22, Dec 2023
Garuda Aerospace Donates 1 crores Worth of Free Kisan Drones to Kaushalya – The Skill University, Gujrat for Drone Pilot & Skilling
22 December 2023; National: Garuda Aerospace, India’s leading drone manufacturer, and Kaushalya – The Skill University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost drone technology education in India. Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and Chief Minister Bhupendrabhai Patelji have championed the cause of making India self-reliant through skill development, and this partnership aligns with that vision.
Under the terms of the MoU, Garuda Aerospace commits to providing Kaushalya – The Skill University with 10 small category agricultural drones, valued at approximately Rs 1 crore. These drones will be utilised for specialised training programs in agriculture, contributing to skill development in this crucial sector. Furthermore, Garuda Aerospace will offer mentorship support for drone technology to students and start-ups associated with the university. The collaboration extends beyond hardware support. Garuda Aerospace will provide the services of technical experts in the field of drones through online and offline channels. The company will also engage in collaborative research, indigenization, and product development with university faculties. In a bid to bridge the gap between training and employment, Garuda Aerospace will extend placement support to trainees undergoing drone training through the “Bharat Drone Association.”
“We are honoured to align with the visionary goals of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji fostering innovation and self-reliance. This collaboration signifies our commitment to contributing to the skill development landscape, empowering the youth, and realising the larger vision of a self-reliant India. We look forward to synergising our efforts with Kaushalya – The Skill University and contributing to the nation’s progress in the field of drone technology. Recognizing the immense potential and youthful dynamism in Vibrant Gujarat, we are excited about the prospect of positioning the state as the Drone Hub of India. Our enthusiasm stems from the collaborative efforts to equip the younger generation with vital drone skills, aligning seamlessly with our vision for substantial employment growth. Prime Minister Modiji’s visionary initiative, involving the launch of 100 drones in 100 areas and his commitment to deploying 1 lakh drones in the next two years, underscores the rapid expansion of the drone industry. This ambitious goal necessitates the training of 1 lakh pilots, and Gujarat is well-poised to make a significant contribution—10% to the total Drone Pilot community. This development marks a pivotal step in propelling Gujarat to the forefront of the burgeoning drone technology landscape, and we are proud to play a role in this transformative journey.” said Agnishwar Jayaprakash, Founder and CEO, Garuda Aerospace.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) is signed between Kaushalya – The Skill University, Govt. of Gujarat, was formally signed in the esteemed presence of the Honourable Minister for Industry Small, Micro, and Medium Industries Kutir, Khadi, and Village Industries Civil Aviation Labour and Employment, Shri Balvantsinh Rajput. The signing ceremony involved Mr. H.R. Suthar (IAS retd), representing Kaushalya – The Skills University, and Dr. Vijayakumar Rajarathinam, Chief Operating Officer of Garuda Aerospace Private Limited, Chennai. Under the presence of Dr. Anju Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Labour, Skill Development and Employment, along with Mr. Pankaj Mistry, Chief Skill Coordinator at Kaushalya – The Skill University, marked significant participation in the event. This strategic partnership symbolises a shared commitment to empowering the youth with cutting-edge skills and fostering innovation in the field of drone technology. Kaushalya – The Skill University and Garuda Aerospace look forward to a collaborative journey that will contribute significantly to India’s self-reliance in the domain of skill development.
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- By Rabindra
22, Dec 2023
From Farm to Feast: Salad Days Hosts a Wholesome ‘SlowDown’ Experience in Vasant Kunj
New Delhi, 22nd December 2023: Salad Days, a pioneer in promoting healthy living through nutritious meals, hosted its inaugural ‘SlowDown’ event on Saturday, December 16th, 2023, at its organic farm in Vasant Kunj. The event being the first of a series, was designed to offer a unique immersive experience to the guests, and to showcase Salad Days’ commitment to health, sustainability, and organic farming.
SlowDown was a spectacular showcase of diverse experiences comprising a Guided Farm Stroll and Organic Wisdom. The attendees not only engaged themselves in the intricacies of Salad Days’ organic farm, but also gained valuable insights into sustainable farming practices. The Live Salad Bar & Sizzling Barbecue captivated the audience with live culinary demonstrations. It unveiled the magic of Salad Days’ chefs crafting the finest salads and grilling delights with fresh, wholesome ingredients. The guests indulged in gourmet salads and buffet extravaganza, treating their taste buds to a lavish spread that emphasised Salad Days’ dedication to delicious and healthy food. The Pick and Pluck Adventure provided a unique opportunity for attendees to channel their inner farmer, plucking fresh strawberries, greens, and veggies for a truly memorable experience.
