All posts by K S Krishna

“Exhibition gives insights to the uniform industry from across the globe,” says Hon Governor World Uniform market is expected to touch the $ 25 billion mark by 2030

Solapur Garment Manufacturing Association (SGMA) holding the 8th edition of Uniform Manufacturing Fair 2024 in Bangalore from December 18 to 20, 2024 was inaugurated by Honorable Governor of Maharashtra Shri C. P. Radhakrishnan on Wednesday. The annual fair provides a platform for manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors in the uniform industry to showcase their latest products, connect with potential clients, and discuss emerging trends in the sector. Hon. Governor said that people from the whole world who are into uniform business must once definitely visit the exhibition as it gives the latest insights into the uniform industry.

Apart from the Governor of Maharashtra who was chief guest, Shri Subhash Deshmukh, former Textiles Minister and BJP MLA Subhash Deshmukh, Shri M. B. Raghunath, CEO, Mafatlal Industries Ltd, Shri Nilesh Shah, President, Shri Solapur Readymade Kapad Utpadak Sangh, Solapur; in the presence Shri Sunil Mengji, Fair Chairman; Shri Vekatesh Mengji, Fair Secretary, Solapur were also present on the dais as guest of honor.

The exhibition is expected to see the participation of 120 leading brands with more than 10,000 designs of uniform clothes and over 25,000 designs and accessories of uniform fabrics on the show.

After inaugurating the exhibition, Honorable Governor CP Radhakrishnan said the efforts of the Solapur Garment Manufacturers Association have been showing results. “I think this is really amazing that the Association has been going across India and promoting Maharashtra and Solapur as uniform manufacturing hubs of India by organizing annual exhibitions in various cities. Further giving a chance to MSMEs to showcase their products and thereby helping in employment creation leads to an increase in revenue earning of the state. It is rare to see that a special uniforms exhibition dedicated to the whole supply chain right from uniform fabric, uniform garment, accessories, bags, and shoes all under one roof is being organized.”

In his well-received speech by the participants, Hon Governor said, “It is good to know that more than 120 brands have participated. I was thrilled to see more than 10000+ uniforms design in all categories like school uniforms, workwear uniforms, corporate uniforms, industrial uniforms, airline uniforms. SGMA has done a fantastic job by forming an organized platform for uniforms manufacturers. Most difficult part is to change every year the venue and do marketing and bring visitors to the exhibition, but being informed by the association in the last 7 editions more than 25000 b2b visitors from whole country and more than 32 international country delegations have visited the exhibition.”

He said, “Even the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji had taken a note and praised SGMA for making Solapur uniforms manufacturing hub of India. Former Textiles Minister Shri Subhash Deshmukh had mentored the idea of organizing uniforms exhibition. I must say his long-term vision had today taken Solapur to new heights where whole India is now looking at Solapur for sourcing its uniforms. The day is not that far when whole world will be looking at Solapur for its uniform’s requirement.”

The 3-day show will be held at Gate No. 8, Shrinagar Palace Grounds, Jayamahal, Bengaluru, Karnataka. The International uniform and Garment exhibition has been organized by the Solapur Garment Manufacturers Association (SGMA), which conceptualized and has been successfully implementing it for the last seven years.

After seven successful editions across various states, The Uniform Manufacturers Fair has established itself as a unique sourcing platform for the uniform and garment industry. It offers stakeholders and businesses the opportunity to interact with leading manufacturers of uniform garments and fabrics and expand their business prospects.

Key stakeholders to participate from the sector include manufacturers of school uniforms, belts and ties, sportswear uniforms, logos and prints, winter wear, college uniforms, school shoes, and socks, various types of uniform fabrics, school and college bags, and hospital uniforms, as well as blazers, among others.

The Fair will witness more than 120 brands showcasing their products under one roof with almost all the leading companies engaged in manufacturing uniform clothes expected to participate in the exhibition. Among the participants In fabric brands are Mafatlal, Kaka, and Fizzical among others who will put more than 10,000 designs of uniform clothes, apart from 20,000 designs of uniform garments on the show. Besides it, other accessories like ties, belts, school shoes, socks, bags, blazers, and products related to the garment-related machines will also be on display.

