20, Nov 2023
Virgio: The New Revolutionary App is Now Live!
Virgio, a circular fashion-tech startup is thrilled to announce the official launch of the Virgio app, a pioneering mobile application dedicated to promoting and revolutionizing the world of circular fashion. Virgio prides itself as The Only Good Fashion Company that works meticulously to build high-quality products that bring together earth-friendly fabrics, flattering fits, and impeccable finish. This innovative app is designed to redefine the way we shop, understand, and embrace fashion, aligning with the ethos of pro-planet and conscious consumerism.

Key Features of Virgio:
Educational Resources: The product pages give detailed information on the fabric of the garment, its environmental footprint and earth-friendly methods to care for the clothes. Each garment also comes with a Smart QR Code Label that gives customers more information on styling tips, origin, wash care among others.
Complete Transparency: The application gives detailed information about the material used in each garment, partners they work with that focus on fair wages, and the carbon footprint of each garment.
User-Friendly Interface: Seamlessly navigate and interact with the app’s intuitive design for an enhanced user experience.
Circular Fashion Brand: Access a curated app where users can buy responsibly made clothes that align with Virgio’s circularity pillars: Product, Process, and People – all for the Planet.
Virgio is committed to reshaping the fashion industry by promoting the principles of a circular economy. By embracing fabrics that are long-lasting and less harmful to nature along with pre-owned fashion and encouraging conscious consumption, Virgio empowers individuals to contribute to a more pro-planet future.
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- By Rabindra
20, Nov 2023
Ms. Padma Negi, appointed as the Principal of JBCN International School Mulund
Mumbai, 20th November 2023: JBCN International School is known for delivering progressive education with a legacy spanning over two decades and proudly announces Ms Padma M. Negi as the Principal of its newly launched Mulund campus. With over 25 years of dedicated service in education, Ms. Padma brings extensive experience, innovation, and leadership that has shaped learners to become Changemakers of tomorrow.
Throughout her journey, Ms Padma Negi has managed multiple portfolios. Having held leadership positions in prestigious educational institutes across Mumbai, Ms Padma continues to showcase her commitment to fostering excellence in education. Her tenure as a principal portrays exceptional leadership skills, and her profound insights transform schools into centers of interdisciplinary learning.

Ms. Padma’s educational philosophy is grounded in her belief that education plays a pivotal role in molding future leaders. She has been a catalyst and has witnessed learners evolve into emotionally intelligent individuals who excel academically, socially, and emotionally. Mr. Kunal Dalal, Managing Director, of JBCN Education, says, “At JBCN International School, our mission has always been to nurture the next generation of Changemakers through progressive and EduCreative experiences while utilizing innovative and transformative teaching methodologies. We are happy to welcome Ms. Padma Negi to our JBCN family and are certain that her extensive experience and leadership will contribute to an exceptional experience for our learners. Ms Padma’s vision aligns with ours, and together, we will strive to create notable citizens of tomorrow.”
Highlighting her thoughts, Ms Padma Negi, Principal, of JBCN International School, Mulund, states, “I am thrilled to be a part of the JBCN International School network, and heading this newly launched campus is a privilege. I am excited about the potential that we have before us. With a strong and passionate team of educators, I am confident in shaping the lives of young ones and transforming them into Changemakers of tomorrow. I strongly believe that a school is a place of learning both for children and faculty. Every academic year, we learn as much, if not more, than children. Excited to embark on this new journey.”
Her dedication to lifelong learning underscores her belief in the need for continuous adaptation and growth to meet the evolving needs of learners. The introduction of a fifth campus, located in the heart of north Mumbai, Mulund, showcases the unwavering
the commitment of JBCN International School to providing progressive and EduCreative experiences.
The new JBCN International Mulund campus will uphold the school’s rich tradition of excellence while embracing changing educational paradigms. As Ms. Padma Negi takes the helm as Principal, her vision and dedication promise a holistic learning environment that nurtures academic prowess, personal growth, and character development.
