27, Jan 2025
NMDC Celebrates 76th Republic Day: Weaving the Tapestry of ‘Swarnim Bharat’

Logo-NMDC

Mumbai, January 28, 2025: The nation’s largest iron ore producer, NMDC, commemorated the 76th Republic Day with grand celebrations at its Hyderabad Head Office and other mining projects across India. Shri Amitava Mukherjee, CMD (Additional Charge), unfurled the National Flag at the Head Office in the presence of NMDC’s leadership team and enthusiastic employees. The event was graced by Shri Vinay Kumar, Director (Technical), Shri B. Vishwanath, CVO, Smt. G Priyadarshini, CGM (Personnel & Administration), and other senior officials and employees.

In his Republic Day address, Shri Amitava Mukherjee said, “Republic Day is not just a celebration of our democratic ethos but a reminder of the immense responsibility we bear, both as citizens and as an organization. NMDC has emerged as a growth leader, achieving a 9% surge in production and a 5% increase in sales over CPLY. As we stride into the fourth quarter, we are ready to blaze past the 45 million tonne milestone with confidence and determination. With record growth in revenue from operations (20%) and profit after tax (23%) in Q2 FY25, we continue to set industry benchmarks.”

Emphasizing the company’s role in India’s growth journey, he added, “Our vision extends beyond mining, as reflected in NMDC Steel Limited’s achievements and our expanded flagship CSR initiative, Balika Shiksha Yojana, now empowering 85 tribal girls with professional nursing education. At NMDC, we remain committed to being of the greatest service to India.”

As part of the Republic Day celebrations, NMDC organized the ‘Republic Day Run 2025’ across its projects in Chhattisgarh and Karnataka. NMDC’s brand ambassador and two-time World Champion boxer, Nikhat Zareen took part in the run inspiring the runners. Her presence underscored the importance of fitness and aligned with the goals of the ‘Fit India Movement.’ promoting both physical and mental well-being and encouraging employees and local communities to embrace a healthier lifestyle.

In addition to the Run, NMDC engaged employees and associates indoor games and competitions such as Chess, Table Tennis, and Carrom. The winners were felicitated during the ceremony, fostering a spirit of camaraderie and teamwork among participants.

The celebrations across NMDC locations reflected the organization’s firm commitment to the nation’s growth and its dedication to building a strong, sustainable, and inclusive future for all.

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27, Jan 2025
IIT Roorkee Celebrates Republic Day 2025, Honoring 178 Years of Legacy

IIT Roorkee, 28 01, 2025: Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee, one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions in India, celebrated the 76th Republic Day with grandeur, reaffirming its 178-year-old legacy of excellence and commitment to shaping the nation’s future.

The celebrations commenced with the arrival of key dignitaries, including the Director, Prof. Kamal Kishore Pant, Deputy Director, Prof. U.P. Singh, Registrar, Shri Prashant Garg, Dean of Administration, Prof. D.S. Arya, along with esteemed faculty members, staff, and students. Prof. Pant inspected the Guard of Honour presented by the Security Staff and NCC cadets before ceremonially hoisting the national flag. This was followed by a heartfelt rendition of the national anthem by the entire gathering, symbolizing unity and patriotism.

In his address, Prof. Pant reflected on IIT Roorkee’s pivotal role in India’s progress. “As one of Asia’s oldest technical institutions, IIT Roorkee carries a profound legacy of innovation, research, and societal impact. This Republic Day, we recommit ourselves to driving progress through cutting-edge research, sustainability, and the empowerment of future leaders,” he said.

The event celebrated India’s cultural diversity with vibrant performances by students from ABN Senior Secondary School, Anushruti Academy for the Deaf, and the IIT Roorkee Cultural Society. These presentations not only showcased India’s rich heritage but also reflected the talents and creativity of the younger generation.

Recognizing contributions within the institution, awards and commendation certificates were presented to employees for their exemplary efforts in 2024. Trophies for initiatives like the Best Cleaned Bhawan and Mess further highlighted IIT Roorkee’s commitment to sustainability and inclusivity on campus.

The program concluded with a rousing chorus of the national anthem and a collective cheer of “Jai Hind,” leaving attendees inspired and proud. The celebrations were live-streamed, allowing alumni, students, and well-wishers worldwide to participate and connect with the institution’s enduring legacy.