World Uniform market, which was just $ 6.2 million in 2020, grew to $ 8.4 billion and is expected to touch the $ 25 billion mark by 2030, said Mr.Sunil Mengji -Fair Chairman of SGMA

The garment manufacturers of Solapur, besides supplying bulk uniform orders in the stipulated time, also fulfill the request of buyers to refill small quantity orders after completing the bulk orders. This is considered to be the specialty of manufacturers and this is the reason why South Indian retailers take interest in the uniform trade in Solapur.

Solapur Garment Manufacturers Association (SGMA) is fulfilling the dream of Prime Minister Narendra Modi Shri Narendra Modi, who on April 9, 2014, said in his speech that the Solapur Textiles Industry has the potential, the artisans and workers here have the capacity to take the industry to newer heights. Ten years later on January 20, 2024, Hon’ble PM hailed the SGMA and the garment industry for treading on the right path of growth to make Solapur the hub of uniform across the globe. He had said that the Solapur has been seen as the uniform cluster in the world and it has emerged in the position to supply world-class uniforms across the globe.

Again, on November 12, in an election rally in Solapur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi once again hailed Solapur for being the uniform hub. He said, “When its comes to the uniforms, Solapur is the topmost place in the country. Generations are engaged in the sewing industry for decades making it the hub of the uniform industry.”

He said that the Solapur industry has the potential and strength to offer thousands of jobs. He also directed the industry to manufacture the uniforms meant for police and defence forces in Solapur to make the jobs available. The industry has the potential of creating over 20000 jobs and 500 new industrialists.

Inspired by the speech by Hon Prime Minister, the SGMA gathered all the manufacturers in Solapur and appealed to the young industrialist among them to come forward to take the task ahead. In 2017, The Association put a proposal of organizing an international exhibition for uniforms to the then Chief Minister of Maharashtra Devendra Fadnavis, and Textiles Minister Subhash Deshmukh. The Minister was prompt enough to give the nod to the exhibition.

The first International Uniform exhibition was organized in Solapur in 2017 for the first time in the country. It was successfully jointly organized by the Solapur Garment Manufacturing Association and the Maharashtra Government. After the success of the exhibition, its subsequent editions were organized in metro cities of other states over the last seven years. The annual shows were organized in cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai and Hyderabad. The exhibitions organized in seven years have helped the industry in creating over 500 new industrialists.

18 December 2024: ACC, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, in collaboration with the Adani Foundation, is empowering women in rural Varanasi through its Adani Skill Development Centre (ASDC) at ACC Salai Banwa. The initiative recently achieved a significant milestone with the placement of 50 trained women at Indivillage, a knowledge process outsourcing (KPO) enterprise, enabling financial independence and community upliftment.

The ASDC’s focused training programs equip women with essential technical, communication, and industry-specific skills, preparing them for roles in data processing, market analytics, and customer support. This initiative is fostering sustainable growth while creating opportunities for women to thrive in the digital economy.

Among the beneficiaries is Sandhya Verma, who comes from a farming family in Seva Puri, Varanasi. With the support of ASDC’s KPO training program, Sandhya secured a job at Indivillage, allowing her to contribute to her family’s financial stability. “Getting a job in Varanasi has been life-changing. This Diwali, I gifted my parents new clothes and contributed to the family celebrations, bringing joy to us all,” she shared.

This initiative underscores ACC and the Adani Foundation’s commitment to fostering sustainable development and empowering women, ensuring a brighter future for individuals and their communities in rural Varanasi and beyond.

NOFILTR Social LLP, a pioneering leader in creator and creative management, proudly announces the appointment of Anushka Sanghvi as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO). This significant milestone reflects the company’s dedication to nurturing internal talent and driving innovation in the ever-evolving creator economy.

Anushka’s journey with NOFILTR Social LLP began in June 2018, when she joined as a Social Media Manager. Over the past six years, she has risen through critical leadership roles, including Brand Manager, Head of Design and Incubation, and most recently, Creative Director. Her trajectory showcases her ability to blend creative vision with strategic innovation, contributing to the company’s dynamic growth and success.

