All posts by K S Krishna

-No to-do lists, just tea and engaging conversations
– Strengthening connections among women, with fun raffle prizes, delectable high tea, and plenty of laughter!

New Delhi, 12th March 2025 – In honor of International Women’s Day, Brand Talkeez, in collaboration with the newly revamped Swasti, Hotel Janpath, proudly hosted the exclusive No-Agenda Women’s Day Afternoon Tea. The unique gathering, held on March 8th, brought together influential women from diverse backgrounds for an inspiring afternoon of meaningful connections, empowering conversations, and shared experiences.

This invitation-only event created a casual yet dynamic space where women could come together to share their stories and celebrate the collective power of community. With no formal agenda, the focus was on fostering open dialogue, networking, and building meaningful connections.

It was a delight to see women entrepreneurs, corporate honchos, artists, educators, doctors, activists, and sportswomen coming to support and encourage other women who have made an impact in their respective fields to connect, learn, and empower one another.

The collaboration with Brand Talkeez, an integrated marketing communication agency based in New Delhi, and the newly reimagined Swasti Kala, an Artisanal Indian Culinary restaurant at Hotel Janpath, added an extra layer of creativity with the carefully curated menu set up in lush green outdoors of the restaurant included selection of teas, delectable treats, and thoughtfully designed ambiance.

Saloni Sood Mehra, Founder, Brand talkeez and Prakash Chandra, GM, Swasti, Hotel Janpath

Speaking on the occasion, Saloni Sood Mehra, Founder of Brand Talkeez, shared, “The No Agenda Women’s Day Afternoon Tea was an incredible celebration of the strength, resilience, and creativity of women. It was an afternoon where women from all backgrounds came together to empower and support each other. The conversations were inspiring, and the connections made will undoubtedly create a lasting impact. We are extremely thankful to have partnered with Swasti Kala, our hospitality partner and Tavasyam Teas, QNT Sports India to bring this vision to life and celebrate the essence of being a woman.”

As the event concluded, it marked not just the celebration of Women’s Day, but also the start of a deeper, more inclusive community where every voice matters and women continue to empower one another. The event was a resounding success, leaving attendees with a renewed sense of purpose, solidarity, and inspiration. It was a powerful reminder that when women support and uplift each other, extraordinary things happen.

Hyderabad, March 10, 2025:India has many royal families. They have transitioned from being monarchs of kingdoms to wealthy members of a post-colonial society. Despite the abolition of princely states and discontinuation of royal privileges, the royal families have not only preserved their heritage but still continue their influence on us. The Royal families too have adopted along with the changing times.

In a rare and first-of-its-kind attempt, YFLO (Young FICCI Ladies Organisation) has planned a unique session ‘The Regal Empowerment’, a confluence of Indian Royalties. This rare and unique program is scheduled on 12th March at The Leela Hyderabad

The esteemed speakers Maharaj Kumar Sahib Dr Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar– Royal Family of Udaipur, Rajasthan; H.H. Maharani Radhika Raje Gaekwad – Royal Family of Baroda, Gujarat Nawabzadi Aaliya Sultana Babi – “Dinosaur Princess,” Royal Family of Balasinor, Gujarat; Rani Preeti Singh – Royal Family of Nabha, Punjab; Princess Meenal Kumari Singh Deo – Royal Family of Dhenkanal, Odisha will participate, deliberate

We are blessed to be surrounded today by women whose legacies speak of royal heritage, but whose actions are the true measure of leadership.

It is not another YFLO event. This is different from our regular programs. The contributions of these distinguished royal people echo through time, showing us that true royalty is not defined by titles, but by the way we uplift others and make a difference in the world says Ridhi Jain, Chairperson of YFLO

Women like them have not only inherited royal legacies, but have transformed them into platforms for empowerment. These women were not just queens—they were warriors, educators, and visionaries—trailblazers who reshaped history, and whose voices continue to inspire new generations, Ridhi Jain added.

