Category Archives: News

Shakti Conclave Draws to a Close, Promising Stronger Action for Women’s Leadership Development

New Delhi, March 5, 2025: Work Integrated Learning for Leadership (WILL), in collaboration with UPES, successfully hosted Shakti: Be the Champion for Accelerating Action at The Claridges, New Delhi, strengthening its commitment to shaping the future of women’s learning and leadership in India. The event brought together industry leaders, policymakers, and changemakers to address the critical need for upskilling, future readiness, and inclusive leadership in today’s corporate landscape.

Dr. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor, UPES, delivered the welcome note followed by a keynote address by Dr. Ganesh Natarajan, Chairman, 5F World, GTT Data Solutions, Lighthouse Communities, EPPS, and Honeywell Automation India Ltd.

Dr. Ganesh Natarajan, while complimenting WILL and UPES on the Shakti initiative, said, “The time has come for women to move beyond the equality agenda and train themselves to be leaders of a new world.”

Dr. Ram Sharma, Vice Chancellor, UPES, highlighted the urgency for action, stating, “Leadership has no gender, yet cognitive biases often associate terms like CEO, CXO, or leader with men. India’s spiritual wisdom teaches that while bodies have gender, the soul does not—a perspective that, if integrated into leadership, could help redefine it as truly inclusive. Through WILL and the Shakti Leadership Program, in collaboration with UPES, we are not just equipping women for leadership roles; we are reshaping the very foundation of future-ready, inclusive organizations—ones built on the core belief that every individual, regardless of gender or identity, possesses infinite potential.”

The event featured a fireside chat ‘Turn Up the Volume’ with Nisha Narayan, Director & COO, Red FM and Magic FM, moderated by Stuti Gandhi, Senior Director, Brand Strategy and Communications, GUS Global Services.

An engaging panel discussion on Disrupting the Workforce was led by Raginie Singh, Senior Director – HR, GUS Global Services, featuring key industry voices, including Seema Anand, Senior Human Resource Leader, DLF; Renu Rohtagi, CHRO, Air Liquide; and Pooja Dagar, Chief Manager, Human Resources, Air India.

Another thought-provoking panel discussion ‘Beyond the Status Quo’ was moderated by Vinod Sood, Co-Founder & Managing Director, Hughes Systique Corporation (HSC). This session brought together distinguished speakers such as Kanta Singh, Deputy Country Representative – UN Women, India; Snehlata Shrivastava, Retired IAS and Ex-Secretary, Justice, Government of India; Reena Asthana Khair, Senior Partner & Head of International Trade and Indirect Taxation Practice, Kochhar & Co.; and Salil Lal, CHRO, Maruti Suzuki India.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Antarpreet Singh, Director (Academics), WILL Education, emphasised on the transformative role of leadership programs like Shakti, saying, “The future of leadership focuses on judiciously embracing AI. The women must be at the forefront of leading the change in an era marked with high level of complexity, fluidity, and turbulence. WILL Education’s ‘SHAKTI’ initiative is actively bridging the gap by equipping women with the key competencies at personal, interpersonal, and strategic levels in a rapidly evolving business landscape.”

WILL’s flagship initiative equips women with the skills and strategic vision to excel in senior roles. With its hybrid model and industry-aligned curriculum, the program has already impacted women across industries, including PSUs. WILL now aims to scale it further, empowering over 10,000 women leaders by FY27 while forging global partnerships for lasting change.

British Council Library Kolkata Unveils Innovative Research Section on Arts, Culture, and Education

Kolkata, 05 March 2025: The British Council, the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities, recently announced the launch of a research and publication section at its Kolkata library, reinforcing its commitment to advancing research and knowledge-sharing in the fields of arts, culture, and education. The dedicated space was officially inaugurated by Prof Nimai Chandra Saha, Director of Public Instructions, Education Department, Government of West Bengal.

After the inauguration, a panel discussion took place on “From Evidence to Impact: How Research in Culture, Arts, and Education is Shaping Our Future”. Bringing together thought leaders from academia, healthcare and cultural sectors, the discussion explored the role of evidence-based research in shaping policies, driving meaningful societal change, and advancing educational and cultural development.