20, Nov 2023
Naiknavare Developers Announces the Launch of its New Residential Project ‘Aranya’ in Talegaon
November 20 th, 2023 | Pune: Naiknavare Developers, renowned for its well-thought-out community-centric residential and commercial projects in Mumbai, Goa, and Pune, has announced the launch of its new, mid-luxury residential project, Aranya.
Located near Vadgaon Maval area of Talegaon, the project comprises 3 residential towers
with several apartments, including 1 BHK, 2 BHK, and 2 BHK Comfort apartments, sized 366 sq. ft., 544 sq. ft., and 597 sq. ft. onwards, respectively. The project also offers retail convenience shops, sized 102 sq. ft. onwards.
![48]_01] Aranya_Vadgaon Maval_View-01-min](https://mediaexpress24.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/48_01-Aranya_Vadgaon-Maval_View-01-min-1.jpg)
Strategically developed near Pune’s game-changing Ring Road, the project extends the right blend of opportunities and offerings like connectivity to the popular Mumbai-Pune Expressway and other local prime areas such as Chakan MIDC, Hinjewadi, and Pirangut
MIDC; environmental benefits; better lifestyle; and appreciation in property rates as a result of ongoing social infrastructure developments.
This announcement comes at a time when the Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA) has taken a significant step towards intensifying the construction of the Pune Ring Road, which is slated to get operational by December 2026 and aimed to ease traffic congestion in the city. Consequently, the project’s close proximity to the 170 km-long stretch will help investors and home-buyers of Aranya to commute seamlessly and witness an uptick in their property value.
The project provides ample facilities, which include a yoga/meditation area, indoor gymnasium, multipurpose hall, amphitheater with stage, kids play area, jet fountain with landscape area, party lawn, senior-friendly seating area, clubhouse and party lawn, swing plaza, and walkway, among others. Furthermore, it is in close proximity to key landmarks and enjoys the benefits of social infrastructure such as educational institutions like High Vision International School, Mamasheb Khandge Medium School, and Eden International
School; industrial hubs like Talegaon MIDC and Hinjewadi; major hospitals like Harneshwar Multispecialty Hospital, General Hospital, and Sai Jeevan Children’s Hospital; and tourist attractions like Visapur Fort, Yelghol Caves, Tung Fort, and Karla Buddha Caves.
Speaking on the launch of Aranya, Anand Naiknavare, Head of Business Process, Naiknavare Developers, commented, “We are elated to add this landmark project to our portfolio of residential developments in the Pune market. With the current demand and evolving trends among home buyers, our spacious and premium 1 and 2 BHK apartments with top-notch amenities will effectively cater to the needs of customers who prefer a comfortable, convenient, and high-quality lifestyle.”
In addition to the launch of Aranya, Naiknavare Developers has so far completed 55+ projects across 5 cities, accounting for 15 million sq. ft. of built assets. The projects include a mix of residential, commercial, hospitality, SRA, and redevelopment segments.
20, Nov 2023
Novotel Hyderabad Airport Presents ‘Himalayan Delights’ – A Gastronomic Journey to Remember
20th November 2023, Hyderabad – Novotel Hyderabad Airport (NHA) located at GMR Aerocity Hyderabad proudly presents the ‘Himalayan Delights’ food festival, a culinary voyage thoughtfully crafted to immerse guests in the captivating essence of the Himalayan region. This festival is scheduled every Saturday from 04th November to 25th November 2023 at Food Exchange, Novotel Hyderabad Airport.
‘Himalayan Delights’ is a cuisine that often remains unsung, an undiscovered gem within the realm of culinary arts. This distinctive festival not only unveils the hidden treasures of the Himalayas but also accentuates its uniqueness when compared to more widely recognized culinary traditions. This event serves as a testament to our unwavering commitment to providing our guests with extraordinary and unforgettable experiences that go beyond the ordinary. The ‘Himalayan Delights festival promises to be an unmissable opportunity for guests to savor the captivating flavors and aromas of Himalayan cuisine, all within the heart of Hyderabad. From Garwal Ka Fannah and Kale Channa Ka Katta to the iconic Kashmiri Rogan Josh and delectable Gud-Pak specialties, the festival’s menu showcases an exquisite array of authentic Himalayan dishes.

