Category Archives: News

National Startup Day – Quotes by Experts

Sameet Gupte, Co-Founder and CEO of EvoluteIQ

 “To me personally, Indian startups are not just businesses—they are “movements”. Fueled by bold ideas and a fearless commitment by a new generation of entrepreneurs to create something extraordinary, they are “movements” with a purpose. These “movements” are not just about technology innovation or funding – these are about real life impacts. It’s about the audacity of the Indian entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo and lead with purpose. It is this new age spirit of innovation that is making the Indian startup ecosystem not just exciting, but also unstoppable. India’s startups are shaping the future, and I am proud to be part of this incredible journey.”

Vikram Subburaj, CEO of Giottus

 “India’s start-up ecosystem, with over 1.50 lakh start-ups and over 100 unicorns, has emerged as a powerful engine of growth. Start-ups have not only created millions of jobs but also redefined industries through bold ideas and resilient entrepreneurship. As we celebrate National Start-Up Day 2025, start-ups in sectors like Web3, AI, and crypto are at the forefront of this revolution. As new companies solve new-age problems, there is a paradigm shift in the way business is transacted, and value is created. Effectively, the start-up revolution has enhanced transparency, inclusivity, and efficiency. For example, crypto startups are unlocking new opportunities for digital wealth creation, cross-border remittances, and tokenizing of assets. The startup journey is a testament to the immense potential of visionary founders who challenge the status quo. If policymakers and stakeholders continue to collaborate and foster a supportive framework, India’s startup ecosystem will remain a beacon of progress for the country.”

Rajat Tandon, President, IVCA 

 “Startup India has been instrumental in shaping a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, empowering startups to innovate and scale globally. As we celebrate this milestone, it’s vital to focus on fostering collaboration, building a robust support system, and unlocking new opportunities for startups to continue driving innovation and economic growth. Congratulation to the Startup India team.”

 Ashley Menezes, Chairperson IVCA and Partner & COO, ChrysCapital 

 “Nine years of Startup India marks a defining chapter in India’s entrepreneurial story. This initiative has been a catalyst for innovation, unlocking opportunities for startups to scale and thrive globally. From unicorns that have redefined industries to grassroots ventures driving change at the local level, the impact is undeniable.

 The journey hasn’t been without its challenges- access to capital, regulatory hurdles, and scalability pressures-but the determination of India’s entrepreneurs continues to inspire. As we look to the future, the focus must shift toward building a more inclusive ecosystem that nurtures startups at every stage, strengthens domestic capital pools, and cements India’s place as a global hub for innovation and growth.

Mr. Sarvagya Mishra, Founder & Director at Superbot

“On the National Start-up Day, we’d like to commend the Honourable PM of India and the government’s earnest efforts in growing the start-up ecosystem in India. Today, we are the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem, and are only poised to grow bigger, bolder, and better! We have been able to accomplish this incredible feat, on the back of the Start-up India, Stand Up India program, and the strengthening of the overall digital infrastructure. At Superbot, we believe that emerging technologies like AI, Machine Learning, Conversational, and Gen AI are going to define the next phase of growth and start-up development. And we stay forever committed to helping the shining vision of India as a leading hub for start-up innovation and disruption, across the globe”

Mr. Sumit Singh, CEO and Co-founder at DashLoc

“National Startup Day is a celebration of the entrepreneurial spirit that fuels innovation and drives change across industries. At DashLoc, we proudly embrace this spirit as we continue to redefine the possibilities for local businesses in the digital age. As a startup, we’ve embraced the challenges of the ever-evolving digital landscape and transformed them into opportunities for hyperlocal growth. In just a few years, we’ve empowered countless local businesses to thrive through data-driven marketing solutions, helping them engage with their customers at a deeper, more personalized level. Our journey from a vision to a thriving platform reflects the immense potential of startups to bring about meaningful change in industries. At DashLoc, we remain committed to scaling new heights in technology, innovation, and client success, as we continue to unlock growth opportunities for businesses around the world. On this special day, we honor all startups, whose relentless pursuit of creativity, resilience, and impact shape the future of the economy and the world”

