16, May 2024
Skoda Auto India deploys slew of offers under all-new Summer Campaign
Pune, May 16, 2024 –Soon after announcing an all-new compact SUV and introducing a minimum of six airbags across all variants on its 5-star Global NCAP safety rated models, Škoda Auto India continues on its customer centric strategy with the introduction of an all-new Summer Camp for its customers.
Speaking on the customer initiative, Petr Janeba, Brand Director, Škoda Auto India, said: “Our customers are a central part of all our endeavours. This is reflected in our Human Touch approach, which is a global philosophy and has been localised for India in the form of the ‘My Mantra’ programme. While we continue to build our product actions, our strategy to get closer to our customers, offering them an unparalleled ownership experience is pivotal. This Service Camp is a step in that direction and is also a token of our appreciation to our customers, who choose to be part of the Škoda family.”
The Summer Campaign
The Summer Camp starts immediately and is accessible at every Škoda Auto India dealership, service centre and touchpoint across India. Under it, Škoda customers can avail discounts on a slew of services and customer-centric facilities. Value Added Services have an offer of upto 20%. Facilities like a Ceramic Coating carry discounts of upto 30% under the campaign. An eco-friendly, water-saving Dry Wash of the cars can be availed at a 20% discount. Customers can also sign up for a Road Side Assistance package at a cost that’s 20% lower than usual under this Summer offer. Moreover, Škoda Auto India’s add-on Anytime Warranties carry fabulous offers too. And to top it off, the company is offering its standard 40-point Check-up absolutely free as part of its all-new Summer Campaign.
Through the season
Škoda Auto India’s Summer Camp begins immediately and stretches for over a month right upto June 30, 2024. During this period all Škoda Auto India customers, including customers of legacy cars like the Rapid, Octavia and the Yeti, alongwith India 2.0 cars like the Kushaq and Slavia and the premium Kodiaq and Superb can avail of these benefits.
Warranty with safety
Škoda Auto India already offered a 4-year/100,000 km standard warranty when the industry standard is about 3-years/75,000kms. Customers, under Škoda’s Peace of Mind programme, can extend this 4-year standard warranty up to the 5th or up to the 6th year/150,000 km (whichever is earlier). In 2023, the company introduced an Anytime Warranty that allowed customers to have an additional warranty added, providing their cars a total warranty coverage of up to 8 years/150,000 km (whichever earlier). This package can now be availed of at discounted rates under the latest Summer Camp.
Škoda Auto India’s industry-leading warranty packages are in addition to the company’s recent introduction of six airbags as standard across the range furthering the safety quotient in the proven and tested India 2.0 cars. With the full 5-stars under Global NCAP for the Kushaq and Slavia, and the same score under Euro NCAP for the Kodiaq 4×4, and the recently introduced Superb luxury sedan, Škoda Auto India continues with its tradition of offering a 100% fleet of crash-tested cars rated 5-stars for adults and children in the Indian market.
Human Touch – ‘My Mantra’ programme
Škoda Auto India has put in place several trainings and workshops for its sales and after-sales verticals, towards improving customer satisfaction, connected through its Human Touch philosophy.
Škoda Auto’s Human Touch approach is a global philosophy and has been localised for India in the form of the ‘My Mantra’ program, and enables a customer-first approach across all dealerships.
- 0
- By Rabindra
16, May 2024
The Prelude: Luxury Concierge Startup Targets Dollar 20m First-Year Sales
Miami, Florida — May 16, 2024: Travel agents are officially out of style, but have left a gap in their wake that self-service online booking platforms haven’t been able to fill. This is especially the case for executives and high-net worth individuals, who can spend millions every year on travel but struggle with the logistics of booking multiple trips each month for work, family, and vacation – like dealing with slow response times, mistakes in bookings, and a lack of support with existing platforms and concierge services. The Prelude, a membership-based luxury concierge company, is filling this gap by delivering the highest quality of service while utilizing cutting-edge technology to connect ultra-high net worth individuals (UHNWIs) with their powerful global trade network, providing the ultimate member experience.
