Category Archives: News

LVPEI, Fernandez Foundation Host Eighth EHAC Meeting to Drive Change in India’s Healthcare Landscape

Hyderabad, 9 December 2024: LV Prasad Eye Institute and Fernandez Foundation cohosted the eighth Equitable Healthcare Access Consortium (EHAC) Member’s meeting from 6 to 7 December at the LVPEI’s campus in the city. The consortium’s agenda includes promoting discussion and action to deliver equitable healthcare by addressing challenges such as lack of access to healthcare, high-costs, and a general apathy among various stakeholders towards fixing these issues.

The meeting, which kick started on 6 December, witnessed a host of attendees from organisations such as LVPEI, Fernandez Foundation, Indian School of Business, Centre for Healthcare IIM Udaipur, St John’s Research Institute, and Aravind Eye Care System, among others.

The eighth meeting of the EHAC members deliberated and focused on promoting equitable healthcare through sessions on ethical practices, fellowships, collaborations, advocacy and innovations. The highlights included panel discussions on ethical practices, patient rights, and financing to build sustainable organizations to deliver equitable care. The panel pointed out the impact of growing commercialisation and consumerism in the society and its impact on service delivery, the need for medical professionals to get exposed to models of ethical service delivery, and the role of leaders in driving the change to equitable service delivery.

Thematic areas touched upon were on promoting collaborations across like-minded healthcare organisations providing equitable care, coming up with a working definition of equitable healthcare delivery, offering fellowships to interested healthcare professionals, and advocacy to promote dialogue around equitable healthcare delivery and access.

Dr Prashant Garg, Executive Chair, L V Prasad Eye Institute, said, “At LVPEI, we envision a world where excellent and equitable eye care transcends social, geographical, and financial barriers and reaches all those in need. Over three decades, we have provided more than 38 million services, with 50% offered at no cost to patients. In our rural network more women (nearly 55% of all patient visits) sought eye care. Our Pyramidal Eye Care Delivery Model, supported by 308 centres across Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha, serves diverse populations, including those in remote and tribal areas. Through the ‘Equitable Healthcare Access Consortium,’ we share our expertise with budding healthcare entrepreneurs, mentoring them to turn challenges into opportunities and advance equitable healthcare for all”

Dr Evita Fernandez, Chairperson and Managing Director, Fernandez Foundation, said, “At the heart of Fernandez’s philosophy lies a commitment to equitable healthcare for all mothers and babies. Embracing this vision, we advocate for a collaborative model of care that emphasises respectful maternity support, paired with the expertise of obstetricians. By prioritizing the needs and preferences of each mother, we empower her to make informed choices about her care. Our dedication to providing subsidised services for those in need is reflected in our initiatives, which have opened doors for families to access the quality care they truly deserve.”

Prof DVR Seshadri, Chairperson, EHAC, said, “EHAC is a consortium of socially sensitive healthcare providers and other organisations involved in developing, studying and evangelizing new and improved models for providing equitable access to healthcare. The basic premise of EHAC, is that for a stable society, every member must have equitable access to livelihood, education and healthcare. EHAC has been working for the last six years to help make progress on these key dimensions. EHAC is uniquely poised to provide thought-leadership to help address these unfelt and unacknowledged needs of our society.”

Kolkata’s Literary Scene Shines as the 16th Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival Kicks Off

Kolkata, 9th December 2024: The grand unveiling of the highly anticipated sixteenth edition of the renowned Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF) took place amidst the timeless elegance of the iconic Oxford Bookstore on bustling Park Street in Kolkata. The event was graced by an illustrious panel of dignitaries including Abhijit Banerjee, Winner of the 2019 Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences; Dr. Anuradha Lohia, Scientist and Former Vice Chancellor, Presidency University; Cheyenne Olivier, Illustrator of the book ‘Chhaunk’; Anjum Katyal, Director, Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival; Swagat Sengupta, CEO, Apeejay Oxford Bookstores; and Neeta Sreedharan, Programming Head, Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival. The air was filled with excitement and anticipation as the literary world gathered in celebration of words and ideas, setting the stage for an unforgettable festival that promises to ignite minds and inspire souls.

