Category Archives: News

Acsia Technologies Powers Central Institute on Mental Retardation (CIMR) with Solar Energy

Thiruvananthapuram, September 12, 2024: Acsia Technologies Pvt. Ltd. announced the solarization of the Central Institute on Mental Retardation (CIMR) in Thiruvananthapuram as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative. The project was inaugurated by K. N. Balagopal, Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Government of Kerala, who lit the traditional lamp to mark the commencement of the 10-kilowatt on-grid solar system at CIMR, symbolizing a significant step towards sustainability and energy efficiency.

The new solar installation is expected to generate an average of 40 units of energy per day, contributing to the Institute’s energy needs and enabling CIMR to sell any surplus energy back to the grid.

“All great philanthropic ideas and institutions like CIMR face many difficulties. The government will always support the running of such institutions; however, cooperation from both the public and private sectors is also needed,” said K. N. Balagopal, Hon’ble Minister for Finance, Government of Kerala. The minister also commended Acsia Technologies for its exemplary activities.

“As part of our CSR initiative, Acsia is committed to supporting education and sustainability projects. This solarization project at CIMR not only promotes clean energy but also supports the Institute in its mission to provide essential services,” said Jijimon Chandran, Founder and CEO of Acsia. “I am also pleased to collaborate with the esteemed organization CIMR, which has become a beacon of hope and opportunity for thousands of children both in Kerala and beyond.”

“This project will provide significant strength and energy to the Central Institute on Mental Retardation’s efforts to support individuals with mental challenges,” said Fr. Thomas Chenganariparampil, President of CIMR. He also expressed his heartfelt gratitude to Acsia’s team for their commendable contribution.

Jijimon Chandran, Founder and CEO of Acsia, Fr. Thomas Chenganariparampil, President of CIMR, and Rajesh Panicker, Chief Financial Officer of Acsia, also spoke at the event.

Brigade Foundation Opens 108-Bed Hospital with St. John’s Medical College at Brigade Meadows

Bengaluru, September 12, 2024: Brigade Foundation, a Not-for-Profit Trust of the Brigade Group, today inaugurated a state-of-the-art, 108-bed hospital – St. John’s Medical College Hospital at Brigade Meadows, in collaboration with St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences. The new facility is located within Brigade Meadows, a 60-acre development with 3000 completed and occupied apartments on Kanakapura Road. Equipped with specialist doctors and modern diagnostic equipment, this hospital will provide comprehensive affordable healthcare services to the urban and rural residents of South Bengaluru.

The hospital was blessed by Most Rev. Mar Andrews Thazhath – President-CBCI & Archbishop of Trichur, and inaugurated by Shri Dinesh Gundu Rao – Hon’ble Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of Karnataka, who mentioned that going forward the Government of Karnataka is willing to extend all necessary help and support to Brigade Group and St, Johns Hospital in their future endeavours as they take care of the healthcare needs of the people. Other dignitaries included Sri Ramalinga Reddy-Hon’ble Minister for Transport & Muzrai Department, Govt. of Karnataka, Sri Sharan Prakash Patil – Hon’ble Minister for Medical Education & Skills Development, Govt. of Karnataka, Shri S.T. Somashekar – Hon’ble MLA, Most Rev. Victor Henry Thakur – Chairman, Governing Board of St. John’s, Most Rev. Dr. Peter Machado – Archbishop of Bengaluru and Most Rev. George Antonysamy – Archbishop of Madras-Mylapore. The inauguration ceremony was attended by several other dignitaries and government officials.

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony, M R Jaishankar, Lifetime Trustee, Brigade Foundation & Executive Chairman, Brigade Group, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership, stating, “This unique collaboration between Brigade Foundation and the not-for-profit institution, St John’s Medical College Hospital of the CBCI Society started with the setting up of a Health Centre with 10 beds in the Brigade Meadows campus during June 2020, at the peak of Covid. The good response to the health centre indicated the need for a full-fledged hospital and a MoU was signed in June 2022 to establish this 108 bed hospital, and it has come to fruition within 2 years. This collaboration involves Brigade Foundation providing the land and the air-conditioned building, at no cost to St John’s, and for them to equip the hospital with medical equipment, staff & doctors in order to give affordable healthcare in this large neighbourhood extending up to Kanakapura town. Furthermore, for the 10,000 plus residents of Brigade Meadows, it is huge convenience to have a reputed hospital within the campus.”

In addition to the hospital inaugurated today, Brigade has begun construction of another 108-bed, not-for-profit hospital in collaboration with St John’s in Hardware Park, Bengaluru North, marking a significant expansion in accessible healthcare for Bengaluru’s underserved populations.