20, Jan 2025
Gillco International School Hosts Carnival Euphoria – A Day of Joy and Togetherness

Gillco International School

Kharar, 20.01.2025: Gillco International School came alive with excitement and energy as it hosted Carnival Euphoria, a vibrant celebration of community, creativity, and camaraderie. The event, designed as the ultimate family fun day, drew an enthusiastic crowd of students, parents, and visitors from across the region.

The day was packed with activities and experiences for all age groups. Thrilling rides kept adrenaline levels high, while mesmerizing live performances captivated the audience. Food lovers were spoiled for choice with an array of delicious food stalls, and creativity found new avenues in pottery-making sessions. Adding an educational twist to the fun, exciting science experiments sparked curiosity among young minds.

Speaking about the event, Dr. Kritika Kaushal, Principal of Gillco International School, said, “Carnival Euphoria reflects our commitment to holistic learning and creating meaningful community experiences. It was heartening to see families come together, bond, and celebrate in an environment filled with joy and creativity. Events like these help us strengthen the connection between education, fun, and family values.”

The school extended heartfelt gratitude to everyone who contributed to making Carnival Euphoria an unforgettable experience. With laughter, colors, and cherished memories filling the day, the event was truly a grand success.

20, Jan 2025
Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts Announces Extended Admissions for 2025 Batch

Institute of Bakery & Culinary Arts (IBCA) announces admissions for Culinary Arts and for Bakery and Pastry Arts. Budding chefs and baking enthusiasts who want to advance their culinary skills to the next level and master the art of bakery and pastry under the guidance of industry experts can apply for the courses.

IBCA is connected with top hotels/restaurants where students are trained and placed. Students have to go through selection trials and interviews for placement, which are held at the end of their respective duration.

The following courses are available in the IBCA institute with their respective duration: 18 months Advance Diploma Course in Culinary (Level 3), 18 Months Advance Diploma Course In Pastry (Level 3), 12 Months Diploma Course In Culinary Arts (Level 2), 12 Months Diploma Course In Pastry Arts (Level 2), 6 Months Certificate Course In Pastry (Level 1), 3 Months Certificate Course In Culinary, 3 Months Certificate Course In Pastry, Culinary Hobby Course and Pastry Hobby Course.

How to apply: Applicants seeking admission are required to fill out the online application form available on the institute’s website. The admission prerequisites will be in accordance with the various regulatory bodies as amended from time to time.

Admission Process: Applications for the Academic Year 2025 are open to applicants who have passed or will appear for the qualifying examinations under the higher secondary (10+2) from any recognized Board of Education such as AISSCE/IB/ICSE/CBSE, or equivalents.

IBCA is an institute in teaching and learning for comprehensive Bakery and Culinary programs with national and international certificates. It is accredited with City & Guilds (London), Tourism and Hospitality Skill Council, India (THSC), and National Skills Development Corporation, India (NSDC).

2, Jan 2025
ODM International School, Durgapur, Celebrates Annual Day Spectra-2024, Themed “A Tribute to Motherhood”

National, 2nd January 2025: ODM International School, Durgapur, a leading CBSE-affiliated school, hosted its Annual Day, Spectra-2024. The event, themed “The Saga of Motherhood,” was a spectacular celebration of the universal spirit of motherhood, showcasing the students’ artistic talents and dedication. The evening commenced with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp by the esteemed chief guest, Kalamandalam Swarnadeepa, a renowned Mohiniyattam artist.

 Taking the event further, the school’s choir presented a soulful rendition of songs paying homage to Mother Earth and motherhood, setting the tone for the celebrations. Through captivating performances, students portrayed motherhood across eras, from ancient mythology to modern times—from Mata Kayadu’s devotion in Satya Yuga to Yashoda’s tender love in Dwapar Yuga, highlighting the challenges and resilience of mothers, leaving a profound impact on all.

 The ODM Durgapur principal, Mrs. Mannu Kapoor presented the Annual Report, highlighting the institution’s membership in the prestigious Round Square Club, marking a significant milestone in fostering international connections and values. Mrs. Kapoor further added, “Spectra-2024 was a testament to the power of love and celebration. As we honored the selfless spirit of motherhood, our students, teachers, and parents came together to create a truly unforgettable evening. At ODM, we go beyond academics to nurture our students. Our innovative teaching pedagogy guides our approach to delivering transformative learning experiences that shape confident, capable, and compassionate individuals.”

 The evening was interspersed by captivating dance performances that left the audience spellbound. The students’ impressive artistic talents and dedication were on full display as they seamlessly blended classical and contemporary styles to pay tribute to the universal spirit of motherhood. The evening drew to a close with a special dance performance featuring mothers and their children, beautifully capturing the unbreakable bond between them.

