerizing, radiating the essence of royalty with every graceful step he took.

Hyderabad, 18th May 2024: The students of Manthan School Hyderabad have yet again achieved outstanding success in the CBSE 10th and 12th exam results announced recently. The results reflect the hard work and dedication of the students, teachers, and the parent community at Manthan.

In the 10th grade, Kishore secured the top spot with an impressive 97.6%, followed by Shreya and Advait with 96.8% and 96.4%, respectively. Meanwhile, Rohinish emerged as the topper in the 12th grade, scoring 96.8%, followed by Abhiram with 93.8%, and Anika with 90.8%.

A total of 45% of the students in the CBSE 10th grade have secured 90% and above marks, while 25% of the 12th graders in the CBSE curriculum have crossed the 90% mark.

At the same time, an impressive average of 86% and 82% was achieved by the 10th and 12th graders, respectively. Over 78% of the students in the 10th grade have scored above 80%, while more than 62% of the students in the 12th grade have crossed the same milestone.

Mr. Surjeet Singh, Principal of Manthan School Hyderabad has extended his heartfelt congratulations to all students, their parents, and the teachers at Manthan and has said that the achievement of the 10th and 12th grade students is an inspiration for the upcoming batches.

“As Manthanites continue to shine, I congratulate our exceptional students and their parents for their commitment to excellence. The success of our 10th and 12th graders fills us with immense pride and joy, inspiring upcoming batches to strive for outstanding results,” remarked Mr. Singh.

He also lauded the dedicated teachers and academic leadership for their guidance and expressed Manthan’s commitment to achieving even greater heights in the future.

“I joined Manthan in 2011 and over the years it’s become a second home to me. The faculty and administration ensured that we got the best exposure to opportunities that suited our interests, and an inclusive atmosphere taught us to focus on the process just as much as the results. This helped me gain a better understanding of the subjects that were covered in the NCERT syllabus and allowed me to develop other real-world skills with the extracurriculars I’ve gotten to be a part of.” said Rohinish who secured the highest mark in 12th grade in Manthan while beaming with joy.

On the other hand, Kishore, the topper of the 10th grade said “Manthan has been very much supportive towards my development and growth both academically and personally. I came to Manthan in 3rd grade and before that, I was in another country. Since then, Manthan has effectively helped me to get accustomed to the schooling system here and blend into the Indian culture. I am grateful to Manthan School for helping me become what I am today.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Ruchika Upadhyay, the Vice-Principal at Manthan School said “Our students this year, have succeeded, demonstrating that hard work and commitment are the keys to success. Their accomplishments are a source of pride not only for themselves but also for the entire school community. We are indebted to our devoted teachers and supportive parents, whose inspiration and direction have been crucial to our achievement.”

At Manthan, the focus remains on nurturing holistic development, encouraging curiosity, and celebrating every milestone along the students’ journey.

Bengaluru, India, 18th May 2024 – edForce, a premier Workforce Upskilling Accelerator, is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership with SCRUMstudy, a globally recognized accreditation body for Scrum and Agile training and certification, headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona, USA.

SCRUMstudy is renowned for providing comprehensive training and certification programs in Scrum and Agile methodologies, empowering professionals worldwide to excel in project management, IT operations, and DevOps practices. With a commitment to delivering high-quality education, SCRUMstudy offers a wide range of certifications, including Scrum Master, Scrum Developer, Scrum Product Owner, Agile Master, and Scaled Scrum certifications, among others.

Commenting on the partnership, Dr. Tridibesh, CEO of VMEdu Inc., the parent company of SCRUMstudy, stated, “We are excited to collaborate with edForce to bring our industry-leading training and certification programs to a broader audience. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to providing individuals and businesses with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in today’s fast-paced digital landscape.”

Ravi Kaklasaria, Co-founder & CEO of edForce, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “At edForce, we are dedicated to equipping professionals with cutting-edge skills to thrive in the modern workplace. Our partnership with SCRUMstudy further strengthens our ability to deliver world-class Agile training and certification programs, ensuring that our learners are well-prepared to meet the evolving demands of the industry.”

