Neeraj Malik, Chief Business Officer at Aptech recognised with the coveted Atal Samman Samaroh Honors

NEW DELHI, 27 December 2024: Mr. Neeraj Malik, Chief Business Officer (Enterprise Business Group) at Aptech Limited, has been awarded the coveted Atal Bihari Shikhar Samman at Atal Samman Samaroh Honors for his work and service in India’s education and skilling sector. Aptech Limited is a pioneer skilling and vocation training institute, with over 38 years of experience in the training and assessments industry working with state, national, and international partners to make India employable with a skills-first outlook.

The Eleventh National Atal Samman Samaroh and the musical Atal Gatha marked the birth anniversary of Bharat Ratna and former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. The event, held at Bharat Mandapam, Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, was organized by the Atal Samman Samaroh Trust. The selection committee, including MP and artist Shri Manoj Tiwari, Padma Shri Nalini-Kamalini, singer Mr. Kumar Vishu, motivational speaker Mr. Sonu Sharma, and writer Mr. Bhuvnesh Singhal, chose the awardees from hundreds of applications.

Mr. Atul Jain, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer, Aptech Limited said, “We are extremely proud of Neeraj’s recent achievement at the Atal Samman Samaroh and it is a testament to his body of work in India’s assessment and training solutions space over the last two decades. We at Aptech are committed to our Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ and will continue to work in sectors where there are opportunities for formalisation, top-notch training and assessments infrastructure to make India more employable, thereby improving the socio-economic outcomes of everyone involved.”

Mr. Neeraj Malik, Chief Business Officer (Enterprise Business Group) at Aptech Limited said about his recent win, “I feel honoured and extremely grateful to the Atal Samman Samaroh for their recent ceremony in recognising our efforts for a Viksit Bharat. It is a great forum to meet with like-minded leaders and changemakers who are taking Atal Ji’s vision and leadership forward in today’s society. I also extend my gratitude and wishes to the Aptech team who has supported this vision and works relentlessly towards ensuring that we bring positive impact into the life of each and every student who engages with us. This award is a recognition of us all and all our efforts!”

Recipients were honoured in a ceremony rooted in Indian traditions, with conch sounds and mantra chanting enhancing the cultural atmosphere. The ceremony was presided over by social worker Shri SS Agarwal. Chief guests included Honourable Union Minister Shri Arjunram Meghwal and Honourable MP Shri Manoj Tiwari. Other dignitaries, such as former BJP Ex-National Vice President Shri Shyam Jaju and Delhi Opposition Chief Whip Shri Ajay Mahawar, also attended. During the event, Meghwal ji and Tiwari ji praised Vajpayee’s legacy and the organiser’s dedication.

Awardees received a special 11-item honour package. It included a tilak, a flower garland from Vrindavan, Rudraksha from Nepal, and a copy of Ramcharitmanas, among other items. This year’s honourees included Padma Shri Rajaram Jain (from Madhya Pradesh), Shri Rasraj Ji Maharaj (from Madhya Pradesh), Padma Shri Smt. Deepa Malik (from Karnataka), Smt. Manpreet Kaur (from Punjab), and Shri Vikram Singhania (from Meghalaya), among others.

Ishq Jabariya Actress Kamya Panjabi REACTS to Discourse on Women’s Portrayal in TV Shows: Most Stories Are Centered Around Women and Their Strength

Ishq Jabariya Actress Kamya Panjabi REACTS to Discourse on Women’s Portrayal in TV Shows: Most Stories Are Centered Around Women and Their Strength In a world full of diverse perspectives, everyone sees things differently. What one person perceives as a weakness, another might see as strength. Kamya Panjabi, who plays Mohini in Sun Neo’s Ishq Jabariya, shared her thoughts on the portrayal of women in television dramas, particularly the perception that they are often shown as weak.

When asked about the belief that women are sometimes depicted as weak in TV dramas, Kamya reacted, “I don’t agree with that. Most stories center around women and their strength. If you look closely at the characters, you’ll see that they are portrayed as fighters, no matter the situation. Whether they are standing up for their husband, supporting their parents, or protecting their family, they are never weak.”

She further added, “For instance, we’ve seen stories where a daughter takes on the responsibility of running the household, working a job, and even choosing to remain unmarried for the sake of her family. Isn’t that a sign of strength? Similarly, in shows where a daughter-in-law is mistreated by her mother-in-law, yet continues to fight for her family and work on building relationships, where is the weakness in that?”

