13, Oct 2023
ONGC Installs State-of-the-Art CO2 Core Flood Apparatus

A Significant Leap in CCUS Capacity Development

Mumbai | 13 October 2023: Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has identified Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) as a fundamental component of its energy transition strategy. ONGC’s in-house Institute of Reservoir Studies (IRS) in Ahmedabad is at the forefront of this effort. In line with ONGC’s visionary Net-Zero 2038 initiative (Scope-1 and Scope-2), IRS has achieved a significant milestone by successfully installing and commissioning a cutting-edge Carbon dioxide (CO2) Core Flood Apparatus. This state-of-the-art apparatus is a vital addition to the IRS’s Gas Injection & CCUS Laboratory. It enables advanced studies and experiments related to CCUS, positioning the IRS as a key player in the development of CCUS technologies.

ONGC

The CCUS CO2 Core Flood Apparatus

The newly acquired CO2 Core Flood Apparatus is designed to replicate underground reservoir conditions, allowing for physical simulation and assessment of CO2 behavior in reservoir rocks, quantifying incremental oil recovery, and evaluating sequestration potential. Key features of this equipment include precision control, high-quality imaging, and real-time monitoring of pH and density, providing invaluable insights in real time. The apparatus is constructed from corrosion-resistant Hastelloy material, ensuring longevity and reliability even in carbon dioxide-rich environments. With an operational range of up to 150 degrees Celsius and 10,000 psi pressure, it can withstand extreme conditions, furthering our understanding of CCUS processes and optimizing schemes.

IRS has a rich history of conducting laboratory and numerical simulation studies related to CCUS for ONGC’s fields. It is a multidisciplinary team, including Reservoir Engineers, Geologists, Geophysicists, and Chemists, along with existing laboratory facilities, has paved the way for in-depth research in this field. Core flooding, a crucial component of CCUS project design, provides essential laboratory data for the tuning of numerical simulators.

13, Oct 2023
CNH completes purchase of Hemisphere GNSS

Basildon/India, October 13, 2023: CNH Industrial has completed its purchase of the global satellite navigation technology leader Hemisphere GNSS (Hemisphere) for a total consideration of USD $175 million – as announced on March 30, 2023.

This acquisition solidifies CNH’s in-house precision, automation, and autonomy technology, enabling us to continue Breaking New Ground for the agriculture and construction industries. It furthers our vertical integration efforts to deliver cutting-edge core technologies to our customers’ fleets for top performance, combined with a smooth and seamless user experience.

SiteMetrix® a complete 3D GNSS site management and inspection tool developed by Hemisphere

With Hemisphere’s expertise and network, we are accelerating our strategic plan to attain leadership in automation technology, expedite delivery of a fully autonomous farming cycle, and extend and enhance automation and autonomy across a broad range of agriculture and construction applications.

“Bringing Hemisphere’s talent and resources into CNH reflects the energy and momentum of our investments in tech innovation. From 2024 onwards, we will bring notable value to customers through significant advancements in our journey from automating certain tasks to fully autonomous operation,” said Marc Kermisch, Chief Digital & Information Officer at CNH.

CNH is devoted to customer-inspired innovation. We are making farming and building easier, more productive, and more sustainable by giving our customers smart machinery that helps them make informed decisions.

13, Oct 2023
Startup Odisha Yatra & Startup Xpress continues its glorious journey with over 60 ideas on Day 22

Startup Odisha Yatra & Startup Xpress continues its glorious journey with over 60 ideas on Day 22

Bhubaneswar, 13th October, 2023: Odisha Startup Yatra and Startup Xpress completed its 22 days journey today with addition of more than 60 ideas to the already enlarged list of innovative ideas. It signifies the evolution of Startup ecosystem at the school level of the state. The Yatra has covered all 30 districts and touched the lives of numerous students and is continuing to do so. On the 22nd day of the Yatra, 63 ideas have been generated.