With this partnership, edForce will make SCRUMStudy’s AI-powered SaaS Platform accessible to its clients, enhancing the learning experience and providing hands-on exposure to project management tools. In addition, the partnership will also provide the industry-first Scrum certifications tailored for IT Operations and DevOps environments, ensuring relevance and applicability in today’s business contexts.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in the journey of both edForce and SCRUMstudy, underscoring their commitment to fostering excellence and innovation in Agile training and certification

18th May 2024 – Fairmont Jaipur invites guests to indulge in the ultimate summer retreat with a unique staycation offer, where the guests can experience the cultural delights of their exclusive summer staycation experience. Immerse yourself in a world of comfort and indulgence with unlimited craft beers, rejuvenating spa treatments, and amenities designed to elevate your getaway.

With the scorching summer months approaching, the summer staycation experience offers a myriad of inclusions, ensuring a delightful escape for guests of all ages. Upon arrival, indulge your senses with their Five Senses Arrival Experience, followed by a delightful selection of welcome in-room amenities. Feast on scrumptious buffet breakfast and dinner, accompanied by two pints of beer per room per stay.

Throughout your stay, enjoy exclusive perks including a 20% discount on food and beverage, happy hours and unlimited craft beer at the Anjum Bar, buy one get one offers at Ruhab Spa. To elevate your dining experience, dine at Zarin Pan Asian Restaurant, promising a culinary journey like no other.

Guests can also experience the captivating Shaam-e-Khaas at Fairmont Jaipur, where traditional Rajasthani folk music sets the scene for an unforgettable evening. Enjoy a hi-tea amidst the soul-stirring melodies as the sun sets, indulging in delectable bites and refreshing beverages.

But it’s not just the adults who are catered to, Fairmont Jaipur understands the importance of ensuring every member of the family has a memorable stay. Kids can engage in summer cookout sessions with the Chef, adding a playful twist to their cultural immersion. Our little guests can enjoy complimentary access to Tingar Kid’s Club at Lobby level and enjoy a wide range of activities such as arts & crafts, board games, indoor movies, puppet shows, pottery making and badminton.

Book your summer staycation today and experience the epitome of luxury at Fairmont Jaipur! Don’t miss out on culinary delights, cultural experiences, and unparalleled hospitality. Discover the true essence of relaxation amidst Jaipur’s majestic landscape. Visit https://www.fairmont.com/jaipur/ to reserve your unforgettable getaway now

Mumbai: Indian Financial Forum, a hub for BFSI industry members and enthusiasts, and Leegality, a document infrastructure platform, (founded by Shivam Singla) hosted a BFSI community meetup at WeWork, BKC. The event, which saw participation from over 180 BFSI industry professionals, focussed on unlocking value from the network effect and helping community members towards growth and excellence. It featured participation from top BFSI companies such as Axis Bank Ltd, Tata AIA Life Insurance, Standard Chartered Bank, HDFC Life Insurance, Kotak Mahindra Bank, HDFC Bank, Aditya Birla Capital, ICICI Bank Ltd, CRED, Paytm, along with many others.

The highlight of the event was the engaging panel discussion moderated by Hamsini Karthik (Deputy Editor of a leading business daily). The panel saw Atal Agarwal (Managing Director-Debt Advisory, Capwise Financial Services), Abhisheik Vishwakarma (President-Analytics, CareEdge Group), and Srikant Patil (CEO & Managing Director, DigiAlly) engage in discussing various insights on “How BFSI companies can differentiate themselves in a highly competitive space”.

The panel discussion focused on strategies for BFSI companies to navigate this rapidly growing industry. The dialogue addressed changes in the BFSI sector, the impact of technology, enhancing customer experience in the digital landscape, and the importance of uniform regulatory standards for all industry players.

Atal Agarwal shared “Over the past 15-20 years, the banking sector has undergone a remarkable transformation fueled by technology. Client onboarding processes have become more streamlined, and essential services are now delivered with greater efficiency. Notably, there is a strong emphasis on client education, empowering individuals to make informed financial decisions. However, a digitalization divide persists: while retail banks have embraced technological advancements, wholesale banks continue to rely on legacy systems, particularly in credit inventory management. Amidst these changes, a unified regulatory framework is essential to ensure fair competition and stability across the entire industry.”

