Reliance Foundation announces Vantara -a comprehensive Animal Rescue, Care, Conservation and Rehabilitation programme

Jamnagar, 26th February 2024: Reliance Industries and Reliance Foundation today announced the launch of their Vantara (Star of the Forest) programme, an umbrella initiative to focus on the rescue, treatment, care and rehabilitation of injured, abused and threatened animals, both in India and abroad. Spread over 3000 acres within the Green Belt of Reliance’s Jamnagar Refinery Complex in Gujarat, Vantara aims to be one of the leading contributors to conservation efforts globally. By working with leading experts in animal care and welfare, Vantara has converted a sprawling 3000-acre space into a jungle-like environment that mimics the natural, enriching, lush and verdant habitat for the rescued species to thrive in.

The Vantara initiative, the first of its kind in India, has been conceptualised and birthed under the passionate leadership of Shri Anant Ambani, Director on the boards of RIL and Reliance Foundation. Shri Ambani is also spearheading Reliance’s ambitious renewable energy business in Jamnagar, and, in that capacity, is responsible for leading Reliance’s journey to become a Net Carbon Zero company by 2035.

Vantara is focused on creating best-in-class animal conservation and care practices including state-of-the-art healthcare, hospitals, research and academic centres. Within its programmes, Vantara also focuses on integrating advanced research and collaboration with reputed international universities and organisations such as the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature (WWF).

Over the last few years, the programme has rescued more than 200 elephants, and thousands of other animals, reptiles and birds from unsafe situations. It has undertaken initiatives in key species including rhino, leopard and crocodile rehabilitation.

Of late, Vantara has also taken part in foreign rescue missions in countries like Mexico, Venezuela etc. It recently brought in several big animals answering a call from Central American zoo authorities. All such rescue and rehabilitation missions are undertaken under strict legal and regulatory frameworks in India and internationally.

Speaking at the occasion, Shri Anant Ambani said, “What started as a passion for me at a very young age has become a mission now with Vantara and our brilliant and committed team. We are focused on protecting critically endangered species native to India. We also want to restore vital habitats address urgent threats to species and establish Vantara as a leading-edge conservation programme. We are delighted that our efforts have been recognised in India and internationally. Some of India’s and the world’s top zoological and

medical experts have joined our mission and we have been blessed to receive active collaborations and guidance from government bodies, research and educational institutions. Vantara aims to partner with the Zoo Authority of India and other relevant government organisations in improving all the 150-plus zoos in India in terms of training, capacity building and animal care infrastructure. We hope Vantara becomes a beacon of hope globally and can showcase how a forward-thinking institution can help the global biodiversity conservation initiatives.”

Explaining the philosophy that inspired him to establish Vantara, Shri Ambani says: “Vantara is a combination of the age-old ethical value of compassion with the excellence of modern scientific and technological professionalism. I see Jeev Seva (animal care) as a seva towards the almighty as well as humanity.”

Vantara has a centre for elephants and facilities for several other large and small species including lions and tigers, crocodiles, leopards, etc.

Elephant Centre

The Centre for Elephants at Vantara is spread over a large part of the 3000-acre premises with state-of-the-art shelters, scientifically designed day and night enclosures, hydrotherapy pools, water bodies & a large elephant jacuzzi for treating arthritis in Elephants. It is home to over 200 Elephants who are cared for round-the-clock by a specialized and trained staff of over 500 people including vets, biologists, pathologists, nutritionists and naturalists.

The Centre has a 25,000 square feet Elephant hospital, one of the largest in the world, fully equipped with portable x-ray machines, laser machines for diverse treatments, a fully equipped pharmacy, a pathology for all diagnostic tests, an imported elephant restraining device for diagnosis, hydraulic pulleys and cranes, hydraulic surgical table and a hyperbaric oxygen chamber for the Elephants. The hospital carries out cataract and endoscopic guided surgeries (with first-of-its-kind specially designed endoscopy equipment) and is capable of executing any surgery necessary.

The Centre has a special kitchen of over 14000 square feet dedicated to preparing a curated diet for each elephant keeping in mind their most necessary physical needs including their oral health.

The Centre also applies ayurveda techniques to care for the elephants, from the application of hot oil massages to multani mitti, ayurveda practitioners also work round the clock for the Elephants.

Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre

For other wild animals that have been deployed in circuses or congested zoos, a Rescue and Rehabilitation centre of over 650 acres within the 3000-acre premises has been created where animals from distressed and dangerous environments from India and all over the world are rescued and housed in state-of-the-art large enclosures and shelters.

