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Lotte Choco Pie Takes Its Love & Lotte Campaign to Rural India

Bengaluru, 05th August, 2024: Lotte India, one of India’s leading confectionery brands has rolled out its Rural Van Campaign across important markets in the country, through a series of engaging on-ground activation initiatives. Spread across four key states—Bihar, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh, the rural activation aims to bolster the brand’s category leadership further, by penetrating tier 3 and tier 4 markets, recognizing their vast potential.

As part of the campaign, Lotte Choco Pie‘s brightly designed red vans will traverse through districts, towns, and villages across the four states for more than three months. The campaign aims to spread awareness of the delightful Lotte Choco Pie to a broader audience and connect with more families and children. The vans will stop at schools and popular crowded spots to engage with the consumers by conducting fun activities, including dance, games, and quizzes. Adding to the excitement, a charming Choco Pie-shaped mascot will join the festivities, capturing the hearts of both children and adults, reinforcing the campaign’s themes of celebration and gratitude.

Mr. Milan Wahi, Managing Director of Lotte India, stated, “At Lotte, we are excited to launch our van campaign in the rural regions of four key states, where we have recognized a growing demand for quality products. We see a tremendous opportunity to connect more deeply with consumers. Our leadership in the category is a testament to our deep understanding of consumer preferences and our ability to adapt to their evolving needs. Lotte Choco Pie is cherished by all, irrespective of their age. This campaign allows us to get closer to our consumers in the rural markets that have been instrumental in driving our growth. As these markets have shown a remarkable potential, we are committed to continuing our significant investments here. Our aim is not only to boost Lotte Choco Pie’s market share in these areas but also to build lasting awareness and loyalty among our consumers. We believe our van campaign helps in strengthening our commitment of spreading joy and celebration by cementing our leadership in the Indian confectionery market.”

Lotte rolled out the Love & Lotte Campaign nationally in October 2023 with the aim of further strengthening the brand’s connection and bringing it closer to the hearts of consumers. The creatively envisaged campaign dabbles in modern lingos, emotions, and more, aiming to celebrate everyday moments with Lotte’s Choco Pie. In its first phase, Lotte released four joyful TVCs as part of the integrated campaign.

With the second phase of the campaign centred around rural regions, the brand aims to make Lotte Choco Pie a popular choice of snack and confectionery amongst rural consumers. This extensive campaign not only promises to elevate brand awareness and loyalty but also to spread joy and celebration throughout rural India.

Fairmont Jaipur Unveils Zarin- The Pan Asian Restaurant

Saturday, 5th August 2024: Fairmont Jaipur, the first luxurious outpost of the hotel chain in India, is delighted to announce the launch of Zarin- The Pan Asian Restaurant, set to open its doors on 3rd August, 2024. Derived from the old Persian word for “golden,” Zarin is set to elevate Jaipur’s gastronomic scene with its unmatched Asian cuisine and spectacular dining experiences. This remarkable restaurant at Fairmont Jaipur promises to take guests on a captivating culinary journey, showcasing a blend of multicultural dishes from diverse cultures and origins across Southeast Asia.

 On August 3rd, Fairmont Jaipur hosted a grand launch event for Zarin, creating an evening to remember. Attendees included some of Jaipur’s high-net-worth individuals (HNIs), who were treated to an evening brimming with culinary excitement, live music, and exceptional drinks.

 Zarin presented a myriad of distinctive features that set it apart as a destination for discerning food enthusiasts. The evening’s highlight was a theatrical culinary presentation inspired by the flavours of China, Japan, and Thailand. Chefs displayed their exceptional skills in a captivating performance, transforming cooking into an art form. The menu featured exquisite preparations such as Green Paradise Dragon Roll, Crispy Lotus Roots, Sambal Tiger Prawns, Asparagus & Mushroom Kothe, Lamb & Cilantro Gyoza, Burmese Khao Suey, Kari Ayam, Chilli Garlic Lobster, and the famous Homestyle Black Pepper Crab. The experience concluded with signature desserts like Tob Tim Grob and Fried Lavender & Charcoal Ice Cream.

