Category Archives: News

New Slack Workforce Index Shows 61% of Indian Desk Workers Embrace AI in Their Roles

BANGALORE, INDIA, December 17, 2024 — AI adoption is on the rise in India with 61% of Indian desk workers using AI in their jobs and 80% excited about the prospect of AI replacing some tasks, according to Slack’s new Workforce Index. India’s progress in AI adoption underscores the growing prioritization of AI among its executives and reflects a heightened sense of urgency among business leaders to unlock its transformative potential.

While Indian workers are leading the way on AI adoption globally, the research points to some uncertainty and discomfort around AI usage. 21% of Indian workers report feeling uncomfortable admitting AI use to their managers for fear they might be seen as incompetent, lazy, or cheating.

Why it matters: According to McKinsey, AI could increase corporate profits by $4.4 trillion a year, and Salesforce research finds that sales teams using AI are 1.3x more likely to see revenue increase than those who don’t use it. To realize the benefits of AI, however, employers need to encourage employees to use the technology and equip them with the training and guidance needed to work successfully in this new era.

Rahul Sharma, Vice President – Sales, Salesforce India, said, “India’s workforce is leading the way in AI adoption, with 61% of desk workers already integrating AI into their roles. This enthusiasm highlights the transformative potential of AI and its alignment with leadership priorities for innovation and upskilling. However, to fully harness AI’s benefits, there remains uncertainty that agents can address. By introducing AI agents with clearly defined roles and guidelines, businesses can reduce worker anxiety and foster seamless integration into daily tasks.”

Global and India Findings: India Outpaces in AI Adoption

India’s focus aligns closely with leadership goals

Indian workers are leveraging AI to align with leadership priorities more effectively than their global counterparts. While global executives want employees to focus on upskilling and innovation with the time saved by AI, Indian workers are already embracing these priorities. The top activities Indian employees expect to prioritize with AI-enabled time savings include:

• Learning and skill-building
• Innovative or creative work projects
• Advancing work on core projects

India’s forward-thinking approach highlights its leadership in AI adoption, with its workforce demonstrating greater alignment with executive expectations.

Still, some workers hide AI use out of fear, confusion

Despite the enthusiasm, some Indian workers remain hesitant to disclose their use of AI at work. About 21% of Indian desk workers said they feel uncomfortable admitting to their managers that they used AI for common workplace tasks. Key reasons for this discomfort include concerns about job security, fear of being perceived as less competent, or being seen as lazy.

Workers expect AI-savvy employers

Indian workers want to skill up on AI as 94% feel an urgency to become an AI expert. However, 40% of Indian workers have spent less than five hours total learning how to use AI, and 30% of global workers say they’ve had no AI training at all, including no self-directed learning or experimentation.

Employers will need to solve for the gap in training and get clear about AI guidelines, as current employees and new professionals entering the workforce will gravitate to more supportive workplaces.

• Global workers with guidance to use AI saw a 13% increase in AI adoption since January, while global workers with no guidance to use AI only saw a 2% increase, from 8% to 10% since January.
• 98% of Indian workers say that a prospective employer’s ability to provide and enable workers on AI tools is a factor in their job search.
• Nearly 2 in 5 workers, globally, say they’d prefer working for companies that provide AI tools and enable their use.
• Globally, people in their first job are 1.8x times more likely to say AI enablement is a “very important factor” in their job search.

MediBuddy Pioneers Workplace Wellness Revolution, Achieving 86% Success in Anxiety Management

Mumbai, 17 December 2024 – MediBuddy, India’s largest digital healthcare platform, released insights from its corporate wellness initiatives, highlighting the critical need for integrated, holistic healthcare solutions in the modern workplace. According to data, 41% of employees from MediBuddy’s cohort face anxiety and mental health issues highlighting the magnitude of the problem and emphasising the pressing need for accessible and effective mental health support across workplaces.

 The insights further highlighted that 21% of employees struggle with work-life imbalance, 17% deal with anxiety, 9% are coping with grief, and 5% are affected by depression.