Today, the Yatra visited 7 educational institutions of 2 districts and collected more than 60 ideas. So far, the Yatra has been successful in collecting more than 2300 ideas from student community.

In the last 22 days 26,293 students have participated from 185 colleges and 61 schools of all the 30 districts. As the initiative come is in its last leg, record numbers of ideas are expected from students and there is high chance that the ideas generated will break all previous records and will set a new benchmark. The dream run of the initiative signifies the interest of student community of become growth driver of the community with entrepreneurship as their passion.

As the Yatra continues reaching out to more districts, huge numbers of ideas are pouring in from the student community. This astounding success in idea generation is a testament to the core idea of the Yatra that is to instill entrepreneurial spirit among young minds.

As Odisha aspires to recognize and nurture 5000 Startups by 2025, Odisha Startup Yatra and Startup Xpress are a playing important role in fulfilling this vision. It becomes a launch pad for idea generation from school and college students thus setting a high benchmark with out-of-the-box ideas.

On Thursday, the Startup Yatra Van visited Govt ITI (Hirakud), GOVT ITI (Rasanpur) & Womens College in Sambalpur District, while the Van will visit Govt Womens College, Purna Chandra Govt ITI, Govt. Polytechnic & Divine Institute of Engineering & Technology in Mayurbhanj District.

The excitement and enthusiasm from the student community was palpable with their passionate pitches.

Odisha Startup Yatra & Xpress, taking its journey forward will tour Balasore, Nayagarh, Deogarh & Ganjam District on October 13th (Friday) to foster entrepreneurship and innovation at district level.

On Friday Odisha Startup Yatra & Xpress will cover KV Balasore, Balasore Jilla School, Fakir Mohan College, KKS Women’s College in Balasore District. The Van will visit Deogarh ITC, Govt. ITI Barkote & Panchayat (Degree) College, Kalla in Deogarh District. The Van will visit Unitech Degree College, Banshidhar Mahavidyalaya, Divine degree College & ITI Nayagarh in Nayagarh District, while the Van will visit Kalam Institute of Management Studies, Vedbyash Res. Degree College & Sashi Bhusan Rath Government (Autonomous) Women’s College in Ganjam District.

The aim of Startup Odisha Yatra and Startup Xpress 2023 is to encourage grassroots innovators and promote entrepreneurship among them. In 2023 edition of the Yatra, Startup Odisha has four dedicated vans that will cover all 30 districts of the state.
After remarkable achievements in the past edition, this year Odisha Startup Yatra aims to leap forward by visiting 200+ colleges and 60+ schools thus impacting 25,000+ students. With a core focus on guiding and empowering young minds at the grassroot level in the realms of innovation and entrepreneurship, the initiatives seek to equip them for harnessing the ample opportunities within the startup ecosystem.

13, Oct 2023
Prestigious World Congress of Neurology Returns In-Person to Convene World-Class Researchers in Montreal

Prestigious World Congress of Neurology Returns In-Person to Convene World-Class Researchers in Montreal

MONTREAL, October 2023 – The World Federation of Neurology (WFN) and the Canadian Neurological Society (CNS) will host the XXVI World Congress of Neurology (WCN) in Montreal, Canada, from October 15 to 19, 2023. WCN is a major, biennial conference where world-class neurologists and researchers gather to share the latest innovative research in the broad field of neurology. This year’s WCN marks the first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic, with thousands of attendees from around the world convening to learn from one another’s research, exchange ideas and drive the field of neurology forward.

WCN creates a platform to share research breakthroughs and clinical experiences throughout the scientific community. For those unable to attend in-person this year, virtual access will also be available.

This year’s Scientific Program will be organized around the theme, “brain health is our greatest wealth.” Through a wide range of programming, including scientific sessions, teaching courses and plenary lectures, leading neurologists and global health experts will explore global neurological challenges, and researchers will share their unique insights and collaborate on central issues in neuroscience and brain research.