 The atmosphere was further enlivened by live music, creating a vibrant and dynamic setting for the celebration.

 The Cocktail Bar beckoned guests to indulge in Imperial Elixirs inspired cocktails, accompanied by pre-meal drinks and delectable small bites at the community table. For those seeking an alfresco dining experience, the outdoor venue provided casual seating and easy access to the bar, enhancing the overall dining ambiance.

 Adding a touch of tradition and spirituality, the guests at Zarin are welcomed by the Gong Ritual, a captivating homage to nature’s harmony. With a gentle strike of the mallet, the resonant gong emits a sacred sound, symbolizing joy and resilience, setting the stage for an exquisite dining experience.

 Among the highlights of Zarin is the Teppanyaki Room, an intera

 tive dining space. In this elegant setting, guests are treated to a mesmerizing display of culinary artistry as skilled chefs transform fresh ingredients into delectables dishes on the teppanyaki grill, right in front of you.

 To further enrich the restaurant experience, Zarin embraces the Asian tea culture by offering a selection of blossom teas and a Samurai tea service. Guests are invited to immerse themselves in tradition.

 Tea Ritual, guided by the timeless principles of Harmony (wa), Respect (kei), Purity (sei), and Tranquility (jaku). Fragrant jasmine tea is served throughout the meal in the traditional “Samurai” style. Traditional Japanese cast iron tea sets called lymph are used to make tea resulting in a mellow, sweeter cup.

 Mr. Rajat Sethi, General Manager at Fairmont Jaipur, expressed his delight at the launch, stating, “We are thrilled to bring this immersive dining experience to Jaipur, offering a perfect blend of tradition, innovation, and impeccable service. We look forward to welcoming guests to this extraordinary culinary journey.”

 “At Zarin, we meticulously curate the dining experience using the finest ingredients sourced from around the world. Our goal is to create authentic and captivating dishes that mesmerize the palate. Some of our standout creations include Flying Noodles, Sambal Crunchy Chicken with Asian Greens, and Five-Spiced Chocolate Fondant with Coconut and Jaggery Ice Cream,” said Chef Mihir – Executive Chef

 Zarin stands alone as the premier fine dining destination in the region, providing an authentic Teppanyaki experience. Our menu showcases an exquisite selection of sushi and sashimi, alongside our signature dish—the meticulously prepared Peking Duck, slow-cooked for nearly 22 hours,” Chef Surendra – Senior Sous Chef – Zarin

 Embark on a golden culinary journey and discover the enchanting world of Zarin- the Pan Asian Restaurant at Fairmont Jaipur. Experience the fusion of flavor’s, stunning ambiance, and finest service that is sure to turn moments into memories.

Siddesh Sawant triumphs in Race 2 of Round 3 of 2024 IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup NSF250R in Chennai

Chennai, 05 August 2024: After witnessing an action-packed Race 1 yesterday, the young riders of Honda Racing India displayed an adrenaline-pumping performance in Race 2 of Round 3 of the 2024 IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup NSF250R at Madras International Circuit (MIC, previously known as Madras Motor Race Track) today in Chennai.

With engines revving and hearts racing, young riders displayed their racing prowess on the racetrack today. Race 2 was an amalgamation of action and excitement showcased by Siddesh Sawant, the 22 year old from Kolhapur emerging as the undisputed leader of IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup NSF250R category. He displayed his best skills on the track today and secured the first position with a total race time of 15:11.679 for 8 laps. He executed strategic maneuvers overtaking the other riders with precision, skill, and perfect timing.

Following closely was Savion Sabu, the 16 year old from Bangalore. From the start of the race, he displayed a strategic approach, pushing his limits and challenging his competitors with every lap. His aggressive racing style, combined with his strategic mind, made him secure the second position with a total race time of 15:14.661.

Finishing at third position was Beedani Rajender, the 19 year old from Hyderabad. His ability to maintain a high pace while strategically overtaking competitors demonstrated his understanding of race dynamics. He completed the 8-lap race with a total time of 15:25.784.

Unfortunately, four riders Mohsin Paramban, Prakash Kamat, Shyam Shundar and Rakshitha S Dave could not finish the race.

IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup

The IDEMITSU Honda India Talent Cup is a prestigious platform designed to develop and nurture the next generation of riders for both national and international championships. It serves as a stepping-stone for young riders aspiring to reach higher levels of racing. The championship features Honda NSF250R motorcycles, purpose-built for Moto3 racing, providing a competitive platform. With its lightweight chassis, powerful engine, and aerodynamic bodywork, the NSF250R offers optimal performance on the track. The primary objective of the championship is to identify and nurture talented riders, providing them with professional training. By offering a well-defined pathway, the IDEMITSU Honda Indian Talent Cup NSF250R paves the way for Indian riders to enter the realm of professional motorcycle racing.

The 2024 season will have five rounds beginning with the season opener at the Madras International Circuit (Chennai) from 14-16 June 2024. The third round is ongoing from 2-4 August 2024. Subsequent races i.e. 4th & 5th round will continue at the same venue, scheduled for September and October in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

Appdome Unveils GenAI-Powered Mobile Threat Resolution

August 5, 2024 – India- Appdome, the experience leader in mobile defense, today announced its new Threat Resolution Center, powered by GenAI. The new service enables mobile support teams to instantly identify mobile threats, generate context-specific resolution steps, and improve threat response for all stakeholders. Appdome will be demonstrating the new GenAI powered Threat Resolution Center live at the upcoming Black Hat USA cybersecurity conference in Las Vegas Aug. 7 and 8.

The scope, diversity, and sophistication of mobile threats are exploding. This, combined with the proliferation of malware, spyware and AI-based threats, means that the risk to mobile identity, data and transactions is higher than ever. Legacy mobile app security, anti-fraud and other products don’t consider the user experience. When mobile attacks happen, mobile end users are typically locked out of their accounts and left confused, frustrated, and flying blind. Likewise, understanding, and troubleshooting mobile cyber-attacks and threats is complex, time consuming and costly – for the mobile brand, enterprise and user.

The new Appdome Threat Resolution Center leverages the power of GenAI to provide real-time, context-specific, step-by-step guidance for end users to resolve threats and attacks on mobile devices quickly. This gives mobile support teams and end users the information they need to get past any attack fast. It also shrinks the mobile attack surface by speeding removal of mobile threats on end user devices. Mobile support teams also realize a boost in productivity by delivering faster mean time to resolution (MTTR) and reducing overall cost of threat response for all end users.

“We’ve been evaluating LLMs and GenAI as part of the threat response lifecycle since GenAI came on the scene,” said Tom Tovar, co-creator and CEO at Appdome. “Threat Resolution Center leverages two new innovations at Appdome – our new ThreatCode™ and Threat Resolution Agent™ – with GenAI to quickly synthetize massive amounts of unstructured data into step-by-step instructions that stop cyberattacks, malware and other threats on mobile end user devices fast.”

Fraud, malware and other attacks, combined with limited attack data and poor resolutions destroy the mobile experience. When cyberattacks happen, fire-drills arise between cyber and support teams. Triage, diagnosis and removing threats from mobile devices is extremely complex, time-consuming and challenging due to the immense diversity and dynamic nature of (a) mobile exploits, tools and malware, (b) mobile devices, (c) mobile operating systems (OS), (d) mobile networks and (e) other factors. To make matters worse, many forms of malware can hide inside other mobile apps, and access mobile apps via accessibility, custom keyboards and other settings. What works to remove a threat on one mobile device, mobile OS and network will not work for a different threat on a different mobile device, mobile OS and network.

“The mobile ecosystem is diverse, with seemingly endless permutations of apps, exploits, operating systems, and device types. Detecting and removing threats and attacks can feel impossibly difficult, let alone doing so with the user experience in mind,” said Katie Norton, Research Manager, DevSecOps and Software Supply Chain Security at IDC. “Appdome’s ThreatCode and Threat Resolution Agent aim to address this challenge by leveraging RAG-optimized GenAI, automatically creating and chaining GenAI prompts to bring threat-specific, context-aware instructions that seek to balance quick threat resolution with a high-quality user experience.”

