22, Dec 2023
Escaro Royale Unveils Winter Elegance with Exquisite Handpainted Fur Boots in Winter 2023 collection

New Delhi, December 22st, 2023: Escaro Royale, the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship, proudly introduces the latest addition to its Winter Collection – the Handpainted Handpatinaed Fur Boots featuring ankle length fur boots in Blake stitch construction.

Starwalt Fur Boots by Escaro Royale

The Handpainted Fur leather boots for men represent the pinnacle of winter footwear, seamlessly blending comfort, coziness, and style featuring plush faux fur lining that envelops the foot in warmth, providing an unparalleled level of comfort during colder months. The incorporation of fur not only ensures insulation but also adds a luxurious touch, elevating the overall style quotient of the boots. Escaro Royale’s fur leather boots prioritize practicality, offering a cozy refuge for the feet while maintaining a fashionable edge. Whether navigating snowy landscapes or strolling through urban streets, these boots embody the perfect fusion of functionality, comfort, and timeless style.

Mr. Ambud Sharma, CEO & Founder, Escaro Royale (1)

“The Handpainted Fur Boots in our Winter Collection are a testament to Escaro Royale’s unwavering commitment to creating exceptional, handcrafted products. We believe in providing our customers with not just a pair of boots but a unique statement of elegance and warmth,” said Ambud Sharma, founder and CEO at Escaro Royale.

These boots are 100% handmade by expert artisans who represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Every stitch and brushstroke is a testament to the dedication and skill of Escaro Royale’s master craftsmen. Featuring handmade Argentinian Leather Sole, these boots boast a luxurious foundation. The addition of rubber inserts ensures not only exceptional grip but also durability for long-lasting wear.Employing the sophisticated Blake stitch construction technique, each pair of boots guarantees not only a sleek appearance but also enhanced flexibility and durability. Blake stitching is a shoe construction method where the sole is sewn directly to the upper, insole, and outsole from the inside of the shoe. It involves a single stitching line, creating a sleek and close-cut appearance with no visible welt on the outer sole. This technique enhances flexibility and contributes to a lightweight design.

Fashion aficionados and those seeking the epitome of winter luxury are invited to explore the Winter Collection, now available for purchase on the official Escaro Royale website, escaro.in.

22, Dec 2023
Columbia Pacific Communities Unwraps India’s First #LifeSizeSustainableSantaProject: Seniors Lead the Way to a Greener Christmas

Bengaluru, December 22, 2023: As the season of joy and festivities approaches, Columbia Pacific Communities, India’s largest and most preferred senior living community operators, has taken a ground-breaking step towards sustainability with the launch of India’s first life-size Sustainable Santa Project. Recognising the environmental impact of Christmas celebrations, which traditionally result in a significant amount of waste, and particularly plastic waste, the initiative aims to inspire a shift towards eco-friendly practices during the holiday season.

Every year, Christmas festivities contribute to an estimated 2 to 3 billion kilograms of waste the world over, much of which ends up in landfills, exacerbating environmental pollution and climate change. In response to this alarming trend, residents of Columbia Pacific Communities decided to lead by example, spearheading India’s first #LifeSizeSustainableSantaProject.

Greener Christmas CPC 1

The project seeks to emphasize the crucial need for sustainability, especially in the face of global climate challenges. It also challenges stereotypes around the older generation’s environmental impact, showcasing the commitment and enthusiasm of senior residents in promoting conscious living.

Addressing the prevalent use of plastic in Santa Claus dolls that are sold during Christmas, residents of Columbia Pacific Communities engaged in a friendly competition to craft life-size sustainable Santas using upcycled and recycled materials, ensuring a zero-waste outcome. The goal was to create life-size Santas with a zero-carbon footprint, to urge more people to embrace recycling, reusing and reducing wastage, particularly during the festive season.

A video documenting the seniors’ creative process, shared on Columbia Pacific Communities’ Instagram/Facebook handles, showcases the residents employing their handicraft skills to fashion Santas from over 130 kgs of waste materials readily available at home, including upcycled plastic and recycled cloth, wood, PVC pipes, steel wires, sand, packaging material, coconut, cotton wool and newspapers. The top three Santa creations from across the communities were awarded gift vouchers, and the life-size Santas are prominently displayed at prominent locations across Bangalore and Hyderabad including The Oberoi Trident in Hyderabad, Nexus Shantiniketan Mall, Whitefield, Toscano Museum Road and The Biere Club, Lavelle Road in Bangalore, serving as inspiration to the younger generation to embrace a sustainable Christmas celebration. Columbia Pacific Communities has also partnered with NGOs such as The Little Sisters of The Poor in Bangalore and Society for Rural Development (SRD) in Hyderabad, to donate the life-size sustainable Santas.