Mr. Rajat Goel, Co-founder and CEO of Eye-Q Superspeciality Hospitals

“On National Startup Day, Eye-Q Super-Speciality Eye Hospitals celebrates the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship that drives the growth of startups in India. As a healthcare organization that began with a vision to revolutionize eye care in the country, we understand the challenges and rewards of building a business from the ground up. Over the past 18 years, Eye-Q has successfully treated over 1 crore patients across more than 30 super-speciality hospitals, blending innovative treatments with advanced technology. We are particularly proud of our efforts to provide affordable, high-quality eye care to patients in smaller cities, ensuring that advanced treatments are accessible to a wider population. Startups like ours play a critical role in India’s evolving economy, not only driving technological advancements but also creating jobs and offering innovative solutions to pressing healthcare challenges. In the healthcare sector, especially, startups are instrumental in improving patient care by introducing breakthrough technology and new approaches. We believe that nurturing a robust ecosystem for startups, through policies that support investments, mentorship, and innovation, will pave the way for the nation’s progress. At Eye-Q, we remain committed to innovation and look forward to partnering with the next generation of entrepreneurs to build a healthier, more accessible, and equitable future for all”

Advocate Ayush Jindal- Founder of Be Legal

“On the National Start-up Day, it’s important to applaud the grit and resilience of the government in making India the world’s third largest start-up ecosystem. Today, India stands at the cusp of even greater achievements, owing to visionary initiatives like Start-up India, Stand Up India, coupled with a significant volley of favourable policies and frameworks. As India’s start-up ecosystem evolves, it also underscores the importance of having a robust and dynamic regulatory environment. It is with proper legal frameworks that we can safeguard intellectual property, promote innovation, and safeguard users’ interest and data privacy. At Be Legal, we stay forever committed to helping India’s growing start-ups carefully navigate the world of corporate governance and complex regulations, and contribute towards driving global competitiveness in India”

Ms. Simrat Kathuria, CEO and Head Dietitian at The Diet Xperts

“On National Startup Day, we recognize the transformative power of entrepreneurship to shape new industries and redefine the status quo. At TheDietXperts, we believe that startups have the unique ability to disrupt traditional sectors, including health and wellness, by offering personalized, scalable solutions that empower individuals to take control of their health. As a health-focused startup, our mission is to revolutionize the way people approach nutrition, making evidence-based dietary guidance accessible to all, regardless of background or circumstance. We recognize that true wellness begins with informed food choices, and we are committed to providing people with the tools, knowledge, and support to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. On this day, we renew our pledge to drive meaningful change and make wellness a way of life for everyone”

Dr. Nishanth Dongari’s (MD and Founder, Pure EV) 

“On National Startup Day, we celebrate the incredible strides made by the Government of India in creating a dynamic ecosystem that nurtures innovation and entrepreneurship. The supportive policies and infrastructure have paved the way for startups to flourish, and the trust of consumers is integral to our collective growth.

Among the sectors experiencing significant transformation, the government’s remarkable support for sustainable mobility shines prominently. Their initiatives have both propelled the adoption of green mobility and established India as a frontrunner in electric vehicle innovation on the global stage.

As we look to the future, I envision India’s startup sector becoming a global hub of innovation, where groundbreaking solutions drive not only economic growth but also social change. With continued collaboration between government, entrepreneurs, and consumers, the next chapter of Indian startups promises to be more inclusive, scalable, and globally competitive than ever before.”

BLACK+DECKER enters the Indian Smart TV market with its first-ever 4K Google TV featuring a Sleek Frameless Design and Next-Level Entertainment in association with Indkal Technologies Pvt. Ltd

Hyderabad, 16th January 2025 – BLACK+DECKER™, a Stanley Black & Decker brand setting the standard for design and innovation, in a licensing partnership with Indkal Technologies, is stepping into the television sector with an aim to redefine the way we experience entertainment at home. With a stunning 4-side frameless, cutting -edge smart functionality and a host of other intuitive features, the 4K TV promises to deliver an unparalleled viewing experience.

A Game-Changer in Design and Display

The BLACK+DECKER A1 Series Google TVTM is engineered to offer a breathtaking four-side frameless design—a sleek screen that maximizes the viewing area and makes every moment feel immersive. With a metal finish uni-body construction and a remarkable 98.5% visible area, this television delivers a truly cinematic experience that will captivate the user from every angle.

Equipped with an A+ Grade VA Panel, the TV delivers a jaw-dropping 3840×2160 ultra-high-definition resolution with a mind-blowing 1.07 billion colours. The powerful combination of HDR10 with HLG and Dolby Vision brings out the true beauty of your content, with stunningly lifelike colours and deeper contrasts. Whether it’s a blockbuster movie, a live sports match, or your favourite show, every frame is rich in detail.

4K upscaling, dynamic signal calibration (DSC), and micro dimming work in perfect harmony to optimize picture quality, transforming even standard-definition content into spectacular high-definition brilliance. The 120Hz VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) and MEMC (Motion Estimation and Motion Compensation) allows users to enjoy buttery-smooth visuals, perfect for sports and action-packed scenes. Plus, super brightness ensures that the user can enjoy vivid colours in any lighting condition, while blue light reduction makes long viewing sessions more comfortable than ever.