Commenting on the success of the event, Varun Madan, Founder & CEO, Salad Days said, ‘Our three-acre organic farm in Vasant Kunj is a symbol of our commitment to quality and sustainability. It ensures our complete control over ingredient quality, guaranteeing that only the finest and most nutritious produce reaches the end consumer. This ‘SlowDown’ event serves as a celebration of our journey, values, and the community that has embraced Salad Days as a beacon of health and sustainability. The overall experience allowed the guests to witness firsthand our commitment to organic farming and providing nutritious, delicious meals.’
The ‘SlowDown’ event promises to be a recurring delight every weekend until February 2024. Immerse yourself in the genuine, down-to-earth ambience of Salad Days, set against the backdrop of a tranquil winter afternoon.
22, Dec 2023
Accelerating the Transformation of India’s EV Landscape: Leading Companies Driving Growth
In the dynamic landscape of India’s electric vehicle (EV) revolution, a wave of momentum is sweeping across the nation, propelled by a shared commitment to sustainability and a vision for a greener future. Amidst this transformation, five standout companies are taking center stage, driving the growth of the Indian EV ecosystem. Jio-BP, Statiq, Delta Electronics, and Chargezone are spearheading this movement through their innovative technologies, strategic partnerships, and a collective dedication to advancing electric mobility. Together, they are not only meeting the rising demand for EVs but also reshaping the terrain of sustainable transportation in the country.
Jio-BP: Innovating the Future of Power
Jio-BP, a collaborative venture between Reliance Industries and BP, is carving a niche in the EV sector with its innovative approach. The company is making substantial investments in electric mobility solutions, encompassing charging infrastructure and battery technologies. Operating under the brand Jio-bp Pulse, the company has expanded its network to over 1,000+ public charge points in FY 2022-23, strengthening its presence to 1,400+ across 8 cities and major highways. Anticipated to grow exponentially in FY 2023-24, Jio-BP’s strategic partnerships and commitment to fostering a robust EV ecosystem position them as a formidable player in the Indian market.
Delta Electronics: Precision in Powering EVs
A global leader in power and thermal management solutions, Delta Electronics brings its expertise to the Indian EV market, emphasizing precision and reliability. With a track record of supplying 8,000+ EV chargers to date, the company plays a crucial role in enhancing charging infrastructure. Delta Electronics’ fast-charging solutions contribute significantly to reducing charging times, facilitating widespread adoption of electric vehicles across the country. The brand also unveiled micro-grid Green EV charging solutions to further greenify the EV charging infrastructure in the country.
Statiq: Tomorrow’s Smart Charging Solutions
At the forefront of providing intelligent and efficient charging solutions for electric vehicles, Statiq focuses on cutting-edge technology, incorporating IoT to optimize charging processes. With a commitment to sustainability, the company has set up 7,000 EV charging stations along major highways and in National Capital Region. Statiq aims to install 20,000 charging stations by March, positioning themselves as a key contributor to India’s growing EV landscape.
Chargezone: Empowering EV Users Nationwide
Chargezone is simplifying the EV charging experience for users across India, rapidly expanding its network to provide convenient and accessible charging points. With 3,500+ charging points across more than 1,500 EV charging stations in operations or under construction in 37 Indian cities, and coverage of over 20,000 km of highways, Chargezone’s user-friendly mobile app and commitment to enhancing the charging experience play a pivotal role in encouraging more people to transition to electric vehicles.
As these companies charge ahead, the Indian EV ecosystem is poised for unprecedented growth. Their collective efforts in advancing technology, expanding infrastructure, and promoting sustainable practices pave the way for a cleaner and greener future on India’s roads. Stay tuned as these dynamic players continue to shape the landscape of electric mobility in the country.
22, Dec 2023
Platform 65 Hosts a Magical Christmas Celebration!
Bengaluru, 22st, December 2023: Platform 65 Restaurant, the largest toy train-themed restaurant in India, is delighted to announce an extended Christmas celebration, creating a magical experience for the community to revel in the holiday spirit. Starting on December 10, the restaurant has transformed its venue into a continuous winter wonderland, offering guests an ongoing experience filled with joy, festive decor, and delightful activities. All 11 branches of Platform 65 will be partaking in this grand celebration, ensuring the festive cheer of Christmas is embraced in each location.
