Category Archives: News

Hungama’s Heftyverse and Bhamla Foundation join forces for a greener tomorrow Introduces a pioneering initiative, ‘Ecotainment

India, 14th May 2024: Heftyverse, an innovative Metaverse initiative by Hungama Digital Media, joins hands with Bhamla Foundation to introduce Ecotainment, a groundbreaking sustainability initiative within the Heftyverse universe. This collaboration marks a significant step towards merging entertainment with environmental conservation, reinforcing our commitment to creating a greener, more sustainable future.

The ‘Ecotainment’ initiative is a pioneering project by Hungama within the Heftyverse platform, where users can participate in environmental conservation efforts while enjoying immersive entertainment experiences. The initiative revolves around the concept of “Digital Trees,” wherein real trees are planted for users who purchase tickets for events presented by or partnered with Hungama. Each real-world tree sprouts a digital twin within the Heftyverse, allowing users to adopt, nurture, and interact with their virtual saplings in a vibrant digital ecosystem.

Expressing his excitement about the pioneering initiative, Neeraj Roy, Founder and MD, Hungama Digital Media, said, “At Hungama, we believe in the power of entertainment to inspire positive change. With Ecotainment, we’re taking this belief to the next level by seamlessly integrating environmental sustainability into our platform. It’s not just about entertaining our users; it’s about empowering them to make a tangible difference in the world. Teaming up with Bhamla Foundation for this pioneering initiative marks a significant milestone for Heftyverse and Hungama Digital Entertainment.”

Asif Bhamla, Founder, Bhamla Foundation, said, “We are delighted to join hands with Hungama’s Heftyverse for the Ecotainment initiative. By combining entertainment with environmental consciousness, we can reach and engage millions of people in the fight against climate change. Together, we can make a real impact and create a healthier planet for future generations.”

There is A Lot of Similarity Between the Battlefield and the Business World Says Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth

Jaipur: To mark the Silver Jubilee of Data Ingenious Global Limited (formerly Data Infosys), Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth (AVSM), Army Commander, South Western Command, gave an exciting presentation comparing the battlefield with the business world. Addressing his thoughts on the event’s theme, Bharat@2047, Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth said there is a ‘VUCA’ in both situations – an environment of Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity and Ambiguity.

Furthermore, he effectively compared how ‘Strike’ (Strategic Thinking, Resilience, Initiative and Innovation, Know Yourself and Know Your Adversary and Effective Leadership) can be applied on the battlefield as well as in the corporate world. For ‘Strategic Thinking’ he quoted the example of Bangladesh’s independence while comparing it with the business world; For ‘resilience’, he gave the example of the Battle of Longewala; For ‘Initiatives’, he mentioned Operation-Siachen Glacier: 1984; For ‘innovation’ he gave the examples of ‘Crossing of Meghna River’ and drone technology. Finally, for ‘effective leadership’, he talked about the Kargil War of 1999.

Another eminent speaker, Mr. Sharad Sharma, Founder, iSpirit Foundation, talked about Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI). He explained how the DPI revolution is creating new opportunities in India. He further explained that India has introduced ‘techno-legal regulation’, which focuses on public policy (laws and regulations) and public technology (platforms and protocols). He also highlighted that the world is interested in DPI to avoid digital colonization.

In addition, a panel discussion on the topic ‘Unleashing India’s AI Potential: Building a World Class AI Ecosystem by 2047’ was also organized on this occasion. Other prominent speakers like JagdishMitra, Executive Committee, NASSCOM and Board Member, NSDC; Founder of FarEye, Gautam Kumar; and Sunil Gupta, Founder of QNULabs, also expressed their views on the theme. The session was chaired by CP Gurnani, former CEO & MD, Tech Mahindra and Founder, AIOps.

During the event, Data Ingenious Global Limited also launched the project ‘Private GPT & AI Reply’ for the first time in India. Ajay Data, Managing Director, Data Group of Industries, addressed the distinguished guests and highlighted the company’s 25-year-long journey as an epitome of innovation, tenacity and success. He said entrepreneurship is not about walking alone but about walking together and building a community. On this occasion, the development and journey of the company was shown through a presentation. The program started with lighting the lamp by Babulal Data, Chairman, Data Ingenious GlobalLimited and Lieutenant General Dheeraj Seth. During this, the children also performed Ganesh Vandana.