Immersive Sound to Match the Visuals

The BLACK+DECKER TV delivers an immersive sound experience that matches its stunning picture quality. With 36W sound output and pro-tuned high-fidelity speakers, every sound comes to life, whether it is the deep rumble of a movie’s soundtrack or the crisp clarity of dialogue. The addition of Dolby Atmos transforms your living room into a surround-sound theatre, putting you at the centre of the action.

Next-Gen Smart Features with Android 14

The BLACK+DECKER TV isn’t just a display powerhouse—it’s a smart entertainment hub. It is bringing a completely intuitive and user-friendly interface to effortlessly navigate between favourite apps and content. Powered by Google Voice Assistant, the user can control the TV, search for content, adjust settings, and manage the smart home—all hands-free.

The AI Picture Optimisation feature automatically adjusts picture settings based on the content being viewed, ensuring that each scene is displayed in the best possible quality. The TV comes with pre-installed apps for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, YouTube, and more, providing seamless access to a wide range of content. GoogleCast enables easy streaming from mobile devices, while Google Meet integration allows for video calls directly on the TV screen.

Superior Performance and Connectivity

The BLACK+DECKER TV is designed to deliver top-tier performance. With Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz + 5GHz) and Bluetooth 5.2 technology, the TV provides enhanced and reliable connectivity options that can support smooth streaming, gaming, and video calling experiences.

Equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports, designed for faster data transfer than previous versions, the TV enables low-latency performance for uninterrupted gaming and streaming. The TV also features USB 3.0 and USB 2.0 ports, as well as an AV input, offering multiple options for connecting external devices.

At the core of the TV’s performance is the powerful DynamIQ Dual Al Processor Architecture, which integrates A75 x2 + A55 x2 cores for seamless multitasking and responsive app loading. The IMG BXE GPU is designed to support enhanced graphics rendering for immersive visuals during movies, gaming, and more.

Designed for the Modern Home

With its minimalist design and premium polycarbonate stand, the BLACK+DECKER TV is a perfect fit for modern living rooms. It enhances the overall aesthetic of the space while providing cutting-edge technology. Additionally, the TV is backed by a 1-year warranty, underscoring BLACK+DECKER’s commitment to quality and reliability.

““We are extremely excited to introduce BLACK+DECKER’s first-ever television to the Indian market,” said Anand Dubey, CEO of Indkal Technologies. “This launch marks a significant milestone for us, as it brings a globally recognized brand known for its innovation into the highly competitive TV space. The combination of stunning 4K visuals, next-gen smart features powered by Android 14, and immersive Dolby Atmos sound makes this TV an ideal choice for home entertainment. We are confident that the BLACK+DECKER A1 Series televisions will become a must-have product for technology enthusiasts and home entertainment lovers across India.”

“With over 100 years of innovation, BLACK+DECKER continues to expand its portfolio to meet the needs of our evolving consumers,” said Amit Datta, Commercial Director Licensing, Stanley Black & Decker. “We are excited to lead the way by bringing the first Next-Gen Smart TV featuring Android 14 technology to India.”

NTT DATA Celebrated as a Global Top Employer 2025 in 33 Countries/Regions

Tokyo – Jan 16th, 2025 – NTT DATA, a global leader in digital business and IT services, proudly announces its recognition as a Global Top Employer for 2025 by the Top Employers Institute. This prestigious accolade marks the second time NTT DATA has been honored, placing it among an elite group of only 17 Global Top Employers recognized for its exceptional people policies and practices.

In addition to the global recognition, NTT DATA has earned the Top Employer 2025 regional certification in Asia Pacific, Europe, Latin America, and North America.

The Top Employers Institute program certifies organizations based on their participation and HR Best Practices Survey results. This comprehensive survey covers six HR domains consisting of 20 topics, including People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity and Inclusion, Well-being, and more.

NTT DATA received exceptionally high marks for “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” “Sustainability,” and “Work Environment,” underscoring its commitment to being a sustainability-oriented organization.

In 2025, the Top Employers Institute has certified more than 2,400 organizations in 125 countries/regions, positively impacting the lives of over 13 million employees globally.

“Our globally diverse workforce is our greatest asset,” said Yutaka Sasaki, President and CEO, NTT DATA. “Their ingenuity, talent and expertise are key to our culture, and we are incredibly proud to be recognized for the second time for our unwavering commitment to creating an exceptional working environment for our employees. Fostering a supportive, collaborative and inclusive culture allows everyone to bring their authentic selves to work, which in turn enables them to perform at their best. This honorable distinction is an acknowledgment of all we have done to promote an empowering culture for our colleagues worldwide so far, and an indication of what’s to come as we continue to focus on our workforce.”

