28, Mar 2024
Arika Singh Wins at National Fame Awards 2024, Bags Trophy for Tarot and Astrology
Spiritual guidance and divination influencer Arika Singh is the founder and creator of Divine Empress Vibes, having journeyed from Beauty, Fashion, & Lifestyle Influencing to tarot card reading, psychic healing, and astrology. She was honored with the prestigious National Fame Award 2024 recently held at the Club, Mumbai, winning the trophy for Excellence in Tarot Card Reading & Astrology. The award was presented to her by Dia Mirza.
Upon receiving the award, Arika Singh said, “I’m truly honored to receive this spiritual award; it’s a testament to the invisible threads that connect us all in the pursuit of higher knowledge and compassion. This accolade fuels my passion to delve deeper into spirituality and serve as a beacon of light, hope, and inspiration to others.”
A natural-born psychic, Arika has earned her reputation through accurate predictions, garnering numerous testimonials from satisfied clients. However, her path in spiritualism and divination was not predetermined. Arika discovered her path through an innate calling. Arika invested time and effort into mastering the craft and overcoming doubts and fears.
Born on the 7th, the most spiritual number in astrology, she is considered an old soul, a Starseed, and a Lightworker. Formerly immersed in marketing and social media, Arika’s destiny turned to spirituality, leading her to create Divine Empress Vibes, where she has impacted the lives of over 50,000 global clients. What started as a personal exploration soon transformed into a mission to provide guidance, healing, and empowerment to others.
Recognized as one of India’s top 10 tarot card readers, Arika has become a source of ageless wisdom on social media platforms. Arika possesses expertise in a diverse range of divination tools and spiritual services. She is highly skilled in various spiritual practices, including Tarot Card reading, candle magic healing, astrology, Angelic Reiki healing, Runes reading, and Akashic Records reading. Notably, Arika is also a Ph.D. candidate in tarot reading, showcasing her commitment to advancing the field of divination.
Arika’s journey into spirituality deepened during two significant spiritual awakenings triggered by the loss of both her parents within 1.5 years. This period of introspection led her to delve into Tarot, Astrology, Numerology, Candle Magic, and connecting with the Divine. Arika’s personal growth and continuous learning have fueled her commitment to helping others unlock their true potential through tarot readings and spiritual guidance.
Arika’s online presence, marked by daily videos on Instagram and YouTube, went viral, attesting to the resonance of her content with a vast audience seeking spiritual guidance. Her readings provide empowerment, comfort, and emotional connection for her clients. Her journey, marked by challenges that would daunt the strongest, is a testament to her resilience. Just like the legendary phoenix, Arika’s life journey has been one of rising from the ashes, inspiring others to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth.
Arika’s mission extends beyond providing readings; she aims to instill hope and positivity in those she touches. Her wisdom, drawn from diverse spiritual teachings, emphasizes the power of self-perception, the law of attraction, and the transformative potential within everyone. In a world where challenges abound, Arika Singh is a guiding light, illuminating paths and empowering others to create their destinies. With a heart fueled by compassion, an unwavering spirit, and a wealth of spiritual knowledge, she leaves an indelible mark on those she encounters.
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- By Santosh Kumar
28, Mar 2024
Social Beat sweeps five awards at AgencyCon Indian Agency Awards
Social Beat, a leading digital marketing agency, bagged five awards at the AgencyCon Indian Agency Awards. Social Beat won five key categories including two Gold Awards for Content Marketing Agency of The Year and Agency of the Year South and Silver Award for the Performance Marketing Agency of The Year. Co-founder of Social Beat Mr. Vikas Chawla won the Agency Head / CEO of The Year Award and Mr. Pavan Ramchand, CHRO, Social Beat won the HR Professional of The Year Award at a glittering ceremony held recently in Mumbai.
On winning the awards, Vikas Chawla, co-founder of Social Beat said, “Being recognized with these awards is a testament to the dedication and talent of our team. We are immensely proud of their creativity, expertise, and professionalism with which we scale the brands we work with.”