How Appdome Threat Resolution Center Works

When an attack or threat is detected by an Appdome-protected mobile app, the Appdome Defense Framework in a mobile app dynamically generates a context-specific ThreatCode™. The ThreatCode is encoded with detailed and specific data about the threat, attack method, device, OS and other information, providing the DNA of each attack on the mobile end user’s device. Support, engineering or cyber personnel at mobile brands and enterprises enter the ThreatCode into Appdome’s Threat Resolution Center where Appdome’s Threat Resolution Agent™ generates the GenAI-prompts using retrieval augmented generation (RAG) to query and optimize responses from GenAI for the attack. The resolution response includes how to identify and understand the attack, how to find the attack, and the step-by-step instructions to remediate or remove the mobile threat on the end user’s device, creating – for the first time – true self-service threat response and real-time threat resolution for mobile end users.

“Better threat resolution is critical to better brand loyalty and the best end user experience,” said Chris Roeckl, Chief Product Officer at Appdome. “Legacy products get in the way of app experience, doing little more than crashing the app with no data about the attack and no way to help the user. Appdome, by comparison, puts the user first – first by removing the engineering burden and now, by removing the support burden from the cyber defense lifecycle.”

Appdome will be demonstrating its new Threat Resolution Center at the Black Hat Conference in Las Vegas Aug. 7-8, 2024 at booth #1350.

75% of Industry Leaders See Responsible AI as Key to Better Decision-Making – Primus Partners Report

Mumbai, 05 August 2024: Primus Partners today released an influential report titled ‘Responsible by Design: Industry’s Perspective on India’s AI Framework’, presenting a detailed study of the responsible and ethical AI ecosystem in India from the industry lens. The report advocates ethical, transparent, and accountable AI practices while outlining possible enforcement mechanisms for AI regulations in India.

The report offers an in-depth analysis of India’s current AI landscape and focuses on critical aspects of responsible AI development and governance. The study comes at a crucial time as India positions itself at the forefront of global AI innovation while addressing the ethical challenges posed by rapid technological advancement.

Devroop Dhar, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Primus Partners, stressed the importance of responsible AI development: “India’s current AI landscape reflects a segment full of opportunities. As we journey towards becoming a trillion-dollar digital economy, we must adopt a balanced approach to AI governance. This involves leveraging AI for its economic benefits while ensuring robust regulatory frameworks that can prevent or curb risks such as deepfakes by promoting ethical standards. As AI’s influence is driving significant advancements and efficiencies across diverse industries worldwide, responsible use of AI should be a shared global priority.”

Based on insights from industry leaders and domain experts across India, the report stresses the potential for AI to contribute up to 10% to India’s GDP by 2025 if governed responsibly. It highlights the challenges of data quality and availability (which include data scarcity, biases in datasets, and the complexities of data preparation and cleaning), noting that 76% of the industry views these as their top concerns in AI deployment. It also emphasizes that 61% of the industry prioritizes privacy and security, including threats posed by deepfakes, as a crucial principle-based element in safe AI deployment.

Other key findings from the report include:

• 53% of respondents believe that AI systems should be designed to be transparent and explainable to ensure trust and accountability
• Over 78% emphasize the need for ongoing skill development and training to keep pace with AI advancements
• 51% of surveyed industry leaders prefer a hybrid regulatory approach combining traditional frameworks with adaptive guidelines
• 47.3% believe that over-regulation and over-compliance if put in place, can become a deterrent to AI’s growth
• 67.6% of the industry believes that more PPP engagements are required in critical sectors such as health and education
• 78% of the industry views that accelerating the Ethical AI Ecosystem in India necessitates operational requisites like continuous skill development and training and Structural Realignment in core AI organizations
• 89% of the industry believes that specific regulations are essential to ensure ethical practices, accountability, and transparency in AI development and deployment

The report encompasses strategic actionable recommendations for establishing a robust framework that supports innovation while addressing the ethical challenges posed by AI. It calls for a collaborative approach between the government and the private sector to develop standards and practices that ensure AI benefits all segments of society. Additionally, the report underscores the importance of continuous learning, capacity building, voluntary product iterations and responsible adoption, and educating consumers or end-users in shaping an AI landscape that is both innovative and responsible.