 Recognising the employee well-being, MediBuddy deployed a comprehensive wellness intervention program that goes beyond traditional health support. This approach leveraged advanced psychological methodologies, including the transtheoretical model of behavioural change, personalised counselling, and evidence-based psychotherapy techniques such as motivational interviewing, mindfulness practices, and cognitive behavioural therapy.

 The results of the intervention were transformative. In the post-coaching stage, outcomes are categorized into two distinct phases. The action phase marks the period where participants actively apply the coping skills and techniques they have learned to manage specific mental health conditions. This phase is followed by the maintenance phase, where these behavioral changes become ingrained habits, allowing participants to seamlessly and automatically integrate them into their daily lives, fostering long-term mental well-being.

 Employees experiencing general stress saw a significant shift, with 55% moving to an action phase and 18% developed the skills to effectively manage their stress. Work-life balance showed equally promising outcomes, with 74% of participants progressing to an action phase and 15% maintaining improved balance.

 Satish Kannan, Co-founder & CEO, MediBuddy, said, “Preventive mental health care is as essential as physical health care—it is the foundation of overall well-being. At MediBuddy, we believe that addressing mental health proactively and integrating it into comprehensive wellness programs empowers individuals to lead healthier, and more balanced lives. Our focus remains on fostering resilience and creating meaningful, lasting impact through personalised support and innovative interventions.”

 The program demonstrated remarkable success in anxiety reduction, with 86% of participants taking active steps to address their anxiety and 5% maintaining low anxiety levels, a significant leap from 100% in the contemplation stage pre-coaching. All participants dealing with depression (100%) received symptomatic support through therapy and referrals. Additionally, 91% of individuals coping with grief reported marked improvements, where no progress had been previously recorded.

 These outcomes exemplify the effectiveness of MediBuddy’s holistic mental health programs in empowering individuals to achieve lasting behavioural change. By integrating mental health as a core component of overall wellness, MediBuddy is driving a much-needed shift in how workplace well-being is approached.

Bajaj’s 3D Anamorphic Outdoor Hoarding in Bangalore Showcases Innovation and Durability

Mumbai, 17 December 2024: Bajaj, a leading brand in India’s consumer appliance industry, is redefining brand visibility with its cutting-edge “Built for Life” outdoor campaign. This revolutionary initiative features 3D anamorphic technology, creating an immersive and visually stunning experience on a hoarding at Garuda Mall, Bangalore. The campaign highlights Bajaj’s focus on product innovation, advanced features, and enduring durability, presenting a bold vision of a modern and forward-thinking brand.

This campaign brings to life three of Bajaj’s flagship categories – water heaters and mixer grinders. By showcasing the brand’s commitment to innovative engineering and contemporary design, the initiative positions Bajaj as a leader in crafting appliances that blend cutting-edge technology for lasting toughness.

The centerpiece of the campaign is a series of captivating 20-second videos. Each begins with a metallic shutter, emblazoned with the Bajaj logo, sliding open to reveal a futuristic high-tech space. Against a backdrop of dynamic visuals, hero models are introduced through sleek 3D animations. These appliances come to life, rotating gracefully in 3D, before seamlessly transitioning to their ideal placement in a consumer’s home.

The videos spotlight the top-of-the-line features of Bajaj’s durable range of products:

• In Water Heaters: The newly launched Pentacle Digi (that comes with a remote and digital Display) water heater and the popular Contempo Water Heater with Marine Grade Glass Line Coating and 10 Years Warranty on the DuraAce Tank (TM).
• In Mixer Grinders: The latest Evoque 4 Jar (1000 Watts) Mixer Grinder, made specially for kitchens in South India where all 4 jars are Military Grade jars and have the DuraCut (R) Blade with Lifetime Warranty

 Devika Sachdev – Head of Advertising & Brand Management commented, “The ‘Built for Life’ anamorphic hoarding marks a new chapter in how we connect with our audiences. By using 3D anamorphic technology, we are not just showcasing our brand and our range of durable products but are in fact creating an immersive experience that reflects Bajaj’s vision of innovation and modernity. This campaign is about redefining how consumers see and engage with us in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

