All posts by Rabindra

New Delhi, 24rd September 2024: TraqCheck, an innovative enterprise software company specializing in AI-powered background check solutions, has successfully raised its Pre–Series A funding round, securing a base valuation of over $14 million. Key investors include Alok Oberoi, a seasoned finance leader and former head of Goldman Sachs’ international wealth management division; Aakash Anand, founder of Bellavita; and Caret Capital, a leading venture firm focused on sectors such as mobility, distribution, and employment.

Founded in 2020 by Jaibir Nihal Singh, Armaan Mehta, and Rishabh Jain, TraqCheck has rapidly become the trusted partner of more than 200 corporations, including renowned companies like Bajaj Capital, Reliance Retail, Cholamandalam Finance, Yatra, and Grant Thornton. Its AI-powered platform helps businesses streamline their hiring processes with fast, accurate, and reliable background checks.

“We are thrilled to have Alok Oberoi, Aakash Anand, and Caret Capital on board as we scale TraqCheck globally,” said the Founders. “This new funding allows us to expand our presence internationally, starting with the United Kingdom. Our vision is to provide companies worldwide with seamless and effective background check technology that enables confident and efficient hiring at scale.”

This Pre–Series A round follows an earlier investment secured in April 2024, which saw participation from the family office of Peyush Bansal, founder of Lenskart, alongside Caret Capital.

With its global expansion plans underway, TraqCheck remains committed to pushing the boundaries of AI-driven background verification services, offering businesses an edge in speed, cost-efficiency, and accuracy. As it ventures into international markets, TraqCheck is set to establish Indian enterprise software as a leader on the global stage.

New Delhi, 23rd September, 2024: ADZPRESSWAY, a leading  MarTech Company, has recently launched and executed a series of high-impact campaigns for major brands in the GCC region, further strengthening its position in the digital marketing space. Leveraging advanced techniques and data-driven strategies, ADZPRESSWAY has helped its clients achieve significant growth in user engagement, app installs, and brand visibility, all while maintaining a strong focus on results.

One of the standout campaigns was for Careem, a ride-hailing and delivery service provider, aimed at expanding its user base in Jordan. Leveraging a cost-per-acquisition (CPA) model, the strategy effectively boosted engagement, generating 2x food orders per month. The heightened visibility and tailored content marketing approach resonated with target audiences, ensuring effective reach and connection.

Similarly, ADZPRESSWAY worked with Jeeny, a prominent ride-hailing app in Saudi Arabia, to increase app installs and user base. The campaign focused on both male and female users, capitalizing on Jeeny’s strong reputation and exclusive offers. By continuously refining strategies, ADZPRESSWAY was able to double the monthly results, surpassing key performance indicators and driving sustained growth in user acquisition.

The company also played a key role in promoting Mashreq Bank across the GCC and MENA regions. The campaign aimed to generate high-quality leads for Mashreq’s seamless banking services. ADZPRESSWAY leveraged the bank’s strong reputation and innovative platform to double monthly results and exceed performance targets, establishing Mashreq Bank as a top choice for banking solutions in the region.

In the entertainment sector, ADZPRESSWAY partnered with Shahid, the leading Arabic streaming platform, to boost user subscriptions and solidify its position as the go-to service for Arabic content in the MENA region. The campaign exceeded expectations by driving a significant increase in premium subscriptions, leveraging innovative digital marketing tactics to reach a broader demographic.

ADZPRESSWAY’s collaboration with Virgin Mobile UAE also proved to be a success. The telecom provider sought to enhance user acquisition and customer loyalty, and through a comprehensive marketing strategy, ADZPRESSWAY helped Virgin Mobile exceed its KPIs. The campaign solidified the brand’s position as a preferred telecom provider in the UAE, particularly among digitally savvy consumers.

These campaigns highlight ADZPRESSWAY’s ability to adapt to the unique challenges of each brand while focusing on driving tangible results. The company’s deep understanding of local market dynamics, combined with its innovative and tailored approach, continues to deliver outstanding outcomes across sectors. As ADZPRESSWAY expands its reach, it remains committed to maintaining excellence in performance marketing across the GCC, MENA, and Indian regions.