Greener Christmas CPC 3

Piali Dasgupta, Senior Vice President at Columbia Pacific Communities, expressed her enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, “Our senior residents have always challenged and broken stereotypes. With this campaign, they aim to showcase to the world that sustainability can be embraced in every aspect of life, even during celebrating festivals and important occasions. Their willingness to put in extra effort to make the holiday season sustainable and leveraging their talent to contribute meaningfully to the world, perfectly aligns with Columbia Pacific Communities’ brand philosophy of positive ageing.”

By initiating the Sustainable Santa Project, Columbia Pacific Communities sets a powerful precedent for conscious and eco-friendly celebrations, urging individuals of all generations to adopt sustainable practices and make a positive impact on the environment. People are urged to take selfies with the Sustainable Santas in the locations mentioned above and tag the brand sharing it on social media to raise awareness on sustainability and climate change.

22, Dec 2023
SFA Championships 2023-2024 begins India’s grassroots sporting revolution
  •  SFA Championships conclude the first 6 cities of the calendar year with more than 18,000 matches
  •  Over 80,000 athletes competed in 6 cities from more than 3,000 schools
  • Each city saw more than 3500 matches being scheduled for athletes

Bangalore, December 22st , 2023: Sports For All (SFA), India’s largest tech-enabled multi-sport school competition platform, has set a new benchmark in discovering and empowering young sporting talent, through SFA Championships. With a commitment to host Championships in 10 cities this year, SFA has successfully concluded 6 SFA Championships in 60 days in cities namely Indore, Dehradun, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. In just about two months, the SFA Championships inspired more than 80,000 athletes from over 3,000 schools, fueling their sporting ambitions and contributing to India’s untapped sporting potential.

The SFA Championships are enabling school sporting competition at a scale never witnessed in the country, especially for multi-sports and backed by technology. This city-based model celebrated the indomitable spirit of sportsmanship, discovering talent that will contribute to the future of the sporting ecosystem. The initial 6 cities of the SFA Championships have discovered the “number one school in sports” across the cities of Indore, Dehradun, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. Delhi Public School (Nipania) in Indore, Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun, Cambridge Court World School in Jaipur, Vignan Bo Tree School (Nizampet) in Hyderabad, Vidya Valley School (Sus) in Pune, and Don Bosco International School (Matunga) in Mumbai bagged the prestigious title of “number one school in sports”, in the respective cities.

sports

True to the endeavor of giving youth inspiring and joyful sporting experiences, SFA Championships transformed iconic sporting venues in each city for school athletes to play. Stadiums like the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex (in Balewadi) Pune, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, the Gachibowli Sports Complex in Hyderabad, Abhay Prashal Sports Club and Basketball Complex, Indore, and Shahaji Raje Krida Sankul (Sports Complex) in Andheri fostered a conducive environment for sporting excellence.

Bolstering the athlete’s spirit to play in a professional environment, needs immense support of the local machinery to work seamlessly. Through this sporting platform the local economies have witnessed growth with SFA Championships, thus creating value for every stakeholder and leading towards capacity building for the cities and states to host reputable large-scale multi-sport events. Fostering collaboration with local coaches, academies, vendors, and other businesses, boosting the travel and hospitality industries, providing employment for residents, and opportunities for students, SFA Championships are on their way to strengthen the city’s economic health, through sports. Its noteworthy to recall that on a single day in October, three cities hosted school sports competitions across eight venues, engaging 1242 workforce members, volunteers, and officials across 12 sporting disciplines.

Inching closer to the milestone for 2023-2024, Rajas Joshi, COO & Championships Director, SFA, added, “Reflecting upon how SFA Championships has bought alive a revolution, it becomes apparent that sports transcend beyond a physical activity and is indeed an emotion. The unparalleled enthusiasm at the Championships reaffirms our belief that these young athletes only required a platform, to come play. With 80,000 school athletes playing within a span of 60 days, the “Ab Jeetega India” movement, through the SFA Championships, is a historic beginning for the nation to build a formidable grassroots sporting ecosystem. And a sustainable one that is now available on the screens of Viacom18”.