This visually engaging campaign builds on Bajaj’s previous CGI-driven initiatives, underlining the brand’s mastery of advanced digital storytelling to resonate with modern, tech-savvy audiences. The “Built for Life” campaign exemplifies Bajaj’s forward-thinking ethos, combining durability and innovation with a focus on design excellence. Amplified through digital channels, the campaign bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical, everyday use. It reinforces Bajaj’s reputation as a brand that consistently delivers quality and innovation to the Indian market.

Through this industry-first approach, Bajaj reaffirms its commitment to creating appliances that not only meet the evolving needs of consumers but also integrate seamlessly into their lives—truly “Built for Life.”

What Did Indians Ask Alexa in 2023? Cricket, Celebrities, and Trending Topics Lead the Way

Whether it’s information about the next cricket match, an interesting piece of trivia about popular public figures, or the status of the stock market, Indians were keen to know about some of the hottest trends and topics in 2024–and Alexa was there to help. Revealed today are ‘Alexa’s Most Asked Questions’ that users in India asked Alexa last year.

 Cricket fans in India took Alexa’s help to stay abreast of matches by asking questions like “Alexa, when does the cricket match start?” and “Alexa, आज के match का score बताओ”. Virat Kohli was among the most inquired personalities on Alexa through the year, with Indian users asking Alexa for his net worth, height, age, and spouse details. Ravindra Jadeja and Rohit Sharma are the other cricketers most inquired about by Alexa users.

 Bollywood stars and YouTubers also piqued a lot of curiosity, with Alexa users keen to learn more about them with questions like “Alexa, how tall is Kriti Sanon?” and “Alexa, what is the net worth of Mr. Beast?”.

Users also turned to Alexa for general queries in their day-to-day lives such as, “Alexa,आज का राशिफल बताओ and “Alexa,एकादशी कब है?”. They also brushed up on their general knowledge with “Alexa, what is the population of earth?” and “Alexa, how far away is the sun from earth?” appearing among popularly asked questions by users.

Alexa continued to be a trusted DJ in households across India, catering to requests for music across artists and genres, ranging from devotional tracks to Bollywood hits and beyond. Artists like Arijit Singh, Pritam, Jubin Nautiyal, Diljit Dosanjh, Taylor Swift, and Badshah were most popularly played via Alexa and Amazon Music. Songs like Abrar’s Entry – Jamal Kudu (Harshavardhan Rameshwar & Choir), Naacho Naacho (Vishal Mishra & Rahul Sipligunj), Illuminati (Dabzee) and Akhiyaan Gulaab (Mitraaz) were among the most popularly played songs from movies. Shree Hanuman Chalisa (Hariharan), Gayatri Mantra (Anuradha & Kavita Paudwal), Jai Ganesh Deva (Anuradha Paudwal), Ram Ayenge (Swati Mishra), Ram Siya Ram (Sachet Tandon & Parampara Tandon) were among the most popular devotional tracks Alexa customers played through Amazon Music.

In the kitchen, customers took Alexa’s help to cook up a storm, helping with recipes and cooking inspiration–Chai, Chilli Paneer, and Patiala Chicken were among the most-asked-for recipes last year.

THT Grants 2024: The Habitats Trust Unveils Recipients for Conservation Efforts

New Delhi, 17th December 2024: The Habitats Trust (THT), has announced the recipients of its THT Grants 2024. These grants, totalling Rs. 2 crores, support innovative and scalable conservation initiatives across India. The Habitats Trust, is focused on addressing some of the most pressing developmental challenges arising from biodiversity loss, the climate crisis and global water scarcity. It is committed to undertake pioneering work that goes beyond sustainability and offers regenerative models to secure our future.

2024 marks 7th year of The Habitats Trust Grants and this year they are announcing a total of five recipients across the two categories of its annual grants: one THT Conservation Grant and four THT Action Grants.