17, Dec 2024
Milap Publications Proudly Presents Alok Gaur’s ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ at an Elegant Ceremony

#Padma Shri Dr. Poonam Suri, Padma Shri Dr. Harsh Mahajan, and Padma Shri Dr. D.S. Rana also marked their presence at the Event

Milap Publications Launches Alok Gaur’s Poetry Collection ‘Khushi Ki Khoj

New Delhi, December 17, 2024:

An evening dedicated to literature unfolded at Aravali Auditorium, Vasant Vihar, where Milap Publications proudly launched ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’, a poetry collection in Hindi by renowned poet Alok Gaur. The event was graced by Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Chakradhar as the chief guest, alongside the esteemed presence of Padma Shri Dr. Poonam Suri, President of DAV CMC, Padma Shri Dr. Harsh Mahajan, Founder of Mahajan Imaging, and Padma Shri Dr. D.S. Rana, Chairman of Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ comprises 113 poems that reflect on profound questions of life and delve deep into human emotions. Despite his professional commitments in the corporate world, Alok Gaur’s dedication to literature shines through this third publication.

Milap Publications Launches Alok Gaur’s Poetry Collection ‘Khushi Ki Khoj

In his keynote, Padma Shri Dr. Ashok Chakradhar praised the collection, saying, “This anthology is a symbol of hope and perseverance. It inspires readers to rise above life’s challenges, something we all face in our journeys. Years from now, we may confront new questions, but this poetry will remain a guide, offering solutions with its simple yet profound words. It’s not heavy literature—it is poetry that soothes and empowers, teaching us how to find happiness.”

The program was ably anchored by ‘Hasya Ratna’ Chirag Jain, who kept the audience engaged throughout with his distinctive style. His rendition of the Ramayana’s Dashrath Death Episode left the audience deeply moved and mesmerized, adding an emotional and unforgettable dimension to the evening.

Milap Publications Launches Alok Gaur’s Poetry Collection ‘Khushi Ki Khoj

Mr. Yogi Suri, Managing Editor, Milap Publications, shared his thoughts: “When I began this journey in publishing, I was told that poets and publishers can never truly be friends. But ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ proves that collaboration between creativity and publishing is essential. I am grateful to Alok Gaur and honored by Dr. Ashok Chakradhar’s presence.”

Alok Gaur himself recited selected poems, captivating the audience with their rhythm and essence. Speaking about his work, he said, “My poetry embraces every aspect of life and its emotions. ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ encourages readers to view life positively and inspires them to discover happiness in every moment.”

JP Group’s Executive Chairman, Mr. Manoj Gaur, a long-time friend of Alok Gaur, spoke about the poet’s unwavering commitment to writing. He remarked, “Alok’s poetry is not just an art form but a reflection of his deep thoughts and sensitivity. His words resonate with sincerity and dedication, showcasing his love for the craft. Our friendship runs deep, and I am proud to witness his literary journey.”

Padma Shri Dr. Poonam Suri congratulated Alok Gaur and applauded the poetry collection. He stated, “Alok’s poems connect directly with the heart. This book is a reminder that happiness is not an elusive dream; it is something we can actively seek in our everyday lives.”

Published by Milap Publication, ‘Khushi Ki Khoj’ is now available at leading bookstores and online platforms, including Amazon.

16, Dec 2024
IIT Mandi Celebrates Gita Jayanti with ‘Gitanushilanam 2024’

Mandi, December 16th, 2024; IIT Mandi hosted ‘Gitanushilanam 2024’ on the auspicious occasion of Gita Jayanti, commemorating the advent of the Bhagavad Gita, a timeless scripture that has inspired humanity for millennia. Organized by the IKSMHA Center (Indian Knowledge System and Mental Health Applications), this celebration aimed to highlight the relevance of the Gita in addressing contemporary challenges and fostering moral, cultural, and spiritual well-being.

The event embodied the spirit of ‘Gitanushilanam,’ derived from the Sanskrit words ‘Gita’ (Bhagavad Gita) and ‘Anushilanam’ (contemplation and practice). It emphasized integrating the Gita’s teachings into daily life by promoting adherence to Dharma, following the principles of Bhakti Yoga, and embracing the path of surrender to Lord Krishna as the ultimate means to attain harmony, purpose, and liberation.