Pharmacists will be valued the most in the next five years: declared President of the Pharmacy Council of India at LPU

India: The President of the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), Dr. Montu Patel, made a significant declaration during the International Conference on Recent Advances in Health Sciences (ICRAHS-2024) held at Lovely Professional University (LPU). Dr. Patel highlighted the growing importance of pharmacists in the next five years and expressed the belief that they will be the most valued professionals in the industry.

Dr. Montu Patel emphasized the need to bridge the gap between the pharmacy industry and academia and encouraged students to embrace modern health education systems with the support of all stakeholders. He also mentioned that the PCI is actively working to ensure that pharmacists can earn well by utilizing their expertise, similar to other practicing professionals like dieticians and cosmetologists.

Rajya Sabha Member & LPU’s Founder Chancellor, Dr Ashok Kumar Mittal presided over the inaugural ceremony of the conference. Congratulating all under the umbrella of PCI, Dr Mittal shared that by encouraging digitalization, the PCI has turned paperless and is making many other revolutionary strides for the advantage of pharmacy students as well as the general public.

Inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of “Jai Anusandhan”, initially propagated at the LPU campus, India invented COVID-19 vaccine to cure 50% of the world’s population and more than 100 crores of Indians. It was the first outcome of this vision with immense research and implementation thereof by pharmacy professionals. Presently, India is the world’s 3rd largest supplier of low-cost generics, vaccines and affordable medicines. It is all because of the Pharmacy Council’s sincere efforts. Dr Mittal motivated all at the conference to continue doing better in the pharmacy industry and education.

The conference, organized by LPU’s School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, saw the participation of over 700 delegates from various Indian states and countries worldwide. The event included both online and offline presentations, with more than 400 online and 250 offline presentations delivered.

Several international guest speakers, including Prof. Kamal Dua from Australia, Dr. Yetty from Indonesia, and Dr. Rajiv K. Singla from China, congratulated the Chairperson of the Conference, Prof. Dr. Monica Gulati, for her efforts in balancing pharmacy education and industry needs. Additionally, an online pharmacy journal related to the conference was also launched. Keynote addresses by Prof. Vandana Patravale (ICT, Mumbai), Dr Anil Kumar (PU, Chandigarh) and Dr Harish Dureja (MDU, Rohtak) were highly appreciated by the delegates.

Lovely Professional University is accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) with an A++ Grade and has also accreditation from the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI). The university has a strong placement record and is renowned globally for its exceptional pharmacy program. Furthermore, LPU secured a prominent position in the QS World University Rankings by Subjects-2024, ranking 9th among all top government and private Indian universities for Pharmacy and Pharmacology.

The event also witnessed the presence of other distinguished guests from the PCI, including Sh. Sushil Bansal (President, Punjab State Pharmacy Council), Dr. Deependra Singh (PCI), Dr. Dharmender Singh (EC Member, PCI), Sh. Sukhwinder Pal (CC Member, PCI), Sh. Gopal Krishan Sharma (President, HP State Pharmacy Council), Sh. Sushil Sudan, and Dr. Jasbir Singh (Registrar, Punjab State Pharmacy Council).

Akshayakalpa Organic’s launches ‘A Letter of Gratitude’ Mother’s Day Initiative: Honouring Mother Farmers with Gratitude

India, 14 May 2024: In the bustling rhythm of our cities, let us pause to celebrate the timeless bond of motherhood. In a tribute to the often unsung heroes of agriculture, Akshayakalpa Organic launched a campaign this Mother’s Day. The campaign inspires consumers to extend their gratitude to the mother farmers who tirelessly provide nourishment to our tables. Through this, urban mothers eagerly sought out invaluable tips and hacks from their rural peers on the art of parenting. This mutual sharing of wisdom not only celebrates the diverse experiences of motherhood but also strengthens bonds across different communities, fostering a sense of solidarity and support among mothers everywhere.

