11, Dec 2023
“The fashion is cyclical. It wanes and then reappears” says Fashion Designer Nikhil Mehra
Delhi: Today’s special session of Tete-a-tea was held in person, thanks to the initiative of the Prabha Khaitan Foundation and the longtime host Advaita Kala. Tete-a-tea is one of the events in the Foundation’s “In Conversation” series, which is focused on culture and heritage. Through this programme, viewers get the fantastic chance to interact with notable people and take part in thought-provoking discussions.
Nikhil Mehra, a distinguished figure in the fashion industry, was today’s distinguished guest. The event took place at The Opal, The Connaught in New Delhi starting at 5 pm in the evening. The Connaught IHCL SELEQTIONS, Advaita Kala’s Kahalli, and the Ehsaas Women of Delhi are supporting today’s event. A special mention to Ruhi Syal, and Vinti Kathuria of Ehsaas Women of PKF. As a CSR endeavor, Shree Cement Limited generously sponsors today’s event.
In conversation were two pioneers of their respective industries. We had our host, a globally famed Shantanu and Nikhil Indian Couture label and conversationalist Advaita Kala in conversation with Nikhil Mehra, a renowned top-notch fashion designer. The brand that Nikhil represents is a trendsetter, breaking through the mindset of orthodox Men’s Fashion. The two engaged in a warm conversation over The Indian Aesthetic in front of a totally engrossed audience.
The fun banter between the two started with Nikhil highlighting his journey from college to the industry and how everything happened. The discussion then shifted to Men’s Fashion and how aptly Nikhil and Shantanu, the brand upholds it.
About their entry in this particular segment, we heard Nikhil saying, “I was surprised to see how men only went to Fab India or other global retailers to buy clothes. They were generally accompanied by a female who decided for them. They were comfortable in being dependent on women when it came to clothing. This brought me to look at the feminine side to the man who otherwise dominated the sanctuary outside. We then thought that it was a good market to explore and experiment with. I thought that that particular generation of men not caring about clothes was to time out and taking place was one who wanted to look good. Men who wanted to take care of themselves. I guess it was good timing for us to enter that particular market.”
Another fun anecdote from the conversation included him reminiscing about a time when in college a teacher of his saw his hands and said that these hands are for draping. Nikhil recalled the incident and said, “It felt like a coach telling his student to do what would suit him the best”. The chat further channeled into Bollywood fashion and Nikhil commenting about the style statements of various stars. He felt that all celebrities fashion according to their personalities. We heard him mentioning Bachan’s fashion as an elegant and timeless classic and Ranveer Singh’s with a tinge of craziness. He specifically mentioned Jackie Shroff and his commendable fashion statement and applauded the new lot of Babil Khan, Vijay Verma, and Ishan Khatter.
Another important thing to note is that the brand’s designs are hugely inspired by the army. It has to do with a personal connection with Nikhil. The fashion brand evokes a sense of pride and fight in its collection.
The event was fun to witness and the audience participated with questions and answers. The event winded off by 7 pm. The environment was warm and ambivalent and the conversation was too good to enjoy over a cup of tea.
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- By Rabindra
11, Dec 2023
Aditi Maheshwari was honored with the esteemed Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India
Aditi Maheshwari, the Executive Director of Vani Prakashan, a leading Hindi language publishing house, was honored with the esteemed Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (Knight of the Order of Arts and Letters) by H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou, Ambassador of France to India. The prestigious award ceremony unfolded at the French Embassy, recognizing Ms. Maheshwari’s exceptional achievements in the realm of Hindi publishing and her unwavering commitment to advancing feminist voices in the Hindi language.
In his commendation during the investiture, Ambassador Thierry Mathou lauded Ms. Maheshwari’s substantial contributions, remarking, “It is an honor to present the Chevalier des Arts et Lettres to Ms. Aditi Maheshwari for her dedication to Hindi language literature and her initiatives to make world literature accessible to Hindi readers. Her ascent to a prominent position in the male-dominated publishing industry is an inspiration to all, marking a significant step towards gender equality.”
