9, Dec 2023
Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India Conducts Road Safety Awareness Campaign in Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra

Navi Mumbai, 9th December: Recognizing the need for a proactive approach, Honda Motorcycle and Scooter India are committed to championing road safety initiatives to create a safer and more secure environment for all road users. To further enhance its people-centric approach towards road safety, HMSI took forward its National Road Safety Awareness Campaign to the city of Navi Mumbai in Maharashtra.

HMSI places road safety at the forefront of its corporate responsibility. Through these two-day camps held at Jaipuriar School, HMSI witnessed the active participation of more than 2000 students and staff members. The road safety instructors utilize age-appropriate road safety learning programs to enhance the retention of road safety awareness among all.

HMSI firmly believes that instilling road safety awareness at an early age is crucial, and thus, advocates for the integration of road safety training in school and college curriculum. Understanding that young minds are receptive to learning, the company aims to empower the next generation with the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating roads responsibly.

For 22 years, in the state of Maharashtra, HMSI has imparted education to over 3.7 lakh adults and children, focusing on promoting responsible road usage and cultivating safe riding habits.

Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India’s CSR Commitment towards Road Safety:

In alignment with its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) commitment, HMSI is actively involved in various road safety initiatives. The company is dedicated to fostering a culture of responsible road behavior through education, awareness campaigns, and community engagement programs. By taking a holistic approach to road safety, HMSI strives to contribute to the larger goal of reducing accidents and ensuring the well-being of road users.

In the year 2021, Honda globally made a vision statement for the year 2050 where it will strive for zero traffic collision fatalities involving Honda motorcycles and automobiles. In India, HMSI is working in line with this vision and the Government of India’s direction of reducing fatalities to half by 2030.

One critical aspect of achieving this goal is inculcating a positive mindset towards road safety in our children by the year 2030 and continuing to educate them thereafter. Road safety education at schools and Colleges is not only to create awareness but to inculcate a safety culture in young minds and turn them to be the safety ambassador. It empowers future generations to become responsible and significantly contribute to a safer society.

HMSI wants to be a company that Society wants to exist and is strongly focusing on Road safety awareness to all sections of society with unique ideas catering to each segment from school kids to Corporates and society at large.

HMSI’s set of skilled safety instructors conducts daily programs at our 10 adopted traffic training parks (TTP) across India and 6 Safety Driving Education Centers (SDEC) to make road safety education accessible to every part of society, and the initiative has already reached over 5.7 million Indians. HMSI’s National Road Safety Awareness program made learning fun yet scientific through:

Scientifically Devised Learning Module: Honda’s skilled instructors set the foundation with theory sessions on road signs & markings, driver’s duties on the road, riding gear & posture explanation, and safe riding etiquettes.

1. Practical Learning: A special training activity on Honda’s virtual riding simulator was executed for all to experience over 100 possible dangers on the road before actual riding.

2. Interactive Session: Participants were given danger prediction training known as Kiken Yosoku Training (KYT) which helps in enhancing rider/driver’s sensitivity to danger and ensures safe driving behaviour on roads.

3. Existing Drivers Honing Riding Skills: Students & school staff members who are already existing riders tested & honed their riding skills through slow riding activities and riding on narrow planks.

9, Dec 2023
Prime Video to Premiere its Original Reality Series to Discover and Empower India’s Most Promising Startups, Mission Start Ab, on December 19

MUMBAI, India—December 9, 2023—Prime Video, India’s most loved entertainment destination, announced the premiere of its Original reality series Mission Start Ab. The first-of-its-kind competitive series will focus on grassroots entrepreneurs in India, and take their stories of determination, resilience, and unwavering perseverance to global audiences in 240+ countries and territories with its worldwide premiere on the service on December 19. The series has been conceptualized and developed in collaboration with the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, with the objective of discovering entrepreneurs from diverse corners of India and empowering them to create the next potential Unicorns.

