Category Archives: News

Uttishtha 2025 at IIM Kashipur Concludes Successfully, Celebrating Innovation and Excellence

India, February 25, 2025 – The Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Kashipur successfully concluded Uttishtha’25, its flagship entrepreneurship summit, which witnessed two days of engaging discussions, competitions, and startup showcases. Organized in collaboration with FIED, IIM Kashipur and supported by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Government of India, the event brought together industry leaders, entrepreneurs, investors, and students, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration.

 The second day of Uttishtha’25 commenced with the Expo Inauguration, where emerging entrepreneurs and industry leaders displayed groundbreaking innovations in Agri-Startups, MSMEs, and FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations). The Expo served as a vital platform for entrepreneurs to exhibit their business models and interact with potential investors and mentors. Throughout the day, attendees explored cutting-edge innovations across various industries, solidifying Uttishtha’25 as a premier entrepreneurship summit. The event successfully brought together over 15,000 attendees and saw participation from 200+ Agri-Startups, MSMEs, and FPOs (Farmer Producer Organizations) and 2,000+ business schools, making it one of the most impactful entrepreneurship summits in the region. With inspiring success stories, cutting-edge startup showcases, and invaluable networking opportunities, Uttishtha’25 has set a new benchmark in fostering entrepreneurial excellence.

 The event was graced by an esteemed panel of guests, including Dr. Deepak Murari, Joint Director, Directorate of Industries, Uttarakhand; Santosh Kumar Sinha, Deputy General Manager, SIDBI; Dr. Deepak Kumar Pandey, Assistant Director, Higher Education Department, Government of Uttarakhand; Dr. Shyam Kapri, Assistant Dean (Training & Placement), Graphic Era Hill University, Dehradun; Khalid Wani, Founder & Director, KWCG; S.K. Verma, Deputy Director, Technical Education Department, Government of Uttarakhand; Dr. Amit Kumar Dwivedi, Professor & Director – Government Project Department & Regional Director – Northern Regional Office, EDII; Devendra Kumar Agarwal, Chairman, KVS Premier Group; and Pankaj Yadav, Chief General Manager, NABARD.

 The school engagement activities were another key highlight of the day, inspiring young minds to think creatively and develop problem-solving skills. Events such as career counseling, MBA insights sessions, and science fairs introduced students to diverse opportunities in business and entrepreneurship. Enthusiastic participation was seen in drawing, poster-making, essay writing, stick-building, and fancy dress competitions, further encouraging students to showcase their talents and innovative thinking.

 Reflecting on the success of the event, Prof. Safal Batra, Director of FIED at IIM Kashipur, stated, “Uttishtha’25 has once again reinforced IIM Kashipur’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and innovation. The overwhelming response from entrepreneurs, students, and industry leaders underscores the growing relevance of startup ecosystems in shaping the future of business. We are proud to provide a platform where ideas transform into actionable business solutions.”

 During the entrepreneurship summit, the atmosphere buzzed with energy during the prize distribution ceremony, where winners of various competitions, including Udaan, Hult Prize, B-Plan, and Social Entrepreneurship competitions, were felicitated. These competitions provided a platform for aspiring entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas and receive valuable feedback from seasoned industry professionals.

Viraj Profiles Honored with EEPC National Award for Export Excellence in Recognition of 2021-22 Achievements

Viraj Profiles Pvt. Ltd., a global leader in stainless steel long products, has been conferred with the National Award for Export Excellence for 2021-22 in the Bright Bar and Miscellaneous product group, Large Enterprise category. Exporting its products to more than 90 countries across the globe, the esteemed award by EEPC India is an acknowledgment to Viraj Profiles’ outstanding export success and commitment to India’s economic development.

The esteemed award recognizes Viraj Profiles’ strong global presence and diverse product portfolio and showcasing it as a Make in India brand that is dedicated to delivering high-quality stainless steel products to customers worldwide. Viraj Profiles has earlier been a recipient of the SEEPZ-SEZ HIGHEST EXPORTER Award among EOU’s in 2010.

The Managing Director of Viraj Profiles, Rakesh Chauhan, spoke about the company’s proud moment, saying, “We dedicate this award to our customers, partners, and employees who have supported us in our journey to excellence.”