Rev. Fr. Jesudoss R, Director of St. John’s National Academy of Health Sciences, emphasized the Institution’s commitment to delivering affordable and accessible healthcare, saying, “This hospital will be a sign of service, where healing meets humanity, where care meets compassion, and where the values of both St. John’s and Brigade come together to create a place of well-being for all. In this new facility, we will continue to serve our community with the same dedication and commitment to excellence that has defined St. John’s for over six decades. This new hospital will reiterate our mission to delivering quality healthcare with integrity, compassion and excellence.”

The hospital’s services include all specialties including super specialties such as Cardiology, Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Neonatology, Nephrology, Neurology, Pulmonary Medicine, and Urology. The hospital will provide all laboratory and imaging diagnostics, as well as Blood Storage, Dietetics, Physiotherapy, Pharmacy, and Ambulance services

Robert Naorem to Open the show and Couturier Anju Modi to be the Closing designer At Global India Couture Week Season 5

New Delhi, 12th September 2024

The Black Page Fashion, in collaboration with the International Fashion Design Council (IFDC), is excited to present the much-anticipated 5th season of the Global India Couture Week (GICW). This premier fashion event will take place from September 11 to September 15 at The Bristol, Gurugram, promising a spectacular showcase of creativity and innovation.

Manipur based designer Robert Naorem will be the Opening designer and Couturier Anju Modi to be the grand finale designer at the event.

GICW Season 5 is set to dazzle the runway with a vibrant mix of established fashion houses and emerging designers. The event aims to captivate fashion enthusiasts and industry insiders alike with its diverse lineup and cutting-edge presentations.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. M Satya, Managing Director of GICW, shared, “GICW was created with the vision of bringing raw talent to the forefront, bridging the gap between the Indian fashion industry and international trends. Our platform provides an opportunity for up-and-coming designers to showcase their collections and hone their skills.”

Mr. Sidharrth, Director (Operations) at GICW, further emphasized, “GICW is committed to nurturing the growth of designers at the start of their journey, giving them a stage to shine and grow.”

The success of this event would be made possible through the support of leading brands. Hustle joins as the energy drink partner, Jimmy’s serves as the official mixer partner, Ayaz Perfume adds a touch of fragrance, and Pressto ensures wardrobe perfection as the wardrobe maintenance partner. Lakmé Salon lends its expertise as the hair and makeup partner, while The Bristol stands as the elegant venue partner. Entertainment is powered by Waka Waka, the official entertainment partner, adding vibrancy to the event.

On Kaun Banega Crorepati 16, Amitabh Bachchan reminisces about his unforgettable encounter with Michael Jackson

On 12th september, the nation’s favourite host – Amitabh Bachchan will honour Padma Shree awardees, Dr. Abhay and Dr. Rani Bang on Sony Entertainment Television’s much-loved reality quiz show, Kaun Banega Crorepati’ Season 16. As these extraordinary Karamveers take the hotseat, Bachchan will applaud their transformative work in revolutionizing healthcare in the tribal regions of Gadchiroli, Maharashtra.

During a candid chat, Amitabh Bachchan asks Dr. Rani Bang who her favourite singer is and she expresses her love for Michael Jackson. She also mentioned that she had heard about Big B’s memorable meeting with the iconic ‘King of Pop’ and asked him to describe what the experience was like. Amitabh Bachchan fondly recounts his encounter with Michael Jackson, saying, “I was staying at a hotel in New York when, one day, I heard a knock at my door. When I opened it, I was stunned to see Michael Jackson standing outside. I almost fainted but managed to keep my composure. I greeted him, and he inquired if this was my room. When I confirmed it, he realized he had mistakenly come to the wrong room. Later, when he went to his own room, he sent someone to connect with the person whose room he had accidentally entered. Eventually, we had the chance to sit down and talk. Despite his enormous fame, he was incredibly humble. That’s how we first met.”

Bachchan further added, “On another occasion, Michael Jackson had a show in America, and it was a struggle to get from New York to the venue. When we arrived at the hotel, we were told there were no rooms available. We requested them, but they said that all 350 rooms were booked for Michael Jackson and his team. After multiple efforts, we managed to get seats at the back of the stadium, and we were able to watch his performance. He was an extraordinary artist; his singing and dancing were phenomenal. The energy in the arena was electrifying, with thunderous applause and a truly magical atmosphere.”