As part of the ongoing celebration, Platform 65 invites guests to immerse themselves in the holiday ambience with a festive selfie frame and a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, adorned with charming ornaments such as Christmas stars, which serve as the centrepiece of the venue.
Throughout the ongoing celebration, the dedicated team at Platform 65 will be dressed in Christmas-themed attire with Christmas caps, embodying the spirit of the season. It also includes a Christmas drawing contest for kids, and a series of entertaining activities, with the popular Secret Santa taking centre stage. Guests can look forward to the continuous distribution of carefully selected gifts, fostering an atmosphere of joy and excitement. Under the expert guidance of Mr. Srikanth Bandaru, the Corporate General Manager at Platform 65, these initiatives at all the branches continue to spread the spirit of joy and excitement throughout the season.
Sadgun Patha, Managing Director and Founder of Platform 65 “Platform 65 stands as a culinary station where the magic of Christmas is served on every plate. Our ongoing celebration is an invitation for families, friends, and food enthusiasts to gather, dine, and make lasting memories together.”
Mr. Venkatesh, Vice President of Platform 65 said, “Platform 65 is not just a dining experience; it’s a festive destination where every meal is a celebration, and every guest is part of our joyous culinary journey. Join us this Christmas for an unforgettable ride filled with laughter, flavours, and the spirit of the season.”
Platform 65 is committed to offering an extended period of festive joy, where families and friends can come together to create lasting memories. The combination of ongoing festive decorations, a dedicated and joyful staff, and engaging activities promises to make this Christmas celebration an enduring and special experience for all.
22, Dec 2023
Escaro Royale Unveils Winter Elegance with Exquisite Handpainted Fur Boots in Winter 2023 collection
New Delhi, December 22st, 2023: Escaro Royale, the epitome of luxury and craftsmanship, proudly introduces the latest addition to its Winter Collection – the Handpainted Handpatinaed Fur Boots featuring ankle length fur boots in Blake stitch construction.
The Handpainted Fur leather boots for men represent the pinnacle of winter footwear, seamlessly blending comfort, coziness, and style featuring plush faux fur lining that envelops the foot in warmth, providing an unparalleled level of comfort during colder months. The incorporation of fur not only ensures insulation but also adds a luxurious touch, elevating the overall style quotient of the boots. Escaro Royale’s fur leather boots prioritize practicality, offering a cozy refuge for the feet while maintaining a fashionable edge. Whether navigating snowy landscapes or strolling through urban streets, these boots embody the perfect fusion of functionality, comfort, and timeless style.
“The Handpainted Fur Boots in our Winter Collection are a testament to Escaro Royale’s unwavering commitment to creating exceptional, handcrafted products. We believe in providing our customers with not just a pair of boots but a unique statement of elegance and warmth,” said Ambud Sharma, founder and CEO at Escaro Royale.
These boots are 100% handmade by expert artisans who represent the pinnacle of craftsmanship. Every stitch and brushstroke is a testament to the dedication and skill of Escaro Royale’s master craftsmen. Featuring handmade Argentinian Leather Sole, these boots boast a luxurious foundation. The addition of rubber inserts ensures not only exceptional grip but also durability for long-lasting wear.Employing the sophisticated Blake stitch construction technique, each pair of boots guarantees not only a sleek appearance but also enhanced flexibility and durability. Blake stitching is a shoe construction method where the sole is sewn directly to the upper, insole, and outsole from the inside of the shoe. It involves a single stitching line, creating a sleek and close-cut appearance with no visible welt on the outer sole. This technique enhances flexibility and contributes to a lightweight design.
Fashion aficionados and those seeking the epitome of winter luxury are invited to explore the Winter Collection, now available for purchase on the official Escaro Royale website, escaro.in.
22, Dec 2023
Columbia Pacific Communities Unwraps India’s First #LifeSizeSustainableSantaProject: Seniors Lead the Way to a Greener Christmas
Bengaluru, December 22, 2023: As the season of joy and festivities approaches, Columbia Pacific Communities, India’s largest and most preferred senior living community operators, has taken a ground-breaking step towards sustainability with the launch of India’s first life-size Sustainable Santa Project. Recognising the environmental impact of Christmas celebrations, which traditionally result in a significant amount of waste, and particularly plastic waste, the initiative aims to inspire a shift towards eco-friendly practices during the holiday season.