The National Award for Export Excellence is a prestigious accolade bestowed by the Government of India to recognize outstanding export performance by engineering goods companies. The award recognizes exporters who have triumphed in the face of a variety of worldwide market challenges.

Collective Action Key Focus of Workshop on Sustainable Crop Residue Management

S M Sehgal Foundation organized an Inter-Stakeholder Knowledge Exchange Workshop to mobilize collective action for sustainable crop residue management (CRM) at Gurugram, Haryana. The event brought together key stakeholders including policymakers, researchers, agriculture experts, industry representatives, and farmers to deliberate on innovative solutions for reducing crop residue burning and promoting sustainable alternatives.

 The workshop aimed to enhance collaboration among diverse stakeholders, share best practices, and explore sustainable solutions to address the challenges of crop residue management. Key focus areas of the workshop included the following:

 1. Promoting Sustainable Agricultural Practices: Encouraging the adoption of sustainable CRM practices to reduce air pollution and enhance soil health.
2. Facilitating Knowledge Exchange: Providing a platform to share innovative technologies and best practices that can improve crop productivity and offer alternatives to residue burning.
3. Sharing Community Experiences and Insights: Highlighting community experiences to foster collective learning and guide future interventions that are sustainable and impactful.

 Senior officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare, Indian Council of Agriculture Research (ICAR), Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), agriculture universities like Punjab Agriculture University, industry experts from CII, The Nature Conservancy, Energy Harvest Charitable Trust, and Center for Science and Environment actively participated, emphasizing the need for a multi-stakeholder approach. Experts discussed successful case studies on innovative CRM models which have the potential to reduce burning incidents significantly.

 Special Guest, Dr. Suresh Kumar Chaudhari, Director General, Fertilizer Association of India (FAI) shared, “Collective action and willingness can be the only way to address this issue. Lots of efforts are being made in this direction, and it needs a collective view and approach by several players, including the farmers.”

 During the workshop, the farming community members shared their experiences highlighting the importance of awareness on CRM, access to cost-effective farm machinery, and the significance of crop diversification. The knowledge exchange provided valuable experiential insights, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities from an inter-stakeholder perspective.

 Speaking at the event, Nishant Gupta, Social & Environmental Impact Advisor, Walmart.org, mentioned, “Sustainable crop residue management is critical for environmental protection, soil health and air quality improvement. Collaborative efforts are essential to scale up solutions that are both economically viable and ecologically sustainable.”

 Anjali Makhija, Trustee and CEO, S M Sehgal Foundation, said, “The workshop has been a vital platform for sharing innovative solutions and aligning stakeholders toward a common goal. The topical discussions will lead to convergence of efforts in this regard and pave the way for collaborative action.”

Veranda Learning’s New Era: Acquiring BB Virtuals and Navkar to Lead EdTech Innovation

CHENNAI, 25TH FEBRUARY 2025: Veranda Learning Solutions has taken a 40.41% stake in BB Publications Private Limited (“BB Virtuals”) and acquired 65% stake in Navkar Digital Institute Private Limited (“Navkar Digital”).

Veranda Learning will acquire an additional 10.59% stake in BB Virtuals by June 2025. The acquisitions amplify Veranda Learning’s position as a leader in commerce education across India and the company’s commerce vertical is expected to achieve a pro forma EBITDA exceeding Rs 120 crores for FY25.

BB Virtuals, founded by the renowned Chartered Accountant (CA) educator Mr. Bhanwar Borana, has established itself as a top-notch online platform for CA and commerce aspirants. With a strong focus on accessible and high-quality resources, BB Virtuals has trained over 200,000 students online, producing more than 500 all-India rank-holders. Notably, the top four All-India rankers in the November 2024 CA Final Results—Mr. Rishabh Ostwal (Rank 1, shared with Mr. Heramb Maheswari), Ms. Riya Kunjankumar Shah (Rank 2), Ms. Kinjal Ajmera (Rank 3), and Ms. Poonam Sheoran (Rank 4)—were students of BB Virtuals’ online platform, highlighting its impact on CA education.

Navkar Digital, founded by Mr. Hiteshkumar Shah, is a well-established offline education platform for Chartered Accountancy (CA), Company Secretary (CS), and Cost & Management Accountancy (CMA) aspirants in Gujarat. With over 17 years of teaching experience, Mr. Hitesh Shah has built a reputation for excellence in professional education, guiding thousands of students toward their career goals.