“Stepping into the role of CMO feels like a natural progression in my journey with NOFILTR Social LLP,” said Anushka Sanghvi. “What began as a focus on social media has evolved into a deep understanding of creators, their potential, and the industry as a whole. I’m thrilled to continue building on this foundation to shape the future of creator management.”

As CMO, Anushka will lead the company’s marketing efforts, focusing on amplifying the voices of creators, fostering innovative partnerships with brands, and enhancing NOFILTR’s position as a thought leader in the creator economy. Her approach combines strategic insights, data-driven decisions, and a commitment to empowering both creators and her team.

During her tenure as Creative Director, Anushka played a pivotal role in redefining the company’s creative direction, launching successful incubation programs for emerging talent, and building brand strategies that resonated with Gen Z audiences. Her contributions have not only elevated NOFILTR’s standing in the industry but have also laid the groundwork for its next phase of growth.

“My vision for NOFILTR Social LLP is to create an ecosystem where creativity knows no bounds,” Anushka added. “We’re not just managing creators; we’re nurturing a new generation of digital pioneers who will shape the future of this industry.“

Commenting on the appointment, Hitarth Dadia, CEO of NOFILTR.GROUP said, “Anushka’s transition to CMO is a testament to her exceptional leadership and creativity. Her ability to align artistic innovation with strategic objectives positions her perfectly to lead NOFILTR’s initiatives and continue to push boundaries in positioning NOFILTR as a creative first company.”

This appointment marks a new chapter for NOFILTR Social LLP, reinforcing its commitment to revolutionizing the creator management landscape. With Anushka at the helm of marketing, the company is poised to redefine industry standards, integrate advanced marketing technologies, and build stronger global partnerships, ensuring sustainable growth and continued leadership in the creator economy.

18th December 2024: A recent survey by TeamLease EdTech highlights a significant shift in how Indian students view higher education, with 85% endorsing Work-Linked Degrees as the future. Despite overwhelming demand, less than 2% of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) currently offer such programs, underscoring an urgent need for change.

Conducted with over 10,000+ students across India, the survey reveals how students are prioritizing practical exposure and employability. A remarkable 80% of students believe that work experience on their CV improves their chances of securing high-paying jobs, while 40% identify financial independence as a key driver behind their preference for Work-Linked Degrees. Moreover, 66% of students value flexibility in learning schedules, and 56% are drawn to on-the-job mentorship. Such models resonate deeply with students’ aspirations for learning that integrates seamlessly with their career goals. These findings reveal a need for HEIs to adopt more flexible, skill-oriented programs that align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and emerging student aspirations.

Awareness of work-linked degrees is exceptionally high, with 93% of students familiar with the concept. Metro cities such as Delhi, Bangalore, and Mumbai exhibit the highest levels of awareness. The survey also reveals the appeal of learning flexibility and on-the-job mentorship, which are key attractions for students, with 66% and 56% respectively, citing these as primary motivators. IT and Marketing roles dominate internship preferences, with 25% of students gravitating toward tech positions and 24% toward marketing, followed by opportunities in Banking and Finance (19%).

The report further delves into the factors influencing student decisions, with family and mentors having a major impact. Over 50% of respondents cited their parents as key advisors and 34% relied on mentors, emphasizing the need for inclusive communication strategies targeting families and educators. This alignment can foster broader acceptance and understanding of Work-Linked Learning programs among all stakeholders.

Commenting on the findings, Shantanu Rooj, Founder and CEO of TeamLease EdTech, said, “The overwhelming student interest in Work-Linked Degrees highlights a tremendous opportunity for HEIs to reimagine their offerings. However, the low adoption rate by institutions is a significant challenge. Work-linked programs are a transformative model that empowers students with industry-relevant skills while creating a credible pipeline of job-ready talent. Universities must embrace this change to ensure their graduates are future-ready.”

Jaideep Kewalramani, COO and Head of Employability Business, TeamLease Edtech added,“The future of education is about creating a learning ecosystem that bridges academic theory with real-world industry skills. Work-linked degrees represent more than a trend. They need to be considered as a strategic response to the rapidly evolving job market, where adaptability and practical expertise are becoming as crucial as traditional academic credentials. By integrating academic learning with meaningful work experience, we’re not just preparing students for jobs, but empowering them to become agile, innovative professionals who can navigate the complexities of a workplace that are currently as dynamic as they can be.”

