Author: Neel Achary

NCPEDP, Mphasis F1 Foundation and IIIT-Bangalore Host High-Impact Multistakeholder Consultation on Assistive Technology and Ecosystem Building

Bangalore, May 20, 2025 The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), in partnership with Mphasis F1 Foundation, convened a landmark two-day multi-stakeholder consultation titled “Re-Imagining Pathways for Assistive Technology” on 23rd – 24th April at the International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-B). This event, in collaboration with IIIT-B’s Centre for Accessibility in the Global South (CAGS), united policymakers, corporates, startups, academia, civil society, and persons with disabilities to forge innovative, inclusive AT solutions for India.

Designed to accelerate inclusive innovation, the event showcased thought leadership and action in the AT sector. A key highlight was NCPEDP’s presentation of a comprehensive policy paper on India’s AT landscape, along with panel discussions, a roundtable, and startup pitches focused on scalable, inclusive solutions.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Pradeep Gupta, Chairperson of NCPEDP, emphasized “India’s Assistive Technology ecosystem holds immense potential to transform lives and livelihoods—but realizing this potential requires a vibrant startup ecosystem supported by enabling policies, academic collaboration, and active participation from incubators. At NCPEDP, we believe the time is ripe for the emergence of dedicated AT hubs across the country. Through collaborative efforts, we can unlock this market and ensure AT becomes a catalyst for inclusive growth.”

Panel discussions explored key challenges in the assistive technology value chain, including import dependency, high production costs, and limited access. Experts emphasized the need for local AT manufacturing, policy support, subsidies, CSR initiatives, and integration into healthcare. They also highlighted how AT can promote inclusive education, workforce inclusion, skilling, and independent living for persons with disabilities.

Mr. Arman Ali, Executive Director, NCPEDP, in his welcome address remarked, “At NCPEDP, we envision a future where inclusive design is not an afterthought but a foundational principle of technological innovation. This consultation is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary collaboration—bringing together technologists, researchers, and persons with disabilities to co-create solutions that are accessible by default.”

“At Mphasis, we believe technology should drive inclusion, not barriers. Through our partnership in this consultation, we are proud to support the exploration of practical and impactful assistive technologies. As a global leader, Mphasis is committed to fostering inclusive innovation that empowers people with disabilities and creates a more accessible future.”
—said Ms. Deepa Nagaraj, Global Head of Communications, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem, ESG, and CSR, Mphasis in her keynote address.

A multistakeholder roundtable explored innovative financing models—ranging from government subsidies and insurance coverage to ESG-aligned venture capital investments. A three-tiered framework was proposed, linking the innovation ecosystem, lived experience of persons with disabilities, and the market ecosystem to create meaningful policy impact. Speakers highlighted the widespread lack of awareness and called for urgent investment in information access, data systems, and inclusive infrastructure.

Reflecting on the vision behind the initiative, Prof. Amit Prakash, Professor and Convener of CAGS at IIIT-Bangalore, stated, “At CAGS–IIIT Bangalore, we are committed to fostering an ecosystem where policy, technology, and lived experiences intersect to create solutions that are not only accessible but also equitable. This consultation reflects our belief that true impact lies in co-creation—with persons with disabilities as central contributors in shaping the future of AT.”

The final day of the consultation spotlighted innovative startup pitches presenting cutting-edge assistive technology (AT) solutions. A distinguished jury from NCPEDP, ICMR, IvyCap Ventures, Mphasis, IIIT-Bangalore, and STPI evaluated the pitches, awarding the NCPEDP-Mphasis AT Hub Seed Grant to seven promising startups, providing them with crucial seed funding to scale their impactful solutions. The pitch day showcased cutting-edge assistive technology solutions, evaluated by an esteemed jury: Pradeep Gupta, Chairman of Cyber Media Group and Chairman, NCPEDP; Anju Gupta, President of IvyCamp; Sumit Chauhan- Head, Corporate Social Responsibility, Mphasis; Darshitha Niranjan,  Senior Manager, Corporate Social Responsibility, Mphasis; Prof. Amit Prakash, Convener of CAGS at IIIT-Bangalore; Dr. Nishant Peddagopu, COO of Software Technology Park of India, Bangalore; and Dr. Ravinder Singh, Senior Scientist at ICMR.

The following innovators won grants from the investors:

Subtlebotic Private Limited: Wearable neuro-motor robotic system enhancing mobility for individuals with physical disabilities.

• Aumeesh Tech Pvt Ltd: Cost-effective, lightweight mechanical orthotic device aiding those with spinal injuries and gait issues.
• Exobot Dynamics Pvt Ltd: Lightweight, affordable bionic hand designed for arm amputees.
• Curacraft Designs Pvt. Ltd.: High-activity prosthetic foot tailored for Indian transtibial amputees.
• Lifespark Technologies Private Limited: Wearable mobility aid reducing gait issues and falls for Parkinson’s patients.
• Akumen Artificial Intelligence Pvt Ltd: Affordable AI-powered solutions for the visually impaired.
• Grailmaker Innovations Private Limited: Web-based platform enabling home-based therapy for cerebral visual impairment.