Prof. J.K. Shah, founder of JK Shah Classes, commented on the acquisitions, “By bringing in BB Virtuals and Navkar Digital into the Veranda ecosystem, we are building a powerful alliance that provides students pursuing commerce education with unparalleled academic support. This strengthens our mission to deliver exceptional learning experiences and expand our reach to aspiring finance professionals across India.”

Speaking about the collaboration, Mr. Hitesh Shah, Managing Director, Navkar Institute, stated, “We are thrilled to be part of the Veranda ecosystem, leveraging our combined strengths to grow the business and continue supporting students in achieving their professional dreams. This partnership will allow us to integrate technology-driven learning methodologies while retaining the rigor and discipline of our offline teaching model.”

Mr. Bhanwar Borana, Founder of BB Virtuals, expressed his enthusiasm, saying, “We are thrilled to join forces with Veranda Learning. This partnership will allow us to extend our reach and continue providing top-notch resources and mentorship to CA and commerce students. Together, we aim to set new benchmarks in the realm of commerce education.”

Endurance and Excellence: Top Teams Shine in the Final 4-Hour Event of eBAJA SAEINDIA 2025

Hyderabad, 25th February 2025: The exhilarating four-day journey of eBAJA SAEINDIA 2025 which started with registration of 85 teams came to a thrilling conclusion today, marking another milestone in India’s electric mobility and engineering innovation. Hosted at B V Raju Institute of Technology, Narsapur, near Hyderabad, the final day witnessed intense endurance event, groundbreaking innovations, and the crowning of this year’s champions.

Since its inception in 2007, BAJA SAEINDIA has grown from a single- category event to a multi- category transformative event. The 10 glorious years of eBAJA SAEINDIA is special as this year witnessed the maximum participation of teams in the history of the eBAJA event. The Theme “Fusion 4 Future” stands on the core pillars of Technology, Diversity, Sustainability and Connectivity, encompassed in mBAJA (IC Engine), eBAJA (Electric), hBAJA (HCNG) and aBAJA (Autonomous). This season truly reflects these values, as the four-day event showcased every aspect.

The highlight of the day was the much-anticipated Endurance Event, where out of 77 teams from across India present at the facility, 51 teams cleared Technical Inspection successfully, out of which 44 teams qualified for the final leg of the event by undergoing the rigorous challenges in the previous days which included rounds of Safety Scrutiny like Technical Inspections and Brake test. The Endurance race flagged-off by Senior leaders from Automotive Industry and Academia led by Mr. Aditya Vissam, Secretary of Sri Vishu Educational Society; Mr. Shravan Kumar, Territory Manager, Nizamabad of Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd; Mr. Balraj Subramaniam, Chairman, Organizing Committee, BAJA SAEINDIA and Dr. K. C. Vora, Advisor, BAJA SAEINDIA. The other members present were Ramanathan S from Automotive Test System, Ramesha S from Altair, Mayank Kumar Dwivedi from ANSYS, Feroz Khan from Hero Motocorp, Padmesh Sewda from TVS Motors, Arun Jaura from JK Tyres & Industries and the Conveners Vinoth Kumar, Manoneet Singh and Pranav Khatekar.

The day concluded with Valedictory ceremony to celebrate the hard-work of the teams, where top- performing teams were recognized for their excellence in different domains. The ceremony was graced by the Chief Guest Prof. (Dr.) V. Balakista Reddy, Chairman, Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) and Mr. Sukhmal Jain, Director, Marketing, Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. Dr. K. V. Vishnu Raju, Chairman, Sri Vishnu Educational Society gave the welcome address on behalf of host institute to the audience.

The Chief Guest, Prof. (Dr.) V. Balakista Reddy, Chairman, Telangana Council of Higher Education (TGCHE) said “India has good young population and they should contribute in innovation in Electric Automotive & Semiconductor manufacturing. Lot of scope and opportunity in India for young talent.”

The Guest of Honour, Mr. Sukhmal Jain while addressing the audience said “As we accelerate towards an electric future, BPCL is proud to power the next generation of innovators through our association with eBAJA. Empowering young minds to shape the future of mobility in India, we remain committed to supporting sustainable energy solutions and fostering a cleaner tomorrow.”