Mrs. Roshni Nadar Malhotra, Founder & Trustee of The Habitats Trust, remarked, “The announcement of THT Grants is a celebration of the remarkable work being done by conservationists who are addressing some of the most urgent environmental challenges facing our country. Through these grants, we hope to amplify the impact of these organisations and individuals who are on the frontlines of conservation. From securing fragile ecosystems to protecting lesser-known species, these projects are at the heart of regenerating India’s biodiversity, ensuring a sustainable future for both nature and communities.”

Rushikesh Chavan, Head of The Habitats Trust, highlighted the importance of the grants, stating, “The THT Grants represent our vision to conserve and drive meaningful, long-term change for lesser-known species and critical habitats. By investing in innovative, scalable projects, we partner with organisations and individuals who are creating solutions to protect and restore India’s biodiversity.”

Grant Categories and Recipients

THT Conservation Grant: This grant supports large-scale, long-term projects that address challenges in critical habitats.

• Indian Institute of Science (IISc): The 2024 recipient of the THT Conservation Grant is a collaboration between Dr. Umesh Srinivasan and Dr. Anubhab Khan from the Indian Institute of Science, along with Millo Tasser and the Singchung Village Council. Their three-year project, based in Arunachal Pradesh, focuses on conserving the Bugun Liocichla in the Singchung Bugun Village Community Reserve. This critically endangered bird is a “point endemic” species, found only in a single locality in Arunachal Pradesh, with just 14 to 20 known individuals. The project aims to assess the effective population size and genomics of the Bugun Liocichla. Additionally, it will explore the feasibility of translocating individuals to create reserve populations and model demographic parameters to inform targeted conservation initiatives, ensuring the long-term survival of this rare species.

 THT Action Grant: This grant supports two-year projects focused on urgent, on-the-ground conservation efforts. In 2024, four recipients were selected for the THT Action Grant, comprising two individuals and two organisations:

• Divya Panicker: A cetacean and bioacoustics expert, Divya Panicker’s project will survey the endangered blue whales in the Lakshadweep Archipelago. Using a multi-year passive acoustic monitoring (PAM) system, the project aims to determine the acoustic occurrence and seasonality of blue whales in the region and share the data with local authorities for effective conservation management.
•  Malyasri Bhattacharya: Continuing her doctoral work in Kangra, Himachal Pradesh, Malyasri Bhattacharya’s project aims to safeguard critically endangered vulture habitats through community-led ecotourism. The project focuses on conserving White-rumped Vultures and migratory birds in the Kangra landscape by involving local communities, building capacity, and fostering stewardship among Gaddi and Gujjar herders. The initiative seeks to promote ecotourism and ensure the protection of nesting sites.
•  Durgapur Wildlife Information and Nature Guide Society: Based in West Bengal, this organisation’s community-driven conservation project focuses on Indian grey wolves in human-dominated landscapes. Through species monitoring, prey base assessment, and mitigation measures to manage human-animal interactions, the project aims to create a model for co-existence and long-term conservation of this vital species.
•  Veditum India Foundation: Operating in Madhya Pradesh, the Veditum India Foundation is working to protect riparian habitats. The project emphasizes improving environmental governance, promoting citizen participation, and enhancing river protection against the impacts of sand mining. The initiative’s outputs will help secure habitats for gharials, Gangetic dolphins, mahseer, Indian skimmers, and red-crowned roof turtles.

 In addition to these grants, The Habitats Trust also supports organisations and individuals through its monthly THT Seeds Grant, which offers up to Rs. 3 lakhs for short-term projects. The Seeds Grant is designed to tackle issues related to lesser-known species or habitats and to pilot projects in relatively unexplored landscapes or data-deficient species.