TeamLease EdTech is actively driving this transformation by equipping HEIs to implement Degree Apprenticeship programs through its platform, Digivarsity. By fostering partnerships with industries, creating modular and flexible learning pathways, and scaling outreach to underserved geographies, TeamLease EdTech is ensuring that Work-Linked Degrees are accessible to a diverse student population. These initiatives are enabling institutions to align with NEP 2020 too, making education more relevant to the demands of the modern workforce.

The survey methodology involved collecting responses from students based across metros and Tier-2 cities, ensuring representation from all regions and the sample also included a nearly balanced gender representation, with 52% female respondents and 48% male respondents, ensuring an inclusive understanding of student perceptions. By analyzing these insights, TeamLease EdTech aims to drive dialogue among HEIs, policymakers, and industries to accelerate the adoption of Work-Linked Learning, creating a future where education and employability go hand in hand.

December 18th, 2024 – The U.S. Consulate General Mumbai, in collaboration with Ideabrew Studios, is proud to announce the launch of Naari Network, a transformative video podcast series dedicated to addressing systemic barriers and championing women’s active participation in the workforce. Spanning 24 episodes over the course of one year, the podcast will amplify the voices of trailblazing women leaders and supportive male allies working to foster supportive professional spaces.

U.S. Consul General Mike Hankey shared his thoughts on the initiative: “Advancing gender equity in the Indian workforce is a key priority for the U.S. Consulate. With Naari Network, we aim to ignite impactful conversations that empower women to break barriers, inspire men to become stronger allies, and encourage businesses large and small, Indian and American to adopt forward-thinking policies. Together, we can build a workforce that mirrors the strength and potential of everyone.”

Naari Network, hosted by social media influencer and climate activist Freishia Bomanbehram, will delve into critical topics such as Workplace Policies, The Future of Work for Women, and Role Models Inspiring the Next Generation. The series will feature conversations with prominent Indian and international thought leaders. The illustrious lineup includes illustrious names like Nikhil Taneja, Founder, Yuvaa Priyanka Khimani, Founder, Khimani & Associates, Malini Agarwal, Co-founder, MissMalini, Ratna Mehta, CEO & MD, Fundalogical Ventures, Naiyya Saggi, Co-founder, Good Glamm Group and BabyChakra, Mitu Jha, CEO, Eminence Strategy Consulting, Tarun Katial, Co-founder, Coto, Tejas Parulekar, Co-founder, Saffron Stays, Aisha Bowe, Founder & CEO, STEMBoard, Priti Rathi Gupta, Founder, LXME, Darshana Shah, Head of Marketing & Customer Experience, Aditya Birla Capital, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha, Dasheika Ruffin, Global Head of Community Engagement & DEI Strategy, Google, Alison Williams, Founder, Willco Consulting, Naghma Mulla, CEO, Edelgive, Shweta Shalini, State Secretary, BJP.

Aditya Kuber, CEO of Ideabrew Studios, highlighted the significance of the initiative: “Naari Network celebrates women who are making a difference in the workforce and beyond. By sharing their stories, we hope to inform, inspire, and motivate women across India to achieve their goals while fostering a culture of equality and allyship.”

This initiative extends beyond storytelling. It integrates surveys, feedback mechanisms, and entrepreneurial skills development to holistically address workplace empowerment.

The podcast will be available on leading platforms such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music, and JioSaavn. Complementing the online content, a series of live events at Dosti House at the U.S. Consulate General-Mumbai will bring together students from India’s top business schools, industry leaders, and changemakers for thought-provoking discussions on women’s empowerment. Together, Naari Network aims to inspire real-world action, fostering a more inclusive and equitable future for the Indian workforce.

December 18, 2024: Synchrony, a consumer financial services company and the largest provider of private-label credit cards in the U.S. has reaffirmed its commitment to providing access and opportunity for all through two key education initiatives – ‘Digital Academy’ and ‘Path to Parity.’ With an aim to drive systemic change, these initiatives address the critical need for education and skill development among underserved communities, helping to create pathways to meaningful careers and economic independence.