Expressing her heartfelt gratitude upon receiving this prestigious honor, Aditi Maheshwari stated, “Vani Prakashan Group stands at the epicenter of an inclusive Hindi and Indian languages public sphere. Like the French, we too uphold the ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. I extend my thanks to H.E. Mr. Thierry Mathou for conferring this esteemed honor on me, accepting it with gratitude on behalf of the authors, the Hindi language, and its rich literary history.”
The award ceremony coincided with the unveiling of the book cover of “The Second Sex” by Simone de Beauvoir, translated into Hindi by Monica Singh. This forthcoming translation, scheduled for release in February, promises Hindi readers access to the complete range of Simone de Beauvoir’s profound thoughts and vision, expanding their literary horizons.
To commemorate the occasion, a round-table discussion on the influence of French critical thought on the Hindi public sphere was organized. Distinguished speakers, including Rohini Aggarwal, Ashok Vajpayee, Anamika, and Monica Singh, engaged in a stimulating conversation with Aditi Maheshwari, exploring the cultural intersections between French and Hindi literature.
This recognition not only celebrates Aditi Maheshwari’s individual accomplishments but also underscores the significance of promoting diversity and inclusivity in the realm of literature. The event highlights the cultural exchange between India and France, fostering a stronger bond between the two nations through a shared appreciation of language and ideas.
The event was graced by the presence of eminent personalities such as Shashi Tharoor, Aman Nath, Namita Gokhle, Danish Raza, Faouzia Dastukar, Ashok Bajpai, and many more who attended the event to congratulate Aditi Maheshwari.
11, Dec 2023
ABP Network Takes Home 19 Trophies at News Television (NT) Awards
New Delhi, December 11, 2023: ABP Network, a distinguished leader in the Indian media industry, clinched 19 esteemed accolades at the annual News Television (NT) Awards held in New Delhi on December 9. The event, celebrating excellence in journalism and broadcasting, recognized ABP Network’s outstanding achievements across various categories.
Reflecting on the outstanding accomplishment, Mr. Avinash Pandey, CEO of ABP Network, conveyed his appreciation, saying, “The News Television Awards 2023 acknowledgment is truly gratifying. It highlights the relentless efforts of our proficient teams committed to delivering trustworthy news. ABP Network’s core mission remains resolute – maintaining journalistic integrity and delivering news that leaves a lasting impression.”
The awards spanned diverse categories, reflecting ABP Network’s commitment to delivering impactful content in multiple languages and formats. The awards won include:
| Category | Language | Category | Nominee Name | Project Title | Channel Name |
| Programming Awards | Marathi | Daily News Bulletin | 10chya Baatmya | ABP Majha | |
| Programming Awards | Marathi | Best Talk Show | Majha Katta | Majha Katta | ABP Majha |
| Programming Awards | Marathi | Televised Live Initiative by a News Channel | Majha Maharashtra Majha Vision | ABP Majha | |
| Programming Awards | Marathi | Best Prime Time News Show | Special Report | ABP Majha | |
| Promo, Designing & Packaging Awards | Hindi | Promo Campaign by a News Channel | Yeh Khabar Zarur Dekhe | ABP News | |
| Promo, Designing & Packaging Awards | Hindi | Promo Show Packaging | Red Fort AR VR | ABP News | |
| Promo, Designing & Packaging Awards | Hindi | News Producer / Executive Producer | Mahakaal Corridor | ABP News | |
| Personality Awards | Hindi | TV News Presenter | Romana Isar Khan | Modi Tracker | ABP News |
| Personality Awards | Hindi | TV News Reporter | Manogya Loiwal | UP Election Chunav Yatra | ABP News |
| Personality Awards | Hindi | Young TV Journalist | Siddhi Vishal Sharma | ABP News | |
| Personality Awards | Hindi | News Producer / Executive Producer | Rashmi Nishad | ABP News | |
| Personality Awards | Hindi | Video Editor | Dharmendra Paswan | ABP News | |
| Programming Awards | Hindi | Entertainment Talk Show | Saas Bahu Aur Saazish | ABP News | |
| Programming Awards | Hindi | Best Prime Time News Show | India Chahata Hai | ABP News | |
| Sales And Marketing | Hindi | Best Marketing initiative from a news channel | Holi Campaign | ABP News | |
| Sales And Marketing | Hindi | Best Brand Partnership on news television | Ozone | ABP News | |
| Sales And Marketing | Hindi | Best Digital marketing campaign for a brand partner | Spotify | ABP News | |
| Special Awards | Hindi | Best investigation by a news channel | Kanjhawala Case | ABP News | |
| Special Awards | Hindi | Best Live Reporting from the ground | Kanjhawala Case | ABP News |
Hosted by IndianTelevision.com, the News Television Awards 2023 reaffirms ABP Network’s position as an industry leader, setting new standards for excellence in media and broadcasting.