This Women’s Day, Go Colors celebrates the many facets of modern women with its latest campaign, ‘Own It With Pants for Every You.’ The campaign highlights how every woman embodies a unique blend of boldness, playfulness, elegance, professionalism, and relaxation. No matter the occasion or mood, Go Colors offers the perfect pair of pants to complement every version of her. The campaign reinforces the brand’s belief: Own Your Style, Own Your Confidence.

At the heart of the campaign is a digital brand film that narrates the inspiring stories of women from diverse walks of life. Featuring Dipika Pallikal, international squash player & Mom; Arpita Aditi, CEO of Dil Foods; and Ami Shroff, Mixologist & Flair Artist, the film captures seemingly ordinary moments that evolve into powerful symbols of empowerment. Their journeys reflect resilience, passion, and an unwavering spirit to break boundaries.

To further amplify the message, Go Colors installed an interactive booth at Mall of Asia, Bengaluru, for two days, inviting women to embrace their own identity. The experience encouraged self-reflection and reaffirmed the belief that their biggest role model is themselves.

The campaign also features content creators and puts the focus on behind-the-scenes moments of their lives. It offers an unfiltered look at the dedication, effort, and unseen work that goes into their craft and how Go Colors effortlessly adapts to their lifestyle.

Additionally, Go Colors is hosting an exclusive Women’s Day Brunch with Bestie, celebrating the spirit of sisterhood and empowerment. The event will bring together influencers and their besties for a day of connection, fun activities, interactive games, and a stylish photobooth. PR kits were sent to attendees, encouraging them to style their looks for the brunch.

As a meaningful step toward women’s empowerment, Go Colors will contribute 5% of its total sales on March 8, 2025, across all 750+ exclusive stores and its website to women’s welfare initiatives. The funds will be directed to programs supporting underprivileged women, providing them with better opportunities and resources to thrive.

Vatsal Koolwal, CMO of Go Colors, shared his thoughts on the campaign: “At Go Colors, we believe that fashion should empower, not dictate. ‘Pants for Every You is a celebration of individuality, giving women the freedom to express themselves in their own unique way. This Women’s Day, we are not only championing confidence through style but also taking meaningful action to support women’s welfare.”

Vikas Chawla, Co-Founder of Social Beat, added: “With ‘Pants for Every You,’ we have curated a campaign that seamlessly blends Go Colors’ commitment to inclusivity with a powerful narrative of self-expression. It’s been an exciting journey bringing this vision to life, and we’re proud to partner with Go Colors in celebrating women in such a meaningful way.”

With this campaign, Go Colors reaffirms its commitment to celebrating women beyond fashion, empowering them to feel confident in their own skin while making a difference in the lives of others.

For more details, visit www.gocolors.com or follow us on social media @GoColorsIndia.

86 e-autos, 2 push carts, and 10 sewing machines were distributed to women from vulnerable communities by Shri B. Dayananda, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru.

Bengaluru, March 10, 2025: In a major step towards empowering marginalized women and promoting economic independence, an empowering initiative was held at CAR (City Armed Reserve) Headquarters Parade Ground to celebrate International Women’s Day, where 86 e-autos, 2 push carts, and 10 sewing machines were distributed to women from vulnerable communities by Shri B. Dayananda, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru. The event was organized by United Way Bengaluru in collaboration with the corporate partners: GE Aerospace, State Street, Continental, Fivetran, DeliverHealth.

This marks a major milestone in the ongoing efforts to support women’s empowerment, implemented by United Way Bengaluru, especially in areas where access to livelihood opportunities can be limited. Supported by Parihar, an initiative of the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office, the e-auto programme is dedicated to creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for women from vulnerable communities. The push carts will enable women to run small businesses, while the sewing machines will empower them to engage in productive, sustainable work from home. The collaboration highlights the role of Public-Private-People partnerships in supporting the women’s entrepreneurial aspirations and helping them become self-sufficient and actively contribute to their families.

“On this International Women’s Day, we honor the spirit and strength of women who are embracing new opportunities to transform their lives. This initiative is a testament to what can be achieved when public institutions and corporates come together with a shared vision for social progress. By enabling financial independence for women through sustainable livelihoods, we are not only securing their future but also strengthening the community as a whole. We deeply appreciate the support of our corporate partners for their commitment to this cause. Their contribution through CSR sets a benchmark for impactful Public-Private Partnerships, inspiring more organizations to step forward and be part of meaningful change,” said Shri B. Dayananda, IPS, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City.