Commenting on the success of the campaigns, Simran Khandelwal, Founder of ADZPRESSWAY, stated “It’s been an incredible journey to witness ADZPRESSWAY’s growth and the impact we have been able to create for our clients. Our focus has always been on delivering real value, not just traffic, and it’s exciting to see how our campaigns are driving meaningful results. Each success is a testament to the hard work of our team and our ability to adapt to the unique needs of our clients. We’re not just meeting KPIs; we’re surpassing them, and that’s the kind of growth we aim to sustain.”

Furthermore, Vasudha Kalia, Business Head at ADZPRESSWAY, added, “At ADZPRESSWAY, our commitment is to go beyond the conventional methods and offer solutions that truly resonate with the target audience. These campaigns aren’t just about metrics—they’re about building lasting relationships between brands and their customers. It’s gratifying to see the results we’ve achieved in creating strong brand recall within target geographies, and we’re only just starting to tap into our full potential.”

Mumbai, September 24, 2024: EuroKids, India’s foremost preschool expert, proudly announces the launch of its 8^th version of the curriculum, ‘Heureka’, the Visible Thinking Curriculum. Inspired by Harvard University’s Project Zero and aligned with the National Education Policy 2020’s vision for comprehensive development, Heureka is curated to enhance young learners’ critical and creative thinking skills.

As part of EuroKids’ ambitious growth strategy, the preschool network also announced its plan to expand its presence in Mumbai and across Maharashtra. EuroKids plans to open 325 new centres in the state within the next 5 years and targets reaching 400 centres in Maharashtra, enhancing the quality of early education in the state. EuroKids, the leader in Early Education, recognizes the need for high-quality early education, so it keeps updating its curriculum.

Heureka represents a significant shift from teaching children “what” to think to empowering them with the skills on “how” to think. This curriculum introduces 20 structured Harvard-inspired Thinking Routines that spark curiosity, foster imagination, and cultivate critical thinking in young minds, ensuring that children are not merely absorbing information but are actively engaging with it in a way that fosters deeper understanding and creativity.

Developed over 18 months of rigorous research, pilot testing, and refinement, Heureka is anchored by the EPICS philosophy, addressing five core areas of development that are often overlooked in the education systems – Emotional, Physical, Intellectual, Creative, and Spiritual quotients. The pillars of the curriculum are the 13 distinct programs (CodeQuest, EuroKonect, EuroFit, EuroArt, Elevate, and many more) that are tailored to each child’s learning journey to prepare them not only for academic success but also for lifelong personal growth.

Announcing the launch of the curriculum, KVS Seshasai, CEO, Pre-K Division (EuroKids), Lighthouse Learning, said, “At EuroKids, we believe in laying the foundation for lifelong learning by nurturing curiosity and critical thinking from as early as two years old. Dr Anita Madan, Head Curriculum Development, designed Heureka to be the most innovative curriculum in the early childhood Care and Education space. Our holistic approach ensures that children are not just prepared for school but for life, equipped with the skills to navigate an ever-evolving world. We are excited to see how this curriculum will shape the thinkers, innovators, and leaders of tomorrow. With this new curriculum, we are keen to further strengthen our presence in Mumbai and Maharashtra overall.”

Commenting on the launch of the curriculum, Dr. Anita Madan, Head Curriculum Development, EuroKids, said, “Heureka is a transformative approach to early education. With the EPICS framework, we’re not just focusing on Intellectual Quotient (IQ) but fostering a well-rounded development that includes emotional, physical, creative, and spiritual quotients. We want to encourage children to not only answer the question but also question the answers. This shift cultivates curiosity, critical analysis, and a deeper connection with the world around them. More than academic preparation, Heureka is about fostering a mindset where children are empowered to make connections, solve problems, and engage with the world in meaningful ways.”

Aligned with NEP 2020, which emphasizes holistic development inspired by the ancient Indian concept of Panchakosha or the ‘five sheaths’ of human existence, Heureka integrates these principles into its educational approach. EuroKids is also enhancing its HomeBuddy app to complement the curriculum, offering enriched interactive content to support cognitive development while maintaining balanced screen time.

With over 23 years of experience, and a network of 1,600+ preschools across 400 cities, having nurtured over 7,00,000 students till date, EuroKids remains at the forefront of preparing young minds for the future. This curriculum underscores EuroKids’ commitment to shaping inquisitive, well-rounded learners, reaffirming its position as a leader in early childhood education.

