Author: Rabindra

Vidyalankar Group’s ‘Annual HR Summit 2024’ Explores Strategies for Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders

Mumbai, December 2024: The HR Summit 2024, hosted by Vidyalankar Group on December 7, 2024, brought together a dynamic gathering of industry leaders, innovators, and experts aimed at shaping the future of leadership. The event inspired and educated attendees while fostering strong partnerships between industry and academia to create future-ready leaders. Held from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Vidyalankar’s Wadala East campus in Mumbai, the summit was organized in association with the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

Attendees experienced a series of impactful speeches, engaging panel discussions, and insightful sessions covering trends in Marketing, Advertising & BFSI. The summit explored the intersection of HR and technology, future trends in IT/ITES, and effective strategies for developing future leaders. Notably, the emphasis on innovative HR strategies emerged as a key highlight of the event.

This year’s summit welcomed an audience of more than 100 invitees, including HR professionals, industry specialists, students, and faculty members. Esteemed guest speakers featured top management leaders from well-known companies such as PwC India, NASSCOM, Tata Consultancy Services, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, The Belgian Waffle Co., DSP Mutual Fund, LTIMindtree, Motilal Oswal Financial Services, Maersk, and HDFC Life. Attendees actively engaged during Q&A sessions and appreciated networking opportunities during the post-event lunch.

Rashmi Deshpande, Chairperson of Vidyalankar Dnyanapeeth Trust, stated, “At Vidyalankar, we are dedicated to equipping our students with the essential toolset, skillsets, and mindset necessary for success. Our curriculum emphasizes practical exposure to ensure that our graduates excel academically and are well-prepared for industry demands. This event signifies our commitment to nurturing leaders who are ready to innovate and adapt in a rapidly changing world. We aim to foster an environment that encourages collaboration and the exchange of ideas, empowering students and professionals alike to redefine leadership in today’s dynamic landscape.”

Dr. Amit Oak, Chief Operations Officer of Vidyalankar Institute of Technology & Head of the Department for Management Studies, said “The success of the HR Summit 2024 demonstrates the power of collaboration between industry leaders and academia in shaping the future of leadership. Adopting a strategy, mindful and human centric approach to HR is not just an option but a critical necessity in today’s fast paced business landscape.The event provided actionable insights, innovative strategies, and valuable discussions that empowered participants to lead with confidence in an evolving professional landscape. It showed our commitment to helping students gain the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in today’s changing world. Vidyalankar is proud to offer such a platform that drives change and prepares leaders for tomorrow.”

The Vidyalankar Group was delighted to welcome industry leaders, HR professionals, and academic stakeholders to this successful event, advancing its vision of creating partnerships that redefine the future of work while setting new standards of excellence in human resource and talent development.

Vietjet Boosts Fleet with Cutting-Edge Airbus A321neo ACF for Enhanced Travel Comfort

(Mumbai, December 9, 2024) – Vietjet welcomed its 111th aircraft, an advanced Airbus A321neo ACF, to its modern fleet at Tan Son Nhat International Airport. With its innovative technology, the A321neo ACF reduces fuel consumption and emissions by up to 20% while reducing noise levels by 50%.

As part of its expansion strategy, Vietjet will receive three additional new aircraft in December and plans to wet-lease 6–10 aircraft to meet peak travel demand during the Lunar New Year holiday. These additions will enable Vietjet to enhance its services for both domestic and international travelers.

In 2024, Vietjet has achieved remarkable growth, expanding its vibrant, modern fleet to serve its global flight network connecting Vietnam to more destinations worldwide. These fleet upgrades reinforce Vietjet’s position as a leader in providing safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly travel experiences.

Further, the airline is offering an exciting one-day promotion on December 12, 2024, from 00:00 to 23:59 (GMT+7). Travelers from India to Vietnam can book tickets for as low as INR 11, plus taxes and fees, subject to availability. The travel period for this offer extends from January 1, 2025, to October 25, 2025. Customers can use the promo code VJ12 to take advantage of this incredible deal.