As the name suggests, The Prelude – which is often referred to as the ‘opening note’ – solves the market need through highly personalized service, responsive support, expert travel and trade knowledge, and an extreme focus on attention to detail during the planning process. The company raised an undisclosed seed round from Turnbull Capital Holdings (the investment company of serial entrepreneur, Anmol Bhandari) and appointed a line-up of high profile advisors including Alex Spiro (Attorney to A-List Celebrities such as Elon Musk, Jay-Z, Alec Baldwin and more) among others. The company is now on track to hit $20 million in gross sales by the end of this year.
The Prelude was founded by Stefan Di-Finizio, a veteran in the luxury travel space. He started his career over a decade ago working for SkyClub, Europe’s leading First and Business Class flight agency, before joining digital concierge company Velocity Black to spearhead the travel division. After three years there, Stefan became an independent private concierge to UHNWIs for bespoke travel solutions globally. The Prelude aims to solve the fragmented concierge and travel market on a larger scale with its dedicated mobile app and platform coupled with client dedicated teams servicing the needs of their members.
Today’s travel industry is broken into two types of service: self-service online booking models and large credit card companies that provide outsourced travel support. UHNWIs have been disappointed with the lackluster booking experience. The Prelude has had success at achieving a high touch feel while also complementing it with modern luxuries in the form of a dedicated lifestyle manager backed by their two assistants who never manages more than 10 members, along with an innovative mobile app where individuals can talk to their lifestyle manager, book experiences, view all of their bookings and itineraries, and have a fully hands on and immersive experience.
“The Prelude is the first end-to-end solution. To sum it up, we are solving time optimization for our members to help them reap the best experiences when they travel. In an ever-changing world, given the pace of new information and how quickly things change, there is a pressing need for an expert in this space to be able to adapt to members’ families, work, and general schedule changes. We are doing exactly that, while providing a personal and unforgettable user experience along the way,” said founder Stefan Di-Finizio.
Today, The Prelude’s members typically spend anywhere from $200,000 to $3 million per year on travel, and primarily include ultra-high net worth families planning multiple holidays a year; entertainment clients who travel frequently for key social events like award shows, film festivals, and fashion shows; busy executives who rely on The Prelude to travel for work; and exited entrepreneurs who want to maximize their travel but may not have assistants or the historic infrastructure to help them anymore.
The Prelude has attracted members of AMEX Centurion who were seeking a more personalized and bespoke service. Members of The Prelude benefit from the company’s ability to book travel in record time, unparalleled access to venues and events through relationships with leading hospitality groups, and perks that originate from Di-Finizio’s personal relationships with leading luxury hotel chains. After one of the members’ commercial flight for a ski-trip was canceled last minute leaving the family stranded at the airport, the Prelude coverage team had a jet ready within 60 minutes of being notified ensuring the members trip would carry on as planned; separately, on short notice, the team secured access for one of its members into the renowned LouLou’s during Couture Paris Fashion week and arranged a range of experiences while in the city.
The Prelude key domain lies in its ability to support members through dedicated teams and its app where members can request, book on-demand, feedback all in real time. The combination of real-time technology and a 24/7 behind the scenes team will enable it to scale without sacrificing member experience at any given moment. “Having been in this industry for some time and seeing what has worked and not worked, I was adamant that there was a better way by combining technology and people to ensure high-touch service never falters as we scale” explained Stefan Di-Finizio.
Looking ahead, The Prelude plans to expand its global presence and further the digital experience they offer to their members, with the ultimate vision of building a lifestyle management company known for providing exceptional service, luxury goods through affiliate partnerships and ultimately ease of mind and access for their members.
Anmol Bhandari, Managing Partner of Turnbull Capital added: “The travel space is fragmented. There are many companies that offer “concierge services”, but they are just booking the things people could have done on their own more efficiently. A concierge service doesn’t stop and start with a virtual booking agent. The Prelude solves this with a tech stack that creates amazing opportunities for users and delivers with the high-bar service level required by busy individuals. It’s an impressive infrastructure and platform that just makes sense and most importantly it works. Their attention to detail on preferences is unlike any other service. They are effectively a combination of a family office infrastructure, executive assistant and chaperone that ensures things work as they should.”