Bangalore, 23^rd September 2024: Toyota Kirloskar Motor (TKM) recently honoured Ms. Peruri Lakshmi Sahasra, a young artist from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, for being named one of the Best Finalists in the prestigious 17th Toyota Dream Car Art Contest (TDCAC) Global Competition. Her imaginative creation, titled Toyota’s Memory Car, earned her a spot among the top 26 global finalists from a remarkable pool of 712,845 entries across 90 countries and regions. As recognition for her outstanding achievement in the 12-15 age category, she was awarded a prize of USD 3,000.

The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest, launched in 2004 by Toyota Motor Corporation (TMC), is a global initiative that encourages children to envision and design their “dream cars,” while exploring the future of mobility. The contest has grown immensely, attracting millions of entries from children of diverse cultures and backgrounds. Since its inception, over 9.4 million children from 144 countries and regions have participated, fostering creativity and inspiring young minds to think about the future of transportation and sustainability.

Open to children aged 15 and under, the competition is divided into three categories: under 7, 8–11, and 12–15 years old. This year, 26 winners were selected worldwide, including grand prize recipients and Best finalists like Ms. Peruri Lakshmi Sahasra, who stood out for her innovative vision.

Mr. Sabari Manohar – Vice President, Sales-Service-Used Car Business, Toyota Kirloskar Motor said, “It is truly inspiring to witness young minds like Ms. Peruri Lakshmi Sahasra imagine and create vehicles that resonate with Toyota’s vision for a sustainable and happier future. The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest is more than a competition—it’s an invitation for children around the world to envision a brighter, more connected future through mobility. We are incredibly proud of Ms. Sahasra’s achievement on the global stage, and her success demonstrates the potential of India’s youth to make meaningful contributions to the future of transportation and innovation. By engaging children at a young age, we hope to inspire future generations to think about how they can contribute to a better society.”

 Excited about the global accolade Peruri Lakshmi Sahasra said, “I am incredibly honoured and excited to be recognized as one of the global finalists in the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest. Participating in this contest has been a truly rewarding experience, allowing me to let my imagination reach a new depth, and envision how cars of the future could change the world. My dream car, Toyota’s Memory Car, was inspired by the idea of technology not just as a tool for mobility but as something that can help preserve memories and connect people in meaningful ways. I am deeply grateful to Toyota for providing young people like me with such an amazing platform to express our creativity and I hope it encourages other children to believe in their ideas and follow their dreams.”

 Peruri Lakshmi, a student of Sri Prakash Vidyanikethan, Visakhapatnam, is a shining example of the creative potential of Indian youth. Her design, Toyota’s Memory Car, was selected for its artistic quality, originality, and inspiring take on a dream car, in the form of a camera navigating into different episodes of life, equipped with a eco-friendly powerful engine that emits compassionate reminiscence of one’s life.  The award-winning entries were selected in National contests held around the world from December 2023 until March 2024, with the winning artworks submitted to be judged for the world contest. In March 2024, the entries were judged, and award winners were selected.

The Toyota Dream Car Art Contest remains a cornerstone of Toyota’s commitment to nurturing the dreams and creativity of young people worldwide. By encouraging children to think about mobility and sustainability from a young age, Toyota hopes to inspire the next generation of innovators, engineers, and artists who will shape the future.

For more information about the Toyota Dream Car Art Contest and to view Peruri Lakshmi Sahasra’s award-winning artwork and other incredible entries, please visit the official contest website: https://www.toyota-dreamcarart.com.

The 18^th Edition of Toyota Dream Car Art Contest will be held from December’2024. Further details and participation requisites will be announced in the due course of time.

In its 16th season, Amitabh Bachchan hosted Kaun Banega Crorepati, on Sony Entertainment Television, continues to captivate viewers across the nation with its thrilling gameplay and heartwarming stories. On Monday and Tuesday, the quiz show will see Rajasthan’s Ujjwal Prajapat sit on the hotseat as he strives to accomplish his dream of winning big on the show. A remarkable individual who has faced numerous financial challenges all his life, Ujjwal looks up to the 3 devis in his life – his daadi, mother, and sister, and he is determined to repay the loans he took for his higher education and the family’s needs.