11, Dec 2023
Honoring Inclusivity Champions: 16 Changemakers Acknowledged at 24th NCPEDP-LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards
New Delhi, December 11, 2023: India achieved noteworthy progress in advancing inclusivity in the job sector on by acknowledging the efforts of individuals and organizations dedicated to ensuring equal employment opportunities, especially for persons with disabilities. The 24th NCPEDP-LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards honored 16 visionaries for their outstanding contributions to fostering diversity and inclusivity in India’s workforce and supporting the integration of disabled individuals into mainstream workforce. These awards, highly prestigious in the disability sector, serve as a platform to commend those committed to creating a more inclusive employment landscape.
The National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP), India’s foremost cross-disability advocacy organization, and LTIMindtree, a global technology consulting and digital solutions company, announced the winners of the NCPEDP-LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards 2023. In their 24th year, these awards stand among India’s most reputed recognitions for individuals and organizations working to promote equal employment opportunities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). NCPEDP has been collaborating with LTIMindtree for the last eight years to empower PWDs and inspire others to embrace the cause, fostering inclusive and sustainable growth.
A total of 16 awardees were recognized as Role Models this year, with three of them receiving Jury Appreciation. Arman Ali, Executive Director of NCPEDP said, “Helen Keller Awards celebrate indomitable will, passion and resilience. For 24 years, the Awards have identified incredible individuals and institutions doing exemplary work of promoting employment, equality and diversity in the workplace. The outcomes of this persistent effort are gratifying yet we know we have miles to go to completely integrate disability into the mainstream.”
Debashis Chatterjee, CEO and Managing Director of LTIMindtree remarked, “NCPEDP- LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards exemplify our commitment to recognising individuals and organizations advancing equality and inclusion for people with disabilities in India. At LTIMindtree, we are committed to a workplace that is welcoming for all.” He reiterated the belief that creating skilling and employment opportunities for disabled people empowers them to integrate into the mainstream and earn dignified livelihood
The 16 awardees of the 24th NCPEDP-LTIMindtree Helen Keller Award are from nine states across India – Jammu & Kashmir, Rajasthan, Lakshwadeep, Delhi NCR, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Haryana, Karnataka, Maharashtra.
Category A, Role Model Person with Disabilities category have the names of Ummer Farook KK, Dr. Vaibhav Bhandari, and Dr. Rajalakshmi SJ as the winners.
In the Role Model, Supporters of Increased Employment Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities category, Dr Rajdeep Manwani, Prateek Madhav, and Ashwin Kumar V are the winners while Amali Naik received Jury Appreciation.
In the Role Model Companies/NGOs/Institutions category, the winners are TVS Motor Company, Atypical Advantage, Amar Seva Sangam, and Alamba Charitable Trust. Jury Appreciation Awards were given to NatWest India and Mitti Social Initiatives Foundation.