InfoVision Partners with iDocsWeb to Launch ‘Doctors Anytime’

Bengaluru, August 05th, 2024, InfoVision, a global leader in digital transformation solutions, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with iDocsWeb, a premier telemedicine company, to launch “Doctors Anytime.” This innovative initiative aims to provide provider services such as overnight coverage and Specialist Clinics to regional hospitals and LTACHs across the United States.

Building on our existing collaboration, InfoVision’s advanced technology and Salesforce expertise will enhance iDocsWeb’s extensive telemedicine capabilities. Together, we aim to improve the accessibility, efficiency, and overall experience of telehealth services for patients and healthcare providers alike.

Doctors Anytime will revolutionize healthcare access for rural and underserved communities by offering 24/7 availability of medical professionals. This platform will ensure timely and effective care without the constraints of traditional healthcare systems. With seamless integration of medical consultations, follow-ups, and health management tools, Doctors Anytime meets the growing demand for convenient and comprehensive healthcare solutions.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with iDocsWeb and support the launch of Doctors Anytime,” said Sean Yalamanchi, Founder & President of InfoVision. “Leveraging advanced technology, we are driving digital transformation to reach rural and underserved communities. Our collaboration will set a new standard for healthcare delivery, ensuring innovative and equitable access to quality care.”

Dr. Suresh Nellore, CEO of iDocsWeb and practicing Infectious Disease specialist, expressed, “This initiative represents a significant step forward in our mission to make healthcare more accessible and efficient for everyone. By leveraging InfoVision’s technological prowess, we are confident in our ability to deliver a superior telemedicine experience to our users.”

InfoVision’s expertise in technology development and implementation will be crucial to the success of Doctors Anytime. Our Salesforce solutions will enable robust, scalable, and secure telehealth services, ensuring patients can connect with healthcare providers effortlessly.

Launching this year, Doctors Anytime is a testament to the commitment of both InfoVision and iDocsWeb to continuous improvement and innovation in the telehealth space. This partnership underscores our shared dedication to driving positive change in the healthcare industry through technological advancements and strategic collaboration.

NIIT Ltd. Appoints Anshumaan Prasad as Head of Marketing

New Delhi, 5, August 2024 – NIIT Ltd., a leading skills and talent development corporation announced the appointment of Mr. Anshumaan Prasad as its new Head of Marketing. In his role, Anshumaan will lead NIIT Limited’s marketing strategy and initiatives, driving growth and enhancing the brand’s presence in the industry.

Anshumaan comes with more than 13 years of experience across FMCG, FMCD, and Tech sectors, having worked with organizations such as HUL and Amazon. During his stints, he has displayed proven expertise in helping navigate businesses through various growth stages, managing resource constraints, and propelling market-leading brands. Throughout his career, Anshumaan has demonstrated a keen ability to develop and execute successful marketing campaigns, build strong brands, and lead high-performing teams.

Commenting on the appointment, Mr. Pankaj Jathar, Chief Executive Officer, NIIT Ltd., stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Anshumaan to the NIIT family. His exceptional track record in driving transformative marketing strategies, combined with his strategic acumen, positions him perfectly to lead NIIT’s growth initiatives.”

Anshumaan has a rich and diverse background, holding a dual degree from IIT Kharagpur and an MBA from IIM Bangalore. Before joining NIIT, he was a Senior Brand Manager at Amazon India where he led the mass-marketing initiatives for Amazon Prime membership and Amazon Specials, driving substantial business growth over three years.

While expressing his enthusiasm about joining NIIT, Anshumaan Prasad said, “I am honored to join NIIT as the Head of Marketing. I look forward to collaborating with the team to harness the latest trends in marketing and technology to not only strengthen brand’s market position but also drive NIIT towards even greater success in the dynamic landscape of skills and talent development.’’

ace turtle Appoints Three Senior Leaders to Drive Business Growth

Bengaluru, August 05, 2024: ace turtle, India’s leading technology-native retail company today announced the appointment of three distinguished leaders to its senior management team. Rahul Rajan has been appointed as Chief Business Officer – Retail of fashion brands, Agnes Raja George as AVP and Business Head of Wrangler & Central Planning and Jitender Singh as AVP & Business Head of Lee. These strategic hires are set to bolster ace turtle’s growth and further its goal of revolutionizing retail through technology.