SFA Championships and Viacom18 have partnered to make school sports accessible to millions of sports fans, across the country. The Championships can now be viewed on JioCinema (app), Sports18-2, and Sports18 Khel (tv channels). This further deepens with visibility of the Championships on DD Sports.

sports2

Giving exposure to multi-sports, SFA Championships recognizes the ‘Golden Boy’ and ‘Golden Girl’, where athletes with achievements in multi-sports are awarded. With the remarkable times for female athletes to build their sporting careers, SFA Championships celebrates the initiative ‘She is Gold’, where a day across all Championships is dedicated to empowering and encouraging female athletes to play (since inception, in 2015). More than 5000 female athletes, across 6 cities, joined in with their commitment to building a career in sports.

Building an environment for every school athlete to play, irrespective of the geography or socio-economic backgrounds, SFA Championships has witnessed impressive diversity in participation, with 33% female athletes and 67% male athletes competing on an equitable platform. At the Championships, the top sports opted by girls were athletics, basketball, football, swimming, and skating, while boys preferred to compete in football, athletics, basketball, chess and swimming.

As the SFA Championships concluded, parents, coaches and athletes celebrated a transformative event that went beyond traditional sports competitions. Each child’s dream echoed aspirations of winning at the Olympics and representing the nation at the highest level. SFA’s organizational prowess was evident in bringing together a myriad of sports on such a grand scale, creating a unique platform where several national and international-level players competed across diverse sporting disciplines. SFA Championships is poised to make sports accessible for young athletes across the country, thereby empowering today’s talent to become the Champions of tomorrow.

22, Dec 2023
An impressive 102 students from Aakash BYJU’S qualify the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) 2023; Now Eligible for INMO 2024

New Delhi, December 22, 2023: An impressive 102 students from Aakash BYJU’S, the national leader in test preparatory services, have cleared the prestigious Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) 2023. The qualified students will now compete in the stage 3 of the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) scheduled to be held on January 21, 2024.

The International Mathematical Olympiad’s second stage is the Regional Mathematics Olympiad (RMO). Students who qualified Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) were eligible to write RMO which was held on October 29, 2023. RMO is conducted by the regional coordinators under the supervision of Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai. The HBCSE regional coordinators review RMO response documents, and the results are submitted to the HBCSE.

1 student of Aakash BYJU’S from Class 8th, 10 from class 9th, 35 from class 10th, 38 from class 11th and 18 from class 12th have cleared the RMO 2023.

Congratulating the students on the impressive results, Mr Anup Agarrwal, Chief Business Officer, Aakash BYJU’S said: “Congratulations to all our students who have cleared the RMO exam 2023. It is testament to the consistent efforts of these students, the dedication of our faculties and the quality pedagogy imparted by Aakash BYJU’S. Many thanks to the parents for trusting us and extending their support. We wish the students all the best for the next round.”

The International Mathematical Olympiad program is aimed at bringing secondary and higher secondary students with exceptional mathematical ability and passion for the subject from across the world together in a friendly competition of the highest level. India has been participating in International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) since 1989 and Indian students have won a large number of medals over the years.

After INMO, the students undergo a month-long training camp, i.e. International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC), where problem-solving sessions and several selection tests are held and this year approx. 65 students from all over India will compete against each other. 6 selected students from IMOTC are chosen to represent India at international level in IMO and are given training in Pre-Departure Camp (PDC). During the camp, orientation is provided to students for IMO and emphasis is laid on developing conceptual foundations and problem-solving skills.

Aakash BYJU’S aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from Aakash BYJU’S have proven selection track record in various Medical & Engineering Entrance Exams, Scholarship Exams and Olympiads.

22, Dec 2023
Diverse Delights Unveiled: KW Delhi 6 Mall Adds Iconic Brands to Its Lineup

KW Delhi 6 Mall announced the addition of a diverse array of renowned brands across various genres, offering elevated shopping and leisure experiences for visitors. From tantalising food options to cutting-edge fashion and entertainment, the mall now hosts a curated selection of brands that cater to every taste and preference.