In the Role Model Entrepreneurs with Disabilities category, the winners are Krishnakant Mane, Sumarty G, and Rakhi Pandey.
Ali highlighted, “The contributions of all the 16 individuals and organizations have hugely impacted the lives of countless disabled individuals and their families by providing them with the tools for self-reliance and dignified employment, a significant way to empower disabled persons.”
11, Dec 2023
Don Bosco International School (Matunga) crowned the ‘number one school in sports’ in Mumbai
Don Bosco International School (Matunga) triumphs as the “Number One School in Sports” in Mumbai at the SFA Championships
● Norah Alva from Rose Manor International School shines as Golden Girl, while Mehaan Siddarth Chandiramani from Gundecha Education Academy (Oshiwara) secures prestigious Golden Boy title
● Runners up for the top schools in sports were Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyalya, Borivali (first runner up), followed by Vibgyor High, Goregaon (second runner up)
Mumbai, December 11th, 2023: Mumbai marked a thrilling conclusion to the 6th edition of the SFA Championships in the city. Don Bosco International School (Matunga) bagged the coveted title of ‘number one school in sports’ with an impressive total of 239 points bagging 10 Gold, 15 Silver, and 22 Bronze medals. The 1st runner up position was bagged by Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyalya (Borivali), whereas the second runner-up award was won by Vibgyor High, Goregaon.
Honouring the exceptional achievements of athletes in multi-sports, the “Golden Girl” title was awarded to Norah Alva from Rose Manor International School, who clinched gold medals in skating and athletics (in the U-9 and U-8 categories). While the “Golden Boy” title was conferred upon Mehaan Siddarth Chandiramani from Gundecha Education Academy (Oshiwara), with 2 Gold and 2 Silver medals, in the U-8 category, in speedcubing and judo.
Adding to the celebration, Mr. Avinash Dharmadhikari, President, Badminton Association of Mumbai Upanagar shared at the closing ceremony, “The SFA Championships, now in its sixth edition in Mumbai, continue to stand as a commendable platform for school athletes in Mumbai. Their commitment to empowering youth and providing them inclusive sporting opportunities is truly praiseworthy. My sincere appreciation goes to SFA for their dedication, in fostering students’ sporting skills through these championships. As we celebrate the milestone of the sixth edition, the SFA Championships remain a pivotal force in positive transformation and playing a crucial role in shaping the future sports champions of the country”
The Mumbai edition of the SFA Championships featured an intense competition, with over 17000 athletes participating in more than 3500 matches in more than 30 sporting categories. The event highlighted the immense talent of the budding athletes and brought forth a spirit of healthy competition and sportsmanship.
In a moment of pride, Mr. Prasad Pathak, Ex-Joint Secretary, Maharashtra Athletics Association, expressed his admiration at the SFA Championships, stating, “I express my gratitude towards the SFA Championships for their sincere dedication to providing an equitable and tech-enabled platform to the aspiring sports talent of Mumbai. Personally observing the profound transformation facilitated by this platform, I extend my genuine appreciation to Team SFA for their invaluable role in instilling discipline, cultivating shared joy, and identifying future champions. I eagerly look forward to the remarkable journey of triumph and personal growth of our athletes in the upcoming editions of the SFA Championships.”
The Championships witnessed incredible sporting talent across venues in the city at the Shahaji Raje Krida Sankul (Sports Complex) in Andheri; Mumbai University, Kalina); St.Pius College Ground, Goregaon, Priyadarshini Park Sports Complex; Railway Police Grounds, Ghatkopar; Don Bosco High School (Matunga); Virar Skating Rink, BPCA Gymnastics Centre, Wadala and National Sports Club of India. The 6th edition of the SFA Championships in Mumbai saw participation of 36% girls while the boys accounted for 64% of the total athletes. The leading sports for girls were Athletics, Basketball, Football, Swimming, and Skating; whereas the top sports played by the boys were Football, Athletics, Basketball, Chess and Swimming.