Every year, Christmas festivities contribute to an estimated 2 to 3 billion kilograms of waste the world over, much of which ends up in landfills, exacerbating environmental pollution and climate change. In response to this alarming trend, residents of Columbia Pacific Communities decided to lead by example, spearheading India’s first #LifeSizeSustainableSantaProject.
The project seeks to emphasize the crucial need for sustainability, especially in the face of global climate challenges. It also challenges stereotypes around the older generation’s environmental impact, showcasing the commitment and enthusiasm of senior residents in promoting conscious living.
Addressing the prevalent use of plastic in Santa Claus dolls that are sold during Christmas, residents of Columbia Pacific Communities engaged in a friendly competition to craft life-size sustainable Santas using upcycled and recycled materials, ensuring a zero-waste outcome. The goal was to create life-size Santas with a zero-carbon footprint, to urge more people to embrace recycling, reusing and reducing wastage, particularly during the festive season.
A video documenting the seniors’ creative process, shared on Columbia Pacific Communities’ Instagram/Facebook handles, showcases the residents employing their handicraft skills to fashion Santas from over 130 kgs of waste materials readily available at home, including upcycled plastic and recycled cloth, wood, PVC pipes, steel wires, sand, packaging material, coconut, cotton wool and newspapers. The top three Santa creations from across the communities were awarded gift vouchers, and the life-size Santas are prominently displayed at prominent locations across Bangalore and Hyderabad including The Oberoi Trident in Hyderabad, Nexus Shantiniketan Mall, Whitefield, Toscano Museum Road and The Biere Club, Lavelle Road in Bangalore, serving as inspiration to the younger generation to embrace a sustainable Christmas celebration. Columbia Pacific Communities has also partnered with NGOs such as The Little Sisters of The Poor in Bangalore and Society for Rural Development (SRD) in Hyderabad, to donate the life-size sustainable Santas.
Piali Dasgupta, Senior Vice President at Columbia Pacific Communities, expressed her enthusiasm for the campaign, stating, “Our senior residents have always challenged and broken stereotypes. With this campaign, they aim to showcase to the world that sustainability can be embraced in every aspect of life, even during celebrating festivals and important occasions. Their willingness to put in extra effort to make the holiday season sustainable and leveraging their talent to contribute meaningfully to the world, perfectly aligns with Columbia Pacific Communities’ brand philosophy of positive ageing.”
By initiating the Sustainable Santa Project, Columbia Pacific Communities sets a powerful precedent for conscious and eco-friendly celebrations, urging individuals of all generations to adopt sustainable practices and make a positive impact on the environment. People are urged to take selfies with the Sustainable Santas in the locations mentioned above and tag the brand sharing it on social media to raise awareness on sustainability and climate change.
22, Dec 2023
SFA Championships 2023-2024 begins India’s grassroots sporting revolution
- SFA Championships conclude the first 6 cities of the calendar year with more than 18,000 matches
- Over 80,000 athletes competed in 6 cities from more than 3,000 schools
- Each city saw more than 3500 matches being scheduled for athletes
Bangalore, December 22st , 2023: Sports For All (SFA), India’s largest tech-enabled multi-sport school competition platform, has set a new benchmark in discovering and empowering young sporting talent, through SFA Championships. With a commitment to host Championships in 10 cities this year, SFA has successfully concluded 6 SFA Championships in 60 days in cities namely Indore, Dehradun, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. In just about two months, the SFA Championships inspired more than 80,000 athletes from over 3,000 schools, fueling their sporting ambitions and contributing to India’s untapped sporting potential.
The SFA Championships are enabling school sporting competition at a scale never witnessed in the country, especially for multi-sports and backed by technology. This city-based model celebrated the indomitable spirit of sportsmanship, discovering talent that will contribute to the future of the sporting ecosystem. The initial 6 cities of the SFA Championships have discovered the “number one school in sports” across the cities of Indore, Dehradun, Jaipur, Hyderabad, Pune, and Mumbai. Delhi Public School (Nipania) in Indore, Maharana Pratap Sports College in Dehradun, Cambridge Court World School in Jaipur, Vignan Bo Tree School (Nizampet) in Hyderabad, Vidya Valley School (Sus) in Pune, and Don Bosco International School (Matunga) in Mumbai bagged the prestigious title of “number one school in sports”, in the respective cities.