The series features three of India’s most knowledgeable and experienced investors—Kunal Bahl (Snapdeal and Titan Capital), Anisha Singh (She Capital), and Manish Chowdhary (Wow Skin Science)—who not only act as judges and investors but also step in as mentors to guide and nurture contestants to sharpen the skills needed to scale their startups. Hosted by Masaba Gupta and Cyrus Sahukar, Mission Start Ab is executive produced by Indrajit Ray, directed by Srimanta Senguptta, and is an Endemol Shine India production. Mission Start Ab is the latest addition to the Prime membership. Prime members in India enjoy savings, convenience, and entertainment, all in a single membership.

Mission Start Ab brings together a diverse array of new-age startups and entrepreneurs spanning sectors such as robotics, fintech, ed-tech, health and wellness, and technology-enabled marketplaces. The series offers viewers a front-row seat to the dynamic innovation and development taking place at the grassroots level in India.

It explores the unique stories of these founders coming from modest backgrounds, showcasing bold aspirations, cultivated skills, personal sacrifices, and their vision to tackle real-world challenges. Through a series of intense tasks, interactive exercises, and one-on-one mentorship sessions, the show not only prepares these ten entrepreneurs to not only turbo-charge their made-for-India innovations but also serves as an invaluable guide for aspiring innovators across the country.

Mission Start Ab creative

“At Prime Video, we strive to be a force for good for the country. Through our multiple skill-development initiatives, including the Letter of Engagement signed between Amazon and the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, we have worked towards developing talent that can directly and indirectly contribute to the nation. We are incredibly excited to collaborate with the Office of the PSA, Government of India, on Mission Start Ab, a series that leverages the power of entertainment to encourage all Indians to be audacious and bold with their ambitions,” said Sushant Sreeram, country director, Prime Video, India. “Unlike any other entrepreneurial reality show, this series goes beyond financial support, providing invaluable mentorship and guidance from India’s top-tier investors. Through challenges that are designed to hone their business acumen and cultivate critical problem-solving capabilities, Mission Start Ab is poised to ignite the aspirations of numerous young Indians, propelling them towards their entrepreneurial dreams.”

Talking about the show Rishi Negi, Group Chief Operation Officer, EndemolShine India and Banijay Asia said, “Mission Start Ab goes where no series has ever gone before. It seeks to inspire, engage, and entertain viewers through stories of real people who are bringing a change at the grassroots level with their innovations. Through the 10 founders, audiences are taken on a journey that makes them privy to their dreams and struggles, and the path they have had to chart to bring their ideas to fruition. At the same time, the insightful advice from the three judges, who also act as mentors, serves as the guiding light for all those seeking to bring their vision to life. We are certain that the show will break barriers, and challenge everyone to dream and dare to try.”

9, Dec 2023
RnB Sensation Thomson Andrews Uplifts World Digital Detox Day at The Gateway of India Monument

Mumbai, December 9, 2023 – Renowned RnB singer Thomson Andrews took center stage at the iconic Gateway of India monument, delivering a mesmerizing performance of the anthem “Perfectly Imperfect” for the celebration of World Digital Detox Day. World Digital Detox Day is an international awareness day established to promote digital balance and wellness. The annual event, held each December 10th, encourages individuals and communities to disconnect from technology and reconnect with friends and loved ones in person. World Digital Detox Day (WDDD 2023) is organized by the World Digital Detox Day Organization.

Thomson Andrews Uplifts World Digital Detox Day at The Gateway of India Monument 1

Dr. Vishal Madane, is the musically creative force of the soul-stirring song “Perfectly Imperfect” for WDDD 2023. The song is beautifully composed and musically produced by the talented Mr. Satish Chakravarthy, with lyrics penned by Dr. Vishal Madane and the rap lyrics performed by Carter. Thomson Andrews, known for his soulful voice and Bollywood playback singing, TV hosting, and TEDx talks, lent his vocals to the English version of the anthem, alongside rapper Carter. The artist is also the founder of ‘THROAN OF ART,’ a media entrepreneur who actively supports social causes such as women empowerment, elderly care, and humanitarian efforts, embodying a commitment to social sustainability.