Chaired by Dr Debanjan Chakrabarti, Director British Council, East and Northeast India, the panel featured Dr Swati Guha, Director, Institute for Language Studies and Research (ILSR); Sohini Chakraborty, Secretary and Founder Director of Kolkata Sanved; Dr Amit Ghose, Urologist, Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata, and lead of the medical council of IBSA (Indo British Scholars’ Association) and Prof Amlan Chakrabarti, Professor and Director, A.K. Choudhury School of Information Technology, University of Calcutta, an expert on quantum computing and AI.

Mr Binod Kuma, IAS, Principal Secretary of Education, Government of West Bengal, said, “I am delighted that British Council library, which plays such an important role in the lives of students of all ages in Kolkata, is launching a section dedicated to research. West Bengal is one of the most important centres of science and humanities research, not just in India but the whole world. And we have an excellent track record of collaboration in research with UK universities through British Council’s initiatives like Going Global Partnerships and UKIERI, and in English language learning and teacher education at the school level through Ujjiban Charcha.”

In an era where evidence-based research is driving global transformation, British Council’s Research Corner initiative aims to showcase how academic inquiry leads to real-world impact.

Dr Debanjan Chakrabarti, who is also one of the South Asia Research Champions of the British Council, said, “The launch of this research and publication section is an important step to spotlight all the research the British Council does across arts, English and education, and how that drives the work that we do. Kolkata has been recently recognised as India’s top city for scientific research in the latest Nature Index and this space is a modest celebration of the city’s intellectual ethos. Our work in research across the globe fosters collaboration and helps researchers, educators, policymakers, and cultural practitioners drive meaningful progress in education, creativity and social development.”

Cosmo First Welcomes Yamini Kumar as Whole-Time Director

Mumbai,5th March 2025: The Board of Cosmo First Limited, an over four-decade old conglomerate with a global presence, has appointed Ms Yamini Kumar Jaipuria as Whole Time Director, Corporate Strategy, ESG & CSR, for a 5-year term, effective immediately. Ms Kumar is an accomplished business leader with nearly two decades of experience as Vice President, Human Resources at GE Europe, Asia, and India. along with significant contributions as Corporate Advisor to Cosmo First since 2020.

Ms Jaipuria will support the Chairman & Managing Director in transforming the Company into a ‘Future Ready’ organization and work closely with the Board, Group CEO, and business/functional heads on Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) including Corporate Social Responsibility and Business Ethics. Her focus areas will also include Social Media, Employer and Corporate Branding, and Diversity and Inclusion, along with leadership building and nurturing of the next generation of leaders within the organisation.

LS Digital’s DataQuark: A Dedicated Business Unit Set to Transform Data and Insights

INDIA – March 05, 2025 – LS Digital, India’s leading integrated Digital Business Transformation (DBT) company, today announced the launch of DataQuark, a dedicated business unit focused on revolutionising the Data & Insights; designed to revolutionize the measurement, analysis, and reporting of data, empowering modern businesses to thrive. Following an overwhelming response to the Data & Insights pillar of LS Digital’s DBT framework, the company decided to give it a strategic identity of its own. Vinay Tamboli, who was leading this domain as CEO of Data & Insights, will now take charge as the CEO of DataQuark.

The name DataQuark is inspired by the fundamental principles of data and physics. Quarks are the elementary particles that form the foundation of matter, just as data forms the foundation of every digital enterprise. DataQuark symbolises the building blocks of intelligence, enabling businesses to unify, process, and activate data to drive strategic growth and AI-led transformation.

Commenting on the launch of DataQuark business unit, Prasad Shejale, Founder & CEO, LS Digital said, “In today’s digital-first world, businesses must do more than just collect data; they must harness its full potential. The launch of DataQuark is a natural progression in our journey, ensuring data is not only a foundational asset but a key driver of business transformation. Just as bringing in Langoor, f1studioz, and Social Panga helped strengthened the respective pillars within our DBT framework, DataQuark will now lead the charge in Data & AI. This move is an integral part of our business growth strategy underscoring our commitment to empowering brands to reach new heights of success.”