Gurdas Maan to Perform Live at Vegas Mall in a Spectacular Musical Evening

Vegas Mall, Dwarka, is all set to host an exhilarating live performance by the iconic Punjabi singer Gurdas Maan on 14 September 2024 as part of his much-anticipated ‘Sound of Soil’ India Tour. Renowned for his soulful voice and timeless hits, Gurdas Maan’s performance promises an unforgettable evening of music and entertainment.

Speaking about the event, Ravinder Choudhary, Vice President, Vegas Mall said, “We are thrilled to bring a legendary artist like Gurdas Maan to Vegas Mall. His music has touched countless lives, and we are excited to provide our patrons with an evening of high-quality entertainment. We aim to create memorable experiences, and this concert will surely be one of the highlights of the year.”

With limited seating available, fans are encouraged to book early and secure their chance to witness Gurdas Maan live. Vegas Mall is known for hosting spectacular events, and this concert is set to be another milestone in its journey of bringing world-class entertainment to Dwarka.

The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences Presents a Culinary Pop Up with Masterchef Farman Ali at Diya

Gurugram, September 2024: The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences is thrilled to announce an incredible culinary pop-up at its renowned Indian restaurant, Diya. From September 23rd to 29th, Diya will host an exclusive pop-up featuring Chef Farman Ali from Falak at The Leela Bhartiya City Bengaluru. This special event will offer guests a unique dining experience showcasing the award-winning flavours of Chef Ali’s Northwest Frontier cuisine.

Set to take place at Diya, the vibrant, contemporary dining space known for its authentic Northwest Frontier Cuisine, this event promises to deliver a rich fusion of tradition and innovation. Chef Farman Ali, a master of the Northwest Frontier culinary style, will take over the kitchen to showcase his signature slow-cooked delicacies, providing patrons with an immersive taste of one of India’s most luxurious and refined cuisines. With a coveted place in the La Liste Awards 2024 and recognition by Condé Nast Traveller’s Top Restaurant Awards 2023, Falak shines as India’s finest culinary establishment, making this pop-up a true delight.

Chef Farman Ali is celebrated for his outstanding skill and deep knowledge of Northwest Frontier cuisine. As the culinary genius behind Falak, he has earned accolades for his meticulous approach to traditional cooking techniques, ensuring every dish is a masterpiece of flavour and texture. His expertise in slow-cooking methods highlights the affluent history of this regional cuisine, where each ingredient is carefully balanced to achieve perfection. Chef Ali’s admiration for preserving the authentic flavours of his dishes, combined with his innovative touch, has established him as a leading figure in the world of fine Indian dining.

The intimate setting of Diya, with its carefully curated interiors by the renowned Hersch Bedner Associates, offers an elegant ambiance that complements the richness of the menu. Designed to cater to a select 80 guests, the restaurant’s exclusivity is further enriched by its private Maharaja Room, an ideal space for those seeking a more personalized dining experience. Guests at the event will enjoy a front-row seat to culinary craftsmanship as Diya’s live kitchen counter brings the artistry of Chef Farman Ali to life.

Chef Farman Ali, who helms the restaurant Falak, has crafted a menu that is as much a tribute to the opulent kitchens of nawabs as it is a modern interpretation of India’s culinary heritage.

This exclusive pop-up offers a rare opportunity to experience rich flavours in the luxurious environs of The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences. The menu features both à la carte and set menus starting at INR 4000 plus taxes.

Visit The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences to appreciate an incredible feast that combines history, authenticity, and contemporary charm. This collaboration between Diya and Falak, masterfully crafted by one of the country’s finest chefs, is the perfect culinary event to attend.

businessline Changemaker Awards 2024 to be presented on September 13th

Hyderabad/ Chennai, September 12, 2024: The Hindu businessline Changemaker Awards 2024 will be announced on September 13, 2024, at ITC Maurya, New Delhi. The event will be from 5.30 pm onwards. Ms Nirmala Sitharaman, Honourable Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, will be the Chief Guest for this event and give away the awards. Entry for the event is by invitation only.

Stepping into the sixth successful year, businessline Changemaker awards were conceptualised in 2018, bl’s 25th year, to recognise and reward the extraordinary thinkers and achievers whose work has positively impacted the world. The awards to be given away are Changemaker of the Year 2024; Young Changemaker; Changemaker: Digital Transformation; Changemaker: Financial Transformation; Changemaker: Social Transformation; and Iconic Changemaker.

Changemaker of the Year, bl’s flagship award, will go to a person or an organisation which has ushered in far-reaching and impactful change over the past year. The Young Changemaker award celebrates a changemaker who is below 30 years of age.