The IKSMHA Center, dedicated to leveraging Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) for mental health and self-development, views the Gita as a beacon for cultivating resilience, emotional stability, and ethical leadership. By celebrating Gita Jayanti, the center aims to encourage a positive mindset and deeper connection to universal values rooted in Indian wisdom.

The program began with a soulful recitation of Chapter 15 of the Bhagavad Gita, followed by a lamp-lighting ceremony, symbolizing the dispelling of ignorance through the light of knowledge. Performances included the Gita Mahatmya recitation, celebrating the scripture’s unparalleled spiritual significance, along with melodious renditions, cultural dances, and yoga performances that creatively depicted the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita. The event also featured a shadow drama, bringing the Gita’s philosophical essence to life through an interplay of light and darkness. The program also showcased a video presentation of Gitanushilanam 2024, highlighting how thousands of children participated enthusiastically in Bhagavad Gita-based contests over the past few weeks, showcasing their creativity and understanding of the Gita’s teachings.

IPS Soumya Sambasivan, the Chief Guest, lauded the initiative and its focus on blending culture with education. She remarked, “The Bhagavad Gita is a profound guide for mental well-being and self-discovery. Teachers play a pivotal role in inspiring students to shift their focus from life-threatening addictions to life-affirming principles of Krishna Consciousness. By sowing the seeds of Bhakti, they uphold moral and human values while imparting the essence of Dharma.”

She further highlighted the Gita’s enduring relevance, quoting its assurance in 9.31, ‘na me bhakta pranashyati’ (My devotee is never lost) and its ultimate teaching in 18.66, ‘sarva dharman parityajya,’ which emphasizes liberation through surrender. Drawing attention to the strength of women, she noted, “In Vibhuti Yoga (chapter 10), the Bhagavad Gita celebrates women as embodiments of divine energy, capable of transforming society through their adherence to Dharma.”

The celebration engaged over 2,000 schoolchildren from across the Mandi district in contests like the Bhagavad Gita Quiz, Shloka Recitation, Essay Writing, and Art Competition, with 700 students participating in today’s event. The following schools participated in the festivities: Mind Tree School, GSSS Baggi, Swami Vivekananda School, Boys School GSSS, Primary School, Girls School GSSS, SVM, KV School, DAV Khaliyar, ITI, Takshila School, Hillock School, DAV NerChowk, GSSS Kataula, GSSS Kamand, GSSS Kathindi, USV School, GSSS Tihri, GSSS Nissu, Genius School, and Indus Global School.

The day concluded with a heartfelt awards ceremony, recognizing the outstanding talent of young participants, and reflecting on the enduring relevance of Gita’s teachings in modern times.

16, Dec 2024
FOSTIIMA Business School Hosts MARGDARSHAK 3.0, Celebrating HR Excellence with Dr. Shashi Tharoor

16 December, New Delhi: FOSTIIMA Business School, an AICTE-approved PGDM college in Delhi NCR, hosted the MARGDARSHAK 3.0 Awards for renowned HR professionals in honor of the founding faculty of IIM-Ahmedabad. Dr. Shashi Tharoor was invited as the chief guest of this memorable evening, along with the guests of honor, Mr. SY Siddiqui, Mr. Kiran Karik, Mr. Rajiv Dubey, and Mr. Dhruv Prakash.

The ceremony was attended by a distinguished advisory council, corporate luminaries, and senior professionals from organizations such as Makemytrip, KPMG, Blue Pi Consulting, and others whose extensive and varied experience made it a historic event. The MARGDARSHAK 3.0 Awards was a remarkable experience with winners in 11 categories where CHROs and senior HR professionals of renowned companies came together to be recognized and rewarded for their great work in their respective fields.

Addressing to all the guests & participants, Dr. Shashi Tharoor said, “I am thrilled to be part of the third edition of the FOSTIIMA Business School’s MARGDARSHAK Awards, established four years ago in honor of the founding faculty of the esteemed Indian Institute of Management. The core objective of an MBA degree remains to deepen the understanding of business dynamics across industries, market mechanisms, and the global economy. India, now emerging as a global hub for entrepreneurship, proudly holds the position of the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem. With over 140,000 startups and more than 140 unicorns in leading sectors like FinTech, e-commerce, and healthcare, their combined valuation exceeds $500 billion.”

“MBA education is not just about acquiring knowledge—it’s about embracing the ethos of leadership, a quality emphasized by one of today’s awardees and central to FOSTIIMA’s mission. Today, MBA graduates have an abundance of career opportunities. Beyond seeking jobs, many are leaping to create jobs and drive innovation as entrepreneurs.” Dr. Tharoor added.