Overall Winners:

Best All Girls Team:

Women’s Driving Best Driver Award went to Miss Surekha, Sri Vishnu Engineering College, Bhimavaram, Andhra Pradesh State. The second prize winners were Singari Gupta, Maharashtra and the third prize winners were Sakshi Khate, Uttar Pradesh.

Best All Men’s Team:

Faculty Advisors from 77 teams participated in the Dronacharya evaluation event, where they were subjected to Group Discussions and Personal Interviews by Senior Judges and the winner is Prof. Bhimagoud Patil of MIT Academy of Engineering, Alandi, Pune of car number E47.

IceWarp Recognizes Women Tech Leaders on International Women’s Day 2025

Mumbai, 24th February 2025 – On the occasion of International Women’s Day 2025, IceWarp a global leader in email communication and collaboration solutions, proudly celebrates the achievements and contributions of women leaders who are accelerating progress and reshaping the future of the technology industry. With this year’s theme, “Accelerate Action,” IceWarp reaffirms its commitment to empowering women and fostering an inclusive environment that enables them to lead and innovate.

IceWarp, through its #IceWarpAcceleratesAction campaign on LinkedIn, celebrates exceptional women leaders who break barriers and drive transformation in the industry. These inspiring individuals receive recognition for their vision, resilience, and commitment to fostering equity and inclusion. The campaign emphasizes building a truly inclusive world by challenging gender stereotypes, addressing biases, supporting diversity, and advocating for harmony and solidarity.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Anita Kukreja, Head – Strategic Alliances and Brand, IceWarp, shared her thoughts: “At IceWarp, we firmly believe that inclusivity drives innovation. On International Women’s Day, we honor the incredible contributions of women leaders who continue to accelerate action and inspire change in the technology industry. Their journeys remind us that progress is not just a destination but a continuous commitment to building a more equitable and innovative world.”

Highlighting IceWarp’s commitment to gender inclusivity, Pramod Sharda, CEO, IceWarp India & Middle East, stated, “Women in technology have been instrumental in shaping the digital future, and their contributions deserve to be recognized and celebrated. ‘IceWarp Accelerates Action’ is not just a theme but a movement towards fostering equal opportunities and acknowledging the impact of women leaders in tech. We take immense pride in honoring these pioneers and look forward to continuing our efforts in championing diversity in the industry.”

IceWarp celebrates this day every year as an acknowledgment to the women leaders who are transforming the tech industry. The brand remains committed to taking bold steps, challenging the status quo, and creating platforms for women to lead, innovate, and thrive. Through these efforts, IceWarp hopes to inspire the next generation to push boundaries, redefine possibilities, and drive collective progress.

NIU Celebrates Film Festival Contributions with IMPPA President at Felicitation Ceremony

Noida, 24, Feb 2025- Noida International University’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication (SJMC) hosted a Felicitation Ceremony and Guest Lecture on “The Role of Film Festivals in Discovering New Talents” where over 50 students were present. The event featured prominent industry experts, including Mr. Abhay Sinha, President of the Indian Motion Picture Producers Association (IMPPA), Mr. Raghvendra Awasthi, Founder and Chairman of Mahuaa TV, Mr. Vinod Gupta, Film & TV Producer, Mr. Arnav Singh, Bollywood actor, Dr. Mukesh Parashar, Registrar, NIU, and Prof. Dr. Aarfa Rajput, Dean, SJMC, NIU .

Mr. Abhay Sinha said film festivals produce critical exposure to filmmakers and younger generations willing to pursue careers in this field. The workflow of the film industry and the stages of film production motivate students to venture into filmmaking and serial production. He also discussed how films serve as a mirror of society, bridging cultural gaps as films play a vital role in storytelling that contributes to personal and community identity. Films also reflect the issues and concerns that society faces and are made to raise awareness and highlight the concerns.

Dr. Mukesh Parashar, Registrar, Noida International University felicitated the guests and encouraged students to create short films by using the infrastructure of the university, create documentaries, and short films and participate in film festivals and highlighted the importance of such events in providing students with a deeper understanding of the industry and preparing them to produce high-quality films for global recognition.