Abhisheik Vishwakarma shared, “In the dynamic landscape of banking and corporate operations, technology investments play a pivotal role. Retail banking has harnessed digitalization, resulting in swift transactions with a remarkable 99% success rate. Simultaneously, corporate transactions are embracing automation, particularly in working capital processes and renewals. The integration of AI further streamlines data extraction, reducing paperwork burdens for companies. Overall, these strategic tech investments are reshaping the industry, enhancing efficiency, and propelling growth.”

Srikant Patil shared, “In the ever-evolving landscape of banking and technology, Indian banks and vendors face both challenges and opportunities. While countries globally focus on digital public infrastructure and witness the growth of digital consumer segments, India stands out. Unlike many developing nations that prioritize digital banks, Indian banks find themselves in need of substantial technology investments to compete effectively. In this context, enhancing customer experience becomes paramount, as it shapes success in the dynamic digital era.”

After the successful completion of the event, Shivam Singla, CEO and founder of Leegality said; “We decided to support IFF in their goal to create a community where BFSI professionals could convene, share insights, and establish meaningful connections. We are pleased to contribute to growth, learning, and collaboration, and to play a small part in connecting the finance community as they chart their shared future together.”

Legality also recognized Yes Bank, Federal Bank, and Axis Finance for their commitment to spearheading the digitization of the BFSI industry:

Digital Transformation Leader:
Dhairya Shah, COO, Axis Finance – leading several strategic digital initiatives at Axis Finance.

Innovation in Digital Banking:
Federal Bank – for their transition to paperless banking, which streamlined processes, enhanced customer experience, and contributed to environmental sustainability by reducing paper usage.

Digital Excellence in Corporate Banking:
Yes Bank – for switching to a 100% digital banking experience for their corporate customers.

Health & Beyond Nutrigo, a health-forward cloud kitchen, is changing the way people perceive healthy food. The brand’s mission is simple; to make healthy food delicious, infusing familiar dishes with delightful flavours.

Through each meal that they send, Health & Beyond Nutrigo’s vision is to stir up positive emotions within customers by delighting their taste buds with familiar, delicious flavours. At the heart of Health & Beyond Nutrigo’s offerings are steaks and gluten-free burgers, both in healthy renditions. From succulent Teriyaki Steak to savoury Lemon Herb Butter Steak and indulgent Stroganoff Steak, available in both veg and chicken options. With base options such as beetroot, spinach, and ragi, there is an array of burger choices including the Summery Burger, Smoky Mushroom Burger, and Arabian Burger to name a few. Additionally, the menu includes wraps, gluten-free rolls, meals, salads, toasters, smoothies, energy bombers, and desserts, all aligning with the brand’s vision of healthy food without compromising on taste. Breaking the myth that healthy or gluten-free cannot be tasty, the brand ensures that customers enjoy the same flavours and taste as in traditional restaurants in a healthier version.

Fatema Asif, Founder, of Health & Beyond Nutrigo said “Health & Beyond Nutrigo is all about getting the freedom of having your most beloved and tastiest food without thinking about your health or shape. Our goal is to spread positive vibes through our healthy food offerings and that drives us every day to serve you better.”

Understanding the modern consumer’s desire for both convenience and health, Health & Beyond Nutrigo offers a dual approach to cater to culinary needs. Firstly, the brand provides a convenient everyday meal subscription service, tailored for busy professionals and health-conscious individuals. With the expertise of in-house nutritionists, menus are customised to align with individual health objectives. This subscription service can be easily accessed via the website (www.hnb-meals.com) or by direct contact.

Available for order on popular platforms like Swiggy or Zomato, customers can also order directly by phone. The brand caters to clients within a 10km radius of its cloud kitchen in Byculla, ensuring prompt and efficient service.