Akshayakalpa Organic Mother’s Day Campaign 2024The aim of this initiative is to create a bridge between city mothers and their rural counterparts. Mothers were invited to express their appreciation through letters of gratitude to farmer mothers, fostering an exchange of acknowledgment, respect and tips and tricks of parenthood. Additionally, the campaign also encouraged families to actively participate and invited them to craft letters of gratitude addressed to these dedicated women farmers. It provided an opportunity for individuals to share personal stories and express heartfelt appreciation for their ceaseless dedication.

Akshayakalpa Organic aims to foster a deeper connection between urban consumers and rural farmers using this campaign as a medium for the same.

Mr. Shashi Kumar, Co-Founder and CEO of Akshayakalpa Organic, emphasizes, “At Akshayakalpa Organic, we honor the profound impact of mother farmers on our food systems, ensuring access to nutritious, sustainable produce. This Mother’s Day, we urge city residents to recognize the dedication, resilience, and love that mother farmers infuse into their work. Through this initiative, we aim to bridge the urban-rural gap, fostering a deeper connection between consumers and the agricultural heartland. Our goal is not only to express gratitude to mother farmers but also to educate future generations about the pivotal role of farmers in our lives. By promoting the good food movement and connecting consumers directly to the source of their food, we take a significant step towards building a more sustainable and conscientious food culture.”

Akshayakalpa Organic hopes that this campaign will not only honour the invaluable contributions of mother farmers but also inspire a deeper connection between consumers and the origins of their food. As we celebrate Mother’s Day, let us extend our appreciation beyond our own homes and recognize the dedication and love that sustain us all.

HCL Concerts Unveils “The Great Indian Classical Podcast” – One of the First Series Focused on Conversations around Indian Classical Music

New Delhi, 14 May 2024: HCL Concerts, an initiative dedicated to preserving and promoting the Indian classical performing arts unveiled, “The Great Indian Classical Podcast with Nirali Kartik,” one of the first series dedicated to conversations around Indian Classical Music. The inaugural season, comprising 10 episodes, will be aired every alternate Tuesday from 14th May to 17th September 2024. The first edition will feature veteran classical music artists including Taufiq Qureshi (Percussions), Rakesh Chaurasia (Flute), N Rajam (Violin), Yogesh Samsi (Tabla), Sanjeev Abhyankar (Vocals) and Rupak Kulkarni (Flute) among others. The podcast will be hosted by renowned classical vocalist Nirali Kartik and would be available on HCL Concerts’ YouTube, Facebook, Instagram handles and everywhere you listen to your podcasts.

Nirali has captivated audiences worldwide with her soul-stirring performances. The hour-long episodes of podcasts will offer insights into the featured artist’s history, personal journey, and professional evolution. The first episode will feature Taufiq Qureshi, a percussionist whose innovative fusion of African Djembe with Indian rhythmic compositions has left an indelible mark on the music landscape of India. Listeners can expect an insightful conversation with Qureshi, offering a glimpse into his artistic journey and unique musical contributions.

Nirali Kartik said, “Indian classical music is one of the finest musical art forms in the world. There is a process to attain mastery of this art form and my focus as the host is to bring out the nuances of this process from our esteemed maestros. Being a curious learner and a musician, I am grateful to HCL for supporting my dream of doing a podcast with the maestros of Hindustani Classical Music. This will be of immense benefit for music students as well as anyone who wants to know more about our heritage music.”

Anshul Adhikari, Head of HCL Concerts, said, “Podcasting has emerged as one of the most versatile and accessible storytelling mediums across the globe. This series reflects HCL Concerts’ commitment to supporting and nurturing Indian classical performing arts and amplifying classical musicians’ voices and potential worldwide. Nirali Kartik’s dedication to the genre and her strong connection, especially with younger audiences, make her an ideal host, bridging classical music with contemporary platforms.”