Turning Data into a Competitive Advantage DataQuark is designed to bridge the gap between raw data and actionable intelligence, helping brands elevate their AI maturity and drive measurable business impact. The business unit follows the methodology of “Collect – Collate – Activate”, ensuring data integrity, privacy, and activation at scale. With a robust suite of offerings, DataQuark enables brands to transform their data infrastructure, enhance AI capabilities, and optimise marketing effectiveness.

“Over the years, we have witnessed how Data & Insights have been instrumental in driving digital business transformation across industries. As AI continues to evolve, the role of data has never been more critical. Through DataQuark, we are building a powerful ecosystem that integrates AI-driven solutions, advanced analytics, and strategic partnerships to help brands break data silos and accelerate innovation. The demand for privacy-first, AI-ready data solutions is soaring, and DataQuark is uniquely positioned to meet this need,” said Vinay Tamboli, CEO, DataQuark.

DataQuark offers four key services to help businesses unlock the full potential of their data. Marketing Data Infrastructure lays the foundation for growth by integrating first-party data with advertising platforms to drive revenue and conversions. Business Data Infrastructure connects finance, marketing, operations, and sales, using data lakes and streamlined engineering for better decision-making. With AI & ML Solutions, we deliver actionable insights, predict business KPIs, and automate processes to boost efficiency. Lastly, Data and AI Readiness services ensure organisations are primed for AI adoption through audits, strategy development, and customised playbooks.

By leveraging Google cloud partnership and Meta partnership DataQuark is future ready with latest AI technologies.

Powering the Future with AI & Strategic Partnerships DataQuark’s advanced solutions include DigiVerse, AI-powered data platforms, and partnerships with leading industry players such as Aqilliz, DataMorph, and VWO, enabling businesses to leverage blockchain-powered data collaboration, predictive analytics, and AI-driven insights.

By launching DataQuark as a standalone business unit, LS Digital is reaffirming its commitment to redefining how brands interact with data in an AI-driven economy. This launch is a strategic step in empowering CXOs to navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape with data as their competitive edge.

The Women Shaping Dupahiya: A Glimpse into the Minds Behind This Small-Town Drama

As Dupahiya revs up for its highly anticipated premiere on Prime Video on March 7, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the powerhouse women who have been instrumental in crafting this unique and heartwarming story. Set in the fictional village of Dhadakpur, the series unravels the chaos that ensues when a prized ‘Dupahiya’ (motorbike) is stolen— just as the village prepares to celebrate 25 years of being crime-free. With a wedding on the horizon, a silver jubilee trophy at stake, and the villagers’ pride teetering on the edge, the stage is set for an exhilarating mix of comedy, drama, and small-town charm.

Dupahiya, which is the first series created and produced by Bombay Film Cartel, takes forward Prime Video’s endeavor of backing fresh talent. The creative vision of the series being steered by creators and executive producers: Salona Bains Joshi and Shubh Shivdasani. Salona Bains Joshi holds the honour of being the first student from India to be selected into this prestigious Producer’s Program at UCLA and was also a part of the theatrical blockbuster ABCD2 and the rib-tickling direct to streaming horror comedy Kakuda. Shubh Shivdasani has been part of highly acclaimed film Barfi, directed by Anurag Basu which was also selected as India’s entry to the Oscars that year. They collectively worked on various acclaimed projects before Dupahiya, including Uri: The Surgical Strike, The Sky is Pink, Lust Stories, Sonchiriya and Kedarnath. Dupahiya is their first independent project.

Speaking of her experience on Dupahiya, creator and producer Salona Bains Joshi said, “India’s heartland is a treasure trove of stories, and at Bombay Film Cartel, we resonate with ideas that are both accessible and impactful. Showrunning and producing Dupahiya has allowed us to bring together an exceptional cast and crew. With Sonam’s skillful direction, we have brought to life the pages that Avinash and Chirag have written so wonderfully. Prime Video has wholeheartedly believed in and supported us in bringing this family entertainer to life.”