Moved by his life story, Amitabh Bachchan notices one thing that sets Ujjwal apart is his smile, and says, “What I really like about you is that despite everything you’ve shared, there is no hint of despair on your face. You speak with a smile, and that really touches us.”  A delighted Ujjwal quickly highlights how his grandmother, who he fondly calls ‘Lady Singham’, is his pillar of strength and gives her credit for his upbringing.

That’s not all, impressed with Ujjwal’s gameplay and his vast knowledge, Amitabh Bachchan takes a moment to share a few words of wisdom praising Ujjwal’s determination. He says, “Gyaan aur Dhan, yeh ek hi dor ke woh sire hein jinme sara jeevan jo hai woh  gul mil jata hai. Just as there is no limit to how much knowledge we can gain, there’s also no limit to the wealth that comes from it. Knowledge isn’t restricted by age, religion, or caste; the wealth earned through knowledge is valuable for everyone. The more we learn, the more our wealth can grow alongside it. A great example of this is Ujjwal Ji, who is with us today.”

Mumbai, September 23rd, 2024: Pepperfry, India’s leading e-commerce furniture and home décor company, has launched its new campaign, ‘Why Wait for Diwali.’ Built on the idea that Diwali shopping often becomes a stressful, last-minute rush, the campaign encourages customers to start shopping early. By showcasing the common frustrations of delayed shopping—like out-of-stock items, missed deals, and the stress of rushing—Pepperfry’s message connects with families as they gear up for the festive season. The campaign emphasizes the benefits of planning ahead, taking advantage of the ongoing SALE, and enjoying a smoother, more relaxed shopping experience both online and in-store. ‘Why Wait for Diwali’ aims to help customers focus on celebrating the festival without the last-minute pressure of unfinished shopping.

The campaign’s message unfolds through an intense, movie-style ad that portrays a family caught up in a frantic, last-minute “mission planning” for their Diwali shopping. In an dramatic manner,  the family prepares for their shopping as if they are executing a military operation, complete with tactical lingo and overly serious expressions. As they start planning, they realise that an essential piece of furniture is out of stock, and their carpenter is unavailable for urgent repairs. Tensions rise, and chaos erupts as family members argue and lose control, perfectly capturing the familiar stress of last-minute festival preparations. The ad concludes with a clear message: “Why wait for the last-minute chaos when you can shop peacefully now? Our ‘Why Wait for Diwali‘ SALE is already live! Avoid the rush, avoid the stress—shop early!

Speaking about the latest campaign, Archana K., Lead, Brand Marketing at Pepperfry, said, “At Pepperfry, we understand the chaos and frustration that often comes with last-minute Diwali shopping. Through this campaign, we’re adding a touch of humour to remind people that the festive season doesn’t have to be stressful. By planning ahead and taking advantage of our ongoing sale, families can shop with ease, enjoying a wider range of choices and a more relaxed experience. Diwali is a time for joy and togetherness, and we’re here to help our customers celebrate with peace of mind, leaving the last-minute rush behind.”

Chennai, Monday, 23rd September 2024: The Influencer Marketing Report 2024, (IMR) one of the definitive reports on the Influencer Marketing Industry was released today by Influencer.in one of the fastest-growing influencer platforms in the country and an initiative by Social Beat. Influencer.in releases the Influencer Marketing Industry report annually and this is the fourth edition of the report.

The Influencer marketing report presents a comprehensive look at the industry providing insights on Influencer Marketing and its trends. The report for 2024 compiled over a survey of 100 plus brands and responses from over 500 plus creators & influencers reveals what makes influencer marketing successful and offers insights into the influencer industry’s future.

With the creator economy in India experiencing significant growth, driven by a multitude of platforms and an expanding community of tech-savvy individuals. Influencer marketing is becoming essential for brands, with the industry expected to grow by 25% annually. The IMR report offers valuable insights and data on successful collaborations, industry trends, and the role of data analytics in influencer marketing. Top highlights include the estimated industry size for 2024, growth projections, and increasing allocation of marketing budgets to influencer marketing.