The final list of winners, across each sport and performance details of every school, is available on www.sfaplay.com.
Top schools in sports, at SFA Championships, Mumbai, 2023-2024:
| S.no | Schools | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Points |
| 1 | Don Bosco International School (Matunga) | 10 | 15 | 22 | 239 Points |
| 2 | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyalaya (Borivali) | 12 | 23 | 24 | 230 Points |
| 3 | Vibgyor High, Goregaon | 17 | 15 | 17 | 228 Points |
| 4 | Rustomjee Cambridge International School, Dahisar | 3 | 15 | 17 | 116 Points |
| 5 | Children Academy (Malad) | 6 | 11 | 10 | 111 Points |
Most Valuable Coach at the SFA Championships, Mumbai, 2023-2024: Mr Sudharshan Lohar of Vibgyor High, Goregaon
Highest Contingent: Witty International School, Borivali (343 participants)
Top schools in each sport at the SFA Championships, Pune, 2023-2024:
S.no Sport School Name
| S.no | Sport | School Name |
| 1 | Archery | Podar International School CBSE, Powai |
| 2 | Athletics | Children Academy (Malad) |
| 3 | Badminton | Delhi Public School, Nerul |
| 4 | Basketball | Vibgyor High, Goregaon |
| 5 | Boxing | St. Mathew’s High School and Junior College |
| 6 | Carrom | CNM School, Vile Parle West |
| 7 | Chess | SVKM JV Parekh International School |
| 8 | Fencing | Podar International School ISE, Nerul |
| 9 | Football | Nahar International School, Powai
Oberoi International School Goregaon |
| 10 | Gymnastics | P. G. Garodia School (ICSE, Ghatkopar)
Bombay International School (Babulnath) |
| 11 | Handball | Don Bosco International School, Matunga |
| 12 | Hockey | Don Bosco High School SSC, Matunga |
| 13 | Judo | Vibgyor High, Goregaon |
| 14 | Kabaddi | R.F Naik Vidyalaya And Jr College |
| 15 | Karate | Lokhandwala Foundation School |
| 16 | Kho-Kho | Dyanvikas School |
| 17 | Shooting | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyalya (Borivali)
Chatrabhuj Narsee School (Kandivali) |
| 18 | Skating | Universal High School, Dahisar |
| 19 | Speedcubing | Gundecha Education Academy (Oshiwara) |
| 20 | Squash | Jindal Vidya Mandir |
| 21 | Swimming | R.N. Podar School, Santacruz |
| 22 | Table Tennis | Utpal Shanghvi Global School, Juhu |
| 23 | Taekwondo | B S BANE International School and Gurukul Educational Institution, MPAVS |
| 24 | Tennis | Aditya Birla World Academy |
| 25 | Throwball | Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan Vidyalya (Borivali) |
| 26 | Volleyball | Children Academy (Kandivali, Ashok Nagar) |
9, Dec 2023
Qyuki Digital Media Unveils “Stok”: A Groundbreaking Ip Solution For Moments Of Laughter With India’s Finest Comedians, Including Handpicked Emerging Talents
Mumbai, Maharashtra 09th December 2023— Qyuki Digital Media, a trailblazer in the digital entertainment landscape, is delighted to introduce “Laughter Brewery Stok,” a revolutionary Intellectual Property (IP) solution designed for STOK to deliver unparalleled moments of laughter through the comedic genius of India’s top comedians, both seasoned and emerging.
Stok, curated by Qyuki, goes beyond conventional comedy platforms by not only featuring established comedic talents but also handpicking some of the best-emerging comedians. This ensures a housefull of laughter and joy as audiences are treated to a diverse range of comedic styles, perspectives, and fresh voices
in the world of humor.