Reflecting on his experience, Thomson Andrews expressed, “It’s an honor to perform for this wonderful initiative. The GATEWAY OF INDIA holds a special place in my heart, from childhood memories to now standing on its stage. The depth of the song’s emotions, combined with the thought-provoking lyrics, truly inspire people to take a break from the digital world for better mental health and balanced living.”

Thomson Andrews donned a custom-made traditional Indian Bandgala suit designed by the acclaimed Pankaj Kumar, adding a touch of elegance to the evening. The singer’s impactful presence at the Pre-Celebration event on December 5th marked a significant contribution to the success of World Digital Detox Day. The performance videos of all unique talent displays by several artists who performed are set to captivate audiences worldwide on December 10, 2023.

Thomson Andrews Uplifts World Digital Detox Day at The Gateway of India Monument 2

Dr. Rekha Chaudhari, the visionary founder of the World Digital Detox Day Organization and Global Wellness Ambassador of India, states, “Our lives have become slaves to the digital world, constantly browsing, binge-watching, and seeking validation on social media. This has led to a unique epidemic of digital addiction. World Digital Detox Day offers an opportunity for people around the world to strengthen their personal relationships by dedicating time to connect in person, free from the distractions of devices.

The Mumbai event, held at The Gateway of India, was attended by eminent political personalities and celebrities among which veteran Actor Anupam Kher was also present, setting the tone for the main event on December 10th, 2023.

9, Dec 2023
Mohite Racing Accelerates Into the Ceat Indian Supercross Racing League With the Acquisition of a Franchise Team

Pune, December 09, 2023: The CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League (ISRL), dedicated to reshaping the motorsports landscape in India, proudly welcomes a new powerhouse into its ranks as Team Mohite Racing, led by passionate motorsports enthusiast Abhishek Mohite. With this addition, the league takes a significant stride towards elevating the standards of motorsport in the country. The team will be based out of Kolhapur.

CEAT ISRL X Mohite Racing Official Image_01

 Mohite Group, is a pioneering force in the construction industry, with a rich legacy spanning several decades. Specializing in the construction of dams, buildings, mining, and earthworks further diversifying to Textiles, Automobiles, Education, hydro power and energy sector.

 Beyond Construction, the company proudly runs the Mohite’s Racing Academy which has India’s biggest Go-Karting track since 2006. This initiative reflects the company’s commitment to community engagement, youth development, and fostering a culture of excellence beyond the boardroom.

 Mohite Group stands as a dynamic and multifaceted organization, integrating construction prowess with a commitment to energy sustainability, sports and a future-focused vision.

 Abhishek Mohite, Team Mohite Racing, expressed his excitement about this new partnership: “Joining the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League with Team Mohite Racing is an incredible achievement and a true milestone for me. I am extremely excited to be part of this innovative approach to motorsports, which aligns perfectly with my passion for racing. Through this partnership, we are committed to inspiring and nurturing young talent in the field and develop Indian motorsport landscape.

 Veer Patel, Director & Co-Founder at Supercross India Pvt Ltd., extended his warm welcome to Team Mohite Racing, stating, we are incredibly proud to welcome such a talented team to our league. Their knowledge and dedication to motorsport perfectly align with our mission to revolutionise the motorsports scene in India. Our goal is to provide the best entertainment and quality in motorsports for fans nationwide, and together, we will make this a reality.

With the addition of Team Mohite Racing, the CEAT Indian Supercross Racing League has announced Five teams, with more exciting announcements on the horizon. The league is set to raise the bar for motorsport in India, promising a season filled with exhilarating experiences for fans and participants alike.