According to Mr. Sukhbir Singh, General Manager, Novotel Hyderabad Airport, “We are thrilled to introduce ‘Himalayan Delights’ an epicurean adventure to the delightful cuisines of the Himalayan Region at Food Exchange. Our dedicated team has worked tirelessly to bring the authentic flavors of the Himalayan region to our guests. We invite everyone to join us in this remarkable culinary adventure.”
‘Himalayan Delights’ stands as a golden opportunity for culinary aficionados in the city to unearth the hidden treasures of the Himalayas. The festival will feature live cooking stations, where our talented chefs will artfully craft each dish to perfection, ensuring an unforgettable gastronomic experience that will linger in your memory for years to come.
20, Nov 2023
Sony India announces next-generation APS-C Mirrorless interchangeable lens camera α6700
1. Highly accurate subject recognition with AI
2. Excellent video performance compatible with 4K120p 1
3. Mobility, operability, and connectivity unique to a compact and lightweight device
4. Environmental consciousness and accessibility
Bangalore, 20th Nov 2023: Sony India today announced the release of its newest APS-C mirrorless camera, the α6700 (ILCE-6700). This new offering combines the cutting-edge still image and video capabilities found in the latest full-frame Alpha™ and Cinema Line series with the compact and lightweight design of the α6000 series, resulting in Sony’s most advanced APS-C mirrorless camera to date. Combining an APS-C back-illuminated Exmor R® CMOS image sensor boasting 26.0 effective megapixels with the speed and power of Sony’s advanced BIONZ XR® processing engine, the α6700 achieves exceptional imaging performance while maintaining a compact and lightweight design.

The camera supports high-resolution 4K video recording at up to 120fps 1, a wide latitude of 14+ stops 2 for capturing details in harsh or under-lit conditions, and features the S-Cinetone™ picture profile found in Sony’s professional Cinema Line for refined movie imagery that doesn’t require color grading, and it delivers stunning representation of human skin tones.
“With the launch of the α6700, Sony is steadfast in its commitment to empower creators at every level in India. We are dedicated to providing cutting-edge tools that empower their creativity. Sony will continue expanding its APS-C lineup, catering to the diverse image production needs of creators across the nation.” said Mukesh Srivastava, Head of Digital Imaging Business, Sony India.
1. Highly accurate subject recognition with AI
The latest APS-C size, back-illuminated Exmor R CMOS image sensor boasts approximately 26.0 effective megapixels, paired with our advanced BIONZ XR engine for exceptional imaging performance. Standard ISO sensitivity spans 100 to 32000 for both stills and movies, allowing high-sensitivity, low-noise shooting. Enhanced color reproduction ensures subjects like people and plants are captured with natural hues, while Creative Look features allow unique visual expressions. The AI processing unit is inherited from the “α7R V,” enabling high accuracy “Real-Time Recognition AF (autofocus).” Beyond the α6000 series’ human and animal recognition, it now accurately identifies various subjects such as human, animal, bird, insect, car/train, and airplane, catering to diverse creative expressions. When paired with the recently launched FE 70-200mm F4.0 G Macro OSS II 3, it offers 105 mm to 300 mm focal lengths in 35mm full-frame equivalent, leveraging the power of telephoto zoom for high-quality shooting. Additionally, it’s compatible with a broad array of E-mount lenses, and Sony’s E-mount lenses cover full-frame and Cinema Line cameras with a single mount.
2. Excellent video performance compatible with 4K120p
Harnessing data equivalent to 6K, the α6700 outputs superior 4K video, including support for high-frame-rate recording at 4K 120fps. It features S- Log3, offering a latitude of 14+ 2 above, for stellar gradation. Also equipped with S-Cinetone, the α6700 offers impressive skin tone depiction and subject highlighting, technologies honed through our Cinema Line development, while its AI-driven Auto-Framing 4 smoothly tracks subjects, eliminating the need for manual camera movement. The body houses a Multi-Interface (MI) Shoe compatible with digital audio interfaces.