Brace yourself to go on a hilarious bromantic journey as Amazon miniTV unveils the quirky trailer of its upcoming series Namacool

Mumbai, 13 May 2024: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, today unveiled the highly anticipated trailer of its upcoming comedy-drama series,Namacool. Set inLucknow, the trailer features two inseparable friends, Mayank and Piyushwho are far from royal and yearn for fame as they enter their second year of college. The duo finds themselves in a series of hilarious misfortunes that sets off a journey of comedy, romance, and crime as they attempt to unfold the true definition of manhood. Directed by Ritam Shrivastava and written byShantanu Srivastava, this seven-episode series features Hina Khan, Abhinav Sharma, Aaron Koul, Abhishek Bajaj, Anushka Kaushik, Faisal Malik, and Aadil Khan in pivotal roles. This comedy drama is produced by Reliance Entertainment Studios.

Namacool follows the lives of Mayank and Piyush as they uncover the true essence of manhood.Fate leads them to stumble upon new friends, foes, and love interests that set their lives spiralling into a world of confusion, comedy, and drama. Packed with enthralling twists and turns, viewers will be on the edge of their seats as the story of this laugh riot unfolds upon them.

Sharing his thoughts on the upcoming series, Amogh Dusad, Head of Content, Amazon miniTV, said, “Namacool aims to have a refreshing take on the comedy-drama genre through its quirky storytelling. It’s a story that will resonate strongly with audiences in the Hindi heartland through its dialogues, screenplay and much more. We’re certain that it will strike a chord with viewers who will definitely want more!”

Expressing her excitement about portraying the charming and enigmatic Rubiya, Hina Khan shared, “As an artist, collaborating with Amazon miniTV for the first time has been an exhilarating experience. Working on Namacool has been nothing short of amazing, and I’m truly delighted to be a part of such a fantastic project. It’s a quintessential comedy-drama, a laughter riot that will surely etch a special place in the hearts of audiences nationwide. I can’t wait for them to join us on this entertaining ride that will leave them in splits.”
“Being a part of Namacool has been like stepping into a world where every moment is a blend of comedy, chaos, and honest heartfelt moments. Portraying the character of Mayank has been a journey of self-discovery, where I’ve explored the highs and lows of friendship, love, and the hilarious mishaps that shape us. Working on this project with Amazon miniTV and an extremely talented cast and crew has been a wonderful experience, and I’m thrilled to invite viewers to embark on this journey with us.” shared Abhinav Sharma, who is essaying the role of Mayank in the series.

Namacoolwill premiere on 17 May exclusively on Amazon miniTV, available at the click of a button on Amazon’s shopping app, Playstore, and Fire TV!

REHAU Continues to Empower Carpentry Community with ‘Carpenter Meet’ Program

New Delhi, May 13 2024 – Building upon its commitment to empower carpenters nationwide, REHAU, a leading provider of polymer-based solutions, proudly announces the continued success of its ‘Carpenter Meet’ program. In alignment with its pledge to cover 2000 carpenters, REHAU has achieved a significant milestone by engaging approximately 250 carpenters since the inception of the program in January 2024.

Last year, REHAU unveiled its ambitious plan to train over 2,000 carpenters in its ground-breaking ‘Carpenter Meet’ program, aimed at revolutionizing the furniture industry by enhancing the skills and capabilities of its key stakeholders. Today, as we provide a quarterly update, we are pleased to report that we have successfully engaged with approximately 250 carpenters by the end of April 2024, marking a significant step towards achieving our overarching goal.

Under the visionary leadership of Mr. Faiz Ahmed, Managing Director of REHAU India, the ‘Carpenter Meet’ program continues to serve as a cornerstone for fostering excellence within the carpentry community. Through interactive sessions and hands-on training, carpenters gain invaluable insights into REHAU’s innovative products and industry best practices, enabling them to deliver superior craftsmanship and customer satisfaction.

With a commitment to driving positive change within the furniture industry, REHAU remains dedicated to expanding the reach of the ‘Carpenter Meet’ program. This year, we are targeting to cover at least 1000 carpenters, further cementing our position as a catalyst for upskilling initiatives and industry transformation.