Top Employers Institute CEO David Plink says: “Consistency in a not-so-consistent world? In a time of constant change—where technological, economic, and social shifts are ever-present—exceptional times bring out the best in people and organizations. This year’s Top Employers Certification Program has showcased this strength, with the certified Top Employers for 2025 demonstrating outstanding dedication to their employees globally. Their consistent commitment to people practices worldwide makes them stand out as an exclusive group that has earned global certification through the Top Employers Program. We are proud to celebrate these companies and their achievements in 2025.”

People are the key to our competitiveness in the fast-evolving IT services industry. NTT DATA will retain top talent to drive innovation and capture client needs.

In our pursuit to be the Best Place to Work, NTT DATA is dedicated to cultivating professional human resources who can succeed globally and fostering a culture in which diverse individuals can thrive, along with creating an environment where employees have the flexibility in when and where they work.

Certification as a Top Employer showcases an organization’s dedication to a better world of work and exhibits this through excellent people policies and practices. NTT DATA will continue to commit to creating a better workplace by leveraging the benefits of Top Employer programs in each country/region.

New Relic Sets Science-Based Targets to Achieve Net-Zero Greenhouse Gas Emissions by 2030

Bangalore—January 16, 2025—New Relic, the Intelligent Observability Platform, announced that the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has approved its near-term science-based targets (SBTs), in addition to its commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030. New Relic joins the 7,000+ companies that have set emissions targets with the SBTi and are leading the transition to a net-zero economy through emissions targets grounded in climate science.

“We are proud to make progress alongside our customers and partners who are also committing to science-based targets and consider it essential when choosing their technology providers,” said New Relic Chief Business and Operations Officer Thomas Lloyd. “ On top of our work setting science-based targets, we are the only observability company to set a net-zero emissions by 2030 goal. Through these efforts, we are doing our part to slow climate change and pave the path toward decarbonization.”

Commits to four science-based targets to reduce emissions across its operations and supply chain

New Relic has committed to reduce absolute scope 1 GHG emissions 42.0% by its fiscal year 2030 from a fiscal year 2020 base year and to continue active annual sourcing of 100% renewable electricity through fiscal year 2030. In addition, New Relic has committed to reduce absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from business travel 51.7% per employee by fiscal year 2030 from a fiscal year 2020 base year.

To address broader scope 3 emissions from its value chain, New Relic says it will ensure 64.7% of its purchased goods and services and capital goods suppliers have set approved science-based targets by 2029.

New Relic is the only observability company to set a net-zero emissions by 2030 goal

In March 2023, New Relic made a commitment to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by fiscal year 2030 and to set science-based emissions-reduction targets (SBTs), aligned with the 2015 UN Paris Agreement goal to limit global warming by 1.5°C. New Relic is the only observability company to set a net-zero emissions by 2030 goal and aims to inspire its peers in the industry to do their part in reducing global GHG emissions and building a resilient, zero-emissions economy. A key part of New Relic’s decarbonization strategy has been reducing emissions from its cloud operations, which accounted for 48.9% of its total emissions in fiscal year 2024. To address this, New Relic migrated workloads from on-premises data centers to Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2023, leading to a 37% reduction in carbon emissions for migrated workloads and a 15-20% improvement in performance efficiency.

Agora honored with Microsoft AI Innovation Award at CES 2025 for Conversational AI-Powered Robotics

India — January 16, 2025 – Agora, Inc., a pioneer and leading platform for real-time engagement APIs, proudly announces its recognition at CES 2025 with the prestigious Microsoft AI Innovation Award. This honor celebrates Agora’s transformative advancements in real-time communication technology, setting new benchmarks for human-like AI interactions.

Agora’s Software-Defined Real-Time Network (SD-RTN™) has been instrumental in achieving this milestone. This technology enables ultra-low latency communication between humans and AI, overcoming challenges like network variability and ensuring smooth, high-quality interactions across speech, video, and multimodal AI platforms. By leveraging SD-RTN™, developers can quickly build intelligent and adaptive AI agents tailored for real-world applications such as robots, gaming agents, AR/VR smart glasses, and baby monitors.

“This recognition highlights our commitment to pioneering technologies that revolutionize communication and bring humans and machines closer than ever. Conversational AI is not just enhancing interaction but redefining the possibilities of innovation, and we are proud to lead this transformative journey,” said Ranga Jagannath, Senior Director – Growth, Agora.