Ample spaces have been given to F&B brands such as Urban Chaat (a delectable culinary outlet), Tasty Temptation (an ice cream kiosk), and Yo China (another delicious food outlet). Visitors can relish their favourite cuisines, from street food to rich Chinese delicacies to sweet ice creams. These food options would cater to the taste buds of the visitors, redefining the F&B of the mall.

KW

Fun and games outlets such as Fun Square and Smaash have also occupied large spaces at the project to offer visitors unparalleled gaming and entertainment options. While Fun Square introduces a playful atmosphere with engaging games, Smaash introduces an FEC (Family Entertainment Center) where visitors can enjoy many engaging activities.

Numerous lifestyle and apparel brands have been unveiled at the mall, including Panoramis Traditions, Raasa, Lavie, VIP, and Hush Puppies. Visitors can elevate their style with the latest fashion products from these outlets and shop across multiple genres, such as clothing, apparel, bags, footwear, etc. All these brands offer the most classic products that offer comfort and style.

Tupperware, a home kitchen products outlet, has also opened an outlet at the mall, allowing visitors to explore innovative and functional home kitchen products and enhancing the shopping experience with quality and utility.

Mr. Mr. Pankaj Kumar Jain, Director KW Group stated, “We are thrilled to introduce these iconic brands to KW Delhi 6 Mall, transforming it into a hub where visitors can explore and indulge in various genres. Whether visitors seek culinary delights, fashion-forward apparel, engaging games, or quality lifestyle products, our mall has become a comprehensive destination for diverse preferences. Adding these esteemed names would offer our visitors an inclusive and enriching experience.”

22, Dec 2023
Arya.ag unites industry leaders at RITH-Climate Summit ’23 to advance sustainable farming practices

Bengaluru, 22nd, December 2023 – The RITH-Climate Summit ’23, organised by Arya.ag, India’s largest and only profitable integrated grain commerce platform, in partnership with Bayer Foundation India, brought together leaders from diverse sectors in its first edition. The summit, organised in Delhi, was a landmark event that brought together representatives from 45 diverse farmer producer organisations (FPOs), including women-led FPOs from various Indian states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.

The one-day RITH Climate Summit ’23 witnessed the culmination of ideas to improve the competitiveness of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) by emphasising climate-resilient and regenerative farming practices, addressing challenges encountered by small and marginal farmers, particularly in resource access and dealing with the effects of climate change. Shri Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, graced the RITH-Climate Summit ’23 with his esteemed presence, elevating the event’s importance.

Prasanna Rao, CEO and Co-Founder at Arya.ag

Prasanna Rao, CEO and Co-Founder at Arya.ag

Prasanna Rao, CEO&CO-Founder of Arya.ag, stated, “The RITH-Climate Summit ’23, organised by Arya.ag, represents a pivotal stride in our commitment to empowering farmers. Recently, as part of a comprehensive study conducted by the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), we looked at our presence in climate-stressed regions across India and realised the crucial challenges being faced by our farmers. By uniting industry leaders, experts, and diverse farmer producer organisations from across India, we aim to catalyse a transformative dialogue on incentivising sustainable farming practices by creating market-led ecosystems.”

Rith means ecological balance and the event was designed to feature a range of panelists and representatives from the industry, farm verticals, development sector and the government. The discussions centred around creating market-led ecosystems, strengthening relationships between FPOs, and leveraging technology for sustainable agricultural practices.

The panel discussions featured insights on “challenges in transitioning to climate-resilient production” with Aman Pannu (DCM Shriram Foundation), Arun Pandhi (Tata Trusts), Sugandhi Vishwakarma (Korku Farmer Producer Company), S.S Bhat (FWWB India), and Prof. V. Padmanand (Grant Thornton) moderated by Amit Kumar (UNDP).

The “Actionising Climate Goals” panel explored corporate-grassroots connections, including perspectives from Manek Gupta (Viterra), Neelesh Rathod (White Gold Farmer Producer Company Limited), Rajiv Yadav (Agrocorp India Trade Services Pvt Limited), Rajvir Rathi, Director (Bayer Crop Science) and Uday Anand (Parijat Industries) moderated by Sarita Bahl (Bayer Foundation India).

