Virtusa Certified as a Great Place to Work for the Third Consecutive Year

India, 06th January 2025 – Virtusa Corporation, a global leader in digital business strategy, Digital Engineering, and IT services, announced its 2024 Great Place to Work Certification™ for the third consecutive year. This recognition spans seven countries—India, USA, Canada, UK, UAE, Australia, and Singapore—highlighting Virtusa’s ongoing commitment to creating a high-trust, high-performance culture that fosters innovation, collaboration, and employee well-being.

In 2024, Virtusa achieved notable milestones in India, including being ranked among the Top 50 IT/ITES companies and earning the prestigious Great Place to Work Certification™ for Women. These recognitions highlight Virtusa’s ongoing commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive workplace and enabling meaningful career growth.

The certification, based on independent employee feedback, resulted in a Trust Index™ score of 79% and an Employee Net Promoter Score (eNPS) of 73%. Over 81% of employees affirmed Virtusa as a ‘Great Place to Work,’ with key strengths including a strong sense of belonging and equal opportunities. The company continues to excel in employee engagement, professional development, creating a supportive, and equitable work environment.

“We are delighted to be recognized as a Great Place to Work Certified™ organization for the third consecutive year,” said Lori Mullane, Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer at Virtusa. “This recognition reinforces our commitment to creating an inclusive, empowering workplace where employees are encouraged to collaborate, innovate, and thrive. At Virtusa, we continuously strive to nurture a culture of trust, respect, and growth, enabling our teams to deliver impactful results for our clients and communities.”

Virtusa’s commitment to employee growth and empowerment is demonstrated through initiatives such as Engineering IQ, a career progression framework, and robust upskilling programs tailored to the fast-evolving demands of the IT/ITES sector. These programs aim to equip employees with cutting-edge skills and ensure their readiness for future challenges.

The company also continues to strengthen its diversity and inclusion efforts, earning high ratings in categories related to fairness and belonging. Employees consistently rated Virtusa highly for treating everyone fairly, regardless of gender, age, race, or orientation. This inclusive approach has been pivotal in creating a culture where employees can thrive.

As Virtusa progresses on its journey of excellence, the certification further solidifies its position as a preferred employer in India’s IT/ITES sector. With over 30,000 employees globally, Virtusa remains dedicated to delivering exceptional experiences for its people, clients, and communities.

OriginUX Studio Elevates Adarsh Developers’ Digital Presence with Customer-Centric Website Redesign

India, 6th January 2025 – OriginUX Studio, a leading UI/UX design studio, announced its latest collaboration with Adarsh Developers, a prominent real estate brand. This partnership has resulted in the redesign of Adarsh Developers’ website, setting a new benchmark for digital experiences in the real estate industry.

OriginUX Studio‘s expertise in customer-centric design transformation has enabled Adarsh Developers to deliver a superior digital interface that meets the rising user expectations for seamless experiences. The redesigned website artfully captures the premium essence and legacy of Adarsh Developers, ensuring modern functionality and user engagement.

“We are thrilled to have partnered with Adarsh Developers to reimagine their digital presence,” said Ms. Vaishnavi Bala Kumaran, Founder of OriginUX Studio. “Our focus was to create a customer-first website that not only aligns with Adarsh’s brand values but also sets a benchmark for the real estate industry. She further added, “The transformed website boasts an aesthetic design that reflects Adarsh’s premium legacy, improved product discoverability, enhanced navigation for a seamless user journey, showcases brand identity through bespoke imagery and captivating content, and features interactive elements for engagement, including project walkthroughs and easy-to-use contact forms.”

With this collaboration, OriginUX Studio reinforces its commitment to enabling businesses to stay ahead of the curve in the digital age. By delivering bespoke design solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs, OriginUX continues to solidify its reputation as a trusted partner for brands looking to elevate their digital experiences.

From Classroom to Center Stage: The NCPA and National Theatre UK Bring Professional Theatre Experience to Mumbai’s Youth with Connections India’s Third Edition

Mumbai, 6th January 2025 — The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), in association with the National Theatre UK, is about to conclude the third edition of Connections India—a unique theatrical initiative that brings professional theatre experiences directly to the youth of Mumbai. The program this year, which commenced in August 2024 and will reach its culmination in January 2025, continues in its mission to unlock the creative potential of young minds from various schools and allows them to thrive in a collective creative platform.