With continued fleet enhancements and a commitment to customer satisfaction, Vietjet is making global travel more accessible and enjoyable than ever. The airline expanded its global presence with a network of 155 routes, including 43 domestic and 112 international routes across Asia and Australia.

Fortis Gurugram Launches Cutting-Edge Advanced Vertigo Lab for Enhanced Treatment Solutions

Gurugram, 09 December 2024: In a groundbreaking move, Fortis Memorial Research Institute Gurugram, today inaugurated a state-of-the-art vertigo laboratory to improve vertigo treatment in India. Vertigo is one of the most commonly underdiagnosed conditions globally. The clinic, led by Dr. Praveen Gupta, aims to transform the understanding and management of vertigo, offering a revolutionary approach to its diagnosis and treatment.

The state-of-the-art Vertigo Lab is equipped with advanced diagnostic tools such as Video Nystagmography, Dynamic Visual Acuity, and Subjective Visual Vertical. These tools are designed to assess eye movements and identify abnormalities in the vestibular system, facilitating the accurate diagnosis of conditions affecting the inner ear and brain. The lab also features advanced testing equipment to evaluate a patient’s perception of verticality, which is critical for diagnosing vestibular disorders that impact balance and spatial orientation.

Dizziness and vertigo are among the most common neurological problems, affecting approximately 35% of the adult population during their lifetime. Symptoms such as fatigue, balance issues, vomiting, and tinnitus (a ringing sensation in the ears) are often confused with low blood pressure, leading to delayed diagnosis or being overlooked altogether. The Vertigo Lab aims to address these challenges through precise diagnostic capabilities and tailored treatment approaches.

Dr Praveen Gupta, Principal Director & Head, Neurology, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “We are proud to announce the inauguration of one of the most advanced Vertigo Labs in India. This cutting-edge facility is dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders, which affect the balance and spatial orientation systems of the body. Vertigo is difficult to diagnose through MRI and CT Scans, often leading to a not so accurate diagnosis, thus leaving both healthcare professionals and patients confused. With the advanced medical equipment, we aim to provide accurate assessments and effective treatments, offering the patients the much-needed relief from conditions that often go undiagnosed or are mismanaged.”

Yash Rawat, Facility Director, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said, “At Fortis Hospital, we are committed to providing the highest standard of care for our patients. This advanced vestibular lab is a testament to our dedication to improving the diagnosis and treatment of vestibular disorders, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients affected by these often-debilitating conditions. Whether it’s an issue related to the inner ear or a neurological condition affecting balance, our team of specialists is ready to provide the care and expertise needed to restore stability and well-being.”

Telangana Tops India in Recovering Money Lost to Cybercrimes, DGP Shikha Goel Reveals

Hyderabad, December 09, 2024…Can you transplant a temple, just like a tree? Dr E Sivanagi Reddy, an archaeologist and historian has a profound legacy in heritage conservation. A master of traditional sculpture, he transplanted over 100 historic temples, including some in Telangana, and constructed more than 100 new ones across Andhra Pradesh.

Just like him, 13 other distinguished individuals with strong connections to Hyderabad addressed the 10th Edition of TEDX held on Sunday at Shilpakala

They include Shikha Goel, the Director General of Police, Telangana who leads key wings including the CID, Cyber Security Bureau, Forensic Sciences, and Women Safety Wing; the most travelled Indian Ravi Prabhu, Tankbund Shiva who rescued the lives of many who tried to jump into the lake and commit suicide; Nag Ashwin, the visionary film-maker; Dr Prahlada Ramarao, a renowned aerospace scientist; Uma Sudhir, Executive Editor at NDTV, a pillar of integrity and fearlessness in Indian journalism; Chef Sanjay Thumma, Vah-Chef fame behind the globally celebrated cooking site, Vahrehvah.com; Aziz Naser and Mast Ali, the duo who brought Hyderabadi humor to the big screen and made people laugh out; Rajya Sabha MP Ayodhya Ramireddy, the visionary entrepreneur and founder of the Ramky Group and a trailblazer in green energy and waste management; Mayur Patnala, visionary social entrepreneur and Founder & Global CEO of Nirmaan Organization; Rubina Nafees Fatima, a social entrepreneur and the founder of Safa India, empowering marginalized women and youth and Kavita Palancha the co-founder of MAKSPay, bridging the gap between financial institutions and underserved communities.