“Productive Convergences,” moderated by Dr. Sudheer K Goel (Agriculture and Marketing, Govt. of Maharashtra), discussed winning examples with Amrendra Mishra (ADM), Swapnil Pawar (ASQI), Shailesh Kumar (Britannia), Dr. Ratna Kumria (FSII) and Vinod Beniwal (Shakti Vardhak Farmer Producer Company Ltd), Vijaysekar Kalavakonda (IFC) moderated “Harmonising Stakeholder Roles,” involving Anupam Barik (Patanjali), Dheeraj Mutreja, (Rabo Foundation), Dr. KC Gummagolmath (MANAGE), Smriti Das (XLRI) and Sunil Kumar (Synergy Technofin Pvt Ltd.). These discussions aimed to address challenges and promote sustainable models for climate resilience.

Prasanna Rao, CEO and Co-founder, Arya.ag; Ms. Rachna Panda, Country Group Head, Communication and Public Affairs & Sustainability for Bayer South Asia; Shri. Manoj Ahuja, Hon’ble Secretary, MoA&FW; Dr Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, Ms Sarita Bahl, Head of corporate social responsibility at Bayer; Anand Chandra, Co-founder and executive director at Arya.ag

From left to right: Prasanna Rao, CEO and Co-founder, Arya.ag; Ms. Rachna Panda, Country Group Head, Communication and Public Affairs & Sustainability for Bayer South Asia; Shri. Manoj Ahuja, Hon’ble Secretary, MoA&FW; Dr Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, Ms Sarita Bahl, Head of corporate social responsibility at Bayer; Anand Chandra, Co-founder and executive director at Arya.ag

The synergistic partnership between forward-thinking corporations such as Bayer, Arya.ag and the dynamic Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) is pivotal in propelling the agenda of sustainable farming to new heights. Our shared initiatives not only exemplify our commitment but also serve as a resounding testament to the unwavering dedication we bring to the noble cause of fostering a sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape for the benefit of present and future generations – said Sarita Bahl – Director – Bayer Foundation India

“Strengthening farmers’ awareness of the importance of embracing climate-resilient agriculture can be accomplished by reinforcing agricultural extension services. The existing lack of knowledge regarding climate-resilient practices emphasises the necessity for enhanced outreach and education in this field.” said Dr Sudheer K Goel – IAS, Former Addtl. Chief Secretary – Agriculture and Marketing, Govt. of Maharashtra.

Encouraging farmers to adopt change could involve a government-driven policy initiative, providing working capital to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Additionally, private collaborators could play a role in developing green technologies, while aggregators could facilitate the convergence of market players and farmers on a unified platform – said Amit Kumar – Head of Sustainable and Inclusive Growth at UNDP.

Arya.ag remains committed to its mission of supporting farmers and advancing sustainable agricultural practices. The outcomes of the RITH- Climate Summit ’23 will pave the way for more collaborative efforts and innovations in the agricultural sector.

22, Dec 2023
Fateh Education invests in fintech startup Reeudo

New Delhi, Dec 22, 2023: Fateh Education, leading Indian Study Abroad Consultant, is pleased to announce its strategic investment in Reeudo, India’s first fintech start-up specialising in facilitating cross-border payments for students across educational institutions over the world. This investment marks a significant step towards creating a robust ecosystem that supports aspiring Indian students in pursuing education abroad.

good relation

 The investment in Reeudo aligns with the vision of Fateh Education to provide comprehensive support to students seeking foreign education opportunities.

 Mr Suneet Singh Kochar, Founder and CEO, Fateh Education, expressed enthusiasm about the investment’s otential impact, stating, “We understand the dreams and aspirations of Indian students to pursue education abroad. This nvestment in Reeudo is a testament to our commitment to building an ecosystem that not only provides expert educational counselling but also facilitates seamless financial solutions to support the pursuit of international education.”

 Fateh Education has a proven track record of guiding students through the complex process of applying to foreign universities, and this investment in Reeudo adds a financial dimension to their comprehensive service offerings. The collaboration aims to streamline and simplify the financial aspects of studying abroad, making the process more accessible and manageable for students and their families.

 Since its inception, Fateh Education has been providing personalized international higher education consulting to study in the UK and Ireland. Fateh has over 120 university partnerships and 150 plus employees across 9 offices in India.