Selection Process

The THT Grants 2024 recipients were chosen through a rigorous four-stage selection process. This year, The Habitats Trust received 155 applications from diverse landscapes across India, including the Lakshadweep Islands, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, West Bengal, Kerala, Arunachal Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The applications were evaluated based on relevance, scalability, sustainability, and expected impact. A panel of distinguished experts assessed the shortlisted projects, selecting nine finalists. The final selection was made by a jury comprising:

•  Bahar Dutt: Wildlife biologist and environmental journalist known for her advocacy on wildlife protection and sustainable development
•  Brian Heath: Founder and CEO of the Mara Conservancy, Kenya, with over 20 years of experience in wildlife conservation
• Dr. M. K. Ranjitsinh: Renowned wildlife expert and architect of India’s Wild Life (Protection) Act of 1972
• Roshni Nadar Malhotra: Chairperson of HCLTech and Founder & Trustee of The Habitats Trust, leading innovative conservation efforts across India

Killekars Celebrate Heritage with Kalpataru’s Support at Mud Fort Making Competition in Thane

Thane, Maharashtra – December 17, 2024: Kalpataru, a prominent real estate developer, in collaboration with Killekars, proudly hosts the Award Ceremony for the ‘2024 Heritage Awareness through Mud Fort Making Competition’ at Korum Mall in Thane. This event honors the creativity and commitment of participants who contribute to preserving Maharashtra’s cultural heritage.

The Heritage Awareness program, held on October 27, 2024, successfully engaged students from local schools under Kalpataru’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The project aims to promote heritage awareness and engage students to foster environmental responsibility. In the competition, students showcased their talent by creating miniature versions of historic forts with traditional mud techniques, reviving an age-old tradition in Maharashtra that has faded in the modern digital era. The Project was also aligned to the Thane Smart City initiative that served dual purpose of engaging housing societies and nurturing environmental consciousness, cleanliness, and efficient waste management within communities. Online competitions & contests were run for one month that included Smart Society Contest, Essay, Drawing, Rangoli, and Photography for the larger society to participate.

This initiative engaged more than 100 students from 9 schools across Thane and Mumbai, several housing societies & individuals, creating awareness around Heritage preservation & conservation, while disseminating information on cleanliness, and effective waste management.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Anagha Poojari, CSR Head at Kalpataru Limited, said, “The participation in this event was remarkable. We are excited to honor the commitment of all those who participated in the initiative to reignite interest in Maharashtra’s vibrant heritage and raise awareness about protecting our monuments for future generations.”

The event highlighted environmental responsibility by emphasizing waste management, cleanliness, and sustainability. Engaging children and community in creative activities motivated participants to embrace sustainable practices and foster a sense of environmental awareness.

The award ceremony highlights the significance of environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, while reflecting Kalpataru’s dedication to community involvement and cultural preservation. This effort embodies Kalpataru’s belief in giving back to the community while honouring traditions, creating opportunities for individuals to unite and celebrate in a meaningful way.

Amity University, Punjab Boosts Campus Sports Facilities with Gallant Sports Collaboration

Delhi, December 2024 – Gallant Sports, a leading name in sports infrastructure development, has successfully completed a state-of-the-art sports complex for Amity University Punjab. Located on the university’s 40-acre campus near Chandigarh International Airport, the facility reflects the institution’s commitment to integrating sports with education to promote overall student development.

The sports complex spans 62,533 square feet and is among the largest of its kind for a private university in Punjab. It includes a hockey ground with FIH-approved turf, a futsal ground with FIFA-approved turf, multiple cricket pitches, a tennis court with ITF-approved turf, and an acrylic basketball court. Designed to meet international standards, these facilities aim to provide students with an excellent platform for athletic growth.

Nasir Ali, CEO of Gallant Sports, remarked, “This project is a testament to the shared vision between Gallant Sports and Amity University Punjab to create world-class spaces that nurture talent and inspire excellence. We are proud to contribute to a facility that supports both academic and athletic pursuits.”

Gallant Sports is committed to delivering high-quality sports infrastructure that empowers institutions to promote athletic talent, innovation, and sustainability. The company is dedicated to meeting global standards while addressing challenges such as balancing cost and quality, adhering to international specifications, and incorporating eco-friendly practices.