Suneil Chawla, co-founder Social Beat and Influencer.in, said, “Challenges persist from a return of investment measurement to platform algorithms, the growth opportunities are vast. By embracing trends like the rise of micro-influencers, leveraging dominant platforms like Instagram, YouTube and Linkedin and using influencer analytic tools effectively, brands and creators can continue to thrive in this ever evolving marketing landscape. As we look to the future, the key will be staying adaptable, innovative and aligned with the values of an increasingly discerning audience.”

Arushi Gupta, Business Head, Influencer.in, said, “Both influencers and brands share the goal of building authentic connections with audiences. Influences seek long term collaborations to maintain and enhance their credibility and engagement. Brands aim to partner with influencers who can deliver high-quality content and align with their brand values enhancing overall campaign effectiveness There is a mutual aspiration for transparency, accountability and leveraging emerging opportunities such as influencer analytic tools.”

The Indian influencer marketing industry is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. Brands now prioritize content quality and authentic connections, leading to a preference for micro and nano influencers over high follower counts.

Here are the industry highlights:

– Industry size estimated to be INR 5,500 crores by 2024

– The Influencer industry represents 11% of the Digital media industry

– Anticipated industry growth of 20% in 2024 and 25% annually from 2024 to 2026

– By 2028, over 80% of brands are projected to allocate up to 30% of their marketing budgets to influencer marketing

– 40 – 57% of brands in categories like FMCG, e-commerce, and automobiles are expected to increase spending on influencer marketing by 10% by 2026.

Key trends in 2024:

– The rise of mid-tier influencers.

– Platform dominance in influencer marketing:

– Instagram is the top choice for both creators and brands.

– The low adoption of LinkedIn among creators at 4.4% contrasts with 19.5% of brands using it for influencer marketing. Brands should educate or onboard creators to this platform, especially those capable of delivering professional content.

– Brands need to recognize the underutilization of YouTube Shorts, with 75% of creators using short-form content for engagement.

– It is crucial; for brands to focus on creating short-form content through Shorts and Reels to expand their audience reach.

Today, over 40% of brands spend more on influencer marketing, but influencers feel that budget constraints limit partnerships. There’s a need for brands to move beyond transactional relationships, recognize the power of creators, and empower them with creative freedom. Creators should align with brand objectives while showcasing their unique value proposition for more authentic, engaging campaigns.

Challenges for brands

– Measuring ROI.

– Establishing influencer brand fit.

– Challenges with the budget.

Challenges for creators.

– Building a loyal audience.

– Fair compensation and brand support.

– Creative freedom.

Analytics plays a crucial role in influencer marketing. With the rapid growth of influencers, brands must select the right influencers to drive traffic within their budget and market segment. Analytics tools are essential for creating foolproof pre-launch and post-launch strategies. Selecting influencers based on key metrics such as location, interests, age, gender, and engagement rate is paramount for a successful campaign.

The report ends with identifying the top Influencers in India in the fields of Travel, technology, health & fitness, food, Business, Beauty, comedy and fashion and lifestyle

Over 12,000 Members Discuss Skills, Technology, and the Future of India’s Infrastructure

New Delhi, India – September 22, 2024

The Club NPC Annual General Meeting (AGM) and networking event, held on September 21, 2024, at the PHD Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi, brought together over 15,000 members from various sectors of the construction industry. Leaders, professionals, and stakeholders participated in a landmark event that emphasized innovation, knowledge-sharing, and a unified approach to advancing India’s construction industry.

Keynote by ‘Airport King of India’ Sparks Dialogue on Skill Development and Technology

Prof. Charanjeet Singh Shah, renowned as the ‘Airport King of India’ for his work on major airports across the country, delivered a powerful keynote address, highlighting the importance of integrating new skills and technologies in the construction sector. “To meet the goals of Prime Minister Modi’s Viksit Bharat mission by 2047, we must equip our workforce with advanced skills like AutoCAD and artificial intelligence. This is not just about upgrading technology but uplifting laborers by imparting these critical skills,” said Prof. Shah.

Prof. Shah’s emphasis on skill development resonated with attendees as he outlined how technological advancements can align the construction industry with India’s ambitious growth targets.

Leaders of Club NPC Highlight Unity, Innovation, and Community Service

Mr. Yogesh Jagatramka, President of Club NPC India, opened the event by reiterating the organization’s core mission of creating a close-knit network to drive India’s progress. “We are a family of the people, by the people, and for the people. Together, we can reshape the future of India’s infrastructure by fostering collaboration and innovation across all sectors of the construction industry.”