On the success of the MARGDARSHAK 3.0, Mr. Anil Somani, Chairman of FOSTIIMA Business School, Delhi, said, “It’s our honor to welcome all of you as our distinguished guests to this felicitation ceremony of the MARGDARSHAK 3.0. FOSTIIMA, an acronym for Friends of 73 and was founded by seven alumni of IIM Ahmedabad. The management of FOSTIIMA is also run by alumni of IIM-A. We started FOSTIIMA with the objective of giving back because we realized that we owe our success to our alma mater, i.e., the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, and the value of work by founding faculty. An institution is remembered by each alumni, but faculty is often forgotten. So as a mark of tribute to this faculty, we started the MARGDARSHAK Awards with this noble intent. The MARGDARSHAK Awards are unique in the sense that one institution is honoring the memory of the faculty of another parent institution, which makes these awards different. The jury deliberates over every candidate and makes it very certain that only the deserving candidates are given an award. Our advisory council is the senior and expert HR professionals who have guided us throughout the journey of the MARGDARSHAK Awards and also provided required inputs to the jury.”

4, Dec 2024
Celebrating Excellence: Yashica Goyal Wins Top Honors at Children’s Science Exhibition

Yashica Goyal Shines Bright, Winning First Prize at State Science Event

Chandigarh: Yashica Goyal, a student of Carmel Convent School, won the first prize under the theme “Disaster Management” at the 52nd State-Level Children’s Science Exhibition 2024, held at SCERT, Sector 32, Chandigarh. More than 500 students participated in the exhibition, showcasing their science projects.

Yashica’s project featured the use of transparent solar panels, providing a sustainable and renewable energy solution for disaster management. The primary aim of her project was to highlight the need for renewable energy during crises and offer solutions to address global challenges in this area. Her project has been recognized as a significant contribution to the field of disaster management.

Yashica Goyal’s innovative initiative not only opened new avenues in science and technology but also demonstrated that the younger generation has the potential to bring meaningful changes to the environment and society in the future. Her family and school teachers congratulated her on this remarkable achievement and wished her a bright future ahead.

3, Dec 2024
The Akshaya Patra Foundation Joins Forces with Food4Education as ‘Knowledge Partner’ to Expand School Feeding Initiatives Across Kenya

Bengaluru – December, 03  2024: The Akshaya Patra Foundation, the world’s largest NGO-run school meal program and an implementation partner of the PM POSHAN program based in Bangalore, India, is pleased to announce a transformative partnership with Food4Education, a Kenya-based nonprofit dedicated to mainstreaming school feeding programs across Africa. Signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last week, wherein The Akshaya Patra Foundation goes global by becoming the official ‘Knowledge Partner’ for Kenya’s Food4Education. The two organizations set out to accelerate global efforts toward food security and educational empowerment, marking a significant step in addressing one of the most pressing challenges faced by school children worldwide: access to nutritious meals.

Food4Education and Akshaya Patra share a unified vision of delivering school feeding at scale in their respective continents. The Akshaya Patra Foundation currently feeds 2.25 Million in India daily & Food4Education serves over 4,50,000 children in Africa daily.

The initiative will also facilitate immersive exchanges between team members, fostering mutual learning and driving innovation in school feeding programs.

“This partnership is more than just bilateral cooperation; it serves as a transformational model for international collaboration in school feeding, showcasing how locally-rooted strategies can influence international policies on child nutrition,” said Wawira Njiru, Founder and CEO of Food4Education. “By highlighting the effectiveness of community-driven, scalable, and sustainable feeding initiatives, we hope to inspire further cross-border partnerships and initiatives, whether local, national or regional” she added.

Celebrating the occasion, Sri. Chanchalapathi Dasa, Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of The Akshaya Patra Foundation, stated, “As Akshaya Patra enters its 25th year in the service of children in partnership with the government, we feel both proud and humbled looking back at what we have achieved. Today, we add yet another chapter to our history as we collaborate with Food4Education and take a step towards expanding our mission to nourish and empower children. Both, Akshaya Patra and Food4Education have a firm belief in the transformative power of education as well as the power of a school meal to bring children to school. Food4Education is doing remarkable work in the school feeding space in Kenya under the able leadership of Ms. Wawira Njiru. By combining our expertise in school feeding programmes, we will be able to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a healthy and supportive environment.”