With a staff strength of about 2100+, the rescue and rehabilitation Centre has rescued about 200 leopards from all over India who have suffered injuries in road accidents or man-wild conflicts. It has rescued over 1000 crocodiles from a severely overcrowded and congested facility in Tamil Nadu. It has rescued animals from hunting lodges in Africa, animals under threat of euthanasia in Slovakia, and severely distressed animals from facilities in Mexico.

The Centre has a 1 Lakh square foot hospital & medical research centre. The hospital and research centre possess the most advanced technology with an ICU, MRI, CT scan, X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, dental scalar, lithotripsy, dialysis, OR1 technology that enables live videoconferences for surgeries and blood plasma separator.

Over 2000+ animals across 43 species are under the care of the Rescue & Rehabilitation Centre.

For about 7 endangered species of Indian as well as foreign animals, the Centre has started conservation breeding programs to have a viable reserve population to repopulate the populations of endangered species in their native habitats to save them from extinction.

Today, the Vantara ecosystem has provided a new lease of life and hope to over 200 Elephants, over 300 large felines such as leopards, tigers, lions, jaguars etc., over 300 herbivores such as deer and over 1200 reptiles such as crocodiles, snakes and turtles.

Compliance in Rescue and Exchange

All the rescued animals have been brought to Vantara after obtaining prior approval of the Chief Wildlife Wardens of the respective states and the Central Zoo Authority as per provisions laid under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 and the recognition Zoo rules, 2009. All animal exchange programmes are done with approval/permission from the Central Zoo Authority. Vantara has also answered exchange requests from other institutions in India and overseas. Such animals were brought in after obtaining necessary permissions from the Central Zoo Authority, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying and the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau.

National and International Collaborations

The Vantara programme has gained tremendously by working together with international organisations like the Venezuelan National Foundation of Zoos and by associating with reputed organisations worldwide like the Smithsonian and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In India, it collaborates with the National Zoological Park, Assam State Zoo, Nagaland Zoological Park, Sardar Patel Zoological Park etc.

Education and Awareness

To increase awareness of conservation issues among people, particularly the youth and children, the Vantara initiative envisages close collaboration with educational institutions

including knowledge and resource exchange. It also envisages the creation of a display area for some of the animals in modern and futuristic, climate-controlled enclosures setting new standards in compassion and care.

Green Areas

Firmly believing that rescue and conservation of animals must go hand-in-hand with greening initiatives, the Vantara programme also envisages a continuing greening of the Reliance Refinery areas and has already greened thousands of acres of Land.

Dreaming Animals Exhibition Unveils Neeraj Bakshi’s Captivating Works at Triveni Art Gallery – The Triveni Art Gallery in New Delhi

A captivating evening of “Dreaming Animals” exhibition, where the latest artworks by acclaimed artist Neeraj Bakshi, with the esteemed Yogi Amarjyoti ji lighting of the lamp over the inauguration.

Neeraj Bakshi, renowned for his adeptness in small-format artistry, unveiled a mesmerizing collection of delicate paintings on paper, enchanting attendees with the intricacy and allure of the minutest details. His works serve as portals to a boundless realm of imagination, where animals become the conduits for narratives that transcend conventional boundaries. Bakshi’s paintings, characterized by their playful, satirical, and inventive nature, lure viewers into a fantastical world where cats metamorphose into majestic tigers, beckoning them into a realm of wonder. Animals occupy a central role in Bakshi’s artistry, facilitating a direct connection with the audience that transcends mere visual appreciation. Through his artwork, Bakshi intertwines layers of symbolism and nostalgia, inviting viewers to engage with themes that resonate on both personal and collective levels. Each stroke of his brush and every detail meticulously rendered on canvas or paper carries traces of his journey, reflecting the complexities of identity, belonging, and the search for meaning. As an artist who has grappled with displacement firsthand, Bakshi infuses his work with a poignant authenticity that speaks to the heart of the human experience. His depictions of animals, whether whimsical or poignant, become conduits through which viewers can explore their own emotions, memories, and aspirations. In Bakshi’s world, a tiger may represent courage and resilience, while a bird in flight symbolizes freedom and the longing for home.

Through the universal language of art, Bakshi bridges the gap between individual narratives and collective consciousness, inviting viewers to reflect on their own experiences of displacement, longing, and the quest for belonging. His creations serve as mirrors, reflecting the intricacies of the human psyche and inspiring profound introspection and empathy in those who engage with them. In this way, Bakshi’s artwork transcends the boundaries of time and space, resonating with viewers across cultures and generations, and offering solace, inspiration, and a sense of connection in an ever-changing world.

