Birla Open Minds Hosts South Zonal Sports Meet

Hyderabad, January 2, 2025: The Birla Open Minds successfully conducted its South Zone Sports Meet at LB Nagar, Hyderabad. The three-day event brought together over 1,000 students from nine schools to compete and display their skills in various sports, including basketball, football, volleyball, kabaddi, and tennis.

 The event was a platform for young athletes to showcase their skills while embracing values like discipline, resilience, and collaboration pillars of the Birla Open Minds philosophy. From spirited competitions to shared moments of camaraderie, the meet emphasized holistic development beyond the classroom.

 The opening ceremony set the tone for the event, symbolizing shared aspirations and the determination to excel. Students participated with unmatched energy, enthusiasm, and sportsmanship, reflecting the unifying power of sports.

 Highlighting the event’s significance Mr Nirvaan Birla says, “Sports play a vital role in building character, perseverance, and teamwork. The zonal sports meet organised across the country is a celebration of not just talent but also the values that help students thrive in all walks of life. Parents, staff, and spectators witnessed inspiring performances in both Under-17 and Under-14 categories, where participants competed fiercely while maintaining the true essence of sportsmanship. The meticulous organization and thoughtful arrangements ensured a smooth experience for everyone involved.

 He adds “The South Zonal Sports Meet 2024 successfully reinforced the school’s commitment to nurturing well-rounded individuals. By promoting physical fitness, teamwork, and leadership, the event reflected the school’s vision to develop students who excel not only in academics but also in life’s broader arenas”.

University of Birmingham Marks 125 Years of Excellence with Exclusive Scholarships for Indian Students

New Delhi, Jan 02, 2025 – Marking their 125th anniversary celebrations, the University of Birmingham is rolling out several special scholarships available to Indian students. One of the most prominent universities in the UK is now accepting applications for their 125th Anniversary Scholarships to promote international education and honour the academic achievements of outstanding students.

The scholarships allow Indian students to obtain funding for a variety of postgraduate taught (PGT) Master’s degrees, ranging from £4,000 to £5,000, for programs beginning in September 2025. The University’s dedication to promoting diversity, developing international talent, and establishing life-changing educational opportunities is demonstrated by this effort.

The University is also marking the installation of its new Chancellor Sandie Okoro OBE with a series of special Chancellor’s Scholarships.

Only the eighth Chancellor since the University was established in 1900, Sandie succeeds Lord Bilimoria of Chelsea CBE and follows in the footsteps of founder the Rt Hon Joseph Chamberlain and former Prime Minister the Rt Hon Anthony Eden, the Earl of Avon.

Scholarships available for Indian Aspirants

Numerous unique scholarship possibilities are available to Indian students, such as:

 • 125th Anniversary Scholarships
o £4,000 awards for all eligible Indian students enrolling in most postgraduate Master’s programs, excluding MSc Management, MSc International Business, MSc Marketing, or MBA.
o £5,000 awards for high-achieving students selected through the India Chancellor’s Scholarship program, applicable to all Master’s programs, including business disciplines.
o No cap on the number of £4,000 scholarships; for £5,000 awards, 50 scholarships will be granted based on academic merit.
o Deadline: End of May 2025 for formal acceptance of the offer.

 • Chancellor’s Scholarships 2025
o 15 awards of £6,000 each, for postgraduate taught Master’s programs.
o Selection is based on academic merit and excellence demonstrated in the application process.
o Deadline: End of May 2025.

 • MBA Scholarships
o Up to £15,000 for outstanding candidates applying for the Purposeful Leader MBA programme.
o Additional scholarships up to £10,000 for Responsible Business MBA applicants.
o Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis.

 • India High Fliers Undergraduate Scholarships- (High Fliers Research 2024 ranks UoB as the most targeted university in the UK by the top employers)
o Limited scholarships for Indian students, applicable to undergraduate programmes.
o Based on academic merit and nominations from schools or agent partners.
o Deadline: End of May 2025.

Kicking off the year-long celebrations with these scholarships, Ms. Sandie Okoro OBE, Chancellor of the University of Birmingham, said, “As part of the University’s milestone celebrations, I am pleased to be a part of this significant occasion. I look forward to marking this momentous year with the staff and students who make the University of Birmingham such a wonderful place. Let’s highlight the university’s enduring commitment to diversity and high standards of education, as well as its enormous global impact.”

Professor Adam Tickell, the University of Birmingham’s Vice-Chancellor, stated, “I am proud to kickstart our 125th anniversary celebrations here in India specifically. I would want to draw attention to the institution’s dedication to globally advancing research and education, which is supported by its tradition of excellence and innovation. The university has always attempted to address global issues and promote a brighter future, and this milestone underscores that goal. We are proud to deepen our ties with India by offering these scholarships. They represent our long-standing commitment to empowering global talent and advancing knowledge to address the challenges of the future”

Applications for these scholarships are now open, with deadlines ranging from May 2025 for specific awards. Indian students are encouraged to explore these opportunities to be part of an institution with a rich legacy of research and academic impact.