NCPEDP and Mphasis F1Foundation are redefining India’s Assistive Technology (AT) frontier with the launch of a groundbreaking AT Hub, a visionary initiative to forge an inclusive future. This strategic endeavor confronts persistent challenges like insufficient awareness, siloed efforts, and constrained funding by uniting key players, including the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO), Mircosoft, STPI, AssisTech Foundation and others as a vital force in assistive device production and distribution. The consultation also drew prominent attendees, including Aditya Srivastava and Gautam Narayan from Kalaari Capital, Barath Thangaraj from MakeMyTrip & Goibibo, Tom Sebastian from Seedstars, and Rajnish Kapur from IAN Fund, reinforcing the consultation’s impact.

Bank of Baroda Signs MoU with Government of Tamil Nadu for Customised Salary Account for State Government Employees

Chennai, 19th May 2025: Bank of Baroda, one of India’s leading public sector banks, has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Tamil Nadu to offer a customised Salary account package for employees of the State Government, including employees of the Police, Forest, Fire & Rescue Departments. The newly launched Salary account package comes with comprehensive insurance coverage at zero cost to the employees, making it one of the most attractive offerings in the Banking sector.

The MoU was signed by Shri T.N. Suresh, General Manager & Zonal Head – Chennai Zone, Bank of Baroda and Smt. T Charusree, IAS, Commissioner of Treasury & Accounts, Government of Tamil Nadu, in the presence of Hon’ble Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Shri M. K. Stalin. On the occasion, Shri Thangam Thennarasu, Finance Minister; Shri N Muruganandam, IAS, Chief Secretary; Shri T Udhayachandran, Principal Secretary to Government, Finance Department and Shri Sreenivas Ravipati, Deputy General Manager – Chennai Zone, Bank of Baroda, were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri T. N. Suresh, General Manager & Zonal Head – Chennai Zone, Bank of Baroda said, “We are pleased to have signed an MoU with the Government of Tamil Nadu. This collaboration will extend financial and insurance benefits to the employees of the State government, thereby supporting their financial aspirations and well-being. This package has been thoughtfully designed to provide extensive insurance cover to employees along with various other benefits like concessional interest rates with waiver in processing charges on Retail loans.”

Bank of Baroda’s customized Salary Account for Tamil Nadu State Government employees comes with complimentary insurance benefits like Personal Accident Insurance with maximum coverage of ₹1.55 crore, Term Life Insurance coverage of ₹15 lakh, Permanent Total Disability Cover of up to ₹1 crore & Hospicash Facility of Rs 2000 per day for daily hospitalization.

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning Hits Training Milestone for HVAC Professionals Across the Middle East and Africa

DUBAI, UAE, 19 May 2025 – In line with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 strategic initiative, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning announced the successful training of over 2,500 professionals at its showrooms and training facilities across the Middle East & Africa distribution channels.

This milestone reflects the company’s growing role in accelerating sustainable development across the Middle East and Africa (MEA), where energy-efficient cooling is becoming a top priority.

With global cooling demand expected to increase drastically by 2050, the International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that most air-conditioning units in use today are two to three times less efficient than top-performing models. Achieving net-zero targets, according to the IEA, requires both the adoption of high-efficiency systems and a shift in building design and user behaviour, such as adjusting thermostat settings and incorporating passive cooling strategies .

“We are proud to see the region setting the benchmark for sustainable building practices,” said Ahmed Aqel, general manager, Johnson Controls-Hitachi MEA. “Our training programs are designed to accelerate that vision by equipping professionals with the tools and knowledge to implement HVAC solutions that not only reduce energy consumption but also support wider behaviour and design shifts needed to reach net-zero.”

Located in the UAE — the first country in the MEA region to commit to net-zero emissions – the training program provides an immersive experience with cutting-edge HVAC technologies. It covers a range of offerings range from residential to advanced variable refrigerant flow (VRF) solutions. Designed specifically for the MEA region’s extreme climate and rapidly expanding urban areas, these systems cater to the soaring demand for efficient cooling solutions.

The program is specifically designed to support engineers, consultants, and decision-makers in sectors such as real estate development, education, healthcare, and industry. In addition to technical mastery, participants learn about optimizing system performance, reducing operational costs, and aligning with national green building codes and sustainability frameworks.

“In the Middle East, where space cooling accounts for up to 70% of residential electricity consumption, HVAC is one of the largest contributors to peak power demand . As the region’s cities expand and temperatures rise, scalable, efficient cooling technologies are no longer optional — they are essential,” Aqel pointed out.

Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning has maintained a strong presence in the MEA region for over a decade, delivering integrated HVAC solutions to residential, commercial, and institutional projects. The company’s diverse product portfolio and ongoing investment in knowledge development reflect its commitment to shaping a low-carbon, high-efficiency future.