The inauguration of the “Dreaming Animals” exhibition attracted a distinguished assembly of art enthusiasts, including luminaries such as Mona Rai, Amitva Das, Sheela Chamaria, Gaurav Chawla, and Sunayana Malhotra. Each guest was captivated by Bakshi’s evocative creations, which effortlessly blur the lines between reality and imagination. “Dreaming Animals” promises an unforgettable odyssey into the depths of emotion and wonder, as Bakshi’s artistry continues to redefine the boundaries of traditional painting, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of exploration and discovery.

Dreaming Animals” beckons viewers into a captivating realm where imagination reigns supreme and storytelling transcends the ordinary. Through Neeraj Bakshi’s evocative artworks, the exhibition promises an unforgettable journey into the depths of emotion and wonderment. Each painting serves as a portal to a world where animals become protagonists in tales of whimsy and intrigue, inviting the audience to embark on a voyage of exploration and discovery. As viewers delve into the intricacies of Bakshi’s creations, they are transported to a place where reality intertwines with fantasy, leaving an indelible impression of awe and inspiration.

Initial Public Offering of Mukka Proteins Limited to open on Thursday, February 29, 2024

Mangaluru-based Mukka Proteins, manufactures fish meal, fish oil, and fish soluble paste, an essential ingredient in the manufacturing of aqua feed (for fish and shrimp), poultry feed (for broiler and layer), and pet food (dog and cat food), has fixed the price band of ₹26/- to ₹28/- per Equity Share of face value ₹1/- each for its maiden initial public offer. The Initial Public Offering (“IPO” or “Offer”) of the Company will open on Thursday, February 29, 2024, for subscription and close on Monday, March 04, 2024. Investors can bid for a minimum of 535 Equity Shares and in multiples of 535 Equity Shares after that.

The issue is entirely a fresh issue of up to 8 crore equity shares with no offer-for-sale component.

Of the total net proceeds to be raised through the issue, the company proposes to utilise up to Rs 120 crore towards working capital requirements, up to Rs 10 crore for investment in its associate, Ento Proteins Private Limited, for funding its working capital requirements besides general corporate purposes.

Mukka Proteins is one of the key players in India’s Fish Protein sector, consistently awarded by the Marine Products Export Development Authority (MPEDA) for its exceptional export performance. In the fiscal year 2023, the company contributed between 25% to 30% of the Indian fish meal and fish oil industry’s revenue, estimated to be between ₹3,200 crore to ₹4,100 crore, as per a CRISIL report cited in the RHP.

The company also plans to expand its manufacturing footprint through its Ento Proteins Private Limited associates. It produces insect meals from food waste and is the winner of the Network 18 Sustainability Award under the category of circularity for the year 2022.

Furthermore, fish oil has diverse applications, including pharmaceuticals (particularly in EPA-DHA extraction for nutraceuticals), soap making, leather treatment, and paint manufacturing.

Mukka Proteins distributes its products both domestically and internationally, serving over 10 countries such as Bahrain, Bangladesh, Chile, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, China, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, Oman, Taiwan, and Vietnam. Additionally, the company, in collaboration with its affiliate EPPL, has entered into the production and sale of insect meal and insect oil. Omega-3 supplements and related products derived from fish oil are gaining popularity as healthy and nutrient-rich dietary additions.

The company has six manufacturing facilities, with two held through its foreign subsidiary, Ocean Aquatic Proteins LLC, based in Oman, and four situated in India. Additionally, it operates five storage facilities and three blending facilities strategically located along the Indian coastline.

With over five decades of experience, Mukka Proteins’ promoters have played a pioneering role in the Fish Protein industry, introducing innovations like the steam drying process for fish meal manufacturing in India.

As of September 30, 2023, the company had an aggregate annualized manufacturing capacity of 115050 MTPA for fish meal, 16950 MTPA for fish oil, and 20340 MTPA for fish soluble paste.

On a consolidated basis, Mukka Proteins Limited’s revenue from operations grew 52.77% from ₹770.50 crore in Fiscal 2022 to ₹1177.12 crore in Fiscal 2023 primarily due to an increase in sales volumes of fish meal and fish oil; and an increase in export selling price of fish meal, resulting in high realization per kg of sale and profit after tax increased 84.07% to ₹47.52 crore in Fiscal 2023, from ₹25.82 crore in Fiscal 2022.

For the six months ended September 30, 2023, revenue from operations stood at Rs 606.09 crore, and profit after tax stood at Rs 32.98 crore.

Fedex Securities Private Limited is the sole book-running lead manager and Cameo Corporate Services Limited is the registrar of the offer. The equity shares are proposed to be listed on the BSE and NSE.

The Den Unveils an Enriched Luxurious Spa Experience at The Sanctuary Spa

February 26, 2024 | The Den, Bengaluru, India’s first millennial luxury destination, proudly presents an enriched spa experience at The Sanctuary Spa.

