Category Archives: News

Canadian International School Celebrates Independence Day with Students and Staff from Over 40 Nationalities

Bangalore, August 16,2024: Canadian International School (CIS) celebrated India’s 78th Independence Day with a vibrant, patriotic event that highlighted the school’s diverse community, comprising students and staff from over 40 nationalities. The day was marked by a series of performances, a flag hoisting ceremony and inspiring speeches that resonated with India’s spirit of unity and freedom.

The celebration kicked off with students from Grade 1 to 12 from diverse cultural backgrounds showcasing a series of patriotic dances and songs. These performances exemplified the unity in diversity that is at the heart of CIS.

Following the performances, the Indian tricolour was hoisted with pride in the presence of students, parents, administrative staff and ground staff – symbolising the collective respect and love for the country.

“The Independence Day celebration at CIS is a beautiful melting pot where our diverse community, of over 40 nationalities, comes together to celebrate India’s independence in a truly humbling display of unity,” said Ms. Shweta Sastri, Managing Director, Canadian International School, Bangalore.

“Each year we, at CIS, are very thankful to be able to celebrate India’s Independence Day with our very diverse community members not only from all over the world, but also from all over India. The richness in diversity of India comes together in our wonderful celebration of India’s national identity and achievements over time. Happy Independence Day everybody!” added Dr. Ted Mockrish, Head of School, Canadian International School, Bangalore.

“CIS, being a culturally diverse school, had staff and students from different backgrounds and nationalities come together to celebrate Independence Day on campus. The flag hoisting was a moment I can’t describe in words – seeing people from all over the world with different nationalities and beliefs standing under and saluting one flag, the Indian flag,” said Qusai, Grade 11 student at CIS.

“Independence Day celebrations at CIS are all about celebrating each other. It’s a day that reflects the joy, respect, compassion, commitment, integrity and willingness that the diverse CIS community brings to campus everyday. As we proudly hoist our flag, we renew our commitment to value the opportunities of fostering beautiful bonds of friendship and learning something new about each other everyday,” said Ms. Lakshmi, Middle School Science Teacher at CIS.

TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship Aims to Equip 2 Million Youth with Apprenticeship Training by 2028

National 16th August 2024: TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, India’s largest privately-owned degree apprenticeship program from the house of TeamLease, is proud to reaffirm its commitment to advancing skill development and empowering the nation’s youth. Since its inception in 2014, the program has been at the forefront of bridging the skills gap in India, having trained over 1 million apprentices nationwide. With an innovative approach that seamlessly integrates theoretical learning with practical industry experience, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship has set a benchmark for effective skill development, ensuring apprentices are well-prepared for successful careers and equipped with both academic knowledge and hands-on experience.

On this World Youth Day, TeamLease emphasizes the strategic importance of skill development as India, home to the world’s largest youth population with over 808 million individuals under the age of 35, stands at a critical juncture. The need for a robust platform for dialogue and collaboration among young people, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions, firms, employers’ and workers’ organizations, policymakers, and development partners is paramount. Despite challenges highlighted by the National Economic Survey and the Periodic Labour Force Survey 2022-23—where only 51.25% of youth are deemed employable and 72.6% of individuals aged 15-59 lack vocational or technical training—India has made notable progress. Over the past decade, the employability of final-year and pre-final-year students has increased by 47%, reflecting advancements in skilling initiatives.

However, India still faces a significant gap in apprenticeship utilisation compared to developed countries like the UK, where apprenticeships constitute over 2% of the labour force, while in India, this figure stands at just 0.14%. This gap underscores the urgent need to prepare 30 million digitally skilled individuals and re-skill 50% of the current workforce—a transformation that could contribute an additional $570 billion to the economy by 2030. Over the past six years, more than 30 lakh apprentices have graduated from the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS), with over 1 million apprentices trained under both NAPS and the National Apprenticeship Training Scheme (NATS) in the last year alone. Despite these efforts, apprenticeships currently represent only 0.14% of India’s workforce, significantly below the 3-4% seen in developed economies. Bridging this gap requires a comprehensive approach that integrates skill-building, practical experience, industry collaboration, and degree-based apprenticeships. Scaling up apprenticeship programs to approximately 20 million participants, in line with international benchmarks, is imperative. These apprenticeships have the potential to be a driving force in India’s workforce development, contributing significantly to economic growth.