Vice President Mr. Karan Arora emphasized the need for continual self-improvement: “Our focus on self-discovery and learning ensures that our members stay ahead of industry trends, continually upgrading their skills to remain competitive.”

Ms. Rieetu Bhatnagar, Secretary of Club NPC, celebrated the deep friendships and professional bonds formed within the organization, saying, “These relationships not only enhance our careers but also our personal growth.”

Md. Perwez, Director of Finance and Founder-Treasurer, lauded the role of Club NPC members during the pandemic. “Our members served like Corona Warriors, ensuring essential construction projects continued during the most challenging times. Their efforts demonstrated the power of unity and commitment to societal welfare,” said Perwez.

Driving Change and Future Growth

The event marked a significant moment for the construction industry, offering a platform for stakeholders to discuss the future of India’s infrastructure and the role of technology, education, and collaboration. The discussions and workshops are expected to set the stage for groundbreaking developments, helping India’s construction sector play a key role in the nation’s future growth trajectory.

Manesar, September 21, 2024– Amity University Haryana (AUH) conducted a seminar on the theme of ‘Nasha Mukti’ (Freedom from Intoxicants) at its Manesar campus, in collaboration with the District Red Cross, Gurugram. It aimed at raising awareness about drug addiction and its prevention among students and staff. It also underscored the importance of avoiding drugs, distractions, and delinquency, while emphasizing the development of essential professional and personal skills.

Prof. (Dr) P.B. Sharma, Vice Chancellor, AUH; Prof. (Dr) Vikas Madhukar, Pro-Vice Chancellor, AUH and Maj. Gen. J.S. Dhull (Retd.), Dean of Students Welfare (DSW), Prof Dr Sanjna Vij, Dy DSW, AUH felicitated the Chief Guest of the evening, Dr Mukesh Kumar Aggarwal, General Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Haryana State Branch.

Hon’ble Vice Chancellor, AUH, Prof. Sharma during his welcome address, expressed his disdain for drugs and urged the students to not fall into its honey trap. “Drugs are destroying the youth of this country,” expressed Prof. Sharma. Amity University Haryana has been known for its ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’, within which the university ensures a strictly drug-free campus. Further, Prof Sharma shared his deep disappointment with the menace of intoxicants around the world, criticizing the glorification of drugs and alcohol in popular media and culture.

Dr Mukesh Kumar Aggarwal also addressed the AUH dignitaries, faculty, and students, sharing his concerns about the rampant abuse of alcohol and illegal drugs in the country. Urging the young students to not give in to the pitfalls of drug abuse, he said – “Desh humein deta hai kuch, hum bhi desh ko kuch denge. Apne desh ko param vaibhav tak lejaane mei sabse aage aap sab yuva hain!” (The country provides for us, so we must also provide for our country. It’s you all, the youth, who will lead the nation to supreme glory!). The Indian Red Cross Society is a voluntary humanitarian organization, known to provide relief in times of disasters/emergencies and promote health & care to the vulnerable people and communities in India. IRCS has 100 Blood Centres all over India and regularly organizes numerous blood donation camps with one such camp organized at AUH.

Among other guests who graced the evening was Dr Ajay, a renowned psychiatrist who works in association with a Gurugram-based NGO called ‘Antarmanh Foundation.’ Dr Ajay interacted with the students, discussing common myths about drugs and drug abuse along with its adverse effects on the human body and mind. Motivating the students to lead more positive and healthier lives, he said, “Aapko nashe ki taraf nahi, life ki taraf badhna hai!” (You must move towards life, not addiction!) Mr. Nitin Shrivastav, another dedicated advocate in this field, further discussed the harmful impact of drug abuse, urging both adolescents and college-going students to exercise more caution due to mental vulnerabilities faced at this sensitive age.

AUH’s acclaimed drama society- ‘Ek Awaaz’ performed a compelling play to spread awareness about drug abuse and its effects. As a token of appreciation, the troupe was awarded a trophy by AUH dignitaries and IRCS.