22, Dec 2023
Mysore Saree Udyog unveils spectacular new flagship store in Hyderabad at Jubilee Hills

Hyderabad, 22nd, December 2023: Mysore Saree Udyog, a pioneer among India’s ethnic wear brands with a rich legacy of catering to an extensive consumer base in Bangalore, has announced the opening of its new flagship outlet in Hyderabad. Located in Jubilee Hills, the new store is a significant milestone that further underscores the brand’s commitment to timeless elegance, impeccable craftsmanship, and the preservation of traditional weaves.

Mysore Saree Udyog unveils spectacular new flagship store in Hyderabad at Jubilee Hills 2

Spanning 15,000 square feet across four floors, the new store proudly showcases an exquisite array of pure silk sarees, lehengas, fabrics, ready-to-wear, unstitched suits, salwar kameez, and dupattas. These offerings seamlessly blend traditional and contemporary styles, catering to every occasion. The uniqueness of these collections arises from in-house design interventions, facilitating the creation of exclusive, high-quality products. Additionally, every fabric available at the store can be authenticated through on-site real-zari testing and Silk Mark certifications, affirming the true value of the offerings.

Aligning with its Bangalore counterpart, the Hyderabad store assures a unique price match guarantee and diverse customer service options via WhatsApp commerce and video call shopping. Embracing its global acclaim, the brand pledges an engaging and personalized shopping experience, both online and offline. More than just a retail space, the new outlet represents a commitment to surpassing expectations and delighting even the most discerning consumers in the city.

Mysore Saree Udyog unveils spectacular new flagship store in Hyderabad at Jubilee Hills 1

Commenting on the expansion, Dinesh Talera, one of the founders of Mysore Saree Udyog, said, “Nestled in the heart of Hyderabad and surrounded by picturesque neighborhoods, this area exudes a timeless charm – much like our brand. With a legacy spanning four distinguished decades, we strive to keep up with the trends without compromising on our core DNA anchored in transparency, superior quality, and customer satisfaction. We are excited to enter a new market that resonates with our values, appreciates craftsmanship, rich heritage and reinforces our dedication to offering unparalleled elegance and service.”

Since its inception in 1982, Mysore Saree Udyog has embarked on a journey of preserving the heritage of Indian textiles by supporting the craftsmanship of over 3000 artisans across the country. The brand has remained an emblem of sophistication, representing a cultural cornerstone for ethnic wear and saree aficionados. As it expands beyond Karnataka, the brand is poised to fortify its offline retail footprint, bringing its legacy of elegance and tradition to new horizons.

22, Dec 2023
PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship Makes Sporting History With Over 41,000 Participants, 28,000 Matches in 7 Editions

National, December 22, 2023: PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship (JBC) has concluded its 7 th edition with unprecedented success, achieving a spectacular World Record recognized by the World Record Certification Agency (WRCA). The 7 th edition secured the prestigious title of the ‘Most kids participating in a Badminton Championship in multiple cities,’ surpassing its own record set in 2022.

PNB MetLife Logo

 Launched in 2015, PNB MetLife JBC has evolved into one of the nation’s largest annual open platforms for young badminton enthusiasts, engaging over 41,000 participants in more than 28,000 matches over the past 7 editions. The success of PNB MetLife JBC is attributed to well-planned and executed marketing efforts, contributing to the growing anticipation around the event each year.

 Record-Breaking Journey: From its humble beginnings in 2015 across four cities, the championship has expanded exponentially, covering 10 cities in the latest 7 th edition. The anticipation builds annually as players and badminton enthusiasts eagerly await this iconic event, contributing to its growing popularity. The 7 th edition witnessed extraordinary participation of 8257 young champions, reflecting the championship’s commitment to fostering badminton talent at the grassroots level.

 Asian Games Gold Medallists as Mentors: The 2023 edition saw the inclusion of Asian Games Gold Medallists, Chirag Shetty & Satwik Rankireddy, who have recently been nominated for the Khel Ratna as PNB MetLife JBC mentors. Their invaluable guidance and expertise significantly contributed to the championship’s success, inspiring young talents to aim for excellence and enhancing the event’s prestige.

pnb metlife championship

 Beyond records and numbers, JBC remains a significant platform for aspiring young badminton players. Initiatives like the JBC Boot Camp, an online badminton academy offering tutorial videos by renowned coaches and badminton players, including U. Vimal Kumar, Vijay Lancy, Anup Sridhar, and JBC Mentors Satwik & Chirag covering topics such as badminton techniques, mental ability, fitness, and nutrition. These tutorial videos from badminton stalwarts, provide young athletes professional training across three levels – Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced.