Highlighting the AKLF curtain raiser announcement was the exclusive launch of Nobel Laureate Abhijit Banerjee’s Chhaunk: On Food, Economics and Society published by Juggernaut. The author and illustrator, Cheyenne Olivier were in discussion with Dr. Anuradha Lohia.

The festival is scheduled to take place on 10th, 11th and 12th January 2025, featuring various sessions across multiple venues throughout these dates. Allen Park will serve as the central hub, hosting the majority of the events, Poetry Café is all set to be hosted at Alliance Française du Bengale, while the Oxford Junior Literary Festival (OJLF), will be held at the Oxford Bookstore.

AKLF 2025 boasts an impressive lineup of speakers, with more than 120 writers gracing the festival. Notable names include Akhil Katyal, Akshat Gupta, Dr. Alka Pande, Anand Neelakantan, Anuja Chandramouli, Anita Agnihotri, Ankita Konwar, Aparna Vaidik, Arunava Sinha, Ashis Nandy, Ashis Ray, Chinmoy Guha, Devi Kar, Ira Mukhoty, Jael Silliman, Jayanta Sengupta, Kunal Basu, M K Raina, Mani Shankar Aiyar, Milind Soman, Monideepa Banerjie, Neelima Adhar Dalmia, Neha Dixit, Nusrat F Jafri, Pinaki De, Prayaag Akbar, Rajdeep Sardesai, Ramachandra Guha, Rana Safvi, Ruchir Joshi, Sagarika Ghose, Salil Tripathi, Samar Jodha, Samrat Choudhury, Sandip Roy, Shabnam Minwalla, Shalini Modi, Shehnaz Treasury, Shobha Tharoor Srinivasan, Shobhaa De, Sudeep Chakravarti, Sugata Bose, Sumantra Ghoshal, Sunita Kohli, William Dalrymple, Ila Arun, Nitish Bhushan, Priyanka S Kaintura and Riddhi Bahl among others.

This edition will feature the much-anticipated shortlist announcement of the 10th edition of prestigious Oxford Bookstore Book Cover Prize. The festival will provide the first look at Ruchir Joshi’s much-anticipated new novel, giving readers an exclusive sneak peek into the literary gems to come.

The Oxford Junior Literary Festival (OJLF), set to take place at the Oxford Bookstore, promises to captivate young audiences with engaging activities such as interactive ‘meet the author’ sessions, creative workshops, word games and storytelling. Designed to inspire a love for literature and nurture creativity, the OJLF aims to ignite the imaginations of the next generation. Meanwhile, the Poetry Café, hosted at Alliance Française du Bengale, will serve as a dynamic platform for both established and emerging poets to share their verses, fostering a rich exchange of ideas and artistic expression.

The valued partners for the three-day-long literary festival include Kenilworth Hotel, Kolkata, as the hospitality partner; Cha Bar as the refreshment partner; Teacher’s Centre as the institutional partner; Glenburn Penthouse and Alliance française du Bengale as the festival partners; and 91.9 Friends FM as radio partner. Several renowned publishing houses will also contribute to creating a vibrant and collaborative literary environment. Notable names include Aleph Book Company, Bloomsbury, Hachette, HarperCollins, Harvard University Press, Jadavpur University Press, Juggernaut, Niyogi Books, Penguin Random House, Readomania, Routledge, Rupa Publications, Speaking Tiger, Vitasta Publishing, Westland Books and many more.

Reflecting on the journey of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival (AKLF), Priti Paul, Director, Apeejay Surrendra Group, said, “As we step into the 16th edition of the Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival, we are filled with immense pride and gratitude. AKLF was born with a simple yet profound vision—to bring together the world of literature and the vibrant city of Kolkata in a celebration of words, ideas and creativity. Over the years, the festival has transcended its mere event status to emerge as a cultural cornerstone, a sanctum where writers, thinkers, visionaries, and bibliophiles come together to inspire and be inspired. As we continue this journey, we are committed to ensuring that AKLF remains an inclusive, dynamic platform that reflects the spirit of this great city and the transformative power of literature.”