True to the endeavor of giving youth inspiring and joyful sporting experiences, SFA Championships transformed iconic sporting venues in each city for school athletes to play. Stadiums like the Shree Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex (in Balewadi) Pune, the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, the Gachibowli Sports Complex in Hyderabad, Abhay Prashal Sports Club and Basketball Complex, Indore, and Shahaji Raje Krida Sankul (Sports Complex) in Andheri fostered a conducive environment for sporting excellence.
Bolstering the athlete’s spirit to play in a professional environment, needs immense support of the local machinery to work seamlessly. Through this sporting platform the local economies have witnessed growth with SFA Championships, thus creating value for every stakeholder and leading towards capacity building for the cities and states to host reputable large-scale multi-sport events. Fostering collaboration with local coaches, academies, vendors, and other businesses, boosting the travel and hospitality industries, providing employment for residents, and opportunities for students, SFA Championships are on their way to strengthen the city’s economic health, through sports. Its noteworthy to recall that on a single day in October, three cities hosted school sports competitions across eight venues, engaging 1242 workforce members, volunteers, and officials across 12 sporting disciplines.
Inching closer to the milestone for 2023-2024, Rajas Joshi, COO & Championships Director, SFA, added, “Reflecting upon how SFA Championships has bought alive a revolution, it becomes apparent that sports transcend beyond a physical activity and is indeed an emotion. The unparalleled enthusiasm at the Championships reaffirms our belief that these young athletes only required a platform, to come play. With 80,000 school athletes playing within a span of 60 days, the “Ab Jeetega India” movement, through the SFA Championships, is a historic beginning for the nation to build a formidable grassroots sporting ecosystem. And a sustainable one that is now available on the screens of Viacom18”.
SFA Championships and Viacom18 have partnered to make school sports accessible to millions of sports fans, across the country. The Championships can now be viewed on JioCinema (app), Sports18-2, and Sports18 Khel (tv channels). This further deepens with visibility of the Championships on DD Sports.
Giving exposure to multi-sports, SFA Championships recognizes the ‘Golden Boy’ and ‘Golden Girl’, where athletes with achievements in multi-sports are awarded. With the remarkable times for female athletes to build their sporting careers, SFA Championships celebrates the initiative ‘She is Gold’, where a day across all Championships is dedicated to empowering and encouraging female athletes to play (since inception, in 2015). More than 5000 female athletes, across 6 cities, joined in with their commitment to building a career in sports.
Building an environment for every school athlete to play, irrespective of the geography or socio-economic backgrounds, SFA Championships has witnessed impressive diversity in participation, with 33% female athletes and 67% male athletes competing on an equitable platform. At the Championships, the top sports opted by girls were athletics, basketball, football, swimming, and skating, while boys preferred to compete in football, athletics, basketball, chess and swimming.
As the SFA Championships concluded, parents, coaches and athletes celebrated a transformative event that went beyond traditional sports competitions. Each child’s dream echoed aspirations of winning at the Olympics and representing the nation at the highest level. SFA’s organizational prowess was evident in bringing together a myriad of sports on such a grand scale, creating a unique platform where several national and international-level players competed across diverse sporting disciplines. SFA Championships is poised to make sports accessible for young athletes across the country, thereby empowering today’s talent to become the Champions of tomorrow.
22, Dec 2023
An impressive 102 students from Aakash BYJU’S qualify the Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) 2023; Now Eligible for INMO 2024
New Delhi, December 22, 2023: An impressive 102 students from Aakash BYJU’S, the national leader in test preparatory services, have cleared the prestigious Regional Mathematical Olympiad (RMO) 2023. The qualified students will now compete in the stage 3 of the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) scheduled to be held on January 21, 2024.
The International Mathematical Olympiad’s second stage is the Regional Mathematics Olympiad (RMO). Students who qualified Indian Olympiad Qualifier in Mathematics (IOQM) were eligible to write RMO which was held on October 29, 2023. RMO is conducted by the regional coordinators under the supervision of Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai. The HBCSE regional coordinators review RMO response documents, and the results are submitted to the HBCSE.