“Our world has been changing since our last virtual Congress in 2021. It is more important than ever to promote collaborative, cross-cultural research efforts that will establish a strong foundation for the future of global brain health,” said Dr. Wolfgang Grisold, President, World Federation of Neurology. “After years of pandemic restrictions preventing us from gathering in person, we are excited to reconvene in Montreal with attendees from around the world and also a large virtual participation.”

WCN 2023 will feature a diverse schedule of workshops, teaching courses, debate sessions, informal talks with WFN leadership and plenary lectures delivered by leading neurology experts discussing the latest developments in their fields. Some conference highlights include:

  • “The Global Importance of Diabetic Neuropathies,” Eva Feldman, MD, PhD, James W. Albers Distinguished University Professor and Russell N. DeJong Professor of Neurology, University of Michigan, USA
  • “The WHO, IGAP and Brain Health,” Tarun Dua, MD, Unit Head, Brain Health Unit, World Health Organization, Switzerland
  • “Neurology of Pandemic Infections,” Hadi Manji, MD, Consultant Neurologist and Honorary Associate Professor, National Hospital for Neurology, UK
  • “The Role of Patient Organisations,” Kathy Oliver, Chair and Founding Co-Director, International Brain Tumour Alliance, UK
  • “The Epidemiology and Burden of Neurological Disorders,” Valery Feigin, MD, PhD, Professor of Neurology and Epidemiology, National Institute for Stroke and Applied Neurosciences, Auckland University of Technology, New Zealand
  • “Status of Disease Modifying Therapy in Parkinson’s Disease,” Anthony Lang, MD, Professor of Neurology, Jack Clark Chair for Parkinson’s Disease Research and Lily Safra Chair in Movement Disorders, University of Toronto, Canada
  • “Clinical Trial Progress in ALS,” Merit Cudkowicz, MD, Chief, Massachusetts General Hospital Neurology Service; Director, Sean M. Healey & AMG Center for ALS, Massachusetts General Hospital; Julieanne Dorn Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, USA
  • “The Rett Syndrome, From Clinics to Genetics,” Huda Zoghbi, MD, Professor of Molecular and Human Genetics, Baylor College of Medicine, USA
  • “Neuromyelitis Optica: An Evolving Spectrum of Disease,” Satoshi Kuwabara, MD, Chair of Neurology, Chiba University Hospital, Japan
  • “Transformation in the Treatment of Stroke,” Liping Liu, MD, PhD, Director, Neurointensive Care Unit (NICU), Neurology and Stroke Center, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, China
  • “African Neurology: A Targeted and Unified Approach to Interregional Collaboration,” Augustina Charway-Felli, MD, PhD, President, African Academy of Neurology, Ghana
  • Live Press Conference – WCN leadership will speak about conference highlights, discuss the biggest stories from the event and answer questions.

WFN will also host a series of “Coffee Talks”—three interactive public conversations that feature the WHO, past WFN presidents and WFN education.

WCN is committed to fostering a global perspective in the field of neurology, recognizing that diverse health systems and neurological challenges around the world require collaborative efforts to advance better brain health for all.

“When we gather so many brilliant minds in one place, we increase the likelihood of breakthroughs in neurological research and create the opportunity for major scientific collaborations,” said Dr. Guy Rouleau, President, XXVI World Congress of Neurology. “The World Congress of Neurology is one crucial way we further our mission of fostering quality neurology and brain health worldwide.”

In addition to fostering the exchange of research and scientific knowledge, WCN prioritizes developing, encouraging and ensuring representation of the next generation of brilliant neurologists. Young neurologists from low to low-middle income countries are provided financial and educational support to attend the conference in person and contribute their voices to neurological research and development. For the first time, the young WFN neurologists will hold two sessions, based on their survey on worldwide training.