Digital Academy

Synchrony has partnered with Capgemini to announce the launch of the first Digital Academy in Hyderabad, an initiative that provides advanced IT and BFSI (Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance) training to youth from underprivileged, underrepresented, and economically challenged backgrounds.

Capgemini’s Digital Academy offers skill development programs in collaboration with partners such as Edubridge and NGOs like the Anirban Rural Welfare Society (ARWS). As part of this collaboration, Synchrony will co-create a curriculum that includes technical/non-technical and domain-specific training, alongside behavioral and life skills education, to better help prepare students for the modern workplace and to acquire the required skills to start their careers.

Chintan Chawla, Senior Vice President of global Operations Initiatives and Technology, at Synchrony, said, “As we launch the first Digital Academy in Hyderabad, we are excited to bring our expertise in technology and skills development to the partnership. Together with Capgemini, we look forward to making a lasting impact, providing access to training, and fostering long-term growth for communities across India.”

“At Capgemini, we believe quality education and skill development drive social and economic empowerment. Our partnership with Synchrony to launch the Digital Academy in Hyderabad makes advanced IT and BFSI training accessible to underprivileged youth. By blending technical, domain, and life skills in the curriculum, we aim to empower students for success in the modern workplace. This initiative reflects our commitment to digital inclusion and building brighter futures”, said Kumar Anurag Pratap, Vice-President, Corporate Social Responsibility, India, Capgemini.

The Digital Academy aligns with Synchrony’s broader “Education as an Equalizer” philanthropic initiative, which emphasizes expanding access to higher education, training in high-growth fields, and financial literacy for underserved populations. The insights from this initial launch will serve as a foundation for scaling the Digital Academy model in other cities across India.

Path to Parity

Synchrony’s Path to Parity initiative focuses on bringing industry leaders together to discuss parity issues of different dimensions of diversity. Now in its second year, it builds on the success of its inaugural initiative in 2023 by Synchrony’s tech team, which brought together some of the industry’s most influential personalities as they engaged in impactful discussions about the path to gender parity in the technology sector. It continues to serve as a forum for the organization’s Global Delivery Centers (GDC), industry leaders, and key partners to share best practices, collaborate on CSR initiatives, and advance inclusive growth. This year’s theme, “Equalizing through Education,” aims to break down barriers and provide equal access to educational and employment opportunities, with a particular emphasis on supporting underprivileged students in India.

Gaurav Sehgal, Senior Vice President, Human Resources – Asia, Synchrony said, “At Synchrony, we believe that education is the key to fostering a skilled, inclusive workforce that can lead future transformations in technology and industry. Path to parity is designed to accelerate the benefits of the digital and financial revolution for all, especially those traditionally excluded from such opportunities. We look forward to leveraging our partnerships and resources to make a tangible impact on educational access.”

With partners such as the NASSCOM Foundation, Synchrony aims to mobilize a network of leaders to drive collective change, ensuring that education remains a foundational element in the path toward a more equitable society. Path to Parity has already fostered transformative discussions and initiatives around diversity, equity, and inclusion, including in-person unconscious bias training and workshops on health, wellness, and financial literacy.

18th December 2024: Vignan Online, the online learning arm of Vignan’s Foundation for Science, Technology and Research (Deemed-to-be-University) has introduced a two-year Master of Business Administration program in Information Technology, aimed at equipping learners with the skills to thrive in the ever-advancing technology sector. This program focuses on managing technological resources, crafting effective IT strategies, and driving digital transformation. Developed by seasoned faculty of Vignan Online and industry professionals, the curriculum will provide explicit knowledge aligned with real-world IT demands.

The program will cover topics such as IT project management, cybersecurity, data analytics, cloud computing, and emerging technologies. Graduates will be prepared for influential job roles like Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Technology Officer (CTO), IT Director, and Data Analytics Manager across sectors, primarily including BFSI, e-commerce, healthcare IT, technology consulting, and Industry 4.0 initiatives.

CEO of Vignan Online Mr Srikant Nandigam said, “This program combines essential management knowledge with advanced IT skills which will equip learners to thrive in technology-centric roles. It will prepare them to adapt to evolving industry demands, drive innovation, and contribute effectively across various sectors by integrating strategic thinking with technical proficiency.”