Telangana tops in India in refund efficiency of money lost in cybercrimes said Shikha Goel, Director General of Police, Telangana. The Cyber Security Bureau is aware that 170 different sections of fraudsters can swindle your money.

The refund procedure is made simpler and the High Court actively supports it. This year, we were able to refund Rs 140 crore to the victims, which is the highest amount in India.

As a police, our job is strenuous and exhaustive, but I draw my energy from every life saved, she added.

I am an accidental journalist but I have a fulfilling career. The impact done to society is immeasurable. When I sit and look back, I have both accolades and brickbats. That is part of the job. But when somebody who is impacted by a story names their child after you, what could I have asked for more? she shared.

From ruins to respect, many heritage structures stand tall with pride today. If I can do this, together we can do miracles in the field of heritage said Dr E Sivanagi Reddy. Every stone has a story, let us together make it known to the world he concluded his 18 minute talk.

Fossil fuels are vanishing. How do you make energy for the future? I got into energy research at the suggestion of Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. He was my guru and mentor, but he was not my boss. Today India has taken a giant leap in cold fusion and soon will be a dominant player. We will provide clean energy at affordable cost, he said.

Biryani is not a dish, it is a love story. It is very unique; it is made in many layers. It has more than 7000 years old history. It evolved over the years. Every house Biryani has a different aroma. Everybody contributed to its evolution. Its journey will go on so much that we will not be surprised to see in the year 2101 that drones window deliver it. And I would like to be born then so that I will eat without the fear of diabetes or heart ailments, he added

Ayodhya Ramireddy said nature means God. This was the value imbibed in him by his mother. He explained his forty years of journey of contributing to the carbon-free world. His mantra for the same is 10 Rs—Refuse, Re-think, Reduce, Re-use, Re-home, Repair, Refurbish, Recover, Recycle and Repurpose. Besides the technocracy driving enterprises, we need sustainability-driven entrepreneurs.

Kavita Palancha shared how a simple scan transformed the life of street vendors.

Adventure for a seasoned traveller is inevitable. Once I was in South Sudan, suddenly a civil war broke. I had two options left—one to be there and face the consequences, or fly away to a safe place and save life. I was quick enough to decide and flew away. Travelling teaches the importance of quick decision-making Ravi Prabhu shared

When women work, they lift the economy. Rubina shared the powerful story of her journey. She explained how she redefined grassroots empowerment and proved the power of inclusive growth.

Nag Ashwin questioned the comparison culture prevalent in society. People often compare good with bad, this thing to that thing, this film to that film. Stop comparing everything to everybody he said

A lot of people ask me how I pick up my next film. I do as if it is my last film, said. Then I can give my best. I make films for myself, he added.

Aziz Naser and Mast Ali with their witty remarks left the audience with a good spell of humour. Together, they captured the spirit of Hyderabad with their unmatched storytelling and humour.

The 10th edition of TEDxHyderabad was organized by SAHE (Society for Advancement of Human Endeavour), a not-for-profit society.

The theme of this year’s edition was ‘Serendipity’, the occurrence and development of events by chance, happily or beneficially.

Over 1200 attendees took part.

TEDX is a global platform known for ideas worth sharing. The speakers were handpicked in line with TEDx’s mission: to discover powerful, original ideas in local communities and amplify them on a global scale said Viiveck Verma, Curator & Licensee- TEDx Hyderabad

If you think TEDx is all about talks then you are mistaken. It is also about performances and a combination of performers Viiveck Verma added.

Two feature films —01. MITTI, 02. Mallesham were made out of TEDx Hyderabad talks. Many step-wells were restored and more in the offing and many bore wells were revived. The step wells restoration increased the real estate value of the surrounding places. Now they are abuzz with activities he shared

Tank Bund Shiva was in conversation with Ramesh Loganiathan. “I saved 129 lives and recovered 10,000 dead bodies from Hussain Sagar Lake in the past 25 years”, he shared.