“The Canadian Neurological Society (CNS) is proud to be a part of this prestigious event, and we are committed to contributing to the global mission of improving brain health,” said Dr. Stevn Peters, President of CNS. “When we join forces, we will drive research that will lead to treatments, prevention and cures for millions of people living with devastating neurological conditions,” said Dr. Michael D. Hill, President, The Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation.

“Every breakthrough in research and every partnership formed brings us one step closer to transforming the lives of people impacted by neurological disorders.”

13, Oct 2023
Digital content creators discuss opportunities and challenges of social media influencers at The Southern Rising Summit

Digital content creators discuss opportunities and challenges of social media influencers at The Southern Rising Summit

Chennai, October 13: Popular digital content creators Chaithania Prakash, Ardhra Sajan, and Deepika Venkatachalam participated in a session titled “Social Media: Playground or Business School?” at ABP Network’s The Southern Rising Summit. They gathered to share their insights on the evolving digital landscape and to discuss the opportunities and challenges faced by social media influencers.

Chaithania Prakash, a digital content creator, shared her perspective, saying, “As influencers, we have a responsibility to ensure that nothing negative impacts our followers. We make sure the content we provide is of high quality to avoid any negative influence on our followers.”

Ardhra Sajan, another Digital Content Creator, spoke about her journey, stating, “Initially, we didn’t know what to do on social media. Our follower count gradually increased, which brought a sense of responsibility. I started promoting products, but I received negative comments. So, I became more selective in my promotions to be a trusted influencer. The number of followers doesn’t matter; what’s important is the value we provide and our personal growth. Negative comments about physical appearance don’t bother me. What truly matters is my self-perception, which is what I want to convey to my followers.”

Highlighting challenges, Deepika Venkatachalam, a digital content creator said, “Some influencers are promoting betting apps, which negatively affect people’s lives, and I find this distressing. Everything is becoming digital, and people are seeking shortcuts. We have a responsibility to follow laws and use hashtags for paid collaborations to make it clear to viewers that it’s a promotional partnership. I believe this is a positive initiative from the government. More than just the numbers, what matters is engagement. Building confidence and engaging with followers is more important.”

The Southern Rising Summit was conceptualized and organized by ABP Network as a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural richness, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. The summit aimed to celebrate the spirit and diversity of the southern states, united in a common mission to drive a transformative journey for India. The event featured profound discussions and insights from influential figures in South Indian states and Union Territories.

13, Oct 2023
Cinematic Trailblazers Suhasini Maniratnam and Kushboo Sundar Illuminate ABP Network’s ‘The Southern Rising’ Summit

Cinematic Trailblazers Suhasini Maniratnam and Kushboo Sundar Illuminate ABP Network’s 'The Southern Rising' Summit

Chennai, 13th October 2023 – “There are people who don’t think about Box Office. In our generation we used to work for success and not for money. I want the smaller, meaningful films to reach the masses,” renowned actress Suhasini Maniratnam, said sharing her observation around changing trends in film industry at the ABP Network’s ‘The Southern Rising’ Summit.

On being asked if things have changed for women in the industry, Suhasini remarked, “The world of cinema is the same. Women have changed. They have begun standing-up for themselves.”

Speaking at the session, “Making New Myths – Recreating the Old”, Suhasini recalled how Maniratnam made the historic epic Ponniyin Selvan. “I asked him not to make this film. After the failure of some of the politic-historic films we make, I was uncertain, if this idea would work,” she revealed and further added, “The thing that worked for the success of PS, was the fact that the story of Ponniyin Selvan has been there in our culture. People loved it even before we made it.”

Speaking at the session, ‘Reinvention and Resurgence – Staying Alive in the Movies’, celebrated actress turned politician, Kushboo Sundar, shared a reflection from her personal life, “I slept like a log after coming out in open of being a victim of child sexual abuse. There’s nothing for me to be ashamed off.”

“We are yet to arrive in the South and it will rule and provide when it arrives.” Khusboo said, sharing her perspective on BJP’s role in the south. She further remarked, “Change takes time. Economy is booming. You cannot blame a party which is ruling for 9 years for unemployment.”