1 student of Aakash BYJU’S from Class 8th, 10 from class 9th, 35 from class 10th, 38 from class 11th and 18 from class 12th have cleared the RMO 2023.
Congratulating the students on the impressive results, Mr Anup Agarrwal, Chief Business Officer, Aakash BYJU’S said: “Congratulations to all our students who have cleared the RMO exam 2023. It is testament to the consistent efforts of these students, the dedication of our faculties and the quality pedagogy imparted by Aakash BYJU’S. Many thanks to the parents for trusting us and extending their support. We wish the students all the best for the next round.”
The International Mathematical Olympiad program is aimed at bringing secondary and higher secondary students with exceptional mathematical ability and passion for the subject from across the world together in a friendly competition of the highest level. India has been participating in International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) since 1989 and Indian students have won a large number of medals over the years.
After INMO, the students undergo a month-long training camp, i.e. International Mathematical Olympiad Training Camp (IMOTC), where problem-solving sessions and several selection tests are held and this year approx. 65 students from all over India will compete against each other. 6 selected students from IMOTC are chosen to represent India at international level in IMO and are given training in Pre-Departure Camp (PDC). During the camp, orientation is provided to students for IMO and emphasis is laid on developing conceptual foundations and problem-solving skills.
Aakash BYJU’S aims to help students in their quest to achieve academic success. It has a centralized in-house process for curriculum and content development and faculty training and monitoring, led by its National Academic Team. Over the years, students from Aakash BYJU’S have proven selection track record in various Medical & Engineering Entrance Exams, Scholarship Exams and Olympiads.
22, Dec 2023
Diverse Delights Unveiled: KW Delhi 6 Mall Adds Iconic Brands to Its Lineup
KW Delhi 6 Mall announced the addition of a diverse array of renowned brands across various genres, offering elevated shopping and leisure experiences for visitors. From tantalising food options to cutting-edge fashion and entertainment, the mall now hosts a curated selection of brands that cater to every taste and preference.
Ample spaces have been given to F&B brands such as Urban Chaat (a delectable culinary outlet), Tasty Temptation (an ice cream kiosk), and Yo China (another delicious food outlet). Visitors can relish their favourite cuisines, from street food to rich Chinese delicacies to sweet ice creams. These food options would cater to the taste buds of the visitors, redefining the F&B of the mall.
Fun and games outlets such as Fun Square and Smaash have also occupied large spaces at the project to offer visitors unparalleled gaming and entertainment options. While Fun Square introduces a playful atmosphere with engaging games, Smaash introduces an FEC (Family Entertainment Center) where visitors can enjoy many engaging activities.
Numerous lifestyle and apparel brands have been unveiled at the mall, including Panoramis Traditions, Raasa, Lavie, VIP, and Hush Puppies. Visitors can elevate their style with the latest fashion products from these outlets and shop across multiple genres, such as clothing, apparel, bags, footwear, etc. All these brands offer the most classic products that offer comfort and style.
Tupperware, a home kitchen products outlet, has also opened an outlet at the mall, allowing visitors to explore innovative and functional home kitchen products and enhancing the shopping experience with quality and utility.
Mr. Mr. Pankaj Kumar Jain, Director KW Group stated, “We are thrilled to introduce these iconic brands to KW Delhi 6 Mall, transforming it into a hub where visitors can explore and indulge in various genres. Whether visitors seek culinary delights, fashion-forward apparel, engaging games, or quality lifestyle products, our mall has become a comprehensive destination for diverse preferences. Adding these esteemed names would offer our visitors an inclusive and enriching experience.”
22, Dec 2023
Arya.ag unites industry leaders at RITH-Climate Summit ’23 to advance sustainable farming practices
Bengaluru, 22nd, December 2023 – The RITH-Climate Summit ’23, organised by Arya.ag, India’s largest and only profitable integrated grain commerce platform, in partnership with Bayer Foundation India, brought together leaders from diverse sectors in its first edition. The summit, organised in Delhi, was a landmark event that brought together representatives from 45 diverse farmer producer organisations (FPOs), including women-led FPOs from various Indian states such as Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Haryana.
The one-day RITH Climate Summit ’23 witnessed the culmination of ideas to improve the competitiveness of Community-Based Organizations (CBOs) by emphasising climate-resilient and regenerative farming practices, addressing challenges encountered by small and marginal farmers, particularly in resource access and dealing with the effects of climate change. Shri Franklin L. Khobung, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Government of India, graced the RITH-Climate Summit ’23 with his esteemed presence, elevating the event’s importance.