3. Mobility, operability, and connectivity unique to a compact and lightweight device
With a compact design (approx. 4 7/8 × 2 3/4 × 3 in. and weighing about 1 lb 1.4 oz 5 .), the α6700 is highly portable. It claims a user-friendly, touch-operable vari-angle LCD monitor, coupled with a modern touch menu for effortless operation. A customizable front dial and a switching dial for still images, movies, and S&Q modes are also featured. It is also equipped with an optical 5-axis in-body image stabilization system with 5.0 stops 6 of shutter speed advantage for stills and an Active Mode 7 ensures stable footage. In terms of connectivity, the camera now supports the Creators’ App 8 for seamless uploads of videos
and still images to cloud services.
4. Environmental consciousness and accessibility
Over the past 10 years, Sony has replaced approximately 379 tons 9 of virgin plastic with recycled plastic in digital cameras and digital video cameras. Recycled materials, including SORPLAS TM 10, are actively used for the camera body, reducing environmental impact without sacrificing functionality. In addition, it is equipped with a Screen Reader function 11 that reads menus and video playback screens aloud to assist operations, supporting the creative activities of a wide variety of creators.
20, Nov 2023
Over 3000 runners at Kanha Shanti Vanam and 13000 from around the world participate in the Granules Green Kanha Run’s 2nd edition for a greener planet
Hyderabad, 20 November 2023: Heartfulness Institute in association with Granules India launched its second edition of the Granules Green Kanha Run at Kanha Shanti Vanam (the headquarters of Heartfulness in the outskirts of Hyderabad) with over 3000 participants from Kanha Shanti Vanam and 13000 more joinings virtually from 60 cities from India and abroad. The first edition was successfully held earlier this year edition of the Green Kanha Run. The second edition is aimed at ‘racing into a greener future’ – an initiation of a grand venture to plant 25,000 trees in the three editions of the half marathon. The Granules Green Kanha Run is being supported by the Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports and Fit India. Noted Indian cricketers Ravi Shastri, R Shridhar, and Bharat Arun have also voiced their support for the run.
The run was flagged off by Ms. Nandini Agasara (Asian Games Bronze Medalist in athletics) and Coach Mr. Ramesh for the 21km timed Sai Reddy Gudda Lake Run category. 10km timed Yatra Garden run was flagged off by Ms. Uma Chigurupati- Director of Granules India, (the Title Sponsor of the Granules Green Kanha Run), and Mr. Prateek Srivastav, Community Impact Lead, PayPal Hyderabad flagged off the 5km timed Forest run. Mrs. Pratima K. Patel- wife of beloved Rev. Daaji – Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission flagged off the 2km Family run. This is the first time the global run category has been introduced to encourage participants worldwide to join in from their locations, ensuring that distance is no barrier to making a difference.

Mr. Anil Arora- President and Head of Global Operations of Granules India, Mr. Anant Sanjeev Doogar- Director of Nile Mile, Marathon Partner of Granules Green Kanha Run; and Rev Daaji – Spiritual Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission gave away the awards.
The flag-off timings (race timings) are 21km- 05:45 am; 10km- 06:25 am; 5km- 07:30 am and 2km- 07:50 am. Overall Winner was chosen based on Gun Time; Age Category winners were chosen based on Chip Time. A runner would start his race within 15 minutes from their respective Flag Off Time of the race. Cut-off time for finishing the race was 3hrs 30 mins for 21km; 90 mins for 10km; 60 mins for 5km: no cutoff time applicable for 2km.
Mrs. Uma Chigurupati, Executive Director – Granules India Limited said, “It is an exhilarating experience to see the level of participation. Fitness and the environment are the core of my heart. The Granules Green Kanha run has given the platform for the runners to show their support for both fitness and the environment. I hope the message reaches more and more people and they start taking fitness and environment as part of their daily lives.”
Rev. Daaji – Guide of Heartfulness and President of Shri Ram Chandra Mission said, “Our mission is to raise the green cover on earth and sensitize people on the importance of a healthy ecosystem. It also begins with holistic wellness and our relationship with the environment. Our ancient traditions have always taught us to worship nature. We have also associated our holistic wellness with respect for nature. The Granules Green Kanha Run is successfully driving the message.”