“As the COO of Qyuki Digital Media, I am thrilled to unveil the STOK YouTube channel, a vibrant space where chill meets entertainment. Our curated content, featuring emerging and established comedic talents, is not just about sips and giggles; it’s a celebration of life’s moments. Join us on this exciting journey as we redefine relaxation and laughter on YouTube. With STOK, we’re not just raising the bar; we’re raising your spirits. Let’s ‘Live the Chill’ together!” expressed Juhi Mehta, COO of QYUKI Digital Media.
Stok aims to be a laughter-packed destination that not only entertains but also serves as a launchpad for emerging comedians. By fostering a dynamic mix of established and new talents, Stok ensures a vibrant and engaging comedy experience for its audience. And was specially created with the tagline in mind “Live the chill” and what better way to chill after a stressful day than with laughter with the best of the industries
The first wave of creators set to bring the house down on Stok includes Anirban Bhattacharya, Siddhartha Shetty, Rivu Ganguly, Nitin Mandal, Govind Menon, Andy Reghu, Aditya Gundeti, and Karunesh. Each of these comedians brings a unique flavor of humor to the platform, promising an unforgettable and laughter-filled experience for Stok’ audience.
While the specific dates for publication are tentative, the Stok team is working diligently to deliver the first wave of laughter-inducing episodes to the audience at the earliest convenience.
9, Dec 2023
India for the World – 20th Global Inclusive Finance Summit
New Delhi, 9th December 2023 – The Global Inclusive Finance Summit, a pinnacle in the global discourse on financial inclusion, is set to commemorate its 20th edition on December 12th and 13th, 2023, at Hotel Ashok in New Delhi. With a diverse array of over 120 speakers, the summit encompasses a spectrum of stakeholders, including government officials, regulators, policy influencers, financial institutions, technology enablers, investors, thought leaders, researchers, academicians, foundations, and private sector players. Global Inclusive Finance Summit is one of the most prominent conferences that promotes dialogue and enables action guided by the goal of achieving financial inclusion in an inclusive, and responsible manner.
This year’s theme, “Future of Finance – Inclusive and Equitable Growth for All”, underscores the summit’s commitment to fostering financial systems that benefit individuals across economic strata. The milestone summit has evolved over two decades to become the largest gathering dedicated to advancing financial inclusion globally.
This year the Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, is the co-host of the summit. Dr. Vivek Joshi, Secretary, of the Department of Financial Services, will deliver the Inaugural Address. Key Speakers of the event are Alkesh Wadhwani, Director, Poverty Alleviation, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation; V. Vaidyanathan, Managing Director & CEO, IDFC First Bank; S. Ramann, Chairman & Managing Director, Small Industries Development Bank of India; Munish Sharda, Group Executive and Head, Bharat Banking, Axis Bank; Rajnish Kumar, ex-Chairman, State Bank of India; Atanu Chakraborty, Chairperson, HDFC Bank, among other eminent industry experts.
Excited about hosting the summit’s 20th edition, Vipin Sharma, CEO, ACCESS Development Services, said “With the 20th Summit we are transitioning from financial inclusion in India to a global remit – looking to share India’s transformational journey with the world and learn from experiences in other countries and regions. The 20th Summit coincides with the 10th year of the PM Jan Dhan Yojana – the largest financial inclusion campaign in the world, and the completion of 30 years of the self-help group movement – which happens to be the biggest microfinance programme for women globally. The Summit will celebrate both these milestones and deliberate on the Future of Finance including important themes ranging from access to finance for micro and nano-enterprises and women enterprises, gender lens investing, customer protection, fostering inclusion through digital tech, financing for climate adaptation, the evolving landscape of microfinance institutions (MFIs) and self-help group (SHG) lending, to name a few.”
There will be International panels featuring global thought leaders who will contribute to a richer exchange of ideas and practices, creating a platform for shaping the future of financial systems. The summit will also showcase how 40% of the population has embraced digital payments, with the government ensuring the efficient transfer of social benefits to the poor through digital channels.
