Author: Team

IIM Raipur welcomes Assam Students to Experience the Rich Culture of Chhattisgarh under Yuva Sangam Phase V

Raipur, December 27, 2024: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur recognised for #buildingbusinessowners, welcomed a delegation of 45 students and five coordinators from Assam University, Silchar, as part of the Ministry of Education’s flagship program, Yuva Sangam Phase-V, under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative. This cultural exchange program will run from December 26 to 30, 2024 and aims to foster connections among youth through shared experiences in tourism, traditions, development, and technology.

 The inaugural ceremony, held at IIM Raipur, was graced by Shri Sanjeev Kumar, DRM of North Central Railway, as the Chief Guest. Shri Kumar inspired the students to explore India’s diverse heritage and culture through such programs. He said, “India’s strength lies in its diversity, and programs like Yuva Sangam provide a wonderful platform for young minds to explore, experience, and embrace our nation’s rich heritage and culture. I encourage each of you to travel extensively, as it will not only broaden your perspective but also strengthen the bonds of unity that define our country.”

 Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, warmly welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of leveraging this opportunity to deepen understanding and unity among India’s youth. He added, “It is a privilege to host the enthusiastic students from Assam at IIM Raipur under the transformative Yuva Sangam initiative. This program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, is a golden opportunity to foster mutual learning, cultural exchange, and deep connections between regions. The rich culture of Chhattisgarh has a lot to offer. I urge the delegates to make the most of this experience and carry back memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.”

 As part of the event, program kits were distributed to the delegates, marking the beginning of an enriching five-day journey exploring the culture and traditions of Chhattisgarh. This exchange program strengthens the bonds between Assam and Chhattisgarh, with IIM Raipur and Assam University, Silchar, as the nodal institutions facilitating this endeavor.

 The meticulously planned 5-day visit for the Yuva Sangam delegates promises an engaging and enriching experience as they delve into the diverse cultural, historical, and developmental aspects of Chhattisgarh. Starting with ice-breaking activities at IIM Raipur, the cohort will be introduced to the vibrant traditions of the state through workshops and captivating Chhattisgarhi folk performances. The itinerary includes visits to iconic sites such as the Sirpur Archaeological Site and the Barnavapara Wildlife Sanctuary, showcasing the state’s heritage and natural beauty. Delegates will explore industrial growth at the Bhilai Steel Plant and visit the Purkhooti Muktangan, reflecting the state’s cultural richness. The program also encompasses interaction with the Governor, visits to prominent landmarks like the State Museum and the Governor House, and a city tour covering Budha Talaab and Vivekananda Sarovar. Culminating in a yoga session and a movie screening, the visit ensures holistic exposure to Chhattisgarh’s tourism, traditions, and advancements, leaving participants with unforgettable memories and valuable learnings.

Jacqueliene Fernandez reflects on the lessons she’s learned, the ups and downs of her career, her passion for fitness and more in Femina’s December 2024 Edition

Jacqueliene Fernandez brings her unapologetic charm and fearless spirit to the December 2024 cover of Femina India. From her memorable debut in Aladin to delivering standout performances in films such as Kick, Roy, and the iconic Housefull franchise, among others, she has undeniably carved a niche for herself in Bollywood. Jacqueliene has also captured the hearts of audiences with her graceful and electrifying dance moves in a string of hit music videos – sharing the screen space with hip-hop icons such as Badshah in Paani Paani and Genda Phool and starring alongside international artists Tayc in Yimmy Yimmy and Michele Morrone in Mud Mud Ke, to name a few.

In an exclusive conversation, Jacqueliene delves deep into her journey of personal growth – candidly reflecting on the lessons she’s learned and those she had to unlearn along the way. The actor shares bits about her evolving relationship with “being authentic”, both online and offline, and talks about the sheer joy she’s discovered in a new creative passion: music. Her debut single, Stormrider, created in collaboration with LA-based record label Myst Music, has already amassed over 8.4 million views on YouTube, marking yet another milestone for her.