In response to this pressing need, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship is committed to equipping and skilling 2 million apprentices by 2028. By integrating academic learning with hands-on industry experience, we ensure that apprentices gain the knowledge and practical skills required to excel in today’s competitive job market. We aim to create a seamless connection between education and employment, preparing a more capable and job-ready workforce while driving substantial contributions to India’s economic growth.

Sharing his insights, Ramesh Alluri Reddy, CEO of TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, said, As India stands on the brink of a transformative decade, skilling our workforce is paramount to securing the nation’s future. With India poised to contribute 25% of the world’s incremental workforce by 2030 and with 60 to 80 million jobs at risk of disruption due to AI and automation, equipping our youth with the necessary skills is not just an opportunity but a national imperative. At TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship, we are committed to this mission by setting an ambitious target to skill 2 million apprentices by 2028. Our programs—including white-collar apprenticeships, Hire-Train-Deploy (HTD) models, and degree apprenticeships—are designed to democratize education and skill development, ensuring that every young Indian can leapfrog into a successful career. Integrating apprenticeships with higher education, particularly through degree apprenticeships under the New Education Policy, is crucial for bridging the gap between academic learning and practical skills. Furthermore, creating schemes tailored for MSMEs and promoting adult apprenticeships for lifelong learning are essential to expanding the apprenticeship ecosystem. The impact extends beyond individual careers; businesses benefit from a 50% reduction in talent acquisition costs, a 20-25% increase in productivity, and a 25% decrease in attrition rates, resulting in a robust 3X return on investment. Our vision is aligned with the broader goal of building a skilled India where the immense potential of our youth drives sustainable economic growth. By investing in skill development, we are preparing our workforce for the future and ensuring that India leads in the global economy.”

With over a decade of operational excellence, TeamLease Degree Apprenticeship has successfully placed over 1 million apprentices across more than 40 sectors and 150 job roles nationwide. Partnering with over 1,000 employers and reaching over 15,000 pin codes, our programs have had a far-reaching impact. Our impressive 98% transition rate of apprentices into full-time employment, with 40% retained within the same organisation, highlights the effectiveness of our approach. By expanding our efforts to train 2 million apprentices, we are dedicated to addressing the skill deficit and creating more opportunities for the youth.

BIMTECH Spearheads in euro719 953 EU-Funded Project for Inclusive and Digitized Management Education

Mumbai, 16th August 2024: Birla Institute of Management Technology (BIMTECH), a leading B-School in India, is ready to play a pivotal role in €719 953 EU-funded project- “AIDEdu”. This transformative initiative aims to establish Teaching and Learning Centre of Excellence for accessible, inclusive, and digitized management education in higher education institutes (HEIs) of India and Nepal.

Funded by the European Union under the ERASMUS-EDU-2023-CBHE program, this project aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 4, 10, and 17, focusing on quality education, reduced inequalities, and global partnerships. The alliance intends to achieve partnership goals of HEIs to be more internationally recognized and competitive. It envisions training programs for staff for better quality teaching in an inclusive environment and helps them adopt new learning methodologies like flipped classrooms, blended teaching, adaptive learning, and outcome-based learning.

Dr. Prabina Rajib, Director, BIMTECH sharing the significance of this partnership said, “We are honored to play a leading role in Project AIDEdu, which is set to revolutionize management education by leveraging modern ICT tools, hence, elevating our institutions to global standards. Our collaboration with esteemed European universities will not only modernize teaching practices but also foster inclusivity and quality education. This project underscores our commitment to preparing students with the skills and competencies needed to stay relevant in an interconnected and evolving world. The upcoming workshop in Alicante will be pivotal in exchanging knowledge and developing comprehensive activity plans for our Center of Excellence, ensuring that we achieve our goals of quality education and global partnerships.”

Within this 36-month-long project, BIMTECH will lead Work Package (WP) 3 and WP 5 for capacity building for Centers of Excellence and designing COEs for efficient implementation of a digital platform with innovative teaching and learning methods with respect to inclusive and technology-driven education respectively. BIMTECH will also lead the preparation of a Report on integrated SDG indicators of the project and on assessment of the implementation of best practices through a digital learning platform and its effect on SDGs aimed in the Project.