9, Dec 2023
Resilient entrepreneurs defy disability, win prestigious NCPEDP-LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards
New Delhi: In the picturesque Kashmir valley a new story has been blooming, quietly yet convincingly. The story of grit, resolve, resilience, and unwavering determination to excel in the face of adversities. Meet Sumarty G, whose love for Kashmiri chilies and the story of entrepreneurship are making waves. Never allowing her wheelchair to impede her tall will, Sumarty has been a role model for many, inspiring endlessly. She is one of the winners of the 24th NCPEDP-LTIMindtree Helen Keller Awards in the Role Model Entrepreneur with Disability category.
Sumarty surmounted all odds of her life without any outside support. From opening a boutique to playing basketball and being awarded multiple times by the Jammu and Kashmir Basketball Association to running her own spice business successfully, she played diverse roles with perfection and passion. “I am excited to be getting this recognition and wish to use this as an inspiration to scale up my business,” says Sumarty who has about 8 people working with her for this spices business.
“Helen Keller Awards celebrate an individual’s indomitable will, passion and resilience. For 24 years, the Awards have identified incredible individuals and institutions doing exemplary work of promoting employment, equality and diversity in the workplace. Sumarty and 15 other awardees deserve the finest wishes for being a bacon of change, hope and resilience,” said Arman Ali, Executive Director, National Centre for Promotion of Employment for Disabled People (NCPEDP).
Sumarty’s entrepreneurial prowess shines through her successful venture focused on selling distinctive spices, with the brand name Sadaf Spices, native to the Kashmir valley, notably the renowned Kashmiri red chilli powder. Her story is one of tenacity, blending the cultural richness of Kashmir with the determination to overcome obstacles. Sumarty’s story stands tall as a testament to the indomitable spirit that fuels her journey, making her an inspiring figure in both business and sports.
Another winner from the same category is Rakhi Pandey from Delhi NCR, the creative force behind Paridhan Boutique. What sets Rakhi apart is her dedication to inclusivity, providing tailored solutions for women with disabilities. Started in 2010, Rakhi expanded her reach to the wider clients in 2020, during Covid times when her business faced a setback, through a strategic collaboration with Needle & Thimble Cloud Tailoring Services. Rakhi’s story goes beyond the stitches; she’s a wheelchair model and an active participant in marathons, proudly associated with the Eagle Specially Abled Rider’s Group.
The category of Role Model entrepreneur with disability in the 24th edition of NCPEDP-LtiMindTree Helen Keller Awards has one more inspiring name – Krishnakant Mane from Maharashtra. India’s first visually impaired IT professional and one of the first three in Asia, Mane has launched OnlineKhata with the aim of creating an inclusive and affordable online business ecosystem for micro and small businesses.
OnlineKhata is a user-friendly online billing cloud-based software designed for micro and small businesses, offering essential accounting features such as invoicing, bill management, record-keeping, and GST filing. OnlineKhata currently has more than 3,000 active users and is expected to reach over 25,000 by December 2023.
Ali compliments the resilience and commitment of these winners in ushering in positive change. He acknowledged their innovative spirit and dedication to breaking barriers, emphasizing that their achievements stand as a testament to these qualities. Additionally, Ali highlighted the organization’s 24-year commitment to recognizing individuals dedicated to promoting equality and diversity within the employment ecosystem.
9, Dec 2023
Cientra and Invas join hands to build groundbreaking 5G IoT solutions for Agriculture and Mining Industries
Bengaluru, 9th December 2023– Cientra, an Indian multi-national product solutions company, and Invas, a market leader in telecom testing have announced a strategic alliance to develop innovative wireless sensors and actuators for sectors including Mining and Agriculture. The collaboration aims to seamlessly integrate and optimize the functionalities of Cientra’s 5G platform with Invas’s cutting-edge Internet of Things (IoT) devices. The principal aim of this initiative is to instigate a paradigm shift in the agricultural and mining industries of the country through the guarantee of optimal IoT device quality while upholding the security and integrity of the 5G network.