18th December 2024: Premium Japanese lingerie brand, Wacoal has unveiled its largest flagship store in India at the iconic Phoenix Palladium in Mumbai. The launch event was graced by renowned actress Ms. Mouni Roy, alongside Ms. Pooja Merani, COO and Mr. Hirokuni Nagamori, CEO of Wacoal India. This marks a significant milestone in Wacoal’s continued expansion in India, bringing the brand closer to its customers with a premium shopping experience.

Spanning a spacious area, the flagship store at Phoenix Palladium offers an extensive selection of Wacoal’s premium intimate wear. From everyday essentials to luxury lingerie, the store showcases the brand’s dedication to combining comfort, elegance, and the perfect fit. It serves as a testament to Wacoal’s philosophy of delivering intimate wear that caters to the diverse needs of women while maintaining the highest quality standards.

Highlighting the brand’s growth and commitment to quality, Ms. Pooja Merani, COO of Wacoal India, remarked, “Wacoal has always been committed to providing exceptional quality and a perfect fit for women. Our new concept flagship store represents our dedication to delivering a unique premium shopping experience that is not only about our products but also about understanding each woman’s individual needs. We are delighted to continue expanding with more stores planned across India as well as strengthening our presence in multi-brand outlets and e-commerce platforms.”

Actress Mouni Roy, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, expressed her excitement, “It’s a pleasure to be part of Wacoal’s journey in India. This store beautifully reflects what Wacoal stands for: comfort, confidence, and luxury. I’m sure this store will become a go-to destination for women in Mumbai to discover lingerie that fits their unique needs, style, and personality.

As someone who has always championed body positivity, I’m thrilled to see Wacoal embrace and celebrate diverse body types, empowering women to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. I’m also excited to see the brand’s upcoming launches and how they continue to redefine lingerie for modern women.”

Talking about the new store launch, Mr. Hirokuni Nagamori, CEO of Wacoal India shared “We are thrilled to open our largest flagship store in Mumbai. This store represents our commitment to offering Indian women premium lingerie while offering a great fit, comfort and exemplary service synonymous with Wacoal Internationally. Our extensive range of products are a blend of unique design and creativity, coupled with innovation and quality.

The flagship store’s launch signals Wacoal’s significant investment in the Indian market, with plans to establish a robust presence through multi-channel retail including specialized stores, multi-brand outlets, and a stronghold on the e-commerce platforms.

This milestone represents more than a retail expansion, it’s a statement of Wacoal’s commitment to revolutionizing intimate wear retail in India, blending Japanese precision with local market insights.

18 December 2024: Air India, India’s leading global airline, has launched special, discounted fares and additional benefits for students across its domestic and international route network, making a world-class, full-service flying experience more exciting for them.

New student fare benefits: The special fares provide students up to 10% discount on base fares on all flights, 10kg extra baggage allowance, and the option of a one-time free date change upon booking on Air India’s direct channels, including airindia.com and the Air India mobile app. The special student fares are now available for bookings in Economy, Premium Economy and Business cabins.

“With these new student fare benefits, we are making it easier and more affordable for young travellers to explore the world, connect with different cultures, and broaden their horizons. At Air India, we are committed to supporting students on their educational journeys and to making full-service flying more accessible and a rewarding experience for students”, said Nipun Aggarwal, Chief Commercial Officer, Air India.

Global connectivity: Air India operates non-stop between India and 42 destinations abroad, in addition to 49 cities within India. Students travelling between any of these destinations, including those in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia, can now travel with greater ease and flexibility.

Additional savings: Air India currently does not charge any convenience fee on mobile app bookings, which enables student travellers to additionally save INR 399 on domestic flights and up to INR 999 on international flights. Furthermore, travellers can unlock further savings when paying via UPI, netbanking, or credit/debit cards issued by Air India’s bank partners on airindia.com or the Air India mobile app. With these offers, students can potentially enjoy a total of up to 25% discount.