From Small Shutters to Big Dreams: ACCA Empowers Entrepreneurs Across India

Mumbai, 2 January 2025: ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), a globally recognised professional accountancy body providing qualifications and advancing standards in accountancy worldwide, has partnered with Schbang to launch its newest integrated campaign, ‘#SapnoKeShutter’. This campaign aims to highlight the importance of having the financial acumen to run a business sustainably, whether you are managing a small enterprise or working within a company.

Celebrating the backbone of India’s economy—family-owned businesses—this campaign recounts the tale of the dreamers behind small businesses, capturing their tenacity, achievements, and the critical role financial expertise plays in their path to success.

#SapnoKeShutter is a tribute to all entrepreneurs who have the courage to dream, develop, and succeed. The short clip masterfully illustrates the emotional bond small business owners have with their companies—seeing them as sites of purpose, reverence, and generational identity—by employing the metaphorical ‘shutter’ as a creative method.

While showcasing the assistance that financial acumen offers to safeguard their legacy, the film recounts the hardships and triumphs of entrepreneurs throughout India.

Pooja Seth, Regional Head of Marketing – India & Africa, ACCA said, “#SapnoKaShutter is our way of giving back to the community of small business owners who have been the key contributors to India’s growth story. It’s our commitment to be partners in their resilience, passion and hard work by empowering them with financial knowledge and professional skills. With this integrated campaign, we reaffirm this partnership and commitment.”

Varsha Rohani, Associate Vice President – Brand Solutions, Schbang expressed, “We began the ACCA project with primary research, conducting one-on-one conversations with entrepreneurs across Tier-2 India.”

In one of our conversations with a businessman from Jaipur, we asked him about the shop’s closing time, saying, “Dukaan kab band hoti hai?” He immediately got offended and corrected us, saying, “Shutter kab badhta hai.”

This incident made us realise how deeply emotional and significant the “shutter” is to business owners. In several other conversations, we noticed similar sentiments, which inspired us to craft “SapnoKeShutter”—a campaign that beautifully showcases the dedication and hard work of Indian business owners to keep their shutters up and businesses running.

This campaign allows ACCA to emotionally connect with an audience that has grown up in family businesses or dreams of starting one. To amplify its impact, we are collaborating with regional influencers to share the inspiring stories of entrepreneurs from Bharat.”

By addressing these challenges, #SapnoKeShutter not only celebrates the resilience of entrepreneurs but also emphasises the vital role of financial expertise in ensuring their dreams endure for generations. Through this campaign, ACCA aims to inspire a future where businesses are not just built to survive but thrive, securing their legacy in India’s vibrant economic landscape.

Ending with a bang Season 1 finale of STOK’s Agla Comic Kaun sees Rahul Dua at his witty best

India, January 2, 2024: STOK, the premium brand from Indore known for urging consumers to “live the chill,” concluded the first season of its comedy talent hunt, Agla Comic Kaun, with a spectacular finale. The event, held at The Laugh Store in Delhi’s Vegas Mall, saw celebrated comedian Rahul Dua steal the show with his signature blend of charm, wit and sarcasm. Accompanying him in the funny shenanigans were Raj Vikram and Chitresh Bhauraha the top 2 finalists of ‘Agla Comic Kaun- Season 1’.

The grand finale on 30th December was a laugh riot from start to finish as Raj Vikram and Chitresh Bhauraha set the stage alight with their hilarious one-liners and side-splitting anecdotes, warming up the crowd for the evening’s highlight—Rahul Dua. Known for his fun and engaging audience interactions, Rahul Dua then took the evening to new comedic heights with his comic genius. Here’s a sneak peak from the show. Powered by STOK, the champion of the ‘Chill Spirit,’ Agla Comic Kaun’s season finale was more than just a show – it was a celebration of the ultimate ‘chill’ lifestyle where great comedy pairs perfectly with STOK’s premium craft brews.

Conceptualized, created and executed by Qyuki Media, home to India’s biggest digital superstars, the debut season of “Agla Comic Kaun” unearthed fresh comedic talent from across the country with over 100 comedians shortlisted for a 10-round competition. The winners walked away with cash prizes, exclusive STOK hampers and once in a lifetime chance to share the stage with some of India’s top comedic names.

Talking about the event, Vedant Kedia, Chief Executive Officer, MEBL, said, “STOK represents the essence of the chill lifestyle, and what better way to celebrate this than with great and hearty laughter? Agla Comic Kaun was born out of our desire to discover the next generation of comedians who can bring joy and smiles to people’s lives. The response to this initiative has been phenomenal, and the finale was a true testament to this vision.”

Sharing his thoughts on the same, Nitin Gupta, Founder and MD at Asymmetrique, the partner agency behind the brand, said, “We had always envisioned STOK as a young brand full of cheer and laughter. Agla Comic Kaun thus was the perfect extension to this young brand, as it discovers some of the funniest young comedians from around the country. The season finale symbolized everything STOK stands for, joy, laughs and buzzy brews”.