I challenge the challenge. I am not afraid of my life. If I can save more lives, I have done justice to my birth he said in that conversation with Ramesh Loganathan.

IHW Lung Health & Oncology Conference 2024: Experts Highlight Urgency of Protecting Lung Health for a Better Future

New Delhi, December 9, 2024 – The Integrated Health & Wellbeing (IHW) Council organized the Lung Health & Oncology National Conference 2024 at Ambedkar International Convention Centre on 7 December 2024, gathering esteemed speakers from government bodies, the healthcare sector, and allied organizations to address the rising crisis of lung cancer in India. The conference reiterated the urgent need for early diagnosis, equal access to healthcare services, and innovative treatment methods to tackle one of the most difficult types of cancers in the country.

 Currently, India reports 72,510 new cases of lung cancer annually with an alarming death toll of 66,279. It is one of the deadliest cancers with more than 75% patients diagnosed at late stages. Compounding this problem are smoking, pollution, and delayed screenings thus, it needs a holistic response from all stakeholders.

 The Lung Health & Oncology National Conference 2024, organized by the IHW Council, consisted an illustrious panel of experts, including Mr. Kamal Narayan, CEO of IHW Council, alongside leading medical professionals such as Dr. Saroj Das Majumder of AIIMS Bhubaneshwar, Col Rajeev Mannali of SUT Pattom Super Speciality Hospital, and Mohammed Yahya of Qure.ai. Esteemed contributors like Dr. Charu Bahl from Medgenome Labs, Dr. Moushumi Suryavanshi, Dr. Anant Mohan of AIIMS Delhi, and Col (Dr.) Shafin Babu of Command Hospital Eastern Command also shared their insights. The event featured prominent oncologists, including Dr. Sridhar P S, Dr. Belal Bin Asaf of Medanta – The Medicity, Dr. Aditya Murali of Apollo Hospitals, and Dr. Subodh Kumar of AIIMS Deoghar, alongside public health leaders like Dr. Navneet Singh of PGIMER, Vandana Mahajan of Lung Connect, Mr. Vivek Tomar of “Rise to Survive Cancer,” and Dr. Urvashi Prasad, Former Director of Niti Aayog, to discuss innovative strategies for advancing lung cancer care in India.

 Dr. Urvashi Prasad, Former Director, NITI Aayog, highlighted the importance of a holistic approach to cancer care, stating, “An effective cancer care system must focus on the patient’s physical, emotional, and social well-being. In addition to clinical treatment, we must also integrate support systems, such as mental health counseling, nutritional guidance, and strong palliative care services. These elements are often overlooked but are crucial for the betterment of quality of life and improved outcomes of the patient. Policy intervention with holistic approaches can certainly help ensure fair access of such resources to even deprived areas.”

 Discussions at the conference were also focused on the revolutionary capabilities of advanced diagnostic tools such as AI-driven radiology and molecular biomarkers. These technologies are helping clinicians diagnose lung cancer in its early stages and design specific treatment strategies based on the unique genetic makeup of the tumors.

 Dr. Saroj Das Majumder, HOD, Radiation Oncology, AIIMS Bhubaneswar, emphasized the transformative advancements in radiation therapy, stating, “The field of radiation oncology is witnessing revolutionary breakthroughs, changing how lung cancer is treated today. New techniques such as Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy and Image-Guided Radiation Therapy are making it possible for unprecedented precision, targeting tumors more easily while sparing healthy tissue in the process. Also, techniques like SBRT provide non-invasive, highly focused alternatives for localized tumors, often reducing treatment times dramatically. These innovations are also leading to better clinical outcomes and quality of life for patients.”

 Mr. Vivek Tomar, Co-founder of Rise to Survive Cancer, spoke about the critical role of survivorship and community support in the cancer care continuum, saying, “Surviving cancer extends far beyond defeating the disease. Survivors face long-term health problems, emotional challenges, and financial burdens. It is crucial to build resilient communities through education, peer support, and access to resources. Such support would be a means to ensure survivors’ sustainability after the treatment. Coordination between healthcare providers, policymakers, and advocacy groups can pave ways for sustainable well-being and access to services needed by survivors.”