Suneil Chawla, co-founder of Social Beat, added, “As we celebrate our achievements, in this case an unprecedented 5 awards, we remain committed to our mission of driving business outcomes for the brands entrusted to us to grow revenues and market share.”
With a 300+ strong team of digital experts across Bengaluru, Mumbai, NCR, and Chennai, Social Beat is India’s fastest-growing independent digital marketing solutions company managing 4% of digital media investment in India. Social Beat has set a new benchmark for managing Rs. 900 Crores of digital media spending. As a Google Premier Partner, Facebook Business Partner, and trusted collaborator with industry giants like Salesforce, Hotstar, Amazon, and Linkedin, Social Beat is committed to leveraging strategic partnerships and solutions to empower brands and foster growth.
List of Awards Won by Social Beat at Indian Agency Awards
Gold – Agency of the Year – South
Gold – Content Marketing Agency of The Year
Silver – Performance Marketing Agency of The Year
Agency Head/ CEO of the Year – Vikas Chawla
HR Professional of The Year – Pavan Ramchand
A tribute to the Agency Life, Untold Stories, and Unsung Heroes who run the show, the Indian Agency Awards recognizes the outstanding contributions from Advertising/Creative, Digital, Integrated, and Performance Agencies. Indian Agency Awards is not just about that one Hero Campaign of the year but the hard work, dedication, and toil that goes behind building brands, driving performance, and achieving set objectives through the year. The AgencyCon Summit acts as a shared knowledge platform for Agency Leaders and Professionals to learn, unlearn, and relearn the dynamics of Agency Trade.
27, Mar 2024
Kristen M. Toepfer Chosen as a VIP for 2024 by P.O.W.E.R.
Hackettstown, NJ, March 27, 2024 — Kristen M. Toepfer of Hackettstown, New Jersey, has been chosen as a VIP by P.O.W.E.R. (Professional Organization of Women of Excellence Recognized) for her outstanding contributions and great success in the fields of nonprofit and volunteering.
About Kristen M. Toepfer
One day, Kristen Toepfer was walking the runway for Supermodels Unlimited Magazine during New York Fashion Week. The next, she suffered a massive hemorrhagic stroke, brain swelling, fell into a coma, and subsequently underwent numerous brain surgeries. Kristen fought tirelessly to re-gain her health and draws from her experience to help others who have undergone similar circumstances. She is now a consultant, speaker, and survivor advocating for stroke victims and those with aphasia. She also helps families and caregivers understand what those individuals are going through.
“I became a stroke and aphasia advocate because of the life-changing situation that happened to me in 2018. I was in a coma and then had eight brain surgeries. I couldn’t talk for two years,” said Toepfer. “It became my mission to spread awareness.”
In 2021, Kristen was nominated as a Stroke Hero by the Stroke Foundation. She belongs to Supermodels Unlimited and won the Director’s Award for the Mrs. New Jersey America Pageant in 2022. In addition to her honor as a P.O.W.E.R. VIP, Kristen has been chosen for several other P.O.W.E.R. awards, including a Lifetime Achievement Award and Woman of the Month for both December 2022 and March 2023. She has started a podcast “From the funny to the yucky, no holding back” and also wrote a children’s book, entitled, “My Aunt has a Boo Boo in her Brain.”
Kristen received an A.S. in Liberal Arts from Sussex County Community College. Prior to becoming a speaker, she worked for UPS for 20 years as an industrial engineer.
In her spare time, Kristen enjoys hiking and outdoor activities, modeling, and pageants.
27, Mar 2024
GFCS Deploys Innovative Flood Protection Solutions
New York, NY, March 27, 2024 — Garrison Flood Control, a leader in cutting-edge flood defense systems is proud to announce the successful installation of its Hammerhead Aluminum Flood Barrier Systems at several flood-prone locations on the West Coast of Florida that were hit by hurricane Idalia.
Hammerhead aluminum flood-logs offer advanced engineering and unparalleled strength and durability in protecting properties from flooding, while preserving the aesthetic appeal and structural integrity of a property. The Hammerhead Aluminum Flood Plank System has been tested to handle the hydrostatic pressures associated with flooding using (FEA) Finite Element Analysis and (CFD) Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis. The flood barrier system has proven effective in safeguarding properties against all types of flood events.