As REHAU celebrates its legacy of excellence in India, the company remains steadfast in its mission to advance the skills and capabilities of carpenters nationwide. Through transparent quarterly progress updates, REHAU will continue to share its achievements and milestones, reaffirming its commitment to driving innovation and excellence within the furniture industry.

AIWA India’s MomFriendly Campaign Celebrates Mother’s Day with Luxury Acoustics

India, May’24 – As Mother’s Day approaches, AIWA India, the renowned audio technology brand, is excited to announce its latest digital campaign, #MomFriendly, celebrating the multifaceted roles of mothers and the versatility of AIWA India’s Luxury Acoustics.

The objective of the campaign is to spotlight the parallel between the adaptability of moms in their various roles and the portability of Luxury Acoustics by AIWA India. Through this initiative, AIWA India aims to enhance brand awareness, foster engagement, and underscore the user-friendliness of its products.

“With our #MomFriendly campaign, we seek to honour the incredible moms who effortlessly juggle different responsibilities while showcasing how AIWA India’s Luxury Acoustics complement their dynamic lifestyles,” said Mr. Ajay Mehta, Managing Director at AIWA India. “We’re excited to curate visually stunning content that not only extends warm Mother’s Day wishes but also highlights Luxury Acoustics as the perfect gifting solution,” he added.

The campaign will feature five captivating creatives across Instagram, Meta (formerly Facebook), and YouTube. These visuals will spotlight Luxury Acoustics, emphasising their user-friendly retro design and portability. Each creative will be accompanied by joyful copies and vibrant visuals depicting the special bond between mothers and children. The campaign hashtag, #MomFriendly, will be integrated into the captions to amplify its reach and engagement.

At the heart of the campaign lies AIWA India’s Luxury Acoustics, renowned for their exquisite craftsmanship, superior audio quality, and elegant design. Through the campaign visuals and messaging, AIWA India will showcase how these products seamlessly integrate into mothers’ lives, catering to their diverse roles and accompanying them wherever they go.

Mothers Against Vaping celebrates mother-child bond with Special Mother’s Day Campaign

New Delhi, 13 May 2024: Mothers Against Vaping, a united front of concerned mothers combatting the escalating vaping crisis among our youth, on the occasion of Mother’s Day has launched a unique campaign. The campaign seeks to transform the customary act of giving gifts on Mother’s Day into a powerful pledge from children to their mothers – a promise to never touch new-age gateway devices like vapes and e-cigarettes.

By taking this pledge, children are not only expressing their appreciation for their mothers but also safeguarding themselves against the dangers of addiction and associated health risks posed by these new-age devices.

In the spirit of Mother’s Day, Mothers Against Vaping believes that the greatest gift a child can give to their mother is a commitment to prioritize their health and well-being by rejecting such harmful new-age addictive devices. These devices come in various forms including vapes, e-cigarettes and ‘heat-not-burn’ pens and are loaded with harmful substances like nicotine, diacetyl which are linked to serious lung disease. These devices also include cancer-causing chemicals and heavy metals like nickel, tin and lead.

Talking about the relevance of such a campaign, Dr. Bhavna Barmi, Clinical Psychologist, Founder, Happiness Studio said, “These new-age devices come in attractive appearances and child-friendly flavours but are a serious threat as children once addicted to these gateway devices can be lured into experimenting with more harmful substances. We need more such innovative campaigns to spread awareness among children as well as parents to highlight the dangers of vaping.”

“It is a mother’s right to safeguard the health of her children above all else and Mother’s Day is a beautiful occasion to highlight this aspect of a mother-child bond. By pledging to abstain from vaping, children are not only expressing their love for their mothers but also making a conscious and wise choice to prioritize their own health and well-being. Such choices set them on a path of happiness and a contended life, free from any addictive behaviours,” Dr. Barmi added.

The week-long “Mother’s Day Pledge Campaign,” is already underway and will lead up to Mother’s Day on May 12, 2024. During the campaign, Mothers Against Vaping is encouraging all mothers to join the campaign and initiate conversations with their children about the dangers of vaping. By fostering open communication and setting positive examples, mothers can play a pivotal role in steering their children away from these harmful habits and towards healthier lifestyles.