Maha Shivratri at Shivoham Shiva Temple: A Grand Celebration with Huge Turnout Expected

Bengaluru, 24 February 2025: The sacred festival of Maha Shivratri, commemorating the divine union of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati, will be celebrated with unmatched grandeur at Shivoham Shiva Temple, HAL, Old Airport Road, Bengaluru. As one of the city’s most revered spiritual landmarks, the temple is expecting thousands of devotees to gather for an unparalleled spiritual experience.

A Spiritual Extravaganza Led by AiR – Atman in Ravi; The event is being meticulously planned under the guidance of AiR – Atman in Ravi, the visionary founder of Shivoham Shiva Temple. Speaking on the significance of Maha Shivratri, he shared:

“This is a sacred time for deep spiritual awakening. We must go beyond Bhakti and devotion to seek, yearn for, and passionately love God. The ultimate realization is that God is omnipresent—not just in temples but within the temple of our own hearts.”

Key Attractions of Maha Shivratri at Shivoham Shiva Temple

The temple, home to the tallest 65-ft Shiva idol in Bengaluru, will offer devotees a deeply immersive experience, including:

· 32-ft Lord Ganesha statue – A majestic tribute to the remover of obstacles.

· Amarnath Paanch Dhaam Yatra – A breathtakingly recreated pilgrimage experience.

· Barah Jyotirlinga Yatra & Abhisheka – A sacred homage to the 12 Jyotirlingas.

· 24-hour Bhajans with Special Shiva Aarti every two hours – Keeping the divine energy flowing.

· Special Light & Sound Show – A mesmerizing spiritual spectacle.

· Live Bhajans from evening onwards and an all-night Jaagaran with music, meditation and mantra chanting – Deepening the spiritual connection.

An Invitation to Devotees and a Call for Service

The organizing team is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a seamless and spiritually uplifting experience for devotees.

“We are expecting an overwhelming turnout of devotees who will not only come to seek blessings but also contribute to a greater cause. The funds raised during Maha Shivratri will go towards serving the destitute, poor and the homeless at AiR Humanitarian Homes. This is how we continue to do God’s work—by spreading love and compassion to those in need,” added AiR – Atman in Ravi.

ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 Sparks Visionary Talks on Humanity’s Next Frontier

Chandigarh, 24 February 2025: The inaugural day of the ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025 commenced with resounding grandeur, centred on the compelling theme, ‘Humanity’s Next Frontier.’ The summit witnessed an overwhelming response, solidifying its position as a premier platform for intellectual discourse and visionary thinking. This landmark event brought together luminaries from diverse fields to deliberate on India’s pivotal role in addressing global challenges such as climate change, geopolitical tensions, and the transformative impact of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence. Positioned at the intersection of India’s rich cultural heritage and its ascent as a global demographic and economic powerhouse, the summit served as a dynamic forum for thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators.

In the much anticipated opening session, ‘The Earth Flame Searching for Inner Peace’, celebrated Indian author, journalist, and travel writer, Pico Iyer, recounted his life in a catholic hermitage after a fire incident burned down his family home in California. “The very night I lost everything when my house burned down, I realized I still had the most important things. I also realized I don’t need 90% of things I accumulated; I can live more minimally. Humanity’s last frontier is really humanity’s first frontier which is what kind of invisible clarity and calm can we find to make our peace with AI and the other accelerating technologies.”

“India is not a poor country anymore, and we must take bold steps in developing our foundational AI models.”, said Dr. Manish Gupta, Senior Director at Google DeepMind, who leads AI research teams across India and Japan. Speaking on the topic ‘Transforming India with AI: Why We Need More Data’, he said, “Some assume that building foundational AI models requires hundreds of millions of dollars, but we must have the courage to take on challenges that have never been attempted before. AI is an old discipline, almost as old as computing itself. The reason ChatGPT and similar models took off is the innovation of transformer architecture, which has been key to foundational AI models.”

In the session, “The Frontiers of Science: Knowing the Unknown”, Dr. Pratima Murthy, Director, NIMHANS, said, “One in ten people suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder.” Dr. Shubha Tole, Neuroscientist and Professor at the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research, talked about the importance of research, saying, “Research opens minds. It’s the art of asking questions, and through this process, we uncover profound insights. Who better to solve a problem than a mind trained in research?” Dr. Jahnavi Phalkey, Founding Director of Science Gallery, Bangalore, talked about the state of research funding in our country. “Our funding system is skewed and laced with bureaucratic hurdles. The funding landscape is poorly developed and needs to be strengthened. We also need to rethink the direction of research.”