STOK , the champion of the ‘Chill Spirit,’ continues to carve a niche among Gen-Z and millennials by fostering a vibrant community that celebrates craft and India’s thriving comedy culture. The season finale of Agla Comic Kaun was more than just a show—it celebrated the ultimate ‘chill’ lifestyle, where great comedy perfectly complements STOK’s premium brews. With the rousing success of Season 1, STOK hints at even more exciting surprises in the pipeline, setting the stage for unforgettable experiences that bring comedy and craft together in perfect harmony.

Ambuja Cements promotes cleanliness and hygiene in line with ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign

Ahmedabad, 2 January 2025: Ambuja Cements, the cement and building material company of the diversified Adani Portfolio, continues to drive impactful community initiatives in alignment with the government’s ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ campaign. Aimed at promoting cleanliness, hygiene, and sustainable waste management practices, the campaign has been actively implemented across various villages in India, inspiring collective action and fostering long-term behavioural change.

In the Farakka block, West Bengal, the campaign engaged community members in a series of cleanliness awareness activities and practical efforts, such as cleaning public areas and spreading bleaching powder to improve sanitation. The initiative successfully collected an estimated 2.5 to 3 quintals of garbage from multiple identified black spots within the villages. The campaign emphasized sustained cleanliness and aimed to improve the overall hygiene in these rural areas.

Similarly, in Khambada block, Warora, Maharashtra, the community came together for a Cleanliness Rally, where all participants, including local villagers, took a cleanliness oath. The rally culminated in a full-scale village cleaning, further instilling the values of hygiene and sanitation among participants.

In Darlaghat, Himachal Pradesh, PRI members, school heads, teachers, and community influencers gathered to take an oath of cleanliness. A painting competition titled ‘Swachhata Hi Seva, Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata’ was held at Kashlog School, in collaboration with the ACL Mines Department. This was accompanied by a sanitation drive conducted by health volunteers and Swachhta Doots (Community Sanitation Volunteers), which targeted key areas of the village for a thorough cleaning.

The campaign also made significant strides in Bathinda, Punjab, where Ambuja Cements organised various activities including poster competitions in four government schools and cleanliness drives across Banwala Hanwanta village, Behak Khas village, Asafwala village, Fazilka, Punjab under the Human Resource Development Program (HRDP).

In Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, sanitation awareness programs were conducted in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat, farmers, women’s groups, and schools. These activities, which included plastic collection drives and painting competitions, were organized to foster a deeper understanding of sustainable waste management practices within the community.

An awareness meeting and rally on Swachhata Hi Seva were organized by Pragati Village Organization under WEP at Bhatapara. In Sankrail, a Swachhata Abhiyan cleanliness campaign was conducted with SHG women and adolescents, focusing on core village and school premises, followed by an awareness rally and garbage collection. In Chandrapur, various sanitation programs, including a painting competition and plastic collection drive, were held in collaboration with the Gram Panchayat and schools.

Ambuja Cements remains committed to uplifting rural communities through impactful campaigns such as Swachhata Hi Seva, which foster cleanliness, promote hygiene, and improve public health across India.

Paramount Golfforeste Celebrates Shubharambh 2024 with Enthralling Performances and Community Spirit

Paramount Golfforeste, renowned for its tradition of hosting unique and vibrant events, marked the beginning of the new year with its annual Shubharambh celebration. Since 2017, Shubharambh has been a hallmark of community bonding and creative expression, and this year’s event was nothing short of spectacular.

This year’s Shubharambh was a grand two-day affair that left attendees enthralled. The first day kicked off with a dazzling dance competition, followed by a stunning fashion show that showcased the talent and creativity within the community. The second day featured an extraordinary singing competition, with performances both with and without instruments, adding a melodic charm to the celebrations. Every moment of the event was flawlessly executed, leaving an indelible mark on all who attended.

The success of Shubharambh 2024 was made possible through the tireless efforts and teamwork of the organizing committee. A big round of applause is extended to the core team, including Supriya Pandey, Mrs. Shrestha Chandra, Neha Yadav, Bhoomika Tewari, Varsha Negi, Vijiya, and Manoj, for their outstanding coordination and dedication. Special thanks go to Ashok Chaudhari, Mr. Gaurav, Somesh ji, and Ashok Baliyan for their exceptional support and contributions.

A significant shout-out goes to Ashu Mudgal and Madhur Sharma from Asherwad Consultants, whose unwavering guidance and support were the backbone of this event’s success.

Shubharambh 2024 was generously supported by our main sponsors, BD Green and Devi Jewellers. Their belief in the event’s vision played a pivotal role in its realization. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to the following sponsors for their unconditional support:

• Habib’s Salon Paramount
• Jass Profiles
• Alert Security
• A1-Sunny Fest
• Jaipuria School
• Ikara Water Solution
• Tumble Dry
• Raftar Today
• Dainik Jagaran
• Blue Bounty Gift
• Makoons Paramount
• Home Glaze
• Dynamic Meditation
• Green Creen
• Innovest Technology

 Each sponsor’s contribution was instrumental in making Shubharambh 2024 an overwhelming success, and we are deeply grateful for their support.

As we conclude Shubharambh 2024, we reflect on the power of community, creativity, and collaboration. Paramount Golfforeste looks forward to continuing this tradition of excellence in the coming years, bringing people together to celebrate, inspire, and create lasting memories.