 The conference discussed current cutting-edge therapeutic approaches like minimal invasive robotic-assisted surgery, radiation therapy, and the use of new combinations of drugs. Experts shared real-life experience on practical ways of implementing global guidelines on treatments in the Indian scenario wherein regional disparities and inadequate health infrastructure pose big challenges to treatment.

 The conference concluded with a powerful call to action, urging policymakers, clinicians, and patient advocates to work collaboratively to reduce the burden of lung cancer in India. Attendees emphasized the need for public awareness campaigns, early detection initiatives, and affordable treatment options to address the challenges posed by this deadly disease.

Spherule Foundation and SBI Payments Launch Groundbreaking CSR Initiative to Foster Women Entrepreneurs in Pune

Pune, December 2024 – Spherule Foundation, a pan-India non-profit organization, and SBI Payment Services Private Limited (SBI Payments), a subsidiary of State Bank of India, have joined hands to launch a transformative CSR initiative aimed at empowering 100 women entrepreneurs from marginalized communities across the Pune District. This initiative is designed to provide women with the tools, training, and support needed to establish and grow scalable and sustainable small and micro businesses. Ground-level mobilization and participant registration for this project are already in progress.

The program is designed to offer practical learning through comprehensive training on financial management, digital tools, entrepreneurship fundamentals, and business planning. Participants will also benefit from tailored financial assistance and business support to confidently launch or expand their ventures. Ongoing mentorship will be provided by field executives who will monitor progress and offer customized advice to ensure long-term stability and success. Also, This initiative will connect women to relevant markets and facilitate access to government schemes, enabling them to explore broader opportunities. To simplify essential processes, the program offers assistance in securing business licenses, e-Shram cards, ABHA cards, and banking tools such as Aadhaar and PAN cards.

While speaking about the initiative, Shri. Sujay Kumar Yadav, MD & CEO at SBI Payments, said, “We are honoured to be part of an initiative that uplifts and supports women entrepreneurs. This CSR initiative of ours is not just about providing resources; but it is about breaking barriers and achieving dreams. This collaboration with Spherule Foundation is a testament to our belief in fostering meaningful change in the society that we live in.”

Dr. Geeta Bora, Founder and Director of Spherule Foundation, expressed her excitement and said “This partnership with SBI Payments is a step towards transforming the entrepreneurial landscape for women in India. Through this project, we’re not only strengthening businesses but also creating pathways for brighter, more independent futures.”

A highlight of the initiative is the Business Presentation event, where participants will pitch their ideas to a panel of experts. This platform showcases entrepreneurial talent while providing opportunities for funding and expert guidance. The program aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on gender equality, quality education, poverty alleviation, and economic growth, aiming to create lasting community impact by fostering financial independence and resilience among women.

The Business Presentation event, where participants will present their ideas to a panel of experts, is a highlight of the program. In along with offering chances for finance and professional advice, this platform highlights the potential for entrepreneurship. In line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN on gender equality, high-quality education, poverty reduction, and economic growth, the program seeks to build women’s resilience and financial independence in order to make a long-lasting difference in the society.

Spherule Foundation has a proven track record of driving social change in education, women’s empowerment, healthcare, and environmental conservation. With initiatives that have empowered over 50,000 women micro-entrepreneurs, their work has been recognized on prestigious global platforms, including Oxford University and IITs. SBI Payments, a leader in India’s digital payments ecosystem, complements this vision by fostering inclusivity, gender equality, and economic growth. Together, the two organizations are championing a shared mission to promote self-reliance among women entrepreneurs.

LVPEI, Fernandez Foundation Host Eighth EHAC Meeting to Drive Change in India’s Healthcare Landscape

Hyderabad, 9 December 2024: LV Prasad Eye Institute and Fernandez Foundation cohosted the eighth Equitable Healthcare Access Consortium (EHAC) Member’s meeting from 6 to 7 December at the LVPEI’s campus in the city. The consortium’s agenda includes promoting discussion and action to deliver equitable healthcare by addressing challenges such as lack of access to healthcare, high-costs, and a general apathy among various stakeholders towards fixing these issues.