The ‘Southern Rising’ Summit is a convergence of the old and the new, a space where cinematic legends share their wisdom, and emerging talents find inspiration. Conceptualized and instituted by ABP Network, ‘The Southern Rising’ Summit is a tribute to the exceptional growth, cultural opulence, and societal harmony exemplified by the southern states of India. It aims to celebrate the spirit and richness of southern states, united on a singular mission of driving a transformative journey for India. The summit thus witnesses profound deliberations and sharing of insights by the movers and shakers of South Indian states and Union Territories.

13, Oct 2023
Godrej & Boyce launches ‘Conscious Collective’ an annual event to redefine sustainable living through design
Godrej & Boyce launches 'Conscious Collective' an annual event to redefine sustainable living through design
Final-mandala

Bangalore, 13th October 2023: Godrej & Boyce, a pioneer in driving sustainable practices in business, announced the launch of the Conscious Collective, a new platform that aspires to drive sustainability beyond the boardroom and into homes and communities of designers, architects and other professionals that hope to build a conscious future.

The Conscious Collective is a long-term initiative led by Godrej & Boyce that aims to herald a new era of design-led innovation with a strong focus on sustainable built spaces, use of conscious materials and the protecting the environment.

The Conscious Collective platform will kickstart in December with an annual 3-day event that will celebrate successes and individuals who are at the vanguard of reimagining a more sustainable future and often act as ambassadors to explore possibilities of a world that is healthier, greener and more sustainable for future generations.

It will feature an annual showcase of celebrated minds and their work to fostering ideas by young professionals in the space through a fellowship programme and annual report on responsible choices that one can adopt, Conscious Collective is committed to shape a better future.

“With a rapidly growing economy, India can set an example for the world by fast-tracking innovative design-driven solutions to champion sustainable living. It is crucial that now, all of us work together as a collective force towards meaningful and scalable actions to address the impending climate crisis”, said Mr. Jamshyd Godrej, Chairman and Managing Director, Godrej & Boyce.

Godrej & Boyce has been spearheading the integration of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into business operations by consistently demonstrating that development and conservation do not necessarily have to be mutually exclusive. The balance can be optimised by consciously increasing the footprint of products that are better for the planet, processes that are circular and aim to reduce waste at every step, creation of an ecosystem of partners and suppliers that can operate with these priorities and decades of protecting livelihoods and of blue carbon systems like the mangroves.

Nyrika Holkar, Executive Director, Godrej & Boyce said, “Pioneering progress has been our purpose for over a century and currently our progress will be defined by how we are able to combat climate change by integrating sustainability in the core business and not as an afterthought. It is the 98% and not the 2% that can really push the needle to being net zero. We hope to bring together professionals and experts to foster ongoing dialogues that bring new possibilities to shape a more conscious future for our children.”

The Conscious Collective is a meticulously curated experience, featuring immersive installations of conceptual spaces, thought-provoking exhibitions on materials, special keynotes, and discussions with experts, as well as interactive workshops held over 3 days. The event promises to accelerate the journey towards conscious living. From professionals, the common man to children, there will be inspiration for all on this platform.

At the heart of Conscious Collective are strategic partnerships with key professionals and leaders in the fields of architecture, interior design, research, art, and design, as well as industry influencers who are instrumental in driving the event’s core mission of promoting sustainable living practices. Among the acclaimed minds involved are Rahul Mehrotra, Anupama Kundoo, Brinda Somaya, Krittika Aggarwal, Mangesh Lungare, Madhav Pai, Karthik Ganesan, Liza Goldberg, Manoj Kumar and many more.

13, Oct 2023
Empowering vision: LG Electronics India’s ‘KAREIN ROSHNI’ initiative illuminates lives

Bengaluru, 13th October 2023: Ahead of World Sight Day, LG Electronics India proudly embarks on the next phase of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) endeavour, “KAREIN ROSHNI: Light For Every Sight,” aimed at transforming lives through comprehensive eye care and surgical interventions. This year’s initiative marks a significant expansion of the program’s reach as LG India collaborates with six new partners to support 14,500 cataract surgeries across India to amplify its impact.