Anjum Katyal, Director, Apeejay Kolkata Literary Festival said, “In its 16th edition, AKLF continues to have its finger on the pulse of what people are thinking and talking about, thanks to its connection with Oxford Bookstore, which ensures a year-round engagement with books. So, you will find a strong focus on current issues like the environment, history and mythology, politics and current affairs, gender and women’s writing, translation, memoir, and more. Exciting new voices alongside veteran thinkers brings variety and colour to the festival.”

CII MSME Connect Paves the Way for Accelerated MSME Growth in the State

Paradeep: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Odisha Chapter, successfully hosted the CII MSME Connect 2024 at the Biju Convention Centre, Paradeep Port Authority Campus, on Saturday. The event, themed “Vendor Connect Series: Expanding Business Horizons,” focused on fostering strong partnerships between large-scale industries and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) to accelerate the economic growth of Odisha.

 In his address, Shri Sampad Charan Swain, Minister of Industry & Skill Development and Technical Education, Govt of Odisha emphasized the strategic importance of Paradeep in Odisha’s industrial landscape. He highlighted the world-class port facilities and excellent connectivity that make Paradeep a vital hub for the state’s economic development. “Paradeep plays a crucial role in the industrial and economic framework of Odisha. To further harness its potential, we must focus on enhancing Paradeep’s infrastructure and positioning it as a national and global industrial hub. The state is keen to foster strong partnerships between MSMEs and large industries, ensuring a vibrant and thriving industrial ecosystem,” said Minister Swain.

 Shri Gokulananda Mallick, the MSME Minister, spoke about the sector’s substantial contribution to Odisha’s export economy. “MSME exports account for 45% of Odisha’s total exports. The establishment of food parks in Bargarh, Bolangir, Ganjam, Kalahandi, and Nabarangpur has significantly boosted the food processing industry, creating new opportunities for MSMEs across the state. The Odisha Startup Growth Fund has also played a pivotal role in supporting startups and promoting innovation within the MSME sector,” Minister Mallick remarked.

 Highlighting the objective of the program, Shri Hemant Sharma, Principal Secretary, Industries Department, Govt of Odisha stated, “Our Government is deeply committed to foster development of the MSME sector in the state. As part of this endeavour, we have been conducting MSME Connect programs across various districts including Jharsuguda and Angul and planning similar initiatives at Ganjam, Rayagada, and Kalahandi to further strengthen the sector.”

 Dr. Pradipta Mohanty, Chairman of CII Odisha State Council, welcomed delegates and emphasized the importance of creating a platform that strengthens the connection between large industries and their MSME partners. “CII MSME Connect 2024 is a crucial step in bridging the gap between major industrial players and their supply chain partners. This initiative aims to catalyze innovation, growth, and mutual prosperity while enhancing the vendor ecosystem in the region,” Dr. Mohanty said.

 Shri. PL Haranadh, IRTS, Chairman Paradeep Port Trust notes that, procurement from MSMEs was 26 percent in 2019-20, higher that mandated 25 percent by Govt. Current we are procuring 74 percent from MSMEs, a substantial increase in recent years highlights our thrust for development of this sector. He also urged MSMEs to be competitive and quality conscious and invest in innovation and technology.

 Shri J. Sonal, IAS, Collector & District Magistrate, Jagatshighpur throws light on infrastructure and connectivity development projects undertaken by Govt of Odisha and said that our focus is on skilling of local youth to make them employment ready. We want to buildup confidence among MSMEs on ease of doing business and make the atmosphere conducive to them.

 Shri Kausik Basu, Executive Director & Refinery head Indian Oil Corporation said, Indian Oil Paradip Refinery remains committed to supporting and empowering MSMEs through such initiatives. Let us continue working together to build a stronger, self-reliant Odisha. Together, we aim to build a robust ecosystem where MSMEs can thrive and contribute to the socio-economic development of the region.

 Shri Girish Naik, Head of Commercial at JSW BPSL Works, underscored the importance of supporting MSMEs in regions like Paradeep and North Odisha. “The CII MSME Vendor Connect Series 2024 offers an opportunity to strengthen MSMEs in these areas by providing the resources and platform needed for their growth,”.