This year’s marathon editions are themed around Water, and the subsequent two-year marathons will be themed around Fire and Earth respectively – making for the three important nature elements that symbolize Heartfulness’s commitment to nurturing and safeguarding the environment. At the end of the three-year cycle, participants will interlock their earned medals from each year, forming a unified symbol of their contribution to a unified, healthier world.
In the first edition, 3,500 dedicated runners joined the movement, leading to the plantation of 4,000 trees. Esteemed personalities like Pulella Gopichand, Honourable Union Minister of Sports Shri Anurag Thakur ji, Honourable Minister of Sports for Telangana, Shri Srinivas Goud, and Uma Chigurupati from Granules were present, adding luster to the event and showing their staunch support for a healthier environment.
The Granules Green Kanha Run is being supported by Granules Trust as title sponsor apart from Hyderabad Runners as a community partner, Medicover Hospitals as Recovery and Medical partner, Decathalon as Gifting partner, Timing Miles as timing partner, Nile Mile as a marathon partner, Hira Pipes as goodwill sponsor and T-tales and Smart Farmers as Goodies Partner, Westin, Eblu, HTC Global Services, and Fever FM. All the proceeds of the marathon will go towards the Forests by Heartfulness initiative.
The Granules Green Kanha Run is a groundbreaking marathon event aiming to combine physical fitness and environmental responsibility. The event is a stride towards a significant change, nurturing a culture of health, unity, and environmental conservation.
20, Nov 2023
RBI’s new regulations for NBFCs by Mr. Umesh Revankar, Executive Vice Chairman, Shriram Finance
“The new regulatory measures from RBI certainly make everyone anxious and NBFCs will now do well to closely monitor their margins. The regulator is wary of multiple loans to individuals that are mostly happening in the digital lending space where the end use of the loan isn’t always crystal clear. I think most of the established NBFCs and banks are mindful of it and exercise fair control over their portfolio. Today, credit decisions rely heavily on data from the bureau and hence I believe there is no need to panic. The RBI must be having more data analytics and insight, maybe proactively drawing attention to the issue which is a good idea since it’s better to err on the side of caution.”
20, Nov 2023
Marut Drones Launches Seedcopter 2.0; India’s first reforestation drone services for Corporates and CSR
Hyderabad – November 20, 2023: Marut Drones, India’s premier Drone Manufacturing Company, has introduced its pioneering product, the Seedcopter 2.0 – India’s first reforestation drone. Marut Drones is delighted to announce the availability of Seedcopter services to corporate entities, enabling them to actively engage in CSR activities and reforestation efforts. Marut aspires to bring together corporate entities and their dedicated CSR teams to take the services of Seedcopters in the reforestation journey, an activity that would align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 13, 15, 17 & 9) and actively participate in the management of their carbon footprint while making a lasting and transformative impact on the environment.

Deforestation remains a pressing global concern, with statistics revealing the loss of 1.3 million sq km. of forest cover between 1990 and 2016, resulting in the disappearance of a staggering 15 billion trees annually. In response to this environmental crisis, Marut Drones has been harnessing the power of Seedcopter 2.0 since 2021, which stands as a testament to how technology, combined with community engagement, can drive positive change, and mitigate the dire consequences of deforestation. Marut Drones has successfully utilized the Seedcopter for its ongoing mission ‘Hara Bahara campaign’ to plant One Billion Trees by 2030. The notable achievement of planting more than one crore trees across 9 states like Telangana, Arunachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, and Assam in 2022 reflects the undeniable success of Seedcopter. Marut is on a mission to restore 900 forests through the ‘Hara-Bahara’ campaign which is already well underway.
Renowned actor and environmental advocate Rana Daggubati, joined forces with Marut Drones in 2021 to increase forest cover in India through rapid afforestation, using Seedcopter. On the launch of Seedcopter 2.0, he said, “At the heart of sustainable change lies community collaboration and empowerment. Marut Drones has developed an innovative and scalable solution for reforestation and revegetation that is faster and cheaper than traditional manual planting practices. By actively involving rural women to procure mass seedlings, Marut Drones is sowing the seeds of a greener future by making it a community exercise.”