In Bonita Springs, Florida, the Rooftop at Riverside restaurant complex required flood protection to meet local building codes and FEMA requirements for dry floodproofing on new construction. Utilizing Garrison Flood Control’s Hammerhead flood logs, the property developer met all local requirements to the base flood elevation specified on FEMA flood maps, plus one foot of required freeboard.
Similarly, the commercial property management firm, Kova Properties in Naples, Florida, encountered significant damage from Hurricane Idalia at many of its properties along 5th Avenue. To protect its buildings against future flood events, Kova contracted with Garrison Flood Control to install its Hammerhead aluminum flood barriers. These removable flood barriers provide much-needed defense against expected hurricane floodwaters, while preserving the aesthetic appeal of the high-end properties and businesses along this iconic avenue.
Furthermore, Aversana Hammock Bay Condominiums in Naples, Florida, having experienced significant flooding during the last hurricane, contracted with Garrison to install its Hammerhead aluminum flood log system at critical entrances and to protect elevator pits and building infrastructure against flood damage. The board of directors were proactive in deploying these innovative flood log barriers to protect the building and its residents property against future hurricane related flooding.
“These projects exemplify the exceptional performance of our flood protection solutions in real-world scenarios,” said Arnon Rosan, CEO of Garrison Systems. “The Hammerhead aluminum flood barriers are engineered to provide maximum protection with minimal disruption to daily operations. We are thrilled to offer these solutions to communities and properties facing the increasing threat of flooding.” The Hammerhead aluminum flood-logs design allows for seamless integration into existing infrastructure and is demountable, making them ideal for retrofitting existing buildings and for meeting dry floodproofing requirements at new construction projects.
With installation teams in Florida and throughout the United States and the ability to specify, fabricate, and install flood barriers quickly in flood prone areas, Garrison has become a leading supplier of flood mitigation products. The company, with headquarters in New York and warehouses strategically placed on both coasts, offers a full line of water diversion barriers, perimeter protection systems, and temporary flood dams to homeowners, commercial properties, and government agencies.
25, Mar 2024
From Aspiration to Action: ‘Rural Rising’ brings positive change in Wayanad’s Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, Sulthan Bathery Block, Kerala
Broadcom, under its CSR initiative, in collaboration with NGO United Way of Bengaluru (UWBe) and Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat, proudly announced the official inauguration of the ‘Rural Rising,’ an innovative integrated rural development program at Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat in Sultan Bathery block, Wayanad. The Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat has a population of 14,133. It is the second largest tribal-populated gram panchayat in the state. Recognizing the pressing need for comprehensive interventions, ‘Rural Rising’, an integrated rural rising program, was kickstarted.
Grounded in a meticulous need assessment, the initiative strategically addresses critical needs such as the health and nutritional needs of children through a unique Cooked Meal intervention and early education facilities for children.
Addressing the health and nutritional needs of children, particularly those malnourished and from the tribal communities, the Cooked Meal intervention was conceived to ensure the availability and accessibility of nutritious meals three times a day, six days a week, benefiting 315 children across 26 Anganwadi Centres. Six Community Kitchens have also started in six Anganwadi Centers, involving mothers in food preparation to foster healthier food habits at home.
Fifteen nutrition promoters, serving as influencers, are actively engaged in community mobilization under this initiative. They play a crucial role in conducting awareness sessions for mothers emphasizing the importance of consuming healthy and nutritious meals.
The positive outcome of the Cooked Meal intervention is evident, with a substantial improvement in children who were initially underweight. In September 2023, 79% reached a normal height-to-weight ratio, marking a positive trend with 81% in October and an impressive 85% in November.
Addressing the need to create a conducive early learning environment for children, 26 Anganwadi Centres have been revamped, aligning with ICDS guidelines. The transformation of Anganwadi Centres to safe and conducive learning spaces includes new facilities and services, infrastructure support, and the establishment of play areas.