Dalit body members submitting memorandum to DC Koppal

The Dalit Organization Committee, Bhima Gharjane, submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister through the Koppal District Collector, requesting support for the establishment of Baldota Steel & Power Limited.

In its press release, the Dalit Organization Committee, Bhima Gharjane, stated that Koppal is an integral part of Kalyana Karnataka and is currently on the path of development. For a region to achieve holistic growth, commercial activities must thrive, and industries play a crucial role in this process. Establishing factories leads to direct and indirect employment opportunities in the surrounding areas.

The organization highlighted that MSPL, a subsidiary of Baldota, has already installed advanced pollution control equipment to minimize environmental pollution. Additionally, it has been actively contributing to rural development through CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives.

Furthermore, MSPL has been involved in several social welfare activities, including:
• Establishing clean drinking water plants.
• Providing school furniture and smart classrooms.
• Offering free tailoring training.
• Improving sanitation facilities.
• Supporting local festivals.
• Conducting free computer training for students.
• Organizing tree plantation drives in Koppal and nearby villages.
• Providing free eye surgeries and prosthetic limbs.

The memorandum also mentioned that agricultural lands in Bassapur, Halavarti, and Koppal have already been transferred to the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) for Baldota. Farmers who lost their lands 15 years ago have been eagerly awaiting the company’s establishment, as it promises employment opportunities for them and their children. However, certain vested interests are opposing the project, attempting to block its establishment.

The committee argued that if the company is not established, the affected farmers will be deprived of employment opportunities, leading to increased youth migration and frustration. This situation could also result in students from Koppal and nearby districts losing out on career opportunities. They emphasized that factories are essential for preventing such issues and ensuring the overall development of the district.

Baldota has already announced an investment plan of ₹54,000 crore under Invest Karnataka 2025, aiming to create 15,000 to 20,000 jobs while using advanced technology to control environmental pollution.

The establishment of Baldota Steel & Power Limited will not only improve the standard of living in Koppal but also create significant employment opportunities and contribute to the comprehensive development of the district. Therefore, the Dalit Organization Committee, Bhima Gharjane, has urged the Chief Minister to facilitate the establishment of the MSPL company.

Music Director and Composer Rockstar Devi Sri Prasad is all set to perform in Bengaluru! With incredible feats such as aerial acts, drone shows, International dancers, and Budapest Scoring Orchestra performing for the first time in India at Bengaluru, the anticipation for his upcoming India Tour shows have never been higher.

They shared the stage with Rockstar DSP and had dance offs and sang to a few of their favourite tracks. The audience vibed as they got a glimpse of the energy that can be felt in the upcoming live shows. #DSP Live India Tour organized by ACTC Events is set to become a sensational triumph that will become a defining milestone in the music industry.. ACTC Events has been defining the quality and standards of music events in the country through this tour, it’s a never miss opportunity for fans as well as concert lovers to be a part of this journey. Fans can celebrate his signature hits and witness his iconic dance performances live in vibrant and dynamic visual experiences.

Day & Date: Saturday, 15th March 2025

Time: 5:30pm onwards

Venue: NICE Grounds, Madavara, Bengaluru 560073

Tickets are getting sold rapidly, grab your passes on Paytm Insider and District by Zomato. Rockstar DSP will set the stage on fire with his musical power!Bang, Bang, Bengaluru! Let’s relax & rock!!! Also for tickets Contact: 95662 19654

New tech hub will harness India’s deep talent pool for global digital transformation

Bengaluru, India, 6th March 2025 – Version 1, a leader in digital transformation, has officially opened its state-of-the-art India Delivery Center (IDC) in Bengaluru. This marks a significant milestone in the company’s international growth strategy, reinforcing its commitment to delivering value for its customers and harnessing India’s rich talent pool to drive next-generation AI, cloud, and digital transformation solutions for global enterprises.