With the UAE’s growing momentum in green building policies, Johnson Controls-Hitachi Air Conditioning is playing a pivotal role in supporting the transition to smarter, cleaner infrastructure. The company’s efforts resonate beyond technology: they empower human capital, support sustainability policies, and enable a future-ready built environment.

Tom Cruise Wins India Again: Bollywood Celebs Rave as Mission: Impossible Hits Screens Ahead of Global Release

As Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning storms Indian theatres ahead of its global release, fans and Bollywood celebrities alike are raving about Tom Cruise’s thrilling role as Ethan Hunt. Farhan Akhtar took to Instagram to share his awe, calling the film “Mindblown !! What a ride… @tomcruise brings the MI series home in style.. And how” While filmmaker Farah Khan left a cheeky comment on Cruise’s Cannes post performing stunt on a chair “I want to be that chair Tommm.”

But beyond the fanfare lies a deeper connection, Cruise’s long-standing love affair with India. From his memorable Taj Mahal visit during Ghost Protocol promotions to his admiration for the drama, energy, and joy of Bollywood, the Hollywood icon recently reaffirmed his dream of making a Bollywood film, saying “It’s on my list of kind of films to make.” His praise for Indian cinema and even attempts at speaking Hindi have only fueled fans’ hopes of seeing him light up the big screen in a desi avatar. And let’s be honest, if Cruise ever lands in a bollywood style helicopter stunt while mouthing a heroic Bollywood one-liner, it might just break the internet and a few box office records too!

Why Dodging Life’s Problems Is Like Passing the Ball to Your Opponent : Dr(HC) Prachetan Potadar

By-Dr(HC) Prachetan Potadar

You’ve probably heard the saying, “What you avoid controls you, but what you face sets you free.” Sounds like the kind of advice your coach would give before halftime, right? But it’s not just pep talk—it’s real strategy. And if you’re anything like me, you’ve become a pro at dodging life’s challenges, only to realize you’re handing the ball straight to the opposition, letting your problems score against your happiness.

In India, avoidance feels like playing a defensive offside trap—sidestepping that annoying relative who floods the family WhatsApp group with “Good morning!” videos at midnight. We mute those group chats like they’re penalty shootouts waiting to happen. And who hasn’t “missed the boss’s call” like a last-minute offside? Our game plan? “Ignore it, and it’ll fade away.” Except, spoiler alert—it never does.

Here’s the match fact: when you avoid a problem, you’re basically passing the ball to your opponent—letting that problem control your midfield and dominate the game. And trust me, that problem loves to dribble right into the spotlight like a show-stopping striker shouting “Goal!” at the top of their lungs.

Take that family WhatsApp group for example. You mute it or even leave it, but every time your phone buzzes, your heart races like you’re defending a crucial penalty. But what if you took control and faced it head-on? Open the chat, scan the messages, and send back a cheeky meme—the “Blinking Guy” or a slick “Aapko kya lagta hai?” Ranbir Kapoor GIF. Suddenly, you’re not just offside—you’re the captain leading the team, the cool cousin everyone’s talking about at the next family meet.

Or think about that one subject you’ve been avoiding like a dodgy tackle. “Kal padh lenge,” you tell yourself, playing the procrastination game. But come exam day, you’re under more pressure than a last-minute free-kick, hoping for a miracle or some mercy from the referee. Avoiding that subject turned it into your personal World Cup final nightmare, stressing you out for days. But if you’d taken early shots on goal, you’d be chilling with your mates, flaunting your study notes like a viral highlight reel.

Avoidance is like handing the referee the whistle—letting your fears call all the shots, disrupt your game plan, and wreck your focus. Whether it’s dodging marriage questions, delaying that dentist appointment, or pretending tax season is offside, running away only makes the problem grow bigger, like an extended injury time. But facing it? That’s your winning goal—the moment you break through the defense and claim victory, like scoring a last-minute winner that sends the crowd into a frenzy.

So next time you’re tempted to dodge, remember: you’re just giving the ball away to your problems. Be the striker of your own story. Open that chat, tackle that textbook, have that tough talk. And if it feels too intense, throw in a meme—because nothing says “I’m in control” like a perfectly timed “Arre yeh toh galat ho gaya” GIF.

And if fear still tries to block you, remind yourself in Hindi: “Mogambo khush hua!” because you’re about to score big. In Tamil, say it like Rajinikanth: “En vazhi, thani vazhi!”—your way, your rules. In Marathi, channel the spirit of the mighty Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj with: “Jay Bhavani, Jay Shivaji!”—face your battles head-on. From Gujarat, take the famous line: “Tame mane samjo to sachu, nahi to potani chal!” — understand yourself first, then take charge. And in Kannada, shout with Darshan’s style: “Naanu thaan champion!”—because you are the champion of your life.

Life’s too short to let your fears play defense. Face them, laugh at them, and take back the pitch. Because as every football fan knows, the match is won by those who don’t shy away from the ball—and scoring feels way better than watching your phone buzz like a red card.