Creator and producer Shubh Shivdasani added, “Our journey as showrunners has been incredibly fulfilling. Bringing together the right creative forces, who have given their absolute best, has made Dupahiya a true entertainer. Sonam’s direction brought to life the script penned by Avinash and Chirag, making Bombay Film Cartel’s debut production a dream come true. With Prime Video’s unwavering support, we believe we have a true winner on our hands.”

Guiding the series with a masterful touch is director Sonam Nair, known for her work in Masaba Masaba, whose keen eye for storytelling seamlessly blends humor, drama, and small-town quirks into an irresistible watch. The director spoke about her experience on the series, stating, “When Shubh and Salona called me to direct this incredible script, written by Avinash and Chirag, I was so excited and so grateful. Dupahiya is unlike anything I had been offered before, and I dived into this heartland comedy with the hope that I can do justice to it. It was a blessed journey from the start as we got together a bunch of extremely talented actors, all perfect for their roles, along with the most passionate technicians all putting their best into this series. I have laughed nonstop from my first day on the series, and hopefully now the audience will laugh and love it as much as we have.”

Dupahiya is also defined by its powerful cast. At the heart of the ensemble are the remarkable women who have shaped its vision and characters with depth, nuance, and brilliance. Shivani Raghuvanshi, who essays the role of Roshni Jha, embodies a bride-to-be with an irresistible mix of innocence and resilience. Fun-loving, and lost in her own world, Roshni may appear carefree, but she knows exactly what she wants— and isn’t afraid to voice it. Matching her in presence and power is the legendary Renuka Shahane who plays Pushplata, the strong-willed yet endearing ‘sarpanch’ of Dhadakpur. With warmth and authority, she commands every scene, making her character a true force to be reckoned with.

Boasting a stellar cast featuring Gajraj Rao, Bhuvan Arora, Sparsh Shrivastava, Yashpal Sharma, and more, the series promises a delightful ride brimming with distinct characters, razor-sharp humor, and heartfelt moments. But at its very soul, Dupahiya is driven by an incredible league of women—both in front of and behind the camera—whose talent, vision, and creativity make them the driving force behind this compelling tale– true ‘Superwomen’ in every sense.

Step Into Global Finance: University of East Anglia Launches BSc in International Finance

New Delhi, 4 March 2025: University of East Anglia, one of the UK’s top 25 universities, announced the introduction of a new BSc (Hons) International Finance (Final Year Entry) programme, designed for international students seeking to advance their skills in global finance. Set to commence in September 2025, this intensive one-year course will provide a unique opportunity for students to develop the expertise and knowledge needed to excel in the present-day global financial landscape, competition among multinational firms, and trade.

Delivered in UEA’s School of Economics, which is ranked amongst the top 15 in the UK for Accounting and Finance (The Guardian University Guide 2023) and top 25 for Finance (The Times 2024), this new degree blends rigorous financial theory with real-world applications, preparing students to navigate the complexities of multinational business operations, global trade, and financial markets. The proposed curriculum covers a range of critical topics, including corporate finance, quantitative analysis, behavioural finance, and international trade, ensuring graduates develop a strong foundation in both technical skills and strategic decision-making.

With a strong focus on employability, students will benefit from a dynamic curriculum enriched with practical applications, guest lectures by industry experts, networking opportunities, workshops, and access to nationwide competitions, paid internships, and mentoring schemes. Additionally, the STEPS (Skills, Training, Employability, Progression, and Support) module ensures dedicated academic and career guidance, enhancing students’ professional development and readiness for the job market.

Bahar Ghezelayagh, Associate Professor in Financial Economics, while commenting on the launch said, “The BSc in International Finance at University of East Anglia is a gateway to limitless global opportunities. Designed for ambitious individuals aiming for careers in investment banking, financial consulting, and policy advisory, our course blends academic excellence with real-world industry insights. There is now an ever-increasing demand for graduates who can unravel the complexity of how multinational enterprises work. Take for example the Big Tech companies in India who specialize in information technology services who are now operating in many European countries, as well as in Australia and the US. How do such companies hedge against global risks? What drives globalisation, and is globalisation a blessing or a curse? We are committed to shaping future leaders who will thrive in the fast-paced world of global finance, multinational firms.”