The meeting, which kick started on 6 December, witnessed a host of attendees from organisations such as LVPEI, Fernandez Foundation, Indian School of Business, Centre for Healthcare IIM Udaipur, St John’s Research Institute, and Aravind Eye Care System, among others.

The eighth meeting of the EHAC members deliberated and focused on promoting equitable healthcare through sessions on ethical practices, fellowships, collaborations, advocacy and innovations. The highlights included panel discussions on ethical practices, patient rights, and financing to build sustainable organizations to deliver equitable care. The panel pointed out the impact of growing commercialisation and consumerism in the society and its impact on service delivery, the need for medical professionals to get exposed to models of ethical service delivery, and the role of leaders in driving the change to equitable service delivery.

Thematic areas touched upon were on promoting collaborations across like-minded healthcare organisations providing equitable care, coming up with a working definition of equitable healthcare delivery, offering fellowships to interested healthcare professionals, and advocacy to promote dialogue around equitable healthcare delivery and access.

Dr Prashant Garg, Executive Chair, L V Prasad Eye Institute, said, “At LVPEI, we envision a world where excellent and equitable eye care transcends social, geographical, and financial barriers and reaches all those in need. Over three decades, we have provided more than 38 million services, with 50% offered at no cost to patients. In our rural network more women (nearly 55% of all patient visits) sought eye care. Our Pyramidal Eye Care Delivery Model, supported by 308 centres across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, serves diverse populations, including those in remote and tribal areas. Through the ‘Equitable Healthcare Access Consortium,’ we share our expertise with budding healthcare entrepreneurs, mentoring them to turn challenges into opportunities and advance equitable healthcare for all”

Dr Evita Fernandez, Chairperson and Managing Director, Fernandez Foundation, said, “At the heart of Fernandez’s philosophy lies a commitment to equitable healthcare for all mothers and babies. Embracing this vision, we advocate for a collaborative model of care that emphasises respectful maternity support, paired with the expertise of obstetricians. By prioritizing the needs and preferences of each mother, we empower her to make informed choices about her care. Our dedication to providing subsidised services for those in need is reflected in our initiatives, which have opened doors for families to access the quality care they truly deserve.”

Prof DVR Seshadri, Chairperson, EHAC, said, “EHAC is a consortium of socially sensitive healthcare providers and other organisations involved in developing, studying and evangelizing new and improved models for providing equitable access to healthcare. The basic premise of EHAC, is that for a stable society, every member must have equitable access to livelihood, education and healthcare. EHAC has been working for the last six years to help make progress on these key dimensions. EHAC is uniquely poised to provide thought-leadership to help address these unfelt and unacknowledged needs of our society.”

Kolkata’s Literary Scene Shines as the 16th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival Kicks Off

Kolkata, 9th December 2024: The grand unveiling of the highly anticipated sixteenth edition of the renowned Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF) took place amidst the timeless elegance of the iconic Oxford Bookstore on bustling Park Street in Kolkata. The event was graced by an illustrious panel of dignitaries including Abhijit Banerjee, Winner of the 2019 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences; Dr. Anuradha Lohia, Scientist and Former Vice Chancellor, Presidency University; Cheyenne Olivier, Illustrator of the book ‘Chhaunk’; Anjum Katyal, Director, Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival; Swagat Sengupta, CEO, Apeejay Oxford Bookstores; and Neeta Sreedharan, Programming Head, Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as the literary world gathered in celebration of words and ideas, setting the stage for an unforgettable festival that promises to ignite minds and inspire souls.

Highlighting the AKLF curtain raiser announcement was the exclusive launch of Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee’s Chhaunk: On Food, Economics and Society published by Juggernaut. The author and illustrator, Cheyenne Olivier were in discussion with Dr. Anuradha Lohia.