This year, 16 schools, colleges, and NGOs across Mumbai will perform plays commissioned by the National Theatre UK as well as the NCPA. For the first time two plays written by Indian playwrights are a part of the line-up. The plays cover a wide variety of topics, from grief and anxiety to success and climate change.

Under the expert guidance of industry professionals, students have gained hands-on acting experience. Professional theatre directors worked with students of each institution, providing feedback and leading the students through the rehearsal and performance process. Teachers from each school and college also supervised rehearsals and helped students gain the confidence to perform in a public setting. Throughout the programme, students and teachers participated in workshops by leading theatre practitioners to enhance their acting, voice, and technical knowhow.

Students also expanded their skills beyond acting and dived into the other aspects of putting up a play. The Backstage Pass Camp, a five-day training workshop providing training in stage design, management, and more. Students were also taken on field trips to the NCPA, where they could familiarise themselves with its rich history and cultural legacy. Connections India will culminate in the Connections Festival, to be held between the 16th to the 26th of January 2025 where each school gets to perform their play at the Experimental Theatre at the NCPA.

The NCPA and National Theatre are continuing to make Connections India more inclusive and diverse with each iteration of the program. This year, schools from NGOs like Teach for India, Akanksha Foundation, Angel Express, and the Aseema Trust – who have previously participated in Connections India – were a part of it this year. First-time participants include the Jai Vakeel Foundation, a school for intellectually disabled students. Other participating schools and colleges include Bombay International School, Wilson College, The German School (DSB), and the Aditya Birla World Academy (ABWA), among others.

Connections India represents the coming together of two of the world’s most esteemed cultural institutions—the NCPA and the National Theatre UK—each with a profound commitment to nurturing the performing arts and fostering arts education. Through this collaboration, young talent from all walks of life get to immerse in an authentic theatre-making process, gaining hands-on experience in every facet of production.

Bruce Guthrie, Head of Theatre & Films, National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), shared his excitement for Connections India 2025: “We are thrilled to present the third year of Connections India, a celebration of youth, creativity, and collaboration. Theatre has the unique ability to shape individuals, nurturing empathy, confidence, and a deeper understanding of the world around us. Programs like Connections offer young people the opportunity to engage with stories that resonate with their experiences, while also fostering skills that will serve them throughout their lives. At the NCPA, we believe that participating in such initiatives is crucial for today’s youth—helping them develop not only as performers but also as individuals. With 16 incredible schools, workshops, and performances of some of the most exciting contemporary plays, we are excited to witness how these young people will inspire and connect with audiences. Together with the National Theatre, UK, we are proud to support this remarkable festival and look forward to the transformative impact it will have on both the performers and their audiences.”

Sharing the idea behind the initiative, Shernaz Patel, Creative Learning Director, Connections India said, “Connections celebrates young people – they are the artists, the singers, dancers and backstage teams. But most importantly these are their stories written by some of the best international playwrights. These plays speak to young people. They are funny, poignant and hard hitting. They are about issues that matter to them. What we add to this incredible initiative is NCPA’s professional expertise – directors, production and technical excellence that lift these plays and make them come alive on stage. Everything we do at the festival from the decor, food, outdoor entertainment, workshops, adds to this unique and important celebration of what it means to be young in today’s India”.

Ragini Singh Khushwaha, Creative Learning Producer, Connections India, shared the initiative’s journey: “Connections India has witnessed incredible growth in just three years, establishing itself as a vital platform for young people in theatre. It offers a much-needed space for creating and performing plays that resonate with their experiences. More than just theatre, it brings together young people from diverse backgrounds to collaborate, learn, and share their stories with audiences who see the world through their eyes.”

At its core, Connections is about education, personal growth, and self-expression through creative exploration. Students participating in the program will hone critical skills such as communication, teamwork, and emotional intelligence, all while navigating the rich complexities of theatre. This initiative not only fosters artistic talent but also prepares students to become thoughtful, creative leaders in whatever path they choose.

The NCPA invites schools, educators, cultural organisations, and patrons of the arts to support this extraordinary initiative and clear their calendars for the upcoming Connections Festival. The two-week-long festival is a chance to experience topical and high-caliber theatre about contemporary issues, written specifically for the youth. Connections India helps ensure that the next generation has access to the profound and lasting impact of the performing arts.

IIID Ahmedabad to host inaugural design festival: De.pulse 2025

6th January 2025 , Ahmedabad: The Institute of Indian Interior Designers (IIID) Ahmedabad Regional Chapter is set to host the inaugural edition of IIID De.pulse, a premier design festival, from January 9 to 12 at vigyan bhavan science city from 5 pm onwards.