9, Dec 2023
Vicky Kaushal Gets Candid About His Films, Characters, Life And A Lot More In Femina’s December 2023 Issue

National, 09th December 2023: Vicky Kaushal’s journey in the world of cinema has been nothing short of remarkable. From his memorable debut in Masaan to his acclaimed roles in films such as Manmarziyaan, Raazi, and Uri: The Surgical Strike, Vicky has always been a standout actor in the industry. Yet, he is one who credits his ability to deliver varied performances over the years to his directors. Putting his heart and faith in director Meghna Gulzar, he took on the role of the legendary Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw in Sam Bahadur, which was released earlier this month. In Femina’s December 2023 edition, we delve into the story of his evolution, highlighting his journey to becoming one of the finest actors we know. The Cover Story celebrates the compelling journey of an actor whose talent and commitment continue to have an enduring impact on the big screen.

Cover Story - Vicky Kaushal in Femina's December edition

 Speaking about his approach to acting and his life choices, Vicky says, “Our job is to fake emotions, but, strangely, it is also about finding the truth in that and being honest at that. I just want people to connect to that honesty and that realness in me… In life, peace of mind really matters more to me than being right or making the right decision. I just say that this is what I’m feeling in my heart and I go by it; I ask God to take care of everything else.”

 Talking about his latest release and the character of Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw, Vicky adds, “I had to not walk or talk like myself; I had to create a different personality altogether. I made my instinct, my impulse, my physicality, and tonality all about his character. It has been a great opportunity, but you have to constantly remember that it is a big responsibility, you can’t take it lightly.”

 He also delves into his chosen philosophy for life, his regular self once the camera turns off, and his thoughts regarding karma, among other intriguing aspects.

9, Dec 2023
Mayur More shares insights into his Slum Golf journey, reveals his experience of learning a new game for Amazon miniTV series

Mumbai, 9th December 2023: Amazon miniTV, Amazon’s free video streaming service, took viewers on an exhilarating journey riding high on emotion, passion and adrenaline with its acclaimed sports drama series, Slum Golf. The series chronicles the inspiring story of Pawan, who goes from navigating life in Mumbai lanes to basking in the glory of the sport, presenting a strong narrative of dreaming big in the face of societal challenges. Featuring Sharad Kelkar, Mayur More, and Arjan Aujla in pivotal roles, Slum Golf is currently streaming on Amazon miniTV for free.

Mayur More

 Talking about the most crucial criterion for playing the character of Pawan in the series, Mayur More shared, “In Slum Golf, Pawan strives hard to become a professional golfer, which made me wonder how I would bring out authenticity in my portrayal. I was confident about managing to bring conviction to other aspects of my performance except for authentically essaying the role of a professional golfer. Interestingly, Vinay, one of our writers, plays golf, and it was the first thing I got to know when I finally got roped in for the series. So, I told them clearly that I wanted to learn golf. I remember I even told the team that I wouldn’t take up the role if I couldn’t get to learn golf. It was an important criterion for me. Unfortunately, I had very little time to learn golf, around 15-20 days, as we were supposed to start shooting in May.”

 Delving further into the preparations for learning the key basics of golf, Mayur expressed, “We couldn’t get the coaching that we were supposed to. There is a small sports club in Lokhandwala, where you can go and work on your basics, so I went there and practiced. Golf is a very difficult game. Before hitting the ball, my coach repeatedly told me that I must remember 89 things, and I was like I don’t even have 89 days for this. However, I somehow managed to practice, tried to learn their posture and body language and understand how they hit the ball and where it landed. I learned all this just to be able to sink my teeth into my character as a pro golfer. Although I was hitting bad shots, there were a few decent ones too, which used to boost my confidence.”

 Adding to this, he emoted his delight to being praised for his professional body language, “I used to get comments that I fit the role of a pro golfer, which was an advantage. I knew I could crack the posture. I got to learn so many new things about golf – how one thinks when one hits the ball, deals with the pressure, understands the direction of the wind, among many other things. Since I have a cricketing background, getting a hang of the body language was not a herculean task. I am glad that I got to learn a new game.”

 Indulge in this endearing tale and experience a range of emotions with Slum Golf on Amazon miniTV, available on Amazon’s shopping app, on Fire TV, and Play Store.