The collaboration with Amity University Punjab highlights the university’s focus on fostering well-rounded development through sports. This sports complex represents a significant step in encouraging a culture of athletic achievement and community engagement, setting new standards for sports infrastructure in the region.

Milestone Achievement: HCG Manavata Cancer Centre Performs 3 Simultaneous Stem Cell Transplants

Nashik, Dec 17: In a ground-breaking medical success, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC) marked a significant milestone by successfully performing three complex stem cell transplants simultaneously. For the first time, three patients, a female aged 52 years and two males aged 37 and 33 years were admitted on October 28, 2024, and discharged together on December 1, 2024, all with smiles on their faces. The first female patient, diagnosed with multiple myeloma and chronic kidney disease, underwent a critical autologous stem cell transplant. The Second patient diagnosed with relapsed/refractory Hodgkin Lymphoma underwent successful autologous Stem Cell Transplant and the third patient, battling high-risk leukaemia, underwent a complex half-match allogeneic transplant.

The transplant for all three patients was successfully conducted by Dr Priyatesh Dwivedi, Hemato-oncology and BMT Specialist, along with his dedicated team. This accomplishment adds another milestone for HCG Manavata Cancer Centre, which now boasts a remarkable record of 26 successful transplants within just 24 months.

“An autologous stem cell transplant involves harvesting a patient’s own stem cells and re-infusing them after intensive chemotherapy or radiation. For our first patient, this procedure was particularly complex due to significantly elevated creatinine levels, increasing the risk of acute kidney injury. However, with meticulous planning and the application of Modified Protocols, we successfully overcame these challenges, achieving a positive outcome,” says Dr Priyatesh Dwivedi.

The second transplant was complicated because of poor stem cell yield after the first stem cell harvest. Typically, at least two million stem cells are required for stem cell transplant but, only 0.86 million stem cells could be harvested. After the first stem cell collection, predicting poor stem cell yield during the second stem cell harvest, Dr Priyatesh Dwivedi used a novel modified chemo mobilisation procedure instead of going for a second stem cell harvest. With this chemo mobilisation procedure, adequate stem cell were harvested and successful transplant was done.

“Our second patient, a relapsed or refractory lymphoma case with chronic hepatitis B, encountered significant challenges during the initial stem cell mobilization, which failed to yield sufficient Stem cells for transplantation. Through a specialized chemo-mobilization procedure, we successfully collected the adequate stem cells. Similarly, the third patient presented a high-risk leukaemia case with heightened dangers of graft rejection and graft-versus-host disease and underwent successful half match transplant. Despite these complexities, we successfully performed these transplants with the team’s expertise and determination,” adds Dr Dwivedi.

“The achievement reflects our commitment to providing advanced medical care with precision and compassion. Successfully completing three transplants, including a critical half-match procedure, is a testament to the skill and dedication of our multidisciplinary team,” concludes Dr Raj Nagarkar, MD & Chief of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Services, HCG Manavata Cancer Centre (HCGMCC).

Vama: Celebrating the Voices of 20 Women Artists from Delhi on Culture and Identity

New Delhi, December 16, 2024: Sahitya Kala Parishad, Government of NCT, Delhi, unveiled Vama: Showcasing Women Artists from Delhi, an eight-day art exhibition that spotlights 20 eminent women artists from Delhi. The ongoing art exhibition, at Shridharani Gallery, Triveni Kala Sangam from December 14th to 21st, 2024, is curated to empower and showcase the artistic brilliance of women.

Shri Saurabh Bharadwaj, Hon’ble Minister of Art, Culture & Languages, praised the artists and said, “Delhi has always been a hub of artistic expression, and this initiative is a testament to our commitment to promoting and celebrating the immense talent of women artists. ‘Vama’ is not just an exhibition but a platform for recognizing and empowering women who enrich our cultural heritage through their creativity”

The audience will get to witness diverse art forms offering a rich variety of perspectives and mediums at The Vama: Showcasing Women Artists from Delhi. Some of the artists and their artwork that are featured here are Nilanjana Nandy’s This Side-That Side, a diptych, explores alienation and division through grid spaces. Talking about the artwork, Nilanjana mentioned that it was started at the end of 2021 and culminated in 2023. Angelica Basak is presenting her Breathe series which are made of ceramic sculptures and symbolizes the balance between chaos and tranquility. Rashmi Khurana’s mixed-media work combines paper mache and acrylic to express unique creative techniques.