Agora’s conversational AI solutions form the foundation of next-generation AI-driven communication. The Microsoft AI Innovation Award recognizes Agora’s unwavering commitment to global innovation and its impactful, real-world applications. These include AI-powered robots, virtual doormen, advanced baby monitors, immersive gaming agents, and AR/VR-enabled smart glasses.

Enabling human-like interactions with Agora

At CES 2025, Agora demonstrated its technology’s versatility through cutting-edge AI integrations in robots and wearables. Agora’s conversational AI solutions empower robots and devices like smart glasses to engage in human-like interactions, enhancing user experiences and elevating the robotics and wearables industries.

Key features driving Innovation in robotics and wearables

• AI Agents: Deliver responsive, intelligent behavior for natural, engaging interactions. ‍
• AI Chip Integration: Optimize performance across diverse hardware platforms. ‍
• Voice Activity Detection: Ensure precise speech cue detection for real-time responsiveness. ‍
• Speech-to-Text (STT): Convert spoken words to text with minimal latency. ‍
• Text-to-Speech (TTS): Generate lifelike speech for immersive conversations. ‍
• Large Language Models (LLMs): Equip robots with advanced comprehension and decision-making capabilities.

 A Vision for the Future

Agora’s achievements at CES 2025 reflect its commitment to redefining human-AI interaction. By collaborating with innovators like Robopoet, Beken, and IntelPro, Agora continues to pave the way for smarter, more adaptive, and emotionally engaging AI systems. As demand for AI-driven, multimodal experiences grows, Agora remains at the forefront, enabling developers to create AI agents that think, listen, observe, and engage naturally.

Why Indian girls can choose real diamonds in 2025 instead of expensive phones

In the New Year 2025, Indian girls can choose real diamonds instead of expensive phones.

Here are 10 reasons why they should make choose differently in the new year.

Expensive phones get old every year and have to be replaced by a new one whereas real diamonds are forever.

Every natural diamond is uniquely formed in the mines or earth’s surface as compared to expensive phones, which are made in bulk in factories.

Real Diamonds are nurtured as family heirlooms and passed on from generation to generation as a symbol of family legacy. Expensive phones do not enjoy such a status unless they are embellished with diamonds and precious stones.

A real diamond can never be damaged as it is the hardest substance on earth whereas expensive phones have high maintenance.

Real Diamonds have healing properties and radiate positivity compared to the harmful radiation of expensive phones.

You can propose with a real diamond but not with an expensive phone. Yes Indian girls will soon start following their American counterparts who have started proposing to their partners with diamonds (instead of waiting for the partner to give them a diamond ring).

Real Diamonds can be fashioned/styled as per your choice and & are available in different shapes & sizes. Expensive phones only come in standard shapes and sizes.

If the expensive phone is stolen, you can let go of it and replace it but real diamonds are irreplaceable.

You can embed a real diamond in an expensive phone design but cannot embed a phone in a diamond.

Real Diamonds can be worn on your body as adornments but expensive phones cannot be worn.

Real Diamond prices have fallen making them more affordable while expensive phones keep getting more and more expensive year after year.

Girls can also choose colored real diamonds which are getting more and more popular among GenZ. Such fancy colored diamonds in different shapes are becoming more valuable than ever before.

HyFun Foods brings festive cheer to Dhanpura villagers with kite flying, toys, and treats

Dhanpura, Gujarat, 16th January 2025: HyFun Foods, a leading name in the frozen food industry, celebrated the vibrant “Uttarayan Festival” with the local community of Dhanpura village, Mehsana. This unique initiative brought a day filled with fun activities, entertainment, and acts of kindness aimed at spreading happiness among the residents of the village, which is one of the closest communities to HyFun Foods’ manufacturing plant. Through this CSR initiative, the company reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to positively impacting the communities in which it operates, striving to improve the well-being and opportunities available to local people.

As part of its ongoing Corporate Social Responsibility efforts, HyFun Foods proudly announced the installation of a dedicated children’s play area opposite the government school in Dhanpura. This thoughtfully designed space, equipped with various play equipment, provides a safe and engaging environment that fosters physical development and promotes overall well-being for children. Strategically located near the school, the play area enhances both recreation and education, bringing joy and smiles to the faces of young students while supporting their holistic growth.

To mark the occasion of Uttarayan, 500 colorful kites and firkis were distributed among children, to revel in the joy of kite flying. They were also treated to a variety of HyFun Foods products, including delectable snacks and beverages, adding to the festive cheer.

Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Haresh Karamchandani, MD and Group CEO of HyFun Foods, said, “At HyFun Foods, we are deeply committed to uplifting the communities, and this initiative reflects our dedication to make a positive difference in their lives. Dhanpura village, being closest to our operations, holds a special place in our hearts. Here, we don’t just uplift the community; we celebrate with them. Together, we like to create moments of joy, connection, and shared growth, making every step of our journey meaningful. It is an honor to contribute to their development and celebrate with them as part of our mission to spread happiness and promote inclusive growth.”

The event was attended by Smt. Patel Purviben Pankajkumar, Sarpanch of Dhanpura village; Shri Prajapati Jayantibhai Chhaganbhai, a prominent social welfare advocate for Dhanpura; and Shri Prajapati Satishbhai, Principal of the Primary School. Their participation and support added significance to this meaningful initiative.

Purva Naresh Brings The Allure Of ‘White Nights’ To Aadyam Theatre’s Seventh Season With ‘Chandni Raatein

India-wide release,16th January 2025: Aadyam Theatre, a pioneering live storytelling initiative by Aditya Birla Group to preserve the immortal craft of theatre, is back with its seventh season. The season brings back the allure of tales with some of the most prolific theatre personalities breathing new life into them. Following the thundering success of Atul Kumar’s adaptation of ‘The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time,’ Purva Naresh is all set to bring ‘White Nights’ by Fyodor Dostoevsky, to the Indian stage with ‘Chandni Raatein’. The debut in Mumbai is set to take place on February 1st and February 2nd, 2025, at Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, followed by the second run on February 15th and February 16th, 2025, at Nehru Centre Auditorium. The theatrical presentation will finally be brought to Delhi at the Kamani Auditorium on March 1st and 2nd, 2025.

‘White Nights’ has mesmerised cine-goers and readers alike with its tragic yet formidable storytelling through various reimaginings for celluloid in German, French, Italian, and other languages. Purva Naresh, one of the prominent voices in the Indian theatre scene, will resurrect this story of love through the four nights, for the first time, on the Indian stage at a larger scale.

Fyodor Dostoevsky’s groundbreaking literary work explores the rare phenomenon of St. Petersberg’s transient darkness, where the city experiences longer days and shorter nights. The narrative follows the protagonist, lost in a city full of known faces. As he wanders on the streets of the city, he becomes enchanted by the beauty of a woman. Despite the bleakness and engulfing darkness in the air, a love story emerges, and the two find light in each other.

Purva Naresh’s interpretation infuses a new perspective into this iconic story with cultural resonance and a good blend of emotions and humour. The story spans four nights, each exploring different perspectives—the deewana, the deewani, the man she yearns for, and a silent spectator who sees more than meets the eye. The adaptation uncovers the intricate layers of love, longing, and fate’s unexpected turn, breathing moments of warmth and comedy. Set on the backdrop to one of India’s most celebrated and ancient forms of storytelling, the genre-bending adaptation of ‘Chandni Raatein’ will promise to enthral the audience with its emotional nuances, laughter, and celebration of love’s transcendental power.

Through this multifaceted drama, Purva will bring the other characters in the story to the forefront, along with the protagonists. Her flair for dabbling into the varied complexities of human life will be seen with one of the most complex human emotions, love, being the central theme. The song and dancing, along with a multi-genre fusion, will take us through the gamut of emotions, setting the stage for a once-in-a-lifetime experience of the literary masterpiece into a larger-than-life visual treat.

Purva Naresh is taking forward the rich legacy of female playwrights in India. The director has brought forward some of the most important stories from the heartland to the stage. Her notable plays, namely Zoon: Noor Kashmir Ka and Bandish 20-20,000 Hz, deal with the complexities of political and gender issues in the country. For her, the voices of marginalised communities and women matter, and her stories echo and represent them in the most innovative forms of the craft.

The play also boasts a stellar array of actors starring in the adaptation. Mantra Mugdh (Rashmi Rocket, Tum Mile, Panipat) and Girija Oak Godbole (Taare Zameen Par, Jawan, Qala) will be the leading faces. Danish Husain (Tiger 3, Delhi Crime, Dasvi), Anamika Tiwari (3rd October, Rangbaaz, Bastar: The Naxal Story), Kaustav Sinha (Rocket Boys, Sirf Ek Banda Kaafi Hai), Trupti Khamkar (Tumhari Sulu, The White Tiger, Zombivli), Girish Sharma (Scoop, Scam 2003, City Of Dreams), Shimlli Basu, and Subhashree Sahoo will also be seen in prominent roles.