This event will bring together design professionals, students and enthusiasts from across the region for a comprehensive exploration of the future of design. The festival will feature a trade expo, knowledge seminars, workshops, and a series of installations, offering an unparalleled platform for collaboration and learning.

The theme of IIID De.pulse’s inaugural edition is “The Future of Design: in the Cusp of a Revolution”, addressing the most pressing issues and innovations shaping the field today. The four-day event includes diverse components such as Designer’s Pavilion, Crafts Pavilion, spatial and art installations, and the Depulse Honours Awards Show, celebrating exceptional work in design across the region.

Devdatt Pandya, Chairperson, of IIID Ahmedabad said, “IIID De.pulse represents an exciting step forward for the design community in Ahmedabad. It is not only an opportunity for designers to showcase their work but also a crucial moment to reflect on the direction of design in the years ahead. We are thrilled to offer a platform to inspire creativity and collaboration.”

The participants at IIID De.pulse will include architects, interior designers, design students and institutions, as well as national and international speakers and delegates. The festival will see participation from over 30 international delegates of the Asia-Pacific Space Designers Association (APSDA) and office bearers of 34 IIID chapters. A broad spectrum of design enthusiasts from Ahmedabad and beyond will also engage with the event.

IIID De.pulse will also feature a series of workshops, including, Master the art of pinching and coiling techniques by Dhruti Ghedia of La Frenya, Transform plant waste into sustainable paper products by Ravi Raj of Koraj Crafts, Create your own terrarium and bring nature indoors by Raveena Panchal Shah of The ART Container, and Explore the magic of glass mosaics with Bauhaus-inspired designs by Hansal Patel of The Karigari Studio.

The event will also feature a series of knowledge sessions on topics like Technology & AI: The Catalyst of Future, Design Education Today: How Relevant is it from Tomorrow?, and The Future of Professional Practice of Design.

These sessions will witness engaging discussions by industry leaders and eminent panellists including Hiloni Sutaria (HSC Designs), Jwalant Mahadevwala (Andblack Studio), Khushbhu Davda (Studio Emergence), Himanshu Ghosh (Known Sense Studios), Hiren Patel (Aashir Engineering), Rishav Jain (CEPT), Sourabh Gupta (The Design Village), Nandita Abraham, Tanishka Kachru (NID) and Saleem Bhatri (CEPT).

Some of the other eminent speakers include Megha Patel Vadodaria of PVDRS, Jayesh Hariyani of INI, Senthil Kumar Doss of Play Architecture, Prashant Paradava of PDC Architects, and Shivansh Singh of Studio 2 + 2.

RV University Launches 2025 Calendar : Celebrating India’s Diverse Dance Traditions

Bengaluru, 06 January, 2025: RV University (RVU) unveiled its 2025 calendar, themed, “Dance Forms of India,” featuring photographs of the University’s own talented students performing Indian classical and folk dance traditions. The photoshoot took place at DAPM RV Dental College Auditorium with a professional stage setup, lighting and students dressed in traditional costumes. The concept was designed to highlight the talent of RVU students while reflecting the university’s emphasis on holistic learning and its student-led approach to education.

Under the guidance of Ms. Deepa Ganesh, Executive Director, Centre for Visual and Performing Arts and the faculty at the School of Liberal Arts and Sciences (SoLAS), the calendar, which was designed and implemented by RV University’s Communications Team, came to life.

Speaking at the launch, Dr. (h.c.) A.V.S. Murthy, Chancellor of RV University, shared, “The theme of this calendar reflects our commitment to reviving the ancient Indian philosophy of Chaushath Kala—mastery over diverse arts and sciences. By integrating academic rigour with cultural exploration, we aim to nurture a generation of leaders who appreciate and preserve our heritage while shaping a global future.”

Prof. (Dr.) Sanjay Kumar, Vice Chancellor of RV University, while unwrapping and releasing the New Year table calendar highlighted the significance of each page of calendar’s month and stated, “In ancient India, true education was seen as a mastery of the Chaushath Kala, or 64 arts, particularly different forms of the dance. This calendar designed and developed by our students and media team represents our dedication and commitment to reviving the tradition of holistic learning, blending academic rigour with cultural awareness and creative exploration.”