The Ishq Jabariya actress concluded, “It’s all about how one chooses to see these characters. Women are not shown as weak in these stories; they are shown as resilient, determined, and strong. Weakness is just a matter of perception, not the reality of their portrayal.”

In Ishq Jabariya, Kamya plays Mohini, the aunt of Aditya (Lakshay Khurana). The show follows the heartwarming journey of Gulki (Siddhi Sharma), a lively young woman with big dreams who faces unexpected challenges on her path to love and self-discovery.

IIM Raipur welcomes Assam Students to Experience the Rich Culture of Chhattisgarh under Yuva Sangam Phase V

Raipur, December 27, 2024: Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Raipur recognised for #buildingbusinessowners, welcomed a delegation of 45 students and five coordinators from Assam University, Silchar, as part of the Ministry of Education’s flagship program, Yuva Sangam Phase-V, under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat initiative. This cultural exchange program will run from December 26 to 30, 2024 and aims to foster connections among youth through shared experiences in tourism, traditions, development, and technology.

 The inaugural ceremony, held at IIM Raipur, was graced by Shri Sanjeev Kumar, DRM of North Central Railway, as the Chief Guest. Shri Kumar inspired the students to explore India’s diverse heritage and culture through such programs. He said, “India’s strength lies in its diversity, and programs like Yuva Sangam provide a wonderful platform for young minds to explore, experience, and embrace our nation’s rich heritage and culture. I encourage each of you to travel extensively, as it will not only broaden your perspective but also strengthen the bonds of unity that define our country.”

 Prof. Ram Kumar Kakani, Director of IIM Raipur, warmly welcomed the delegation and emphasized the importance of leveraging this opportunity to deepen understanding and unity among India’s youth. He added, “It is a privilege to host the enthusiastic students from Assam at IIM Raipur under the transformative Yuva Sangam initiative. This program, spearheaded by the Ministry of Education, is a golden opportunity to foster mutual learning, cultural exchange, and deep connections between regions. The rich culture of Chhattisgarh has a lot to offer. I urge the delegates to make the most of this experience and carry back memories and lessons that will last a lifetime.”

 As part of the event, program kits were distributed to the delegates, marking the beginning of an enriching five-day journey exploring the culture and traditions of Chhattisgarh. This exchange program strengthens the bonds between Assam and Chhattisgarh, with IIM Raipur and Assam University, Silchar, as the nodal institutions facilitating this endeavor.

 The meticulously planned 5-day visit for the Yuva Sangam delegates promises an engaging and enriching experience as they delve into the diverse cultural, historical, and developmental aspects of Chhattisgarh. Starting with ice-breaking activities at IIM Raipur, the cohort will be introduced to the vibrant traditions of the state through workshops and captivating Chhattisgarhi folk performances. The itinerary includes visits to iconic sites such as the Sirpur Archaeological Site and the Barnavapara Wildlife Sanctuary, showcasing the state’s heritage and natural beauty. Delegates will explore industrial growth at the Bhilai Steel Plant and visit the Purkhooti Muktangan, reflecting the state’s cultural richness. The program also encompasses interaction with the Governor, visits to prominent landmarks like the State Museum and the Governor House, and a city tour covering Budha Talaab and Vivekananda Sarovar. Culminating in a yoga session and a movie screening, the visit ensures holistic exposure to Chhattisgarh’s tourism, traditions, and advancements, leaving participants with unforgettable memories and valuable learnings.

Jacqueliene Fernandez reflects on the lessons she’s learned, the ups and downs of her career, her passion for fitness and more in Femina’s December 2024 Edition

Jacqueliene Fernandez brings her unapologetic charm and fearless spirit to the December 2024 cover of Femina India. From her memorable debut in Aladin to delivering standout performances in films such as Kick, Roy, and the iconic Housefull franchise, among others, she has undeniably carved a niche for herself in Bollywood. Jacqueliene has also captured the hearts of audiences with her graceful and electrifying dance moves in a string of hit music videos – sharing the screen space with hip-hop icons such as Badshah in Paani Paani and Genda Phool and starring alongside international artists Tayc in Yimmy Yimmy and Michele Morrone in Mud Mud Ke, to name a few.

In an exclusive conversation, Jacqueliene delves deep into her journey of personal growth – candidly reflecting on the lessons she’s learned and those she had to unlearn along the way. The actor shares bits about her evolving relationship with “being authentic”, both online and offline, and talks about the sheer joy she’s discovered in a new creative passion: music. Her debut single, Stormrider, created in collaboration with LA-based record label Myst Music, has already amassed over 8.4 million views on YouTube, marking yet another milestone for her.