Talking about the adaptation of Dostoevsky’s celebrated novella, Purva Naresh said, “For me, theatre is the medium that will always remain relevant even in the worst adversities that humankind will face. Aadyam Theatre has helped to keep this spirit of the indomitable craft alive with over six successful seasons. I have always felt a sense of joy and liberation when I was writing and directing a play for Aadyam. With ‘Chandni Raatein,’ I want to celebrate love and its transcendental nature even in times of darkness. I chose it to adapt into a musical because we Indians love to sing in grief and joy. However, I have not restricted it to just a genre, as every emotion unfolds through various formidable means of storytelling. I hope this universally renowned story receives love in India, and the audience cherishes this jubilant experience.”

Farmers’ Organisation-Backed Education Trust Opens 500 Rural Play-Schools with Focus on Spoken English

Backed by a farmers’ organization, Adhiti Education Trust, created to bring the highest level of early childhood learning and activity based learning for primary, middle and secondary school students of rural areas coming from families of farmers and farmworkers, free-of-cost, held a press conference at the Kolkata Press Club today.

Farmer Leader Avik Saha, Managing Trustee of the Trust and all other trustees, namely Tejvinder Singh Chattha (Rural Business Entrepreneur), Abhijit Banerjee (Social Activist), Jayati Saha (Advocate of Calcutta High Court) and Tapas Kar (Social Activist) along with Ms. Pritha Ray, Academic Director of the Trust, were present.

Addressing the media, Avik Saha said: “The ideology behind the activities of the trust are inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Gram Swaraj, where the father of the nation had envisaged villages would be developed as economic and social growth centres. We follow the credo of “Sangharsh and Nirman” going side by side. Unfortunately due to policy misdirection, lack of political will and grave shortcomings in implementation, although some schemes for bringing equality between villages and cities have been announced by several governments, no visible change is seen. Exodus from villages continues and the village economy has collapsed into dole-driven livelihood. Particularly in the field of education, right from birth, children in villages are denied and deprived of early childhood learning, which every city child has easy access to. That is why we have opened play- schools named DhuloMati and activity centres named SlatePencil and ChokKhori. Already 50 such schools have been opened in Purulia, Bankura, Birbhum and North 24 Parganas. More than 1300 rural children now have access to play-schools and are getting the highest level of early childhood learning facilities. We plan to take this number to 500 by the end of 2025. Already, more than 100 local women have been trained to become teachers and are drawing respectable salaries and have become financially independent. The Activity Centres for students are designed to fill the gap in reading, writing, speaking and arithmetic skills that have been repeatedly reported about in education standard surveys. Teachers are being trained to speak English as a language. Pedagogy and Curriculum are being developed on an ongoing basis. Children of brickfield workers who have zero access to education are now being given their right to education. This is nothing short of an education revolution through which equality of access to education will emerge and all children of Bengal can build the future of Bengal together.”

Abhijit Banerjee said: “English is the great divider of India; those who can speak the language access the highest standards of life and livelihood, and those who cannot, toil below them. Most students of Government schools find themselves unable to compete with children educated in so-called English medium schools. I have personally taken charge of training the teachers to speak in English, and the teacher training course has been launched today itself. The first batch of 10 teachers have started their training, We are confident that by the end of the year, all teachers will be able to use basic spoken English in classes so that through hearing, children learn to speak English. We are very clear that we are not promoting English medium schools. Our schools are not English medium schools. We believe that learning through our mother tongue is the best way of learning. However, knowing how to speak in English is a necessary skill in a diverse country like India. English can be a language of connection and there is no debate that English is also the language of higher education. From Government offices to the Supreme Court, English is the language used. By knowing how to speak English, the children will also be able to connect with half the world that speaks English. On the one hand, this is the great differentiating factor of our schools and on the other, this is the great equaliser. We know that teachers who can speak in English will pass it on to the students so that the great Indian divide of English speaking and Non-English-speaking students ends soon.”

Tejvinder Singh Chattha said: “As an entrepreneur who has to regularly do business with rural people, I have observed firsthand the great hopelessness that rural Bengal faces. Not a single teenager of a village dreams of staying in the village and making a respectable living in the village. Their aspiration is to move to the cities. Through this education initiative, we hope that village children will be at par with city children, and if economic activity in villages follows, which is sure to happen as we have seen in Tamil Nadu, then there will be no migration and exodus from villages. Multiple entrepreneurship and livelihood ideas will emerge and bloom in the villages itself. We are confident that citizens with privileges will come forward and donate generously for taking this initiative forward.”