Changemaker: Digital Transformation will be given to an individual or an organisation which has leveraged digital technology to make an impact. Changemaker: Financial Transformation is a changemaker who has transformed society through work in the areas of financial inclusion, banking and micro-finance. Changemaker: Social Transformation will be given to individuals or organisations that have done considerable work in the areas of health, education, poverty alleviation, gender equality and woman empowerment. Iconic Changemaker will be awarded to an organisation or individual who has brought about deep change in society and the community over the years with his or her work.

This year a special Chairperson’s award will be awarded for exceptional work in the field of education.

Last year, the Reserve Bank of India was awarded the Changemaker of the Year 2023, while GCMMF (Amul) was conferred the Iconic Changemaker award.

TSHA Ensures Robust Readiness of Public and Private Sectors to Handle Dengue Outbreaks

Hyderabad, September 12, 2024…… As the Dengue season sets in later than usual this year, the Telangana Specialty Hospitals Association (TSHA) assures the public that both the Public and Private Healthcare Sectors are well-prepared to effectively manage and treat dengue cases. While it is too early to determine the full impact and potential complications of dengue this season, we are closely monitoring the situation said R. Govind Hari, General Secretary of TSHA.

Currently, Chikungunya cases have outnumbered Dengue, and we are also seeing a significant number of cases of Flu A, RSV, and enteric fever infections. Encouragingly, Dengue appears to be evolving into a milder illness, likely due to greater awareness among Doctors & Parents & Civil Society & more importantly the Government’s Preventive & Awareness Programs, leading to early detection and management.

Our experience in the private healthcare sector in Telangana indicates that Chikungunya is more prevalent than Dengue, and dengue cases are not becoming overly complicated. This may be attributed to increased awareness and better hydration practices among the population. It is important to note that accurate diagnosis through appropriate testing is crucial to avoid assumptions based on symptoms alone.

Most of the seasonal viral infections can be managed with basic first aid, and we urge citizens, especially the parents of young children not to overuse Antibiotics, as they are not effective against viral infections and can lead to complications.

To combat the spread of Dengue and Chikungunya, we emphasize the importance of eliminating stagnant water around homes, as this is where mosquitoes breed. If you or your child develops high fever with or without rashes or joint pains, please consult a doctor promptly. Symptomatic treatment with Paracetamol, proper hydration, and identifying warning signs are key to effective management.

The Government of Telangana is actively working to raise public awareness about mosquito control and is implementing measures to prevent mosquito breeding. Remember, there is no specific medicine for Dengue; supportive and symptomatic care is essential. In severe cases, such as Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) in Dengue, treatments like steroids or IV immunoglobulin may be administered in the ICU.

We assure you that “THERE IS NO NEED TO PANIC” because all necessary precautions and infrastructure are in place both in Public & Private Sectors to manage dengue and other seasonal illnesses effectively. Stay vigilant, practice preventive measures, and seek medical advice when needed.

Police campuses in Bengaluru to have 590 Percolation Wells

Bengaluru, September 11, 2024:
Mphasis and United Way Bengaluru officially announced the launch of the “One Billion Drops” campaign at five police campuses in Bengaluru, including CAR (City Armed Reserve) North, Karnataka State Reserved Police 9th Battalion, Centre for Counter-Terrorism, CAR Headquarters, and KSRP 1st Battalion. This year, 590 percolation wells will be constructed across these locations.

The event was attended by the Commissioner of Police, Bangalore City, Mr. B Dayananda, who commended the initiative for its significant contribution to Bengaluru’s water sustainability.

The “One Billion Drops” initiative addresses climate-change-related issues through percolation wells designed to capture rainwater at the point of impact. This approach reduces surface runoff, prevents floods, and conserves water by slowing its flow. The campaign is pivotal in restoring Bengaluru’s water resources, replenishing groundwater, and maintaining soil moisture to support the city’s green cover.

“I wholeheartedly appreciate the proactive support of Mphasis and United Way of Bengaluru for coming forward to make our police campuses water-neutral through their CSR initiatives. Your commitment to sustainability is a shining example of community policing in action. Together, we are not only ensuring a greener future for our personnel and the community but also setting a benchmark for responsible governance. Thank you for your invaluable partnership in this noble endeavour,” said B. Dayananda, Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City.

“Our ongoing partnership with United Way Bengaluru has empowered us to address global environmental challenges like climate change while making significant strides in reviving the state’s biodiversity. The ‘One Billion Drops’ campaign remains a powerful initiative in rainwater conservation and sustainability, demonstrating our commitment to a greener future,” said Deepa Nagaraj, Senior Vice President and Head – ESG & CSR, Sparkle Innovation Ecosystem and Communications

“Rooted in a community-driven approach, the ‘One Billion Drops’ campaign represents a scalable and replicable model that promotes ecological sustainability and resilience against climate change. By harnessing the power of collaboration between corporate entities, NGOs and government bodies, this initiative is setting a new standard for climate action and water conservation,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO of United Way Bengaluru.