16, May 2024
VĀSA Indica Your way to the new Indica
New Delhi, 16th May 2024, Amidst the lively streets of New Delhi, VĀSA Indica is set to open its doors on May 17th at Regency One, marking the dawn of a revolutionary era in retail. Over 60 emerging designers will display their curated assortments. Nestled near Dhan Mill, the 5000 sq. ft. retail space offers a meticulously crafted haven where each brand’s vision can be explored and appreciated in an environment that is as inviting as it is inspiring.
Founded by a trio whose expertise spans BUSINESS, DESIGN, and STRATEGY, VĀSA Indica is the brainchild of Rishi Sakhuja, Devika Sakhuja, and Yuvraj Singh Shergill. Each brings a distinctive perspective to this brainchild: Rishi’s strategic direction and experience in the direct-to-consumer market, Devika’s impeccable eye for curation and luxury, and Yuvraj’s prowess in retail and real estate development. Together, they embody the ethos of The New Indica, offering strong support to Indian brands while boldly championing the essence of the Indica values.
One of the founders of VĀSA Rishi Sakhuja further adds “We seek to revolutionize Indian fashion, curating selections that reflect contemporary trends. Empowering modern buyers to express individuality with confidence, it envisions a future synonymous with accessible and diverse fashion and lifestyle”.
” VĀSA Indica offers modern consumers personalized styling assistance, handpicked events, and exclusive previews, shaping the environment into a dynamic nexus where craftsmanship, style, and commerce harmonize. Featuring brands like Ka-Sha from Pune, Divya Sheth from Kolkata, Mimamsa from Lucknow,Tilla from Ahmedabad,Ekadi from Bihar, Naushad Ali from Pondicherry, Art Chives from Mumbai & Ode-to-Odd from Ranchi amongst others who proudly champions the essence of the Indica ethos, With prices ranging from INR 10,000 to INR 75,000, luxury becomes accessible, bridging India’s artisanal heritage with modern aspirations.
The result is a destination where exclusivity feels accessible and where every piece of clothing or accessories comes with a narrative that adds to the larger story of Indian fashion. VĀSA Indica is poised to make its mark on Delhi’s style landscape, offering a refreshing, thoughtfully curated take on contemporary fashion that celebrates the best of India’s evolving identity.
16, May 2024
HDFC Life Declares Rs. 3,722 cr. Bonus for Policyholders
Mumbai, May 16, 2024: HDFC Life, one of India’s leading life insurers, announced its highest-ever bonus of Rs. 3,722 cr. on participating plans during the Company’s board meeting in April 2024. This substantial bonus will benefit ~22.23 lakh policyholders.
Participating or par plans are a distinctive type of life insurance policy that provide policyholders with profit-sharing benefits in the form of bonuses. These plans allow policyholders to share in the company’s profits, reflecting a mutual partnership between the insurer and policyholders.
Out of the total bonus amount, Rs. 2,798 cr. will be disbursed to policies in the current financial year, either as maturity bonuses or cash bonuses. The remaining bonus will be payable in the future upon policy maturity, death or surrender.
Vibha Padalkar, MD & CEO, HDFC Life expressed satisfaction, stating, “We are delighted to announce an increase in the bonuses for our valued policyholders this year. Life insurance policies are designed for the long term, and bonuses serve as a reward for the loyalty of policyholders throughout the policy term. We are committed to providing the best products and services to our policyholders, ensuring value for all our stakeholders.”
This significant bonus distribution underscores HDFC Life’s dedication to providing financial security and rewards its policyholders, fostering a relationship built on trust and mutual benefit.
16, May 2024
Hack-O-NiT by Narula Institute of Technology Culminated in a Spectacular Closing Ceremony
Kolkata, 16th May 2024: The inaugural edition of Hack-O-NiT, the first ever overnight Hackathon by Narula Institute of Technology, concluded with a flourish, marking the beginning of a new era in technological innovation. The event was graced by dignitaries including Mr. Soujit Das, Senior Manager, Incubation & Portfolio Management, IIM – Calcutta, Prof (Dr) N.R. Bandyopadhyay, Professor & Former Head, Dr M.N. Dastur School of Materials Science IIEST, Shibpur and Former Chairman, Metallurgical & Materials Engineering Division Board, The Institution of Engineers (India) Council Member, Materials Research Society of India; Mr. Prateek Chaudhary, FCA, DISA (ICAI) Chairman, Council of Start Ups Merchants’ Chamber of Commerce & Industry; Mr. Abhay Agarwal, Chartered Accountant; Mr. Arijit Das, Co-Founder and Director at Aeonix Research & Innovations LLP; Mr. Sambhu Nath Surai, ITA (Information Technology Analyst) in TCS and Co-founder of ATX Extention, Robotics Technology.