Recognizing the crucial role of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs) and Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), the ‘Rural Rising’ initiative also focussed on building the capacities of 200 AWWs and AWHs in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) related skills. This is helping to enhance the quality of services at the AWCs and interactions between caregivers and children, making the entire Anganwadi ecosystem child-friendly.
As expressed by one of the retd. Anganwadi Workers, “In my 39 years of service, I have seen many AWCs located in the forest area grapple with challenges. Today, I express heartfelt gratitude for the positive changes in the AWCs – the introduction of play areas and other improvements ensures a nurturing and vibrant environment for children’s growth and well-being. “
For the initiative, a new milestone was achieved today, as one of the refurbished Anganwadi Centres was inaugurated in the presence of Dr. Renu Raj IAS, the District Collector and District Magistrate, who was present at the event. Dr. Raj said, “Ensuring kids aged 0-6 grow up in a safe and nurturing environment is crucial. This early phase is a big chance for positive development. Investing and putting effort into these early years can build the foundation for a thriving society in the next 20 years.”
Other delegates present today included govt. officials from the Women and Child Development Department, representatives of the Panchayat and team from United Way Bengaluru.
“The intervention is designed on a ‘convergence model,’ focussing on the strength of every stakeholder. In partnership with the local administration and our CSR partner Broadcom, this collaborative effort is significantly contributing to SDG 3 – Good Health and Well-being and SDG 4 – Quality Education,” said Rajesh Krishnan, CEO, United Way Bengaluru.
25, Mar 2024
Presidency University, Bengaluru organises National Conference on Gender and Inclusion
Bengaluru: 25th March 2024: The National Conference on Gender and Inclusion was organized by Presidency University, Bengaluru, Centre for Development Policy and Practice, and GOONJ, in collaboration with Digital Empowerment Foundation (DEF) and Maulana Azad National Urdu University (MANUU) on 14th March 2024 at Presidency University campus. The conference was a prominent event in the ongoing discourse surrounding gender dynamics in the Indian workforce. The theme of the conference for this year was ‘Women in the Workforce.’ The conference was packed with insightful sessions and esteemed speakers that aimed to shed light on the challenges, opportunities, and strategies for fostering gender equality and inclusion in the labour market.
The inauguration of the conference witnessed a thought-provoking Presidential address by the Chief Guest Ms. Vinita Bali, a global business leader and former CEO of Britannia Industries. Her insights, garnered from her extensive experience in the corporate realm, set the tone for deliberations throughout the day. The conference featured a stellar line-up of esteemed guests, including Dr. Gayathri Vasudevan, Chief Impact Officer of Sambhav Foundation & Chairperson of LabourNet, who delivered a special address, where she shared 8 short stories that highlighted the gender-based perceptions and discrimination. Vasudevan’s expertise in social impact and labour dynamics added significant value to the discourse on gender and inclusion. The keynote address delivered by Ms. Rukmini S., author and independent data journalist delved deeper into “What the Data Says: On Gender and the Workforce”.
Speaking at the inauguration, Registrar of Presidency University, Dr. Sameena Noor Ahmed Panali reiterated her belief that acknowledging the profound significance of women’s participation in the workforce is not just a pursuit of social justice, but a vital catalyst for economic prosperity. She highlighted Presidency University’s active involvement in supporting Gender and Inclusivity for the past five decades that helped uplift and sustain 60% of women in various leadership roles across their schools, colleges, and University.
Dr. Anubha Singh in her address stated that gender equality requires more than just acknowledging women’s achievements. It demands a paradigm shift in our mindsets and workplaces. At Presidency University, we firmly believe that gender equality is not just a goal, but a fundamental principle. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment where women can excel in academics, research, and leadership roles.
Dr. Anubha Singh reiterated that this conference offers a valuable platform for open dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collaborative action. We will hear from renowned thought leaders, industry experts, and women themselves who have shattered glass ceilings and carved their own paths to success. She motivated all the delegates present by stating that together, we can build a world where gender is not a barrier to success, but a source of strength and diversity.
The heart of the conference was its panel discussions, where experts from diverse backgrounds converged to dissect critical aspects of women’s participation in the workforce.