The festival is scheduled to take place on 10th, 11th and 12th January 2025, featuring various sessions across multiple venues throughout these dates. Allen Park will serve as the central hub, hosting the majority of the events, Poetry Café is all set to be hosted at Alliance Française du Bengale, while the Oxford Junior Literary Festival (OJLF), will be held at the Oxford Bookstore.

AKLF 2025 boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, with more than 120 writers gracing the festival. Notable names include Akhil Katyal, Akshat Gupta, Dr. Alka Pande, Anand Neelakantan, Anuja Chandramouli, Anita Agnihotri, Ankita Konwar, Aparna Vaidik, Arunava Sinha, Ashis Nandy, Ashis Ray, Chinmoy Guha, Devi Kar, Ira Mukhoty, Jael Silliman, Jayanta Sengupta, Kunal Basu, M K Raina, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Milind Soman, Monideepa Banerjie, Neelima Adhar Dalmia, Neha Dixit, Nusrat F Jafri, Pinaki De, Prayaag Akbar, Rajdeep Sardesai, Ramachandra Guha, Rana Safvi, Ruchir Joshi, Sagarika Ghose, Salil Tripathi, Samar Jodha, Samrat Choudhury, Sandip Roy, Shabnam Minwalla, Shalini Modi, Shehnaz Treasury, Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan, Shobhaa De, Sudeep Chakravarti, Sugata Bose, Sumantra Ghoshal, Sunita Kohli, William Dalrymple, Ila Arun, Nitish Bhushan, Priyanka S Kaintura and Riddhi Bahl among others.

This edition will feature the much-anticipated shortlist announcement of the 10th edition of prestigious Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize. The festival will provide the first look at Ruchir Joshi’s much-anticipated new novel, giving readers an exclusive sneak peek into the literary gems to come.

The Oxford Junior Literary Festival (OJLF), set to take place at the Oxford Bookstore, promises to captivate young audiences with engaging activities such as interactive ‘meet the author’ sessions, creative workshops, word games and storytelling. Designed to inspire a love for literature and nurture creativity, the OJLF aims to ignite the imaginations of the next generation. Meanwhile, the Poetry Café, hosted at Alliance Française du Bengale, will serve as a dynamic platform for both established and emerging poets to share their verses, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and artistic expression.

The valued partners for the three-day-long literary festival include Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata, as the hospitality partner; Cha Bar as the refreshment partner; Teacher’s Centre as the institutional partner; Glenburn Penthouse and Alliance française du Bengale as the festival partners; and 91.9 Friends FM as radio partner. Several renowned publishing houses will also contribute to creating a vibrant and collaborative literary environment. Notable names include Aleph Book Company, Bloomsbury, Hachette, HarperCollins, Harvard University Press, Jadavpur University Press, Juggernaut, Niyogi Books, Penguin Random House, Readomania, Routledge, Rupa Publications, Speaking Tiger, Vitasta Publishing, Westland Books and many more.

Reflecting on the journey of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF), Priti Paul, Director, Apeejay Surrendra Group, said, “As we step into the 16th edition of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude. AKLF was born with a simple yet profound vision—to bring together the world of literature and the vibrant city of Kolkata in a celebration of words, ideas and creativity. Over the years, the festival has transcended its mere event status to emerge as a cultural cornerstone, a sanctum where writers, thinkers, visionaries, and bibliophiles come together to inspire and be inspired. As we continue this journey, we are committed to ensuring that AKLF remains an inclusive, dynamic platform that reflects the spirit of this great city and the transformative power of literature.”

Anjum Katyal, Director, Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival said, “In its 16th edition, AKLF continues to have its finger on the pulse of what people are thinking and talking about, thanks to its connection with Oxford Bookstore, which ensures a year-round engagement with books. So, you will find a strong focus on current issues like the environment, history and mythology, politics and current affairs, gender and women’s writing, translation, memoir, and more. Exciting new voices alongside veteran thinkers brings variety and colour to the festival.”

CII MSME Connect Paves the Way for Accelerated MSME Growth in the State

Paradeep: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Odisha Chapter, successfully hosted the CII MSME Connect 2024 at the Biju Convention Centre, Paradeep Port Authority Campus, on Saturday. The event, themed “Vendor Connect Series: Expanding Business Horizons,” focused on fostering strong partnerships between large-scale industries and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) to accelerate the economic growth of Odisha.