Under the banner of “KAREIN ROSHNI,” LG India has forged strategic partnerships with six esteemed hospitals across the country, thereby solidifying its commitment to improving eye care accessibility and eliminating preventable blindness. Through these partnerships, a projected total of 14,500 surgeries are anticipated to be performed during the fiscal year 2023-24 across India, a remarkable testament to LG’s dedication to making a difference through six charitable hospitals namely – Dr. Shroff’s Charity Eye Hospital, Icare Eye Hospital, Noida (unit of Ishwar Charitable Trust), Sankara Eye Foundation (A unit of Sri Kanchi Kamakoti Medical Trust, H.V. Desai Eye Hospital (The Poona Blind Men’s Association), Sri Sankaradeva Nethralaya Guwahati (a unit of Sri Kanchi Sankara Health and Educational Foundation), Sri Akhand Jyoti (Yugrishi Shriam Sharma Acharya Charitable Trust).

Furthermore, the initiative encompasses a comprehensive awareness campaign about eye care to educate and empower individuals to take charge of their visual health. By promoting eye care awareness, LG endeavours to prevent avoidable blindness and enhance the quality of life for countless individuals across India.

Commenting on the initiative, Hong Ju Jeon, MD, LG Electronics India said, “At LG, our commitment goes beyond innovation – it’s about illuminating lives. Building on the incredible response to the flagship initiative KAREIN ROSHNI, we’re thrilled to take this forward on a bigger scale. With this initiative, we’re not just offering vision, but also awareness, choices, and possibilities to the lesser privileged society. For over 25 years, we’ve constantly elevated lives, and our “KAREIN ROSHNI- Light For Every Sight” CSR initiative is another stride on that path. We extend heartfelt thanks to our partner hospitals for joining us in this noble cause.”

Karein Roshni has been LG India’s one of the flagship CSR project. Under the aegis of this initiative, this year LG India has pledged to support 14,500 cataract Eye surgeries across India through 6 charitable Hospitals. As LG Electronics India continues to champion social responsibility through innovative initiatives like “KAREIN ROSHNI: Light For Every Sight,” the company is set to reaffirm its dedication to creating a brighter, more inclusive, and healthier future for all.

13, Oct 2023
Curtain Raiser of Raasleela 3.0: Traditional Navratri Event

Curtain Raiser of Raasleela 3.0: Traditional Navratri Event

Kolkata, 13th October 2023: Kolkata’s Biggest Navratri event- Raasleela is a Dance Championship with a difference, where people from all over West Bengal will participate. The event was announced and launched today at a Press Meet held at Drunken Teddy, Kolkata. RAASLEELA 2023 is a Navratri Cultural Extravaganza. It is a traditional Raas-garba event to be held in the City of Joy, Kolkata. It is an initiative to revive the cultural dance form of Gujarat in this modern era of globalization. Raasleela aims at bringing together the community at large. Witness the Navratri craze on 20th October (Sashti) at Royal Courtyard (Nicco Park) from 5 pm onwards with your friends and family.

The Press Conference was attended by eminent personalities like Akihiro Ueda, CEO Terra Motors India Pvt Ltd; Priti Patel, Renowned Manipuri Performer; Bhavna Hemani, Social Worker; Vijay Jain, President Lions Club of Howrah; Ashim Bose, Councillor; Anneysha Thakker, Emcee & Sports Presenter; Mehul Thakkar, Founder of BAUM; Rohit Agarwal, Director Signature Events; Raghav Singhania, Director Encore Events and many others.