“Our 2025 calendar is a unique piece of creation and more than just a date-keeper; it is a celebration of India’s cultural diversity and depiction of our students’ artistic and innovative talents,” added Dr. Sanjay.

Dr Kumar further said, “It represents RVU’s vision of education that embraces both traditional arts and contemporary academic excellence.”

Dance Forms Across the Year

•   January – Mohiniyattam is a graceful traditional dance from Kerala that draws inspiration from Mohini, the alluring female manifestation of Vishnu, who is renowned for her delicate, feminine Lasya style. Sneha Surendran is the featured performer.
• February: Kathak is a northern Indian traditional dance-drama that is distinguished by its expressive storytelling, rhythmic ankle bells, and precise footwork, which frequently depicts tales of Lord Krishna. Yashasvini Satish Sharma, Deeksha Bhargav, and Amrutha M. Nair were among the featured performers.
• March: Inspired by temple art, this traditional Odissi dance is known for its elegant, flowing motions and dexterous footwork. Performer Apoorva Hegde is featured.
• April: Bharatanatyam is an ancient dance, which has its roots in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu, uses intricate expressions and precise movements to capture India’s rich cultural legacy. Sneha Surendran and Shreya Kashyap were featured performers.
• May: Lavani is a lively Maharashtra folk dance that blends lyrical narration with expressive gestures to the upbeat rhythms of the dholki. Performers Parinitha RK, Prajna MS, Geethika S, and Kriti were featured.
• June: Contemporary Dance emphasises technique and unrestricted expression by fusing aspects of jazz, ballet, and lyrical dance. Lalitha VR, Khushi A Reddy, Revathi S, Janhavi R, Vishishta Kiran, Trisha D. Souza, and Anoop Sagar were among the featured performers.
• July: Kamsale, a distinctive dance style honouring the rich tradition of the Kuruba community in Karnataka that blends spiritual devotion with martial expertise. The following actors were featured: Debangee Biswas, Tulasi Rayasa, Jhenkaar N, Giri Nandana, Anil S, Deeksha Bhargav, and Rushabh Shetty A. Karan Kumar S.
• August: Kuchipudi is a traditional dance for of Andhra Pradesh that is renowned for its elegant motions, ornate costumes, and poignant mythological narratives. Featured performers are Sandhyashree Karanth, Varsha C, Maithili K Hebbar, N Sanjana, Manesha P, Megha NH, Srivarenya T, Sadhvi J, Ananya S, Ishita DS, Aditi A, Spoorthi S.
• September: Ghoomar is a traditional Rajasthani folk dance with characteristic pirouetting moves that was first performed by the Bhil tribe in homage to Goddess Saraswati. The featured performer is Manya Jain.
• October: Garba is a colourful Gujarati folk dance that is performed during Navratri to honour devotion and communal spirit via pulsating circular motions. Sujay Surya, Manya Jain, Akhil Dayanand, Apoorva R, Aryan Singh Tomar, Khushi A, Anoop Sagar, and Ahanya Krishna were among the featured performers.
• November: Yakshagana is a dramatic dance style that is typically performed all night long and incorporates music, lavish costumes, and intricate makeup. The performerfeatured is Soujanya Manasa.
• December-Koravanji, known for their colourful performances and traditional dress, Koravanji is a distinctive dance tradition of fortune tellers and face readers who worship Goddess Parvathi. K Rajarajeshwari and Shreya Kashyap were featured performers.

Reework, Lapro-Obeso Centre, And Nutribolism Organized WALKATHON 2025 For A Healthier Tomorrow

Mumbai: To Commemorate National Dietetics Day, LOC (Lapro-Obeso Centre), Reework, and Nutribolism joined hands to host “Walkathon 2025” at Juhu Beach, Mumbai. This noteworthy initiative aims to highlight the importance of adopting healthy lifestyle changes to prevent obesity, diabetes, and other associated health conditions. Participants walked 5 kilometers along the scenic Juhu Beach, creating awareness about how consistent changes like walking and better nutrition can lead to significant improvements in health and well-being. Present on the occasion were organizers Dr Shashank Shah, Founder of LOC, Naaznin Husein, Past IDA Convenor, Mumbai Indian Dietetic Association), and Co-Founder Of Reework, Radhika Shah, Chief Bariatric Nutritionist and Founder President of Nutribolism.

The Walkahton brought together healthcare professionals, nutritionists, fitness experts, and nearly 100 participants, to spread the message that prevention is always better than cure.