With a strong presence in India since 2019, Version 1 has rapidly scaled its operations, growing from IT development to delivering end-to-end digital solutions that address complex challenges faced by global customers. The company now employs over 500 professionals across key locations in India, including Pune and Ahmedabad, with more than 100 open roles available to further accelerate innovation and technology development.

The launch event was marked by a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Srikanth Srinivasan, Vice President at nasscom, Mr. Ross Curran, Director, India & South Asia, Enterprise Ireland, and Mr. Ganesh Kalyanaraman, Managing Director of the IDC and North American Operations, Version 1. The event was attended by Version 1 employees, key industry leaders, and technology partners, highlighting the company’s deep-rooted commitment to India’s thriving tech ecosystem.

Srikanth Srinivasan, Vice President at Nasscom commented on the significance of Version 1’s expansion, stating, “We are proud to champion India’s wealth of talent and innovative spirit, which are deeply embedded at the heart of global technology solutions. Version 1’s expansion into the region in Bengaluru strengthens our ecosystem, serving as a catalyst for local talent while advancing our vision to position this very ecosystem, as the world’s most trusted innovation partner.”

Designed as a key technology hub for Version 1, the IDC will integrate global expertise with local insights, enabling seamless, high-quality service delivery. Key functons will operate from the site including the organisation’s AI Labs and engineering teams that drive transformation, foster innovation and carry out pioneering work to address the unique needs of each customer.

Ganesh Kalyanaraman, Managing Director of the IDC and North America, Version 1, emphasized the company’s commitment to excellence, stating, “Today marks a significant milestone as we expand our presence in India, reinforcing our commitment to delivering exceptional value to our customers. Built on a strong foundation of reliability and clarity in solving complex challenges, we continue to harness new technologies with deep-rooted expertise. Our purpose-designed facilities will enable us to tap into India’s outstanding technology talent, allowing us to scale our capabilities and drive innovation for customers across sectors and geographies.”

Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government organization dedicated to supporting the global expansion of Irish enterprises, has played a key role in facilitating Version 1’s entry into India. Ross Curran, Director, India & South Asia, Enterprise Ireland, highlighted the significance of this milestone, stating, “It is exciting to see Version 1 establish a major technology hub in India, marking a significant step in its global expansion strategy. Version 1’s presence in India not only strengthens its global footprint but also contributes to the local ecosystem by nurturing high-quality talent and delivering exceptional value to customers worldwide.”

Mr. Curran further added, “Enterprise Ireland remains committed to supporting Irish companies like Version 1 as they scale internationally, and this ceremony today reflects the strong collaboration between Ireland and India.”

Version 1 remains at the forefront of AI and cloud innovation, with its AI Labs actively advancing generative AI, analytics, and automation technologies. The company has an embedded and robust sustainability agenda, being on track for net-zero carbon emissions by 2045, with its near-term targets validated by the Science-Based Targets Initiative and aligned to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs).

Consistently recognized for excellence, Version 1 has earned accolades such as AWS Collaboration Partner of the Year 2024, Global Microsoft Application Modernisation Partner of the Year 2023, and Oracle Innovation Partner of the Year 2023. Its expansion in India reinforces its position as a global digital transformation leader while creating high-value employment opportunities and empowering enterprises to navigate digital complexities with confidence

IIHM to come out with the world’s first GPT for Hospitality, what ChatGPT is to the world in general: Dr Suborno Bose, a renowned Hospitality Educator

India needs to take world leadership in AI: Dr Bose.

Hyderabad, March 6, 2025:Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM), one of India’s foremost hospitality educators and a visionary in integrating technology with hospitality, has published yet another book. It is his third book.

The book “Harmonizing Human Touch & AI Tourism and Hospitality” was launched in the city on Thursday evening at the Radisson Hotel, Madhapur, in the presence of many industry veterans.

The book takes an A-to-Z approach, where each letter corresponds to a key process, demonstrating how AI enhances hospitality while preserving its core human essence. Inspired by industry professionals who have successfully integrated AI into their workflows, the book highlights practical applications from global leaders.

The book presents real-world examples of how AI enhances guest satisfaction, sustainability, and operational efficiency—covering topics such as predictive maintenance, sentiment analysis, and zero-waste initiatives.