Commenting on the appointments, Nitin Chhabra, CEO, ace turtle said, “We are excited to welcome Rahul, Agnes and Jitender to our leadership team. All of them bring extensive experience in retail and technology along with proven track records that will be invaluable as we continue to drive strong business growth. We continue to leverage our unique technology-driven operating model to launch new brands and scale the business of existing brands across India strengthening our position in the Indian retail industry and delivering exceptional value to our customers.”

Rahul Rajan, Chief Business Officer – Retail will help drive growth across online and offline retail channels for all the fashion brands in ace turtle’s portfolio. He joins ace turtle with 15 years of experience, including seven years as a successful business operator and previously as a strategy and investment professional. Rahul’s expertise spans P&L management, strategy and business planning, business development and creating product and tech roadmaps. He joins ace turtle from Flipkart where he played a pivotal role in building new businesses in beauty, FMCG and fast fashion, and scaling complex multi-billion-dollar apparel businesses. He holds an MBA from IIM Mumbai.

Agnes Raja George joins ace turtle as AVP & Business Head of Wrangler and Central Planning. With close to 23 years of experience in the fashion retail industry, Agnes specializes in P&L management, brand building, marketing, inventory planning, cash flow management and supply chain management. He has a proven track record in managing brands across department stores, exclusive brand stores, online marketplaces, and multi-brand outlet trade in India. Before joining ace turtle, Agnes founded and scaled the women’s wear brand De Moza and held various leadership roles at Landmark Group India, Aditya Birla Fashion and Lifestyle.

Jitender Singh, AVP & Business Head of Lee, brings 22 years of experience across online and offline channels, and across sports & fitness, lifestyle, FMCG and consumer durable categories. He has a strong background in building and leading direct and matrix teams to drive sustainable business growth. Before joining ace turtle, Jitender was Senior Director at Myntra, where he significantly grew the HRX and Nautica brands. His previous experience includes roles at Decathlon, 3M, Café Coffee Day, and TTK Prestige.

Since 2023, ace turtle has expanded its leadership team significantly to enable rapid and sustainable growth as it continues to expand its licensed brands portfolio. The company is the exclusive licensee of iconic global denim brands Lee® and Wrangler®, globally renowned toy retail chain Toys“R”Us® and Babies“R”Us® and California-based casual wear brand Dockers® for India and other South Asian markets.

OML and Artists Lead the Charge for Change: From Hunger Relief to Wildlife Conservation

India, Nationwide Release, 5th August 2024: Only Much Louder, a market-leading, full-service creative and entertainment business network, has partnered with their artists to amplify awareness for causes close to their hearts. Through support to various nonprofits, Only Much Louder and its artists have come together in a shared commitment to create meaningful change. The contribution underscores Only Much Louder’s dedication towards making a tangible difference in diverse areas such as hunger relief, wildlife conservation, animal welfare and trans people’s rehabilitation.

Speaking about the initiative, Gunjan Arya, CEO of Only Much Louder said, “At OML, we recognize that artists possess a unique ability to not only spotlight but also humanize real issues and catalyze meaningful change through their creative expression. We are collaborating with OML artists and partnering with impactful social organizations, to create lasting, meaningful change that’s driven by our shared dedication to making a difference in the world. By aligning our resources with their passions, we’re amplifying their voices and contributing to meaningful change.”

Chef Thomas Zacharias joins hands with Khaana Chahiye Foundation, an Impact organization, that works towards achieving SDG-2 ‘Zero Hunger’ in Mumbai. A registered non-profit at the forefront of the fight against hunger, Khaana Chahiye leads a grassroots citizen movement committed to positive change. With Only Much Louder’s support, two community kitchens have continued their operations, one in Ulhasnagar run by a transgender collective and another in Kurla led by a women’s self-help group. These kitchens have been instrumental in providing meals to underprivileged families, daily wage workers, and marginalized communities.