 Shri Palaniswamy Velusamy, CMO and Unit Head at Paradeep Phosphates Ltd also stressed the potential of Paradeep as an industrial and MSME hub. “Platforms like CII MSME Connect 2024 are key to unlocking the untapped potential of Paradeep and North Odisha. We are committed to enhancing the competitiveness of MSMEs and building a sustainable vendor ecosystem in the region,” he said.

 The event concluded with a strong commitment to fostering collaboration between MSMEs and large industries, creating new avenues for growth, innovation, and sustainable economic prosperity in Odisha.

 The program was followed by B2B meetings with large scale companies mainly with Pradip Port Authority, Indian oil Corporation Limited, Vedanta Ltd, JSW, JSL, AM/NS India, IFFCO, TPCODL and PPL.

Shillong Hosts First Edition of Kommune’s Spoken Fest, Celebrating the Art of Spoken Word

India-wide release, December 9 2024: On a crisp December evening, kissed by winter cherry blossoms around Ward’s Lake, Kommune’s Spoken Fest made its enchanting debut in Shillong. Asia’s largest spoken word festival, celebrated for its vibrant mix of poetry, music, and storytelling, expanded beyond its Mumbai origins this season in collaboration with Meghalaya Tourism. The festival resonated deeply with an enthusiastic audience spanning all ages and walks of life, coming together to celebrate the boundless power of creative expression and storytelling.

Mr Paul Lyngdoh, the Minister of Tourism, Government of Meghalaya, graced the festival as its Chief Guest. On Shillong hosting the Spoken Fest, he said, “It is indeed a moment of joy and ecstasy for us to see that experiential tourism, and the arts and culture are getting a fresh lease of life in Meghalaya thanks to the support of the local population as well as the collaboration of groups and enthusiasts like Kommune. We’re very proud to say that when Spoken is mentioned as a brand, the indigenous tribes of Meghalaya have had a long history of oral tradition. Our stories, myths and legends are all a part of our history before we were even introduced to the written word. So, the spoken word has taken primacy before we even translated that into the written script. The fact that Spoken Fest offers a platform which will allow our young poets, writers, and storytellers to collaborate and have an exchange is a real, tangible achievement. We have been creating the right ecosystem to take Meghalaya’s strength – our arts and culture, music and literature – into the best possible platforms in the world.”

This inaugural edition of Spoken Fest in the Northeast beautifully embodied the festival’s mission to embrace and amplify India’s diverse voices. In a country where literary and performing arts transform every 100 meters, reflecting its vibrant cultural mosaic, the festival’s arrival in Shillong was a tribute to this richness. It sought to weave together India’s deeply rooted and varied storytelling traditions, fostering a meaningful cultural exchange.

Furthermore, the festival’s ambience perfectly captured the ethos of Meghalaya. With stages crafted from bamboo, jute, and traditional jainsem cloth, Spoken Fest paid homage to Shillong’s sustainable ethos, blending nature with culture. Adding to the experience was a thoughtfully curated spread of local delicacies, offering attendees a true taste of Meghalaya.

Amongst the performers was Kareema Barry, whose personal anecdote explored the intricate dynamics of extended Indian families with depth and a dash of humour. Her piece evoked a sense of nostalgia for the simplicity of childhood. Amol Parashar took to stage with a relatable story that dealt with the intersection of casual sex and feelings in a new-age relationship. Meanwhile, Trinetra’s moving story about her love for sarees underscored the power of owning one’s identity. Actors Patralekha and Tilotama engaged in a candid conversation about their shared connection to Shillong and how their homes and families encouraged and shaped their creative careers.

Meanwhile, Shillong’s local talent brought the city’s soul to the fore, adding depth and authenticity to the festival. Celebrated poet and singer Vancouver Shullai mesmerised the audience with evocative pieces, blending English and Khasi to probe into themes of identity, culture and the intimate bond we share with language. Merenla Imsong shared a deeply personal story about the evolving relationship with her father. Her heartfelt exploration of memories and the influence her father had on her life struck a chord with many. Meanwhile, Lalnunsanga Ralte’s poignant pieces elicited unceasing fingersnaps from the audience.