Panel Discussion 1 on “Women in the Workforce: What the Data Says”, chaired by Dr. Abusaleh Shariff, Executive Director and Chief Scholar at the US-India Policy Institute, delved into the data surrounding women in the workforce. Accompanying him was Dr. Subhashini Muthukrishnan, Registrar and Professor at St. Joseph College of Commerce, Bengaluru, and Dr. Priyanka Dwivedi, Assistant Professor at Chanakya University, Bengaluru, Dr. Sridevi Tandley, ML Solutions Evangelist, Renowned Speaker & Educator. The panelists looked at different data points analyzing the participation of women in the workforce. Explanations and theories were sought to explain the declining trend of female labor force participation. Concepts such as human capital, low household decision-making, poor economic status and reproduction and childcare were discussed. Numerous contradictions were identified in PLFS data, with specific focus on rural, urbans, wage-work and casual work and self-employment. Their insights helped provide a nuanced understanding of the statistical trends and underlying factors influencing female labour force participation rates.
Panel Discussion 2, ‘Woman in the Workforce: Tackling Challenges and Way Forward’, chaired by Ms. Puja Marwaha, CEO of CRY (Child Rights and You), focused on tackling challenges and charting a way forward for women in the workforce. With Dr. Vinod Vyasulu, a Senior Economist and Professor, and Ms. Soma Wadhwa, a Senior Research Fellow at CDPP and Associate Professor at the School of Modern Media, UPES, the panel delved into the multifaceted challenges encountered by women both prior to and after entering the workforce. Topics spanned the necessity of legislative frameworks alongside their practical implementation to foster workplace inclusivity. Regional disparities were explored, highlighting the discrepancy between educational attainment and employment opportunities. Furthermore, the discourse underscored how the digital divide exacerbates these challenges for women.
The 3rd and final Panel Discussion on ‘Women in the Workforce: Learnings from the Grassroots, moderated by Mr. Anshu Gupta, Founder of Goonj, grassroots perspectives took centre stage. Featuring voices such as Ms. Kamini Kumari, Secretary of Aapka Aanchal, Bihar, Ms. Uthara Narayanan, Founder of Buzz Women, Bengaluru, and Ms. Hemlata Rajput from Shrijan Kalyan Samiti, Raipur, they shared personal experiences of navigating the workplace as women at the grassroot levels and delved into the obstacles hindering women’s entry into the workforce. Concluding, they emphasized the importance of reshaping narratives and highlighted themselves as beacons of hope for societal, cultural, economic, and political progress.
Following the panel discussion, the academic discourse was enriched by paper presentations, offering a platform for scholars and researchers to present their findings. The papers focused on various aspects of women in the workforce in India. The topics of the papers ranged from qualitative analysis of workspace in an urban setting to the problems faced by marginalized women in rural parts of the nation.
The valedictory address was provided by Ms. Meenakshi Gupta, Co-Founder, Goonj, who encapsulated the day-long conference’s key takeaways and encouraged the members present to find innovative ways and means to support gender equality and inclusivity.
In essence, the National Conference on Gender and Inclusion at Presidency University. Bengaluru was a prominent platform for dialogue, collaboration, and action. By harnessing the collective wisdom and expertise of diverse stakeholders, this conference endeavored to foster an environment where women not only participate but thrive in the workforce, thus paving the way for a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.
22, Mar 2024
PrabhuBhakti Launches Its First Physical Store in Ayodhya
New Delhi, 22 March ‘24 – In a significant stride towards blending spirituality with contemporary fashion, PrabhuBhakti, a pioneering D2C startup specializing in Devotion and Style, has proudly announced the opening of its first physical store. Located in the heart of Ayodhya, directly in front of the revered Ram Mandir, this strategic initiative marks a milestone for the brand in connecting with its audience through a tangible retail presence.
Since its establishment in 2021 by founders Samast Ahlawat and Raju Kumar, PrabhuBhakti has focused on catering to the modern devotee with its range of spirituals like t-shirts & caps and Silver Jewelry. This launch is not just a testament to the brand’s innovative approach but also reflects its commitment to making spiritual and fashion-forward products accessible to a wider audience.