Embracing a unanimous appeal to abstain from drug abuse, Mr. Jitin Sharma, a representative of IRCS, administered an oath to the gathering, comprised of AUH dignitaries, faculty, staff, and students. Mr. Vikas Kumar, Secretary, of District Red Cross Society, Gurugram, extended a Vote of Thanks, expressing his gratitude to the attendees and the Chief Guest of the evening, Dr Mukesh Kumar Aggarwal, thanking them for their patience, commitment, and resilience in the fight against illegal drugs.

The chief organizers of the event were Maj Gen Dhull, Dean of Student Welfare (DSW), and Prof. Dr Sanjna Vij, Deputy DSW. Their dedication and leadership ensured that the seminar not only raised awareness but also empowered students to reject the allure of drugs and embrace a path of purpose, resilience, and positivity.

Mumbai, September 21, 2024: The inaugural session of the Meghalaya Media Meet was conducted today by the Directorate of Information and Public Relations, Government of Meghalaya focusing on “Redefining Journalism in the Digital Age.” The event was organized in Shillong with the aim to address issues concerning the transformation of journalism vis-à-vis technological advancements.

While addressing the gathering, Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister said, “When we sat down to decide on reforms or recognition and ways to improve the overall media sector, we realized that the government in general has not done enough to recognize the contributions of our journalists. That is where we felt the need to have such programs to recognise the contributions and hard work they have done, the sacrifices they have made and the challenges they have overcomed.” He also stated that this will foster interaction to connect with the media fraternity to figure out how to move forward in the larger interest of the media sector.

The Hon’ble Chief Minister also announced an amount of Rs. 1 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Special Grant which will be given to the senior journalists who were felicitated today. He stated that the larger goal is to see how things can be improved, the government will push to promote and support different exposures and trainings for media persons, “I believe the press plays a crucial role. Hence, I urge that we should work together in the larger interest of society.” On the issue of housing and pension for journalists, he mentioned that there are challenges that exist for the government, but they are working on how they can resolve if not 100 percent but at least 80 percent of the major issues.

The participation of journalists at the meet underscored their commitment to fostering the vibrant media environment and crucial dissemination of news to the citizens. Discussions were focused on challenges and opportunities which came with digital media and communication that highlighted how there is a need for journalists to follow suit, adapt and be innovative in the present digital age.

Dr Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister, Information & Public Relations stated that it is important to recognize the contributions of the media to the community at large. Speaking on the government’s focus on the rights, privileges and opportunities of media persons, she said that tangent ways of rewarding the media fraternity for their vigilance, constant lending of information and ability to be available are being thought of with the endeavour to ensure to improve their lives, and she hopes that housing facility and pension schemes for media personnel takes off in the right direction.

The meet included a panel discussion on navigating the evolving media landscape, in order to identify key challenges, the advantages and future of digital media. The panel discussion was followed by a session from Prof Indrajit Dube, Vice Chancellor, National Law University on press law and ethics, while the Press Information Bureau discussed on the topic of welfare schemes for journalists under Government of India. Senior journalists from various media houses in the state were also felicitated by the Hon’ble Chief Minister during the event.

In his keynote address, Shri Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, I&PR Department expressed his gratitude to the journalists of Meghalaya, “In a state like Meghalaya you have invested the last 30-40 years spending your entire life in media which is not an easy thing, unless you are very passionate, because it is not a profession where you can earn in monetary terms. I really admire the professionalism you are showing in the state.”

Speaking on the event’s theme, he stated that after the advent of social media, a lot of things have changed, the main being the cut in revenue that has happened to mainstream media, which is affecting them immensely, with the revenue having come down to 50 percent. Most importantly for the government, the main concern is that social media has become a platform for misinformation, and misleading information which is dangerous, and the government is trying to find ways to curb this. Shri Vijay Mantri also stated that unfortunately readership has come down not only in quantity but quality also, and now it has become superficial.

The event was graced by the presence of Shri Conrad K Sangma, Hon’ble Chief Minister; Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, Hon’ble Minister for Information & Public Relations; Shri Vijay Kumar Mantri, IAS, Commissioner & Secretary, I&PR Department; Shri M. S. Sangma, MCS, Director of Information & Public Relations; Prof. Indrajit Dube, Vice Chancellor, National Law University, Meghalaya; Dr. Manash P. Goswami, Department of Journalism & Mass Communication, NEHU, Shillong; senior journalists and members of the media fraternity among others.