Under WP 5, BIMTECH will coordinate and participate in an 8-day workshop at the University of Alicante, Spain, and leading HEIs of Cartagena and Valencia focusing on pedagogy topics like flipped classrooms, outcome-based teaching, blended teaching, and case-based education for project coordinators from each AIDEdu partner institute. The workshop means to exchange knowledge on quality education and teaching practices between Indian, European and Nepali partners, resulting in detailed activity plans and work schedules for the Centers of Excellence at each partner institution.

Recently Dr. Himanshi Tiwari, Project Lead, BIMTECH and Dr. Shreya Mishra, Project team member, BIMTECH along with other partners from India and Nepal attended a Train the Trainer Workshop for the digital, inclusive and quality education at RIGA Technical University, Latvia and FH Johanneum Institute of Applied Science, Graz from June 17th to June 28th 2024.

Leaving its deep-rooted impact on future educational institutions, this project will bring these institutions up to international standards with modern ICT tools. The strategic collaboration will enhance the skills of technical, administrative, and managerial staff, modernizing teaching practices. Further, it will also improve teaching quality and inclusivity by training educators and promoting the exchange of best practices with European universities. VESIM, Mumbai, Project Coordinator, FH Johanneum Institute of Applied Science, Graz, Austria, University of Alicante, Spain, Riga Technical University, Riga, Kathmandu University and Global College International, Nepal are some of the other partners of the project. Updates in teaching methods, planning tools, and assessments will consequently create more opportunities for students, enabling the adoption of new approaches like micro-credentials and making educational achievements more comparable and visible. Hence, students will gain new skills in collaboration, team building, and project management. Another feather in the cap will be enhanced student exchanges with EU countries, fated to provide valuable international experiences, contributing to the project’s overall success.

“Innovative and digitized pedagogical tools and infrastructure can play a key role in making India’s higher education even more inclusive and accessible”, says Dr. Himanshi Tiwari (Project Lead BIMTECH), while having high aspirations from the Centers of Excellence for quality teaching and learning, as one of the key deliverables of the project.

Inspired by its founder late Basant Kumar Birla, BIMTECH pioneered innovative programs like PGDM, PGDM-International Business (IB), PGDM-Retail Management (RM), and PGDM-Insurance Business Management (IBM), nurturing individuals into global leaders. BIMTECH secures the 17th rank among the top private B-Schools in India, as per Business Today-MDRA Best B-Schools Ranking 2023. Also, BIMTECH is now AACSB accredited, joining the Ivy League of Top Globally Recognized B-Schools. Fostering a symbiotic relationship, the institute excels in management education, supported by its globally placed robust alumni network of over 7000 individuals.

HGS REPORTS Q1 FY2025 RESULTS

Mumbai, India, August 16, 2024: Hinduja Global Solutions (HGS or the Company) (listed on BSE & NSE) today announced its unaudited first quarter results for FY2025.

Financial Highlights for Q1 FY2025

HGS consolidated (including BPM and Digital Media businesses)

· Total income stood at Rs. 1,218.6 crore, a YoY dip of 2.3%.

· Revenue from operations decreased by 3.7% on YoY basis to Rs. 1,091.9 crore.

· Operating EBITDA was Rs. 16.7 crore; EBITDA margins for the quarter were 1.5%.

· Total PAT for the quarter, including discontinued operations, stood at Rs. 161.5 crore.

· As on June 30, 2024, Net Cash and Treasury Surplus stood at Rs. 5,177.2 crore.

Business Highlights for Q1 FY2025

· Cli

· Client wins in Q1 FY2025:

– Added 24 new logos for digital-enabled CX solutions and 9 for HRO/ Payroll Processing.

– Expanded our engagement with 50+ existing clients for HGS’ core CX and digital solutions (RPA, digital engagement, analytics, cloud and social care, etc.)

· Clientele: As of June 30, 2024, HGS had 344 active CX/ BPM clients and 806 HRO/Payroll processing clients/brands. Digital Media business (NXTDIGITAL) has a customer base of more than 6 million.

· Employee Headcount: 18,036 as of June 30, 2024.