“As an obesity surgeon, I’ve seen firsthand how transformative surgical interventions can be for those struggling with severe obesity. It’s important to remember that prevention and lifestyle changes are equally vital. While not everyone can access a gym, walking remains a simple yet powerful way to enhance well-being. Just 45 minutes of walking three times a week can improve joint function, heart health, and blood sugar regulation, burn calories, strengthen the immune system, enhance sleep and cognitive function, and reduce the risk of heart disease and stroke. These benefits contribute to improved longevity and overall quality of life. The Walkathon for Positive Health is a wonderful opportunity to remind everyone that we all have the power to make healthier choices every day. Together, through physical activity, education, and support, we can prevent obesity and its related conditions before they become life-altering,” said Dr. Shashank Shah Obesity Surgeon, Past President of OSSI, Founder and President of LOC Healthcare LLP.

Dr Shah added, “Each year, approximately 4,000 to 5,000 patients seek assistance with weight management. Among them, around 100 individuals have a BMI exceeding 40 or even 50 and have often abandoned dietary efforts. However, giving up on a proper diet is highly discouraged, as it can lead to a worsening of comorbid conditions and significantly impact overall health. About 20% of these patients, that is 800-900 individuals, can successfully achieve their weight management goals through a combination of dietary modifications, lifestyle changes, and prescribed medications. The intention is these patients should not progress to the stage where they need operation. Many are not willing for surgery but diet and medication can improve their comorbidities to a large extent and they can live a better life.”

“As an obesity nutritionist, I firmly believe that small, consistent changes in diet and lifestyle can make a monumental difference in the fight against obesity and related diseases. The Walkathon inspires individuals to take control of their health, one step at a time. By combining physical activity with the right nutrition, we can prevent and manage obesity, diabetes, and other lifestyle diseases. Together, we can create healthier communities and pave the way for a brighter, more active future, said Radhika Shah, Chief Bariatric Nutritionist and Founder President of Nutribolism.

Healthcare professionals have a responsibility to guide people to make healthier choices. Together, we are showing that better health is within one’s reach if we start with simple, achievable actions through exercise and diet. Together, we are redefining health and advocating lifestyle changes for staying healthy by taking one small step at a time. This collective effort can inspire a shift towards healthier, happier communities,” concluded Naaznin Husein, Past IDA Convenor, Mumbai Indian Dietetic Association), and Co-Founder Of Reework.

IndiaBonds.com Launches Digital Fixed Deposits – Expands Fixed Income Product Suite

Mumbai, Monday, January 6, 2025: IndiaBonds.com, a SEBI-registered Stock Broker (Debt Segment) & licensed Online Bond Platform Provider (OBPP), has launched Digital Fixed Deposits (FDs), making fixed-income investments more accessible and convenient for individual investors across India. With this addition, IndiaBonds.com now offers a unified platform for managing both bonds and fixed deposits seamlessly, bringing all fixed-income investments under one ambit. This launch is in line with IndiaBonds’ vision to deliver stable and rewarding investment options to retail investors while simplifying portfolio management.

The platform offers a fully digital, paperless onboarding process, including quick KYC completion, making it easy for retail investors to get started. On the platform the investors can earn up to 9.4% interest in their fixed deposit investments. Its integrated portfolio dashboard provides clear insights into cashflows, returns, and fixed income allocations, helping investors track and manage their investments efficiently.

By combining the stability of fixed deposits with the big flexibility of bonds, the platform empowers investors to build balanced, diversified portfolios. Additionally, investors benefit from customizable payout options, low minimum investment requirements, and the convenience of managing all their fixed-income investments in one place. The platform will expand its offerings with additional FD partners in the coming weeks.

Vishal Goenka, Co-founder of IndiaBonds.com, said, “At IndiaBonds, we have always focused on making regulated fixed-income investments simple, transparent, and accessible for individual investors. The launch of Digital Fixed Deposits is a natural step forward in our journey of expanding product offerings. By integrating bonds and FDs on one platform, we are enabling investors to optimize their portfolios effortlessly and take full advantage of fixed-income opportunities in the current market environment.”

He added, “We are committed to continuously evolving our platform and product suite to provide clients with seamless access to stable and diversified investment options, empowering them to make informed financial decisions with ease.”

This innovative offering not only caters to the growing demand for diverse investment options but also reinforces IndiaBonds.com’s commitment to empowering individual investors with tools to make informed and rewarding financial decisions.