Jayati Saha said: “Dhulomati, SlatePencil and ChokKhori are viable dreams provided we as a society have the courage to dream these dreams. This initiative is not just to educate but to bring equality between villages and cities. This initiative is now reaching out to children whose parents work in brickfields, and who neither get education in their own village or in the village where their parents work. They are nobody’s children so far as education is concerned. The first Brickfield school has been opened in 24 Pargana near Rajarhat and we will be reaching out to all brickfield owners in Bengal to implement the same model.”

Academic Director Pritha Roy said: “While spoken English will be a great differentiator, this initiative will also give better childhood to children. Every Dhulomati school has a toy and book lending library named Dhulomati Khelaghor. The response to this has been phenomenal and I must thank the hundreds of people who have generously donated books and toys. Along with our consultant, I am personally in charge of evolving the pedagogy based on which the curriculum is being developed. It will be of the highest standards. I don’t want to mention any names, but whatever is taught in reputed chain play schools today, is being taught at Dhulomati, but with locally sourced material and resources. The name DhuloMati itself indicates that rural children must learn with what is available around them.

Avik Saha concluded by saying that the initiatives of the trust are to supplement the initiatives of the Government through ICDS. The ongoing teacher training program will create village based expert teachers in an early childhood education. He added that every school is opened with the local community participating in full force and equal inputs. All physical infrastructure of schools are provided by the villagers free of cost, and without receiving any corresponding benefit. The concept and its execution till now shows that with minimal effort, a whole village can develop through development of its children and women – the children through access to high-quality education and the women through training, employment and financial independence.

Green Corridor Enables Life-Saving Lung Transplant at DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri

15th January 2025: In a remarkable show of coordination and dedication, DPU Super Specialty Hospital, Pimpri, Pune, and the Maharashtra Police Department successfully facilitated a green corridor for the transport of donor lungs from JJ Hospital, Mumbai to its facility in Pune, ensuring the timely and safe delivery of this precious gift of life within the stipulated time in order to maintain the quality of the organ.

 On January 10th, a meticulously planned and flawlessly executed road transport enabled the safe passage of the donor lungs to our recipient. This effort has made it possible for a critically ill patient to undergo a life-saving lung transplant, offering them a renewed chance at life. The green corridor, established with the swift and efficient cooperation of the Maharashtra Police Department and Traffic Police,under the guidance of Mumbai and Pimpri Chinchwad Police Commissioner allowed the donor lungs to travel from Mumbai to Pune in just under two hours, bypassing regular traffic. The police personnel, medical teams led by Dr. Rahul Kendre and Dr. Sameer Chauhan from DPU Super Specialty Hospital and support staff involved in the operation demonstrated impeccable coordination and swift action, ensuring the safe and timely delivery of this vital organ.

 The donor was a 36-year-old male truck driver who had been declared brain dead following an accident. Officials and coordinators from the donor hospital provided counseling and encouragement to the donor’s family, inspiring them to contribute to this noble cause and save lives through organ donation.

 Dr. P.D. Patil, Chancellor, Dr. D.Y Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune, said, “It is a privilege for our hospital to be at the forefront of performing intricate organ transplants and surgeries. My heartfelt congratulations go out to our exceptional team of doctors for their remarkable efforts. At DPU Super Specialty Hospital, we strive to reach greater heights and perform even more life-saving surgeries, driven by our state-of-the-art infrastructure and unwavering commitment to excellence. “

 Dr. Bhagyashree P. Patil, Pro-Chancellor, Dr. D.Y Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune shared her thoughts “ It has always been my vision to promote greater awareness about organ donation and its profound impact on saving lives. Our team of doctors has been instrumental in turning our vision into reality through their hard work, dedication and unwavering commitment to saving lives. My heart swells with pride and we aspire to leave a lasting impact on countless more lives in the future. “

 Dr. Yashraj Patil, Trustee & Treasurer, Dr. D.Y. Patil Vidyapeeth (Deemed to be University), Pimpri, Pune commented “When a lung is transported over 150 kilometers via a green corridor, it is a testament to extraordinary teamwork across all fronts. From doctors and hospital staff to the police department and countless others, it takes a unified effort to ensure the process is seamless and life-saving. I am deeply grateful for everyone’s dedication to making such miracles possible”

 Dr. Sandeep Attawar, M.D., Founder Director & Chair of Advanced Heart Failure, Terminal Lung Disease & Solid Thoracic Organ Transplant Program, DPU’s centre for Heart and Lung Transplantation, said “We have been at the forefront of successful heart and lung transplant surgeries in India. Guided by a patient-first philosophy, we are dedicated to providing access to cutting-edge medical expertise and world-class infrastructure for our patients. We would also like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the donor family for their noble and selfless act, which has made this transplant possible. Their generosity will forever be remembered as an inspiration to many. “