Inflight entertainment on all flights: Air India now offers fleet-wide availability of complimentary inflight entertainment, whether in-seat or on their personal devices with Vista Stream (Air India’s new wireless entertainment streaming service). Air India is also progressively rolling out its new inflight WiFi internet connectivity service on international flights, which is currently available on select international flights.

Maharaja Club benefits: Students can also enroll into Air India’s revamped loyalty programme, ‘Maharaja Club’, and earn reward points on every trip to redeem for complimentary tickets, upgrades, etc. Maharaja Club members earn up to 33% additional reward points when they book directly on airindia.com or the Air India mobile app.

To avail the special student fares, a traveller is required to be:

· At least 12 years of age on the day of travel – for domestic travel

· Aged between 12-30 years on the day of travel – for international travel

· Enrolled in a full-time course for at least one academic year

· Attending an educational establishment recognized, aided by, or affiliated with a central or state government, educational board, university, or an accredited school, college, university, etc.

· Carrying a valid ID card or acceptance letter from their school, college or university or a valid Student Visa

Student fare bookings are available only on Air India’s direct channels: Air India’s website, mobile app, customer contact centre, and at airport and city ticketing offices.

18 December 2024 – RV University (RVU), an emerging institution in higher education, announced the appointment of Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar as its new vice-chancellor. With more than three and a half decades of experience, Prof. Sanjay has a wealth of knowledge and skills that would help the university to improve its reputation in both research and academia.

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, a graduate of BITS, Ranchi University, has two postgraduate degrees in management, an MBA, and an M.Tech and Ph.D. (Engineering) both from IIT Delhi. He has the distinction of having a second Ph.D. in Management from Jain (University), which is noteworthy and demonstrates his dedication to academic excellence. He has excelled in many academic and professional courses and has achieved distinction throughout his educational career. He is a presidential awardee of, Vishisht Seva Medal, for his outstanding research, innovation, and utmost dedication to the nation.

Dr.(h.c.) A.V.S. Murthy, Chancellor of RV University, expressed his enthusiasm about the new appointment, saying, “Prof. Dr. Sanjay Kumar is a perfect example of academic and professional brilliance. His diverse background in leadership, technology, and research will revolutionize RV University. We have no doubt that his vision will raise our university to unprecedented levels of scholarly and research renown.”

Sri D.P. Nagaraj, Pro Chancellor of RV University, added, “We are thrilled to welcome a leader of Dr. Kumar’s caliber. His extensive experience across defense research, space technology, and academic administration makes him the perfect leader for our university. His experience in leading complex multi-crore projects and guiding brilliant scientific teams aligns perfectly with our institution’s goals.”

On his appointment, Prof. Sanjay Kumar said, “I am honored to be part of the RV University family at such an exciting juncture, with its focus on innovation, research and interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary education. He also added, “RV University has great potential to transform the landscape of Indian higher education and contribute significantly towards the development of New India. He mesmerised the audience with his power-packed speech filled with intellect and humour. He further stated, “I am delighted to meet a group of highly accomplished and experienced faculty members.” He emphatically made a special mention that as a leader he will strive to lead from the front and carve new pathways for all the intellectuals and young brilliant students to contribute significantly towards a national vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047.”

Prof. Kumar has an excellent record in his academic, research, and leadership career. He has published his works in renowned national and international journals. He is the author of seven publications, including the well-known “Concepts and Applications of Microwave Engineering” and “Wave Propagation and Antenna Engineering.” He has made contributions to a variety of sectors, such as satellite communication, aerospace technology, renewable energy and electronics and communication engineering.

Having previously held the position of Vice Chancellor at reputable universities such as Amity University Kolkata and Symbiosis University of Applied Sciences, Professor Sanjay has an extensive background in leading academic and research initiatives. He has experience working with prestigious national institutions including the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), Defense Research Development Organization, and the Indian Air Force (IAF).

Prof. Kumar has received numerous national and international honors, including the AVM Harjinder Singh Trophy for academic distinction and the President of India’s Vishist Seva Medal. His initiatives to promote creativity and youth involvement have also received recognition at the state and national levels.

RV University aims to strengthen its dedication to providing quality education, supporting innovative research, and cultivating an inclusive and innovative culture under Prof. Kumar’s guidance.