Hack-O-NiT, the first-ever overnight Hackathon hosted by Narula Institute of Technology, witnessed enthusiastic participation from budding technocrats. With problem statements spanning across diverse domains such as Health Care, Automation & IoT, Cloud Computing, Knowledge Management, New Gen Games, Infrastructure, Telecom, and Open Innovation, the event provided a fertile ground for innovation and collaboration in a realistic environment.
The Hack-O-NiT covered both hardware and software Tracks. Some of the remarkable products developed in this Hackathon are Various Health Care solutions like Identification of Brain Cancer from Images, AI based Diabetic detection Online Learning management systems, Robots for Mining Application etc.
More than 90 teams submitted their Ideas and Prototypes. Out of which 70 teams were screened in the second round and total 18 teams competed in the Grand Finale. Student Teams from different college across West Bengal like Adamas University, Techno Main Salt Lake, Government College of engineering and Textile Technology, Serampore, Techno International, NewTown, JIS College of Engineering, Gurunanak Institute of Technology, Asansol Engineering College and Narula Institute of Technology registered for the event.
In addition to the Hack-O-NiT, Kritanj 2024 featured an array of competitions based on robotics, coding, elektron, Apt Venture, mechanical, civil engineering, and management games. These competitions showcased the ingenuity and technical acumen of participants, attracting some of the brightest minds from across the state.
The closing ceremony served as a fitting finale to the two-day extravaganza, featuring inspiring addresses from esteemed guests, recognition of outstanding projects and teams across all events, and a captivating showcase of cutting-edge technologies developed during the hackathon and other competitions.
Speaking on the occasion, Sardar Simarpreet Singh, Director, JIS Group, said, “We are immensely proud of the achievements of our students and the innovative solutions presented during Kritanj 2024 and Hack-O-NiT. This kind of event not only brings forth creativity and technical excellence but also facilitates meaningful collaboration among participants from diverse backgrounds.”
16, May 2024
BLS E-Services Limited Q4 & FY24 Financial & Operational Performance
Mumbai, 16th May 2024: BLS E-Services Limited (BLSe), a technology-enabled digital service provider, announced its audited consolidated financial results for the quarter and financial year ended 31st March 2024.
Speaking about the performance and recent updates, Mr. Shikhar Aggarwal, Chairman, BLS E-Services Ltd. said: “We are pleased to announce the financial performance in FY24, marked by a significant growth in Total Revenue and PAT, which increased strongly by 25.7% and 65.0% respectively. During the year, we have also increased our reach and network to over 100,000 Touchpoints and more than 1,000 BLS Stores. We are ushering in an era of unparalleled financial inclusion and digital empowerment, as evidenced by our transformative initiatives across various sectors. Our collaboration with the National Health Authority for the Ayushman Bharat Quality Check (QC) in Uttar Pradesh, under the visionary National Digital Health Mission, heralds a new chapter in healthcare accessibility.
Similarly, our partnership with Public and Private Sector Banks through initiatives like ‘Har Ghar Suraksha,’ a social security campaign by the Department of Financial Services and PSU banks, and the ‘DSB Dastak’ campaign, part of the EASE 2.0 guidelines, is a testament to our commitment to bringing banking services to every doorstep.
From facilitating over 133 million transactions worth more than Rs. 72,700 Crores this year through our 21,000+ BC Centers, we have generated leads of over Rs. 580 Crores of loans & deposits in a quarter for our partners in the private sector banking space through our Business Facilitator model, a testament to our competitive edge.
As we forge ahead, our focus remains on expanding our network and reach through our BCs and digital stores, invest in building an advanced digital infrastructure which can withstand the quantum of transactions being envisaged given the trajectory of our economy. We would like to set new industry benchmarks and create a more equitable and sustainable future for all.”