 In his address, Shri Sampad Charan Swain, Minister of Industry & Skill Development and Technical Education, Govt of Odisha emphasized the strategic importance of Paradeep in Odisha’s industrial landscape. He highlighted the world-class port facilities and excellent connectivity that make Paradeep a vital hub for the state’s economic development. “Paradeep plays a crucial role in the industrial and economic framework of Odisha. To further harness its potential, we must focus on enhancing Paradeep’s infrastructure and positioning it as a national and global industrial hub. The state is keen to foster strong partnerships between MSMEs and large industries, ensuring a vibrant and thriving industrial ecosystem,” said Minister Swain.

 Shri Gokulananda Mallick, the MSME Minister, spoke about the sector’s substantial contribution to Odisha’s export economy. “MSME exports account for 45% of Odisha’s total exports. The establishment of food parks in Bargarh, Bolangir, Ganjam, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur has significantly boosted the food processing industry, creating new opportunities for MSMEs across the state. The Odisha Startup Growth Fund has also played a pivotal role in supporting startups and promoting innovation within the MSME sector,” Minister Mallick remarked.

 Highlighting the objective of the program, Shri Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Govt of Odisha stated, “Our Government is deeply committed to foster development of the MSME sector in the state. As part of this endeavour, we have been conducting MSME Connect programs across various districts including Jharsuguda and Angul and planning similar initiatives at Ganjam, Rayagada, and Kalahandi to further strengthen the sector.”

 Dr. Pradipta Mohanty, Chairman of CII Odisha State Council, welcomed delegates and emphasized the importance of creating a platform that strengthens the connection between large industries and their MSME partners. “CII MSME Connect 2024 is a crucial step in bridging the gap between major industrial players and their supply chain partners. This initiative aims to catalyze innovation, growth, and mutual prosperity while enhancing the vendor ecosystem in the region,” Dr. Mohanty said.

 Shri. PL Haranadh, IRTS, Chairman Paradeep Port Trust notes that, procurement from MSMEs was 26 percent in 2019-20, higher that mandated 25 percent by Govt. Current we are procuring 74 percent from MSMEs, a substantial increase in recent years highlights our thrust for development of this sector. He also urged MSMEs to be competitive and quality conscious and invest in innovation and technology.

 Shri J. Sonal, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Jagatshighpur throws light on infrastructure and connectivity development projects undertaken by Govt of Odisha and said that our focus is on skilling of local youth to make them employment ready. We want to buildup confidence among MSMEs on ease of doing business and make the atmosphere conducive to them.

 Shri Kausik Basu, Executive Director & Refinery head Indian Oil Corporation said, Indian Oil Paradip Refinery remains committed to supporting and empowering MSMEs through such initiatives. Let us continue working together to build a stronger, self-reliant Odisha. Together, we aim to build a robust ecosystem where MSMEs can thrive and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

 Shri Girish Naik, Head of Commercial at JSW BPSL Works, underscored the importance of supporting MSMEs in regions like Paradeep and North Odisha. “The CII MSME Vendor Connect Series 2024 offers an opportunity to strengthen MSMEs in these areas by providing the resources and platform needed for their growth,”.

 Shri Palaniswamy Velusamy, CMO and Unit Head at Paradeep Phosphates Ltd also stressed the potential of Paradeep as an industrial and MSME hub. “Platforms like CII MSME Connect 2024 are key to unlocking the untapped potential of Paradeep and North Odisha. We are committed to enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs and building a sustainable vendor ecosystem in the region,” he said.

 The event concluded with a strong commitment to fostering collaboration between MSMEs and large industries, creating new avenues for growth, innovation, and sustainable economic prosperity in Odisha.

 The program was followed by B2B meetings with large scale companies mainly with Pradip Port Authority, Indian oil Corporation Limited, Vedanta Ltd, JSW, JSL, AM/NS India, IFFCO, TPCODL and PPL.