While presenting her Mayura Series which is an acrylic on canvas, artist Shampa Sircar explained that her work celebrates life’s interconnectedness, with the peacock symbolizing glory and the lotus representing spiritual growth. Another unique art to look for is Aditi Aggarwal’s diptych Dream 6 and 7 reflects on memory, identity, and uncertainty, using the Gum Bichromate process. Talking about the art, Aditi said that the artwork captures her within an unfinished studio at Kaladham, surrounded by surreal and dystopian elements. One panel portrays her beneath a granite-like sun, while the other features two suns casting an unsettling glow. Holding her late father’s camera stand—a symbol of memory and connection—Aditi navigates themes of identity, change, and uncertainty. Audiences will also get to immerse in Durga Kainthola’s Travelogue Diaries that blends traditional and contemporary elements, exploring themes of identity, trauma, and global interconnectedness.

While briefly explaining her photography, Rashmi Choudhary shared insights into her works that are a blend of storytelling and visual art that captures profound themes. Goonj reflects the intertwined frequencies of grief and hope, channeling forgotten voices seeking to be heard, with a flash of color symbolizing the dawn of optimism breaking through the darkness. Meanwhile, Anant depicts a historic corridor with timeless charm, evoking the vastness of the cosmos and the infinite layers of life. Together, the works symbolize an ongoing journey, both inward and outward, exploring resilience, meaning, and boundless possibilities. Another artist, Kavita Nayar’s Transcending explores the human spirit in oil pastels while artist Richa Navani’s art spans multiple mediums, addressing themes like gender politics, sexuality, and ecology, with geometric abstract symbols inspired by nature and rituals.

While showcasing her art, Pratibha Singh said, “I grew up near the Banaras Ghats, which greatly influenced my artistic vision. My works, including series like Shape of Things to Come and Transformer, explore the connections between humans, machines, and animals. My current series, Terraform, reflects on humanity seeking alternative habitats, using mixed media like paper pulp and coir fibers.” Artist Dipa Potwray’s work, blending silk and cotton, draws on childhood memories and Assamese tradition, while Vandana Kumari’s photography captures the resilience and beauty of rural life and migrant stories.

Padma Shri Deepa Malik Flags Off ‘Sangati Yatra’ – A 6000 Km Ride for Accessibility Across India

New Delhi, 16th December 2024 : An inspiring journey was flagged off today from Modern School, Barakhamba Road, Delhi, by chief guest Padma Shri Paralympian Deepa Malik, in the presence of prominent dignitaries including Delhi Police Crime Branch Chief Devesh Chandra Srivastava and Dr. Vijay Dutt. This 20-day expedition features a team of five divyang (differently-abled) individuals covering 6000 km on specially designed scooters and bikes adapted for wheelchair use.

This historic journey is being conducted and led by Sangati Foundation’s founder Sudhir Dheer, who is himself differently-abled. Together with co-founder Alka Selot Asthana, Sudhir established Sangati Foundation, which works towards the empowerment and rights of the differently-abled. Accompanying Sudhir Dheer on this journey are Amir Siddiqui, Pawan Kashyap, Suraj P.A., Soumya K., and Tejpal Yadav.

Objective of the Journey

This journey is not just a bold initiative but a testament to the skills, determination, and potential of the differently-abled. It aims to raise awareness in society and among policymakers about the need for equitable opportunities for the differently-abled in tourism, education, business, and employment.

Sudhir Dheer stated, “This journey is full of challenges, but our team is brimming with enthusiasm and resolve. It’s an opportunity to showcase the exceptional abilities of differently-abled individuals to the world.”