The night took an electrifying turn with hip-hop & R&B artist Meba Ofilia, whose energetic performance had everyone grooving. Shillong’s iconic hip-hop crew, Khasi Bloodz, followed with a powerful set, their bilingual rap verses in English and Khasi resonating deeply for their powerful point of view, showcasing the region’s unique fusion of traditional storytelling and contemporary beats.

As the evening unfolded, the soulful melodies of When Chai Met Toast resonated through the venue. Their performance had the crowd swaying to their tunes and chanting the lyrics of some of their fan-favourites.

Roshan Abbas, Founder of Kommune, mentioned, “Spoken Fest has always been a celebration of voices that deserve to be heard – it’s been our greatest motivator. Authentic storytelling runs deep in Northeast India’s cultural heritage. Here, spoken word is embedded in its oral tradition, and today we witnessed this beautiful Khasi oral tradition alongside contemporary spoken word, poetry and music performances in Spoken Fest’s debut in Shillong. What truly moved me was seeing young performers share their stories of identity, belonging, perseverance, and change with such profound confidence. This overwhelming response from Shillong’s vibrant community has shown us that art, in its purest form, knows no geographical boundaries or languages. As we look forward to Spoken Fest’s 2025 edition, we carry with us the creative energy that Shillong has gifted us, along with our commitment to nurture these artistic connections across India.”

From mesmerizing performances to engaging conversations and opportunities to discover emerging talents, the festival sparked a lasting impression on all who attended, celebrating creativity in its purest form. Spoken Fest in Shillong left an indelible mark, not only as an artistic gathering but as a meaningful cultural exchange that bridged heritage and modernity. It was a night where stories became bridges, nurturing connections that lingered long after the festival lights dimmed.

FTCCI and Jeedimetla Effluent Treatment Limited Lead Efforts in Environmental Sustainability

Hyderabad, December 09, 2024….. FTCCI with the support of Jeedimetla Effluent Treatment Limited organised a programme on Sustainable Procurement as per ISO 20400 at FTCCI Pokarna Skill Centre, Federation House, Red Hills Hyderabad.

Ms. Keerthi D Souza, Managing Director, Life Giver Professional Service LLP; Mr. G Bala Subramanyam, Chair, Environment Committee, FTCCI and Mr. P. Bakka Reddy, Executive Director, Jeedimetla Effluent Treatment Limited where the experts spoke on how organisations can integrate sustainability seamlessly into their procurement strategies.

The program aimed to equip the participants with insights into ISO 20400’s principles and their practical application. It helped them understand and explore how organisations can integrate sustainability seamlessly into their procurement strategies.

Mr. Suresh Kumar Singhal, President, FTCCI said in today’s world, sustainability is not just a buzzword; it is a necessity—a critical responsibility that businesses must embrace to thrive in a changing global landscape. Sustainable procurement, as guided by ISO 20400, offers a structured framework to ensure that our purchasing decisions respect financial priorities and environmental, social, and economic dimensions.

For businesses, adopting sustainable procurement is a game-changer. It strengthens supply chains, reduces risks, and enhances long-term profitability. For the environment, it helps conserve resources and mitigate climate change by encouraging greener practices across industries. And for society, it ensures fairness, equity, and respect for human rights throughout the value chain he added.

Let us not view sustainability as a challenge but as an opportunity—a chance to differentiate our businesses, to lead with a purpose, and to contribute to a better future for generations to come, Mr Singhal said. Together, let us lead the way in building a sustainable tomorrow, he told the participants.

Sustainable procurement is the process of integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into an organization’s procurement processes, said Mr. G Bala Subramanyam.

Giving an example Bala Subrahmanyam said a paper straw can replace a plastic straw which takes 200 years to decompose.

The coffee cost is valued at Rs 15/ and above and may go even in hundreds in places like Star Bucks. That is what is known to us. But if you consider the water footprint, the cost could be Rs 700/- and above taking into consideration that it takes 140 litres (assuming the cost of each litre of water costs Rs 5/-) of water to make one cup of coffee, Bala Subrahmanyam revealed an eye-opening fact about coffee.

He added that sustainable procurement aims to Protect the environment, support social progress, promote economic development, Improve the quality of products and services, and Optimize costs.