Graduates of this course will be well-positioned for diverse and high-growth careers including opportunities in investment banking, financial analysis, management consulting, business development, and policy advisory roles. This degree is an excellent choice for students looking to fast-track their careers in international finance.

BENZ Packaging Sets Sights on Global Growth with Rs150 Crore Investment in Technology and Manufacturing

New Delhi, India – March 04, 2025 – BENZ Packaging, a leading manufacturer of industrial and export packaging solutions, is excited to announce a significant investment of 150 crores over the next five years. This investment will focus on expanding its manufacturing operations, enhancing technology, and strengthening its global presence, solidifying the company’s position as a key player in the packaging industry.

BENZ Packaging has started operations on a 90,000 sqft facility in Jhajjar, Haryana. The new facility will be equipped with the latest extrusion and printing machinery, a fully automated corrugation unit, and the manufacturing of wooden boxes and pallets.This investment in both facilities is expected to drive substantial growth and improve service delivery across key markets.

Additionally, the company has already expanded its operations with a state-of-the-art 29,000 sqft facility in Chennai, which is now fully operational and equipped with the latest extrusion and printing machinery, coming up with a fully automated corrugation unit, and the manufacturing of wooden boxes and pallets. This upgrade enhances the plant’s production capacity and efficiency, enabling BENZ Packaging to meet the growing demands of industries in the region and beyond.

The investment also includes broadening horizons in Vietnam and Japan, reinforcing BENZ Packaging’s global expansion strategy and enabling the company to serve international markets more effectively. Each of these new facilities—across India and Vietnam—will feature the same advanced technology, ensuring a uniform standard of high-quality production across all regions.

“We are committed to expanding our global footprint and embracing the latest technology to better serve our customers,” said Chaitanya Chopra Director of BENZ Packaging. “The addition of state-of-the-art facilities in Jhajjar, Chennai, and Vietnam will allow us to deliver superior packaging solutions more efficiently and sustainably, while meeting the growing demands of industries worldwide. This investment will further strengthen our leadership in the industrial and export packaging sectors.”

The company’s investment will also focus on enhancing its commitment to sustainability by integrating eco-friendly practices into its manufacturing processes. BENZ Packaging will continue to prioritize employee training and development to ensure the highest standards of quality and operational excellence across all its facilities. The company is also embracing Artificial Intelligence (AI) to optimize production efficiency, improve quality control, and enhance its customer service, ensuring it remains innovative and competitive in the rapidly evolving packaging market.

A Musical Extravaganza: R City Mall Welcomes Muktika Ganguly and Kailash Kher for a Live Concert

Mumbai, March 4th, 2025 – R City Mall set the stage for an unforgettable musical evening on 1st March 2025, headlined by Padma Shri Kailash Kher and his band, Kailasa. Returning to R City for the second time, Kailash Kher delivered a power-packed performance that was even more electrifying, doubling the vibe and fun. His soulful music mesmerized the audience, making it a night to remember at Mumbai’s premier entertainment and lifestyle destination.

With an overwhelming turnout of over 3,000 people immersed in the electrifying aura he created. The event was a resounding success, offering an unforgettable experience for Mumbai’s music lovers.

Kailash Kher & Kailasa Set the Stage on Fire: As the excitement built up, Kailash Kher and his band Kailasa took the stage, delivering an electrifying performance that had the audience singing along to every note. Performing his all-time hits like “Bam Lehri,” “Saiyyan,” and “Teri Deewani,”. Kher’s magnetic energy and powerful voice created a truly immersive experience.

Muktika Ganguly Captivates the Audience: The evening began with a soul-stirring performance by Muktika Ganguly, who beautifully carried forward her legendary family’s musical heritage. Her set, a seamless blend of timeless melodies and contemporary rhythms, left the audience mesmerized. Accompanied by the talented Rishabh Giri (Singer & Guitarist) and Roshan Giri (Musician & Programmer), the performance set the perfect tone for the night.