9, Dec 2023
CNBC-TV18 celebrates embarking on a quarter century of excellence

9th December 2023: CNBC-TV18, the No. 1 English Business News brand, proudly enters its 25th year with a legacy defined by excellence and innovation. In an era where industry dynamics constantly shift, CNBC-TV18 has defined the business news genre in this country and remained at the numero uno position. Led by a stellar team of business journalists, including Shereen Bhan, Latha Venkatesh, Anuj Singhal, Prashant Nair, and Sonia Shenoy, CNBC-TV18’s comprehensive coverage remains unrivaled. The channel stands as the preferred choice for market experts, corporate leaders, influencers, investors, and policymakers seeking in-depth insights into finance, business, economy, and more. The channel’s commitment to quality reporting has solidified its position as the go-to source for reliable, incisive, and timely information.

25-years-of-Excellence - CNBC

 CNBC TV-18 ‘s prime-time shows Bazaar, Closing Bell, and India Business Hour have informed and educated viewers day after day and night after night.

 As a purpose-driven brand, CNBC-TV18 has driven impactful initiatives, and been the thought leader for over two decades. It created the world longest longest-running show on start-ups and entrepreneurship, the award-winning Young Turks, 22 years ago. It gave India its first dedicated auto show, Overdrive, its first A&M show, Storyboard, a dedicated show on Pharma & Healthcare, the Medicine Box, a show on all things tech, Tech At Work, the award-winning Mad About markets, a show that captures all things trending before they become the trend and so much more.

 More recently CNBC-TV18 launched Future.Female.Forward,- The Women’s Collective a campaign championing gender parity in the workplace. Also the marquee India Business Leader Awards’ celebrated its 19th edition by honoring exemplary leaders from the field of business, sports, and entertainment demonstrating our commitment to pursue and recognize excellence.

 The foray of the brand into the digital world has been recent but delivered on its DNA with over 65 million* viewers across the social media platforms and YouTube channel. The website CNBCTV18.com ensures the brand stays engaged with the audience -on TV, online, and on the move.

 Reflecting on the remarkable journey of the brand, Shereen Bhan, Managing Editor, CNBC-TV18, remarked, “Our milestone signifies the relentless pursuit of quality, a vision for the future, unswerving consistency, and a commitment to credibility. Our accountability stems from a firm dedication to our audience, and innovation remains our guiding light for embracing change.”

 As a multi-platform brand with a stronghold on both TV and Digital, CNBC-TV18 continues to evolve, adapting to the dynamic business world. The commitment to providing viewers with the news, analysis, and insights needed to navigate the complexities of today’s global economy remains unwavering. Here’s to CNBC-TV18, a legacy shaped by principles and dedicated to delivering excellence in every aspect of business journalism.

9, Dec 2023
Disney+ Hotstar and Friday Storytellers launches an exciting sizzle for their much-anticipated thriller Neeraj Pandey’s The Freelancer: The Conclusion

Mumbai 9th December 2023: Finally, Avinash Kamath sets out on the last leg of his extraction mission. Will The Freelancer be able to save Aliya? Disney+ Hotstar is all set to bring you the much-awaited The Freelancer: The Conclusion. The series is based on the book – A Ticket to Syria by Shirish Thorat, directed by Bhav Dhulia, produced by Friday Storytellers and Shital Bhatia, and created by showrunner Neeraj Pandey, the series is set to release on December 15, 2023, on Disney+ Hotstar. The Freelancer: The Conclusion is helmed by popular actor Mohit Raina and veteran actor Anupam Kher along with Kashmira Pardeshi. The series also features talented actors like Sushant Singh, John Kokken, Gauri Balaji and Navneet Malik, Manjiri Faddnis, and Sarah Jane Dias amongst others.

The freelancer

Unveiling the world of The Freelancer, Disney+ Hotstar hosted a special event in Mumbai and shared a sneak peek into what the conclusion holds for our beloved Freelancer and Aliya. Teasing the mission and fueling the adrenaline, the video sizzle captured the fast-paced thrill and drama in the series. Present at the event were Gaurav Banerjee (Head – Content, Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star), Creator & Showrunner Neeraj Pandey, Producer Shital Bhatia, Director Bhav Dhulia along with the talented cast of the series including Anupam Kher, Mohit Raina, Kashmira Pardeshi.