“AI is not just about technology—it’s about humanity,” said Dr. Bose. “This book underscores the importance of balancing technological advancements with the human touch in hospitality.”

Speaking further on the occasion, Dr. Bose stated, ‘We need to integrate AI into hospitality education on a global scale. It prioritizes inclusivity, human-centric values, and sustainability, ensuring that technology enhances rather than replaces the core of hospitality. AI is not artificial—it is ‘Advanced Intelligence’.”

“This book serves as an essential resource for students, educators, and industry professionals, demonstrating how AI can complement rather than replace the human essence of hospitality,” said Dr. Bose during the launch event.

Dr Bose announced that IIHM(International Institute of Hotel Management) will come out with the world’s first Hospitality industry’s GPT (similar to ChatGPT) called NamAIste IIHM HospitalityGPT. It is getting ready. It is in an alpha testing mode currently. It will be formally launched by Union Tourism Minister Shri Gajendra Singh Shekawat on April 24th, the International Hospitality Day. It’s a day to recognize the art of making guests feel welcome. It will be a Game-Changer for the Industry. Dr. Bose also made a groundbreaking announcement that promises to be a major positive disruptor in the hospitality industry—the launch of NamAIste, IIHM HospitalityGPT, the world’s first generative AI-powered knowledge engine for hospitality. A short video of the NamAIste GPT was screened for the information of the guests at the meeting.

If you ask ChatGPT about Nigerian Wines, it knows nothing and gives a wrong answer. A dedicated hospitality industry GPT is the need of the hour, Dr Bose explained. We are working with 50 countries in YCO(Young Chef Olympiad). It will be used by over 100 countries.

One day India will produce Google, Dr. Bose observed while participating in the Round

Our Prime Minister gives a lot of importance and a great push to Artificial Intelligence. Also, the Government of Telangana organised the AI Global Summit. It is also coming out with AI City.

Speaking at the event, Dr. Bose said, “IIHM has always been at the forefront of innovation in hospitality education. This is not just an advancement—it’s the future of hospitality intelligence, and IIHM is leading the way. With the launch of NamAIste, IIHM HospitalityGPT, we are taking a historic step forward.” “The IIHM HospitalityGPT is designed to provide students, faculty, hospitality professionals, and industry stakeholders with real-time access to insights, trends, and best practices. The goal is to enhance learning and operational excellence in hospitality by equipping students, educators, and industry professionals with next-generation AI-powered knowledge,” he added. Under Dr. Bose’s visionary leadership, IIHM has taken a giant leap in leveraging AI for sustainable hospitality, driving both quality and profitability in the
sector.

A Round Table Conference held on the occasion on AI in Hospitality and Tourism. NSN Mohan from SKAL; Ms. Rupa Sree Bhuptapty, Board Member, Google India, AI & Robotics Expert; MV Ganesh from Manjeera Hospitality; Chef Dharmender Lamba, President of Telangana Chefs Association and Mr. Sujay Gupta, Group Director, Intl Institute of Hotel Management were the panelists.

Participating in the panel discussion Ms Rupa Sree Bhuptapty said it is quite normal to be afraid of any new technology hitting the marketplace. When computers were introduced the same rumours went around that a lot of jobs will be lost. It is the same with AI as well, she observed. AI can not work independently. The man or woman needs to operate it. It is better to adopt sooner or later.

Dr Bose participating in the panel said AI is about productivity, profitability, Revenue, sustainability for the hospitality industry. Without this we can’t progress. It is our responsibility to bring it and share it with the industry, he announced.

Mr. Mohan, another panelist felt that it will not replace jobs, infact, it will create more jobs. Chef Dharmender said AI will help in reducing the waste of food in the hospitality industry.

The book launch event was graced by esteemed guests, including DGP Abhilasha Bisht (IPS), Amita Desai (Consul General, German Consulate), Gareth Owen (British Deputy High Commissioner), Vijay Shrikant (Area Director & GM, Taj Falaknuma Palace), NSN Mohan (Deputy Vice President, Skal International), Srikant Wharkarkar (VP, Hyatt Hotels), MV Ganesh (COO, Manjeera Hospitality), Rubin Cherian (GM, Novotel HICC), Dharmender Lamba (President, Telangana Chefs Association), and Sukhbir Singh (GM, Novotel Hyderabad Airport).