The event saw an incredible response from both fans and music lovers. Social media was buzzing, reflecting the massive impact of this unforgettable evening.

R City Mall continues to be Mumbai’s premier hub for entertainment, shopping, and cultural experiences. With a diverse mix of over 350 retail brands, a world-class dining scene, and a year-round calendar of events, the mall is committed to bringing the best in music, arts, and lifestyle to its patrons.

Rima Kirtikar, Group CMO, Runwal Realty said that, “We are thrilled to have hosted such an incredible evening of music at R City Mall. Seeing the audience engage with such enthusiasm reaffirms our vision of making R City the ultimate destination for entertainment and cultural experiences in Mumbai.”

Honoring Women’s Wellness: Dr. Smita Naram’s Ayurvedic Solutions for Women’s Day 2025

By-Dr. Smita Naram is the Co-Founder of Ayushakti

Ayushakti one of the leading and most trusted ayurvedic health centres around the world. A well-accomplished Ayurvedic physician, pharmaceutical herbalist, and nutritionist, Dr. Naram started this journey of bringing in Ancient Health Solution, with a vision to transform the health of billions of people on this planet in 1987.

 She is an Ayurvedic Practitioner with qualifications of Ayurved Madhyama and Ayurved Uttama of Shravan Masa Dakshina Prakisha Samitee constituted by law in the State of Gujarat & recognized by Central Council of Indian Medicine, New Delhi, India.

 She is the fifth generation of vaidya in her family tradition of Ayurvedic Practice and has been practicing the 2500 years old lineage of Siddha Veda Tradition of Ayurveda. Apart from being the world-renowned and Master pulse reader (the ancient traditional method of diagnosis) Dr. Smita Naram is also a detoxification specialist. She also shares health tips, kitchen remedies, herbal remedies, marma, and detox plans for contributing to people lives for long-lasting results in any health problems.

 A true female entrepreneur with vast international clinical experience, today she is one of the most insightful practitioners, lecturers, and teachers of Ancient Health Solutions coming from the 2500 years old Siddha Veda lineage of Ayurveda. She along with her team have personally helped clients suffering from numerous chronic health disorders like Arthritis, Joint pain, Sciatica, Osteoporosis, Anxiety, Diabetes, High Blood Pressure, and many more chronic health concerns. Experiencing breakthrough results in chronic health challenges Ayushakti Clinic just grew through referrals organically. She realized that her life purpose is to transform lives of the people on this planet and that is why Ayushakti chain of clinics was born.

 She has been honored worldwide with many prestigious awards for her contributions in the domain of health including THE KASHYAP AWARD from Germany. She has spent her life personally training more than 500+ doctors and practitioners across the world to create the Army of Healers. Having built a team of expert vaidyas, Dr. Smita Naram conducts practitioner training courses in ancient pulse reading across the world. Her amazing health tips for vibrant health has been telecasted through national and international television shows and has been helping hundreds of thousands of people worldwide to transform their lives.

 She has also authored a book named, “Your health in your hand” and has published dozens of research papers in peer reviewed international journals from USA, Europe and UK just to prove the efficacy of ancient healing on modern parameters.

Telangana on Path to One Trillion US Dollar Economy, States IT Minister D. Sridhar Babu

Hyderabad, March 03, 2025……ICT Committee of The Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry(FTCCI) has organised the GROWTH X 2025 Summit with a theme “Go Digital Grow Business” at HICC in Madhapur, with a special focus on how to leverage Technology for GROWTH in the disruptive era of AI

GROWTH X 2025, the platform in its first edition was organised for knowledge sharing, business, partnerships, lead generation and revenue opportunities

Shri D Sridhar Babu, the Government of Telangana, and Shri Jayesh Ranjan, the Special Chief Secretary of Telangana, Ms. Bhavani Sri, IAS. Deputy Development Commissioner, VSEZ, Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Govt of India was among the dignitaries who attended the inaugural function of GROWTHX 2025.