Speaking on the launch Prem Kumar Vislawath, CEO of Marut Drones, expressed his enthusiasm for making Seedcopter 2.0 available for corporate use with a CSR perspective, stating, “With Seedcopter, we’re not just planting trees; we’re sowing hopes of replanting a forest, one drone at a time. By making Seedcopter 2.0 available as a service for corporate entities, we aim to extend the reach of drone technology, inviting more stakeholders to contribute to India’s green coverage. As stewards of this planet, we have a duty to revive the forests we’ve lost.”
At the core of Seedcopter’s approach lies the fusion of community science and cutting-edge technology. So far, Marut has empowered 15000 women across 200 communities, Marut’s mission is to empower women and communities in 1400 districts to act and contribute towards reforestation and has been actively engaging local communities to play a vital role in preparing the seed balls, contributing not only to ecological well-being but also uplifting the socio-economic conditions of communities involved.
These drones are meticulously designed to disperse seed balls in challenging terrains, including valleys and foothills, providing access to even the most remote areas. The drones significantly reduce the time and labor required for afforestation, offering an efficient and cost-effective solution. Notable environmentalists like Padmashree Jadav Payeng from Assam, popularly known as the Forest Man of India, and Padmashree Daripalli Ramaiah from Telangana are key ambassadors for the ‘Hara Bahara’ campaign.
Seedcopter embarks on its mission with a comprehensive aerial survey and mapping of target areas, providing invaluable insights into the topography, soil conditions, and vegetation, enabling informed decisions during the seeding process. Seedcopter releases them with precision, ensuring an even distribution across the target terrain, resulting in a higher germination rate and increased chances of tree growth. Post-planting monitoring with data hubs established to track the progress of the planted seeds is a crucial aspect of Marut Drones’ efforts. This data-driven approach helps assess the success of afforestation efforts and fine-tunes strategies for future projects.
20, Nov 2023
Stumped by matchday hotel prices in Ahmedabad? Sleep for FREE at the Wakefit store!
National, 20 November 2023 — With the upcoming World Cup final set to delight fans in Ahmedabad on November 19, 2023, Wakefit.co, India’s largest sleep and home solutions company, is rolling out the red carpet (rather, cozy mattresses) for cricket enthusiasts! With hotel prices skyrocketing in the city on match day, the company offers a few lucky winners a chance to enjoy a good night’s sleep post all the fun and frenzy.
With not just hotels but even hospitals, caravans, and homestays fully booked out, Wakefit.co has come to the rescue with a solution that guarantees a night of comfort, camaraderie, and celebration. In the true spirit of celebrating the tournament, the brand is offering an exclusive opportunity for cricket aficionados to spend the night at Wakefit’s Bodakdev outlet in Sarkhej-Gandhinagar, Ahmedabad post the thrilling World Cup final.

Wakefit.co will be offering a few lucky fans the chance to transform their night into a memorable snoozefest. The company is extending this offer exclusively to people who will be attending the match and can present a stadium ticket at the store. Interested applicants are requested to drop in a mail at IndiaJeetega@wakefit.co and share an image of their match ticket, with their name, contact details, and a catchy one-line description of why they would like to stay the night at the Wakefit.co store. Entries for emails will be open till 11 AM, November 19, 2023.
A few lucky winners will score a spot to sleep for FREE at Wakefit’s Sarkhej- Gandhinagar store: At the store, winners will be required to:
● Visit the Wakefit store in Ahmedabad: Wakefit. co’s team of cricket and sleep enthusiasts will be set to open doors and extend a warm welcome for the night
● Be a True Cricket Devotee: Show match ticket and winning email communication!
● Ready, steady, sleep! That’s it! Enter, relax, enjoy, and sleep ‘over’ in style
Wakefit. co’s marketing strategy is deeply rooted in a customer-centric approach. The brand consistently strives to deliver informative, quirky, and innovative campaigns, all aimed at fostering a strong connection with its audience while enriching their lives. With viral campaigns such as The Sleep Internship, Right to Nap, Bartan Dho Liye, and more, Wakefit.co strives to build meaningful relationships with its audience.