FY24
· Total Revenue increased by 25.7% YoY to Rs. 309.6 Crores as against Rs. 246.3 Crores in FY23
· EBITDA at Rs. 49.9 Crores as against Rs. 36.3 Crores in FY23, up by 37.6%; EBITDA margin at 16.1% in FY24 as against 14.7% in FY23, expanded by 139 bps
· PBT before exceptional items in FY24 grew robustly by 54.5%, at Rs. 45.7 Crores, as compared to Rs. 29.6 Crores
· PAT in FY24 grew by 65.0%, at Rs. 33.5 Crores, as compared to Rs. 20.3 Crores; PAT Margin at 10.8% in FY24, expanded by 258 bps, from 8.3% in FY23
Q4FY24
· Total Revenue grew by 6.9% YoY, to Rs. 78.7 Crores, as compared to Rs. 73.6 Crores in Q4FY23
· EBITDA at Rs. 16.0 Crores, as against Rs. 13.1 Crores in Q4FY23; up by 21.8% YoY; EBITDA Margin stood at 20.3% as compared to 17.8% in Q4FY23, an expansion of 248 bps
· PBT before exceptional items stood at Rs. 14.4 Crores, up 24.6% from Rs. 11.6 Crores in Q4FY23
Other Highlights
· In February 2024, the company successfully completed its listing on BSE & NSE, with a ~ Rs. 300 Crores IPO. The net proceeds from the IPO will be deployed to strengthen the technology infrastructure, consolidate the existing platform, funding for setting up BLS Stores and also for inorganic opportunities.
· Commencement of door-step-banking services for elderly population in 25 states/UT
· Business facilitation agreements with private banks HDFC, Kotak and Karur Vysya Bank
· Business correspondent RFPs wins with Indian Overseas Bank, Indian Bank, Baroda Gujarat Gramin Bank and Baroda Rajasthan Kshetriya Gramin Bank
· Penetrating in rural region through various initiatives including CSP+ project covering 200+ gram panchayats in Orrisa, Ayushman Bharat Quality Check and initiation of Aadhaar demographic update service in Karnataka
· Expansion of assisted e-services with Hospicash & Wellness drive with over 22,000 customer enrolments
· Launch of BLS Store mobile application
· Tie up with India Post Payments Bank (IPPB) through the Directorate of Electronic Delivery of Citizen Services (EDCS), E-Governance Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR), Govt of Karnataka (GoK)
16, May 2024
Swiss Beauty Unveils CRAZE – GenZ-focused makeup collection
New Delhi, 16th May, 2024: Swiss Beauty, one of India’s leading makeup brands, has launched its GenZ makeup collection – CRAZE. It includes an array of versatile beauty products for the multi-tasker gen-next populace and their on-the-go makeup needs. With its trendy packaging and formulas, product names infusing GenZ slangs, and multifunctional products, CRAZE celebrates the passion and self-expression of the youth. It offers a bold palette of colours and innovative makeup formulations for the face, lips, and eyes.
From multi-dimensional beauty essentials to vibrant and expressive cosmetics, CRAZE by Swiss Beauty is the ultimate companion for those who live life on the go and wish to make a statement with their looks.
The CRAZE collection showcases an array of captivating makeup products across all categories. From eye makeup like eyeshadow and blush palette to mascara, and in the lip category encompassing lip balms to 12-hour stay lip crayons, and in the face category including primer and fixer, there’s a diverse range to explore.
All beauty products in the collection are multi-functional and high performing. This makes the CRAZE accessible to all, ensuring that the latest beauty trends are within reach of the young, on-the-go consumer.
Mr. Saahil Nayar, CEO, Swiss Beauty, stated, “Our Craze makeup range is catering to the vibrant and dynamic Gen Z, who are making their mark in the world, whether they’re stepping into college, graduating, or entering the workforce. It reflects the free spirit of Gen Z with its vibrant colours, versatile formulas, and quirky personality. The collection lets young women experiment, explore, and express their individuality through makeup. With 11 years of formidable presence in the Indian beauty industry, Swiss Beauty is attuned to the pulse of the Indian market and now aims to cater to the unmet needs of GenZs for colour cosmetics with CRAZE. The versatile, multifunctional, and trendy makeup products are especially designed to speak to and for the GenZ.”
“Gen Z is the fastest-growing segment for beauty and personal care in India. As a youth-focused brand, we want to build authentic connections with these consumers through our quality, innovation, and trendiness,” he added.