Touching upon the growing pressures of social media and societal expectations, she emphasises, “If every individual in society tried their best not to be so judgmental online and offline, it would encourage more authenticity from everybody, whether it’s a celebrity or a regular person.” It is not just social media pressure, there is also the pressure of external appearances. “Flawlessness is a myth, and our audiences are now intelligent enough to not always expect it from us,” she adds.

Jacqueliene’s happy place lies in fitness. “It is therapy. I’ve always come out of a session of yoga, the gym, or dance just feeling so much better and so much more accomplished.”

ARCH College Director Archana Surana Chairs panel on Jewellery at Rajasthan Fashion Festival

Jaipur: Archana Surana, Founder and Director of Arch College of Design and Business, attended the Rajasthan Fashion Festival (RFF) as the Chief Guest and chaired a panel discussion on the theme “Jewellery as a Timeless Art: A Balance of Tradition, Fashion, and Modernity in Design .” Renowned jewellery designer Rajeev Arora, Founder of Amrapali Jewellers, also participated as a panelist, along with other industry experts who shared valuable insights on the evolution of jewellery design.

In her remarks, Archana Surana highlighted the transformative journey of jewellery design, evolving from a purely traditional craft to a dynamic blend of art, innovation, and business. She remarked, “Jewellery design today is no longer confined to tradition; it is an exciting fusion of heritage, modernity, and cutting-edge innovation. It also holds immense potential as a thriving career path for aspiring designers.”

She also emphasized Jaipur’s global prominence in the jewellery and gemstone industry, attributing its success to the city’s centuries-old expertise in Kundan, Meenakari, and Jadau jewellery. “Jaipur’s artisans are celebrated worldwide for their unparalleled craftsmanship, seamlessly blending tradition and modernity, elevating the jewellery industry to new heights,” she noted.

Adding to the discourse, Rajeev Arora underscored the growing career opportunities in jewellery design and lauded Arch College for its pivotal role in nurturing industry-ready talent. “The students of Arch College are excelling as jewellery designers and merchandisers, contributing significantly to this flourishing field,” he said.

ARCH College of Design and Business, a pioneer in jewellery design education in Jaipur, has been instrumental in equipping students with traditional skills while incorporating modern technologies like digital design into its curriculum. Its range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses ensures students gain comprehensive knowledge of both heritage techniques and innovative practices.

IIT Kanpur Organized Workshop on Home Furnishing to Empower Rural Women Entrepreneurs

Kanpur, 27 December, 2024: The Design Development Centre, Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra, IIT Kanpur, has organized a six-day workshop on home furnishing products, running from December 24 to 29, 2024. The workshop is designed to nurture rural women entrepreneurs by equipping them with advanced design inputs to create high-quality home furnishing products.

 A diverse group of 39 participants is attending the workshop, including 29 rural women artisans from Bithoor, Baikunthpur, and Maksoodabad, alongside 10 students from Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The women participants, already skilled in tailoring and handicrafts, aspire to leverage this training to establish their own businesses.

 The event was graced by notable guests, including Mr. Sandeep Jain, Founder of Kanpur Parivartan Forum; Mrs. Babita, a renowned painter; Dr. Archana Singh, Head of the Department of Community Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University; and Mrs. Prabha from Aadhar NGO. They motivated participants to harness this platform to develop unique designs and foster mutual learning.

 The inaugural session commenced with an inspiring address by Mrs. Rita Singh, Project Executive Officer of Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra, IIT Kanpur. Highlighting the workshop’s objectives, she encouraged participants to take advantage of the ODOP (One District, One Product) scheme and connect with the organized sector. Mrs. Singh also announced the establishment of a desk to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in registering and accessing relevant government schemes.

 Dr. Monika Thakur, Coordinator of the Design Development Centre, elaborated on the workshop curriculum, emphasizing its outcomes and the importance of collaboration.