 Chef Thomas Zacharias, Chef & Founder of The Locavore, said, “Together, we’re working towards the vital mission of ensuring no one in Mumbai goes to bed hungry. It’s truly inspiring to see the community come together to make such a significant difference.”

Comedian and producer Zakir Khan firmly stands with The Chhanv Foundation, an NGO dedicated to rehabilitating acid attack survivors. Through their Sheroes Hangout cafés in Agra, Lucknow, and Noida, the foundation offers not just employment but also hope and renewed purpose to survivors. Zakir Khan, said, “The Chhanv Foundation is committed to empowering acid attack survivors by addressing their comprehensive needs, including medical treatment; education for both survivors and their children; and facilitating employment opportunities. Only Much Louder has helped me support acid attack survivors and to make a difference.”

Artists Anshula Kapoor, Raunaq Rajani, and Sahil Shah are driving force behind YODA’s mission to help stray animals through rescue and rehabilitation, and help indies find their forever homes. Anshula Kapoor said, “As an artist, embodying the ethos of YODA — compassion backed with action — means using my creative platform to make a tangible difference in the rehabilitation of injured and neglected stray animals and providing them with a safe abode.”

Stand-up comedian and digital creator Sahil Shah, said, “YODA’s consolidated approach to helping stray animals resonates deeply with me. Partnering with Only Much Louder to support YODA’s mission is a cause I’m passionately committed to. I’m eager to lend my support in any way possible to help make a positive impact in the lives of indies.”

Stand-up comedian and digital creator, Raunaq Rajani, said, “As an artist, I am dedicated to amplifying the voices of the voiceless. With Only Much Louder, I lend my support to YODA, which was started with a vision to help abandoned and stray animals throughout the country and provide homes for them.”

Actor and creator Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju has chosen to support TWEET Foundation’s Garima Greh initiative, which will utilize the donated funds to provide essential hormones to 25 transmen. This guarantees their health and well-being for six months, while also offering them access to counseling, education, skill development, and employment opportunities. Trinetra Haldar Gummaraju, said, “Supporting TWEET Foundation’s Garima Greh is an honor. Trans people often face rejection and violence at the hands of their natal family first and foremost, leading to a massive disparity in education, healthcare and opportunity. Therefore, providing not just a home, but a sanctuary and holistic support for trans people becomes imperative. I believe in the transformative power of compassion and community, and it is only through this that we’re able to heal as individuals and contribute to society at large. I’m humbled to support a cause this transformative.”

Shaheen Bhatt has selected Wildlife SOS, an organization that protects and conserves India’s natural heritage and biodiversity. The donated funds will go towards the organization’s efforts in rescuing and rehabilitating abused or injured elephants in need. Writer and mental health activist, Shaheen Bhatt, said, “Wildlife SOS stands as a beacon for lasting change, dedicated to protecting and conserving India’s rich wildlife and biodiversity. Together, we’re paving the way for a brighter future for elephants and championing the cause of wildlife conservation.”

Actor and fitness enthusiast Bani J has chosen to support the Indian Cancer Society, an NGO that focuses on cancer awareness, early detection, diagnosis and treatment funding, post-treatment support, and rehabilitation of those belonging to underprivileged communities, in both urban and rural areas. Bani J said, “I have quite a bit of family history with cancer of all kinds, none pleasant. I know how it can bring support and people together but how it also eats you from the inside out. It’s never, ever easy. This is just a small drop in the ocean along with OML, to extend financial support for people who can’t afford treatment in the hopes of early diagnosis and to hopefully ease some of the stress cancer brings.”

Only Much Louder recognizes that art and philanthropy are deeply interconnected. The artist-first company believes in working closely with talent on matters beyond commercial endeavors to drive causes they are passionate about.

Tusharr Kumar, COO Of Only Much Louder said, “Art and artists have always been a conduit for social change. Our artists feel passionately about each of these causes and we feel privileged to come together with them to amplify the impact for each of these organizations and communities.”