Prasanna Rao, CEO and Co-Founder at Arya.ag
Prasanna Rao, CEO&CO-Founder of Arya.ag, stated, “The RITH-Climate Summit ’23, organised by Arya.ag, represents a pivotal stride in our commitment to empowering farmers. Recently, as part of a comprehensive study conducted by the Development Finance Corporation (DFC), we looked at our presence in climate-stressed regions across India and realised the crucial challenges being faced by our farmers. By uniting industry leaders, experts, and diverse farmer producer organisations from across India, we aim to catalyse a transformative dialogue on incentivising sustainable farming practices by creating market-led ecosystems.”
Rith means ecological balance and the event was designed to feature a range of panelists and representatives from the industry, farm verticals, development sector and the government. The discussions centred around creating market-led ecosystems, strengthening relationships between FPOs, and leveraging technology for sustainable agricultural practices.
The panel discussions featured insights on “challenges in transitioning to climate-resilient production” with Aman Pannu (DCM Shriram Foundation), Arun Pandhi (Tata Trusts), Sugandhi Vishwakarma (Korku Farmer Producer Company), S.S Bhat (FWWB India), and Prof. V. Padmanand (Grant Thornton) moderated by Amit Kumar (UNDP).
The “Actionising Climate Goals” panel explored corporate-grassroots connections, including perspectives from Manek Gupta (Viterra), Neelesh Rathod (White Gold Farmer Producer Company Limited), Rajiv Yadav (Agrocorp India Trade Services Pvt Limited), Rajvir Rathi, Director (Bayer Crop Science) and Uday Anand (Parijat Industries) moderated by Sarita Bahl (Bayer Foundation India).
“Productive Convergences,” moderated by Dr. Sudheer K Goel (Agriculture and Marketing, Govt. of Maharashtra), discussed winning examples with Amrendra Mishra (ADM), Swapnil Pawar (ASQI), Shailesh Kumar (Britannia), Dr. Ratna Kumria (FSII) and Vinod Beniwal (Shakti Vardhak Farmer Producer Company Ltd), Vijaysekar Kalavakonda (IFC) moderated “Harmonising Stakeholder Roles,” involving Anupam Barik (Patanjali), Dheeraj Mutreja, (Rabo Foundation), Dr. KC Gummagolmath (MANAGE), Smriti Das (XLRI) and Sunil Kumar (Synergy Technofin Pvt Ltd.). These discussions aimed to address challenges and promote sustainable models for climate resilience.
From left to right: Prasanna Rao, CEO and Co-founder, Arya.ag; Ms. Rachna Panda, Country Group Head, Communication and Public Affairs & Sustainability for Bayer South Asia; Shri. Manoj Ahuja, Hon’ble Secretary, MoA&FW; Dr Harsh Kumar Bhanwala, Ms Sarita Bahl, Head of corporate social responsibility at Bayer; Anand Chandra, Co-founder and executive director at Arya.ag
The synergistic partnership between forward-thinking corporations such as Bayer, Arya.ag and the dynamic Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) is pivotal in propelling the agenda of sustainable farming to new heights. Our shared initiatives not only exemplify our commitment but also serve as a resounding testament to the unwavering dedication we bring to the noble cause of fostering a sustainable and resilient agricultural landscape for the benefit of present and future generations – said Sarita Bahl – Director – Bayer Foundation India
“Strengthening farmers’ awareness of the importance of embracing climate-resilient agriculture can be accomplished by reinforcing agricultural extension services. The existing lack of knowledge regarding climate-resilient practices emphasises the necessity for enhanced outreach and education in this field.” said Dr Sudheer K Goel – IAS, Former Addtl. Chief Secretary – Agriculture and Marketing, Govt. of Maharashtra.
Encouraging farmers to adopt change could involve a government-driven policy initiative, providing working capital to Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). Additionally, private collaborators could play a role in developing green technologies, while aggregators could facilitate the convergence of market players and farmers on a unified platform – said Amit Kumar – Head of Sustainable and Inclusive Growth at UNDP.
Arya.ag remains committed to its mission of supporting farmers and advancing sustainable agricultural practices. The outcomes of the RITH- Climate Summit ’23 will pave the way for more collaborative efforts and innovations in the agricultural sector.