 The curriculum, curated by Surabhi Saxena, a Delhi-based home textile designer, focuses on contemporary techniques in embroidery, crochet, and patchwork. Under the guidance of expert trainers Ms. Ritika and Ms. Santoshi, the participants will collaborate to develop innovative product lines.

 With a vision to empower women by enhancing their skills in home furnishing and guiding them toward independence and entrepreneurial success, the workshop began with great enthusiasm and promises a transformative experience for all involved.

Vyomini Social Enterprise Launches Skill Development Training Program in Partnership with SIDBI

Vyomini Social Enterprise launches its flagship skill development training program, ‘Swabhimaan,’ aimed at empowering service providers and enhancing employment opportunities for individuals from underprivileged backgrounds. This transformative initiative, supported by the Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI), marks a significant step toward socio-economic upliftment, particularly for migrant workers, women, and youth in the Delhi NCR region.

The ‘Swabhimaan’ program is meticulously designed to provide comprehensive training across diverse service sectors, including domestic help, patient care, child care, elderly care, home care, and security guard services. With a duration of 75 hours, the training program equips participants with practical, job-ready skills tailored to meet the growing demand for professional service providers. The program has already enrolled over 100 participants, comprising both men and women migrants, and aims to scale up its reach in the coming months.

Upon completing the training, Vyomini Social Enterprise will facilitate placement and employment opportunities for participants, enabling them to immediately apply their newly acquired skills. This initiative plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between the demand and supply of skilled labor while promoting economic independence among underprivileged communities.

Notable healthcare organizations such as Anand Maya Hospital, Holy Angel Hospital, Aastha Hospital, and Sagar Nursing Home are among those offering promising employment opportunities to qualified candidates.Speaking at the launch, Prachi Kaushik, Founder and Director of Vyomini Social Enterprise, shared her vision: “Swabhimaan is more than just a training program; it is a movement to restore dignity and self-reliance among the underserved. By equipping them with marketable skills and providing job opportunities, we aim to empower individuals to lead fulfilling lives and contribute meaningfully to society.”

The program’s success is bolstered by its partnership with SIDBI, whose support underscores the critical role of public-private collaborations in addressing socio-economic challenges. In addition, local NGOs have joined hands with Vyomini to ensure the seamless execution of the training program and to extend its reach to marginalized communities.

The ‘Swabhimaan’ program’s pilot phase will train 1,000 candidates over the next six months. By targeting high-demand sectors, Vyomini Social Enterprise aims to create a robust pipeline of skilled professionals who can meet the needs of the community while uplifting their own socio-economic status.

Vyomini Social Enterprise’s initiative exemplifies its dedication to addressing unemployment and skill gaps in critical service sectors. By empowering disadvantaged groups with comprehensive training and placement support, ‘Swabhimaan’ is set to make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals and the broader community.

Strengthening Nutrition and Education: The Akshaya Patra Foundation Inaugurates New State-of-the-Art Kitchen in Support with Canara Bank

26th December, Bengaluru – In an aim to enhance educational outcomes through nutritional support, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, recognized as the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program and a distinguished partner of the PM POSHAN initiative, celebrated the inauguration of its 76th kitchen in Cheemasandra Village, Avalahalli Panchayat, Bidarahalli, Bangalore, supported by Canara Bank as the anchor patron donor, represents a significant extension of Akshaya Patra’s efforts to improve educational results by providing nutritional support to students. This new facility marks the organization’s sixth location in Bengaluru.

The event was inaugurated by chief guests, Smt. Manjula Aravind Limbavali, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru, and Shri Aravind Limbavali, Former Minister, Government of Karnataka. Smt. Lathakumari IAS, CEO of Bengaluru Urban District Zilla Panchayat, graced the occasion. On-behalf of the foundation Shri Chanchalpathi Dasa, Co-Founder & Vice-Chairman, and Shri Gunakara Rama Dasa, Regional President – Bengaluru Cluster, of The Akshaya Patra Foundation were present. The event saw Shri Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Canara Bank, as the anchor patron donor.