Touching upon the growing pressures of social media and societal expectations, she emphasises, “If every individual in society tried their best not to be so judgmental online and offline, it would encourage more authenticity from everybody, whether it’s a celebrity or a regular person.” It is not just social media pressure, there is also the pressure of external appearances. “Flawlessness is a myth, and our audiences are now intelligent enough to not always expect it from us,” she adds.

Jacqueliene’s happy place lies in fitness. “It is therapy. I’ve always come out of a session of yoga, the gym, or dance just feeling so much better and so much more accomplished.”

ARCH College Director Archana Surana Chairs panel on Jewellery at Rajasthan Fashion Festival

Jaipur: Archana Surana, Founder and Director of Arch College of Design and Business, attended the Rajasthan Fashion Festival (RFF) as the Chief Guest and chaired a panel discussion on the theme “Jewellery as a Timeless Art: A Balance of Tradition, Fashion, and Modernity in Design .” Renowned jewellery designer Rajeev Arora, Founder of Amrapali Jewellers, also participated as a panelist, along with other industry experts who shared valuable insights on the evolution of jewellery design.

In her remarks, Archana Surana highlighted the transformative journey of jewellery design, evolving from a purely traditional craft to a dynamic blend of art, innovation, and business. She remarked, “Jewellery design today is no longer confined to tradition; it is an exciting fusion of heritage, modernity, and cutting-edge innovation. It also holds immense potential as a thriving career path for aspiring designers.”

She also emphasized Jaipur’s global prominence in the jewellery and gemstone industry, attributing its success to the city’s centuries-old expertise in Kundan, Meenakari, and Jadau jewellery. “Jaipur’s artisans are celebrated worldwide for their unparalleled craftsmanship, seamlessly blending tradition and modernity, elevating the jewellery industry to new heights,” she noted.

Adding to the discourse, Rajeev Arora underscored the growing career opportunities in jewellery design and lauded Arch College for its pivotal role in nurturing industry-ready talent. “The students of Arch College are excelling as jewellery designers and merchandisers, contributing significantly to this flourishing field,” he said.

ARCH College of Design and Business, a pioneer in jewellery design education in Jaipur, has been instrumental in equipping students with traditional skills while incorporating modern technologies like digital design into its curriculum. Its range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional courses ensures students gain comprehensive knowledge of both heritage techniques and innovative practices.

IIT Kanpur Organized Workshop on Home Furnishing to Empower Rural Women Entrepreneurs

Kanpur, 27 December, 2024: The Design Development Centre, Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra, IIT Kanpur, has organized a six-day workshop on home furnishing products, running from December 24 to 29, 2024. The workshop is designed to nurture rural women entrepreneurs by equipping them with advanced design inputs to create high-quality home furnishing products.

 A diverse group of 39 participants is attending the workshop, including 29 rural women artisans from Bithoor, Baikunthpur, and Maksoodabad, alongside 10 students from Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture and Technology, Kanpur. The women participants, already skilled in tailoring and handicrafts, aspire to leverage this training to establish their own businesses.

 The event was graced by notable guests, including Mr. Sandeep Jain, Founder of Kanpur Parivartan Forum; Mrs. Babita, a renowned painter; Dr. Archana Singh, Head of the Department of Community Science, Chandra Shekhar Azad University; and Mrs. Prabha from Aadhar NGO. They motivated participants to harness this platform to develop unique designs and foster mutual learning.

 The inaugural session commenced with an inspiring address by Mrs. Rita Singh, Project Executive Officer of Ranjit Singh Rozi Shiksha Kendra, IIT Kanpur. Highlighting the workshop’s objectives, she encouraged participants to take advantage of the ODOP (One District, One Product) scheme and connect with the organized sector. Mrs. Singh also announced the establishment of a desk to assist aspiring entrepreneurs in registering and accessing relevant government schemes.

 Dr. Monika Thakur, Coordinator of the Design Development Centre, elaborated on the workshop curriculum, emphasizing its outcomes and the importance of collaboration.

 The curriculum, curated by Surabhi Saxena, a Delhi-based home textile designer, focuses on contemporary techniques in embroidery, crochet, and patchwork. Under the guidance of expert trainers Ms. Ritika and Ms. Santoshi, the participants will collaborate to develop innovative product lines.

 With a vision to empower women by enhancing their skills in home furnishing and guiding them toward independence and entrepreneurial success, the workshop began with great enthusiasm and promises a transformative experience for all involved.