The store’s launch has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from customers, leading to a sell-out of the initial stock within just 24 hours. This response underscores the brand’s resonance with its target demographic and highlights the strategic advantage of its location. While renowned brands compete for space in Rampath, PrabhuBhakti has secured an enviable position in front of Ram Mandir, further establishing its foothold in the market and has visibility of 2.5 lakhs visitors every day.
“Opening our first store in such a premium location is a dream come true for us at PrabhuBhakti,” said Samast Ahlawat and Raju Kumar, co-founder. “The phenomenal response from our customers reinforces our belief in the unique value proposition we offer. This is just the beginning, and we are excited to continue this journey, further bridging the gap between spirituality and modern lifestyle.”
PrabhuBhakti’s foray into offline retail exemplifies its mission to connect with customers on a deeper level, providing them with a space where devotion meets style. The brand invites everyone to visit the store in Ayodhya and experience firsthand the unique products that celebrate spiritualism in the modern world.
PrabhuBhakti had received an undisclosed amount of seed funding in the past from Prajay Advisors, a move that underscores the confidence investors have in the brand’s growth trajectory and its innovative business model. This funding was poised to support the brand’s expansion plans and product diversification, ensuring PrabhuBhakti remains at the forefront of the Devotion and Style segment.
Founded in 2021 by Samast Ahlawat and Raju Kumar, PrabhuBhakti stands at the intersection of devotion and contemporary style. Offering a curated selection of Apparel, Silver Jewelry, and Puja Items, the brand caters to the evolving needs of young devotees who seek to integrate spirituality into their everyday lives. With its commitment to innovation and quality, PrabhuBhakti is redefining what it means to be a modern spiritual brand in India.
22, Mar 2024
Infiniti Mall to host Atul Khatri for an unmissable stand-up comedy show
Infiniti Mall is gearing up to welcome eminent comedian Atul Khatri for an unmissable stand–up comedy show at their Malad location. With the comedian’s magnetic presence, clever punchlines and flawless on-stage timing, the show is expected to engulf the atmosphere with bouts of laughter.
Having a solid presence on social media platforms, he was the only Indian comic to perform at the Hong Kong International Comedy Festival. His stand–up special- ‘The Happiest Ending,’ part of the illustrious “COMEDIANS Of The World” featuring 47 comedians from 13 countries worldwide, garnered critics’ appreciation.
Details:
Date – 31th March, 2024
Time – 7:30 PM
Venue – Open-air terrace, Infiniti Mall, Malad
22, Mar 2024
Bhilwara Sur Sangam to bring musical brilliance to Kamani Auditorium on March 30-31, 2024 on its 11th year
New Delhi, 22 March, 2024: LNJ Bhilwara Group, a leading business conglomerate with diverse interests, is organizing Bhilwara Sur Sangam 2024 to celebrate India’s rich musical heritage. The 11th edition of the two-day event is scheduled for March 30th and 31st at Kamani Auditorium, New Delhi.
The annual celebration, which has been honouring India’s classical musical legacy for over a decade, will be graced by some of the country’s distinguished classical maestros.
On the first day, renowned violinist Shri. Manas Kumar and eminent vocalist Dr. Ashwini Bhide Deshpande will weave a symphony of music that will stir the soul. On the second day, vocalist Ustad. Waseem Ahmed Khan and sitarist Pandit Budhaditya Mukherjee will enchant the audience with their captivating renditions.
Expressing his thoughts, Shri. Ravi Jhunjhunwala, Chairman- LNJ Bhilwara Group, said, “India boasts a wealth of cultural and musical heritage. Our musical legacy is exceptionally diverse and spans centuries. Through Bhilwara Sur Sangam, the LNJ Bhilwara Group reaffirms its commitment to preserving and promoting Indian music. We are proud to bring illustrious musical maestros under one roof to celebrate the timeless beauty of Indian music and ensure that it resonates far and wide.”
Bhilwara Sur Sangam is an effort by LNJ Bhilwara Group to promote and preserve the musical heritage of India, passed down for generations. Through this event, the organization aims to foster a deeper sense of appreciation for the cultural and artistic richness of India among the future generation.