Mumbai, 18th May 2024: UNIX, a rapidly growing brand in India’s mobile accessories and consumer electronics sector, proudly unveils its latest ‘Made in India’ smartwatches – Storm & Ember. These budget-friendly wearables promise an enriched smartwatch experience, boasting AMOLED screens, extended battery life, health and fitness tracking capabilities, and seamless connectivity options.

Storm features a 1.43-inch display, while Ember boasts a larger 1.96-inch AMOLED display, housed in round and rectangular dials respectively, each equipped with dual digital crown controls. Both Smartwatches offer a peak brightness of 650 nits and a resolution of 410×502 and 466×466 pixels, ensuring optimal visibility even in outdoor environments. Moreover, users get a complimentary metal strap with a replaceable silicon strap alongside access to over 500 sports modes enabling them to personalize style and experience of the smartwatches.

Featuring voice assistant integration and advanced health and fitness tracking features, Storm & Ember are designed to serve as personal wellness coaches. With 24*7 heart-rate monitoring, sleep tracking, SpO2 monitoring, calorie counting, and step tracking, these watches provide comprehensive insights into the user’s health. With over 120 sports modes, users can track vital metrics during workouts and various activities, while reminders for prolonged sitting and hydration ensure overall well-being.

Built to endure the elements, both Storm & Ember are shock-proof and IP67 water and dust resistant. The waterproof speaker ensures reliable performance during outdoor activities. With a 270mAh and 240mAh battery respectively, these smartwatches offer up to 6 days of battery life on a single charge, with quick charging taking just 2 hours for added convenience.

Featuring Bluetooth v5.2 connectivity, Storm & Ember seamlessly pair with both Android and iOS devices via the Unix Fitz App. These watches also support the Hindi language, with the user interface available in Hindi as an option, distinguishing them from other smartwatches in the market.

With BT Calling support, users can stay connected with calls, messages, and notifications directly from their wrist, in their preferred language. The full touchscreen interface allows for intuitive navigation, while the built-in microphone and speaker enable hands-free calling and voice assistant support.

With this launch, UNIX expands its portfolio to include over 4 budget-friendly smartwatches in India, with plans to introduce over 10 more models by the end of the year.

New Delhi, 18th May 2024: Mankind Pharma, the No.1 Pharmaceutical company in the antihypertensive Segment in India, as per MAT April’ 24 volume sale (Source: IQVIA) has launched a nationwide campaign on the occasion of World Hypertension Day called ‘Limit White India’. This initiative aims to raise awareness about the dangers of excessive salt and sugar consumption which with other factors like a sedentary lifestyle and obesity can be a major risk factor for hypertension.

Studies have shown that 1 in 4 adults in India suffer from hypertension and 101 million people in India which is about 11.4% of the country’s population, are living with diabetes. Diabetes and hypertension are often referred together as “partners in crime” due to their closely linked impact on global health. It is common knowledge that these conditions not only coexist but exacerbate each other, creating a compounded risk of severe health issues such as cardiovascular diseases, stroke, and kidney failure. The ‘Limit White India’ campaign focuses on educating Indians to limit their intake of ‘whites’ like salt and sugar. The campaign emphasizes the need for gradual lifestyle changes to improve cardiovascular health. To drive a three-year awareness program, Mankind Pharma aims to partner with healthcare professionals (HCPs) in the management of hypertension and diabetics across the country.

“Hypertension is a silent killer, and Mankind Pharma is committed to tackling it head-on through the ‘Limit White India’ campaign.” said Dr Sanjay Koul, Chief Marketing Officer, Mankind Pharma Ltd. “Excessive salt and sugar are significant contributors to uncontrolled blood pressure levels and blood sugar levels. Studies have shown Indians on average consume five times the WHO recommended quantity of sugar annually. By raising awareness and promoting lifestyle modifications, we aim to empower people to make informed choices for their well-being.”

As part of the campaign, Mankind Pharma will engage cardiologists, endocrinologists, diabetologists, general practitioners, and the public through educational initiatives. These include conducting journal clubs, distributing ‘Cardiac Cognizance’ newsletters, radio awareness programs with doctors, and blood pressure screening camps nationwide.