Swiss Beauty CRAZE has a network of retail touch points across 550+ cities and boasts a robust presence in more than 120+ beauty assisted outlets PAN India. All products by CRAZE are now available at leading marketplaces, including Nykaa, Amazon, Myntra, Purplle, etc. The recently launched dedicated micro website is the one-stop shop for trending makeup products that hit it off the park with their unique and spectacular formulations.
16, May 2024
Immerse Yourself in Brilliance with DAEWOO’s Smart LED TVs, Setting New Standards in Home Entertainment
New Delhi, 16th May 2024: Looking to upgrade your home entertainment setup? Look no further than DAEWOO Smart LED TVs. With their sleek design, exceptional resolution, and seamless connectivity options, DAEWOO TVs offer a cinematic experience right in your living room. Whether you are watching your favorite shows, movies, or gaming, you can count on DAEWOO Smart LED TVs to deliver a top-notch viewing experience with the latest technology at your fingertips.
Known for its Korean craftsmanship, DAEWOO brings decades of expertise and excellence to every product, ensuring reliability, durability, and superior performance. DAEWOO TVs boast high-quality resolution, LED display screens, superior sound quality, and effortless connectivity options. Additionally, each DAEWOO TV comes packed with a range of advanced features tailored to meet your needs, including light sensor technology, easy setup, web browsing, and more.
With a wide selection of DAEWOO Smart LED TVs available, finding the right one for your home is easier than ever. Explore DAEWOO Smart TVs, designed to meet the demands of modern entertainment seekers, offering cutting-edge technology and features packaged in a stylish design that adds elegance to your living space.
DAEWOO Smart LED TVs offer a diverse range of options, including the SMART ANDROID LED TV Range with models like the DW60S (152 cm), DW43S (108 cm), DW32S (80 cm), and KW24S (60 cm). These TVs provide advanced features such as panoramic viewing, anti-glare screens, slimline designs, and mobile-to-TV screen mirroring, catering to different preferences and spaces.
Mr. H. S. Bhatia, Managing Director of Kelwon Electronics & Appliances, Manufacturing Partner, DAEWOO’s India. “The webOS HUB SMART LED TV Range represents a new era of innovation in television technology. With its advanced features and intuitive design, DAEWOO continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible, making life simpler for consumers everywhere.”
Additionally, the DAEWOO webOS HUB SMART LED TV Range, including models like DW75S (190 CM), DW65S (165 CM), DW55S (139 CM), and DW50S (120 CM), offers unparalleled performance with features like webOSU, 4K UHD Premium Series, panoramic viewing, and in-built picture boosters. With a wide selection of DAEWOO Smart TVs available, finding the right one for your home is easier than ever. Discover the DAEWOO Smart LED TV that meets your needs and transforms your viewing experience today.
16, May 2024
NXTDIGITAL’s broadband vertical inks strategic alliance with Delhi-based Triple Play Broadband
ONEOTT Intertainment Ltd. (OIL), India’s 4th largest private Internet Service Provider (ISP) and Triple Play Broadband, a Class A regional ISP with a strong presence in Delhi & the national capital region have announced a strategic alliance. OIL, a part of NXTDIGITAL Media Group and a subsidiary of Hinduja Global Solutions Ltd. (HGS), will work with Triple Play to leverage its vast expanse of fiber and direct broadband customers across the predominantly commercial regions of the national capital region, especially Gurugram. The alliance comes close on the heels of agreeing with leading Mumbai-based ISP Seven Star – to acquire a majority stake.
OIL has been on an aggressive growth drive and the alliance with Triple Play and acquisition of a majority in Seven Star’s broadband business in quick succession reflects the focus, adding over 100,000 subscribers in high ARPU markets. Triple Play is a well-established broadband player, with strong customer relationships in Delhi and NCR regions. The alliance is looking to focus on increasing broadband penetration in these markets whilst in parallel offering IPTV and OTT services to its customers.
Said Vynsley Fernandes, Whole-time Director at HGS and MD and CEO of OIL “Triple Play is an exceptional ISP in terms of market reach and quality of service and we’re delighted to welcome them into the Hinduja fold. We’re committed to working together to deliver value to our customers; a commitment which is also solidly reflected in us acquiring a majority stake in Seven Star’s broadband business, with whom we entered into an alliance earlier this year.”