20, Mar 2024
Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship of USD 225,000 (AUD), awarded to New Delhi Student
(L to R) Dr Stacey Farraway, DVC (Future Growth), Samaira Khan-Winner of SRK La Trobe University Ph.D. Scholarship of $225,000 (AUD) with Prof Theo Farrell, Vice-Chancellor & President, La Trobe University, Australia
New Delhi,20th March 2024 The second prestigious Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship was today presented to a New Delhi student with a passion to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities, to study in Australia.
During a Gala Dinner in Delhi, La Trobe University’s Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell presented Sumaira Khan with the 2024 Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship, valued at more than $225,000 (AUD).
Sumaira was selected from a competitive field of applicants from across India for the four-year scholarship, which recognizes the humanitarian and social justice achievements of Shah Rukh Khan (SRK). The PhD scholarship was made possible through La Trobe’s long-standing partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.
Designed to support aspiring female Indian researchers who want to make a meaningful impact in the world, the scholarship enables Sumaira to undertake research at La Trobe’s state-of-the-art facilities in Melbourne, Australia.
Sumaira will work with medical anthropologists Dr Tarryn Phillips and Dr Catherine Trundle to identify ways to improve healthcare for South Asian migrant women in Australia with an elevated risk of Type 2 diabetes. The study seeks to understand the factors that shape and constrain the ability to practice self-care, and inform improved healthcare design, access and equity for healthcare programs in Australia and India.
“I’m very grateful to receive the Shah Rukh Khan scholarship. It’s life-changing for me and my family, and I’m excited to interact with La Trobe’s global community of researchers. It really is my proudest achievement,” Sumaira said.
Shah Rukh Khan said he was delighted to support the development of Indian women to pursue solutions to challenges affecting not just Indian communities, but global issues.
“Sumaira’s passion to improve health outcomes for vulnerable communities is inspiring, and her journey is a wonderful lesson to other Indian women who want to improve lives through scientific study,” Mr Khan said.
“I am pleased to be able to support Sumaira’s ongoing development and education with this scholarship at La Trobe University in Melbourne.”
La Trobe Vice-Chancellor, Professor Theo Farrell, said the University was proud to continue the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship to a student, whose goal is to support some of the most vulnerable in our community.
“This ongoing scholarship is testament to the strong relationship and shared vision La Trobe has with Mr Khan to inspire positive change through education and find solutions for some of the most challenging issues facing the world,” Professor Farrell said.
“We are delighted to welcome Sumaira to La Trobe.”
Indian Film Festival of Melbourne Director Mitu Bhowmick thanked La Trobe for its ongoing support for furthering the educational opportunities for Indian women.
“I am delighted our festival has been able to bring together SRK and La Trobe University for this scholarship, which provides life-changing opportunities for young Indian female students and inspires future generations,” she said.
Sumaira’s passion for public health grew from her own family’s experiences accessing care for her younger brother when he was diagnosed with severe autism.
In 2022, Sumaira graduated with a Master of Public Health from Mumbai’s Tata Institute of Social Sciences (TISS), where she received the academic prize for best first year student for achieving the highest grades in her cohort.
She has since completed an internship with Save the Children and Sangath, investigated women’s experiences of open defecation in Delhi and explored the research area of early childhood development in India. Sumaira has also worked with a social development research organization in India exploring the domains of primary health care system strengthening and vaccine hesitancy.
“I’m amazed that I have this opportunity to do research in Australia, I hope my story can connect with young girls across India to inspire them to achieve more, to believe that it’s possible for young women to follow their dreams,” she said.
The first recipient of the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship, Gopika Kottantharayil Bhasi, has completed the first year of her PhD into a field-deployable diagnostic test for honeybee viruses, and with the aim of developing therapies to aid honeybee health.
La Trobe was the first Australian university to award Shah Rukh Khan with an Honorary Degree, Doctor of Letters (honoris causa) during a ceremony at the University’s Melbourne campus in 2019. In recognition of SRK’s wide-ranging humanitarian work, including establishing the Meer Foundation to support and empower women who have survived acid attacks in India.