Gaurav Banerjee, Head – Content, Disney+ Hotstar & HSM Entertainment Network, Disney Star said, “I think first and most important for The Freelancer is Neeraj Pandey and our unbelievable and unshakable faith in his qualities as a storyteller. How he wants to challenge himself and always surprise and tell thrillers in a style that is incredibly powerful. So, I think for all of us, we first came to him as fans, and after that, there is a lot of comfort with Friday Filmworks and Shital is an amazing force. This partnership brings us great joy for the past 5 years. Of Course, also bringing this cast together. Somewhere, they have history, I have history. So, I think it’s all fantastic. One of the foundational shows in my career is Mahadev. And Mahadev is Mahadev also because of what he is. He is somebody I am incredibly in awe of and hugely grateful for. So, I think this was an easy decision. I think we first think of the people and then think of the story.”

Creator and Showrunner Neeraj Pandey said, “It’s a great story that draws you and in this case, I was happy that Bhav was excited with the idea of leading this one and putting this ensemble cast and helping us in shaping up this particular story. It always starts with the story and ends with the story.”

The-freelancer -

Anupam Kher said, “When I’m working with Neeraj, I give myself completely to him. Whatever he tells me, I just do that, and he makes my job easy. Acting is not easy; it requires your mind, your body, your everything. It looks very easy, but that’s the beauty of hard work and years of work. Neeraj keeps challenging me, and ‘mai thoda bohot chabi karta rehta hu.’ That’s why I enjoy working with both of them. More than friends, they are like family now.”

Mohit Raina said, “I was following Neeraj and Bhav Dhulia’s vision. The character sketch they thought we explored on a daily basis, every shoot was different. The approach was very different. Shot with anupam ji where I’m standing with a gun, the approach was different because Neeraj Sir wanted red eyes. I didn’t carry any baggage but I enjoyed the journey. It’s been one of the most vulnerable journeys of my life. I haven’t ever played an underdog who comes out of nowhere and becomes something else. It was a very interesting arc for me to play and be Avinash Kamath”

~Witness the mission of ‘The Freelancer’ to save Aliya, in The Freelancer: The Conclusion, all episodes set to stream on 15th December only on Disney+ Hotstar~

8, Dec 2023
Top self-help author Dr Birbal Jha to address at Sandip University

Dr Birbal Jha

Noted author and social entrepreneur Dr Birbal Jha is scheduled to address the students of Sandip University, Madhubani, on the subject of professional presentation skills. His day-long seminar will begin at 10:30 am on December 8, 2023.

Dr Birbal Jha, ranked among the ten top self-help authors in the world, expects his interactive session to help the attendees improve their communication skills and equip them with the art of presentation skills in professional settings in today’s world.

The session aims to cover the various facets of presentation skills, effective communication skills, and interview and behaviour skills in line with the objectives of the prestigious Sandip University.

Dr. Birbal Jha, who founded his social enterprise British Lingua in 1993, has a track record of imparting English skills training to more than three lakh and fifty thousand youth in India, beginning his educational journey in Patna.

8, Dec 2023
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DePwD) & Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII) partner with Corporates to empower 3000 Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) to secure promising livelihood opportunities

Mumbai, December 8, 2023: The Entrepreneurship Development Institute of India (EDII), in collaboration with the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (DEPwD), Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Government of India, organized a Roundtable Meet for Corporates to ‘Support, Activate and Build Assured Livelihoods (SABAL) for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) under CSR Actions’.