The event is judged by individuals from different walks of life. Our esteemed judges are: Rohit Kataria – Partner of Suman jewellery & Director of Rohit jewellers Pvt Ltd.; Kunal Vora – Director and CEO – SHRM Biotechnologies Pvt Ltd, Committee Member – Indo Australian Chamber of Commerce (IACC – EIC); Mansi Sanghvi Bhayani – Psychologist and owner of Marga Wellness studio; Kashmira Shah – Choreographer.

The best traditionally dressed Male/ Female will be judged by: Neha Kataria – Proprietor of Ommbre & partner in TARZ by Ommbre. We have a special round Radha ne Shyam mali jase for Non participants who come to enjoy the evening. They might find their Radhe Shyam through this round. They will be encouraged to dance in the traditional dance form which will be judged by Parag Thakkar -Owner Swastik Material Traders; Meghna Thakkar – Housewife.

The curtain raiser of Raasleela 3.0 was revealed by Akihiro Ueda, CEO Terra Motors India Pvt Ltd; Priti Patel, Renowned Manipuri performer – Raza foundation; Suchismita Bar, Store Leader, Decathlon NewTown; Bhavna Hemani – Social Worker
Rohit Agarwal Director Signature Events,Raghav Singhania Director Encore Events and many other eminent personalities.

Raasleela is the brain child of Anneysha Thakker – Emcee and Sports presenter and Mehul Thakkar – Founder of BAUM. Speaking about the event the organizers said, “Just like Kolkata celebrates Durga puja, with the sound of Dhaak, why not celebrate authentic Navratri in the form of Raasleela where Ambee Maa will be celebrated with the music of traditional Raas and garba. It’s time to don your finest garba cholis, chudidars, and bandhni dupattas, adorn yourself with dazzling jewelry, and immerse yourself in the traditional dance mode, because Navratri is here! From religious significance to being a social gathering and an opportunity for fun outings, Navratri holds a special place in the hearts of people from all walks of life. It’s a time for dance, music, devotion, and unlimited festivities.”

13, Oct 2023
6th Megha Kayak Festival: Water Sport Spectacle on the Umtrew begins

Mumbai, 13th October 2023: The Umtrew River experienced waves of excitement as the 6th Megha Kayak Festival officially kicked off today, at the Shillong White Water village in Umtham of Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi District. Organized by the Ri Bhoi Water Sports and Tourism Corporation Society Limited, this festival became the light of the day under sponsorship and guidance by the Department of Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Meghalaya, and in collaboration with the Indian Kayaking and Canoeing Association (IKCA).

The three-day event, set to be a thrilling experience for the participants and the spectators will continue till the 14th of October. This year, the festival takes pride in its rich diversity, with a wide-ranging group of participants. This includes an impressive squad of 25 international kayakers hailing from various corners of the globe. Participating countries include Sri Lanka, Switzerland, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, the Czech Republic, Australia, Norway, Chile, Mexico, Germany, and France, along with 8 talented kayakers from India’s Meghalaya and one from Arunachal Pradesh.

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Meghalaya’s own talent shines brightly in the intermediate category of today’s event, with a total of 8 participants showcasing their kayaking skills and passion. Their presence not only symbolizes local talent but also underscores the region’s dedication to adventure sports and how it influences the sport’s growth. The addition of international kayakers adds an extra layer of excitement and competition to the festival.

For those with a penchant for adventure and a love of speed, the festival offers two categories: the Down River Sprint and the Canoe Slalom Cross. As the kayakers take to the Umtrew River’s raging waters, they are poised to make a lasting impression with their expert navigation and swift rowing. The festival is not just about competition, but, a celebration of sportspersonship, shared enthusiasm for kayaking, and the power of nature.

Beyond the thrill of the event, the Megha Kayak Festival serves a broader purpose. It not only brings kayakers together but also shines a spotlight on adventure sports and eco-tourism in Meghalaya. This festival welcomes the world to experience the unparalleled beauty of the state, offering a unique opportunity to explore the lush landscapes and untouched natural wonders that Meghalaya has to offer.