Bala Subramanyam, the regulator turned academician, and industrial advisor, said ESG may become as important and vital as the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in the future.

He gave examples of ESG reports of many companies such as Pfizer, Aurobindo, GSK, Piramal, Axis Bank and others. Pfizer in its ESG report disclosed that by the year 2040, it aims to achieve ‘Net Zero which is 10 years earlier than expected.

Net zero is a status where the balance between the amount of greenhouse gas (GHG) emitted and the amount that’s removed from the atmosphere, Bala Subrahmanyam Explained.

About 50 participants from Middle and Senior Management roles of various corporate houses were the participants in the one-day program.

Sustainable procurement can help businesses: Contribute to sustainable development, reduce waste, increase compliance, and Improve transparency said Ms. Keerthi D Souza, Managing Director, Life Giver Professional Service LLP

It is the time when companies go further than reporting on only their economic bottom line of financial performance. In addition, the social and environmental impact should be part of their reporting to shareholders. It is often expressed in the 3Ps, People, Profit, and Planet she added.

Sustainable procurement is becoming embedded in day-to-day business operations and behaviours Ms Keerthi added

She gave an example of Indian Railways which is working to become more sustainable through several initiatives, unlike many government bodies. Some is their initiatives include Electrification. As of April, this year it has electrified more than 96% of its broad-gauge network.

The other sustainable initiatives of Indian Railways are Renewable energy; Energy efficiency; Waste management; Dedicated Freight Corridors; Green certifications and Carbon Saving Points. The railways’ goal is to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2030., she said.

Spread Holiday Cheer: Magniflex India’s MagnifleXmas Collection Drive Brings Joy to Those in Need

Bengaluru, December 07, 2024: This holiday season, Magniflex India invites you to be a part of the heartwarming initiative, MagnifleXmas, taking place at all our franchise outlets across India until December 23rd.

The initiative aims to collect new or unused toys, sweaters, or stationary for underprivileged children. Donors are encouraged to attach a personalized message to the items, adding a special touch to their gift.

On December 25th, Mr. Anand Nichani, Managing Director of Magniflex India, will personally deliver these thoughtful donations to Makkala Jagriti, an NGO in Bangalore dedicated to uplifting and supporting children in need. This special drive not only highlights the joy of giving but also emphasizes the importance of community spirit during this festive season.

Everyone with a spirit of kindness interested in making an impact can visit our nearest Magniflex outlet to drop off your contributions in the designated red Christmas bags.

Connecting with Soil: Maati Nature Resort Launches National SoilOurPride Campaign on World Soil Day

Kankavali, Sindhudurg, December 07, 2024: On the World Soil Day this year, Maati Nature Resort, Sindhudurg’s leading ecological and soil-centric tourism destination, has commenced a national-level campaign #SoilOurPride to build consensus and awareness around preservation, protection and nurturing of soil in all forms and establishing the connect of urban and semi-urban citizens with the soil.

To being with, the initiative will aim at planting at least one lakh trees by creating #SoilfulMinds in the next five years by generating interests at the grassroots level and uniting civilians to take up the cause.

Maati Nature Resort has planned this initiative in response to a clarion call given by the Prime Minister to preserve and nurture the country’s ‘Soil’ and to observe ‘Panch Pran’ and ‘Saptarishi’ as part of India’s Amrit Kaal’ where ‘Green Growth’ is one of the objectives. Accordingly, it has charted out a well-elaborated, long-term and sustainable programme to contribute to the Prime Minister’s mission to nurture and work for the soil thereby uniting various stakeholders including a large mass of citizens for the noble cause.

In a unique initiative of #SoilOurPride, Maati Nature Resort has broadened the footprint of ‘Panch Pran’, as envisaged by the Prime Minister for Amrit Kaal, into an action plan of ‘Panch Sutra’ (five principles), which will unleash and focus on various attributes of Soil, viz. Soil for Ecology, Soil for Entrepreneurship, Soil for Health, Soil for Culture and Soil for Community Development.

Maati Nature Resort’s #SoilOurPride programme has aimed to create One Lakh ‘Soilful Minds’ who will take a pledge and accordingly act to ‘Preserve, Nurture and Nourish’ the spirit of their own soil by committing to certain causes.