· Geo Presence:

− As of June 30, 2024, HGS had presence in nine countries, including 32 global delivery centers.

− Digital Media business covers 4,500 pin codes covered in India, two lakh kilometers of owned + partner fibre networks, and 125+ owned-and-operated NXTHUBs set up across India.

· Awards & Recognition:

− Recognized as “Strong Contender” in Quadrant Solutions SPARK Matrix: CX Management Services, 2024.

− Recognized in the “The Booming 15 – Service & Technology Provider Standouts – APAC” in the ISG Index 1Q 2024 – Managed Services and As-a service Market Insights.

− Winner in the category of Best Use of Innovation to Enhance CX at 17th Customer Fest Leadership Awards.

− Winner in the category of Best Facial Recognition System at the 2024 AI Breakthrough Award.

− Winner in the category of Best Achievement in Operational Excellence Award at the 2024 Business Transformation & Operational Excellence Industry Awards.

− Won Gold in Sales & Customer Service in Contact Center Solution category at 2024 Stevie® Awards.

· Key Highlights from the Digital Media business:

− Launched the OneBusiness – Commercial Broadband project targeting a new market and business model of providing services to MSMEs & SOHOs. The main product in the portfolio is an ILL or Internet Leased Line for commercial establishments.

− OIL subsidiary completed majority acquisition (51%) of leading Mumbai-based ISP Seven Star’s broadband business; now christened as One7star. The new acquisition has helped in adding 100,000 broadband customers in high ARPU markets.

− Broadband and digital TV subscriber base continued to grow YoY at 14.9% and 6%, respectively, in Q1 FY2025.

Speaking on the results, Partha DeSarkar, Whole-time Director and Group CEO of HGS said: “HGS’ revenues in the first quarter of FY2025 were in line with our expectations, considering the environment of continued macro-economic volatility and delayed decision-making by some key clients. Profitability in the quarter was adversely impacted due to some one-time costs and we expect our profitability to improve from Q2 FY2025 onwards. During the quarter ended June 2025, we received additional payment towards the sale of the healthcare business resulting in net profit of Rs 218.5 crore shown under Profits from Discontinued Operations.

Our pipeline remains healthy, and we are enthused by the increasing demand for our technology-enabled CX services by both new and existing clients as evidenced by the number of new client engagements signed during FY2025, including larger cross-sell deals, across verticals such as telecom and public sector.

HGS is investing in developing tech offerings to support fast growing sectors like BFSI, retail & consumer, and hi-tech. Our aim is to help clients future-proof their businesses through digital transformation as AI becomes more mainstream.”

Commenting on the Digital Media division’s performance, Vynsley Fernandes, Whole-time Director of HGS and CEO, NXTDIGITAL said, “The media division took off from where it left last fiscal – driving revenues on the back of a strong customer growth year – in both, broadband & digital television. The focus on monetizing the customer growth is best seen in the revenues from operations, which have continued to grow in Q1. Our investment in premier ISP Seven Star, now christened One7star – has its growth plan firmly on track, expanding into key markets in Maharashtra.

After making inroads into the enterprise connectivity solutions segment with CelerityX last year, we’ve now entered the MSME & Small Office Home Office or SOHO space with OneBusiness – providing Internet Leased Lines to commercial establishments. Again, we’re leveraging our installed capacities and expansive network in key cities like Mumbai as a start – to provide just about every category of commercial establishment with dedicated quality connectivity and high reliability.

We’re also heartened to see the regulatory changes brought about by TRAI in July. These initiatives reflect the Government’s support for the content distribution sector, and we believe digital platforms like NXTDIGITAL will benefit, going forward.”

HGS continues to focus on driving synergies between the tech-led CX and digital media (NXTDIGITAL) verticals by collaborating on building new solutions and enhancing team productivity through automation, etc. Recently, HGS launched the co-developed NetX application that provides customers a unified network-as-a-service solution covering network management.

RHIM India achieves highest quarterly EBITDA margin of 18% since acquisitions

Mumbai, August 16th, 2024: RHI Magnesita India Limited, the leading manufacturer and supplier of high-grade refractory products, systems and solutions, has reported unaudited consolidated financial results for the quarter ended June 30th, 2024 (Q1 FY 2024-25). The Company registered 16% of EBITDA growth compared to the same quarter of the previous financial year, the company recorded Rs. 878 crores, as compared to Rs 928 crores to the same quarter of the previous financial year.