In the session titled ‘The Next Generation: Making Business Better’, Shashwat Goenka expressed how his organization identified the potential of makhana early, stating, “We discovered the market value of makhana before people even adopted it. Healthy snacking was an untapped space, and we saw the opportunity before it became mainstream.”

Speaking in the session, ‘Wah Ustads: Magic at Their Fingertips’, Taufiq Qureshi said, “During our childhood, we were given honest feedback and guidance from gurus at home. “In my house, we had already covered A to Z of percussions, A for Alla Rakha and Z for Zakir Hussain. I didn’t feel any pressure growing up. I feel fortunate that I was born in a family which has such rich musical legacy. So, very early in my career, I tried to create my own identity and music and succeeded.”

“With legacy comes responsibility, which can be overwhelming but you gradually find your voice”, said Bickram Ghosh. “I performed my first concert at the age of 9, and I was immensely praised. But when I returned home, I was debarred from performing for next 10 years so that I don’t get used to attention. In one of my early performances, I was told by someone in live audience that I didn’t perform as well as my father. My father advised that I have to create my own sound instead of following him.”

At ABP Network’s Ideas of India 2025, Geetanjali Vikram Kirloskar, Chairperson & MD, Kirloskar Systems Pvt. Ltd. shared a powerful narrative of resilience, leadership and legacy. Speaking in the session titled ‘Transformative Leadership — Adapting to Change,’ she reflected on her journey of steering Kirloskar Systems through adversity while upholding its vision and values. Geetanjali said, “Success comes with an enabling environment. When we brought Toyota to India, I joined my husband in that journey, supporting him in two joint ventures. After his passing, I remained committed to Kirloskar, doing everything I could for the company.”

In a session, Conscious Development – Making Governance Ecologically Sensitive, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Goa Dr. Pramod Sawant, said, “There should be no VIP culture at the Kumbh Mela. Safety and amenities should be available for everyone, and they are already in place at the Kumbh.” Speaking about rumours that tourism in Goa has declined, he said, “This is not accurate. Certain influencers are attempting to shift perceptions away from Goa as a premier tourism destination. This is not the appropriate platform to discuss which influencer is responsible, but we are conducting an investigation. Goa remains a safe and clean destination, attracting visitors who come to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. Additionally, people now visit Goa to see its temples, although previously, the main attractions were its beaches and churches. We are expanding and developing our airports and ports to accommodate both domestic and international tourists. Regarding sustainable development goals, we currently hold the fourth position and aim to reach the top by 2030.”

In the session ‘Adventures in Space – Our Place in the Universe,’ Dr. Goutam Chattopadhyay, Senior Scientist at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Visiting Professor at Caltech, said, “There is no conspiracy theory here. NASA is not keeping Sunita Williams in space. Sunita Williams’ return was delayed due to a technical glitch, but on March 19, they will be safely back home. In fact, we are using this opportunity to explore space further.”

In the session ‘50 years on – Art, Activism, and Acting,’ acclaimed veteran theatre artist and actor Amol Palekar remarked, “Actors have more social responsibility because people look up to them. There was a trend that movie only meant for entertainment. But art or movies cannot be mindless entertainment. If you see on any channel, 90% of topics covered by media is political news, as if there’s nothing else in our lives. We are stuck in a maze of who said what. Media should take responsibility to cover other aspects of our lives which can help us to become better human beings.”

Spotlighting the need for sustainable urbanization and development, Mayank Agrawal, CEO of Gallant Group of Industries, highlighted the role of technology in reshaping infrastructure. Sharing his insights in the session “Building Sustainably – Cities of the Future,” Mayank Agrawal stated, “India’s growing population and rising demand for housing require smarter solutions. AI is already playing a significant role in construction by predicting future equipment needs based on past data. Given that construction is labour-intensive, technology can drive cost-effectiveness and improve efficiency.”

Celebrated Bollywood actress Taapsee Pannu inspired the audience with her views in the session ‘Fearless and Feisty – Telling Powerful Stories’. Taapsee remarked on the popularity of social media, stating “Don’t judge talent by their social media following. Cast actors in films because of their craft, talent, and ideology; not just because they have a huge follower count. I spend more time nurturing my talent than staying on social media. Trolling doesn’t affect me much.”