Nestled within the heart of Bengaluru, The Den epitomizes modern luxury, seamlessly blending contemporary elegance with unparalleled comfort. Today marks a momentous occasion as The Den introduces its revamped spa menu at The Sanctuary Spa, a haven of tranquility designed to cater to the discerning needs of today’s cosmopolitan travelers.

Guests are invited to immerse themselves in an oasis of serenity and sophistication, where every detail has been meticulously crafted to evoke a sense of blissful escape. The Sanctuary Spa offers a curated selection of rejuvenating expertly tailored treatments and therapies, like Sanctuary bespoke balancing, Intuitive touch blending, the ultimate therapeutic, and Stones sensation to harmonize body senses. Guests can now discover holistic body treatments such as Lime Leaf & Natural Honey salt body scrub, Spearmint & bitter orange sugar body scrub, Purity sandal saffron cocoon, and Relax & recharge herbal cocoon.

From luxurious massages like Designer Lift, Dream Eye, and Re-energising facials that soothe the senses and invigorating facials that rejuvenate the skin to signature treatments that include Pour Homme (cocoon, massage, facial), Pour femme (scrub, scalp massage), and Couples divine (scrub, massage, scalp, facial, every experience at The Sanctuary Spa is designed to elevate the art of relaxation to new heights. Amidst the tranquil ambiance of the sanctuary, guests are invited to embark on a transformative journey of self-discovery and renewal through the enhanced spa menu offerings.

Vinesh Gupta, General Manager of The Den, Bengaluru, expressed his enthusiasm for the unveiling of The Sanctuary Spa, stating, “The Den has always been at the forefront of redefining luxury hospitality in India. With the enhanced spa menu at The Sanctuary Spa, we continue to push the boundaries of excellence, offering our guests an unparalleled escape from the stresses of modern life. We invite travelers to experience the epitome of relaxation and indulgence at The Sanctuary Spa, where luxury knows no bounds.”

Polls and Property – Seizing the Election Opportunity in Real Estate

Akash Pharande, Managing Director – Pharande Spaces

As India gears up for its upcoming general elections, optimism and anticipation are evident across various sectors, and the real estate market is no exception. Historically, India’s general elections have been a time for positivity – after all, every political party in the fray pledges to boost economic growth and improve infrastructure. These commitments invariably lead to a positive sentiment in the housing market.

How will the upcoming elections impact India’s housing market, and why this be the perfect time to make a home purchase? Let’s examine.

Surging Investment Optimism

Election periods in India are typically marked by increased public spending and promises of economic reforms, which tend to boost consumer confidence and spending. A stable government and the implementation of favourable policies create an environment ripe for investment – especially in the real estate sector. To capitalize on this optimism, developers often launch new projects or offer attractive deals and discounts to homebuyers.

Policy Reforms and Infrastructure Development

Today, election manifestos emphasize infrastructure development and pledges to usher in structural reforms. The result of such measures is enhanced connectivity and improved urban infrastructure, which directly benefit the housing market by making homeownership more accessible and appealing.

The development of roads, public transport, and utilities boosts the value of residential areas, turning even peripheral areas into attractive investment options. In short, they will see price growth.

Improved Liquidity and Financing Options

In the run-up to elections, there is typically an increased focus on financial inclusivity and easing of credit conditions to stimulate economic growth. Banks and financial institutions often roll out special home loan offers, reduced interest rates, or more favourable terms to encourage home buying.

This increased liquidity and the availability of financing options make it easier for aspiring homeowners to take the plunge.

Favourable Regulatory Changes

The government’s focus on housing and real estate development often leads to regulatory changes aimed at protecting buyers’ interests and boosting the sector’s growth. For example, the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act in 2016 was delivered by a new government elected in 2014, and it bought considerable transparency and accountability to the real estate sector.

Such policy reforms create a better environment for homebuyers and encourage investment in real estate. When such confidence-boosting reforms are implemented, we invariably see a rise in housing prices. Likewise, post-elections economic growth results in increased demand, which results in price growth.

However, in the period leading up to the elections, developers may often look to draw buyers with attractive prices, offers and discounts. This period can present a unique window of opportunity for investors and homebuyers to negotiate better deals before the anticipated post-election boom.

In short…

The period between now and the general elections is a strategic window for of opportunity to buy a home before prices rise. Moreover, the potential for property value appreciation post-elections signals significant returns on housing investment in the future.

Buying a home now, amidst the anticipatory positive trends, can not only secure a valuable asset but also leverage the market’s upward trajectory post-elections. Historically, the real estate market’s positive response to the general elections represents a strong connection between political milestones and economic growth.