Parmod Sagar, MD & CEO of RHI Magnesita India Ltd. said, “We are pleased to report that we have delivered the highest margins since the completion of acquisitions over a year ago. We are advancing towards our strategic initiatives to increase our market share (iron-making, flow control), and achieve operational excellence & synergies. End-user industries have witnessed a slowdown due to cheaper imports and increase in raw material and freight prices have presented new challenges. We have successfully navigated this volatility by maintaining strong margins and achieving a sustainable and profitable growth.”

The Company remains steadfast in its conviction that GDP growth will require the refractory industry to act as a catalyst to support the vision of Viksit Bharat. As the market leader, RHIM India is well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity. Looking ahead, the stability provided by the policy focus on infrastructure development reinforces the Company’s commitment to its strategic objectives including recycling for decarbonization and safety related initiatives.

Chai Sutta Bar expands its presence in Bengaluru with two new outlets

Bengaluru, August 16, 2024 – Chai Sutta Bar, India’s leading tea franchise, is delighted to announce the opening of two new outlets in Bengaluru, further solidifying its presence in the city known for its diverse culture and youthful energy. The expansion is part of the brand’s ambitious plan to establish a stronger foothold in South India, where it has seen an overwhelming response from tea lovers.

The first outlet is located opposite CMR University at 6th A Main Rd, HRBR Layout, Kalyan Nagar, while the second outlet is situated at SN Complex, 2nd Cross MPM Layout, Nagarbhavi, near Ambedkar Institute of Technology. Both locations have been meticulously designed to create a cozy and welcoming environment where customers can enjoy the brand’s signature chai in traditional kulhads (clay cups), which adds an authentic touch to the experience.

Anubhav Dubey, Co-Founder and CEO of Chai Sutta Bar expressed his excitement about the expansion, stating, “Bengaluru is a city that aligns perfectly with the essence of our brand. Our aim is to create spaces where people from all walks of life can come together and enjoy chai in a setting that resonates with both tradition and modernity. These new outlets represent our ongoing commitment to bringing our unique tea culture to more communities, and we look forward to becoming a part of Bengaluru’s vibrant food and beverage scene.”

Anand Nayak, Co-Founder of Chai Sutta Bar, also shared his thoughts on the expansion “Bengaluru has always been a key market for us due to its eclectic mix of residents and students who appreciate both tradition and modernity. With these new outlets, we aim to cater to the city’s diverse audience by offering a place where everyone, from college students to professionals, can enjoy our chai and the comforting atmosphere that Chai Sutta Bar is known for. Our growth in Bengaluru is not just about expanding our business but also about deepening our connection with the people.”

Rahul Patidar, Director of Chai Sutta Bar, added, “Our expansion in Bengaluru is a strategic move to bring our chai experience to more neighbourhoods across the city. We believe that these two new outlets will become popular hangout spots where people can unwind and enjoy a cup of chai with friends and family. We are proud of the impact our brand has made in providing employment opportunities and supporting traditional crafts through our use of eco-friendly kulhads, and we are excited to continue this journey in Bengaluru.”

Operating in over 320 cities across India, Chai Sutta Bar serves an impressive 450,000 kulhad teas daily, achieving a turnover exceeding ₹150 crores. This success highlights the brand’s commitment to providing a unique customer experience and its commitment to establishing itself as a leading name in the Indian café industry.

Chai Sutta Bar emphasises its commitment to promoting a healthy lifestyle and does not endorse the use of harmful substances despite its suggestive name. The brand collaborates closely with local authorities to positively impact the communities it serves. In line with its sustainability initiatives, Chai Sutta Bar creates employment opportunities for local communities and supports nearly 500 potter families by serving tea in traditional kulhad cups.

Axis Bank – Independence Day Campaign

Thursday, 16th August, 2024:
On this year’s Indian Independence Day, AutumnGrey, a Grey company, and Axis Bank launched a distinctive campaign that spotlights Sanskrit, one of the world’s oldest languages, as a creative solution to a modern-day challenge.