A dam’s surface might appear calm and unyielding. But looks can be deceiving.

That’s why governments around the world require dams to be inspected periodically. It’s a complex process that looks for tiny shifts in the earth around the dam, the appearance of hairline cracks or other evidence that the structure is under stress.

Many of the world’s 70,000 dams, however, are located in remote areas that make regular inspections difficult.

That’s why, increasingly, the data for dam inspections is being captured from the sky, where drones and satellites keep a watchful eye.

“Drones and satellites have revolutionized dam inspection by providing access to previously unreachable areas and offering new, more affordable ways to monitor the entire structure,” said Raul Colcher, IEEE Life Senior Member.

Emerging Threats to Dams

While rare, dams do occasionally fail. The International Commission on Large Dams, which tracks the largest dams in the world, said that about 300 of the 36,000 dams in its database have ever failed. These incidents have caused major loss of life and property damage. The commission points out that though the failure rate has historically stood at around 1%, the rate has dropped dramatically in recent years.

“Generally speaking, the main causes are natural — like erosion, extreme weather or seismic activity, and human factors —bad projects, execution errors, inadequate maintenance and aging,” Colcher said.

Some experts see climate change as emerging threats to dams, because it increases the likelihood of massive rain events.

“Climate change is resulting in increased water behind dams, which in turn results in increased pressure on the structure,” said IEEE Senior Member Paul Kostek. “This highlights the need for increased inspections and the use of technology to expand the reach of inspectors.”

Emergence of SAR
In recent years, the most valuable satellite-based inspection tool has emerged: SAR, or synthetic aperture radar. This tool uses microwave pulses to map the ground, collecting the reflection of those pulses as they are bounced back from Earth. One advantage of SAR technology is that it can peer through clouds as it creates highly detailed three-dimensional models of objects on Earth.

Over the years, a number of SAR satellites have been launched, and these satellites take continuous measurements of the planet. One constellation of SAR satellites passes over the same location on Earth once every 12 days. That continuous measurement has led to another capability, known as InSAR or Inferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar, which compares two SAR images to detect tiny changes, as small as one millimeter, in a dam’s surface, from space.

SAR systems can also be mounted on drones, Kostek said, allowing for other perspectives.

“Using unmanned aerial vehicles or satellites allows inspections to be done without travel and when needed, prioritizing those dams that need a visit,” Kostek said.

Tuesday, March 04, 2025 – Sundaram Finance Ltd, one of India’s most trusted NBFCs, has introduced a Digital Deposit facility, making savings simpler, safer and more accessible than ever. For over 70 years, Sundaram Finance has been a name synonymous with trust and financial security. With a strong base of over one lakh depositors, Sundaram Finance Deposits have been AAA-rated by ICRA and CRISIL for well over three decades, ensuring the highest level of safety and reliability. Opening a Deposit with Sundaram Finance is just a click away! Customers can conveniently invest and manage their deposits digitally through a seamless and secure process, enjoying peace of mind and attractive returns.

Digital Deposits from Sundaram Finance allow investors to make their money work from the comfort of their homes with the option to open, manage and monitor their deposits at their convenience. Sundaram Finance has made the opening of Digital Fixed Deposits an easy process by downloading the KYC details from CERSAI. This online transaction can be initiated through the company portal and the SF Next app.

“Sundaram Finance has been a trusted partner in financial security for generations. With the launch of our Digital Deposit facility, we are making the investment process simpler and more seamless, so customers can now complete their deposit in just five easy steps and receive an E-TDR instantly. We also encourage individual depositors to add a nominee to ensure financial security. Also, depositors can opt for Auto-maturity payment. Backed by a AAA rating and decades of trust, Our endeavour is always to ensure consistent service standards to facilitate absolute peace of mind” said, Dhandayuthapani S, Head – Deposits

Start your journey towards secure savings today!

Visit www.sundaramfinance.in to open Deposit online.