Triple Play Broadband Chairman and Managing Director, Navneet Sethi added “We have established a very strong business in Triple Play across Delhi and the NCR, built on significant investments in infrastructure. We believe it is the right time to align with what is easily one of India’s most agile ISPs, viz. OIL – where together we will not only expand the customer base but also offer a wider portfolio of solutions”.
16, May 2024
Limca Book of Records recognizes the remarkable achievements of Indian sportspersons on World Athletics Day
Bengaluru, 16th May 2024: Within the vast landscape of human endeavor, there exists a realm of athletics, where ordinary individuals transcend the constraints of the mundane to become extraordinary champions of motion. Athletics, in its purest form, is not merely a collection of sports or a series of events, it is a testament to the boundless potential inherent within the human form. It is the sprinter who races against the wind, the high jumper who defies gravity’s pull, and the marathon runner who conquers the limits of endurance. Each athlete, a living embodiment of dedication and discipline, dares to challenge the impossible and redefine the boundaries of human achievement. But beyond the world of competition and medals, athletics is a journey of self-discovery and self-mastery.
On this World Athletics Day, Limca Book of Records proudly honors the extraordinary triumphs of athletes etched in its pages of sports history. Since its inception, the Limca Book of Records has been a beacon of human aspiration and accomplishment, capturing the essence of unparalleled dedication and grit. Within its pages lie tales of remarkable feats, showcasing the rich history of talent across diverse athletic domains.
Among the many incredible achievements recorded in the Limca Book of Records, here are just a few noteworthy examples that exemplify the pinnacle of athletic excellence:
In 2023, Neeraj Chopra etched his name in history as the first Indian gold medalist at the World Athletics Championship, achieving a monumental throw of 88.17 meters in the men’s javelin final.
Jyothi Yarraji scripted history by clinching India’s first-ever gold in the women’s 100m hurdles at the Asian Athletics Championships in Bangkok, in July 2023. Her remarkable performance, clocking 13.09 seconds, marked a significant milestone in Indian athletics.
Dutee Chand continues to break barriers and redefine norms in Indian athletics. As the current national champion in the women’s 100m event, she became the first Indian sprinter to win gold at the Universiade in 2019. Her courageous stance as an LGBTQ+ athlete sets a powerful example of inclusivity and resilience.
Rambai’s remarkable feat at 105 years of age stands as a testament to the timeless spirit of athletics, making her the oldest gold medallist. Securing gold in the 100m race at the National Open Masters Athletics Championships in Vadodara, Gujarat, she proved that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.
Anju Bobby George remains an icon in Indian athletics, she is India’s only medalist at the IAAF World Championships and continues to inspire generations. Her remarkable long jump prowess has solidified her status as a role model in the athletic community. Recognizing her contributions, she was honored among other notable women achievers during the launch of the Malayalam edition of the Limca Book of Records in 2014, themed ‘Empowering Women’.
“World Athletics Day serves as a symbolic reminder of the unwavering commitment athletes exhibit in their pursuit of excellence. For the Limca Book of Records, it represents an opportunity to celebrate and honor the extraordinary accomplishments of athletes from diverse backgrounds and disciplines across the globe,” said Vatsala Kaul Banerjee, Consulting Editor of the Limca Book of Records and Publisher at Hachette India.
Ruchira Bhattacharya, Senior Director, Marketing for Hydration, Sports, and Tea at The Coca-Cola Company’s India and South-West Asia Operating Unit, remarked, “At Coca-Cola India, we believe in the transformative power of sports to inspire, empower, and create real positive impact. To celebrate the accomplishments of Indian Athletes and continue to build pride amongst audiences, we pay homage to their feats through the Limca book of Records.”
The 33rd edition of Limca Book of Records upholds its theme of ‘India at her Best’. Remaining true to its legacy of chronicling Indian accomplishments, it presents a wide spectrum of other extraordinary achievements, stories of exceptional performances, and the victories of relentless achievers. Moreover, Coca-Cola India has recently partnered with the Anju Bobby Sports Foundation as part of #SheTheDifference. This collaboration signifies Coca-Cola’s commitment to empowering women athletes by offering crucial support and infrastructure.