20, Nov 2023
ENTOD Pharmaceuticals Joins Hands with Matanand Foundation to Mark National Myopia Week
Highlights:
. The campaign, aptly tagged #MoreGreenLessScreen, is set to reach an audience of 10 million people. It will run from 20th to 26th November.
. The initiative will involve over a thousand ophthalmologists and pediatric ophthalmologists, coordinating various activities like CME/RTM sessions, webinars on myopia, hospital-school collaboration events, and free eye check-ups in schools.
. To appreciate the extensive work in the field of Myopia, ten pediatric ophthalmologists will be recognized as myopia warriors.
New Delhi, 20 November 2023: Building on the success of last year’s Myopia Awareness Week, ENTOD Pharmaceuticals is set to proudly partner with the Matanand Foundation for this year’s National Myopia Week. NATIONAL MYOPIA WEEK will be an initiative by the MATANAND Foundation in association with the Strabismus and Pediatric Ophthalmological Society of India (SPOSI) to raise awareness of MYOPIA as one of the major eye health issues around the world. This initiative will be supported by ENTOD Pharmaceuticals.
The campaign, aptly tagged #MoreGreenLessScreen, is set to reach an audience of 10 million people. It will run from 20th to 26th November, engaging influencers and generating Twitter trends. The initiative will involve over a thousand ophthalmologists and pediatric ophthalmologists, coordinating various activities like CME/RTM sessions, webinars on myopia, hospital-school collaboration events, and free eye check-ups in schools. Additionally, the National Myopia Week Celebration will be held at hospitals and clinics, where clinics will be decorated with danglers, posters, and banners. Children attending eye examinations will participate in coloring activities, and each participating child will be provided with a dragonfly flying toy to encourage outdoor play.
To appreciate the extensive work in the field of Myopia, ten pediatric ophthalmologists will be recognized as myopia warriors. The cities targeted for this impactful campaign will include Vadodara (Gujarat), Indore( Madhya Pradesh), Jaipur (Rajasthan), Hyderabad (Telangana), Bhubaneshwar (Odisha).
Data indicates that myopia prevalence in urban Indian schools is alarmingly high, nearing 35%. Furthermore, a study by AIIMS underscores that over 13% of school-going children in India have developed myopia, a figure that has doubled in the past decade. This trend highlights the urgent need for initiatives like National Myopia Week, which aims to raise awareness about the critical importance of early intervention and preventive measures.
Myopia, commonly known as short-sightedness, significantly impairs distant vision without the aid of glasses. This condition typically emerges in early childhood, persisting and progressing until the age of 18. Research from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) reveals that 1 out of every 6 children in India between the ages of 5-15 years grapple with myopia, a statistic that underscores the gravity of the issue.
Untreated and moderate to severe myopia in adulthood carries a heightened risk of developing severe eye conditions, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. For those with severe myopia, options for corrective vision surgeries like LASIK are limited. Hence, early diagnosis and management of myopia are crucial in safeguarding children’s vision and ensuring a brighter future. ENTOD Pharmaceuticals and Matanand Foundation’s week-long Myopia Awareness Campaign will aim to educate the public on childhood myopia, its causes, and the pivotal role of outdoor play and reduced screen time in preventing and slowing down its progression. Additionally, the importance of regular eye check-ups by qualified professionals will be underscored for early detection and effective management.
Mr. Nikkhil, CEO of ENTOD Pharmaceuticals, emphasizes, “Our collaboration with Matanand Foundation for National Myopia Week will underscore our commitment to safeguarding children’s vision. By empowering parents, educators, and healthcare professionals with knowledge and resources, we will aspire to create a future where myopia is a manageable condition. Together, we can make a meaningful impact on the vision and health of our children.”
Dr. Jitendra Jethani, Paediatric Ophthalmologist and Director of Baroda Children Eyecare and Squint Clinic, Gujarat, says, “Addressing myopia as early as possible is paramount. This campaign will not only educate but also advocate for lifestyle adjustments that can positively impact a child’s vision for life. It will serve as a reminder that proactive measures in eye health can profoundly influence a child’s overall well-being. National Myopia Week will stand as a beacon of hope for children and parents alike. Together, we aim to create a future where myopia progression is a manageable condition, empowering generations with the gift of clear vision.”