By capitalizing on Cientra’s edge as a 5G platform portfolio and Invas’s IoT capabilities, the two organizations will engage in a collaborative effort to develop solutions and go-to-market offers that bolster the security and identity of 5G networks. This will enable the expansion of potential applications of Internet of Things (IoT) systems, particularly in sectors such as agriculture and mining where edge computing and IoT solutions are in increasing demand. Businesses that adopt the Internet of Things (IoT) face obstacles pertaining to device registration on 5G networks in terms of security and identification. The organizations shall implement 5G security functionalities and 5G standard authentication to conduct real-time data insight monitoring and predictive maintenance, thereby overcoming these challenges and enhancing security
“Our 5G business initiatives are being expedited in order to provide a robust portfolio of repeatable solutions that can be customized to satisfy the needs of our customers for such solutions. We wholeheartedly concur with our esteemed Prime Minister, Mr. Narendra Modi, that India possesses the capacity to actively participate in the advancement and integration of technologies, rather than merely consuming the same. At this moment, the digital revolution in India is at a critical turning point.” said Anil Kempanna, CEO of Cientra
“Our solution’s service-based architecture (5G 3GPP) has the potential to transition to 6G and subsequent generations. We’re doubling down on Invas’s IoT capabilities to take it one notch higher,” continued Anil. “What we’re doing is, in pursuit of enhancing our customers’ satisfaction and addressing the growing demand for organizations to equip or retrofit with the necessary connectivity and visibility to securely optimize daily business operations, we are leveraging the complete capabilities of Invas to mobilize our collective expertise and knowledge.”
This collaboration focuses explicitly on developing IoT device sensors and actuators for a variety of applications, including smart farming and mining. These items are tested alongside a vast array of other products. An IoT/mobile application and web interface will be enabled for farmers and miners, allowing them to remotely control actuators and gain real-time insights into their field operations including faster detection of leaks, allowing them to respond to issues instantaneously. Wireless humidity, temperature, and water level readings, in addition to water flow control via wireless solenoid actuators and pumps, are a few of the critical data that these solutions will capture and facilitate via 2G/4G/5G/Wi-Fi/Optical Fiber Cable (OFC) connections.
Cientra is at the forefront of 5G application platform initiatives due to its innovative offering to process and use large amounts of data and user-friendly interface. We are delighted to collaborate with them in order to facilitate the smooth transition of our clientele to this IoT-as-a-Service paradigm, enabling them to promptly experience the advantageous outcomes for their enterprises.” said Neeraj Dhawan, Managing Director of INVAS
With this alliance, both companies collaboratively aim to revolutionize the IoT and 5G landscape especially for the Agriculture and Mining industries with complete solutions for real-time monitoring of the field through the use of a network of low-power sensors and actuators controlled remotely by the Smartkheti Website and Mobile Application
9, Dec 2023
Indian Overseas Bank Elevates Banking Convenience: New ATM Inaugurated at Chepauk Stadium E
Chennai, 09.12. 2023: In a significant move to enhance banking accessibility, Shri Ajay Kumar Srivastava, MD&CEO of Indian Overseas Bank, inaugurated a state-of-the-art ATM at Chepauk Stadium, marking the first and only ATM in the stadium.
The ceremony witnessed the esteemed presence of Shri R I Palani, Hon Secretary of TNCA, Shri. Lakshmi Venkatesh R, General Manager, ITD, Shri Reyazul Haque, General Manager, GAD, Chief Regional Manager of Chennai – 1 Shri Devender Kumar, and various officials from both the regional and central offices.
The event symbolized a collaborative effort to bring banking services closer to the community, with the newly inaugurated ATM serving as a testament to Indian Overseas Bank’s commitment to customer convenience.