 Although Sanskrit is one of India’s 22 official languages, its use has dwindled over the centuries. The campaign seeks to revive interest in this ancient language while addressing a prevalent issue many Indians face today: online security.

 Anusha Shetty, chairperson, group CEO Grey India, shared, “This campaign is a perfect example of addressing a serious issue with a touch of cultural pride. We’re confident it will encourage people to take their (online) security seriously while sparking renewed interest in Sanskrit.”

Campaign Credits:
Agency: Grey India / AutumnGrey
Chairperson, group CEO: Anusha Shetty
Managing Director & Chief Creative Officer: Sandipan Bhattacharyya

Agency Team:
Nishanth Anantharam – Executive Creative Director – Copy
Akshay Crasta – Sr. Copywriter
Atul Pathak – Creative Director – Copy & Content
Hilma Aysha – Copy Supervisor
Jane Sequeira – Assistant Creative Director – Copy
Zainab Haji – Assistant Creative Director – Copy

Nishant Sethi – Executive Creative Director – Design
Ganesh Jadhav – Lead Animation & Design
Nandan Lad – Group Head – Design
Sagar Pawar – Sr. Design Director
Soumyadeep Ghosh – Sr. Group Head – Video Production
Vikrant Singh – Account Director – Client Servicing
Trisha Singhee – Account Manager – Client Servicing
Kanishka Mokashi – Account Manager – Client Servicing
Raviraj Shetty – Sr. Vice President – Finance
Chandrakant Achar – Sr. Manager – Finance
Santhosh Murugan – Director – Technology
Rohan Khude Patil – Sr. Lead Engineer – Technology
Takshil Khanvilkar – Sanskrit Expert – Professor

RV University Celebrates 78th Independence Day with an Environmental Initiative

Bengaluru, 16 August 2024: RV University marked India’s 78th Independence Day with a unique blend of patriotism and environmental consciousness. In collaboration with the Bangalore Rotary E-club, the university conducted a plantation drive in its campus, emphasizing its commitment to social responsibility and community engagement.

The event, held from 8:00 AM to 9:30 AM at RV University’s Administrative Block, was graced by Rotarian Satish Madhavan, District Governor of RI District 3191, as the chief guest. The celebration commenced with a flag hoisting ceremony and the singing of the National Anthem, instilling a sense of national pride among all attendees.

The highlight of the event was an extensive plantation drive, where participants planted over 50 saplings across the university campus. This initiative underscored RVU’s dedication to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Expressing his thoughts on the occasion, Dr. Y.S.R. Murthy, Vice-Chancellor of RV University, said, “As we commemorate our nation’s hard-earned independence, we are also sowing the seeds for a greener, more sustainable future. This plantation drive symbolizes our commitment to nurturing both our national heritage and our environment. It reflects RV University’s holistic approach to education, where we aim to cultivate not just academic excellence, but also a deep sense of social and environmental responsibility in our students.”

Rotarian Satish Madhavan, District Governor of RI District 3191, shared his perspective on the event; “The fusion of Independence Day celebrations with a plantation initiative truly embodies the spirit of nation-building. It’s heartening to witness the youth of RV University taking proactive steps towards environmental conservation. This event serves as a powerful reminder that our freedom comes with the responsibility to preserve and protect our natural resources. The Rotary is proud to partner with RV University in this meaningful endeavor that combines patriotism with ecological awareness.”

The plantation drive focused on native species that are well-suited to the local ecosystem, ensuring their long-term survival and positive impact on the local biodiversity. This choice reflects RV University’s informed approach to environmental conservation.

This program aligns with RV University’s ongoing efforts to promote environmental consciousness and sustainability among its students and the wider community. This event highlights RV University’s commitment to broad education and community engagement. It also demonstrates how academic institutions can combine national celebrations with practical, community-focused activities.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Sahana Gowda, Registrar of RV University, who emphasized the importance of such initiatives in shaping responsible citizens for the future.

Honouring the Legacy – Independence Day and Tiranga Yatra at IIT Roorkee

Roorkee, Uttarakhand, August 15, 2024 – The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Roorkee celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour in front of the iconic James Thomason Building. The event, which began promptly at 9:00 a.m., saw the participation of students, faculty members, officers, employees, and their families.