In the session titled ‘Diving into the Deep – A Decade in the Spotlight’ celebrated actress and climate change warrior Bhumi Pednekar opened up on several facets to her life. Bhumi said, “The way I look at the characters I have played is that they are women in their entirety. They are different shades of women a modern day Indian girl is. The common thing of all my characters is that they have agency. Something I really miss growing up was seeing women who didn’t fit into the bracket of conventional beauty standards are. I am genuinely fortunate and proud that my first movie was Dum Laga Ke Haisha. Usually women are defined by the rules that society expects them to be. But you don’t really have to. Women should make their own rules. I gained about 40 kilos for Dum Laga Ke Haisha but people around never judged me. So, I played the character with that confidence. Dum Laga Ke Haisha changed my life. I won’t ever want any other movie to debut.”

Celebrity Chef Ranveer Brar, said, “Coming from a small city like Lucknow has been a significant advantage for me. In such an environment, the need to prove oneself becomes second nature. Additionally, hailing from a city renowned for its rich culinary heritage has had a positive impact on me.” He was speaking in the session themed ‘What We Eat Is Who We Are: The Palate on a Plate’.

Celebrated singer and composer Papon captivated audiences during the session “Rhythm Divine: Growing Up with Music for the Soul.” He reflected on his musical journey, stating, “I was fortunate to be born into a family where music was a way of life. It was always like a mehfil at home. Delhi taught me a lot – the language, the nuances and the depth of music.”

Leading expert in foreign and national security policy, Ambassador Kurt Volker, Former U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Negotiations, and President & Founder of Alliance Strategic Advisors, LLC, shed light on ‘The New World Order – View from America’.

Discussing the developments in United States since Donald Trump assumed office, he said, “There’s a feeling of disenfranchisement that Donald Trump has capitalized on to try and bring order back to people who are feeling dislocated.” He further commented on the developing geopolitics in Asia, stating, “China is a rising power which comes across as a direct adversary for United States; but India is a rising power that comes across a friendly state with shared values. President Trump personally likes Prime Minister Narendra Modi but that doesn’t stop his transnationalism.”

BJP’s Rekha Gupta Becomes Delhi CM After 27 Years; HRDS INDIA Commends PM Modi’s Support for Women Leaders

New Delhi, February 22, 2025:

HRDS INDIA an International NGO congratulated Smt. Rekha Gupta on her appointment as the Chief Minister of Delhi, calling it a historic milestone in Indian politics.

HRDS INDIA deeply appreciated Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s steadfast commitment to women’s empowerment, stating that the Modi government’s efforts go beyond mere words, driving real, impactful change to ensure women have equal opportunities across all sectors. The appointment of Smt. Rekha Gupta as Chief Minister is a reflection of this vision, further strengthening the role of women in Indian politics and governance.

Congratulating Modi government and Rekha Gupta, Guru Atma Nambi, President of HRDS INDIA, stated: “We wholeheartedly welcome the appointment of Smt. Rekha Gupta as the Chief Minister of Delhi, a move that reaffirms the BJP’s commitment to gender inclusivity and leadership opportunities for women. As the second female Chief Minister from the BJP, following the late Smt. Sushma Swaraj’s tenure in 1998, her appointment is not just historic but also marks the BJP’s return to power in Delhi after 27 years—a significant political milestone. Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, women’s empowerment has moved beyond rhetoric to real action, ensuring equal opportunities across all fields. We are confident that Smt. Rekha Gupta will lead Delhi with dedication, vision, and a strong commitment to progress.”

Aji Krishnan, Founder & Secretary of HRDS INDIA, also lauded the decision, stating: “Under Modi ji’s leadership, India is witnessing a new era where women are rising to take charge in key governance roles. With Smt. Rekha Gupta in Delhi and Mamata Banerjee in Bengal, India now has two female Chief Ministers, further strengthening the BJP’s gender representation narrative. We believe Rekha Gupta will shoulder her responsibilities effectively and bring transformative governance to Delhi.”

HRDS INDIA remains steadfast in its support for policies that promote gender equality, empowering women to take on leadership roles across politics, governance, and various sectors. The organization applauds the government’s continued efforts to create an inclusive and progressive society.