Addressing 500 plus attendees immediately after the inauguration, Mr. D. Sridhar Babu said the digital innovation is moving at a rapid pace. The industry needs to march along with the changing times. We need to transform our industries. The traditional approaches will not work. At the same time, there are challenges in this journey, especially for MSMEs and SMEs. They have many limitations, short of capital, fear of change, lack of awareness and are busy with their manufacturing challenges, etc.

Until and unless MSMES and SMEs harness new technologies, they will lose out on their competitiveness. They can’t sustain in the long run. The ambition of the state government is to make Telangana a one trillion US $ economy. We will work with the FTCCI and ICT committee for the common good of the industry and the state, the Minister said.

Speaking further, Mr. D. Sridharbabu said, Telangana is progressing well at the same speed of the national growth or even more. Our software exports also prove this point. While national average growth was 8%, Telangana registered 17.98%.

AI(Artificial Intelligence) is taking control across industries and individuals of all walks of life. If we don’t harness and integrate AI into our industries, businesses, we will lose efficiency, growth trajectory and profitability. Our Chief Minister Mr. Revanth Reddy has a very clear vision to keep pace with the changing technology. He feels very strongly that all stakeholders of the state must also keep pace with emerging technologies. This can be achieved by way of creating awareness, capacity building. The Government of Telangana sees AI as first and foremost technology to be embedded in its growth trajectory. It is top of mind of the state leadership. The recently held Global AI summit was a step towards that direction, the Minister said.

The Minister unveiled the Thought Capital Report brought out by EY, the knowledge partner of GrowthX2025. Later Mr. Anirban Mukherjee, Principal Partner, EY gave a sneak peek of the report. He spoke on India at a digital inflection point. He gave a snapshot of key trends driving the digital economy in India. India’s digital revolution is not a trend—it’s a tipping point, he said.

He also felicitated a few organisations and individuals like Mr Jayesh Ranjan, Special Chief Secretary, Dept ITE&C, Govt of Telangana, Dr. Raj P. Narayanam, Founder & Executive Chairman, Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Ltd and others for their outstanding contribution to growth and exceptional service to the society.

Dr Suresh Kumar Singhal, President of FTCCI said MSMEs make a significant contribution to the Indian economy, yet they are hesitant to adapt technology. They must embrace technology to stay competitive.

Giving his opening remarks, Mr. Mohan Raidu said GrowthX 25 is a dedicated platform for digital transformation. Technology is no longer an enabler, but it is the foundation for business growth, he said.

Mr. Pankaj Diwan, Chair of GrowthX 2025 Telangana and Hyderabad, are rockstars of Information Technology and Innovation on the global map. He lauded the futuristic initiatives of the government of Telangana. The summit, he said, is the Confluence of Government & Policy Makers, Industry, Investors, Startups and Academia. Topics including Digital Manufacturing, AI, Data and Privacy, Customer and Growth, Skilling and Talent will be discussed during the summit

Some of the speakers include in the summit are Mr Panneerselvam Madanagopal, CEO, MeitY Startup Hub, Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Govt. of India; Mr Rajesh Dhuddu, Partner, Emerging Tech, PwC; Dr Raj P Narayanam, Founder & Executive Chairman, Zaggle Prepaid Ocean Services Limited; Mr Anirban Mukherjee, Lead Partner. EY India Hyderabad; Mr. Srikanth Srinivasan, Vice President & Head – Membership & Outreach, NASSCOM;

More than 450 participants comprising decision makers/CXOs, FTCCI Members, IT, Policy Makers, Investors and Startups participated in the summit.

An Expo Zone was organised along with the summit. And many Startups and IT companies had stalls. A Business lounge was set up for closed group interactions.

FTCCI partnered with We-Hub, T-Hub, T-Works, DSCI, TASK, SucSEED Venture, AWS, Google and Microsoft to organise this summit.

Mr. Ravi Kumar, Mr. KK Maheshwari, Sr VP and VP, several past president of FTCCI, MC members, ICT Committee co chairs and members such as Bala Peddigari, CV Anirudh Rao, Manish Gupta, Mr. Lalith Sharma, Ms. Sheetal Srikanth graced the inaugural function.