The program commenced with the gathering of the IIT Roorkee community, who assembled in anticipation of the arrival of the Director. Following the arrival of the Director at 9:00 a.m., the event began with the students’ soulful rendition of the “Kulgeet”.

The Director inspected the Guard of Honour, a symbol of respect and gratitude towards the nation and its defenders. The Director proudly hoisted the national flag, marking the formal beginning of the Independence Day celebrations. The unfurling of the Tricolour was met with a resounding cheer from the attendees, filling the atmosphere with a deep patriotism.

In his address, the Director emphasized the importance of unity, innovation, and social responsibility in building a progressive India. He highlighted the significance of IIT Roorkee’s role in contributing to the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, urging everyone to actively participate in nation-building by saving food, water, and energy and maintaining cleanliness.

“On this auspicious Day, as we hoist the Tricolour high, let us reaffirm our commitment to the nation’s progress. IIT Roorkee stands as a beacon of innovation and excellence, playing a pivotal role in achieving the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047. Together, let us strive to save our resources—food, water, and energy—and maintain cleanliness, contributing towards a stronger, sustainable India. Jai Hind!” said Prof. K.K. Pant, Director IIT Roorkee.

The celebration was enriched with cultural performances that showcased the diverse heritage and talent within the IIT Roorkee community. Students from ABN Senior Secondary School, Anushruti Academy for the Deaf, and the Cultural Society of IIT Roorkee presented captivating performances that honored India’s rich cultural tapestry and the spirit of freedom.

In addition to the morning festivities, the “Tiranga Yatra,” organized by Think India, IIT Roorkee, in the afternoon, brought together students, staff, and faculty in a vibrant display of unity and patriotism. This event saw enthusiastic participation, echoing the success and spirit of last year’s Yatra. The procession, which started from the MAC Gate in front of Rajiv Bhawan, symbolized the collective commitment of the IIT Roorkee community to the nation’s ideals.

The Independence Day celebrations concluded with the singing of the National Anthem, followed by a resounding collective proclamation of “Jai Hind” three times. The spirit of pride and patriotism was palpable as the crowd united in this heartfelt tribute to the nation.

The day’s events at IIT Roorkee not only reflected the institute’s enduring legacy and achievements but also its commitment to shaping a brighter future for India. The vibrant participation from all corners of the campus highlighted the shared sense of purpose that defines IIT Roorkee’s community. As the institute continues to contribute to national and global progress, unity, innovation, and sustainability will remain at the heart of its endeavors. The celebration was a testament to the collective spirit that propels IIT Roorkee towards greater heights.

78th Independence Day Celebration at IIM Bodh Gaya

As India proudly steps into its 78th year of Independence, IIM Bodh Gaya celebrated this historic day with festivities on campus. The event was a unifying moment, bringing together students, faculty, and staff to honour the spirit of independence and pay tribute to the brave freedom fighters of the nation.

 The 78th Independence Day commemorates India’s journey over the past 77 years, acknowledging the struggles, sacrifices, and achievements that have shaped the nation. In support of the ‘Har Ghar Tiranga’ campaign, which urges citizens to bring the Tiranga home, the Institute was decorated in the tri-colour hues.

 The event began with a welcome address by Prof. Sreelekha Mishra, Chairperson of Students’ Affairs. Dr. Vinita S. Sahay, Director of IIM Bodh Gaya, then took the stage to hoist the national flag, followed by the singing of the national anthem by all.

 In her address, the director reflected on the significance of Independence Day, emphasizing the need for discipline and scripting our own journey. She further emphasized that leadership is all about just two things. One is what is the vision we have for our organization and nation, and second how can we serve.

 The celebration continued with a lively cultural programme which consisted of traditional dances, patriotic songs, recitations and skits, celebrating the richness of India’s cultural heritage.

 The festivities also included a series of engaging “Back to School” competitions. A Tug of War competition for the staff was held to acknowledge their hard work and dedication. This was followed by competitions, including a Sack Race, Lemon and Spoon Race, and a Painting Competition and lastly a badminton match between the faculty and the students. These events saw enthusiastic participation from everyone across all ages.

 The festivities concluded with a prize distribution ceremony, recognizing the winners of the various competitions. As the day drew to a close, the event concluded with a pledge to uphold the values of unity and to contribute to the ongoing progress of the nation.