Dr. Vineet Rana, General Manager, National Handicapped Finance Development Corporation, DePwD, Government of India; Shri Jagannath Sahoo, President, SBI Foundation; Shri Rajendra Nimbalkar, IAS, Managing Director, Maharashtra Small Scale Industries Development Corporation Ltd., Mumbai; Shri Saumya Chaudhuri, CGM, IDBI Bank Ltd; Dr. Sunil Shukla, Director General, EDII; Dr. Raman Gujral, Director, Department of Projects (Corporate) at EDII, as well as senior officials from DePwD and CSR leaders from leading corporate entities attended this groundbreaking meet. The ‘Meet’ took up the agenda of sensitizing society at large and instituting interventions and measures that ensure the establishment of 3,000 new enterprises PwDs, including 1,500 technology-driven and 1,500 general enterprises.

This pivotal roundtable meeting brainstormed on creating a better world for PwDs through an effective synergy between government, corporates, and institutions. The discussions revolved around the specific objectives of ensuring empowerment of PwDs through sustainable enterprise creation; creating a set of best practices in the context of infrastructure, perception, environment, security, and other facilities to promote their complete inclusion in society; floating ways to ensure an integrative working environment; deciding on an inventory of business opportunities that PwDs could tap into to create own enterprises; aligning the project and its interventions with sustainable development goals and breaking the professional segregation in society that relegates disabled PwDs to lower-paying jobs.

Based on the discussions and takeaways, the participating corporates identified some primary areas of cooperation. Some of the activities identified to achieve the goal of creating 3000 PwD-led enterprises included an awareness Campaign to Ensure Community Integration of PwDs; Immersive Life Skills for Adolescents with Disabilities; Sourcing Business Opportunities for PwDs; Sensitization workshops for PwDs; Credit Linkage Support; Entrepreneur Growth-cum-Counselling Programme (EGCP) to Support PwD-led Enterprises and Micro Skillpreneurship Development Programme (MSDP) to enable unemployed PwDs to set up their business.

Dr. Vineet Rana emphasized the pivotal role of NHFDC in empowering Persons with Disabilities (PwDs), stating, “Through NHFDC, we aim to facilitate financial development, ensuring sustainable livelihoods for PwDs in collaboration with EDII and corporate partners.”

EDII

Shri Jagannath Sahoo highlighted the collaborative efforts of SBI Foundation with EDII, stating, “SBI Foundation, in partnership with EDII, is committed to creating promising livelihood opportunities for differently-abled individuals through our collaborative ‘Support, Activate and Build Assured Livelihoods’ programme.” Shri Sahoo emphasized on the significance of equity and new possibilities for PwDs.

Shri Saumya Chaudhuri endorsed the role of IDBI Bank’s CSR wing, stating, “IDBI Bank, as part of its CSR initiatives, actively engages in sensitization workshops and credit linkage support aimed at fostering an inclusive environment where people from various echelons of society get multiple opportunities to thrive and prosper.”

A video was screened explaining the features of the newly launched DePwD PM Daksh portal for skilling and employment of Divyangjan.

Dr. Sunil Shukla, opined, “For the development process to deliver better outcomes, the approach has to be inclusive. Inclusive Development focusses on equity and social growth, which is important for any society. And, in this context, development opportunities for PwDs need to be curated on high priority, on a regular basis. We need to ensure that the PwDs get suitably trained and handheld. It is also important to establish best practices at workplaces and at various levels of the social framework to foster equality and inclusivity at all levels.”

Dr. Raman Gujral, discussing the various projects undertaken by corporates to empower PwDs, said that EDII has so far 8,653 PwDs through 272 skill training programs, leading to the establishment of 1,247 enterprises. EDII houses the Centre for Empowerment of the Differently Abled (CEDA), supported by the Department of Social Justice & Empowerment, Directorate of Social Defence, Gujarat State Handicapped (Divyang) Finance & Development Corporation, Government of Gujarat, on its campus.

A brainstorming session was held between the officials and corporate leaders present in the conference room. The one-hour-long round table discussion included topics related to accessibility, aids, and assistive devices, AI for PwDs, Job mapping, entrepreneurship opportunities, and disability sensitization.
The meeting ended with a vote of thanks and a group photo.