On the occasion of the ‘World Soil Day’, beginning with the first objective of ‘Soil for Ecology’, Maati Nature Resort collected well-nourished soil from its own campus and from the surroundings to plant 1000 saplings and distributed then to the citizens. All the visitors to the Resort were presented with the tree saplings and bags of soil by administering a pledge ‘Save Our Soil, Love Our Soil’ to preserve, nurture and protect the soil and ecology by planting the tree.

Prafull Sawant, Founder and Director of Maati Nature Resort said, “Inspired by the Prime Minister’s vision about Panch Pran and Saptrishi, we have commenced this national-level initiative to integrate urban and semi-urban civilians and other stakeholders to work for various causes related to soil from ecological, entrepreneurial, health, cultural and overall community development standpoints.”

He added, “The ‘Soil for Ecology’ will further aim at nourishing the health of soil and plant at least One Lakh trees and undertake other green initiatives whereas the ‘Soil for Entrepreneurship’ will appeal urban people to explore some or other entrepreneurship or rural development opportunities in their natives or surroundings; so that they can go back to their roots and contribute for overall development of the rural India.”

The campaign will not only promote ecological programmes, but also will try to inculcate the spirit of entrepreneurship, health, culture and community development among the people by connecting back to the soil thereby boosting reverse migration of urban civilians for meaningful purposes to give a much-needed fillip to rural development.

Added Sawant, “We, at Maati Nature Resort, always strive to inspire people to Love Soil, Respect Soil and appeal them to come back to their own Soil by taking any initiative of entrepreneurship, cultural or community development”.

Maati Nature Resort takes up socio-cultural and community development initiatives. On 15th August 2023, as part of the Prime Minister’s ‘Meri Mati – Mera Desh‘ Abhiyaan, it celebrated the event by sending soil bags for the mission. Under ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, the Resort has been training the village carpenters to create their own artefacts from unused wood and earn their livelihood.

Empowering Rural Livelihoods: Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival 2024 Promotes Sustainable Practices

Kolkata, December 7, 2024: The 6th edition of the Himalayan Orange Tourism Festival (HOTF), organized by the Association for Conservation and Tourism (ACT), was inaugurated today at City Centre 1, Salt Lake, Kolkata, India. Running until December 8, 2024, the festival bridges rural Himalayan communities with urban audiences, spotlighting the rich cultural, agricultural, and ecological heritage of the region.

The Himalayan Orange, a symbol of unity and sustainability, takes center stage as a representation of the livelihoods tied to agro-tourism, homestays, and orange-based organic products. These include traditional pickles, cooking ingredients, snacks, orange tea, and more, all of which are integral to supporting rural economies. The festival highlights the critical role urban consumers play in uplifting rural enterprises by embracing community-based tourism (CBT), supporting homestays, and purchasing organic products directly from local producers.

The festival draws inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore’s deep connection to the Himalayan region. Tagore’s frequent visits to Mongpu and his admiration for the mountains and their people continue to resonate as a guiding philosophy for ACT. His writings reflect a profound love for the serene landscapes and the vibrant culture of the region, embodying the ideals of harmony between nature and humanity. This legacy inspires ACT’s commitment to fostering sustainable tourism that honours the traditions, livelihoods, and ecological balance of the Himalayan communities.

This year’s festival celebrates the diversity of the Himalayan region, featuring agrotourism, crafts, cuisine, and cultural performances from regions such as North Bengal, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Himachal Pradesh, Nepal, Bhutan, and others. Farm-to-table experiences, interactive sessions for collaboration between urban tour operators and rural tourism stakeholders, and live demonstrations of sustainable practices aim to foster connections and partnerships.

Kolkata, as a pivotal hub connecting North Bengal, Sikkim, Northeast India, Nepal, and Bhutan, offers an ideal platform to promote rural tourism in the Himalayan belt. Post-pandemic travel trends have seen a rise in demand for short, meaningful trips, encouraging urban dwellers to explore their regional surroundings, embrace slow travel, and invest in sustainable tourism.