Previously in 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic, Only Much Louder and YouTube had collaborated to launch “One Nation,” an 11.5-hour live streaming show featuring original content created during the lockdown. This initiative aimed to entertain, uplift spirits, and encourage mutual support during challenging times.

EquiLead wraps up its first annual conference, “Lead With Equity 2024,” – which builds an ecosystem for gender equity conversations and collaborations.

New Delhi, 5/8/24: EquiLead, a Climate Asia and Arthan Foundation initiative, successfully hosted its first annual flagship Lead With Equity conference on the theme Building Pathways Towards Women’s Leadership from July 22-24, 2024. The event, aimed at accelerating women’s leadership in the social impact sector through advancing gender diversity, equity, and inclusion in institutions, saw enthusiastic participation and support from various partners and attendees.

 The three-day conference, supported by five anchor partners and 21 ecosystem and knowledge partners, saw more than 40 thought leaders speak at the event and drew over 250 participants who engaged in in-depth discussions and workshops on key questions driving EquiLead’s mission. The event was structured around four primary themes:

 1. Inclusive and Gender Equitable Leadership Pathways: Discussions centred on designing interventions to make women’s leadership journeys more inclusive, with a focus on networking and workplace dynamics.
2. Operationalising Gender-Intentional Workplaces: Participants explored creating workplace ecosystems that support women’s representation and leadership, addressing patriarchal and power dynamics.
3. Gender Lens Approach: The complexities of a gender lens approach were discussed, emphasizing the roles of various enablers in advocating for and implementing this perspective.
4. Impact of Women’s Leadership: Inspirational stories highlighted how institutions thrive when women lead, with insights from gender equity champions and institutional leaders.

 The conference commenced with CommUnity Conversations on July 22, designed to build a community of women leaders and key actors committed to gender-equitable leadership pathways, and the day included the She the Change Brunch, co-hosted with The Asia Foundation and an Impact Connect meet-up focusing on the “Power of Human Connections.”

 July 23, the flagship ConfHERence Day, featured thought leadership sessions, panels, and networking forums. Keynote speakers included Kanta Singh (UN Women India), Neeraj Jain (PATH), Shagun Sabharwal (Co-Impact), and Julia Middleton (Women Emerging), who shared insights on accelerating gender equitable leadership.

 The day also marked the soft launch of the EquiLead online platform,which currently hosts job vacancies and information about ecosystem events and gender equity resources. The platform aims to support women in the EquiLead network by providing valuable resources and opportunities.

 Panel discussions on July 23 covered various topics under the larger theme of women’s leadership, including the strategic role of gender lens giving principles in philanthropy, the power dynamics in leadership, the importance of women’s participation in social impact leadership, and diversification of boards in the sector. The discussions emphasised the need for comprehensive support systems and inclusive workplace behaviours. A special segment called EquiLead Showcase spotlighted women-led organisations including India Development Review, Chambal Media and Perkins School for the Blind that are redefining leadership through their gender intentional practices and policies.

 The final day, July 24, was dedicated to the EquiLead Lab, which hosted knowledge sessions and workshops. Notable sessions included “Making Motherhood Work: Policies and Pitfalls in Professional Settings,” “Power Up—Boost Your Personal Brand Presence,” and “Empowering Women in Climate Careers: Building Green Skills and Leadership.”

 The conference concluded with a roundtable discussion on Accelerating Women’s Leadership in Climate Action, co-hosted by Climate Asia and EquiLead. The discussion focused on placing women at the centre of climate initiatives and addressing barriers to their participation.

 EquiLead’s “Lead with Equity” conference embodied its mission to create gender-equitable leadership pathways, offering solidarity and a network of committed leaders. The movement has begun, and EquiLead invites everyone to join this transformative journey.

 Our partners for the event include MegaDelta Capital, Climate Asia, The Asia Foundation, HT Parekh Foundation, Arthan Foundation, WomenLift Health, Treelife, Perkins India, Co-Impact, AVPN, Arthan, Parenthesis India, Greenr, Chambal Media, Quest Alliance, Aikyam Fellow, PATH, Avendus, Good Business Labs, Urja Trust, ACT Grants, Dasra, WomenLead Alliance, JustJobs Network and Purpose.