 Another initiative introduced was the JBC Virtual Dugout. This initiative was launched during Covid-19 that gave young shuttlers an opportunity to directly connect with the top badminton players and experts from the safety of their homes and seek advice and tips on how to stay fit and practice their skills to come-back strong post lockdown. These experts also encouraged the young athletes to ‘Eat Right, Play Hard’ and offered advice on how to retain focus and mental strength.

 Mr. Ashish K Srivastava, MD and CEO of PNB MetLife, expressed, “The PNB MetLife Junior Badminton Championship has evolved into a catalyst for talent development in badminton, nurturing emerging athletes into future stars. The extraordinary feat of securing the World Record for the highest number of participating kids in a badminton championship for two consecutive years underscores our commitment to shaping the future of badminton in India. As we look ahead to future editions, our focus remains on promoting sports and youth development on a broader scale, actively contributing to the growth and well-being of young athletes across the country.”

 Sourabh Lohtia, Head of Marketing for PNB MetLife added, “As we celebrate the success of the 7 th edition of JBC, our commitment to expanding its reach and impact in the future remains strong. The journey from a modest 300 registrations in 2015 to shattering the world record with 8255 participants in the 2023 edition illustrates the escalating interest from aspiring shuttlers, emphasizing the prominent standing PNB MetLife JBC has achieved. We are confident in the continued success of JBC and anticipate even larger participation from young shuttlers in future editions.”

Rewarding Excellence: In the 7 th season, Rs 30 Lakhs were awarded to the young champions across 10 cities, reflecting PNB MetLife’s dedication towards creating a platform that is centred around identifying, nurturing, and supporting emerging talents in the Olympic sport of badminton, furthering the mission to safeguard and empower Indian aspirations at world stage.

 Overview of PNB MetLife’s JBC Journey:

  • 2015: Launched with 4 cities, witnessing over 3000 registrations.
  •  2016: Expanded to 8 cities, with 5500 registrations.
  • 2017: Reached 10 cities, with over 5800 registrations.
  •  2018-2019: Continued growth, expanding to 10 cities and attracting over 8000 and 9500 registrations respectively.
  •  2019: JBC Boot Camp launched, offering online training modules by renowned coaches and players.
  •  2022: Expanded reach to 12 cities, attracting over 8000 registrations.
  •  2023: Covered 10 cities, attracting 8257 participants.
  •  Overall: Since inception in 2015, PNB MetLife JBC has engaged over 49,000 participants, with over 34,000 matches played.

 At PNB MetLife, we believe that physical fitness is as important as the fiscal fitness of individuals. We work not only to help our consumers realize their financial goals but also to attain a healthy way of living.

 As PNB MetLife continues its journey to promote badminton excellence, the 7 th edition of JBC stands as a testament to the championship’s evolution and its pivotal role in shaping the future of Indian badminton.

22, Dec 2023
Blue Dart Announces Merry Express: Seasonal Offers on Domestic and International Shipments

Hyderabad/Mumbai, 22nd, December ’23: Blue Dart Express Limited, South Asia’s premier express-air, integrated transportation, and distribution logistics company, has announced the “Merry Express” offer ahead of the end-of-the-year festivities. This offer is valid till January 15th, 2024.

A discounted rate can be availed on all Merry Express gift shipments for both domestic and international destinations, providing customers with a comprehensive solution for all their logistics needs. While there is a flat 40% off on domestic shipments between 2 -10 kgs, and up to a 50% discount on international shipments on specific weights in the range of 3 -25 kgs across India. This offer is applicable for both domestic priority and international shipments, with conditions applied.

As a customer centric company, Blue Dart has been working on enhancing its products and services, providing added value to its customers during this festive season. With the ‘Merry Express’ offer, customers can spread the joy of the festive season by sending gifts to over 56,000+ locations within India, as well as to 220 countries and territories worldwide. The company employs technology and automation to ensure speed, safety, and reliability in seamless deliveries, enabling it to consistently deliver excellence at every touchpoint.