This initiative aligns seamlessly with the Prime Minister’s National Water Mission initiative, “Catch the Rain, Where it Falls, When it Falls.” Each percolation well can conserve up to 128,000 litres of rainwater annually, directly enhancing groundwater levels in their respective catchment areas.

Once known as the Garden City, Bengaluru now faces the harsh realities of India’s climate crisis, dealing with severe groundwater depletion, erratic rainfall, and a shrinking green cover. In response to these growing challenges, Mphasis, through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts, has partnered with United Way Bengaluru to drive an impactful campaign called “One Billion Drops”.

Since 2022, Mphasis has supported the creation of 1,338 percolation wells across Bengaluru, including in major parks and the iconic Lalbagh Botanical Garden. These percolation wells can conserve approximately 175,284 kiloliters of rainwater annually, making a significant contribution to the city’s water resources and environmental health. These wells have benefitted 251,000 members of the community. In the coming years, the goal is to reach out to approximately 225,000 beneficiaries by creating 1200 wells by 2026.

NMIMS Celebrates World Physiotherapy Day with Launch of Groundbreaking Physyog Book by Dr. Mickey Mehta and Prof. Dr. Ali Irani

Mumbai, September 11, 2024 –To celebrate World Physiotherapy Day on September 8th, SVKM’s NMIMS proudly hosted a free Physiotherapy-Yoga (Phys-Yog) session led by renowned Yoga Master Dr. Mickey Mehta. As a global pioneer in holistic healing and wellness, Dr. Mehta provided valuable insights into back care, aligning with this year’s theme of ‘Low Back Pain.’ To celebrate the occasion of Physiotherapy Day, Global leading holistic health and spiritual guru, Dr. Mickey Mehta and esteemed physiotherapy expert Prof. Dr. Ali Irani have also launched their ground-breaking book, Physyog: An Evolution of Physiotherapy, A Revolution with Yoga, at SVKM’s NMIMS.

The book is authored by Dr. Rebekah Martyres and Dr. Dhara Shah, with editorial contributions from Dr. Mansi Bhartiya. It is dedicated to Yogacharya B.K.S. Iyengar and the Grand Master of Physiotherapy, Dr. Ali Irani.

In partnership with SVKM‘s NMIMS, Physyog aims to become an integral part, with plans to launch specialized programs and diploma courses based on the book’s teachings. The authors will also introduce Physyog to the Indian Association of Physiotherapy, the Indian Medical Association, and will forward it to the AYUSH Ministry for further collaboration. NMIMS offers a wide range of programs in various disciplines. Known for its academic excellence, NMIMS continues to pioneer innovative educational initiatives, including the integration of Physyog into its curriculum.

Physyog is more than just a book—it is the culmination of years of exploration, experience, and a deep belief that true healing transcends the boundaries of just one system of the body. This innovative work bridges the ancient wisdom of yoga with the modern science of physiotherapy, offering a holistic approach to health and wellness.

The primary objective of Physyog is to transform the conventional approach to healing by integrating empathy, sympathy, and care with advanced breath work techniques, a deep understanding of the autonomic nervous system, and the interplay of biochemistry and biomechanics. By harmonizing these elements with a meditative state of mind, Physyog guides physiotherapists & Yoga therapists on a journey from being mere practitioners to becoming true healers. This approach fosters a holistic connection between the body and mind, enabling medical professionals to provide care that not only cures physical ailments but also nurtures the overall well-being of their patients. The vision behind Physyog is to build a bridge between Yoga and Physiotherapy for comprehensive holistic care by imbibing the synergy between motion and thoughts.

“PhysYog is where movement heals, and breath transforms the subtle layers of our being,” says Dr. Dhara Shah, author of Physyog.

“Yoga and Physiotherapy unite, bringing balance and strength to the journey of healing,” adds Dr. Mansi Bhartiya, editor of the book.

“Yog awakens the spirit, heals the body by grounding the mind,” emphasizes Dr. Rebekah Martyres, author of Physyog.

“A Vedic perspective to health, healing, and wholeness—medicine cures, nature heals,” remarks Dr. Mickey Mehta, Global Leading Holistic Health Guru

“Born again with Physyog,” states Prof. Dr. Ali Irani, HOD, Dept. of Physiotherapy, Sports Medicine & Rehabilitation, Nanavati Max Super Specialty Hospital, and Hon. Professor at SVKM’s NMIMS.