Smt. Manjula Aravind Limbavali, Member of Legislative Assembly, Mahadevapura Assembly Constituency, Bengaluru, said, “I am delighted to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen, the newly launched kitchen is a testament to their dedication to serving nutritious meals to children and communities. This initiative reflects the spirit of service and development, bringing hope and nourishment to many and strengthening the future of Karnataka.”

Shri Chanchalpathi Dasa, Co-Founder & Vice-Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, “We are immensely grateful for the support of the Government of Karnataka and Canara Bank, whose unwavering commitment has been instrumental in the inauguration of our 76th kitchen in Cheemasandra, Bengaluru. This new facility is not just a kitchen; it’s promising enhanced educational outcomes through nutritional support to over 7,500 students. The strategic location and advanced capabilities of this kitchen enable us to extend our reach and efficacy, reflecting our dedication to nurturing young minds and empowering them through education.”

He also added, “Our heartfelt thanks to Canara Bank for their pivotal role as our anchor patron donor, and to the Government of Karnataka and The Government of India for their continuous partnership. Together, we are forging a future where no child’s educational opportunities are limited by their nutritional status.”

The kitchen, sprawling over 5,000 square feet, is strategically located to cater to over 7,500 students across 60 government and government-aided schools in the Bidarahalli and Cheemasandra areas. It aims to provide hot, nutritious mid-day meals within a strict 4-hour cook-to-consumption timeline, emphasizing the foundation’s dedication to quality and efficiency. This effort not only aims to nourish young minds but also boosts local employment and procurement, & the facility is semi-solar powered, with future plans to incorporate more electric vehicles into its delivery fleet, reflecting its commitment to sustainable practices.

Shri Satyanarayana Raju K, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Canara Bank said, “Our bank takes immense pride in supporting cultural and spiritual celebrations across the country, reflecting our commitment to community engagement. As we grow and prosper, we remain dedicated to contributing to the well-being of our nation, especially in Karnataka. It is a privilege to be part of the inauguration of Akshaya Patra’s 76th kitchen, a remarkable initiative that serves and uplifts the community.”

Shri Shridhar Venkat, CEO, The Akshaya Patra Foundation said, “The transformative power of a daily meal cannot be overstated—it shapes futures, builds dreams, and nurtures the young beneficiaries. The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s success is a testament to the strength of public-private partnerships, with unwavering support from the Government of India, state governments, and generous donors. As we march towards the milestone of our 100th kitchen, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. Together, we are creating a legacy of nourishment, hope, and empowerment.”

Akshaya Patra’s mid-day meal offerings in Bengaluru are customized to appeal to the local palate, ensuring that they are not only nutritious but also palatable. The menu features a variety of dishes including vegetable pulav, bisibele bath, and moong dal payasam, catering to diverse tastes while promoting healthy eating habits among students. This initiative is further enhanced by The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s role as an implementing partner of the visionary ‘Ksheera Bhagya’ program by the Chief Minister of Karnataka, aimed at providing milk to schoolchildren, ensuring that their educational pursuits are not hindered by nutritional deficits.

Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the guests toured the facility and served meals to children, visibly impressed by the foundation’s dedication to quality and community impact. The Akshaya Patra Foundation currently serves over 1.8 lakh children across 1200+ schools in Bangalore and 4.4 lakh children across 3400+ schools in Karnataka.

This project is more than just a facility; it reflects The Akshaya Patra Foundation’s enduring dedication to nurturing young minds and fostering community participation. It also underscores the organization’s drive towards promoting healthy eating habits and advancing sustainable practices.

With the continuous support of the Government of Karnataka and the commitment of all stakeholders, The Akshaya Patra Foundation is set to continue its mission of ensuring that ‘No child is deprived of education because of hunger.’