The festival underscores the importance of nurturing agro-tourism and empowering mountain communities through homestay programs, eco-friendly tourism initiatives, and the production of orange-based organic goods, bamboo products and many other local handicrafts. These efforts contribute to holistic development by boosting local livelihoods, preserving cultural heritage, and promoting environmental sustainability in South Asia and the Himalayan region.

For over 30 years, ACT has been a pioneer in rural and community-based tourism. Its year-round advocacy focuses on empowering Himalayan communities, preserving their cultural and natural heritage, and fostering sustainable tourism practices aligned with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Inspired by Tagore’s vision, ACT continues to bridge the gap between urban and rural communities, ensuring the holistic development of people and the environment.

PM E-Drive scheme to boost electric truck market, says DICV’s Satyakam Arya

Satyakam Arya, MD & CEO of DICV, emphasized that this initiative would not only encourage fleet modernization but also create a favorable environment for the introduction of electric vehicles

Daimler India Commercial Vehicles (DICV) has lauded the government’s PM E-Drive scheme as a significant step forward in India’s transition to carbon-neutral mobility. Satyakam Arya, Managing Director & CEO of DICV, highlighted the scheme’s potential to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles, aligning perfectly with the company’s sustainability goals.

The PM E-Drive scheme, which links incentives to the scrapping of older trucks, is expected to promote enhanced safety standards and reduce emissions. Arya emphasized that this initiative would not only encourage fleet modernization but also create a favourable environment for introduction of electric vehicles.

“The PM E-Drive scheme marks a pivotal step in accelerating the transition to carbon-neutral mobility in India. By linking incentives to the scrapping of older trucks, the scheme not only promotes enhanced safety standards and reduced emissions, but also encourages fleet modernisation, perfectly aligning with our goals at Daimler India Commercial Vehicles,” Arya stated in a press statement.

The Rs 10,900-crore PM E-Drive scheme, aimed at boosting electric vehicle adoption and expanding charging infrastructure, took effect on October 1. The scheme, which will run until March 31, 2026, replaces the earlier Rs 11,500-crore Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles (FAME) II initiative, which concluded in March.

Furthermore, Arya emphasised that the scheme’s focus on expanding charging infrastructure will be instrumental in driving the adoption of electric trucks, providing the necessary support for long-term sustainable growth. “This initiative will unlock significant opportunities for the commercial vehicle sector, advancing the adoption of clean, efficient, and technologically advanced transport solutions for a greener tomorrow,” he remarked.

The development comes month after Daimler India Commercial Vehicles – the Indian subsidiary of the world’s largest truck maker, announced its entry into the zero-emission truck market in the country. The company has kicked off a clinical trial of its light-duty electric truck eCanter in the country, which is likely to hit the roads in the coming 6-12 months, the company had earlier said in April.

The third generation eCanter will be assembled in the Indian market to cater to the growing need for e-commerce in the country. The launch of the model also marks Bharat Benz’s foray into the 3.5 to 7.5 tonne truck market- a space where the company had remained absent so far.

So far globally, Daimler Trucks has sold over 2500 eCanters around the world with over 8 million kilometres on the road. Based on the Mitsubishi Fuso platform, the light-duty truck is being assembled in Japan as well as Europe, and India will be the third major market where this model will be locally assembled.

‘Shaping The Future of Work’: New Book Explores Flexible Work Solutions for Bharat’s Workforce

[December 7, 2024, Hyderabad]: Professor Chandrasekhar Sripada’s book, ‘Shaping The Future of Work: Build Flexible Work Options and Unleash the Human Capital of Bharat,’ was today unveiled by Dr BVR Mohan Reddy, Founder Chairman & Board Member, Cyient, Professor Madan Pillutla, Dean, ISB, and Ms Vasanthi Hariprakash, Founder- CEO, Pickle Jar Media, at the Indian School of Business (ISB).

Chandrasekhar Sripada is a clinical professor of organisational behaviour (teaching) at ISB. The professor in the book explains why and how firms and governments must rethink conventional work, organisational, and leadership practices and provide fresh insights to engage the next-gen workforce. Professor Sripada also recommends practical strategies to make India’s world of work inclusive and future-ready.

The programme was also marked by a conversation with the author.